I try to communicate this with my fiancé. I hope I can somehow mind-link with him. Catch onto my signal, idiot! He's into you. Feel the energy from my thoughts. Read me! Jace is clueless about my inner yelling. Ugh...he's such a guy. "Let's begin the evaluation." My baby interlocks his hand into mine. 

Our rings are visible. This bugs Dorian. "Of course, sir." He forces a smile and turns on his heels. JACE, COME ON! IT'S SO OBVIOUS! IF HE'S UNAWARE OF THIS, I SWEAR HE'S A DUMB GENIUS FOR REAL!! 

Dorian strides ahead, leading us to check in lanes full of metal detectors. We bypass the security check, having VIP perks. Drones navigate the halls on skinny tracks, handling large cardboard and trash. Conveyer belts whirl from every direction. Warehouse workers scan and stack packages into boxes-all in an assembly line. Other employees pallet jack, using miniature lifts to transport tapped-up cargo. 

Further down, robots construct frames of automobiles. Placing engines into car skeletons. It's literally like watching a "how it's made" video on YouTube. I gawk at the loading dock full of trucks filled to the rim. I've heard of the massive volume of the factory, but this is unbelievable! There are even planes flying in and taking off. This must be a new addition. 

We pass the cafeteria, which is full of vending machines and restaurants. Complete with a gaming lounge and 100-inch TVs. We catch the eyes of those inside. Their eyes fall on me before Jace. I guess because he's always here, so that's not a surprise. I'm the surprise. The glances are curious. As if I'm an alien passing by. Did Jace not bring other women here?  

The next area are the labs. Real-life laboratories with standard scientists in white coats and isolated rooms. A machine made of gears and beakers lines each one. The researchers grind crop residue, farm stalks, stems, and leaves, down to tiny pieces. A heating method comes after. I witness a conversion I never knew was possible. The crop dust transforms into oil. I look to Jace. "What's going on here?"  

"Carbon removal. Climate change is the world's biggest problem after starvation. This is the process of capturing natural carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and into oil to store underground."

"CO2 is degrading from our air." Dorian breaks it down for me. "This method will increase the levels drastically by the year 2050. That's how long we have until our air quality suffers greatly."  

I get scared. Holy shit! I knew pollution was horrible but is it this bad??? Jace senses my anxiety. "Don't worry. All the big tech industries are preventing that scenario. There won't be a doomsday." He kisses my forehead. This relaxes me.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Hart." Dorian apologizes, but it's faulty. "I should have worded that differently. I'm a bit blunt."

"That's alright...I just didn't know there was a timeframe."

Jace nods. "There is. The news doesn't want to alarm citizens. There would be outright chaos. So, this information is kept under wraps." We observe the conversion of plant life to oil. Hundreds of tubes jet the liquid downward.

"So, sir, are you satisfied with the assessment?"

"Yes, as always, Dorian. Your management never disappoints." He smiles proudly. "I have another task for you. Your brainstorming assistance is needed."

"Whatever you require, sir."

"Ms. Hart is in need of your help concerning her dance studio."

"Oh...a dance studio, that's so unexpected." Dorian's light voice tangles.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"I'll be glad to assist." His coffee eyes meet mine. He's trying to be sweet toward me; his attempt is almost convincing. Dorian can't fully clear the acidity from his eyes. "Let's step into my office." He guides us away from the lab to a hallway. The floor drones halt like cars to allow us, pedestrians, to cross. The office is window covered and themed the same; black and white. 

I take a seat in front of the desk while the manager sits. Jace stands. I guess to convey that he's not a subordinate. "I heard so much about your naming skill. I'm not as good at it."

"Well, everything takes time."

"Yes, it does."

A ring sounds from behind me. Jace's phone. "I'll be back." He says before stepping out. I hear him say, "hello?" just as the door closes.

"A dance studio is ideal for you, considering the video from YouTube."

I don't take offense. I accept that I seem how I appear in the video. "It is."

"What sort of routines will be taught?"

"Adult and family-friendly."

"Oh..." Dorian squints. "Family-friendly? I think that's unrealistic. No offense, but parents will not allow their children to join. Strictly because of the footage."

I remain collected, as Jace would. "I'll be sure to express that their children will be safe and well protected from obscenity."

He critiques me. The kind regard he had for me is slipping now that Jace has left. My appearance and outfit are picked apart by the touchy man. "Good to know." Dorian fakes a grin. "As for names, what comes to mind?"

"Some of them are bad." I grit my teeth.

"Please share. I'm here to help."

Is that true? Because it seems he's out to get me. Stalling will only draw out this awkward conversation. Denying will embarrass Jace. He went out of his way to encourage the studio and to ask for this favor. I don't want to humiliate him by bombing this meeting over something as petty as someone not liking me, "Hart Studio. Hart Shop Studio. Hart Beat Studio." 

Dorian laughs at me more than he should. "Those are bad. Did you even try???" He clowns.

Okay...I tried being civil! He's being ridiculous. "Look. I'm trying to overlook whatever you have against me. I'm only here because Jace dotes on your talent. This is business, so I suggest leaving personal baggage behind us." I snap. 

"I'm just being honest about the names, Ms. Hart."

I inhale and sigh heavily. "No...since I arrived here, you've been salty."

"I have no clue what you're talking about."

I stand and walk to the desk. "Don't play dumb. I know you're into Jace." Dorian stands and shushes me. His sight flashes toward the closed door in panic. "Am I right?"

He's on edge. If the term sweating bullets was real, it'd be him right now. "I'll adjust myself, Ms. Hart. Please refrain from mentioning my lack of professionalism to Mr. Harrison."

I cock a brow. "A sincere apology is needed. Unlike the one you just gave."

"I'm sorry." He admits honestly. "My behavior was out of line."

The door opens. Dorian clears his throat and conceals his panicked expression. I hear the sound of Jace's dress shoes tapping the floor. "Are you two done already?"

"Yes." Dorian nods. "We're just exchanging a handshake to sum up the meeting." He reaches for my hand. I play along and shake.

"Perfect." Jace wraps his arm around my waist. "I'm dying to hear the official name."

"InkHart Studio," Dorian answers cleverly.

I love the name! Despite the showdown, my time wasn't wasted. I even find inspiration for a logo. "We also decided that an ink-splattered tap shoe on a redwood floor would be the best logo."

"Hmm..." My fiancé is impressed. "You two got a lot done."

"What can I say?" I shrug. "We're a good team."

Dorian is caught off guard as to why I'm praising him. I'm not a bitch. I did correct him, but now I feel shitty. He's just hurt and chose to deal with it by being malicious. It's so easy to fall for Jace. I understand his circumstance a little too well. "Well, let's keep the day productive!" Jace gets stoked. "Starting with a graphic designer, then purchasing the lot." 

"Let's." I cheese. "It was lovely meeting you, Dorian."

"Likewise, if you need any more assistance, you know where to find me." His smile is warm and thankful.

Now that we're out of the office, I should ask Jace if he knows his lab manager is in love with him. But I'm not sure if he'll take offense. Or get annoyed...or be weirded out. Some guys are bizarre. Then again, if he gets that way, I could mention honesty. We're supposed to be transparent. Plus...I won't lie, it's hot. They're both attractive and intelligent. I'll try not to fantasize inappropriate scenes. 

The helicopter is parked in a pad out front. Of course, the press is piled behind the tall gates capturing pictures of us as we board. Jace uses his phone as a remote control. I find this to be the perfect time to ask before the helicopter goes into the air. "Can I ask you something?" 

"Sure, anything." He gives me his undivided attention.

"Do your workers have crushes on you?" I omit the love word, that'll make my question sound too loaded. I don't want to catch him off guard.

"I'm not sure about all of them."

"What about managers...?"

"Possibly."

"Which means yes." I probe.

"Does this have to do with Dorian?"

Oh...does this mean he knows? "I'm not sure if you're aware, but he has a thing for you."

"I know." Jace is nonchalant. I wish he wasn't, so I wouldn't be picturing same-sex positions. "Wow...you're nasty. At least try to hide your fantasizing." He pokes playfully.

I redden and lower my eyes. "I mean...can you blame me? It's a turn on. Plus, you told me to say when I'm attracted to something."

"I said attracted to someone."

"Well...I'm attracted to someone because they're attracted to you. So that counts." My mind wanders to the steamy place again. It involves the two in the 69 position. I visualize it a little too vividly.

"You dirty woman..." Jace sighs; then orders the chopper to fly.

"You probably wouldn't want to see my Pornhub account."

"Oh, yes, I do." I zip my mouth and toss away the key. "No way you're freakier than me."

We fly to Strygent Towers. I'm glad that this day kick-started my business. A spark lit my goal on fire, I need to keep it burning. Jace reserves a conference room for us. The graphic designer rips the logo from my mind. The ink-splattered tap shoe is like a candle stamp. 

The redwood floor is ruby and rich in color. Seeing what my mind thought up come to life is so damn surreal. This feels like a dream. This just happened so fast! The impact of it all dawns on me. Omg! I'm on my way to owning a business! What the hell?? I get so excited that I snap a picture to share with my fam. 

Lil: AHHH 😱

Mom: Is this what I think it is??😃

Jess: HELL YEAH 👻

Dad: It's amazing, princess, so proud of you!

Lil: Post it to Twitter 😎 you gotta flex, boo!

"Hmmm..." I mumble aloud, unsure if I can share it.

"What's that sound for?"

"Lil said I should post the logo on Twitter. I wouldn't want to if it's not protected."

"The trademark has just been finalized." The designer says.

"Whoa, what?"

"Express filing." The man, who reminds me of Edna Mode from The Incredibles, clarifies."

"That fast?!"

"The file was only awaiting the image. I arranged everything the day after you wrote the mission statement. Congratulations, Madi, you're a trademark owner." Jace admires my joy.

"Oh, my god!!" I sputter.

"You can share it as much as you want."

"Congratulations, Miss." The goth man claps.

"Thank you so much for bringing my thought to life!" I'm so overwhelmed and hyper that I get up to hug the designer. "The logo is incredible!" He gives me a quick one-arm hug. I'm guessing he isn't one for embracing. The guy looks like the type that repels dirt. OCD for sure. I bend to kiss Jace. "Thank you." I reinstall Twitter and view my account. I change my username from MadKateHart to Madison_Hart. I use the tags #HartLine and #Jace'sHart then link the picture. I caption it:

My dance studio logo 💃

The next conference is with a realtor who locates the plot I wanted. The one near the beach that cost $10 million. I'm stunned that it's still available. Jace purchases the lot as if he's buying candy. It's insane how fast he transfers the funds and seals the deal. "Now that the lot is chosen, construction can begin."

"I thought you said I'll be a better dancer in a year."

"The construction will take a while, don't worry."

"Good...because I think the bigger building is best, after all."

"Told you so." He winks. "Go big or go home."

"I definitely don't want to go home." I joke.

"I should take offense to that." Jace dazzles me with a wide smile. He stands and shakes the designer's hand. "Thank you, Alo."

"Pleasures all mine."

"Thank you," I repeat. The man stands and nods before departing. I fret about if my dancing is good enough to lead a studio.

"What are you stressing about?"

"I'm wondering if I'm good enough for all this. I should be practicing all day, nonstop, for it to be a passion."

"If you want, I can hire an instructor, so you're more confident."

"That'll work."

We can also brush up on our skills. There's a tango contest in Vegas next week."

Hmm...I'm only used to sexy dancing with him, not with a crowd. It's something new to try. "That sounds fun, let's do it."

"We can start now unless you're tired."

I check the time. It's 8 pm. I consider this early in the night. I can hang. "I'm up for it."