Photographer

Together

Lucy swept up Fletcher's hand.

"You got it!" she called, already dragging him away. That left Lukas and me standing in the center of the gallery. Together. Alone. My feet were still stuck to the floor, so I cleared my throat.

"That guy called you 'Rip.'"

"Some people do. Your given name is Janice?"

"Yeah, but I like Janie." He watched Lucy go from picture to picture.

"Fair enough." There had to be some way I could extend this conversation.

"I heard this was your first show in awhile."

"Been out of town, and I'm never in one place for long. Playing with the idea of setting down roots, though." I wanted to ask where he might put down his roots. I opted for safer conversation.

"Good turnout. You must be excited." He looked up at me, shrugged.

"I'm bored out of my mind. Your sister livened things up, though."

I winced.

Lukas blew out a soft breath.

"What are you doing here?"

"My sister is crazy about you, and her husband's out of town—"

"The truth, if you don't mind."

My gaze dropped as I slipped my hands into my pockets.

"I didn't know who you were. I wanted to see you again."

"Because I'm famous?"

"No. Because I can't seem to stay away." He closed the distance between us, caught my gaze with his coffee brown eyes.

"So why did you leave Tuesday?" A confused frown creased my brow.

"You wanted me to go."

"Did you want to go?" My voice was soft, tentative.

"No."

"Then why didn't you fight to stay?" The question threw me, and so did my response.

"Why didn't you fight to keep me?"His face cleared as a smile touched his mouth.

"I could use some fresh air." He straightened, stretched, and walked away. When I didn't follow, he glanced over his shoulder.

"Coming or what?" All at once, I didn't feel so shattered, and I walked with him out of the gallery.

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Awwww 😂 soo cute right?