"I know, I know. I was a real terror." Tommy chuckled, rocking back against his chair. He flipped open a blank piece of steno pad, jotting down notes from this conversation. At the top of the page, he made a quick reminder to himself to invest in something that could securely record and encrypt his calls.
It seemed Alfred had passed on the good word about Tommy, which was step one in re-inserting himself into Bruce's life. He could now work his way through the more vulnerable parts of Bruce's world--like the silly, romantic magician and the hotheaded boy. Slow work and patience were key to everything.
"I'm probably at fault too--I postponed my education for mother, and then when she passed, I took all that time to disappear, to throw myself into my work. And now I'm Mr. Healing Hands--that doesn't come without missing some of the important stuff like meeting your best friend's kids." He affected an air of regret and loneliness. "I'd be honored to have dinner with your family."