I leaned back so I was looking into her face. I brushed the hair away and asked, “What happened? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She cleared her throat and pulled out of my arms. I wanted to stop her and hold her to me, but I didn’t. Her voice was soft and I had to lean in just to hear her. “I’m fine. Sorry for running into you.” The corner of her lips lifted into a small smile and then she walked away, with her perfume still lingering around me.
I watched her go. That was the last time that we ever talked. I saw her plenty of times after that, and she would give me a small smile, but she always walked away.
We graduated. She moved away and went to work at a photography studio. I never went to college, it wasn’t my thing. I have always been really good with computers and have made money doing online security for major companies. More than enough money to live off of until I’m old and gray.
A ping comes out of the speakers of my laptop. She’s replied.
Jared? My goodness, I can’t believe it’s you.
I don’t wait. I don’t want to lose my nerve.The photographer for my brother’s wedding cancelled. Are you available to shoot it this weekend?
As in two days from now?
Yes,I message her back.
Where’s the wedding?
Knoxville.
I’m in Nashville. I would love to, but I’m trying to open my new studio and funds are tight right now. I’m sorry. I would have loved to have seen you.
I start to type ‘I know’ but quickly delete it. Her profile doesn’t have her location on it and I’m sure if I tell her I know she’s in Nashville then she’s going to know something’s up. The truth is, I’ve kept tabs on her the last four years. Well, electronic tabs. I know everything she posts, the storefront she’s looking at, hell, I follow her Pinterest board and know exactly what she wants her studio to look like, her future house to look like. I know way more than I probably should. But I can’t apologize for it.
I’m trying not to sound desperate, but I have to get her here. I need to come up with something and quick. I’m going to pay her and I about type $50k but I figure that would probably scare her off. That’s a little crazy even for me. Even though I’ve seen her work and she is one of the best.
I would pay you. I figure if you travel here for the rehearsal dinner, the wedding and if you could stay a few days afterwards I would love to have you take some pictures of property I’m trying to sell. $25,000? And of course I’ll pay for travel, food and lodging.
Her profile moves down the message so I know she has seen it. But after a few seconds, she doesn’t reply.
$30,000?I type and hit send. I don’t even think about it, I’ll pay whatever I have to to get her here.
The little bubble pops up to let me know she’s typing.No! That’s crazy. If you pay for lodging, food and travel I will do it for free. I don’t feel right charging you.
Krissy
You want to talk about a surprise. I can’t believe it’s been four years since I’ve seen or heard from Jared and when I do he’s offering to pay me $30,000 to come and take pictures. How does he even know I’m a photographer now?
Jared was always quiet in school. He usually had his nose in a book or a computer. He was nice to me though. I think back to my senior year. I had just found out my parents were getting a divorce and fell apart in the hallway. He held me, and I swear I can still remember how it felt to be in his arms. After that, I was embarrassed. I had always liked him, but I knew he didn’t think of me like that so I avoided him.
$30K Krissy. That’s the deal. Can you fly out Friday morning?
I should probably tell him yes to the money. I could definitely use it. It would be a big help, but I was honest when I told him that I didn’t feel right letting him pay me. I know we weren’t close in high school. But to this day, I’ve always thought of him as a friend.
Yes. We’ll talk about payment when I get there.
I’ll send you the travel itinerary, tickets and traveling money in the morning.
I stare at my computer and the bubbles pop up letting me know he’s typing something.I can’t wait to see you again, Krissy.
I sit back in my chair and insecurity comes over me. I shouldn’t let it and normally I wouldn’t but I want him to like me. I look down at the extra padding on my stomach and thighs. He’s probably expecting the cheerleader from high school and that’s not who I am. Not anymore.
I close my laptop and lie down, dreaming of him.
Chapter2
Jared