Some of the tension left her, as if the acceptance mattered. She held up a small camera on a handheld stabilizer.
“Blake lent us the equipment.”
“I know. They sent a fourteen-minute instructional video.”
“Did you watch it?”
“At double speed.”
“Of course.”
I outlined the opening, product selection, explanation, and closing shot. Dani preferred wandering around and acting charming. Before I could object, she started recording.
“Week Three shopping date. Amy has made a production plan.”
“We are selecting practical training items within the sponsor budget.”
“And deepening our emotional connection through retail.”
“That is not required.”
“Our relationship in one sentence.”
She stopped recording, pleased. “Natural.”
“I objected for twenty seconds.”
“Exactly.”
We moved toward the shoe department. A salesperson greeted us and explained that the sponsor credit could be used toward any running-related items. Dani immediately picked up a pair of neon yellow racing shoes.
“No,” I said.
“You haven’t seen the price.”
“They are fluorescent.”
“Safety.”
“They appear radioactive.”
“You’d never get lost.”
“I do not get lost.”
“You print routes.”
“Preparation prevents becoming lost.”
Dani placed the shoes against my feet.
“They’d look good.”
“They would look like emergency equipment.”
The salesperson smiled.
“Are you shopping for both of you?”
