I turn to her. “Why do you say that like it’s a bad thing?”
“Because you’re standing in an empty building planning where this woman is going to dump paint water, and she doesn’t even know you’re doing this.”
I open my mouth.
Nothing comes out.
Zea points at me. “Exactly.”
“I want to surprise her.”
“I know. Men love surprises when the surprise is actually a decision they already made.”
I frown. “That’s not fair.”
“Is it not fair or is it uncomfortable?”
I hate this child.
She walks back inside, and I follow her. She stands in the middle of the room again and looks around.
“It could be cute. I’m not saying it couldn’t. I can see the little shelves and the tables and the signs and all that. She could make videos here too. The lighting is good. She could do classes, reels, behind-the-scenes stuff. Maybe even sell kits.”
I nod. That’s what I’m talking about. “Exactly.”
Zea holds up one finger. “But.”
I sigh. “There’s always a 'but’ with you.”
“There should be. I’m smart.”
She looks around again. “But Lily should be the one deciding if this is cute.
“She will.”
“When? After you already signed something?”
“I’m not signing anything today.”
“Good.”
“I’m just looking.”
“Good.”
“I’m gathering information.”
“Good.”
“You’re being annoying.”
“Also good.”
I walk toward the front windows and imagine Lily standing there with paint on her fingers, smiling at a room full of people. I imagine her not having to pack and unpack. Not having to book and dole out cash for good venues. Not having to carry everything on her back.
I want that for her.
I want to be the reason she gets it.
