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I look up at him. “They’re not going to pay me. Don’t be silly.”

“Of course they are. They’re taking up your time and you’re teaching them something valuable. There’s no reason for them not to pay you. And not a single one of them blinked when I told them that.”

“You told them they were going to be paying me?”

“I did.” He doesn’t seem a bit apologetic about it. “And I told them that we’re going to have to move to a new space.”

“Well, we can maybe use the community center or something. We can make it part of the Parks and Rec calendar and then…” I trail off as I glance at Nora.

She opens her mouth to respond, but Lawson says, “No.” He looks at Nora. “No offense, Nora, but I think this should be Sutton’s thing.”

Nora nods. “I agree.”

Lawson goes on. “I mean, I know that you guys would be happy to host it and that Sutton has taught a few things here and there for Parks and Rec, but she’s a fantastic teacher and I think this is something that could be an ongoing thing and even expand. You should see her with everyone. She’s amazing.”

I look up and find he’s watching me, the look on his face one of…pride. And affection.

I feel a very weird feeling spread through my chest.

It’s something I can’t quite name.

He’s proud of me. He’s shining a light on something I’m doing. He’s telling other people that I’m great at it. He’s insisting I do more of it.

I…love this.

“I’m sure she is,” Nora says. “I’ve seen that in her before.”

I look over at her quickly. “I don’t want to step on toes,” I say. “If you want this to be a part of Parks and Rec⁠—”

“I love everything you do for Parks and Rec,” she says, cutting me off. “And I will always give you every opportunity to show off your talents. But if you have a chance to do something on a bigger scale, something on your own, and that’s what you want, then I’m all for it. Tell me how I can help.”

“For now, you can give her about an hour off,” Lawson interjects. “I want to show her the space I have in mind.”

Nora smiles. “Done.” She looks at Andi. “Want to help me with the Perky Parks Project?”

Andi narrows her eyes. “Does it involve picking up trash?”

“It does.”

“You know that giving these things cute names doesn’t make the actual work any less gross, right?”

“Oh, it definitely helps,” Nora says. “As does the music and the snacks after.”

“There are snacks after?” Andi asks. “You should have led with that.”

Everyone laughs.

I shake my head, suddenly feeling nervous. I’ve never led something like a big dance class all on my own without the Parks and Rec department behind me. “No, I should help with that project. That’s my job.”

Nora waves that way. “I love working with you, Sutton, but anyone can help me pick up trash at the park. Not just everyone can lead a big, amazing dance class.”

“I’m not even offended by that,” Andi says.

“Because there are snacks?” Nora asks.

“Yes. In part.”

“Did I tell you they’re cookies shaped like trash cans?” Nora asks.