Page 46 of Happily Ever Laughter

First thing in the morning, I grab my phone like a lifeline, checking for a message from Felix. Nothing.

Even though I asked for some space, I was positive that he would at least call or text about adding my name to the credits.

Unless it’s too late.

I could see him not wanting to leave that sort of information in a text.

Even though I’m the one who’s been wronged, I hated seeing his face fall yesterday. Of course I know that accidents happen, but how on earth could it have happened on my very first job?

The whole thing is tainted now. Imperfect. Spoiled.

That doesn’t make a lick of sense, but my brain is turning in circles over and back on itself.

The thing that ticks me off the most is how much I miss Felix. Even though it’s only been a day.

The logical portion of my mind says that there’s no way I could be this deeply in love with him already. But I am.

Checking the time, I see that I slept in terribly, but that’s what people are supposed to do on their days off, aren’t they? Setting the phone back down, I get up and dress. I need to get out of this apartment.

As I fuss around getting ready, it hits me. The creative process is how an artist releases their emotions. I had laid myself raw for the first time, allowing a large group of people to see my work. It is also the first time I’ve bared my heart and soul to a man before.

No wonder I’m completely oversensitive, and tearing up at the drop of a hat.

Grabbing my phone, I make a note to film a hat dropping, in case that ever comes up someday.

Slinging on my camera case, I walk outside, wandering in no particular direction, as I shoot some video clips of plants in my neighbors’ gardens.

Aside from the two other apartment buildings identical to mine, this entire neighborhood is small family houses. I know it’s the ultimate dream of most people, to buy a house someday, but it’s never really occurred to me.

It’s the kind of thing one does with a partner. Someone they will be spending their entire lives with.

Wiping away another tear, I stare down at a perfect pink and white rose.

Some people make a wish on a star, or the moon. Does it make any sense to make a wish on a rose?

Who cares. I’m going to.

I need Felix to be the one. I need for the mishap with the credits to have been an accident. I need him to be a good guy that I can trust.

And even though I don’t want to admit it to myself, I want to be the girl he chases after, so that I can honestly believe I’m worthy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

~ Felix ~

Taking a deep breath, I stare at the map. Come on, Tanis, baby...where would you go?

There are several coffee and breakfast places to the east, and two parks to the west.

Closing my eyes, I try to imagine where Tanis would go if she were upset. She enjoys comfort food, but doesn't normally eat so early. I don’t think she would want to be near people. Would she take a walk in a park?

No. Not a walk...she’d be shooting videos of the plants in the park.

She’d be upset, then she’d get angry, and want to channel that into building her video library back up.

Slamming the van into gear, I tear down the street, pulling up minutes later beside the largest of the two parks. Scanning the area quickly, I see there is a flower garden in the center.

I sling on my laptop bag and grab my phone, noting the time is ten fifty-three.

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