Page 13 of Pumpkins & Promises
"We don't have to," I say quickly. "I can figure out something else."
But Emily's already shaking her head. "No, it's fine. Actually, it's smart. We should take a new one too, just to have options."
We walk outside, where the morning light is filtering through the maple trees that line Main Street. Emily positions us near the Novel Sips storefront, where hand-painted autumn leaves decorate the windows.
"Okay," she says, "how do you want to do this?"
I hold up my phone, trying to find an angle that looks natural rather than staged. "Maybe just close together? Like we're sharing something funny?"
Emily steps closer, and I can smell that apple-cinnamon scent that seems to follow her everywhere. She tilts her head toward mine as I hold up the phone, and for the camera, she smiles like someone who's genuinely happy to be here.
"Perfect," I say, taking several shots. In the best one, Emily's laughing at something I apparently just said, and I'm looking at her instead of the camera, like I'm more interested in her reaction than the photo itself.
Which, I realize as I look at the image, might not have been entirely acting.
"Good?" Emily asks, looking over my shoulder at the phone screen.
"Yes. Really good." I show her the photo. "What do you think?"
"I think we look like people who actually like each other," she says, and there's something in her voice I can't quite identify.
I post the photo with a simple caption:Sometimes the best research happens over coffee and good company. #SmallTownLife #WriterLife #GoodCompany
Within minutes, the likes and comments start rolling in.
Who's the girl? She's gorgeous!
About time you posted something personal!
New muse alert! She looks like a keeper!
Love seeing you happy, Wesley. Small town life suits you.
"Wow," Emily says, reading over my shoulder. "People are really excited about this."
"Yeah," I say, watching the engagement numbers climb. "Oscar is going to be thrilled."
But as more comments appear, I start to notice a pattern that makes my stomach tighten.
Finally, a fresh chapter in the Wesley Thorne story!
Loving this comeback narrative. Rural girl saves city writer?
She's so different from Vanessa. Much more down-to-earth. Perfect for your image rehab.
Your comeback muse! She's going to be great for your brand.
Emily's gone very quiet beside me, and when I look at her, her expression has changed completely.
"Emily?"
"I need to go," she says, standing abruptly. "I just remembered I promised Mom I'd help with something."
"Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"
"No, it's fine. Everything's fine." But she's already gathering her purse, avoiding eye contact. "The photo turned out great. I'm sure your agent will be pleased."
Chapter Five
