Page 3 of Twist of Date

Stella Young is an old friend of mine from college and a master behind the lens. After nearly a decade traveling the world as a photojournalist, she’s finally planting her feet on the ground by moving to Indy.

It wasn’t by choice, but more out of loyalty to her family. Her sister and niece need a place to live and help getting on their feet after Stella’s brother-in-law up and left them. I don’t know the details, though I suspect it’s only a matter of time before I do. As sad as the situation is, it’s bringing my dear friend home.

She must have a sixth sense about my thoughts because my phone pings with an incoming text from her.

Stella

FYI, my flight time changed again. It’s now going to land at 9 am on Saturday.

Me:

No problem. I’m free all day.

Since when do you take Saturdays off?

Since one of my best friends decided to move to town and I miss her like mad.

So you’re still a workaholic, just making an exception for me?

Pretty much.

Just sounds like you’re in need of some more , less work. Amiright?

And to think I was excited to see your face.

my face is adorable.

you should be excited, we can prowl the streets of downtown together. Find us some top notch

ha! Not gonna happen on the streets of downtown Indy. Why don’t you just come to one of my speed dating events?

maybe.

say yes.

We will see. I gotta go.

Sure you do.


Smiling, I tuck my phone into the pocket of my cardigan. I decide that since I have a little under two hours before my new client meeting, I’m going to spend some time downstairs at Sweet Wave, the cute little café on the first floor of the building.

While our office is scattered with windows, and there is a good amount of natural light gracing my office, there is some cozy window seating in the café that the sun just pours into the room at. It makes for a great break-from-your-space spot. Hoping there’s a seat, I’d love to bask in some sun for a bit.

I’m not a huge fan of winter weather and while we’ve had a mild winter, last week, we had a snowstorm and, well, I’m sick of the dreary weather and cold. I miss the hot sun on my face and the warm breeze on my skin.

Several minutes later, I’m happy to see a table open and I gladly slide into the seat after ordering an iced tea and turkey, apple, cheddar bagel for a quick lunch. While Sweet Waves doesn’t make the bagels in-house, they are delivered fresh each morning from the bagel shop on the other side of downtown. Their specialty is brews and sweets such as brownies, bars, cookies, and cupcakes.

While we have some great office space upstairs, and my own office is my second home, I love escaping to the café once a week for some sun, sweets, caffeine, and people watching.

After reviewing my notes on the new client I’m meeting with, as well as the agenda for tomorrow’s team meeting, I hear a familiar voice.

“Hey, boo.” I look up and see Hazel, the manager of Sweet Wave.

I grin up at her. “Hey yourself.”