She turned and looked back at the sidewalk facing the windows. While the other retail spots had two windows flanking the front door, this had only one.
“I can grab space from the mercantile, easy enough. If you think we need two windows up front.”
J.J. nearly jumped out of her skin.
Stone Stirling emerged from the back of the building, a place she’d yet to explore, too caught up appreciating the main room.
“What?”
“I can push it over. Money’s not an object.”
“It’s not an object to you, but no.”
“No, you don’t want another window?”
“No, no one wants to be on display to the entire town when they’re sitting there in a cape with foils. All women look like Jabba the Hut when they’re in a salon cape. It’s a trade secret. Trust me, one window is fine.”
Stone laughed and looked at her funny.
What was up with this guy? Did he even get the reference?
She decided to explain it to him, taking it slow. “So, like, Jabba the Hut is a lumpy-looking character inStar Wars?—”
“—I get it. I have seenStar Wars.”
“Probably you were taken to the set when they made it or something, right?” She had no idea what the heck a billionaire did as a kid.
“Yes, my dad bought me my own spaceship.”
J.J.’s eyes widened.
“Hello? I’m kidding!”
Aha, so maybe he at least got the sarcasm gene. Interesting.
“Right, sure, with billionaires flying into space every other day, it’s hard to know.”
“I had a normal childhood. I promise.”
“Really, Mom sending you out every Tuesday afternoon to get her Virginia Slims and lottery tickets?”
“What?”
“I’m guessing your version of normal and mine are galaxies far, far away from each other.”
“Maybe so,” Stone conceded, “but I’m just saying I know whatStar Warsis.”
“Cool, good for you. Gold star. Let’s get to work.”
“Okay, let me show you around. Well, you’re looking at the main space; big enough, I hope. I’ll show you the offices.”
Stone led the way. J.J. felt a tad underdressed any time she was in Libby’s orbit, but Stone Stirling was on another level. The man’s shoes probably cost what her house did. Meanwhile, she’d chosen skinny jeans and her favorite white t-shirt for today’s activities. She was glad she’d also popped on her navy linen blazer. At least that was sort of businessy.
Maybe I need to raid Goldie’s wardrobe for higher-end outfits?That made her think about the project at hand. She’d require a dress code here.What will it be?
She was momentarily lost in thought until Stone called her name.
“Uh, what?”
