“No apologies necessary. I did go back. Unfortunately we have more business in the city. Are you staying here, honey? We can move somewhere else.”

“Oh no, definitely not! I can go to the library. ”

An awkward pause.

Yasmine said, “Gabe told me you might be coming and going.” She stood up straight—all five feet two inches, one hundred pounds of her. “I just study here sometimes. It’s a little quieter.” She managed a tight smile and stuck out her hand to McAdams. “Yasmine Nourmand. I’m Gabe’s girlfriend.” A pause. “Do you know who Gabe is?”

McAdams cocked a thumb in Decker’s direction. “His foster son.” He shook her hand. “Where do you go to school?”

“Barnard. And you?”

“Graduated.”

“Lucky you.”

“It depends on the day.”

Another forced smile. Yasmine said, “I’ll just gather up my things—”

“You can study in the bedroom if you want,” Decker said. “You won’t bother us. If anything, we’ll bother you with our talking.”

“If you don’t need the bedroom, I’d really prefer to study here. I’m not real good with dorm life. I’m a little claustrophobic.”

McAdams looked around the spotless, modern apartment: gleaming dark floors, a sleek white couch, a simple oak table with four Plexiglas chairs upholstered in white leather backs and a baby grand Steinway. Good light from two big windows. It had an over-the-rooftops view of the park. “This is definitely preferable to a dorm.”

“Is Mrs. Decker coming in?”

“I’m meeting her tonight.”

“Okay. Say hi.”

“Would you like to go to dinner with us?”

A genuine smile. “That would be great.” A pause. “I’m not much on dorm food, either. It might be late. Like eight. I have a lab class. Is eight okay?”

“Eight is perfect. I’ll have Rina choose a place and make a reservation.” He turned to McAdams. “You’re welcome to come, Harvard, but I suspect you made plans.”

“You suspect wrong.”

“Then come.”

“Thanks.”

Yasmine said, “Can I bring my roommate? I’ll pay for her and everything. Her parents were real nice to me. They live in Long Island.”

“Absolutely and you don’t have to pay, honey.”

“In that case, can I bring my grandmother?” McAdams said. “I’ll pay for her and everything.”

Yasmine blushed. Decker said, “Tyler, behave yourself.”

“I’m serious. She has expressed a genuine interest in what I’m doing and she wants to meet you. And I know she’ll pick up the tab—”

“Harvard—”

“I’m just saying.”

“My kids might be coming.”

“Nina’s always up for socializing. It will be a veritable party. Probably the first I’ve been to in two years.”

“Amen to that,” Yasmine said.

“A kindred spirit.”

She began gathering up her books and papers. “Everyone I know hates parties yet everyone goes to them. I mean what’s the point?”

“I see you don’t drink.”