Chapter 20
"I got a proposition for you," Paul said over dinner.
"You always got a proposition," Lucy said, giggling a little. "But unfortunately, I'm 'out of commission' for at least the next three days."
"I wasn't talking about that," he said, giving her a look. "but thanks for the heads up anyway."
"So if it isn't that, what's the proposition?"
"You ever think of coming down south with me?"
Lucy sipped some water. "Maybe for work or a visit."
"Actually, I was thinking of something a little more permanent." He raised an eyebrow.
"You mean move down there?"
"Of course."
"Are you nuts?! Do you realize what I would be giving up? First off, I wouldn't know anyone down there except you; second, I've worked hard to establish myself in my business and---"
"Ever think about franchising?" Paul cut in.
Lucy stopped short. "What?"
"You know, keep your studio up here, but open a second one in Austin."
"Granted I'm making a decent living at this, Paul, but do you have any idea what that would cost?"
"Of course, which is why I'm willing to make an investment."
"You can't be serious."
"Oh, I'm serious all right," Paul said, grinning.
"Do you even know anything about this business and what it involves?" Lucy wondered.
"I've been in front of enough cameras myself, did research on my own when I had time, and I love and believe in you enough to be part of this."
"You know investing is risky, right? I may be doing fine here, but there's no guarantee I could do so briskly down south."
Paul rolled his eyes. Why did this chick always insist on shooting herself down?
"And you won't know if you don't give it a shot, will you? Look, I'm even willing to help you set up a location when I'm not on the road--"
"I also need a place to live," Lucy added.
"And help you find an apartment," Paul added.
"Next you'll offer to help me move."
"Gee, how did you know?" he asked, giving a cheesy grin. "Hey, speaking of that, there's a couple of vacancies in my own building. I can talk to the managers about getting you one of them."
"Whoa, whoa; how soon did you want to put all this together anyway? Because all this would take awhile, you know."
"I could probably get the apartment in place for you by next month. The rest might take a little longer. But this could work, baby. I can feel it. You've always been supportive of me and my work, though you're not crazy about wrestling, and frankly, the more I learn about this photography thing, the cooler I think it is. Even if I didn't know shit about it, I'd still be behind you."
She smiled back at him. "Maybe this would work out better than I imagined."
"So does this mean you'll at least consider it?"
"How about I give it a trial run? I'll just have my studio here for now, but I will come to Austin to do some shoots, kind of try and feel out the market down there. If it looks like things are good, then we proceed."
"Works for me," Paul said. "And just think, if you do come down there, there's no cold and snow to deal with. No ice to slip on and landing on your ass."
"And you're there." She smiled again.
"When I'm not touring, yes. That's just the bonus."
"I couldn't ask for a better bonus," Lucy laughed. "In the meantime, let me get rolling on this thing come Monday."