Page 8 of The Comeback Summer

But now that she’s gone, my head is buzzing. I need to work through the details. GiGi taught me to double- and triple-check everything before committing to anything.

Yes, it’s flattering that Lou wants to work with us—but that doesn’t mean we ought to. It feels a little manipulative, forcing us to prove ourselves by completing her challenge. Our work should stand on its own merits.

Plus, what do we even know about Lou? She seems to be purposefully vague about her background; no one knows much about her except that she rose out of obscurity and became one of the most popular podcasters in the business. Her mystique is part of her appeal, but it’s smart to maintain a healthy skepticism.

“It’s an amazing concept,” Libby says. “Crushing our comfort zones! Yes!”

“Your entire life is a comfort zone,” I point out. “Comfort foods, comfort books, comfort movies. You relish your comfort zone.”

“And I’ve been stuck in it! I need to break out so I can flourish to my true potential!Weneed to break out—our business needs to break out!”

“If you say ‘break out’ one more time, I’m going to lose it,” Great Scott says mildly, not looking up from his phone.

I fold my arms, needing to process my thoughts before I can articulate what about this proposal doesn’t sit right.

Libby comes over to my side of the table, her forehead wrinkled with worry. “You’re not convinced,” she says. “I can tell you’re not convinced.”

“I didn’t say that. It’s just—”

“Come on, Han!” Libby says, pleading. “This is our chance to really break—” Great Scott cocks an eyebrow, and Libby swallows. “This is a huge opportunity!”

It’s easy to be swept away when my sister gets like this. I love her passion and energy, but my role in our partnership is to be levelheaded and rational.

“I know,” I say, “but we need to be smart. Let’s make a list of pros and cons.”

Just saying those words makes me feel calmer. I walk overto the whiteboard, writePROon the left side andCONon the right.

“That’s a great idea,” Libby says, sitting. “Pro: it’ll save our business.”

“Let’s be more specific,” I say, then turn to the whiteboard and write as I speak. “Con: we have to spend the entire summer convincing Lou to hire us.”

“Why wouldn’t she hire us? We’re amazing,” Libby says.

Great Scott barks a sharp laugh.

Libby whirls around to face him. “What’s so funny?”

His feet are up on the table and his eyes are on his phone, his face the picture of innocence. “Something on TikTok. You wouldn’t get it.”

I roll my eyes and turn back to the whiteboard. “Even if Lou does hire us, we won’t get a dime until then—and she won’t make that decision for twelve weeks.”

I write in large letters:CON: NO $ GUARANTEED.

Libby huffs. “Okay, but no one else is offering us anything at all, so there’s at least thepossibilityof being paid. You heard all the things she’s looking for—a scope that big would replace what we lost from the Rooneys, right?”

“I’ll need to crunch the numbers, but maybe,” I say, and write that down:PRO: POSSIBILITY OF $. “But another con is these crazy challenges. Who knows what we might be assigned? You haven’t listened to her podcast. One person’s challenge was to give up all sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Another one had to live in his car for twelve weeks!”

Libby blanches. “I’m sure we can handle it. We’re strong and capable. Write that down.”

“That’s not a pro about Lou’s business,” I say. “It’s more a pro about us.”

“We have to make a thorough list,” Libby insists.

“Fine,” I say, and writeWE ARE STRONGon the left side of the board. But I also writeCRAZY CHALLENGESunder the cons.

“Con: that squeaky voice,” Great Scott says. “I have a migraine from the high pitch.”

I add that to the right column:LOU’S VOICE INDUCES MIGRAINES.

---