Page 105 of Just One Silver Fox

“They might be too busy with Sonia’s class,” Theo noted.

“But we’re building a backlog of episodes,” Sonia said. “And getting ahead of ourselves. We could maybe take a break during the competition.”

“It would be great to use the same team,” Jax said. “The end product was so polished.”

“Daily voting,” Cassie said. “Free online memberships and prizes.”

“And a grand prize,” Meesha said. “More points every time you enter.”

“Like against like,” Sonia said. “You can focus on the difference between the style of the two hosts.”

“Thanks to Cassie, they have such great branding already,” Theo said. “The daily prizes should be specific to the show or category.”

“Yoga mats, small weights, water bottles, workout gear,” Kyle said. “Some funkier stuff too. I need to talk to Rachel.” He was referring to his second-in-command in San Francisco, a flamboyant and creative dynamo.

“I need a budget!” Ty interjected. “I want to know what it’s going to cost before you two dive in.”

“No matter how much the world changes, some things are constant,” Kyle said. “Like Ty keeping a tight grip on the money.”

“We’re all still here because of it,” Ty said grimly. “Did you see that our competition on the upper east side has filed for bankruptcy?”

“Plus one in Jersey and one in Soho,” Theo agreed.

“Not that we want to cheer for the downfall of others,” Cassie said sternly. “That would be bad karma.”

“But less competition when this pandemic ends,” Kyle said.

“We have to be the one left standing,” Ty said and they all nodded agreement.

“Of course, we will be,” Kyle said with his usual confidence. “No one is going to take down the best club in town.”

“Let’s wrap it up for today,” Ty began but the other four partners shouted in protest.

“Don’t forget the best news of all,” Cassie chastised him.

“I wasn’t forgetting,” he said, even as the back of his neck reddened. “It’s impossible to forget.”

“But you know what causes it,” Kyle taunted and Ty flicked him a hot look.

Another participant appeared on the screen, an appearance obviously arranged by the other partners without Ty’s knowledge. He was the only one who appeared to be surprised by the sight of Shannyn, cradling their new arrival.

“Awwwwwwwwww,” everyone cooed in unison, Sonia included.

Shannyn smiled and held the baby’s face closer to the camera. “Meet Joshua,” she said softly, because the baby was sleeping, dark lashes splayed on his cheeks. She smiled proudly as the others offered their congratulations.

“And who’s next?” Ty asked, as if he knew something the others didn’t.

Cassie flushed. “December for us,” she said, tapping the table. “Knock wood.” The others applauded as she smiled with pleasure.

“January for us,” Theo said, holding up his crossed fingers. Kyle hooted as congrats were shared again.

“Looks like there’s only one thing to do during lockdown,” Damon said with a smile and Kyle grinned.

“Ty’s trying to out us, too, I think.” Kyle smiled with pride. “Lauren’s due in September.” After acknowledging the good wishes of the others, he leaned in to razz Damon. “You’d better get busy, dude.”

Damon didn’t smile though. “We’ll wait,” he said firmly, a reminder that the pandemic was far from over.

“Tell Haley she’s our hero,” Ty said and they closed the meeting with a round of applause for Haley.

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