Page 19 of The Friendly Fall

Thank goodness no one saw that.

I push myself upward, letting out a sigh. I hope Nick finishes the ramp sooner rather than later. I’m already tired of listening to the sounds ofthe construction.

“Did you see the invite for the photography class?” Granny peeks into my room, wiggling her eyebrows. “She said she sent it over to you on Facebook.”

I smile. “I got it! I RSVP’d a few minutes ago. She must be really gung-ho about it, too, because it’s tomorrow.”

“Well, I think she just loved the idea of you being interested.” Granny giggles.

“Thanks for pulling those strings for me, Granny. I appreciate it.”

“Oh, don’t sweat it.” She waves me off. “Just don’t be surprised if you’re the only one there.”

“That just means more one-on-one time for me.” I smile.

The photography class isjustwhat I need as a distraction. And the prospect of starting something new has me feeling like maybe I made the right decision to move here.

“That’s my girl.” She laughs. “Well, Nick is about done for the evening. But he said it’s going to be a bigger project than he originally expected. Once he gets the old wood torn down, he’s going to do some dirt work.”

“Of course,” I mutter, but keep a smile on my face. “I think he’s just taking his sweet time so he can charge us more money.”

“I think he’s just hanging around because he likes talking to you.”

I shake my head. “Yeah, right.”

“Oh, come on,” Granny urges. “You need to make friends around here especially if you plan to stick around for any length of time. It’s good to know people. You never know when you’ll need their help, or when they could useyourhelp.”

I hesitate, loving the idea of giving back, but not the idea of trying to make new friends. It’s never been a strong point for me.

But this is supposed to be a fresh start.

I should probably put myself out there more.

“I’ll make friends with Nick,” I finally say, and Granny’s face illuminates with a smile. I don’t read into it, and get back to my work, doing my best to look like I’m busy.

I don’t feel like making friendsright this second.

The alarm on my phone goes off, but I’m already ready to go to class. My new camera is packed away in a chic camera bag I found discounted on Amazon (turns out theydodeliver to the middle of nowhere), which conveniently fits my laptop and a notepad as well.

I stuff everything I can fit inside to cover my bases—just in case.

I sling the bag over my shoulder and step in front of the full-length mirror for one last outfit check before leaving. I went with faded jeans and a burnt orange flannel. My blonde hair falls just below my shoulders, and while minimal, Idohave makeup on for a change.

I’m feeling …fall-ish.

This is the first real outing I’ve had since arriving in West Falls about a week ago. Up until now, I haven’t been ready to show my face in the community.

Figured I’d let the dust settle on the gossip surrounding my embarrassing first day in town.

“You look very pretty,” Granny says as I enter the kitchen a few moments later. “If any boys are there, they’ll be drooling over you.”

“I don’t think so,” I say quickly, shaking my head. I’ve never been the girl thatstood out,per se. “But thanks,” I add, remembering to be polite and take the compliment. My eyes lift toward the front window, just to double-check that my plan is working out accordingly.

Phew. He’s not here yet.

I don’t mind running into Nick, but it’s just easier not to.

I blame the fact that he had to rescue me from the mid-landing of an access ramp for my avoidance.

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