"I'll ask first. I promise."
The elevator dings. The doors slide open.
I step into the hallway, and Tom follows. We're halfway to room 314 when he clears his throat.
"Since we're talking collaboratively... there's one more thing I should mention."
I stop mid-step and turn to face him.
"Oh no."
"It's not—"
"What is it? What else did you sign us up for?" My brain is already spiraling through worst-case scenarios. "Don't tell me it's dance lessons. Please don't say you booked us Flamenco lessons—"
Tom's mouth twitches. "Flamenco?"
My face goes hot again. "I don't know! I panicked! It's the first thing that came out!"
He's trying not to laugh. I can see it in the way his shoulders shake, the way he presses his lips together.
"You were picturing us doing Flamenco?"
"Shut up." I'm laughing now too, despite myself. "Just tell me what you actually signed us up for."
He sobers slightly, though the smile doesn't fully disappear. "I have a freelance shoot this afternoon. Fashion brand, sustainable clothing line. Beach setting."
I blink. The catastrophizing drains out of me all at once. "Oh. That's fine. Smart, actually—you're traveling, might as well double up on work."
"Yeah. About that..."
My eyes narrow. "What?"
"The model didn't show."
"No."
"I need you to stand in."
"Absolutely not."
"Sam—"
"No. I'm an architect. I don't model sustainable beachwear for your freelance clients."
He shifts his weight, and I recognize the expression. It's the same one he wore when he asked me to trust him with the drone shots. The same one he had when he showed up at my apartment with Thai food and a plan for my crashed laptop.
"Thirty minutes," he says. "That's it."
I cross my arms. "Tom—"
"Please."
We've reached room 314. Tom slides the key card into the lock and pushes the door open.
I step inside and freeze.
Clothing racks line one wall. Professional lighting stands bracket the window. A reflector panel leans against the dresser. Garment bags hang from the closet door, each one labeled with a brand logo I don't recognize but that looks expensive in the way sustainable things always do.
