We lose the room at four, a little earlier than anticipated, but we’ve been plenty productive. Charles has already lined up viewings at three properties, and Ming and Jane have come up with a dozen potential performers, as well as a solid list of themes and events specific to certain numbers the prospective acts perform. We’ve filled pages of hotel stationery with ideas, and I tote them to the suite upstairs, where I spend another hour trying to turn them into something cohesive.

I’m still sprawled on the couch thing when the suite’s lock grinds to announce Darcy’s return. He doesn’t have the bag, and while it makes my stomach twist just a little, I knew that would be the case. He called before he left to ask if the lawyers could hang on to my work a little longer.

“Hey there.” He toes off his shoes before stepping over the big wedge-shaped cushion forming the back of the couch. His socks are patterned with little sriracha bottles.

“Any thoughts from Fitz’s people?” I ask.

He settles beside me, stretching his long legs out against mine. “We should know in a day or two. His firm is good, but if anything comes of this, it’s going to take a lot of time.”

I groan. “That’s the theme for today.”

“I’d say your brain trust is the exception to that. When I checked in with Charles, he about talked my ear off. Are you all really going to stick this out?”

My heart gives a little kick. “More than that. We’ve started a business plan.” The words come out high, like I don’t quite believe them, despite the evidence on my lap.

“A business plan? Now you’re speaking my language.”

“Everyone has a role, or some involvement outside of performing . . .” I don’t even try to temper my enthusiasm. “If this works, it’s going to be a boon for the whole crew.”

“Would you be comfortable sharing it with me?” he asks, plucking his glasses from the neck of his shirt.

“With Will Darcy: Man of Business? I’d be honored.” I look at the top page, even though I don’t need to. “Andrea for operations. She’s available and interested and has been doing this for the better part of two decades. She and Charles already had that sorted, so no surprises there.”

He nods. “Easy enough.”

“Ming for talent acquisition. Scouting, anyway, on a commission basis. We actually kicked that thought around a while back. And Ming and Jane for program development. Still trying to figure out what kind of pay scale to use there, if it’s something to lump together with gigs or if there’s a salary consideration.”

“It’s a good thought. What else?”