Marco puts his hand on his chest, offended. “Did you just say tacky?”

They have no idea how to work with a visionary like Marco. Sherri does. She always starts by telling him he’s the smartest, most creative person in the world and he can do whatever he wants, and once he has some time to think about it, and a budget to work against, he reins himself in. Like Sherri, he pays attention to every single detail. He’s the best event planner she’s ever hired.

Margie is one of their major funders; Marco knows better than to spar with her. The museum needs people like Margie. She’s a pain in the ass, but she’s money. Oil money, but still, it might as well go to the arts instead of some nutty right-wing cause Margie could easily get behind. Sherri smiles her most winning smile. “I think what Margie means is that we want to have fun, but show some restraint, and Marco knows exactly how to do this. He’s always so good at hitting just the right note.”

Terrence circles the rim of his tea mug with his fingertip, which is what he does when he’s upset. “I’d like us all to think for a moment about drunk people with swords.” He pauses. “Next, I’d like us to think about camel droppings.”

Everyone laughs—except Marco.

Chase says, “Should we go back to the Casino Night idea?”

“She’s on to something,” says Margie.

“They are on to something,” Terrence corrects her. “Honor the pronoun.” Chase gives him a thumbs-up. Sherri thinks about transferring Chase to work for Terrence in membership. They’d work well together.

“Casino Night just isn’t a fresh idea,” Sherri says. “Nobody even knows who Bonnie and Clyde are anymore, and there are all kinds of legal hoops to jump through, gambling licenses. It’s tricky, and we don’t want to compete with the casino.” Sherri stands and gathers the pile of papers on the conference table. “Thanks to all of you for your input. Lots of good ideas. We’ll meet again next week. I’ve got my next appointment.” Just before she walks out the door she says, “And for the record, I think the Arabian Nights theme is an absolute riot.” She winks at Marco, who beams.

She doesn’t really have an appointment, she’s just been to enough meetings to know when productive conversation has ended. She’ll follow up with a lovely email that will make everyone feel smart, and Marco will get his way and the event will be a smashing success.