Page 29 of Perfectly Imperfect Us
I didn’t give it to her, couldn’t risk her damaging it in any way. But I did stand next to her and flip through the photos on the screen, showing her a sample of what I’d captured. Lacey hopped up to look over my shoulder too.
“Ryder. They’re beautiful!” Lacey’s hand came up to her mouth, her eyes wide.
Kadee did some sort of squealing, jumping thing that I took as a good sign.
Their reactions made the bonfire burn brighter, warming me up from the inside. With more than a little hesitancy, I walked over to Max, flipping through the photos so he could see too. Because of his earlier teasing, I wasn’t sure what he’d say. I prepared myself for criticism in the form of teasing simply because it was how we communicated all these years as best friends.
Max finally sat back in his camp chair, his face a mask, showing no emotion whatsoever. My neck got hot and it had nothing to do with the bonfire. I took a step to head back to Ava and lick my wounds, but Max cut me off.
“Dude, you’re wasting your talents.”
I spun back to him, anger burning hotter. Teasing was one thing. That comment was outright rude and I wasn’t going to take it anymore. “What’s your problem, man?”
Max stood up and the whole group seemed to inhale at the same time. We sized each other up for several long seconds before Max broke into a grin.
“You’re obviously a good model, but I think your real talent is photography.”
I exhaled, shoulders finally coming away from my ears. His praise washed over me. There was nothing I could say that would express how I felt hearing that from my oldest friend. I reached up and pulled him into a hug, one that included lots of back thumping and gulping to keep the emotion at bay. We finally let go and I could have sworn there was an extra shininess to his eyes too.
I headed back to Ava, placing my camera back in her bag before she jumped up to hug me, a “see, I told you” smile on her face. I sat down and pulled her back into my lap, needing to touch her like a small child needs their favorite blanket. She was quickly becoming the one person who could soothe my soul.
“They really are good, Ryder. Are you thinking of trying out a new career?” Lacey asked.
I shrugged as if the thought hadn’t been forefront in my brain for months. “I’ve considered it. Just not sure what that would look like or even if I’m good enough to do it professionally.”
Kadee smacked the arm rest of her camping chair. “Are you kidding me? If I had that talent, I’d be traveling all over the world shooting the shiny famous people.”
I chuckled at her description of my previous career. Like it was all fun and games instead of grueling hard work.
“The thing is, I don’t want to travel much anymore. I want to live here in Nickel Bay. I’ve done the traveling thing and I’m over it, you know?”
Heath finally piped up. “Then make them come to you. Or shoot nature shots and sell the photos like art pieces. Sell only to online magazines. Dude, there’s so many things you can do with your photography. Don’t discount it because you only know one side of the industry.”
“He’s right,” Lacey agreed. “I know a ton of country artists who need photographers for album cover shots, websites, promotional material. All that could be done fairly locally if you don’t mind working with lesser known artists. Just because you were in the fashion industry as a model doesn’t mean you have to be in fashion for photography.”
My ribs felt like they were expanding beyond their capabilities. My friends were so confident in my abilities, they were brainstorming careers for me.
“I’ll take all that under advisement.” I nodded and looked them each in the eyes. “I appreciate you supporting me.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Skylar said and they all nodded in agreement.
Max caught my eyes. “And I owe you an apology. I reverted to teasing you the other day at the carnival when I should have simply supported you. I didn’t realize what this meant to you and I should have asked before opening my big mouth. I’m sorry.”
I smiled and shook my head. “No worries, man. We’re good.”
Max nodded, and the conversation moved on amongst the group.
“Can I say it now?” Ava whispered in my ear, an impish smile on her gorgeous face. At my nod she sang into my ear. “I told you so…”
I poked her gently in the side and she doubled over giggling. I pulled her back from the brink of slipping off my lap and peppered her neck with kisses. I felt absolutely giddy. Anything and everything was possible.
A slow song came on the stereo, and with Lacey in charge of the playlist tonight, all the songs were of the country variety. I didn’t mind one bit. I had a plan to get my hands on Ava as much as she’d let me and dancing was just the vehicle I needed.
“Dance with me?” I grumbled in Ava’s ear as soon as she settled down from laughing.
She winked and my stomach flip-flopped, more excited than the day I got my first modeling gig. She stood and I followed, my hand on her back, directing her outside the ring of chairs. I took her hand and spun her to my side, eliciting a giggle on her sharp inhale. The air was cooler here, away from the bonfire. Perfect for snuggling close to the woman who set my heart on fire. Ava wrapped her arms around my neck and we swayed to the music, staring into each other’s eyes.
There wasn’t a dance floor, nor was dancing really done at bonfires, but I didn’t care. I wanted Ava in my arms and all to myself. We must have started a trend as Max and Skylar joined us on the next song. I didn’t care what the rest of them did.
