Admittedly, she didn't have time. But she always made time for family as best she could.

She checks the time on her watch as she enters the cafe. For a moment she's stuck in the doorway, holding it open as the bell chimes, watching the hand tick away on her wrist. Exasperated at how late she is and how late she's going to be getting back, she's jarred back into reality by an impatient young woman behind her.

"Apologies, ma'am."

And then she realizes that Alexei isn't inside, so she hesitates, awkward, to wait to exit. Outside, she spots him and hurries over.

"Alexei! Hope I didn't make you wait too long."

Alexei Ivanov

Thea settles abruptly, exhaling sharply. It is obvious even now that she's distracted, perhaps a little overwhelmed. There is a lot on her mind, a lot to do, a lot to plan. She hasn't even thought about what to prepare for dinner tonight for herself and Rory Faust.

But, after a moment of rattled thought followed by Alexei's bubbly voice, she shakes her head to refocus.

"Oh? What are you thinking, Lexy?"

And then she hums, picking up her own menu despite knowing full-well she'll have a small salad and a drink. Nothing big, because she has to leave at a moment's notice.

"Yes, yes, I know. She called me weeks ago, and more recently once she was settled. I helped pay for some of her traveling expenses."

The insinuation she isn't checking her phone brings her lavender eyes up above her menu to watch him with mild disgruntled affection. So blunt, Alexei could be.

"Not at all, they're quite pleasant to teach."

Alexei Ivanov