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“Not when I’m scheduled for two back-to-back exams and afternoon hall supervision.”
“Yeah, about that.” Georgie offered a mollifying grin. “Thanks again for swapping with me, E.”
“I’m kidding, silly! I’m fine with it. You’re the one who traded down!” Eden’s laugh gave way for another swig. “Supervising Friday afternoon is the worst of the worst.”
“Nah, that would be missing the presentation run-through this afternoon.”
Eden spun the cap on the bottle. “You ready to knock ’em dead?”
“Does Gilmour score goals?” She grinned.
* * *
Georgie’s knuckles blanched as she gripped her clipboard. So far, the museum guides mimicking prospective students hadn’t tripped over the hems of their mourning robes or spilled any legumes. The burning incense hadn’t set off the fire alarm, and the recording of reed pipes and harps didn’t intrude on the enlightening narration. With one last shimmery jingle of the tambourine remaining, Georgie was on tenterhooks, praying for a flawless conclusion to the presentation procession.
The senior guide shook the instrument in the air with a flourish, then clasped her hand around its wooden frame, silencing it for good. At last, Georgie could exhale. She glanced at Oliver, catching a slight twitch of his lips as if he were stifling a premature smile.
“Well, that was a journey,” said Amalia, sharing a look with Haruki Yamaguchi that gave nothing away. “Thoughts, Har?”
He lowered his notebook. “I loved it. The storytelling, the engagement—it all aligns with our collective mission to grow the museum experience for visiting youth. Once I put out the word, it’ll definitely attract new benefactors searching for a more modern approach to student learning. I can hear them now saying, ‘What took you so long?’” He grinned. “Well done.”
Georgie sucked in a calming breath, fighting hard not to smile or high-five Oliver, who looked equally emotionally muzzled.
Amalia’s stare pinged between the two of them. “I have to agree. This could be a game changer for donations and teacher and student satisfaction. And best of all, no mess!”
Dipping her chin, Georgie side-eyed Oliver.
“However, the one thing I’d change is…”
Oh, here we go. Georgie dug her nails into her palm.
“…I’d add another tambourine and turn the music up a notch.”
“Oh?” Oliver’s shoulders relaxed. “Okay.”
“Wonderful work, everyone.” Addressing the guides, Amalia finally smiled. “I look forward to seeing you lead the students—” Her attention leapt back to Oliver.
“From February 3rd onward,” he replied.
“Right. February 3rd. Excellent.”
As the guides dispersed and Haruki headed to his next meeting, Amalia pulled Oliver aside. Georgie pretended to read the information card on a display of ancient canopic jars but earwigged the best she could.
“I admit, I was skeptical, but your hard work and execution won me over,” Amalia raved. “Today was exceptional, really enjoyable. And Haruki’s right, donors will be clamoring for a role in our educational revitalization.”
Out of the corner of Georgie’s gaze, she caught Oliver smiling.
“Let’s book a meeting in a few days so we can discuss next steps. My assistant will be in touch.”
“I look forward to it.” Oliver nodded. “Thanks, Amalia.”
She walked toward Georgie. “And thank you, Georgina. If there’s anything I can do for you, just ask.”
Well, there was one thing.
THIRTY-THREE
OLIVER
