Page 83 of Call It Serendipity

“I’m not sure,” I admit. “Odd that it’s a mystery though, isn’t it?”

“Very odd. If we’re lucky, it’s the village trustees and this is just their way out of the Carpenter deal.”

“Is that a thing?”

“I’ve heard of it.” He shrugs, clearly done speculating. “What can I do for you today? Just the film?”

“Just the film. And a rush order if possible?”

He collects the canister from the counter and tucks it in the pocket of his white lab coat. Then he taps his nose twice. “You got it. Go grab a coffee next door and I’ll have it done in a flash.”

“Thank you!” I adjust my bag on my shoulder and head for the door. Just another example of why small-town life is superior.

I just never thought a part of me would be rooting against it now.

Stepping outside, I make a quick turn into Jitters and come face to face with the reason for my turncoat heart. “Jake,” I gasp, nearly walking right into him.

“I hope we never stop meeting like this,” he quips with that charming little twitch to his mouth. “But I’m surprised to see you out of the studio this early in the day.”

“That’s because I’m done.”

We step to the side when the door opens behind me, and more café patrons enter. Jake’s eyes shift into something warm, bright, and potent enough to make my heart flutter.

“You’re done with the whole series?”

“I am.” I beam. “Mr. Greene is developing the photos for the gallery as we speak and then it’s off to the post office.”

He starts to reach for me then hesitates, shifting to hold his coffee cup in both hands instead. I hoped maybe we were past this since the town meeting. I hoped he knew where I stood.

I take the paper travel cup and set it on the empty table we’ve backed ourselves against. I don’t need to say anything, he understands. One arm slides around my waist. The other lifts, his hand cradling my cheek.

“I am so proud of you,” he murmurs, his face tipped close enough that our noses nearly touch.

“Thanks for the jump start,” I whisper back.

“So, what you’re saying is that I’m the wind beneath your wings?”

I roll my eyes.

“The oxygen to your spark?”

“Exactly,” I concede on a giggle.

But it’s true, isn’t it? Jake was the unexpected source of my inspiration just when I needed it most. I know what he would call that.

Serendipity.

He flicks his finger under my chin and picks his coffee back up. “How about some company on this final leg of the journey?”

“Don’t you have work to do? Now that someone is threatening to pull the property out from under you?”

“It can wait.” He shrugs. “We need to celebrate.”

“We have dinner plans already.”

With the arm still around my waist, he guides me towards the coffee counter. “We’re not waiting all day to celebrate.”

“Well, aren’t you a pushy wind,” I tease.