"Dear, have you seen the bottle of Black Lilac? I could swear that I'd left it on one of the tables in the library." [Asking your son where your expensive bourbon bottle went]

"I'll be leaving again for another meeting." [You're explaining to your son why you're heading out so late] "It's routine at this point, I know. You, all alone in a house this big. Can't be helped now that your father's gone." [You're a little mournful as you say this, but you're good at hiding it] "Remember, we'll be off to the Museum tomorrow, so don't stay up too late."