“He does. But I guess still not as much as he could have, now that I think about it. I guess he did try to be there for us—when it was really important.” He slid down to sit next to Audrey on the floor and rubbed Biscuit’s belly. “You’re helping me see something I never thought about before.”

“It’s a tricky balance.”

“You have to establish boundaries. Especially nowadays when everybody is expected to be available 24/7. It’s the only way to succeed in life.” He stopped rubbing Biscuit. Biscuit shook himself and meandered over to his water bowl.

“I thought having no boundaries was the way to make partner and succeed.”

“In work, maybe—but not at life.” He moved back up on the living room couch, clearing away some clothes to make room for Audrey.

She joined him. “And how did you get so wise?”

He put his arm around her. “Easier said than done. We have some assholes in the music business too—though probably not as many now that there’s less money in it. But there’s still the glory. Seriously, don’t listen to him.”

She leaned into him. “I won’t, but I needed to talk it over with someone. I still don’t understand why the partnership put Malaburn on this committee.”

“That’s not a promising sign.” He rubbed her back. “Maybe you need to hold full committee meetings rather than meeting alone with him.”

“That’s a good idea.” Not that she wanted Malaburn to insinuate she didn’t have what it took in front of Colette and Tim.

“I’ve some difficult clients too in the music business, and I’ve learned it’s better with back-up.” He stood and stretched. “On to more cheerful things.” He disappeared into his kitchen and reappeared with a small white bakery box. “What do you think of this new cookie? How’s it doing in the ranking scale?” They had established a mission to rank the best chocolate chip cookies in Manhattan.

She tasted it. Very buttery. “Good, but too old-fashioned. It reminds me of a bakery butter cookie with chips.”

“That’s what I thought too.” He sat back down on the couch and ate his cookie.

“I talked to Mrs. Rothman. She’s going to Paris to confront Laila.”

“No way.”

“Yes.” She smiled. “She offered to take me along. She might’ve been joking—but I’ve got too much work.”

“You’re working too hard as it is.” He pulled her over to snuggle against him.

“I know.”

“How about coming on a ski trip this weekend?”

Her shoulders slumped and she sighed. “I can’t. It’s not just the boys?”

“Those with girlfriends are bringing them along.”