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I don’t even have a camera anymore. He destroyed it during one of his tirades.
I smile at the image on Emily’s phone, protecting the longing inside me as if it’s a fragile blossom. “It’s gorgeous.”
A long and wistful sigh skims over Emily’s lips. “Kim’s photos are incredible. Unfortunately, her husband—Zara’s brother—got an amazing job offer in Portland, and they moved there last fall. I mean it was fortunate for them. Most brides and grooms I’ve worked with so far hadn’t been looking for this style of wedding photography, so it’s been okay. But I’d love to have that option available with a photographer who lives in town or nearby.”
The woman working at the counter approaches our table. “Em, here’s your samosas order.” She places a paper bag in front of Emily.
“Thanks, Tracy. I guess I should get back to work so the slave driver doesn’t wonder what happened to me.”
Simone and Zara snicker.
“Kellan’s probably so busy with the program he’s working on, he hasn’t noticed you’re missing.” Zara shakes her head as if it’s some sort of inside joke.
“You might be right about that. But I do have a ton of paperwork I need to finish before tonight.” Emily pushes her chair away from the table and stands. “I’ll see you two tonight. And I expect to see you tonight as well, Jessica. We need another player to even out the teams.”
I open my mouth to tell her I can’t make it, but then I change my mind. I’m starting a new life here. And that includes making friends. “What’s the address?” Is it somewhere I can easily bike to?
The smile Zara directs at me sends relief swirling through me, confirming joining them tonight will be good for me. “I can pick you up. Then you won’t need to worry about getting lost.”
16
TROY
March, Present Day
Maple Ridge
My phone ringsfrom my jeans pocket. I set the screwdriver on the granite kitchen counter and check who’s calling. Zara.
The buzz of the jigsaw travels from the hallway where some of the guys are working on making the home wheelchair accessible. The comforting smell of sawdust permeates the air.
I open the back door and step onto the porch. The late afternoon sun shines through the leafless branches of the trees, creating shadows on the weathered wood.
I accept the call. “Hey, Zar. What’s up?”
“Can you do me a favor?”
“Depends what it is.” I glance at the clear sky, and the scent of pine triggers my craving to go hiking.
“I convinced Jess to join us tonight. But something came up, and I’ll be running late. Can you pick her up?”
I don’t bother to tell her that I’d already told Jessica I would pick her up. I can only guess Zara had also promised to drive her to Lucas and Simone’s house. “Sure. How the hell did you convince her?” Jessica was adamant she wouldn’t join us tonight when I asked.
“Em told her she had to come, and Jess relented.”
That would explain it. Saying no to Em requires special powers. Powers most people don’t possess. “What time is she expecting me?”
“Six thirty.”
After my crew and I call it quits for the day, I go home, shower, and head to Jessica’s house. Her outside light is on, as are the lights inside on the main level. I open the passenger door and let Butterscotch jump down.
Music from another era comes from the house. Music my grandparents or great-grandparents might’ve once listened to.
I ring the doorbell. The music stops, and the front door opens a beat later. Jessica’s wearing jeans and a cream-colored top, no makeup, and a startled expression.
She leans to the side to look past me. The dark shadows under her eyes haven’t changed since I last saw her, and her eyes hold a wariness as they scan the area. Her body’s an overly stretched elastic band. Shit, when was the last time she was able to relax?
“Zara was held up at work and asked if I could pick you up.”
