"I never trust your surprises. You've got us in trouble with surprises before," Ileana reminded him right back, but there was no seriousness in her voice anymore. Just a warm teasing and delight.
Her arms went around him, hugging him just as tight as he was. It helped so much more that she found another friendly face in New York, lifting some of the leftover gloom of Esme's departure. "You know I'd have always answered the phone, stupid. It's so good to see you."