Page 28 of The Friendly Fall

“That sounds perfect,” I say to her. “I’ll meet you there.”

By the time I walk into Parker’s Pizza, I’m feeling giddy about dinner. I was hoping to make friends while here, and Vanessa and I immediately clicked.

I’m not sure how into photography she is, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy to have a new girlfriend—or at least the beginnings of one.

“Hey!” She waves me down from one of the booths in the back. Her long dark hair falls in waves, and I can’t deny the fact that she’s model-gorgeous.

My mind flashes to Nick.

Apparently, West Falls isfullof model-gorgeous people.It must be the water or something.

“Thanks for inviting me to dinner,” I say as I slide into the booth.

“Of course.” Vanessa beams, her chestnut-colored eyes alight in the glow of the lamp hanging between us. “I think you’re pretty cool.”

“Oh, thanks.” I laugh, tilting my head and placing my hand under my chin.

She grins. “It’s just so nice to have a woman my age around here.”

“I take it you’re notfrom here?” I smile.

“Nope. I moved here after Daniel and I got married. We met in college.”

“That’s sweet,” I say, ignoring the pang of jealousy that she’s married.

“Oh, hardly,” Vanessa waves me off. “I had gone to economics class one day, even though I wasn’t feeling well, and on my way out, I literally puked all over some poor guy’s shoes. As it turns out, that poor guy was Daniel, and the rest is history.”

I burst into laughter. “Love at first vomit.”

“Exactly.” Vanessa laughs. “Disgusting.”

“And funny,” I point out, just as the waitress sets down two glasses of water on the table. We decide to order a cheese pizza to split between the two of us.

I take in the small pizza place, surprisingly impressed. “This is really nice.”

“Yeah, it’s been here forever, apparently,” Vanessa says with a shrug, taking a sip of water. “Most of the businesses have been. Occasionally, something new will move in and usually, everyone supports it.”

“But occasionally they don’t?” I offer up, curiosity getting the best of me.

“Only if it’s a competitor or some kind of chain.” She pauses for a moment, before looking up at me. “So … Nick Walters has been doing some work at your granny’s place?”

My stomach does a weird flip flop. “Yeah, he’s building a new ramp. The old one was in bad shape.”Never mind the fact I fell through it.

“He’s always doing stuff like that,” she comments, pushing some of her dark hair out of her face. “Nick is seriously one of the most giving people I’ve ever met—even more so than Daniel.”

“Yeah, he seems like a really good guy,” I say awkwardly, shifting in the booth. “I don’t really know him all that well, though.”

Vanessa gives me a sly smile. “I saw the pictures you posted of him on Instagram. Girl, those werefire.I was super impressed.”

“Thanks.” I feel the heat rush to my face. “I don’t think Nick was super thrilled with the idea of being my model, but I really need some content for my portfolio. Maybe I could take your pictures, too?”

She nods. “Absolutely. I’m more than happy to model for you. Besides, after that class, I don’t think photography is my calling.”

I giggle. “That’s okay, less competition for me.”

“Exactly,” she says, shooting me a dramatic wink. “Take this town by storm, Eliza Willis.”

I burst into a full-blown fit of laughter. “No promises. But I’ll do my best.”

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