Steven beamed, rather proud of himself that at the very least his joke hadn't landed poorly. Which felt like all the more reason to try to excuse himself before he buggered it up.

"Yes, well, happy birthday again," Steven said. "Hope your party is wonderful. I'm sure it will be. The ones you both throw always are. No - no stone unturned there. Far as details and the like. Never been disappointed, personally. Disappointed I can't make this one, of course. Would love to. Be there in spirit. Not - not actually. I don't have that ability. So far as I know."

He was babbling. He probably should leave.