Sunday's meeting with Stuart went much smoother than Amy expected. As promised, Sheldon offered his support by listening attentively and never interrupting. He even praised Stuart's suggestion to host tournaments in a recurring pattern so gamers could keep their schedules open.

As they stood around the counter, Sheldon slung his arm over her shoulders. When she moved, he moved with her, always keeping himself between her and Stuart. It was kind of sweet but a little unnecessary. She had no romantic interest in Stuart and she doubted he was interested in her that way either.

When the customers trickled in, she caught the former comic book store owner watching Cody's every move. It was apparent that he really missed the atmosphere. To go from being a small business owner to caring for an elderly lady was a huge adjustment. She was confident he would accept her offer of a partnership, but first she needed to see him in action. She didn't have to wait long.

One of Stuart's previous customers walked in, and the two immediately began chatting about the latest issues, the upcoming Flash show, and superheroes in general. He was a natural at making the patrons feel at ease. She saw none of the 'woe is me' tendencies Sheldon referred to, but perhaps it was because Stuart had been away from the business for so long that he was just happy to be back in his element.

Excusing herself, she led her boyfriend to the office and shut the door behind them. "I'm more and more certain Stuart would be a great addition to the store's success. I think he really missed this."

"He did look happy," Sheldon begrudgingly admitted. "Today's the first time I've seen him smile since Stan Lee made his appearance at Comic Central."

"Thank you for being so open minded. If all goes well at the tournament, I'm going to present my offer."

Amy reached up and pecked him on the lips. His arms circled her waist and pressed her against the length of his body. The moment was cut short when footsteps approached the office. She took a step back and smoothed her skirt just before Cody stepped inside.

"Sorry to interrupt. It's getting busy out here. Stuart seems happy to help, but I'm not sure how much you want him to do."

"I'm okay with him talking to the customers, but since he's not employed here, I don't want him behind the counter. I'll come out in a minute "

"Thanks, Ms. Fowler."

Amy gave Sheldon an apologetic smile. "I'm glad business is good but wish we had a little more alone time."

He swatted her bottom playfully. "Go. I'll be here when you get back."

A breathy 'hoo' escaped her lips. Sometimes being a responsible business owner really interfered with her personal life. She was so looking forward to Monday night when they could be alone in his bed snuggling. Just one more day, she told herself before switching to working mode.

With Stuart engaging the customers in conversation, Cody ringing them up, and Amy bagging the purchases, the line moved quickly.

"Whatever you're doing is working," Stuart mused when it quieted down.

"What do you mean?"

"The last few years I had my store, I didn't have as many customers in a week as you've had all day. After seeing how busy you are, I don't think it makes sense to rebuild."

This would be the perfect opportunity to propose the partnership, but it was too soon. "Any word from the insurance company?"

"I'm expecting to hear from them a week from tomorrow."

A week! The tournament wasn't for another two weeks. What if Stuart received the insurance money and used it to start a different kind of business? "What do you plan to do with the money?"

He shrugged. "My college major was in fine arts, but it's tough to make a living. Maybe I'll put it into savings and continue caring for Howard's mom until I decide."

"You don't miss all this?" Amy waved her arm around the store.

"I do, especially today after being away from it for so long. I just don't think retrying will get me any better results than it did before."

Another drove of customers came through, and once again the trio worked together. During the lull, Cody and Stuart discussed drawing techniques, and Amy slipped into the office. "Sorry about that."

Sheldon looked up from his phone. "It's oddly busy for a Sunday."

He was right. She hadn't received this much Sunday business in ten years. It was almost as if the universe was pushing her toward asking Stuart for help. "It is," she agreed. "Stuart told me that after seeing how many customers I get, he probably won't rebuild his store."

"That's great! You can keep his customers without getting into a partnership with him."

"Keeping the customers is just one part of the equation," she reminded him. "I need the extra help for my own sanity."

The smile slipped from his face. "Oh."

Amy frowned. "I thought you were okay with this."

"I would prefer if things stayed the same."

Taking his hands in hers, she knelt next to him. "I know how much you dislike change, but it will be a good thing, not just for me but for us. The extra help will give us more time together." She searched his face. The slightly wrinkled forehead and squinty eyes told her he was deep in thought.

"There are other solutions to having more time together," he finally said.

"Such as?"

Sheldon licked his lips. He opened his mouth then quickly shut it. That was odd. Sheldon was always eager to share his ideas and opinions. She thought of asking him but dropped it when he averted his eyes. Surely the hem of his shirt wasn't that interesting. Very strange indeed.