I was heading on a business trip when my flight was canceled. I came home early and opened the door to a stranger wearing my robe. She smiled and said, ‘You’re the realtor, right?’ I nodded and stepped inside.

I closed my folder slowly and smiled.

“Yes,” I said. “We know each other very well.”

Ethan opened his mouth to speak.

And that’s when I decided not to let him.

I took control of the room before Ethan could.

“Why don’t you finish getting dressed,” I said to him calmly. “This will take a few minutes.”

He hesitated, then nodded, clearly hoping I’d leave before things got worse. He disappeared back into the bathroom.

The woman—Lily, she introduced herself—looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry, this is awkward.”

“No need,” I said gently. “These things happen when paperwork overlaps.”

She relaxed. That told me something important: she had no idea.