She agreed, “Absolutely. Your office or mine?”
“We’ll meet at yours. That way I can see the store.”
Leah scheduled her meeting with Cole on her phone. “I appreciate this. You have no idea.”
“So, you still had my number all this time?” he wondered.
Leah swallowed. She wanted to curl in shame by not keeping in touch with him all these years. “I didn’t think you still had it.”
“I know what you mean. I meant to keep in touch when I left too, but what can I say. Life got in the way. That’s still no excuse, huh?” he said.
Leah fiddled with her earring, so happy he didn’t sound hurt or angry. She let out a deep breath. “I’m glad you understand, but you’re still right. I guess we both let life get in the way.”
“So, we’re even. But you’ve done well for yourself. Business must be good if you want to hire me.”
“It is. I never thought I would have an online store, but it’s going strong. What about you? How many stamps do you have in your passport?”
“I’m not one to brag, but a few.”
Leah beamed. “Everyone is proud of you and your success.”
“It’s all over town I see.”
She giggled. “It’s Piedmont Valley, Cole. Remember?”
“I should have known.” He cleared his throat. “Well, I need to get back to work.”
“Yeah, me too. I’ll see you this Friday.”
She hung up with Cole and twirled in her office chair filled with excitement. Her spirits soared for the first time since her break-up. Taking her business to another level would be her first step. The notion called to mind her mother’s words. Take time for yourself.
Leah tilted her head. Even while dating Brian, she hardly ever thought about herself—only about pleasing him. She pressed her fingers to her lips as she recalled one of their last conversations.
“Take a chance sometime, Leah,” Brian had said.
Her eyebrows had furrowed. “I thought you loved me for who I was.”
Brian had shrugged his shoulders as he walked to his Chrysler 200 in her driveway. “I do, but we all can change.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, Brian? I like who I am,” Leah had argued.
“I’m saying that you could loosen up more. I love you, but sometimes I don’t think you let yourself have fun.” Then he had left her standing on her porch.
Leah wrapped her arms around herself as she sat cross-legged in her office. Did he tire of her and lose interest? He had said he wanted new adventures. Leah was content where she was. Though she worked hard at her business, she didn’t give it the full attention it deserved—until now. Perhaps her mother was right. Maybe she needed to take advantage of her newfound singleness. Would it be so wrong to figure things out?
Chapter 5
Cole closed the door as he exited his dark room, still trying to wrap his head around Leah’s offer. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on his work since her call. His heart had thumped in his chest when he saw it was her. He glowed inside while they spoke. He then folded his arms. His dream manifested making him proud.
Who would have thought traveling the world with Pulitzer-prize-winning photographer Jennifer Steele would pioneer his own career? He gazed at his own printed photos that lined his brick hallway, swelling with pride. Nothing compared to clutching a camera in his hands. He loved capturing moments as if freezing them in time. It buoyed his spirit.
Parsons Photography had a pleasant ring to Cole’s ears. He rubbed his hands together as he took in the sight of his studio. The fifteen hundred square feet of space was perfect. A wall full of windows brought in natural light, while the exposed brick walls displayed character. The space even had the ability to block most of the light, if needed, and enough niches and nooks full of architectural details and small green spaces.
Then Leah’s business proposition crossed his mind. He bit his bottom lip, confident he could work with her professionally. Cole blew out his cheeks. He couldn’t deny her stunning presence at church. He had spent the rest of the afternoon trying to forget her jasmine scent or the way her petite frame fit in his embrace. Still, her smooth cinnamon skin had been soft to his strong hands.
The corners of Cole’s mouth quirked up. He entered the church that day unsure of what to expect. Then when recognition dawned on her face, he beamed. Seeing his old childhood friend recalled memories of the pranks they pulled in high school along with the many fundraisers they conducted as a senior class. For Leah to call wanting his services, she had to be doing well for herself. Looked like they’d both come a long way since high school.
He pivoted to the main lobby where his dad stood. Shoulders squared and forehead creased, his father’s eyes scrutinized the space.