[ ...he has so much work to do it's not even funny. it's depressing actually. ]

Only if you plan on being there for, say, a day? If even that. [ he sighs, despairing for himself. ] You don't need to lie to him, but you need to be... deliberate. Appeal your case. Once "spending time with dad" runs its course, what can you say to make him want you to stay?

[ eobard, as any good teacher, knows the correct answer. he just wants her to get it. ]