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“Of course.” I refocused as I moved closer to them to show them my book of packages and samples of pictures. While Joan was interested, Michael looked like he’d rather be anywhere but in Gia’s office talking about wedding details.
I answered Joan’s questions on autopilot. We’d done these consultations many times now, and I was comfortable in my role. We explained our respective packages and jumped in to answer any questions. Gia was the best at handling difficult clients. She eased their worries and assured them we’d handle everything. We worked well as a team.
My job was relatively easy. Most clients wanted as many pictures and memories of their wedding as possible, even if they were video recording the ceremony itself. The problem came down to price. Some balked; others tried to negotiate. But one thing Gia had taught all of us was that we needed to stick to our listed prices. We charged what we were worth, and if they didn’t agree, they could take their business elsewhere.
I used to be wishy-washy about it, but at the end of the day, I needed to pay a mortgage, feed my kid, and pay for his very expensive activities. I’d learned a lot from Gia over the last few months.
At the end of the meeting, we walked Joan and Michael out. The couple had more questions than I’d anticipated. Wondering what time it was, I checked my phone. It was twenty minutes after practice should have ended. “I have to run to pick up Hunter,” I told Gia.
My phone showed several missed messages and calls from Nick, and I quickly gathered my things, stress creeping up my neck.
Gia waved me off. “Go. We can finish up here.”
My heart was in my throat as I rushed to transcribe a message to Nick.I’m on my way. I’m so sorry. My meeting went late.
I drove as fast I could across town, but the rush hour traffic and number of red lights that were not working in my favor slowed me down. I finally arrived at the batting cages forty minutes late.
My hands shook as I slung my purse over my shoulder. It was only the second practice, and I was already making Nick wait for me. I was positive he wanted to get home and eat dinner. I expected him to be waiting with the boys by the front door, but they weren’t.
Inside, I scanned the room, finally spotting Nick with his hands curled around the fence to the batting cages. I moved closer to find Hunter inside and Brody on the other side of Nick.
I bit my lip as I watched the muscles in Nick’s arms flex as he observed Hunter swing. “You’re right there.”
I waited until the last ball was pitched from the machine and Hunter was gathering the balls.
“Sorry I’m late. My meeting went over, and I lost track of time.” I didn’t like to be one of those people always looking at their phone, and Gia removed all clocks from her conference room for that very reason. She wanted us to focus on the clients, for them to feel like they were the most important thing in our life. Which wasn’t entirely true. I wondered if I should get one of those watches that forwarded messages from my phone because Hunter was it for me.
My heart pounded in my chest as Nick lowered his arms and faced me. “It’s not a problem. We got s’more swings in.”
“Are you sure? I feel awful.” I wasn’t ready to let myself off the hook yet.
“Abby. I said it wasn’t a problem.” That time, his voice was stern.
What person didn’t mind waiting around for someone else to show up and pick up their kid? One time might not be an issue, but I couldn’t make a habit of it.
“Mom! I thought Aunt Brooke might be the one to pick me up,” Hunter said as he exited the cage.
“Nope. Just me. Sorry I’m late.”
Hunter shrugged. “We got to bat.”
“He doesn’t care about much if he’s playing ball.” I smiled weakly at Nick.
Nick’s hand fell to my shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. “Seriously, it’s not a problem. We didn’t have anywhere to be.”
“Do you want me to buy you dinner? I want to repay you somehow.” I needed to assuage my guilt.
“Why don’t you cook us dinner one night. We miss home-cooked meals, and then the boys can play.” Nick’s request was simple enough.
“Can we?” Hunter asked, his voice pleading.
I couldn’t say no. Not when I was the one who’d made Nick wait for me to pick up my kid. “Of course.”
My heart thudded in my chest. Did he mean tonight? I was beyond exhausted and wasn’t sure I had ingredients to cook more than boxed mac and cheese.
“Text me a good time.”
I racked my brain to remember my schedule. “How about Sunday? I don’t have any events or photography sessions scheduled in the evening.”
