Sometimes I find myself with musicians or students who have not yet done the work they say they are going to do, yet they still want my opinion on whether they will get the gig.

My meeting with Jack had flashes of that same energy. He did not commit to releasing my book, which was fine but he offered feedback. The kind I actually want. The kind that makes me think and challenges me to sharpen the whole thing.

The best moment was asking him outright if he wants to publish it. He grinned, shrugged, “I don’t know.” It reminded me real decisions happen in their own time, not on my schedule.