by Daria White
Once her ticket number was called, Leah settled into a corner booth and ate. She cut into her lunch attempting not to think about Brian. His gleaming smile still vivid in her mind, her efforts to push him aside failed her. Where did they go wrong? He had talked about leaving Piedmont Valley and living in a bigger city.
Wiping her fingers clean of barbeque sauce, Leah discarded her trash. She waved goodbye to Mack and exited the restaurant. She adored the family-oriented community of Piedmont Valley. It made her feel that much more loved outside of her immediate family.
Then Leah thought about her wish as she walked down the sidewalk. She fiddled with her earring. Was it ridiculous to wish for true love? She wondered if it would work. With a shake of her head, she dismissed the idea.
Leah made her way back to her boutique. Once inside her office, she pulled her lips in and sat in her office chair. She tapped her fingers against her lips, staring at the pictures on her laptop screen. Her eyes strained as she pondered the images, leaning forward as she scrolled through the photos. While her models displayed her apparel perfectly, it didn’t resonate.
She leaned back in her chair. Cole Parsons was back in town. She didn’t mind the photographer she had used before, but Cole’s work on her site would definitely catch new customers and more attention. She searched her cell phone for his number. Did he have the same number? She pressed her luck and called the current number she had for Cole.
A deep voice answered at the second ring. “Hello?”
Leah cleared her throat recognizing Cole’s voice. “Cole? It’s Leah.”
“I know. You still have the same number I see.”
A smile danced on her lips. “As do you. Did I catch you at a bad time? I can call back.”
“No, I was on a break. What’s up?”
Leah kneaded her shoulder. “I have a business proposition for you.”
“You don’t beat around the bush do you?” he replied. “I’m listening.”
“I’m working with a web designer for my boutique, but we’re having trouble with the pictures. I… I wanted to hire you.”
“Oh, really?” he said, sounding genuinely excited.
Hope fluttered inside her. “Yes, Cole. I need your expertise.”
“Are you free tomorrow? We can set up an appointment.”
“Not tomorrow, but what about this weekend? Friday after five?”
“Let me check my schedule.” There was a rustling sound in the background, but only a few seconds before he answered. “Friday works. Is five-thirty okay?”
She agreed, “Absolutely. Your office or mine?”
“We’ll meet at yours. That way I can see the store.”
Leah scheduled her meeting with Cole on her phone. “I appreciate this. You have no idea.”
“So, you still had my number all this time?” he wondered.
Leah swallowed. She wanted to curl in shame by not keeping in touch with him all these years. “I didn’t think you still had it.”
“I know what you mean. I meant to keep in touch when I left too, but what can I say. Life got in the way. That’s still no excuse, huh?” he said.
Leah fiddled with her earring, so happy he didn’t sound hurt or angry. She let out a deep breath. “I’m glad you understand, but you’re still right. I guess we both let life get in the way.”
“So, we’re even. But you’ve done well for yourself. Business must be good if you want to hire me.”
“It is. I never thought I would have an online store, but it’s going strong. What about you? How many stamps do you have in your passport?”
“I’m not one to brag, but a few.”
Leah beamed. “Everyone is proud of you and your success.”
“It’s all over town I see.”
She giggled. “It’s Piedmont Valley, Cole. Remember?”
“I should have known.” He cleared his throat. “Well, I need to get back to work.”
“Yeah, me too. I’ll see you this Friday.”
She hung up with Cole and twirled in her office chair filled with excitement. Her spirits soared for the first time since her break-up. Taking her business to another level would be her first step. The notion called to mind her mother’s words. Take time for yourself.
Leah tilted her head. Even while dating Brian, she hardly ever thought about herself—only about pleasing him. She pressed her fingers to her lips as she recalled one of their last conversations.
“Take a chance sometime, Leah,” Brian had said.
Her eyebrows had furrowed. “I thought you loved me for who I was.”
Brian had shrugged his shoulders as he walked to his Chrysler 200 in her driveway. “I do, but we all can change.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, Brian? I like who I am,” Leah had argued.
“I’m saying that you could loosen up more. I love you, but sometimes I don’t think you let yourself have fun.” Then he had left her standing on her porch.
Leah wrapped her arms around herself as she sat cross-legged in her office. Did he tire of her and lose interest? He had said he wanted new adventures. Leah was content where she was. Though she worked hard at her business, she didn’t give it the full attention it deserved—until now. Perhaps her mother was right. Maybe she needed to take advantage of her newfound singleness. Would it be so wrong to figure things out?
Chapter 5
Cole closed the door as he exited his dark room, still trying to wrap his head around Leah’s offer. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on his work since her call. His heart had thumped in his chest when he saw it was her. He glowed inside while they spoke. He then folded his arms. His dream manifested making him proud.
Who would have thought traveling the world with Pulitzer-prize-winning photographer Jennifer Steele would pioneer his own career? He gazed at his own printed photos that lined his brick hallway, swelling with pride. Nothing compared to clutching a camera in his hands. He loved capturing moments as if freezing them in time. It buoyed his spirit.
Parsons Photography had a pleasant ring to Cole’s ears. He rubbed his hands together as he took in the sight of his studio. The fifteen hundred square feet of space was perfect. A wall full of windows brought in natural light, while the exposed brick walls displayed character. The space even had the ability to block most of the light, if needed, and enough niches and nooks full of architectural details and small green spaces.
Then Leah’s business proposition crossed his mind. He bit his bottom lip, confident he could work with her professionally. Cole blew out his cheeks. He couldn’t deny her stunning presence at church. He had spent the rest of the afternoon trying to forget her jasmine scent or the way her petite frame fit in his embrace. Still, her smooth cinnamon skin had been soft to his strong hands.
The corners of Cole’s mouth quirked up. He entered the church that day unsure of what to expect. Then when recognition dawned on her face, he beamed. Seeing his old childhood friend recalled memories of the pranks they pulled in high school along with the many fundraisers they conducted as a senior class. For Leah to call wanting his services, she had to be doing well for herself. Looked like they’d both come a long way since high school.
He pivoted to the main lobby where his dad stood. Shoulders squared and forehead creased, his father’s eyes scrutinized the space.
“What do you think, Dad?”
His father gave a half shrug. “You got a nice place here.”
A compliment? We’re making progress. “I like it too.”
His father stroked his salt pepper beard. “How long do you plan on staying with Seth?”
“I’m looking at a few places; I haven’t found the one that feels like home.”
His Dad gave him a skeptical look. “Your mother’s hinted at you staying with us.”
Cole’s smile gave him away. “I’m a grown man. She knows that, right?”
“Not to her. Both of you boys are still her ‘babies.’ I’m glad you’re out of the house. You boys could pu
t away some food.” His dad laughed.
Cole’s mother was an exceptional cook. How could he deny her appetizing meals? He patted his flat stomach. “I have to watch it now. I can’t put that food away as I used too.”
His father gestured his thumb to the lunch bag on the chaise lounge in the room’s corner. “So, you’re going to throw away your lunch? Your mother thinks you’re wasting away as it is.”
Cole hustled to the lunch bag, ready to inhale his mother’s tasty roast beef. “I am eating. She didn’t see my plate on Sunday. I had two servings of her broccoli cheese casserole.”
His father raised his hands in a surrendered gesture. “I’m only the messenger. At least you get her roast beef sandwich. I’m stuck with a kale salad.”
“Want to share? I’ll split my sandwich for half of your salad.”
His father’s eyes sparkled. “My boy. I knew there was a reason I came here.”
“I thought it was to bring me lunch.”
His dad waggled his thick eyebrows.
Father and son sat across from each other, exchanging portions of their lunches like kids in a school cafeteria. Cole didn’t mind the kale salad, even though it left a faint aftertaste in his mouth. He didn’t blame his dad for complaining.
“Good to have you home, son,” his father said in between bites.
“Thanks, Dad.” His shoulders tensed. The conversation a complete one-eighty from the last one they had.
Cole wiped his hands with a napkin. He recalled the pain that gripped his chest that day.
“You really think you can make a living taking pictures?” his father had asked.
When Cole had insisted he’d make his own way, his father had given him a frosty look, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “Fine, Cole. Do what you want.” Then he’d walked away.
“See any of your old friends since you’ve been back?” His father’s voice brought him back to the present.
Cole took in a deep breath. “A few, like Tom and Jeremy. I heard Jake moved to California and I haven’t talked to Axel since high school. I… I saw Leah at church.” He rubbed his forehead feeling dizzy. “I’ll be seeing her around soon. She wants to hire me.”
His father’s eyes widened. “It looks like your business has paid off.”
Cole cleared his throat. The comment stung like a frozen lash. “You honestly didn’t think it would?”
His father dismissed his son’s comment with a wave. “Now don’t get all defensive. This is your thing. Let’s say your career wasn’t what I expected.”
Cole’s annoyance flared. Doctor or lawyer. Those where his options as a kid, so his choice of photography left his dad perplexed. Did it not matter he had found his niche? He sighed as he chewed the last of his sandwich.
****
Leah put her hands on her hips. With everything packed she placed the boxes in her garage. She no longer wanted the mementos Brian had bought in her house. The teddy bears had to go. Leah didn’t even realize how many she had until she combed through her home for spring-cleaning. She would give the stuffed animals to charity, knowing less fortunate children would appreciate them. They would probably like the cream-colored teddy bear with a bright red heart in the center of its chest.
Returning to her living room, she wrapped her arms around herself. Overall, it had been a pleasant day, and she looked forward to her weekend meeting with Cole. Leah’s head jerked toward her front door when she heard knocking. Looking through the peephole, she saw her best friend Gemma. Yanking the door open, she rushed to embrace her; oddly, feeling like it had been forever since she’d seen her last.
“How are you holding up?” Gemma asked, coming in and taking a seat on Leah’s couch.
“I’m taking one day at a time,” Leah said.
Gemma surveyed the living room. “Something’s different in here.”
Leah gestured to the empty corner by her television. “The teddy bear is gone.”
Gemma shivered. “The beady eyes on that thing always creeped me out.”
“You’re exaggerating.” Leah laughed.
“I’m serious. They followed me wherever I went.”
Leah sat next to her friend. “You’re too much.”
“So… why are you in yoga pants?” Gemma changed the subject.
Leah relaxed in her seat. “I’m home. Why do I need to dress up?”
Gemma crossed her arms over her chest. “Girls’ night out? How could you forget?”
“I just got dumped, so going out is the last thing on my mind.”
“Which is why you need a change of scenery. You’ve already done some cleaning, so now it’s time to have some fun.”
Leah undid her ponytail and ran her fingers through her chocolate brown curls. “Force me to leave my home, and I’m calling the police.”
Gemma wagged her finger. “Too bad my brother’s the sheriff.” She grinned.
Leah felt a quick stab of annoyance but pushed it away. “Fine.” She rose from her seat. “I’ll get dressed.”
Gemma clapped her hands. “Yay!”
Leah walked to her bedroom and changed into her emerald green jumper. She then sat in front of her mirror and applied eye shadow and mascara to her almond-shaped eyes. As she highlighted her arched eyebrows, she heard a tap on her bedroom door.
“It’s open,” she said.
Gemma opened the door and stood in the doorway leaning against the frame. “Are you okay? If you really don’t want to go, it’s fine. No pressure here.”
Leah hung her head for a moment. “I’ll be fine. You’re right.” She faced her friend with a genuine smile. “I need to get out of this house and have some fun.”
Gemma smoothed down the front of her off-the-shoulder shirt. “You never know who you might meet.”
Leah detected the tease in Gemma’s voice. “What’s that supposed to mean? I just got out of a relationship.”
Her friend’s eyes twinkled. “I’m not saying anything… but you never know.” Then her look turned serious. “Whenever you’re ready.”
Leah applied sheer lip-gloss to her bow-shaped lips. “I’ll know when I’m ready. Until then, I’m fine.” After tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she rose from her seat. She slipped her feet into her black wedged heels and retrieved her purse and phone.
“It’ll be fun. I promise,” Gemma assured her.
Leah smiled as they exited her house. The ride was short. As soon as Gemma parked in front of PV’s Bar and Grill, she jumped out of the car eager for their girls’ night out. Leah rubbed her hands on her thighs and then joined her best friend on the sidewalk.
“It will be fun.” Gemma winked. She looped her arm through Leah’s.
“Okay.” She forced a smile.
The owner, Mike, directed the ladies to their favorite booth in the corner. Leah ordered her beloved spinach artichoke dip, while Gemma requested stuffed mushrooms. Leah’s eyes scanned the restaurant. Big screen TVs, showing football and baseball games, hung from the corners of the room. She inhaled the faint smell of fries… her favorite snack she shared with Brian. She brushed her thumb against the condensation on her glass of water.
“Feeling better?” Gemma asked.
“It’s… different.”
“He hasn’t called has he?”
Leah’s hand carved through her hair, holding it back and then releasing it. “No, and I don’t expect him too. I might as well delete his number out of my phone.”
“It’s his loss.”
She tilted her head. “That’s what my dad said.”
Gemma took a sip of water. “How did your parents take the news?”
“Well, when they didn’t see Brian at church, my Mom asked. Plus, she heard he left town from Lonnie’s wife,” Leah explained.
Gemma pressed her lips together. “Bethany could never resist gossip.”
“You got that right.”
Her friend wrung her hands together. “So… I saw that Cole’s back in town.”
Warmth
spread through Leah, so she took a sip from her own water glass. “Yeah, I saw him. We talked after church.”
“I always thought he was cute.”
“I’m telling Chase!”
Gemma gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “He knows I love him. All I’m saying is Cole is handsome. Looks like the years have been good to him.”
Leah gave a half smile. “I agree.”
“Between him and Seth, I say you have your pick of the Parsons men.”
Leah threaded a hand through her hair. “Not ready for that, and even if I was, the ‘Parsons men’ have already done a number on me. I don’t want a repeat of that.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“Anything else you want besides the mushrooms?”
Gemma studied the menu. “Maybe… the salmon.”
Leah appreciated Gemma getting her out of the house. Her best friend sensed when to give her space, but also when to give a push in the right direction.
Gemma slipped her a curious glance. “You sure you’re okay?”
She swatted away her concern. “You worry too much; I’ll be fine. It’s going to take time.” She rubbed her forearms. “It’s amazing how you can want something so much, and you think you and the other person are on the same page. Brian and I weren’t even in the same book.”
Gemma gave a half shrug. “That happens, but that’s the risk in relationships. I can’t tell you it will be easy, but when it’s the right guy for you, you’ll know.”
Leah cleared her throat. “We’ll see.”
Gemma touched her hand to her heart. “You’re not giving up, are you?”
“No, but I think I may need to…”
“What?” Her friend’s right eyebrow shot up.
“Maybe I need to slow down. There’s really no rush, right?”
“No, but don’t do that because you’re hurt. You’re too good of a person to close yourself off.”
