“I just get the feeling you’re looking for a high-end vibe with a ‘sky’s the limit’ budget. I just don’t think that is Bailey’s thing. Don’t get me wrong. She’s your girl when it comes to thrift stores. But if you are trying to evoke an old-money kind of vibe, I would definitely recommend Penny Prichard. She’s the best. She has a quick eye. She has the best resources. And lucky for you, she has gotten into the restaurant business. She did my apartment, and I have never been sorry for one minute. I know Bailey is my wife. I just don’t think her eye is sophisticated enough for what you want. If I had your kind of budget, I would totally go with Penny.”

I just stood there. Listening. Disbelieving. Replaying in my mind what he had just said. All of a sudden, something in me broke. Broke free. Broke wide open. Broke apart in so many pieces they would never get put back together. Then I did something I hadn’t done in three years: breathe. It felt so good I did it again. He was signing off his call with some pleasantries when I opened the door. I might willingly let Elliott wreck my life, but I’d be damned if I was going to let him wreck my career along with the help of that cutthroat Penny Prichard. However, she was the least of my worries.

“How fucking dare you? I cannot believe you. What the hell were you trying to do to me? Spouses are supposed to help and support each other, not kick them in the ass.” I paused. So many thoughts were long overdue and demanding to be voiced. “First, is that what you really think? That I’m some two-bit hack? An amateur? What the fuck is that about, Elliott? Why the hell are you trying to sabotage my career?”

“As usual, Bailey, you are overreacting. You have to admit, and you have said it yourself, Penny is your go-to for over-the-top budgets.”

I interrupted. I was just getting started. “For your information, Elliott, a ‘sky’s the limit budget’ is easy. It requires nothing of the imagination. No cleverness. You just walk into a store and point your finger in the direction of your selection and give them an address. What I do requires real vision. Why am I even explaining this to you? I worked for Julian, and I’ve worked with Penny for several years, helping her with her clients for God’s sake. So yes, I can do a ‘sky’s the limit’ budget. I have done plenty of ‘sky’s the limit’ budgets. What I offer is something more—talent.”

Clearly there was some pent-up anger on both sides of the desk.