“Money gets projects built,” I continue. “But public pressure gets permits approved.”
Ego nods.
“He's not wrong.”
I point at my brother.
“See? Even Mr. Sunshine agrees with me.”
“Don't call me that.”
“Pfbbbt.”
Okay, so blowing a raspberry at my brother isn’t adult behavior. But whatever.
Mary is chewing on her bottom lip now.
Thinking.
And Christ—that pouty little expression should be illegal.
“Okay,” she says slowly. “Suppose you're right.”
“I usually am.”
She ignores that.
“How exactly are we supposed to get enough attention to influence city officials?”
A slow smile spreads across my face.
Because now the idea is fully formed.
Ridiculous.
Scandalous.
Possibly brilliant.
Which describes most of my best ideas.
And every one of my worst ones.
“What?”
Mary immediately looks suspicious.
Very suspicious.
“What are you smiling about?”
“You.”
Her eyes widen.
“No.”
“You don't even know what I'm going to say.”
