Page 23 of The Seven Rings
And if that client list continued to grow, and the work continued to flow, she’d start thinking about—possibly—hiring an assistant. Part-time, and remote would be best, considering.
She cast a look at the ceiling.
At least for now.
She’d give it a few more months, then if—fingers crossed—the business earned and needed it, she’d start looking for the right person.
Yoda came back up, and instead of wiggling under her desk, just flopped down on the rug and went instantly to sleep.
Ten minutes later, with the library windows open, she heard Cleo drive up. She let the sleeping dog lie and went down to help Cleo bring in the groceries.
“It’s a lot,” Cleo said. “We had some of it, but it’s a lot.” She handed Sonya two cloth grocery bags. “Why are we making pulled pork and all the rest?”
“Actually, I have to make it because it was my deal. But I’m counting on your help. Oh, you got flowers, too.”
“I got flowers, too. Took two more paintings into Bay Arts, boughtthe cutest pair of sandals I don’t need but want, stopped by the bakery, so we’re having double fudge brownies with our popcorn.”
As she reeled it off, they walked through the house, set things down, walked out for the rest. Like Yoda, Pye decided it was time for a nap and trotted upstairs.
“Now, why did I buy a boneless pork shoulder?”
“I bribed Owen and Trey. Ryder wants more photos.”
Cleo frowned. “Is something wrong with what they have?”
“No, everything’s right, so right they want more. This includes you. Other yoga poses—free outfit. Outdoor setting. Maybe you sailingThe Siren, or lounging outside with a book. Free outfit either way.
“You’re in, right?”
“Sorry, I lost track afterfree outfit. Of course I am! Fun. Which isn’t the reaction you’d get from either Owen or Trey. So food bribery.” She offered a hand for a high five. “Smart.”
“I hope I think so Saturday when I try to pull this—ha-ha—off.”
“I’m getting free outfits so I’ll be your sous chef. Now, let’s get the rest of this put away. I’m ready to paint.”
“I’ll take care of the flowers. I’ve put a good day in so far. Long virtual meeting to get this rolling. She tried to screw it up.”
Cleo glanced back as she put things in the pantry. She didn’t have to ask who. “How?”
“Banging, slamming, doorbell ringing. I said stuff about thunderstorms, then electric glitches, old houses. I guess they bought it—because we just kept going.”
“That’s what we do. We keep going. Let me know before if you come up to the studio.”
“Sure. Why?”
“I’m working on something I want to keep to myself for now. If you’ve got the flowers, I’m heading up.”
“I’ve got them. I’ll knock off when you do. Or if you work later, I’ll come down and start on the photos.”
“Works.”
Cleo glanced outside at the first rumble of thunder. “And I beat the storm. A good thunderstorm’s like good music. It energizes.”
Thunder grumbled again as Cleo left, and Sonya tended to the flowers as the storm built. Yoda came down and stuck close as she placed the fresh arrangements.
While Clover played Springsteen’s “Thunder Road,” she carried arrangements to her bedroom and to Cleo’s.
Though Molly had closed the windows to prevent the rain from coming in, Sonya couldn’t resist.
