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“It’s the theory that everyone has certain basic requirements in life—like you say, food in your stomach, a roof over your head—and then once you have those things, you can move on to satiating other needs, like employment and property. Then the higher you go up the pyramid, there’s love and belonging—a key need for a human being—and then respect and recognition. All leading to the pinnacle of human existence, which is fulfilling your potential, or self-actualization.”

I scowl at him. “Thank you, Professor Black.”

“I think you skipped a step.”

“What?”

“You missed out on the love-and-acceptance part.”

“What are you talking about? I’m accepted by New York society despite my background and upbringing.”

He shrugs. “That’s your job, not who you are. I just wonder if by keeping people out, you’re missing out.”

“Keeping people out? I know everyone there is to know in this city and beyond.” I stand and stretch out my quads from the rowing. I don’t want to talk about whatever it is that Deacon’s getting at. I just want to work up a sweat so I don’t come on to Avril tonight and get out of here.

“But do they know you?” He fixes me with a look. “Love is a fundamental part of being a human being.”

“Okay, thanks, Deacon.” I chuckle to myself. He’s become such a softie since being with Aurora. It’s terrifying really. It’s only going to get worse when they have the baby.

“I know you think I’m talking bullshit, but I’m serious. Being vulnerable enough to be able to accept love is important.”

Jesus, the man needs to go live in California and take up yoga.

“My mother and brother love me plenty, thank you.”

“Bray has a lot of love to go around, but I’m not sure it’s just brotherly love you need,” he says, still pushing. Can’t he just drop this?

I check my watch. “I think I’m going to have to make a move. I have a call at two,” I say.

“Liar,” Deacon says. “I’m making you feel uncomfortable and you think I’m talking bullshit.”

I nod. “Absolutely right. So I’m taking myself out of this conversation.”

Deacon laughs, and I grin at him.

“I’ll catch you Thursday,” I say, and he gives me a two-fingered salute.

As I’m heading to the changing room, my phone rings. Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. It’s Bray.

“Bray?” I answer.

“Want to do dinner and catch the game?” he asks.

“What game?” I ask, confused.

“Basketball,” he says. “I think. There’ll be something on.”

“I’m busy tonight,” I say.

“Right,” he replies, and then I feel a little bad about not even asking how he is. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” he says.

“How’s work?” I don’t really know what it is that my brother does day to day. He works in tech, but I’m not clear on the details. He manages to live in New York, and I don’t supplement his income. He’s always bouncing from startup to startup and I never know what he’s up to. I’m not sure he knows. He just gets bored and moves on, like some kind of nomad tech geek.

“Good,” he says. “What about you? Become a billionaire yet?”

“Working on it.”