What’s that about?
“So, Alex, Sofia told me about your family’s cosmetic business, but I didn’t ask what you do,” Corinna said.
“I'm a nature photographer. I’ve also recently started working with some relief organizations as a photojournalist. I got back yesterday from a long project that took me all over Asia.”
“Oh, wait. Wait, wait, wait. Are you that Alex Rossi?”
Nodding, Alex answered, “Yeah, I guess I am?”
“Oh wow. Just putting it together. My co-worker mentioned one of your photographs recently. She’s a huge fan,” Corinna said excitedly.
“That’s wonderful to hear. I’m always so grateful for my supporters.”
“Well, I don’t know if you’d be willing to help, but Aria needs a photographer for one of her authors. She's apparently in a bad spot and is getting kind of desperate.”
Enzo chuckled. “Alex doesn't do that kind of?—”
Alex's elbow landed sharply in his upper arm, making him grimace.
“Sorry, man. Went to stretch. Didn’t mean to hit you,” Alex said as they glared at one another. “Aria, I'd be happy to do it. Send me the information and we can make a plan.”
Enzo and Sofia gawked at Alex as Enzo continued to rub his arm vigorously, garnering curious looks from the other women.
Corinna recovered quickly and said, “Perfect. See Aria? Problem solved. Here Alex, let me give you her phone number.” Corinna grabbed Alex's phone which he was retrieving from his pocket.
Aria shot her friend an incredulous look. “Alex, please don't feel obligated to do this.”
“I don’t mind at all. I'll call you over the weekend to set it up.
Adrian joined the group again and thanked them all for coming. Alex was grateful the attention was off him as everyone expressed how incredible his work was.
“Thank you so much. I appreciate that.”
An hour later, Aria stifled a yawn as she gave Corinna the nod that it was time to go.
“It’s been great to see you all, but I think I’ll head home. Adrian, I’ll be watching out for your work going forward. You truly have a gift. And Sofia, we have each other’s numbers now, so let’s get together soon,” Aria said.
Turning to Enzo and Alex, she continued. “Enzo, it was a pleasure. I’ll have to pass the word on about your gym. Alex, it’s great seeing you again.”
Sofia interjected, “I’m out too. It’s been a long day.” She hugged everyone goodbye as she gathered her things.
“Wait, I’ll walk you all out to your cars,” Alex said as he followed, telling Enzo and Adrian he’d be back.
Grabbing their jackets from the coat check counter, the ladies made their way out into the now cool evening, talking and making plans to meet up again soon.
Aria looked up at the twinkling stars and sighed. It was a clear night, and she could make out all her favorite constellations, once again reminding her of Nicholas and their shared a love of astronomy. Glancing at the phone, she was surprised at how late it was. She couldn’t remember the last time she was out past midnight.
“Aria, I can’t wait to spend some time with you,” Sofia said as she hugged them all goodbye again when her taxi pulled up. Alex waited until she was safely in and on her way.
“If you’re ready, I’ll see you all to your cars,” Alex said.
“Corinna and I came together,” Aria explained as they walked around the block to where they had parked her car.
Alex lingered for a bit and without a word, Corinna jumped in the passenger seat.
Aria couldn’t tell who was more nervous of the two.
“Alex, please don't feel obligated to do this photography job for me.”
