"You can tell me all about it when we next catch up. Meanwhile, I'd better get going before I get fired."
To an accompaniment of her giggling, I go in search of Tyler, slowing a little as I pass the front door. I'm fully expecting Kelly to corner me, with her having seen through every other ruse of mine to get closer.
Part of me would be disappointed if she didn't see through me. As I go to re-join the rest of the crew, I can't stop myself from whistling.
I've used the porta potty at the front of the property four times before I realize Kelly is ignoring me on purpose.
This has my smile widening. Love and hate are so intertwined, and it's something I'll use to my advantage.
Instead of two days, Kelly comes up with a design in one. I guess she's used to working to tight deadlines, although when I see what she's come up with, I'm pleased to have the extra day up my sleeve.
The damned design has more bells and whistles than is common on Independence Day floats. So much for my bunting and flags theory.
"It's big, I'll give it that." I tap her computer screen and am rewarded with a sharp intake of breath from Kelly. "Sorry." I yank my hand back, simply pointing this time. "These lines. Does that mean the rocket moves somehow?"
I'd sneak in some innuendo about movement, but the magnitude of what I face building, and in under four weeks at that, has robbed me of the ability to flirt.
The other worry is the miniscule budget we're dealing with. Kelly's design says she mightn't be aware of this. "Did Mary tell you how much she's got put aside for the float?"
After I tell her, Kelly is downcast, muttering about having to start again from scratch. Given the other disappointments in her life of late, I'm not having it.
"Like hell you will. I'll make this work, somehow." I glance away from the screen, "Make that, WE'LL make it work, because I'm gonna need all the help I can get on this one."
It isn't until I smile broadly that Kelly responds in kind. And maybe it's because I'm not trying to hit on her. Rather, it's that I'm actually eager to work alongside her on the float.
On something that allows my creative skills to shine as much as hers have with the design.
