by Chelsea Hale
Mandy nodded. “Sorry about that. Dan said he was cool. I guess our definitions don’t match up. Dan isn’t worried about the long-distance thing when I travel, so, don’t leave too early tonight.”
She wanted to text Peter, but she’d brave the world’s longest lecture date on archaeology for Mandy. “I’ll stay.”
When Coco got home she answered some emails and confirmed two wedding dates for the summer. She closed the internet browser, leaving her back on the screen where Peter’s face was still paused in her video editing software. Butterflies ascended through her stomach, wildly fluttering. She thought about their kiss … again. And her feelings toward Peter grew. Stupid boy, pulling at her heartstrings.
She wanted to explore the idea of dating with him, even if he didn’t want to partner with her. She needed to at least let Peter know how she felt. Maybe it didn’t matter, or wouldn’t make a difference, but at least he’d know.
She’d thought several times about texting or calling, but couldn’t figure out how to bring up the conversation of breaking everything off with Jeffrey without it sounding like she only did it for him.
Hey, remember that guy I talked about while I was having such a good time with you on our pseudo date to a bridal show where we were mistakenly labeled as a couple more than once? Well, I officially broke it off, so if any of that flirting meant anything, I’m available. And I didn’t realize it at the time, but I really like kissing you. A lot. Yeah … There was no way she could talk to him on the phone. She’d need to see his facial reactions.
The following week, Liz and Coco drove to Peter’s studio. Coco was still unsure how Liz had managed to convince Coco to come with her to see the bridals. The closer they were to the studio the more her stomach twisted inside her. She wouldn’t be able to talk to Peter today. If he blew her off, she’d have a hard time filming with him right by her side. She couldn’t do it.
Liz parked the car in front of Peter’s studio, and Coco froze.
“Is everything okay?” Liz asked.
“Are you sure you need me in there?” Coco asked.
“I don’t need you, but I’d like you to come,” Liz said. “What’s going on? You can tell me.”
Coco bit her lip. “I was hoping Peter would reconsider offering the videography position at his studio. But last time I was here, it didn’t seem like that was the case.” That, and I have feelings for him.
Liz put an arm around Coco. “He’d be crazy not to have you help him. I’ll see what I can do about that.” She smiled, and Coco wondered what she had in mind.
Halfway through looking at the pictures in the design room, Liz excused herself to use the restroom. An awkward silence hung in the air.
“The pictures are really nice,” Coco said, repeating her words from almost every photo they’d looked at.
“Thanks,” Peter said. “I bet the video is good, too.”
This conversation was more strained than driving from Breckenridge to Aspen when she’d been so bugged at him for stepping in her shot. Now, she wished he was in more of her shots, on a regular basis. She couldn’t bring up partnering without sounding like a broken record. She looked past where Peter sat running the pictures from his computer and eyed the open door. Liz was probably taking her time so they could talk.
She took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. And everything. “About our kiss,” she began, surprised at her starting statement.
His head snapped up, his eyes on hers. He took a breath and looked like he’d say something, but then stopped.
She bit her lip and said, “I liked it,” at the exact same time that he said, “It was a mistake.”
Her heart plummeted. Why had she brought it up? He didn’t feel the same way, and now she’d lost the opportunity to work with him and to date him.
“Coco, I wish it was different, but—”
His eyes melted Coco in a way she couldn’t explain. She made a mental note to focus on the middle of his forehead from now on, so she wouldn’t be distracted.
Liz stopped just inside the door and gave Coco a questioning look.
Coco blinked rapidly and put a smile back on her face. She couldn’t explain it right now.
Liz resumed her seat next to Coco on the couch, and together they picked favorites. Liz filled out the paperwork for the sizes and the frame styles.
Peter touched Coco’s arm lightly as they were leaving, and the built-up electricity between them zinged all the way to her toes. “Coco, wait.”
Coco paused, but Liz was already out the door.
He dropped his hand, and she immediately felt the loss of his touch. He stepped away. “I’m sorry. I never should have kissed you.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I—”
“It’s okay,” she said quickly. “I shouldn’t have brought it up again. It’s forgotten.” His admission hurt, but she wasn’t going to let it show. He didn’t need to be sorry that he didn’t feel the same way. She just felt stupid for bringing it up. She set her jaw tight so it wouldn’t quiver. “The pictures were perfect. Liz is so happy. I can’t wait to see them framed at the wedding.”
He nodded, but didn’t say anything else.
“I better go,” she said. “Liz is waiting for me.”
She walked out to the car, trying not to replay every look on Peter’s face. But the scene played through her head like a bad movie she couldn’t stop watching. He wasn’t interested, and she was completely humiliated.
Chapter Twenty-Three
A few days later, Peter had a full Saturday of senior pictures to do. The back-to-back jobs did nothing to keep his mind off of Coco. It kept wandering to how she would set up the shots. Would she pick up on their different personalities and pull in a different backdrop to match the mood? Probably.
Peter changed the lens on his camera. The spotless lens could use a cleaning. For good measure. His mind replayed the conversation he’d had with Coco a few days ago. She’d admitted she liked kissing him. How was that relevant? It was still a mistake. Her eyes filled with sadness when he’d admitted as much. He rubbed a hand over his face, what other choice did he have? He still felt bad for kissing a girl who had a boyfriend—now fiancé. He couldn’t say he liked kissing her, not when she was engaged to someone else. He moved on to cleaning four other lenses and storing them in a hard case, surrounded by foam.
He shook his head. Had he really been thinking of swapping out thousands of dollars of equipment because he used Coco’s camera once a few months ago? He’d had the equipment for years, but they were reliable. The photos from her camera had turned out well. He liked the skin tones better on her camera than his, though it might have just been the lighting.
After the last senior left, Peter drummed his hands on Becca’s desk.
“Is something on your mind?” she asked, looking up from the appointment book.
Everything is on my mind. “What does my schedule look like between now and the Lakewood/Montgomery wedding?”
“You have your conference next week, and then you’re loaded with senior pictures for two weeks solid.”
“No weddings between now and then?”
Becca scanned through the week. “No. A few families coming in, but no weddings or bridals.”
“Keep it that way. I need to take some time off.”
Becca raised an eyebrow and made a note on the top of the calendar. “I’ll enter it into the computer. What about the senior pictures?”
“See if Allie can fill in for me. Reschedule anything you need to.”
“You’ve got it. Have you made a decision about hiring your videographer? I had three calls today asking on the status.”
Becca had flagged the applications of the top five candidates she’d interviewed, but going through them was tedious. They may be experienced, but they all lacked his top requirement—they weren’t Coco.
Peter ran a hand through his hair. “Please tell anyone who calls again that I’m unable to make a decision until I get back from my travels in
three weeks. If they can’t wait that long, they aren’t the right fit for us.”
“Anything else?”
“Did you get a hold of Coco?” He wanted to get the exact date for her wedding. Holding multiple dates was not helping his mood.
Becca’s face fell. “I left a message, like you asked.”
After the way he’d blown her off, he wasn’t surprised she hadn’t returned the call. He sighed. “Thanks, Becca. Let me know if Allie can’t cover all of the photo shoots, and I’ll come back to do them.”
“You’ll be close then?”
“I’ll be in Breckenridge. I have a friend I need to see.” Maybe Randy would let Peter come hang out in his car shop for a week or two. He needed some advice.
Peter pulled into the small parking lot of Randy’s car shop just as the sun dropped behind the mountains. He had driven straight from the Denver airport to Breckenridge. Memories of the last time he stood there assaulted him.
Today he’d tell Randy the truth, and then he’d figure out what to do next.
Randy joined Peter outside. He’d been more than happy to have Peter crash with him for a few days. “Just locking up for the night. You eat dinner yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Let’s get a bite. I’ll drive,” Randy said. He drove to their favorite teenage hangout.
“This place brings back memories,” Peter said. “Are you in the mood for pizza and wings?”
“They’re the best in town.”
They were seated and ordered their food. There was no wait, and only a few other patrons were scattered throughout the restaurant.
“You’re wondering why I’m here?” Peter asked.
Randy shrugged. “You come around when you need to be here. I’m just grateful when you stop by.”
“Breckenridge is a good spot to clear my head.” Except the last memories are so full of Coco that’s impossible.
“Well, there’s that property for sale still. Your Coco would love the view.”
But she wasn’t his. “She would.” Five acres backing up to the base of the mountain. She’d love to see it and would fill a whole card in capturing every detail of it. He tried to smile, but he couldn’t quite manage it.
“How are things with you two? Did you set a date yet?” Randy’s eyes were large and hopeful.
Peter needed to set him straight. “No—” And we’re not going to. He wanted to say the words aloud, but the waitress came with their food.
“Ah, that’s all right. When you find the right person, you can afford to take your time, I suppose.”
Or the right person would get away if you didn’t act soon enough.
“She’s a special one,” Randy continued. “I could see that the first time you brought her into the shop. It was fortunate that she had car trouble here. She’s so nice.”
“She was so grateful you took care of her car so well.”
“Well, anything for you. And now, anything for her.”
“That’s kind of you, Randy, but things are, well … complicated right now.”
Randy’s eyes widened. “So un-complicate them.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“It probably isn’t, especially if you’re coming to me for advice. You’re the one with the business sense and the lady sense, not me.” Randy laughed.
Peter didn’t join in laughing. He stirred his drink with his straw.
They ate their food until it was mostly gone.
Finally, Randy broke the silence. “On second thought, I do have some advice.”
“Oh?”
“Don’t let her get away. I’ve never seen you so happy or so miserable. It’s a sure sign of true love. She’s my favorite.” He paused. “If you don’t work it out, I’ll take away my offer for you to move next door and give it to her.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Coco listened to Becca’s message on her phone for the second time. It sounded urgent. If there was a problem with Liz’s photos, or something else for Liz, Becca should call Liz instead of Coco, right?
She took a deep breath. Maybe Peter had questions about setting up the videography service and didn’t want to call her himself. That was probably it. She said she’d help give advice, and she could answer a simple question.
She wasn’t going to call Peter’s cell phone, so most likely Becca would pick up the studio phone. She could do this. Besides, Liz said he was traveling last week when she went to pick up her bridals. Maybe he was still out of town.
The phone only rang once before Becca said hello.
“Hi Becca, it’s me, Coco. I got your message. What can I help you with?”
“Peter was just wondering about your date. Have you made a decision?”
Coco’s heart thrummed in her chest. Had she missed a message from Peter asking her out? Her pulse quickened. “This is unexpected. I missed the message from him. He wants you to set up a date for us?” He must be busier than she realized with all of the photo shoots he had. Having a secretary set up a first date wasn’t exactly romantic, but still the idea of it had butterflies ascending through her stomach.
Becca cleared her throat. “Uh, I apologize for being confusing. He isn’t the type of guy to date someone who is engaged.”
Engaged? Who? She felt like she’d been doused with a cold bucket of water.
Becca continued. “He was wondering about your upcoming wedding date. We have three held on the calendar, and he was hoping you’d reached a decision.”
“He hasn’t offered me the position of videographer,” Coco said slowly. “I assumed all weddings this summer wouldn’t be coordinated. Unless, did someone pick up my business card and asked you about it?” They could do another wedding together. Her hopes soared for a moment until she remembered he didn’t feel the same way.
Perhaps working with him would be acute torture. It was better that she turn down these three summer weddings. She needed to move on from this. Freelance videography was something she was good at and it would continue to be fine on her own. That meant not having someone to bounce ideas off of, but she’d done well for herself before meeting Peter and knew she’d do well for herself without him anymore … except for Liz’s wedding.
“Coco…” Becca seemed to be using her most professional sounding voice. “I’m trying to solve the issue of the three dates on the calendar that are reserved for the Harmon/Beaumont wedding. There is one in July and two in August. Which one are you going to book?”
Coco knees grew weak. “I’m sorry, who’s wedding?”
“Harmon/Beaumont.” She paused. “Yours.”
She sat down on the edge of her bed. Had Jeffrey actually picked wedding dates and reserved them as part of his proposal? She could imagine him being the type to pick dates based on his schedule, so that he could maybe squeeze in a honeymoon in between travels … or maybe it had to do with his start date at his job and moving.
“Coco?”
She laughed. Did Peter think she was engaged? Is that why he’d been cold to her? Or did that not come into play at all? She’d have to see him in person to know for sure.
“Cancel all of them,” she said.
“All of them?” Becca repeated. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Okay. We don’t typically give refunds for canceled dates.”
“I don’t expect a refund.” Besides it was Jeffrey’s money. He’d chosen to book before he’d even asked her. Coco’s mind spun. Becca had said Peter had asked her to call. Then Peter knew Jeffrey was going to propose. Her mind did the calculations. Would her upcoming engagement be the reason Peter no longer wanted to work with her?
“Becca, has Peter picked a videographer for your studio?”
Papers rattled around. “We haven’t made the final selection.”
“Okay. I’m … I’m interested.” Coco held her breath.
A long pause and more paper being moved around. “I found your application in the garbage. I assumed it was a mistake, but m
y fill-in assistant, Mary, claimed you threw it in yourself before walking out.”
“I changed my mind.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Coco could practically hear the smile on Becca’s face as she said that. “I’ll put it in the stack.”
“Thanks. Will Peter be back soon?”
“In time for the Lakewood/Montgomery wedding in Aspen.”
“I thought he had a lot of senior pictures to do.”
“He has a few junior photographers filling in for him while he’s away.”
“You know where he is?”
“It’s not my place to tell his personal schedule. He should be in cell phone range.”
“Thanks, Becca. Will you patch me through?”
She paced around as she waited for him to pick up. It rang and rang. There were so many things she wanted to say. His voicemail ended with a beep. Her mind blanked; only seconds before she’d been pacing around her room thinking of everything she was going to say, and now … nothing.
“Hi. Peter. This is Coco. I want to talk to you. Obviously. I called you. Anyway. Give me a call, so we can talk. And then we can talk … about things. Okay? Bye.” She paused before ending the call. “And I’m not marrying Jeffrey.”
She hung up and slumped into her chair. The worst voicemail ever.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Coco looked up at the Grand Vista hotel when she arrived with her roommates, a day before the rest of the wedding party to enjoy a spa bachelorette party. Flutters swooped through her stomach. The last time she saw this view Peter had driven her back to Breckenridge to pick up her car. The early afternoon May air was warmer than it had been in January, and the snow had melted leaving the slopes and trees lush and green.
Would Peter come a day early too? Likely not. He’d already seen the venue. A knot formed in her stomach, squashing the flutters. Peter had never returned her voicemail. What did that mean? Liz’s wedding was no time to work out the complications, but she’d have to say something.