by Chelsea Hale
“Surprise me.”
“Good idea,” Peter said. “Let’s play, guess the flavor. You keep your eyes shut, and I’ll give you a piece of cake on a fork.”
“How is that fun?”
“Lots of cake to try, and you can keep your eyes shut for a few more minutes.”
“I’m sold.” She took her first bite. “Chocolate, with some peanut butter.”
“Good.”
“Yes, it’s good.”
“Next bite,” Peter said, and Coco kept her eyes closed, but opened her mouth.
“Mint chocolate chip?”
“It’s technically Double Chocolate Triple Mint Chip,” Peter said.
Coco opened her eyes to see Peter reading the small writing on the sticker attached to the toothpick. “I mean, if I have to guess the exact name versus just the flavor it’s going to be more challenging.”
“I’ll give you half credit.”
Coco rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Wow.”
“Keep your eyes closed, you still look disoriented.” He gave her another bite of cake.
“Vanilla Cream Puff Cloud Nine?” Coco guessed the name of the cake. “And of course I’m disoriented. I’m trying to pull random cake names out of the air.”
“Wrong again, it’s just a plain, old-fashioned vanilla.”
Coco ate several more pieces, and her lightheadedness dissipated. The sugar really did help. “Sorry, I’m sure this wasn’t how you expected your bridal show research to go—feeding me cake.”
Peter smiled. “This is definitely a first for me.” He lifted up another sample with a small fork.
“Don’t give me the entire sample of each one.” She pushed it back toward him. “See which is your favorite.”
“I already know what my favorite will be,” Peter said.
“Maybe you’ll find a new favorite.”
“Maybe.”
“Try that lemon one I had a few minutes ago. It was really tangy.”
Coco opened her eyes, as Peter took a bite. She must have smacked her head hard, because watching his mouth as he chewed his bite was the most fascinating thing she could imagine at the moment. It reminded her that she still needed a close-up video of him. Her pulse quickened, and her head spun again, but the metallic taste in her mouth didn’t return.
She looked into his eyes, realizing that he’d caught her staring at his mouth. “How was it?”
“It tastes like a kitchen cleaner.”
“Okay, no citrus goodness for you. Pick another one. Wash the clean taste out of your mouth.”
“What? I don’t want a cake to taste like I’m cleaning.”
“Fair enough. How about the raspberry filled one?”
“Dry.”
The samples were nearly gone, and Peter hadn’t picked a new favorite. “I think you’ll be happy once we find you that Italian Cream Cake I liked best. Sorry, I didn’t save you any. We’d better go find where these samples came from.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “There are dozens of cake booths. We don’t even know if these are all from the same one.”
“The toothpicks have tabs on them.” She pulled one out of the remaining sample. The rest they’d thrown away. “Looks like booths 102 and 104 supplied at least some of the samples. We’re on a quest.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? You still look a little pale.”
Peter’s concern touched her. How often she’d wished Jeffrey had been around like this. For the little things, like if she happened to faint, or just sharing a moment on a bench together. Suddenly the thought of that made time with Peter feel more like a date. But this wasn’t a date—it was research.
“I’ll be okay.”
He put his arm around her waist, protectively. She looked down at his hand, then up to his face. “Just to make sure you stay steady,” he said.
Her nerves were on high alert. With his arm around her, she felt more unsteady, not less.
“We still have a few more aisles of photography and videography,” Peter said.
“We’ll have plenty of time. Right now, we need to find you a cake you actually like.”
They sampled more cake, but Peter didn’t find his favorite flavor. Finally, they went back to looking at the photography and videography area.
“Have you ever thought of using a photo booth at weddings?” Coco asked.
“It’s not the same business model.”
“I know it’s not, but what a fun way to keep people entertained while they are waiting in line to say congratulations. It’s brilliant. The wedding couple gets a copy of all the crazy, silly things their friends do, and it’s a creative way to sign a guestbook that will actually be looked at more than once during their entire marriage.” Coco picked up a flyer off of one of the tables as they walked by. She’d definitely add this idea to her own wedding plans one day.
A woman at the next booth stopped them. “Would you like to try out our photo booth? Complimentary for today, of course.”
“Oh, that’s all right,” Coco said. “We’re just looking.”
“You thought it was a cool idea at the last booth,” Peter whispered.
She hit his arm playfully. “I’m a sucker for good cinematography promo videos.”
His arm tightened around her slightly. “Just as long as you don’t lock your knees.”
“Grab a few props from the table and follow the instructions inside,” the woman insisted, holding the photo booth curtain open to them.
Coco picked out a few cut outs on a stick: a top hat, bright red lips, and a hat. Peter grabbed a pair of glasses and a mustache.
After making their selections on the screen, they pushed the round button on the wall. The screen in front of them counted down from three to one, and a flash went off.
“Time to change props.” Coco put a hat on and smiled. She thought of the woman mistaking her and Peter for actual clients, and her face stiffened as the camera took three more pictures.
They came back out of the booth, only waiting a few minutes before the shots came out of the slot. The woman helping at the booth grabbed the pictures. She hesitated, but finally handed them over.
“It’s very common for couples to be awkward the first time they use a photo booth with props. It can be cumbersome to change props in the short amount of time between each picture. Try again. Let’s give the camera a chance to capture you being in love. They don’t call this the kissing booth for nothing.”
“Oh, but we’re not—” Coco began to say, but the woman pushed them back into the booth without waiting for a response.
Coco’s deer in the headlights expression was reflected in Peter’s face, too.
The curtain opened behind them, and Coco jumped and squeaked as the woman poked her head in. “Here. Try these props.” She handed Peter the top hat, and Coco a small veil. “Now you won’t have to change them in between shots. I was serious about the kissing.” She winked at them and shut the curtain.
Coco bit her lip. What was going on? Maybe her head was still in a fog from fainting, but she and Peter had built a good rapport. How hard would it be to take a few pictures together?
“How are your acting skills?” Peter whispered to her.
What did he have in mind? She put the veil on. “Better than yours.”
“You’re on.”
They made a goofy face for the first picture, both opened their eyes and mouths wide for the second, smiled for the third. For the final picture, Peter took his top hat off, positioning it between them and the camera. “Scoot closer,” he whispered.
She was a breath away from him. Her heart raced, and she held her breath in anticipation. The thought of actually kissing him flashed before her as the camera went off for the last time.
“Those should be leaps and bounds better than the last set,” he said.
“Let’s hope so or we’ll be doing this all over again.”
This time when the woman handed Coco the pictures, she beamed at them. “You’re both
so photogenic. I hope you’ll consider us for your upcoming wedding. We’d love to work with such a delightful couple.”
Coco took a business card. She’d pass it along to Liz, though she doubted a photo booth was Liz’s style.
“These are some very decent pictures. Very quick thinking on the hat. You probably made the woman’s day.”
“Thanks.”
Coco ducked her head, avoiding his gaze.
They wandered a few more aisles, each pointing out different locations or angles of pictures as they passed by photo booths. They watched several more wedding videos, and Coco made sure to bend her knees. “Wow. These are really good. Top quality.”
“I’m sure you do similar work.”
“These transitions are just so smooth, and they are on the beat. Look at the way the camera just glides in the sweeping panorama. They must have it on a steady-cam or a really big arm to do that.”
“It’s very impressive.”
“I’m feeling very little league. Like I’m seven, going to my first major league baseball game.”
“You’re big into baseball?”
She shook her head. “No. Not me. Jeffrey is though. Obsessed with it.”
“I’m more of a basketball fan myself,” he offered.
“My brother plays high school basketball. I like the fast pace. Jeffrey will sit through a few games when my brother plays, but I think he prefers baseball because it is slower. That, and it’s outdoors and usually nice weather. Except for when it’s rained out, of course. Plus, the seasons last long enough that he can usually attend more games between his travels.”
“He travels a lot?”
“The last few years he has. He’s gone more than he’s here.” Coco forced a smile.
They wandered to the food section, where buffet selections were arranged by company and course. They chose two different catering companies, and tried the full selection of samples.
“Long distance can be difficult on relationships,” Peter said.
She studied him. “Sounds like you have some experience with that.”
“My last girlfriend. The long distance was a strain.”
Coco raised her eyebrows.
He shrugged and gave her a smile that didn’t quite reach his iridescent blue eyes. “It wasn’t meant to be, though. If it was, I’m sure the distance would have been no trouble at all.”
She nodded mechanically. Jeffrey’s travel was starting to wear on her, but she knew it wouldn’t last forever. It was just while he was working his way up in the company. Soon, he wouldn’t be traveling very often, she knew it.
“I’m sure you’re the kind of couple who can handle the travel and the distance,” Peter said.
Coco cocked her head. “Thanks. It’s been working out okay so far.”
“He’s lucky you support his dreams. You’re amazing.”
Chapter Eleven
Coco glanced up from her computer screen. After spending yesterday with Peter, she’d had so much inspiration, she spent all morning wrapped up in her favorite blanket, making changes to Tyler and Liz’s film. It was amazing the amount of energy and brilliance that soaked into her as she’d wandered around the bridal show.
Peter had bounced some ideas around with her, pointing out certain parts of the videos that caught his attention. It wasn’t surprising that he had an eye for composition since photography was his business, but his understanding of cinematography had caught her off guard.
She’d also spent some time cleaning up the video of Peter again. She’d hunted for footage that showed his face, but the only thing she found included terrible lighting and an ugly pole in the background. She put it in anyway, zooming in close, but knew she could do better.
Hopefully Peter would find it funny enough that he’d give her permission to use it for one of her class assignments.
On Monday, Coco walked into one of her favorite classes, Studio Filming. As she sat down she received a text from Jeffrey.
Hey. I just got word that I need to be on the afternoon flight out today.
How come so soon? She thought he was home for at least another week. He’d only just got back.
We’re behind on a project and need more man power. I volunteered to help fix it. I’ll only be gone two weeks.
I’m in class. Call you before my next one starts.
After class, Coco called Jeffrey. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to the airport?” She wanted to see him one more time.
“You don’t need to miss class for me. I’ll just take an Uber,” he said.
Disappointment rushed around her. “Okay. Have a safe flight. Text me when you land.”
“I will. I’ve got to run. Work is on the other line. Talk to you soon.” He hung up before she responded. She put the phone down on her desk.
Three days later, Coco received an email from Jeffrey. She never liked interrupting her flow when she was editing, but she’d do it for him.
Hey Coco,
I made my decision today, and told my supervisor I’d extend for another two weeks. The people here need me, and I can’t leave them. My heart would break if I came back before the project was finished. Thanks for understanding. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Going to send this quickly. Hope it gets through to you soon.
I love you.
Jeffrey
He was extending. Again. She’d been through this before. He’d get wrapped up in the service project and wouldn’t be able to leave until it was complete. Once it was done, one of the members of his group would have another project that just happened to be along the way to the airport. Of course, Jeffrey would take the slight detour just to see it and give some advice.
Then he’d commit to the new project, and the cycle would start over again. It was admirable what he was doing. He was changing the world for so many people. She should be happy for him and happy to support him while he was involved in such a great cause.
All the black text on white background swam into a gray blur on her computer. She needed to write Jeffrey back and didn’t want to feel anger or resentment when supporting him, but it started to creep in.
She rolled her neck to release the tension in her shoulders, and allowed her posture to slump. Letting out a huge breath, she typed like a supportive girlfriend.
Dear Jeffrey,
I’m glad things are going so well for you. I’m proud of the way you put service first in your life. It’s an admirable quality. The way you tell your stories makes me wish I could see it with my own eyes and capture the beauty you see with my camera. I can’t wait to see you when you get home.
Love,
Coco
It might be days before he got the message, but he’d see that she responded quickly and positively to his extension. It was all she could do.
“Liz, you look high strung,” Coco said from behind her camera lens. She hoped to capture the magic of picking out bridesmaid’s dresses as they shopped together, but so far everything she captured would be scrapped.
Liz stepped closer to the camera. “Well, you’re accurately capturing the moment then.”
Coco put the camera down. “Whoa. You okay? I was trying to make you laugh.”
“I want it to be perfect.”
“It will be perfect. This is only our third time going out together. We’ll find what you’re looking for.”
“Mandy leaves town next week. We need to find the dresses before then so she can be fitted.”
Coco put an arm around Liz, holding her camera away from her body. “You’ve got this.” She looked at Jenny and Mandy sitting on the couches and pouring through the dress books. They looked just as exhausted as Liz sounded.
“I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we divide and conquer? Jenny and Mandy will stay here and look through dress styles, try on a few dozen more options, take pictures of their favorites, and eat the catered lunch that should be here soon.”
“We can take care of the dresses. We’ll try them all on and pick
the best ones to show you,” Mandy said.
Jenny nodded. “It might be easier that way.”
“How is that dividing?”
Coco looped an arm through Liz’s. “You and I can go with your mom and finalize the flower selections and plan the bridals.”
“Without the bridesmaids’ dresses we can’t pick the flowers,” Liz said.
“The colors of the wedding aren’t changing, right?”
“Right. Aqua, coral, and silver.”
Coco picked up a swatch of each color from the display table. “Then we’ll take these with us and make sure it looks perfect with every arrangement.”
Liz sighed. “Sometimes I wonder if I should have started planning this before I had the ring.”
“You made the conscious choice not to start planning until it was official. That was a good plan for you.”
“Considering I had the whole wedding planned before Rick and I were engaged, yeah, I wanted to make this time different,” Liz said.
“It is different. For one thing, Tyler isn’t a jerk. For another, I think it’s romantic to make all of the plans with a ring on your finger.”
Liz turned to Jenny and Mandy. “Are you sure you’ve got this?”
“Yes.” Jenny made a shooing motion. “You’re stressed. Go smell some flowers, and we’ll pick out the best dresses you’ve ever seen.”
Liz called her mom, and then Coco and Liz met her at The Flower Petal. Liz was in a much better mood, and Coco even found a few minutes to take out the camera and record them browsing through the store. The store owner brought out a large binder with laminated photos displaying all the different arrangements they could do.
Coco busied herself around the shop, zooming in and out of the flowers, trying to create the day on film. A Calla lily bouquet caught her eye. It was simple, but elegant. She took a few pictures of it before filming. She’d add in the process of planning a wedding to her semester-long assignment.
“I think we’ve found the selection we want,” Liz said.
Coco jumped, looking up from her viewfinder.
“Sorry to scare you. Come see what we chose.”