Page 93 of A Certain Appeal
“Any thoughts from Fitz’s people?” I ask.
He settles beside me, stretching his long legs out against mine. “We should know in a day or two. His firm is good, but if anything comes of this, it’s going to take a lot of time.”
I groan. “That’s the theme for today.”
“I’d say your brain trust is the exception to that. When I checked in with Charles, he about talked my ear off. Are you all really going to stick this out?”
My heart gives a little kick. “More than that. We’ve started a business plan.” The words come out high, like I don’t quite believe them, despite the evidence on my lap.
“A business plan? Now you’re speaking my language.”
“Everyone has a role, or some involvement outside of performing...” I don’t even try to temper my enthusiasm. “If this works, it’s going to be a boon for the whole crew.”
“Would you be comfortable sharing it with me?” he asks, plucking his glasses from the neck of his shirt.
“With Will Darcy: Man of Business? I’d be honored.” I look at the top page, even though I don’t need to. “Andrea for operations. She’s available and interested and has been doing this for the better part of two decades. She and Charles already had that sorted, so no surprises there.”
He nods. “Easy enough.”
“Ming for talent acquisition. Scouting, anyway, on a commission basis. We actually kicked that thought around a while back. And MingandJane for program development. Still trying to figure out what kind of pay scale to use there, if it’s something to lump together with gigs or if there’s a salary consideration.”
“It’s a good thought. What else?”
“We got hold of Esteban and he’s getting in touch with the wait and kitchen staffs. Michael for the bar. The band and Johnny are in, too.” I drum my fingers against my knee. The next item came to mind while the others were still here, but I didn’t write it down.
“Tonic is going to need some help, I think. She didn’t say anything directly, and I don’t want her to feel like a charity case.” I worry my bottom lip. “Depending on the insurance Charles gets, I think that renting her space a few times a week to teach aerial lessons would be a kindness.”
“You two clear things up as far as Wickham?”
“Yeah. She was blindsided, too.”
“Unless there’s a significant difference in cost as far as insurance, you might let her do it free of charge. Those lessons wouldn’t interfere with programming, would they?”
I lean my shoulder into his, and he wraps an arm around me. “You are an outstanding sounding board.”
“It’s why they pay me the big bucks.”
“As far as a chef... Chloe and Gales are undecided. But best-case scenario, Gales would be in the kitchen. Rumor has it, I have you to thank for that?”
“I merely invited him to coffee with Charles and me. And then nudged the conversation in a very specific direction.”
I heave an overwrought sigh. “Already keeping secrets from me.”
“If you’re asking me to apologize for prioritizing sex with you over recounting how I spent my afternoon, I can.” He nuzzles under my ear. “But I wouldn’t mean it.”
I shiver as goose bumps erupt along my arm. “Valid point.” He kisses my neck, and I clear my throat before continuing. “Chloe’s only request was that she gets to do portfolio shoots in any finished space.”
“You all are really thinking ahead. Bennet, this is impressive. Compare where you are now to where you were this morning.”
“It feels good. It might just be the contrast with how shitty everything feltthen, but this...” I face him, resting my arm on the cushion. “I know everyone’s in this together, but it feels like mine, a little. And I like that.”
“Must be nice,” he says, and I raise a brow. That sounded like regret. “Still...” He flips through the pages, shifting closer to look them over. His nearness is enough to redirect my attention. “I can’t help noticing you haven’t listed anything for yourself here.”
“I’ll be maintaining my kittening duties. And Charles admitted that Ming terrifies him, and that he doesn’t want to risk favoring acts Jane proposes, so I’ll have final say on new performers. But I already have a full-time job. Work It is entering a new phase, and I’m not going to bail on them, even in our dream scenario. As for long-term...”
I didn’t express this to anyone else, either, and it feels like a confession. “I want the flexibility to pursue more design work. If we get this off the ground, I don’t want it to be a one-and-done for me.”
He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds, his attention still on the pages in my lap. I wonder if he even heard me, but he blinks, lashes fluttering. His eyes take their sweet time traveling up my torso, andwhen his gaze meets mine, it’s nothing short of lascivious. “I’m very glad to hear that.” His voice is a rumble.
