Page 30 of Unspoken Rules

“You’re right. Meaning we should talk about payment.”

“Payment?” I question, pausing what I’m doing to look up at him. “You can’t pay me for this.”

He frowns, shifting his stance. “It’s work, Bryson. Of course I’m paying you.”

I shake my head, dropping the tablet to my lap. “You’re letting me stay in your house for free. Eat your food. Use your truck. You’re not paying me, Cole.”

“I’d feel better if you let me.”

“Well, I wouldn’t,” I say adamantly.

“What if I pay you a small amount?” he hedges.

“Absolutely not.”

“Pretend I’m not letting you stay here and eat my food and use my truck. What would something like that cost?”

We hold each other’s stare for a long time. I let out a sigh, knowing he isn’t going to let this go.

“Just the logo?” He nods. “Couple hundred. Usually comes with one or two revisions. If you want more, it’s extra.”

There’s no point in lying to him. I wouldn’t put it past him to figure it out on his own. Picking the tablet back up, I continue on the drawing while we keep up the conversation that I don’t want to have.

“That’s fair. And the website stuff?”

“Hourly rate. I’d probably start with $100 an hour.”

“So it’s possible this whole thing could cost about a thousand? Maybe more?”

“Yeah, I guess that’s right.” I do the final touches on the sketch and hold it up for him to see.

“Damn, Bryson. You know your shit, huh?” He grabs the tablet and looks it over. The look in his eyes is nothing less than awe. It feels so good to have someone look at my work like this. No one ever has. I mean, not since I was younger and Chris was impressed over my drawings. Then Mila, Mark, and Onyx too, but it didn’t last forever. I can’t remember the last time someone looked at my stuff like this. Especially after being in college, where all they do is pick it apart. I get they’re trying to help you improve, but someone being impressed by something I’ve done feels pretty damn good.

I can’t help but grin. “After four years of college, I like to think I do.”

“I like it. It’s perfect.” He hands me the tablet back.

“You sure?”

“More than sure.”

“I can change it. Draw up more options?”

“Trust what comes out of my mouth, Bryson. It’s perfect.”

I nod, knowing he’s chastising me for doubting myself.

“When do you want the website stuff done?”

“Soon as you have time, I guess.”

“You have the login and password?”

“Sure do. It’s saved on my phone. Give me your number and I’ll send it to you.”

He takes his phone from his pocket and hands it to me. I pull up the app to add my name and number in his contacts, then hand it back. A moment later, mine is dinging with a new message that also pops up on my tablet. I hold it up to show him.

“Got it.” I get to my feet. “If you change your mind about anything, let me know. I’ll clean this up and get started on the website.”

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