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“Good choice,” I said. “How did the phone call go yesterday?”
Leo sighed. “As can be expected. Everyone worried about my career or more likely, their funding that comes from my career. A discussion of how it looks to disappear. Fears of me getting caught here and the tabloids going even crazier than normal with rumors. I’m too tired for it all on a good day.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “Anything I can do to help?”
“This was all I needed. You’ve done enough.”
“The soup?” I asked.
He shook his head, pausing. “No. This between us. The camaraderie. The time we spend together just living and not worrying about my career or where I’m supposed to be or the money I’m not making.” He paused as if he wanted to say more. But then he returned to his soup.
“I feel that,” I said, thinking of my parents and how they still loved to bring up my future every chance they got.
“Oh, wow, that was a terrible segue I suppose,” he said then, wincing. “Because speaking of careers, I have something for you on the counter.”
“What is it?”
“One of the neighbors was out walking her poodle last night, and she stopped by to say hi. We talked for a few minutes, and she mentioned how she’s a business owner. She told me about this small business meeting she goes to in the learning center downtown. She put a pamphlet in my mailbox this morning.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “They help entrepreneurs of all levels and circumstances get funding, get paperwork done, and make business plans. Apparently, this lady is working on her cat sweater business.”
I smiled at that. “I love it.”
“Really?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.
“Have you seen Pickles? He’s as naked as they come. He would love a cozy sweater.”
“Well, I’ll pass that along if I see her again. Maybe Pickles can model for her.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“For Pickles’ modeling career? Or the pamphlet?” he asked, smiling and then coughing.
“Both, but mostly the pamphlet.”
“You’re not mad?” he asked.
“No. I’m all in on this business thing. I’m glad to have someone who doesn’t think I’m crazy.”
“Oh, I still think you’re a little crazy. You did wear a trash bag on your leg at the beach. But I think it’s a good crazy to chase your dreams.”
“Agreed. But we also need to acknowledge that changing your crazy dreams can be a good thing, too,” I added, looking at him expectantly.
“Heard,” he said, smiling at me. “We make a good team, Tillie Ashby. Even if you don’t like my music.”
I laughed. “This again? I never said I didn’t like it.”
“It’s just not for you. I know, I know. But I swear, when this cold is gone, I’m going to write a song just for you. And you’re going to love it.”
I smiled at the thought. “Okay then. You’re on.”
“Okay then,” he replied, a simple nod confirming it. We spent the next hour or so talking about this and that. When Leo started to nod off, I let myself out.
“I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you,” I said when he startled awake for a moment before I got out the door.
“Not until the evening though. That meeting is tomorrow afternoon,” he said. “And you better come back with all sorts of business excitement.”
