Page 86 of Last Call

“I’m sure she’ll agree,” Billie offered.

“Yeah.”

“I thought you’d be more excited.”

“I am. I just don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

Billie nodded. “You mean me.”

“You’re the person who's helped me the most.”

“No. I’m just the person who offered helpfirst.”

“You know, you could help.”

“Help with what?” Billie wondered.

“The business Fallon’s starting.”

Billie laughed earnestly. “Unless you’re looking for an expert at slipping and sliding, I don’t think I’m your woman, unless you want someone to help with first aid. That I’m qualified for.”

“I was thinking about your photography,” Dave said.

“What are you talking about?”

“Fallon’s idea is awesome. If people pay to go on excursions to do things they have never done, they’ll want evidence. We should offer pictures. I think most places do that. You have a month off in the winter. And you only teach two classes. Come on. It’s perfect.”

Billie shook her head. She loved painting and enjoyed taking her camera on trips and hikes. She enjoyed capturing moments with Owen and taking photos of Andi when she was reading abook or tending to the flowers. Despite years of encouragement to share her work, Billie kept it a hobby.

“I don’t think I’m qualified, Dave.”

“That’s crazy,” he said.

Billie’s brows arched into her hairline.

“Fallon told me that Deb Homan has been trying to get you to do art shows for a long time.”

“Deb is kind—kinder than she should be.”

“That’s crazy,” Dave said. “Mom says the same thing.”

“Mm-hm. Dave, haven’t you heard the phrase, ‘love is blind?’”

“Why do you do that?”

“What did I do?”

“Mom does that, too. Whenever one of us tells her that she should play the piano more often. She acts like it’s no big deal.”

“I like taking pictures and painting. It’s just a hobby.”

“Yeah. All the things Fallon and I are talking about were hobbies for us, too. Come on, Billie. It’ll be fun.”

“Whose idea was this?”

“Mine,” Dave said.

“And Fallon agreed?”

---