Captured

{7} New Adventures

Sara Beth's POV:

It's been over a week since the bonfire and I'm grateful I've been able to avoid Zach. I'm also grateful for the friendships developing from the party. One of the highlights is being included in Leah's friend group. The girls have been sure to include me on several outings, either after work or on my days off. It's been really nice.

I found out a few of Zach's friends are actually dating one another. They like to call them "mates," which is cute. Christian and Ally have been together since high school and Penny and William have recently gotten engaged as they crossed paths at the Farmer's Market. Since Penny's family was supportive of their relationship, she moved in with him in Mountain Springs.

I shrug at the thought of knowing my dad would never have allowed me to move in with a guy so quickly. He would probably shoot first and ask questions later. I chuckle at the image in my head.

Today, I'm working on converting the guest room closet into my dark room. Dad and I went over the layout of the room and how it could function as a multipurpose space. It will be the guest room / office / dark room. I guess it could work. First, we exchanged the queen-sized bed for a full bed, making room for my small desk and an end table. I typically edit my photos to adjust lighting, scale, size, and remove any blemishes or sometimes backgrounds.

I bought some supplies from Miller's in order to create a lighting system on the closet door. This would let my dad, or anyone, for that matter, know when I am actually processing my photos. This stops overexposure and damage to the negatives. I also create a sign to hang on the door as an extra measure. One side says "In Use, Do Not Open!" while the other side says "All Free!" I thought it was cute.

My dad builds a wall to wall surface which will allow my equipment, trays, enlarger, and other materials to easily be stored in the room. I also line the room with red LED lights. The hard part is creating a suitable ventilation system because of the chemicals used in the process. Thankfully, he's handy and worked it out for me.

The next Farmer's Market is only a week away and I want to have several pieces ready to sell. My dad was over the moon when I told him about it. Leah and the girls have also been helping me with layout ideas, framing, and making sure I have a sufficient way to package the prints.

"So, what do you think?" Leah calls as she walks into the guest room.

"About?" I ask, not sure where the question is leading. I lean my head out of the closet, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Your new packaging label!" she holds up a cylinder tube, but hides the front.

"Oh Leah, you didn't!"

"I did! I just took the lead from your business card and the girls helped me come up with a design! Chloe's mom works in marketing and she called in a favor. The first round is free, but after that, you know. However, I think I've found an investor to cover the packaging costs."

"Shut up! What are you saying right now?! Logo, packaging, marketing, secret investor?! My head is going to explode. I—I—I can't thank you enough!" I feel my eyes brimming with tears. I've never felt such support and encouragement except from my parents. Leah leads me over to the bed. "I just can't wrap my head around all of this." I look up at her with tear-filled eyes. "Thank you, truly."

"Oh stop! You're the talent of this operation. We just used our connections. Now, are you ready?" I nod and take in a deep breath to calm my emotions. She rolls the cylinder to face me. It's the letters SB encircled to look like a camera lens with the word photography written in cursive across the bottom of the letters. It's in yellow, my favorite color. It's simple, yet elegant.

"Beautiful, Leah. I'm floored by this! It's absolutely perfect."

"Yay! I can't wait to tell the girls and I can't wait for Saturday. Scott and your dad are taking the day off to escort us there and back. Additionally, the girls and their mates are also coming to show their support of your first outing!" She squeals, her excitement bubbling over. I shake my head and laugh at my friend.

Now, all I had to do is create beautiful photos and get them processed before next week. That is the easy part.

**********

Over the course of the week, I spent a lot of time taking pictures both around town and in nature. Some sunrises, sunsets, random moments in town, random people, off-guard shots. I processed some in color, some black and white, others I did a few techniques to enhance the image. I also printed various sizes in order to create a more affordable menu of items. Smaller prints are cheaper, of course, and larger prints or those already framed are more expensive.

However, there is one piece I am not taking to the market. It is the picture of my wolf. The picture is perfect and I'm not quite ready to part with it. I want to make copies and hopefully edit them with various backgrounds. I am also hoping to catch him again, so I have more poses. So far, he hasn't been around lately, which kind of makes me sad.

Finally, Saturday is here. I roll out of bed pretty early and jump in the shower. I'm ready to get this day started. I get dressed in a green sundress with a light grey cardigan. It's warming up, but depending on how much sun my booth will receive, will determine whether or not I need this sweater. I put on some comfortable flats since I'll be standing most of the day, fingers crossed.

I head downstairs to my dad already drinking his coffee and eating an English muffin while reading the morning paper.

"Good morning, dad!" I say cheerfully.

"Hey! Good morning, sweetie! Ready for this new adventure?" He lays his paper on the island and adjusts his glasses.

"I am! I'm a little nervous, but I'm ready." I make a cup of coffee and find a granola bar to nibble on.

"Scott and Leah should be here shortly. They want to ride over with us to help you set up."

"Oh! That's sweet! I didn't realize—" I'm cut off by the opening of the back door.

"Good morning Collins family!" Leah shouts. She's like a ray of sunshine wrapped in a miniature body. How she fits so much personality in such a small body, I will never know. Scott follows her with a smile and a wave.

"Good morning, guys. Coffee?" I ask.

"Nah, we've already had some and eaten breakfast. Just can't wait to go and see what the day brings." Leah explains.

"Well, I guess that's our cue to get going." I chuckle. We file out of the house and load into my dad's truck. All of my prints were already packed in crates in the back and secured with tie-down straps. We make our way along Main Street, which looks desolate, but Scott explains how many businesses close on a Farmer's Market Saturday or open later so everyone can take advantage. Makes sense.

It doesn't take long to get to what they refer to as neutral ground. As we pull up, there are tables and booths set up around a beautiful courtyard. Some people are selling food, some jewelry, some clothes, and a variety of other things. It looks like I'm the only one selling pictures.

We hop out of the truck and begin to unload. A gentleman walks over and introduces himself as Mr. Beckett. He is in charge of the booth assignments and he gives me several papers to fill out as well as my booth number.

After completing the necessary paperwork, we locate my table. It rests in a semi-shady spot which I'm thankful for. While my dad and Scott grab the crates, Leah and I discuss layout and setup which we had previously done, but things changed once we see the space. I set up my two large easels behind the table to highlight the works which have been printed, matted, and framed. This would allow customers to see a finished product. Leah brought a yellow table cloth to hide the wooden table and set up a spot for my business cards, order forms, and my portfolio which I've been building since I was sixteen. I also brought my camera. I figured it would be a great day to snap more off-guards or candids.

Once the table is set, it's time to wait. This is the part I hate. The anticipation, the lull, the anxiety. It doesn't take long before people from all directions start to fill up the once sparse courtyard. Many people are here just to look, but I don't mind. It gives me a chance to network, hand out business cards, and meet new people. I know I will be exhausted after interacting with so many people.

Chloe, Ally, and Penny come by the table to wish me luck. I thank them for the packaging logo. Penny and Ally introduced me to their "mates," William and Christian. I recognize them from the bonfire. Christian eyes me with a weird expression on his face. I see Leah and Scott give each other side glances before Scott walks off with him.

"What was that about?" I ask Leah. She shrugs her shoulders as if she doesn't know. Not wanting to make anything awkward for Ally, I just drop it. The girls head off to do some shopping while dad and Scott leave to find some lunch for us. I am left at the table by myself for a few minutes, which I don't mind as it gives me a chance to take some photos.

I am zooming in and scanning the crowd when a pair of blue eyes catches my focus. Of course he's here. I quickly scan away until I see a very upclose face in my lens. I drop my camera only to be met with an extremely handsome man. My breath hitches as he smiles.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to stick my camera in your face. I didn't hear you come up." I smile shyly.

"No apologies necessary. Sorry if I startled you. You've got some incredible pieces here." I blush at his compliment. "Very talented, indeed." He lifts his bright green eyes to meet mine. I curl my lips before speaking again. His presence is suddenly overwhelming. I can tell he's a powerful man, someone in charge, but young, not much older than me. "My name's Adam. Adam Walker. I'm one of the two officials from River Ridge. It's just north of here, about ten minutes." He explains.

"Oh, that's great! My name is Sara Beth. I just recently moved to Mountain Springs. I'm hoping to kick start my business and my friend, Leah, told me about this. I thought, why not?!" I smile politely, trying to contain my nerves.

"Well, I'm definitely interested in your night landscape right there." He points to one of my finished pieces. "Do you do freelance? Or just landscapes and off-guards?" His question tells me he knows art and photography.

"Oh wow. Really?" He nods as he gets out his wallet to pay for it. "I would like to eventually move into freelance as well as open my own gallery. Right now, I'm just starting up." I explain. After finishing the sale, it doesn't take long for the conversation to flow from one subject to the next. He's very charming, but there's something he's hiding behind those sparkling green eyes. I can't put my finger on it and I rarely judge people before I get to know them, so I keep this to myself. For now.

I show Adam my portfolio. As I'm flipping the pages, some of my hair falls into my face; however, before I can move it, Adam runs his hand across my cheek and places the hair behind my ear. I chuckle slightly before thanking him. He's flirting with me.

"Your portfolio is exquisite. I have some ideas for some freelance work if you're interested. I would love to talk about them over dinner one night." He grabs one of my business cards and places it in his wallet. He then takes another card and begins writing his number on the back. "This is my personal cell. I will text or call you in a few days to see when you are free, if that's alright with you?" I'm stunned and silent. Why would a man like him be interested in a nobody like me? Even if it is under the guise of my work, he seems to be leading on to something much more personal. I keep my cool as to not speculate too much.

"Uh. Sure. That would be lovely." I smile and blush at his invitation. Scott, Leah, and my dad reappear at the table with food. Scott glares at Adam as if they know each other.

"Adam."

"Scott, pleasure seeing you again." He then turns back to me. "Sara Beth, it was lovely talking to you and thank you for my new piece. I have the perfect spot for it." I hand him the packaged print and he reaches for my hand. He brings it to his lips and lightly kisses it. "I'll talk to you soon." He smiles, nods to the others and walks away. My heart is beating out of my chest and my face has to be fifty shades of red.

Leah and dad congratulate me on my first big sale and Adam's proposal. Scott remains quiet with a forced smile on his face. Wonder what's up with him and how he knows Adam? I then see Adam talking to Zach. Oh boy! This could be a problem.