“By the way?” Christopher frowned.

“Yes. As in, I talk too much and I’m always owing people an apology. My mother says I was born without the ‘stop talking’ button.” Emma shrugged. “But anyway, back to your situation. Did you call this Madison?”

“Three times. It went straight to voicemail.”

Emma let out a low whistle. “Three times? After the second one, you should have gotten up and left. That is a lack of self-respect.”

“Hey,” Christopher protested, but he was laughing.

“I’m being honest. Look, I’ll give you some free advice.” Emma leaned forward, sounding conspiratorial. “Anyone who leaves you waiting more than half an hour without saying anything is in one of two situations: either they were taken by aliens, or they just don’t care about you. And since alien abduction is rare in Chicago, I’d bet on the second one.”

“Are you always this direct?” Christopher asked, impressed.

“Always. That’s my charm.” Emma winked. “But really, not to be nosy, what kind of woman is this Madison? Because the name already gives a clear picture.”

“Corporate lawyer. Graduated from Harvard.”