Page 8 of The Mistletoe Bluff
Her shoulders shook in a fake shudder. “I think I’d rather poke myself in the eye with a fork.”
“What lovely imagery.”
Elsie’s light laugh filled the room before she patted the couch next to her. “I will accept your gratitude in the form of donuts or chocolate.”
I narrowed my eyes as I plopped down next to her. “My gratitude for what?”
Elsie rummaged in her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, flattening it out over her knee before she handed it to me with a smug smile.
It was an advertisement for theRising Star Photography Contest.
Hope wormed its way into my heart as I read the description.
“Where did you get this?” I whispered, holding it up to the light as if I had missed some crucial piece of information.
“Jameson is subscribed to theIowa Artist Gazette, and the flyer was inside the magazine.” She grabbed my hand. “The contest is based in England, but it’s open to international entrants, and it’s specifically for up-and-coming photographers. There’s prize money and the possibility of a contract with big photography agencies. This is your second chance, Maya.”
I slumped over on the couch, and a groan escaped my lips. “Maybe I’m not cut out for photography, Els.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she scoffed. “You gave me tough love with Jameson last year, and now I’m going to do the same. Your photos are amazing, and you know there’s nothing that makes you happier than when you’re taking pictures.
“The camera was made for you. I don’t know why Oliver won instead of you, but it doesn’t matter. You’re being given a second chancenow. Besides, even if it doesn’t work out, it won’t be the last opportunity. You were made for this, Maya. Don’t let your past keep you from living your dreams.”
“Being broke sure makes living out dreams hard,” I muttered under my breath.
“I heard that.” She scowled at me. “Did you even see the prize money?”
With a sigh, my eyes zeroed in on the massive amount listed on the flyer. I Googled how much it was in US dollars and almost fell off the couch. It was equivalent to ten thousand dollars!
My heart pounded in my chest and for a second, I wondered if I was having a heart attack. Or was a racing heart, sweaty palms, and erratic breathing normal? On second thought, maybe it was just a panic attack.
That money would pay off my debt and maybe even get Sunflower Fields off the ground.
“I did you a favor and scoured their website too. Second and third place also win a smaller amount of money. Even if you don’t win first place, you could still earn a little cash.” Elsie studied me. “I know you’re stressed about money.”
She was the only person who knew how in debt I was, and how much that prize would mean to me.
This was huge. This could be everything I’d been needing.
And yet…part of me still hesitated. It was a contest in England. What if Oliver entered too? He had to know about it already. What if he wonagain?
I couldn’t handle losing to him for a second time.
But I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try.
I flung an arm over my eyes in my usual dramatic fashion and said, “I’ll think about it.”
Elsie just laughed, knowing that’s all the commitment she’d get out of me. “I’ll take that donut or chocolate now.”
I pried myself from the couch cushions and went to raid my kitchen.
“Oh, just so you know, Jameson and I are planning a Friendsmas in a couple weeks so we can still celebrate with you before we head out of town,” Elsie said, and I paused my treat hunting.
“What the heck is Friendsmas?”
“Christmas with friends, silly. We’ll make dinner and open presents and be together.” She paused, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry we won’t be here to spend Christmas with you this year. I could—”
“Nope,” I interrupted. “You’re not getting out of reconnecting with your parents. I’ll be fine, Els. You enjoy Christmas with Jameson and your family, and I’ll enjoy some peace and quiet by myself.” I ignored the pang in my stomach, and the bitter taste on my tongue as the words came out.
