Hello.”
“Toby?”
“Oh. Henry. Hi.”
“Good. You’re still up. I didn’t want to call too late.”
“I never go to bed before one. Hey, I asked my friends about Friday night? And we are putting on an extra performance. And there are tickets. So can I give you one?”
“Of course. Yes. That’d be lovely.”
Silence.
“Are you free tonight, Toby? Would you like to come over?”
“It’s awfully late. It’s almost midnight.”
“I know. I just thought you might want—Oh. Never mind.”
“But I enjoyed last night.”
“Did you now?”
“I did. Honest. It was cozy. Like a sleepover.”
“Hmmm.”
“I’m sorry I can’t give you more, Henry. Can you deal?”
“Would you like another sleepover tonight?”
“Sorry. I need my sleep.”
“You seemed to have no trouble sleeping last night.”
“I have this play. Remember? Like you have yours. But you will come see it on Friday? You promise?”
Pause. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”