The Photographer

Chapter 10

Thursday, February 16, 2012
Toronto Canada

"Are you kidding me? You HAVE to go!" Shawnie practically screamed after hearing about Vanessa's party invitation.

The girls had decided to have lunch together at the small deli across from Chew Chew's. Vanessa was happy to see Shawnie and enjoy her favorite tuna on wheat from the deli. The day had been going just fine until she'd let it slip that she'd bumped into their old 'friend' from American Apparel last week and was invited to his party tonight.

"No. I'm not going. We're busy at the office today and I'm sure my boss is going to have me stay late." Vanessa waved dismissively.

"Th-This is fate! You have to go and rekindle your romance-"

Vanessa groaned at Shawnie's weird obsession with playing matchmaker with her and Abel. "Shawnie-ew, no. There is no romance to be ... 'rekindled'. I told you we were never romantically involved. He's a thief. He stole from me, remember?"

"Yes and now he's back to prove that he's really a good guy. Just go! What's the worst that can happen?"

"It could be a set up and he could kidnap me." Vanessa stated matter-of-factly.

Shawnie shrugged, "depending on how you look at the situation, that might not be a totally bad thing. He could profess his love while you're held against your will in his basement."

Vanessa threw a napkin at Shawnie-hitting her in the face and causing both girls to laugh. "You need to stay away from those weird romance novels, my friend."

Shawnie shrugged, knowing all too well that she'd spent too many late nights reading countless romance novels to fuel the hopeless romantic inside her. "All I'm saying is that maybe you should live on the edge just a little."

Vanessa couldn't deny that she had actually been considering going to the party. She was curious to see what actually occurred at these type of events more than anything. A part of her wanted to take a chance and see what would happen but the more logical side of her told her to play it safe, stay away, and go home.

She sighed while looking at Shawnie's playful puppy dog face. "I'll go only if you come with me."

Her friend squealed with excitement, earning a few weird looks from the few people in the deli, including Nikolai. After Vanessa calmed her down the two girls finished up lunch then headed back to work.

• • •

Vanessa spent her day in and out of the office. If she wasn't taking pictures for some event, she was at her desk editing and retouching photos. It was tiring but exciting. She loved her job. She. Loved. Taking. Photos. It was the only thing on her mind ... besides Abel's party. She couldn't help but wonder what it'd be like. Would there be loud music, alcohol, and drugs like in the movies? Or would it be a calm, social gathering? Abel didn't seem like the wild party type. He was shy, withdrawn, and quiet. She guessed he'd do something simple with a few friends, nothing too major.

She let her thoughts run wild for the remainder of the day. At around nine-thirty, she got ready to pack up. She was grateful she had finished her work early and would be able to make it to Abel's party on time. She wrapped her scarf around her neck and got ready to leave when she suddenly heard her boss's voice. She groaned while checking the time then heading to his office to see what he wanted.

"Hey, are you heading out? I wanted you to edit and print these photos I just uploaded." Mr. Williams said.

"I was actually just on my way out the door," she said softly.