Page 32 of Double

She sighed again. “Tinsley, would you help me with the balloon arch?”

Since I was familiar with the ins and outs of balloon arches, I knew what questions to ask before I agreed. “Do you have an electric balloon pump and the tying tool?”

“Nah.” She frowned slightly. “Is it mandatory?”

I shrugged. “Not if you don’t mind blowing up and tying off all the balloons yourself.”

“Damn! Guess I gotta run to the store and get a balloon pump and whatever else you said.” She seemed annoyed, but since I knew I hadn’t done anything to her, I figured she had to be mad at herself.

“Take your time,” Double encouraged. “She can’t help you today anyway. We have somewhere to be. She can help you later this week.”

“Can she help me on Thursday?”

“Why are you asking me? She’s standing right here.”

“Well, damn, Double. You were just talkin’ for her. Talkin’ ’bout, she can’t help you today. I figured⁠—”

“Talk yourself outta help if you want to,” Justus cut in.

Compton closed her mouth.

“Yes. I can help you on Thursday. When and where?”

“Uh, here.” She pointed down at the floor to indicate the Angel Ballroom. “Can you come around lunchtime?”

I nodded.

“What’s the pay rate?” Double asked.

Compton looked shocked. “The pay rate? I thought she was just helping me out.”

“She ain’t in high school. She ain’t lookin’ to get service hours,” Justus joked.

“Shut up, J!”

“No, I’ll help you free of charge,” I offered. “I know what it’s like to have to prepare a venue for an event all by yourself.”

My comment seemed to bring the annoyed expression back to her face. “Thanks.”

“One hour,” Double said. “She’ll give you one free hour. That’s it.” He turned to me with his hand extended. “You ready to get lunch?”

I placed my hand inside of his. “I am.”

“We up. I’ll holla, Just.”

Justus threw his fist up. “All right now, bro.”

And with that, we left the event space.

12

Mahogany Hall

Tinsley

Double dropped me off at his family’s event venue, Mahogany Hall, on Thursday afternoon. He would finish up some work next door while I helped Compton with the balloon arch. I found her in the Angel Ballroom. I wasn’t sure how long she’d been there, but she had certainly gotten a lot done.

“Hey,” I said, taking in the room while trying to keep the expression on my face blank. I wasn’t personally familiar with Galentine’s. As far as I knew, it was an American thing. From social media, I had gathered that it was like Valentine’s for single ladies. Compton had taken the Valentine’s theme and run with it. It was as if someone had vomited Valentine’s all over the room.