Picture Perfect

Chapter 3

VICTORIA'S POV:

I walk back into the house and sit down in the kitchen. I go over the contract. I write in a sentence regarding the day I would need to take off to fly to Nick's event. I need to see what the actual offer is and what I'd be shooting. Hazel said he doubled my usual fee – I want to see it in writing otherwise it doesn't exist or make sense. I make a mental note to check out his Twitter and IG account to see if there is mention made about what this event will be.

My phone notification rings and I glance at the text. It's from Gemma.

Gemma: Hi Victoria. Sorry about Harry. Mum wasn't at the house when I called and he insisted on speaking with you. Hope he didn't offend you.

Victoria: Of course not, why would you say that?

Gemma: I don't know, he just seemed a bit rude.

Victoria: No worries, all is good. Do you have a time and place arranged?

Gemma: Yeah, mum called me and we would like to meet you at a quiet place in Holmes Chapel. It's called The Vicarage Firehouse. It's usually very quiet, we can sit in the back area so we aren't bothered.

Victoria: Okay, what time?

Gemma: Don't want to make it too early since you'll have a 2-hour drive. What time were you planning on starting out?

Victoria: I was going to get up early and get photos of the sunrise. I can be there by 9am if you want to do breakfast or something. I'm open.

Gemma: How can you even think about going out that early? ;) I like sleeping too much. LOL!

Victoria: I am going to be like this for at least a month or two. It's just me. I'm weird, I know. There will be stories floating around Oxfordshire about the Yankee hermit who just stays to herself. Mark my words!

Gemma: I don't believe it. I'll just have to convince you that London can be fun and introduce you to my friends. Trust me, they are great friends and they know how to keep secrets. It's kind of a necessity with my family.

Victoria: I can imagine. Okay well then day after tomorrow, 9am, Vicarage. I'll be there. Is your mum going to be there?

Gemma: Absolutely. She is very excited to meet you. Harry is going to be there too, just a heads up.

Victoria: Okay. See you all there.

I put my phone down and open my laptop. I begin to list ideas for the family portrait. This is important as I really want Anne to be really pleased with the outcome. Typically, this isn't a hard thing for me, but knowing who this is for has made me uncharacteristically nervous. I pick up a camera and walk out to the balcony. This will definitely be a favorite view for me. I begin looking through the lens and take in the beauty of the labyrinth. I then point the lens towards the garden, viewing the roses, lavender and primrose. Other varieties I'm not sure of their names but they are positively breathtaking. I snap some photos and put the camera down.

Why am I still thinking about Harry's comments on the phone call? There was something in his voice. Almost as if he was angry about my being here – or upset I contacted Gemma? I shake my head and go inside. I pick up my cell phone and notice another text. I head into my bedroom. It's spacious and expansive. Too bad there isn't someone to share it with. Okay, back to my phone and the text. It's probably Nicole asking for details. I make a mental note to text her if this isn't her. I read the text.