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“That’s not true.”
“Yeah, it is. You have this vivacity that just seems to attract people.” Asher gave her a half grin. “People don’t come flocking to me. I can walk into a room without anybody noticing.”
Willow shook her head. “That’sdefinitelynot true,” she protested, one hand going to her hip, her other still linked through Asher’s arm. “Remember last week? We went to the beach party, and you had that gaggle of women who wouldn’t leave you alone.”
Asher rolled his eyes. “Yeah, they only wanted a discount for Camp Windy Lake. Once they figured out who I was, they realized they might be able to get money off of our adult summer camp if they were nice enough to me.”
“Oh.” Willow’s triumph evaporated in a moment. “I’m sure that’s not true about all of them.”
“Oh no, it was.” Asher laughed, but Willow caught his eye, seeing a flicker of a shadow there. “Once they realized it wasn’t going to work, they all went away to find someone better to talk to.”
“Well, that was their loss. They don’t know what they’re missing.”
Asher grinned at her. “Thanks. Good to know my best friend is able to boost my confidence when I need it.”
Laughing. Willow pulled herself a little closer to him, nudging him with her elbow. “That’s what I’m here for. That, and for your famous chocolate milkshakes.”
“They are pretty good,” he agreed.
“Is camp going to be busy this year?” Willow asked.
“Sure looks like it. We’re almost fully booked for the entire summer.”
“That’s great!”
“I’m going to be pretty busy the next couple of months.”
“We both are!” Willow gestured to the camera around her neck. “I’ll have lots of pictures to take. I’m so glad your parents hired me again this year.”
Asher smiled at her. “It’s because you do a good job, Willow. They don’t hire you just because we’re friends; they hire you because you’re a good photographer.”
Warmth began to bubble up in her core. “Thanks, Asher.” Looking away, Willow tried to change the subject. “So, what activities will you be doing this year?”
Asher slipped his arm out of hers and then wrapped it around her shoulders. “You just can’t take a compliment, can you?”
Starting to protest, Willow clammed up when he lifted one hand, her cheeks burning.
“It’s okay. I kinda like that about you. It means I get to tell you over and over just how good you are.” His hand squeezed her shoulder gently. “I mean it, Willow. You capture things that no one else ever sees. The way that you can take in a scene and find the one small detail that makes for an amazing shot is incredible. That’s why my parents hire you. That’s why you get so many offers for work. You need to believe in yourself. I know I believe in you.”
Willow dropped her head. Her insides were going crazy, her mind battling with thoughts of what she was going to say back. He was right, she didn’t take compliments well—not even from him—and they’d known each other since kindergarten.
“You just need to say thanks.” Asher laughed and dropped his hand from her shoulder.
Finding herself laughing along with him, Willow pulled her camera over her head and snapped a quick shot. The screen came to life after a moment, and she looked down at it, smiling to herself.
“Did you just take a picture of me?”
“Yup.” Willow angled the camera so that he could see. “Anytime you want to get into the modeling business, let me know.” Her lips quirked, and a giggle threatened to rip from her.
Asher groaned. “When I said that you’re a great photographer, this wasn’t what I was talking about.” She’d managed to catch him just as he’d finished speaking. His mouth wasn’t properly shut, and his eyes were looking just over her shoulder. One hand was sticking out at an odd angle, while the other one was halfway up in the air. It wasn’t exactly flattering.
“Come on, let me get a better one.” Willow heard Asher groan again but only laughed. “You’d think after a few years, you’d have gotten used to this.”
“I am never getting used to this.” Obediently, Asher walked a few steps away, turned, and spread his hands to either side. “Where do you want me?”
His shoulders dropped, and his voice was heavy, but Willow ignored both. Asher always played up how hard it was for him to pose for her every single time she asked, and she’d learned not to take him seriously. As much as she’d laughed about the last photo she’d taken, Asher really was a good subject to photograph. Right now, his light brown hair looked a little more golden, and if he smiled, then his blue eyes would gleam—but that wasn’t her focus. Biting her lip, she looked at him carefully, her mind whirring with ideas.
“Just drop your hand.” Walking away from him, Willow bent down, crouching on her haunches. “Okay, so spread your fingers a little.”
