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“Yeah, I’ll get you one.” Ophelia was still smiling, her voice shaky with excitement as she carefully led Madeline over to the screen. Once the two girls were behind the screen, I went over to Carter, listening to them talk all about the gowns Ophelia saw in her head.
“Can I see?” I asked Carter, pointing to his camera.
“They’re rough. . .”
“That’s okay. I’d like to see them.”
He shrugged and showed me the small screen. He began to click through them, all focused on Ophelia's hands and the dress, Madeline’s entrance, every photo perfect in every way.
“I knew JoAnn would say yes,” Carter said softly. “She's in her element with the dresses, and JoAnn can see that. When she was working on the winter line, she wasn’t. . . she wasn’t. . .”
I looked from the camera to him. “She wasn’t glowing?”
He shook his head. “Nah, she needs to do gowns. I knew JoAnn would see what I did.” Carter turned off his camera and flipped it to get the SD Card.
I looked back at the screen where Madeline and Ophelia were still chatting about everything, their voices higher pitched and excitement bursting through the room. Even from behind a screen, I could see her glow.
Chapter Twenty-Two
-Ophelia-
Clay: I have a brilliant idea. It’s a celebration of sorts, and you just need to trust me. Are you free Monday?
Ophelia: I can be. Not so sure I trust you though.
Clay: An Americano is involved.
Ophelia: Exactly how much money have you spent on coffee for me these past weeks?
Clay: Pay no attention to the dollar sign. Do. You. Trust. Me?
Ophelia:. . . Yeeesss. . .
Clay: Great! Monday at 10am. I’ll pick you up. Wear something comfortable and tennis shoes! Tennis shoes are required.
I furrowed my brow at my phone, glancing up at Madeline, who stood with her mug of coffee to her lips, wearing her bright blue scrubs as she finished getting ready for the last workday of the week.
“I’m pretty sure I didn’t pack any tennis shoes,” I said, looking back down at the phone and then to her, my brows still pinched.
“That’s all he said? That you need to trust him and wear tennis shoes?” she asked, setting her mug on the island.
I looked back at my phone and read the thread once more. “Yup, he wouldn’t even answer my coffee question. If the man has no money, why would he be bringing me coffee every day?”
Madeline took a deep breath. I knew she had been keeping some things quiet about Clay since he didn't want me to know details, but I could tell by her expression she knew exactly how he’d been buying me those coffees. I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes at her.
“He may have been using my app. I load the card labeled ‘Ophelia’ and he racks up the stars.”
“Madeline. . .” I groaned, holding back a smile. “Don’t load that card anymore.” I set my phone down and pointed at her.
Madeline dropped her jaw and raised her brow. “He wants to impress you. He wants to be friends again, and coffee was the peace offering. He even remembered your order from college and everything. It’s sweet. Plus, I’m getting the points. Pretty soon I’ll be able to get that mug I’ve had my eye on.” She smirked.
I shook my head. “Okay, fine, whatever. Indulge him. Back to the tennis shoes.”
“We’re the same size, I have a pair you can wear.”
“You’re sure? I have no details other than to wear something comfortable and tennis shoes. He could be taking me on a hike.” I stood, walked around the island to fill my mug with my second cup of the day.
“I have hiking boots too. Milo and I took Holly this past spring. They murdered my feet.”
