“How did that happen?” William said. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
“Long story, unhappy ending,” Marco said, and gave him the tale, but in summary form.
“You guys do lead interesting lives,” Tom said.
Everyone was beginning to yawn a bit, so they said good night and retired to their respective rooms. Their hosts joined them on the tram to the concert hall Friday morning and sat in the front row while Tom did a complete run-through of that evening’s performance, except for the improvisation on a telephone number. They applauded, then sat quietly while Tom and the graduate student discussed some final changes to the stops Tom had selected for the various pieces. Finally, Tom slid off the bench, walked to the edge of the stage, and said, “Okay, guys. I’m ready for a soak and a massage, followed by a light lunch and a nap.”
“That works for us,” Marco said, “but first, there’s someone I want you to meet.”