Snapshot (The Jamieson Collection)

by Angie Stanton

  Brandy kept talking. “And I checked out the high school, and they have an awesome school newspaper. You could be on the newspaper staff and take pictures if you want. Of course, school started last week, but we can get you registered tomorrow and start the day after.”

  So soon? Marti needed more time.

  “I know it’s a lot all at once.” Brandy chuckled, unaware of Marti’s dilemma.

  “Yeah, I was just getting used to the idea that I’m in Boston and now I’ll be going to a new city.” Her gut lurched at leaving. She wanted so badly to put down roots, but in someplace where Adam could still be in her life.

  “Oh, didn’t you know? I live in Boston.”

  Her jaw dropped open. “You do?” Marti was stunned. How was this possible? It was too perfect for words. She looked at Adam; he wore the same shocked expression. Marti wanted to jump up and down and scream at how awesome this was.

  “Yes, for the past four years. I finished my nursing degree here and work at a clinic in Back Bay.”

  “So I don’t have to move away?” She glanced at Mrs. Jamieson to see her shared excitement.

  “Nope,” Brandy said. “In fact, I’d love to show you my place. It’s about twenty minutes from here. Adam can come too! We’ll order Thai food, sit on the screen porch, and catch up. What do you think?”

  Marti looked at Adam, then his mom, who nodded, and then back to her sister. “I’d love to!” She hugged her. “Oh my god! Thank you so much! I can’t believe this is really happening!”

  Brandy looked just as happy as Marti. “Well, go get your stuff!”

  “Oh, yeah!” Marti popped up. “There isn’t much.” She wiggled her finger at Adam and he followed her into the bright bedroom. The instant they were alone, she spun around. “Can you believe it? My sister! And she lives in Boston!”

  “I know!” He linked his fingers with hers, pulled her forward and kissed her. “I told you, I wasn’t going to let you get away!”

  A zing of excitement shot through her, like it did every time he kissed her. She thought back to their first kiss. That moment was a snapshot in her mind, one that would last forever. No fire could ever take her memories away. And now she and Adam would get to make more memories together.

  She could hardly wait to get started.

  Chapter 26

  Four weeks later.

  “Where are you?” Adam asked.

  “Just got off the bus. I’m almost home.” Marti held her phone and strolled down the sidewalk. Shade trees with bright yellow and deep red leaves dotted her way. Her new camera hung from her neck and her messenger bag slung from her shoulder. A light breeze swept a few colorful leaves through the air. Marti loved fall, and she loved her new life with Brandy and Paul, but she loved Adam even more and missed him like crazy while he was gone the past week to, of all places, LA.

  “I found out today the school paper is using two of my pictures of the homecoming court.”

  “That’s great! So you still want to go?”

  “Of course! That way all the kids who haven’t bothered to say hi to me will find out my boyfriend is the world-famous Adam Jamieson.”

  Adam laughed. “You are so cruel. So you’re sure you don’t mind having a rocker for a boyfriend?” She heard the teasing in his voice and pictured his gorgeous face.

  “Nah, not too much.” She grinned. “Hey, when do I get to see you?”

  “Soon. Oh, bad news, I’m not going to be able to get a car to drive you to dinner and the dance tomorrow night.”

  “Oh, no! What are we gonna do?” She didn’t want to ask her sister to drive. Brandy had already done so much.

  “Let’s take your car,” he said.

  “Very funny. My car was ruined in the fire.” Marti walked around the side of the hedges that edged her front yard and stopped in shock. In the middle of the driveway she discovered Adam leaning against her cute, yellow Mustang.

  Adam grinned and lowered his phone.

  “Oh my god!” She wanted to run to his arms, but couldn’t get over the surprise of seeing her car parked in her driveway. “How did you…?” She walked up and touched the gleaming hood.

  “I didn’t. Your dad did. It’s not your car from LA, it’s a new one.”

  She couldn’t believe her dad bought her another car. She turned to Adam and slipped her arm around his waist, still staring at the car. “This is so amazing.”

  “And there’s more!” He smiled with that playful twinkle in his eyes.

  “What?” She couldn’t imagine what else he could possibly surprise her with. She’d been flying high on happiness ever since reuniting with Adam and then moving in with Brandy and her husband. Both of whom she adored.

  Adam reached into the back seat and pulled out a pet carrier.

  “You got me a cat!”

  He turned the carrier her direction and a loud meow sounded. “Oh my god! Kahlua!” She glanced at Adam in disbelief and reached for the carrier’s door, her hands shaking. Kahlua looked at her and mewed another angry cry.

  “Come here, girl,” she said. Adam held the carrier still as Marti opened the door and pulled out her noisy cat. Marti hugged her and buried her face into Kahlua’s long fur. “How’d you find her?” She tried to hold back her tears.

  He returned the carrier to the car. “I didn’t. One of your dad’s neighbors did. Kahlua had been sleeping in their windowsill for a couple weeks before they bothered to check her tags and see the last name Hunter.” He reached over and rubbed the fur around the cat’s ears. “They figured she belonged to your dad. It took a while before they got a message to him. Then your dad heard that Jamieson was in LA and called to see if I wanted to bring her to you.”

  Kahlua squirmed in Marti’s arms. “I can’t believe it. I thought for sure I’d never see her again. Thank you,” she stepped closer and kissed him. “I love you so much. I can’t even tell you how much.”

  He wrapped his arms around her pulling her as close as possible without irritating the cat further. He pressed his forehead to hers. “Sure you can.”

  “I love you, I love you, I love you.” She punctuated each word with a kiss.

  He held her face in his hands. “I love you too.”

  Now she truly had it all.

  The End.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for reading Snapshot!

  If you loved this book, please tell all your friends, and post a review on Amazon, or another review site.

  For more information on this book and other news, please "Like" my Facebook page: http://facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor

  My blog: http://angiestanton.wordpress.com

  Twitter: @angie_stanton

  Drop me a message, I love to hear from readers!

  Warm regards,

  Angie Stanton

  About the Author ~ Angie Stanton

  Angie Stanton lives in Wisconsin with her family, two naughty dogs and an overweight cat. Angie was raised out in the country far from the distractions of friends, transportation and cable TV. With only books as entertainment, she mastered the skill of daydreaming at a young age and has finally put that talent to work.

  Angie enjoys reality TV, particularly those shows involving dancing, surviving and dating. When not drifting off to another place in her head, she loves to travel as often as her wallet will allow.

  Special thanks:

  To my husband, for finally understanding that, yes, I do want him to let the dog out, so that I can keep writing.

  To my kids, for understanding when I end our phone calls early, so I can get back to work.

  To my awesome critique partner, editor and friend, author Linda Schmalz who is smart, funny and great at what she does.

  To author Liz Reinhardt, for her undying encouragement and support and creative swearing.

  To Sue Balthazar, for sharing her terrifying story of surviving a home fire and living to talk about it.

  To the wonderful people who assisted on research, including Tess Thr
uman, photography; Glenn Svetnicka, camp life; and Kris Hebel, guitar.

  To James Dylan of the Led Zeppelin Experience, for your generous spirit. Keep the dream alive!

  And finally to my special group of author friends who have been topping all the publishing charts, both indie and traditional. You inspire me, you get me through the day, and most of all, you make me spew soda at my computer screen! Viva la Pagina!

  More books by Angie Stanton

  Rock and a Hard Place

  What others are saying about Rock and a Hard Place.

  Wow! Rock and a Hard Place took me places I didn’t expect to go. I thought I had this book all figured out from the description, but it was so much more.

  ~ Reading, Eating & Dreaming

  This book was so good! I started reading it, expecting the typical pop star and normal teen romance, but that’s not what I got. I would recommend this 1000%! GREAT, GREAT, GREAT read!

  ~ lowshie

  This book was an absolute joy to read. I laughed and loved with Libby and Peter, but even more, I cried as if it were actually happening to me.

  ~fasnfuurious

  I can’t seem to get this one out of my head. I laughed, I cried, I got pissed, I cried some more.

  ~ rookiegolf

  Dream Chaser

  What others are saying about Dream Chaser.

  Giggling, laughing out loud, reading parts to anyone who will listen - Fun, delightful love story.

  ~ The Book Runner

  This novel will sweep you off your feet. Angie Stanton is an asset to young adult literature.

  ~ Reading, Eating & Dreaming

  Dream Chaser is the absolute most amazing book I have ever read! It will have you laughing, crying and cheering the characters on.

  ~Amy C.

  Love 'em or Leave 'em

  What others are saying about Love ‘em or Leave ‘em.

  I loved every minute of this book…a delightful look into what happens when a woman is mistakenly cast on a matchmaking reality show…entertainingly fun read.

  ~Linda M. Schmalz

  For all the fans of reality shows like “The Bachelor” you’re going to especially love this book!

  ~ Meg Valentine

  I loved this book. It was like watching the Bachelor or Bachelorette! It was a good short romance!

  ~ Annie ~ Goodreads

  Rock and a Hard Place Excerpt

  Peter and Libby sat atop the giant rock engulfed in the misty cool beauty of the glen. Peter reached over and held her hand. They relaxed, content in each other’s company. Peter ran his thumb over her fingers. Suddenly he paused and turned her hand over.

  “What’s this?” He asked, innocently enough.

  “Nothing.” She snatched her hand away, embarrassed.

  “No, give it back.” He reached out and pulled her hand back into his two and examined the violent bumps. “What are all these marks?”

  Her face heated at his question. “It’s nothing.” She tried to brush it off, but dread crept in.

  “It’s not nothing, it looks like cuts.” He held tight to her hand as he examined it. “You’re not a cutter are you?” He looked her straight in the eye.

  “No! Now let go.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn’t release her. Libby’s happiness spiraled down, the joy of the day gone. Too often the kids at school snickered ‘cutter’ to her back, just loud enough that she’d hear.

  “Well, what happened?”

  She understood why he asked. She might ask the same thing. Peter’s expression was honest concern, nothing more.

  “They’re scars. From a car accident.” She bit her lip, not wanting to reveal another word.

  “Oh God, that’s terrible.” He continued to study her permanently marred fingers and palm. “It must have been a really bad accident.”

  “Yeah, it was,” she whispered as the image of the crumpled car and glow of ambulance lights flashed in her mind.

  He peeked up at her past the heavy chunk of hair that covered his eyes. “You know, they look like little starbursts.”

  “Whatever you say,” she replied, not seeing it.

  “Give me the other one,” he commanded, as if her feelings weren’t involved. For some reason she obeyed and extended her other hand. He examined both palms, lightly trailing his thumb and fingers over the surface of her skin. Shivers ran up her arms.

  “No, they’re not starbursts.” He continued to touch each mark. “They’re angel kisses. It’s like angels kissed your hands all over.” His eyes rose to meet hers. They were filled with kindness and compassion. Something she had felt little of the past year.

  Only Peter could turn the violent scars from a devastating accident into something beautiful. He was the sweetest person she’d ever met. Without another word, he lifted first one hand and then the other and kissed each little mark on her tender, scarred hands.

  Libby’s mouth opened in wonder. Peter bent over her damaged hands. His soft lips pressed to them. His warm breath tickled her skin as his lips gently moved. Goosebumps danced up her arms and her stomach flipped. Never in her life had she felt this way. His tender kisses were heaven. She never wanted this moment to end. For once she thanked God for the ugly scars.

  Peter looked up, her hands cradled in his, as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do. His eyes, a deep pool of liquid brown, melted into hers. Libby’s breath slowed. Today her world was perfect. This beautiful boy held her captive. His expression confirmed he felt the same. They leaned their heads closer, just inches apart.

  Something moved out of the corner of her eye.

  “Ouch! Crap.”

  They looked up just in time to see Peter’s brother Adam slip down the side of the boulder, and drop his fancy camera in the process.

  “What the?” Peter exclaimed. They jumped away from each other as if guilty of some terrible act. Adam, crouched at the bottom of the large boulder checking his camera for damage.

  “Adam, what the hell are you doing?” Peter yelled, their moment shattered.

  “Looking for you, nimrod. Dad’s really pissed. You were supposed to be back an hour ago.”

  “Shit,” Peter said under his breath.

  Adam resumed his picture taking, focusing on Libby and Peter.

  “Stop it.” Peter reached for the camera. “Don’t make me break that thing.”

  “Hey, I’ve got some great stuff here, this new lens is amazing. I’ve heard the paparazzi use this type too. I got it all, Peter, including your nose hairs. You should really trim them.” Adam ducked out of Peter’s reach before he could get smacked.

  “Libby, please excuse my “little” brother. As you can see he is mentally challenged.”

  “Hi.” Libby said, mortified to be discovered at such a vulnerable time.

  Adam flashed her a huge grin.

  “Adam here is going to hightail it back to the bus and tell them I’m on my way. That way I won’t have to break his fingers. Right?” Peter stood and glared at his brother.

  “Dad would be pretty ticked if you did that. Plus, who’d play lead for you, so you don’t go off key all the time.”

  “Libby, can you find me a rock? I need to throw it at Adam?”

  “Geez, you really know how to spoil a party,” Adam complained.

  Peter faked a throw.

  “I’m going, I’m going.” Adam turned and hurried down the trail, occasionally jumping from one large rock to another, his camera held tightly.

  Peter turned to her.

  “I’m so sorry. My family is the worst. They drive me nuts.”

  “It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Libby smiled. She would give anything to have a family again. Especially one like his.

  “We better get going. My dad hates to be kept waiting.”

  They rushed back, covering the ground in a fraction of the time it took to get there. Peter took her hand often to help her over large boulders that blocked the path.

  When they arrived at the break in the woods, t
he engine of the grand tour bus rumbled impatiently. Adam leaned against a tree, futzing with buttons on his camera.

  “This was great,” Libby said. She hated to see it end. The day was glorious.

  “Hey, we head back down to Chicago on Saturday. I can’t promise anything, but I bet I can talk my mom into a stop here. Any chance you could meet me? Can I call you?”

  First excitement, then panic, hit. Visions of Aunt Marge answering the phone filled her mind. “No, you can’t call. I’m sorry.” She softened. “But I can be here. I’ll wait for you.”

  “No phone either, huh?” He winked. “It’ll probably be around lunchtime, I’m sorry I can’t give you an exact time.” He spoke fast, looking to the bus every few seconds. “I’ll meet you at that flat rock outcropping where I found you today.”

  “I’ll be there.” She would wait all day if need be. Anything for another chance to see Peter. His gaze gave her such hope.

  “I’ve gotta run. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  Peter jogged easily across the field toward the bus, Adam at his side.

  “Sorry to interrupt back there. Looks like you were about to get some.”

  Peter shoved him away. “Shut it.”

  3/24/12

  And now, an excerpt from Dream Chaser. Enjoy.

  Saturday night. Talk about awkward. I knew we both want to get to that magic place our director, Tyson, keeps lecturing about. It’s just really hard to let your guard down when so much hurt has been passed back and forth. But we bit the bullet, and here we were in Eli’s mom’s spacious Cadillac.