“The courts don’t look favorably on managers who take hold of their clients’ portfolios, even if they happen to be married to them,” Keith said. “By tomorrow, all his assets in the U.S. and abroad will be frozen. After that, he’ll negotiate all right, or he won’t be able to move a single stock or cash a single check—or tip the bellboy, for that matter—until the two of you have reached an agreement.”

“Keith, there are no words to express how much your friendship means to me at a time like this—”

He nested her hands between his palms. His hands were big and warm. “When Wade first brought you to me and I decided to cut your first record, it was no gamble. You were fantastic. I saw in you the same things he did. You were an incredibly determined little kid, sweet, yet haunted by the need to succeed. I’ve watched you work hard and develop as an artist. I’ve lost great singers who handled the pressure by snorting or shooting up. Nothing spoiled you.”

She began to stroll toward the shade of the trees. She wished she could be with Daniel. There was so much to talk about. “Why would you get involved in our divorce? It’s sure to get ugly,” she asked Keith.

“I like you, you need me, and now that I am big—okay, only figuratively—I have the luxury to play in whichever sandbox I want.” He stopped and put both his hands on her arms. “While I have no vested interest in your finances, I know you, I know Wade, I know Mauriello, and I know the music industry. I have no hidden agenda, but with the position presumably open, I’d like to become your manager.”

“But you’ve retired!”

“Let me tell you a secret: Retirement sucks. Sailing makes my wife seasick, and anyway, it’s too much work with gizmos and ropes. I baby-sit for my grandchildren once a week, which is plenty. I can invest my money only in so many companies before I become mired in their corporate nonsense, but at fifty-six, I’m not prepared to start growing tomatoes instead. Working with you will be good for me, put me back in the neighborhood where I grew up.”

She threw her arms around him. “I’m thrilled. Oh, Keith—I’ve missed you.”

“I owe you. Unlike Wade, who put all his eggs into your basket, as a record company, your success helped us build a stable of great recording artists. Hey, I sold the company for a bundle!”

“I’m trying to forget the Wade of last night and think of the man who took care of me when no one else did.” Nola led Keith to a bench by the trees, facing the water. “I owe it to him to be decent, even if he’s not.”