Page 41 of The Friendly Fall

The man is ripped, and it’s hard not to notice.

As if sensing my gaze on him, Nick looks up and catches me staring through the window. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips.

Oops.

I wave awkwardly before rushing to the door to greet him. “Hey, Nick,” I call out as I step onto the porch.

“Hey, Eliza,” he replies, his voice warm and friendly as he sets down his drill.

“I have exciting news,” I say, unable to contain my excitement.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“I got hired for a photoshoot next Saturday at Alison Nelson’s apple orchard! And it’s apayingjob!”

“Oh, no way! With the 4-H kids? I’m actually gonna be at that event. That’s incredible! I knew your talent wouldn’t go unnoticed for long. Congrats!” he exclaims, a proud grin spreading across his face.

“Thank you, thank you.” I give a small bow of gratitude, feeling a flutter in my chest at his genuine enthusiasm for my success.

Nick’s support means more to me than I care to admit.

And I’msohappy to hear he’s going to be there.

I grab my camera bag and tripod and head out to the apple orchard early Saturday morning. The air is crisp and the sun is just starting to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over everything it touches.

As I arrive, I spot Alison, the middle-aged owner. Her dark hair is pulled up in a bun and she greets me with a warm smile. “Welcome to the orchard, Eliza! It’s so nice to finally meet youin person!”

I return her smile and reach out to shake her hand, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside me. “It’s so nice to meet you, too!”

“I just love your grandmother. She’ssucha hoot.”

“Yes, she is.” I laugh. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, either.”

“Of course.” She chuckles. “Well, we’re thrilled to have you here today. Let me show you around.”

“Okay, great! Thank you. I can’t wait to get started!”

Alison leads me through the rows of apple trees, where groups of children are already starting to arrive, chattering and laughing as they prepare for their day of apple picking. The orchard is a photographer’s dream with rows upon rows of trees, heavy with bright red and green apples, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, and the distant sound of birdsong filling the air.

“This is where the kiddos will be picking apples,” Alison explains, gesturing towards a particularly picturesque area of the orchard. “I thought it would be perfect for you to capture some candid shots of them in action. And then you’re welcome to do a staged shoot as well, if you’d like!”

I nod eagerly, already envisioning what I’m going to do. “That sounds perfect. I think a combination of candid and staged shots will really showcase the beauty of this place and the fun the children are having.”

Alison claps her hands together. “I love your enthusiasm, Eliza!” She glances down at her watch. “I’ve gotta go welcome the kids, but before you leave, I’d love for you to stop by and see me. I’m notsure what your availability is, but I took a look at your photography page. You’re so talented, and I’d love for you to set up here and offer mini shoots on a more regular basis. We could work out an easy arrangement. I just know that my customers would love the option.”

“That would be amazing.” I smile. “I’ll definitely stop by before I leave.”

“Okay, great. Also, feel free to have a few apples for yourself,” Alison adds, shooting me a wink. “No need to starve out here. We have apple cider here, too.”

“Thank you!”

Chapter Fifteen

Nick

“Give me yourbiggestsmile,” Eliza instructs a group of three elementary-aged girls, all of whom are holding massive baskets filled with apples. “We want the whole world to know how excited you are to eat those later.”

One of the girls lets out a giggle, and I hear the shutter of Eliza’s lens going. I lean against one of the wooden railings separating the apple orchard from the Nelson’s hay field, watching with admiration.

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