Nicholas was checking on stock amounts and writing down instructions for Patroclus that Patroclus didn't even need. Nicholas was about to have a baby in his life again, and Patroclus would be in charge. Of course Patroclus already knew everything, but making notes made Nicholas feel better. Like he was helping Patroclus in some way.
He grinned when he glanced up and noticed Mary. "Hi!" he said brightly. "You want to sit at a table, or in the back?" There was his office, or even her old apartment, which had been rebuilt and was still vacant.