She nodded."I hope so."
"Well, I do too.And if we're going to be a team, you know it makes sense."
She gave him a sassy smile."I do.But who knows?Maybe with all these new orders coming in from Delaney, and the crazy prices she’s asking — that people are actually paying — I'll be able to buy myself a second wheel and kiln for this place."
She was glad to see that he looked pleased at that possible solution.Even better, he said, "You're right.What am I even thinking?You're going to be one of those stealthy wealthy artists soon."
She laughed."Stealthy wealthy?What does that even mean?"
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear."It means you don't have to worry about the fame or the name."
She touched his cheek."Neither do you, Ollie."
"Yeah.I know."He paused."I didn't tell you, did I?Dad texted me again yesterday, while we were at the airport waiting to bring the guys back."
"No.But I'm so glad."
Ollie nodded."Me too."
She poked his side."But come on.We need to get this day started."
~ ~ ~
As soon as Ollie pulled out of the gates, he told his phone to call Reaves.
"Hey, bud," Reaves answered."Are you on the way?"
"Yeah, I'm just leaving the estate now.I'll be with you in a few."
"I can't believe you're going to do this.I mean, I can.It's awesome.But are you sure that Callie...?"
Ollie let out a short laugh."No, I'm not sure at all.But I'm hoping, and that's enough."He paused."Something Luigi said really made me think.And then seeing my dad, thinking about all the time we lost that could have been so different.I just don't want to let time pass me by.Callie might hate the idea, but I don't think she will.It might be too soon.But as you know, I promised her no more secrets.This is what I want, so I'm not going to keep it secret from her."
Reaves laughed."Even though you're kind of keeping a secret about where you're going this morning."
Ollie laughed with him."Yeah, but I'll tell her later where I went.It'll only be secret for a few hours."
When he reached Charles's place, Zia came running out to meet him as he got out of his SUV.
"Sunshine King!"She peered past him."Is Sunshine Queen with you?And Peanut and Butter?"
"Not today, I'm afraid."
He felt bad when the kid's face fell.
"I know she wants to see you, though.And so do Peanut and Butter."
Zia sighed."That's okay.I know grownups are busy."
He ruffled her hair, smiling when it seemed to sparkle with glitter."Not too busy for you, though.Never too busy for her forever friend."
She smiled up at him."Lady Sunshine's your forever now, isn't she?"
He grinned."I truly hope so."
Zia nodded sagely."I know so.You were only secret till she turned you into sunshine."
Reaves came around the corner."There you are, little miss."
