“You will not!” the rest of the kitchen chorused back at her.

Elijah looked startled to find that he had joined the response. “Sorry, that’s not legal advice. I simply think your dad is a shitweasel and you should keep your paintings.”

“I’m sorry, I told them,” Ziva explained. “I know it’s really your story, but I felt they could make better choices with more context. I should have asked you first.”

Miriam shook her head. “I’m relieved that I don’t have to explain it, honestly.” It was freeing not to be guarding that secret anymore.

They all looked at each other for a long time. The enormity of the situation was sinking in. Miriam kept trying to get Noelle to meet her eyes, but she just stared down at her hands, her face a stone mask.

“I have an idea,” Noelle said finally, her arms crossed protectively. Miriam looked up at her hopefully, but Noelle was looking at Hannah. “Since Miriam is intent on donating her artistic talent to this problem”—her voice was so cold when she said Miriam’s name, and Miriam’s hope died—“we could have a New Year’s Eve party. A big, fancy shindig. There would be an auction. Enough old and new stuff to get people interested.”

Mrs. Matthews nodded, and Hannah started to take notes. “Expand this vision for me, NoNo.”

Noelle started to pick up steam, counting on her fingers. “We’d livestream the event, and items would be available for internet bids and in-person bids. Miriam could auction off a series of personalized art pieces, made specifically for the auction winners.”

Miriam shifted forward in her seat. She’d never thought about offering personalized commissions. It could make a lot of money.

“The final item would be one, and only one, Mimi Roz painting, the one Miriam likes the least,” Noelle continued. “We would have to let the guests know what’s going on. Not all of it, obviously, but enough to know they’re supporting the future of Carrigan’s. With an accompanying GoFundMe for people who just want to donate.”

“That’s brilliant,” Hannah told her. Everyone nodded. “But it’s only five days until New Year’s Eve.”

“I’m on Bloomer duty.” Cole saluted. “They love me.”

“I already told them I was going to have a big live event on New Year’s Eve, back when I thought I was launching the store,” Miriam said, “and I never actually remembered to cancel because I was so caught up in everything. Which works out great! Now I’ll have a slightly more panic-driven New Year’s Eve live event.” She managed to sound only a little hysterical.