Lauren wanted an ordinary pediatric appointment for the boys and a counselor’s guidance before explaining anything.

She wanted to talk to her own attorney.

Most of all, she wanted to know I would respect a refusal without calling it negotiation.

I told her I would.

Then she tested it, perhaps without meaning to, when she canceled our first planned meeting because Theo developed a fever.

I had rearranged three meetings with investors and sent my driver away.

I’d bought a new shirt so I wouldn’t arrive in the expensive suits my mother associated with authority.