[It's rare that he fumbles anything these days, his clumsiness of youth long behind him. However, at the sound of that voice, he can't get his device in hand quickly enough. Twice he nearly drops it. Fortunately, his side isn't activated, his shortcoming remaining a private moment.

It's several long moments after she has stopped speaking before he feels fully comported. When he's ready to respond, he touches the icon, his expression composed if a little tight around the eyes.]

I hoped you'd return.

[If there's any outward indication anything is amiss, it's perhaps in the subdued volume of the simple statement. He pauses to consider what else he should say.]

I'll be at the meeting.

[Another pause and a frustrated look while he seems to be searching for something on the device.]

I don't know how to make conversations private on these things, assuming such a thing is truly possible. May I come to you?