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‘Erm, I’m not really sure. Why?’
‘There are some shelters, and women’s centres, and an LGBTQ+ centre around here. While certainly not business in the traditional sense it would be a good idea to join in on occasion, share resources and information etc.’
Paige nodded.
‘That would be really great. We can mention that to Councillor Houghton and maybe get some seats on the group made available?’ Melanie asked.
‘I’ll do it,’ Paige said.
Selena nodded at Paige, then turned back to Melanie. ‘Anyway, you were saying.’
Melanie smiled before continuing, ‘So what I think we need next is a list of what you need and when you need it by, based on your brief, like the paints etc.’
‘Of course, like the scaffolding and so on,’ Selena said, nodding.
‘The what?’
‘What?’
Melanie and Paige had both spoken at the same time.
‘Have either of you ever planned something like this before?’ Selena asked softly.
’No,’ Paige said.
Melanie shook her head.
‘Well, that’s all right. We’ll figure it out between us. But yes, there might need to be some scaffolding. It’s easier to sign off on than cherry pickers.’ Selena patted Melanie’s hand. ‘Don’t worry.’
But it was too late, Melanie was already full of worry.
The drinks arrived at that point and Melanie took a sip of her latte, and felt it land in her stomach with an acidic splash.
‘I’ll pull together a list of all the equipment that we need, including things like scaffolding.’ Selena chuckled. ‘I’ll get that sent over. We also need to think about lone working and safety. For instance, we will need to make sure there’s always at least three people on site . . .’ Selena’s voice dropped off as she clearly began thinking it through.
‘But all being well, and the weather staying dry’ — they all grimaced, dry weather not exactly Manchester’s forte — ‘it should be done in two to three weeks. But I would say four to be on the safe side.’
Now this did cheer Melanie up. Four weeks. She could do four weeks. Four weeks was temporary. She needed to check her forecasts, but her business should still be around in four weeks. She would be able to refocus then.
Selena went for her bag again. ‘So shall we pencil in the eighteenth then . . . For the big unveiling?’
‘Erm OK.’ Melanie added the details to her iPad.
‘But you should know that as well as the therapy work I also have two more large commissions, so if it’s not done in the next six weeks, then I can’t help you.’
Melanie nodded, again adding more info into her app.
‘Now, will the wall be primed and ready?’ Selena asked.
Melanie looked up at Paige.
‘What do you mean ready?’ Paige asked.
‘Will it be paint ready?’ Selena said.
‘I don’t know.’ Melanie was feeling completely incompetent.
‘You’d best find out, else you might be up the scaffolding painting a base layer.’ Selena laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world.
