Mr. Universe closes his eyes again. "Never better," he lies. Sure, maybe he can admit the kid's genuine, but he's definitely got people watching him--watching the two of them, together. Pride doesn't need to know about his problems.

The best option would have been to leave it at that, and do his best to ignore him further. In his mind's eye, however, he sees the image of where they last parted ways, the kid getting led away by that woman. He takes in a sharp breath through his nose.

"She still giving you trouble?" He doesn't look over. "Your manager."