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“You don’t have children,” Theo replies.

“Exactly,” Marcus says.

Theo points at him.

“Which is why you still think seven o’clock is a reasonable time to start another meeting.”

“It is,” Marcus says.

“It isn’t,” Theo replies.

I glance between them.

Marcus is exactly what he has always been. Efficient, ambitious and perfectly content to let work consume whatever time it demands. Theo is no less capable, but his life clearly extends beyond whatever is on the agenda in front of him. Neither approach surprises me.

The meeting ends shortly afterward, and Theo gathers his things quickly.

“I’m gone,” he says.

“If either of you calls me during the recital, I’m blocking your numbers.”

“You say that every time,” Marcus says.

“One day I’ll mean it,” Theo replies.

Theo looks at me. “Dinner next week?”

“If I’m still in London,” I say.

“You’re scheduled to be here for months.”

“Schedules change.”

Theo smiles. “Fine. I’ll ask again tomorrow.”

He leaves. Marcus stays behind long enough to finish sending an email.

“You staying here tonight?” I ask.

“Probably.”

“Of course you are.”

Marcus looks up. “You say that like you’re leaving.”

“I have a dinner.”

“With whom?” he asks.

“People.”

Marcus smirks. “Very specific.”

“It was intentional.”

He closes his laptop and stands.

“You know you’re terrible at personal questions, right?” Marcus asks.