Page 8 of Forever Love-Reimagined

“Okay, it will be a low-key celebration.” I would pick up some wine and flowers on the way home. That would probably be a nice gesture.

“Thanks, Blake. I guess I didn’t realize how much I was holding in. This was a much-needed discussion.”

I was glad that she got what she needed out of this. However, I wasn’t sure I had. But knowing what I did now, at least I had direction.

“Here’s your lunch. Please let me know if everything’s to your liking.” The server interrupted our conversation, gave me a pointed stare, and then turned to Steph. “If you need anything else, just ask. Would you like more iced tea?” He questioned as he unabashedly checked her out.

“Uh, yeah, that would be perfect, thank you,” Steph responded with what looked like a flirtatious smile.

Surely, my mind was playing tricks on me. Steph wouldn’t flirt with someone in front of me. Would she? No way. We were in a good place right now—on track. I shook those negative thoughts away.

“Everything looks wonderful. We’ll signal when we’re ready for the check. Thanks.” I said to him dismissively. “So, anyway, back to our conversation. We decided to spend more time together, but you never really answered about the party. Do you think you’d want to go? I’d love to have you come, and Ty will be there.” I added that like it was a bonus.

I took a bite of my chicken, and she looked at her phone again.

“It doesn’t look like I have to work that night, so I should be able to make it.” She still didn’t give me a solid answer, but it was better than a flat-out no. “But I have to head out. I’m meeting a friend before work. I’m glad we could do this.” She had already finished her food before I was even halfway done. “I’ll see you tonight, baby.” She got up and kissed me on the cheek before marching out like she was on a runway.

I sat at the table and continued eating my lunch. That conversation left me a little iffy about where we were, but at least there was hope to be had.

Chapter Five

Leia- Monday

Even though my thoughts were preoccupied, my day continued without a hitch. My 9:30 appointment had been a husband and wife who were looking to get the spark back in their marriage. What better way to do that than take racy photos together? They seemed to enjoy the closeness the photoshoot brought them, and I hoped it was what they needed to fuel their fire. I loved that my studio specialized in tasteful yet erotic shoots because it allowed me to uniquely showcase my artistry.

My pictures may have been a bit of a niche market, but I was surprisingly busy. I booked out weeks in advance and made more than enough money to fund my carefree lifestyle. I’d never been one to bend to societal norms, and my work was no different. There would always be those who opposed the sexual nature my job promoted, but the joy and sense of freedom it brought my clients made it all worth it. After I wrapped up the last shoot of the day, Haley booked the next appointment with the client and then locked the door behind them.

“Hey, boss. I’ll put the props and costumes away. Are you going to start editing tonight?”

“I think I’ll call Shannon to get together for a drink and try to have a relaxing evening. This day has been odd, to say the least, and I could use some normalcy.” I also needed to talk to my bestie about my strange run-in today and see what she thought it meant and how I could get her out of my head.

Shanny was always down for refreshments and the potential to hook up with someone, so I had no doubt she’d meet me at our favorite bar. I still had to finish putting my equipment away, but I figured if I texted her now, it would give her enough time to meet me.

Me: Double Shift in thirty?

I’d barely hit send before the three dots on her end started dancing around.

Shannon: I’m already here.

Me: Don’t leave with anyone before I get there, and save me a drink. I need to talk.

Shannon: Can’t make any promises. There are some rather fine ladies here tonight. Hurry your ass up!

Well, that settled it. I would leave the cleanup until tomorrow. “Haley, I’m heading out for the night. Do you have any plans?” After the words were out of my mouth, I realized that might have sounded like an invitation, which I wouldn’t mind her coming along, but she didn’t seem like the lesbian bar type.

“Adam and I might watch a movie or something, I’m not sure what he’ll decide on. He is so opinionated about what we do.” She chuckled and slightly rolled her eyes. “One minute he wants to watch a movie, the next minute he wants to go out to eat, then he wants to?—”

“Let me stop you right there. Since you’re not sure what he wants to do, why don’t you forget about putting all this stuff away and figure out your evening? We can both come back in the morning—8:00 a.m. sharp, and take care of this mess.”

“Oh, I don’t mind doing it now. That’s what you pay me for. Besides, your first client is coming in early to look at their prints. You do have them all laid out, right?”

“Yes, Mom. I’ve finished all my homework. Now, can I go play with my friend?” I asked jokingly.

“Hey, I’m your assistant, and what good would I be if I didn’t remind you of your obligations? Just doing my job. If you don’t like it, too bad. I’m not letting something slip through the cracks. My anxiety won’t allow it.” She shrugged her shoulders in a “what can you do” manner.

“All right,” I said, knowing she was right. “I’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tomorrow morning. Have a good night, and please don’t work too long.” I unlocked the door and headed out. I was ready to meet Shannon and possibly someone else to help me clear my head.

When I got to Double Shift, I saw Shanny sitting at the bar. I’d recognize her short blonde pixie anywhere. She appeared to be chatting up some Kristen Stewart lookalike.

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