Page 53 of A Moment In Time

Gage looked at his coat and the snow on the floor around him. “Whoops. I’m making a mess.”

“It’s fine. It’ll give me something to do. What can I get you?”

He took a moment to think about what sounded good to him. “What kind of soup do you have?”

“Navy Bean. I only made the one today.”

“That sounds great. Can I get a turkey sandwich and two bowls of soup?”

“Sure. Who is the other bowl for?”

He sat on a stool. “I called Sydney and asked her to come in and help with the layout.”

“And she came?”

“Yeah. I’m not sure why. Or why she’s still there. I’ve been an ass since she arrived.”

“I think she misses you. Or maybe she misses the paper.”

He smiled. “I think it’s the paper, not me.”

“I’ll get your food. You want some coffee while you wait?”

“I’ve had more than enough coffee today.”

She nodded, then went into the kitchen. Gage stared at the pie cabinet, which only had a few pies in it, and thought about Sydney. It was great having her in the office. So why was he being a jerk? The layout was fine the way she had it. But he knew she’d change it for him.You’re such an ass.

When the food was ready, Gage gave Cassie a generous tip, then went out to brave the snow again. At least on the way back, the wind was behind him.

Like when Sydney had arrived, Gage came through the door with a gust of wind and snow. Sydney got up to take the food from him while he took off his jacket and shook off the snow. He hung it next to the wood stove in the corner of the room. He then removed his boots and set them next to the stove. Sydney glanced at his mismatched socks, but didn’t say anything as she handed him the bag of food. Gage took out one of the containers of soup and a spoon, then set it on her desk.

She cocked her head. “Didn’t I say I wasn’t hungry?”

“Just eat it.”

He returned to his desk, opened his soup, and unwrapped his sandwich. As he ate, he went through the photos for the paper. He chose the ones he wanted, then sent them to Sydney’s computer.

She looked at him through the doorway. “Is that all of them?”

“That’s it.”

“Thank you for the soup.”

“You’re welcome.”

She spent twenty minutes inserting the photographs while Gage ate. Then she looked at him again. “Do you want to look at this?”

“No. I trust you.”

“Really? Because you didn’t trust me an hour ago.”

He sighed. “Just wrap it up, Sydney.”

“I’ll feel better if you come look at it.”

He finished his last bite of soup, then stood and went to Sydney’s desk. She got to her feet, and he sat in her chair. It all looked good.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

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