That never happens.
I walk over to one of the tables and adjust a brush that’s not out of place, then smooth my hand over the edge of the canvas.
Everything’s ready.
I turn slowly, looking around the room again, almost expecting to find something I missed. A chair out of place. A table crooked. Something.
Nothing.
I breathe out and reach for my phone, flipping it over in my hand before setting it back down. I don’t need to text him. I don’t need to say anything.
My eyes drift toward the door.
He said he’d be back.
I press my lips together and turn away, heading for my supply bin. I check the paint bottles, counting them out one by one, even though I already know I have enough.
Red. Blue. Yellow. White.
I pause, staring down into the bin a little longer than necessary.
I don’t have to rush. I don’t have to carry anything else in. I don’t have to figure out how I’m going to flip the room fast enough before people arrive.
It’s just... done.
I straighten up and look around again, my arms crossing without thinking. The room looks the way it always does when I’m finished, but it didn’t take what it usually takes to get it there.
I’ve been doing this by myself for years. I exhale slowly and reach for my phone again, then stop halfway and let my hand fall.
Chapter 19 Javonte
“Aye man, don’t forget the Vipers Summer Bash on Saturday.”
I look at Jalen real crazy. “The Vipers what what?”
He sucks his teeth. “Man, don’t you read your emails.”
“No.”
“See, that’s your problem. You ain’t no professional. We have a team email for a reason.”
I had no idea. “Drummond on his We Are Family bullshit again?”
Jalen nods. “Most definitely. The picnic and now this, and yes, it’s in the contracts we signed last month.”
He shakes his head at me. “The one you signed and didn’t read.”
“I have a lawyer for that.”
“You might need an assistant too, to keep you on track.”
I point at him and wag my finger. “That’s not a bad idea. What time?”
“12-4.”
“Damn! All up in the middle of the day. It’s gonna be hot as hell.”
Jalen turns his phone towards me, and I take it and read over the email. “I can take Zea. She’ll eat this up.”
