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“I can’t.” Her voice cracked. Exhaling a heavy sigh, she stopped tapping and slumped her torso. Without the rush of adrenaline, she could barely hold up her head and definitely couldn’t fight the truth. “I don’t have the luxury of running everything on my own. Until I have a full managerial staff, I’ll be extinguishing fires and lighting other ones.”

“What happens when you do?” He lowered his brow and fixed his stare. “Don’t you want to score and direct your shows?”

She caught her bottom lip. He had a point. Growing up, she was slotted into various roles assigned by others. Starting her business, she seized control of her choices. Agreeing to share the responsibilities and consult with a partner had never been part of her plan. Could she share her dream? “To be honest, I don’t know. At some point, I’d like to return to the productions. When the time comes, maybe we collaborate, or we have another conversation about roles. We’re talking a long way off.”

He crossed his arms and nodded. “I’ll consider your offer on one condition.”

When he spoke, his gray-blue eyes lightened, matching the turquoise she’d painted the backdrop Atlantic Ocean. Her heartbeat quickened, and her mouth went dry. Anything. She swallowed, snapping to attention. “What’s your requirement?”

“Change the name. It’s confusing. You aren’t operating a hotel. People aren’t staying overnight.”

“Fair point.” She nodded. “Do you have any suggestions?”

“I do.” He stuffed both hands in his pockets and shrugged. “What about Holidays, Inc .?”