What can he say to that? What can he say that's appropriate for the place they're in, for the ocean of years between them, for the inherent imbalance of their roles right here and now? He gave up so much in his divorce just to avoid a custody battle, so he could still see his daughter somewhat regularly. This job was about the only thing he had left. He had to tread carefully if he wanted to keep that.

So he said nothing.