Page 45 of The Friendly Fall

It’s true that the photos turned out beautifully, capturing genuine moments between us. But would it be misleading to potential clients?

“I didn’t even think about that,” I admit, swirling my straw in my water glass. “Do you really think they’re good enough to include?”

“Absolutely,” Nick replies without hesitation. “Plus, we do look pretty good together, if I do say so myself.” He winks.

“Okay, okay, fine. I’ll consider it.” I laugh. “But how the heck am I ever going to repay you? If I post those photos, you’ll have been my modeltwice.”

Nick grins mischievously. “I have an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“You let me teach you how to drive your Granny’s truck and we can call it even,” he suggests.

“That’s how you’d like to be repaid? By doing meanotherfavor?” I shake my head, chuckling at his proposal. “You’re something else, but deal. You teach me how to drive a stick shift, and I’ll add those photos to my portfolio.”

Nick’s grin widens at my agreement. “Deal.”

Our pizza finally arrives, and Nick and I continue to chatter as we eat, easily falling into a comfortable rhythm of conversation. We talk about everything and nothing, sharing stories, jokes, and opinions.

“And where did you learn how to be so handy?” I ask him.

Nick grins, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin before replying, “My dad. He was always working on something around the house when I was growing up. I used to shadow him, handing him tools or just watching him fix things. I guess it just rubbed off on me.”

“That’s really cool,” I say, impressed. “Was he a volunteer fireman too?” I wink, half-joking.

“No.” He smirks. “But he was the bravest man I knew; always putting others before himself, always ready to lend a helping hand. Even when he was sick with cancer, he still found ways to help out our neighbors and friends. I learned a lot from him, not just about fixing things but about being a good person.”

I feel a lump form in my throat at Nick’s words. It’s clear how much he admires his father, and I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness for the loss he experienced.

“He sounds like an amazing man,” I say softly, reaching out to squeeze Nick’s hand in a gesture of comfort.

He looks down at our hands, a soft smile playing on his lips. “He was. And I like to think that I’m carrying on his legacy in my own way.”

“You’re definitely making him proud,” I tell him, feeling a swell of emotion in my chest. “I can see his goodness in you.”

“Thank you, Eliza. That means a lot coming from you.” His voice is quiet, almost reverent, as if he’s sharing a part of himself that few others have seen.

And I feel honored to be let in.

“Wow,” I gasp as Nick slows the truck down as we reach the clearing of Botner Creek. “I had no idea this existed.”

“Yeah, my cabin is just over the hill.” He points to a gate in the trees. “This is my favorite spot. I come down here all the time … and the fall colors around it make it that much more beautiful.”

“I see why you like it.” I take in the clear stream of water, the river rock glistening under the soon-to-be setting sun. The clearing where the creek runs is surrounded by large trees, all speckled with a beautiful blend of yellow, orange, and red leaves.

“There’s a dirt road a little ways from here that’ll be perfect to practice on,” he explains, speeding up again. I won’t lie, watching the man shifting gears in the old truck had been strikingly entertaining. It’s like riding with a racecar driver.

Before I know it, we’ve arrived at what appears to be an endless dirt road. Nick and I have switched seats, and it’s my turn to drive.

Ready or not. This is happening.

“That’s the clutch.” Nick points to the pedal on the left. “You’re gonna press that down to shift gears.”

“I’m probably going to kill the engine,” I say, stomping the clutch and shifting the stick into first gear—well, what I think is first gear.

He’s got a glint in his eye that makes me smile, and I shake my head at him. “You’re gonna do just fine. Let off the clutch easy and give it a little gas.”

“I can’t mess it up, can I?” I give him a worried look before doing as he says.

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