Page 9 of Why Not Now?

I pull my wallet from my back pocket and fish out one of my business cards. “If you need another ride. It’s a long trek from here to Blue Vista. With all the camera equipment, I’m happy to come get you.”

She takes the card, reading it.

“Isn’t this...” She trails off and I wait for her to finish. “Your cell number. It’s the same as in high school.”

How does she remember that? Especially since she’s never decided to use it in the eight years, seven months, and three days since we broke up.

I shrug. “Never felt the need to change it.”

“Thanks, Derek.”

I nod and turn back to my car, determinedly not looking at her again. I try to convince myself that my heart is not aching. I don’t want her anymore. I’m over her, and I have been for a long time.

I get into my car and take out my phone, sending a text.

Me:

I’m going to need to know every wedding Cindy and her team are booked to shoot.

I wait for a moment to see if he answers. He might already be busy with Lis. I look at the house in the darkness. It really could use a good pressure wash. Maybe in the spring—

My phone dings before I can finish the thought.

Spencer:

What for?

I hesitate. How much do I tell him? I’d mentioned to him that Ava and I had dated, but hadn’t said anything else.

Spencer:

Is there going to be a problem?

Me:

No problem. Just want to make sure it’s not awkward.

Spencer:

Okay. I’ll get you the dates this week. But I don’t think they’re back until November.

I sigh with relief. We have a few more weddings coming up, but they’d already had photographers booked when Vic signed the contract with Cindy. She and her team are only scheduled for a few more over the rest of this year.

Spencer is going to ask me about this later. He’ll give me time, but Spencer will want to be sure my past relationship doesn’t mess with our current business. He won’t tell Vic or Adalie unless I make it a problem. And I am determined not to let this be a problem.

I chuck my phone on the passenger seat, drop my head against the steering wheel and groan.

What the fuck am I doing?

Chapter 3

Ava

Iwouldliketosay I put Derek out of my mind for the two months between the last wedding and today, when I would see him next. Unfortunately, I’d be lying. The smell of amber and cardamom has lingered, reminding me how it felt to be held in his arms, how his smile used to make me feel like I didn’t have to be any more than I was to be important. The memory of him in those darn grey sweatpants hasn’t helped either. That t-shirt he’d worn hadn’t been much better. He’d always been fit, taking part in the school track-and-field team and continuing to run and exercise after we graduated. The way the fabric had clung to him showed me he’d clearly kept up with that practice.

Stupid Derek and his stupid hot body. Stupid me and my stupid libido and memories of how it used to be. I’ve been anticipating the wedding tonight—seeing him again—since he’d given me his business card. Though whether it’s nervous anticipation or excited anticipation, I have no clue.

I park in front of my house after working the morning shift at one of my three jobs and rush inside to get changed out of the restaurant’s ugly yellow shirt. I have fifteen minutes to change and grab my camera and equipment if I’m going to make it to Blue Vista on time for the wedding this afternoon.

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