Page 57 of Wood You Knot

We let Chef get back to taking and fulfilling orders and found a free bistro table to sit at to wait for our paninis. We talked for a few more minutes, mostly about casual things like work and how she was a little nervous about the upcoming fundraiser.

“Tabitha showed me the photos you sent her; they’re great, Sage. You’ve got a real talent,” I told her. “You’re going to do great.”

“I hope so.” She gave me a small smile. “It’d be nice to get some real business after…maybe do some more family sessions.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to pull that off,” I said with utter confidence. “Once they see what you’re capable of, there will be no shortage of jobs coming your way.” Sage appeared to blossom with that praise.

Before she could reply, Anya, the server, brought over our lavender rose lemonades, placing them in front of us with a flourish.

“Hi, Nix, who’s your girlfriend?” she asked, looking at Sage with interest. Anya was my younger brothers’ age, so I knew her through them—and from my frequent visits to the bistro.

Sage’s eyebrow lifted, and I smiled at her. “Well, I’m not sure if she’s ready for that label, though I’d like her to have it…this is Sage Whitaker. Sage, this is Anya Tillman. She’s friends with my brothers, Preston and Paxton.”

“Hi, Anya.” Sage smiled at her.

“Hey, welcome to town,” Anya said with a friendly grin before she turned to look at me. “How are your brothers these days? I haven’t seen them around.”

“They’ve been busy with their fishing tours and YouTube stuff,” I said. “They’ll be helping out at the fundraiser this Friday, though.”

“Ooh! Are they running the dunk tank again?” Anya got a mischievous look in her eyes. At the last fundraiser, she’d spent nearly a hundred dollars trying to dunk them.

“Yup,” I replied, and her smile widened.

“Excellent. I’ve been practicing my aim,” she said gleefully. “I’ll be back shortly with your paninis,” she added before heading back to the service counter.

“It’s so strange how everyone seems to know everyone else so well.” Sage laughed awkwardly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It wasn’t like this in Guelph. I mean, people were nice, but not this nice. And they rarely remembered your name unless you were wearing a name tag. Everyone seems to know me sight unseen, though. Or they can tell I’m new here and want to know who I am, so they come up and straight up ask me.”

“Yeah, I can see how that would be strange. But they mean no harm.”

“Oh, I know that. Everyone’s been so friendly and welcoming. I’m sure I’ll get used to it…it’s just definitely a different vibe. Takes some getting used to, I guess.” Sage smiled softly.

Chapter Twenty-One

Sage

The week passed quickly, and before I knew it, it was time for the Fall Fun Fundraiser.

It took me forever to decide on an outfit for the fundraiser, and in the end, I chose a pair of jeans and a frilly white top I paired with my olive-green jacket. I left my hair down and kept my makeup minimal, hoping I looked mature and professional.

I grabbed my camera bag and got my equipment ready. I’d left my batteries charging all day so they would have enough power, but I still triple-checked before putting them in the camera. Then I made sure I had a full memory card and a backup memory card—just in case. I had no idea how many people would want to use the photo booth, and I wanted to be prepared.

It was the first time I’d ever done anything remotely “professional” with my camera, and although it was a volunteer position, I’d be making a lot of connections, and I really didn’t want to mess it up.

I’d gotten some practice in the Sunday before with Tabitha’s family session, but since I considered them friends, it was hard for me to count that experience as a qualified session. The resulting photos had been beautiful, though.

Tabitha cried when I delivered them, and she’d immediately given me permission to share some of them on my Instagram. Which had already accumulated more followers since I started sharing more of the photos I’d taken since moving.

My business cards arrived the day before, and I made sure I tucked a thick stack of them into my bag to hand out. Isla had done an amazing job on my new logo, and I was beginning to feel like a professional photographer. Minus the professional jobs, but I was hoping that tonight would lead to a few.

“Come on, Mommy. We’re going to be late,” Daphne called out, spurring me into action.

“All right, all right. Hold your horses.” I grabbed my keys, and we headed out.

We arrived at Hartwood Creek Elementary School at a quarter to four, and the event started at five and ran until eight o’clock, although the photo booth would only be open for as long as the daylight lasted. I sat in my car for ten minutes, making Daphne sit with me. I was nervous, and my daughter could tell.

She leaned forward between the seats and wrapped her little arms around me in a hug. “It’s going to be okay, Mommy. You’ll do great.”

“Thank you, Squirt.” I bopped her nose. “Shall we do this, then?” Daphne nodded eagerly and opened the door, getting out of the car.

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