Page 41 of Another June with You
He was usually excited to give gifts, but he sounded even more so this time.
“I’m meeting with Jamie and the guy who’s leasing us Simon’s old studio this morning, then Keely’s final dress fitting, then rehearsal tonight.”
“So, the wedding’s tomorrow, huh?”
“Yeah, but I’ll see you Sunday. Lunch at Mom and Dad’s. Sì?”
“Sì.” He sounded disappointed.
“What is it?”
“Nothin’. I just missed my sister.”
“You mean Sophia?”
He snickered. “I can’t ever get that girl on the phone. She’s far too busy in the glamorous world of fashion to call her brother.”
Shannon had to agree. She was happy their sister had found what she wanted to do with her life, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d spoken to Sophia.
“I’m sorry to cut this short,” Shannon said, “but I really have to get ready for this meeting.”
“No problema.”
“See you Sunday.”
“Okay.”
“And D, I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me too.”
Duncan was her best friend. He had always been her touchstone, keeping her grounded, reminding her what was important. In the days before and after her breakup with Micah, he’d been so supportive. He knew the whole story, and having him to talk to was the only reason she’d gotten through it. He hadn’t been completely on board, and he thought she was making the biggest mistake of her life, but still, he gave his support.
She shook the thoughts from her mind and went about getting ready for the meeting. No matter what she had done in her past, no matter if it had been a mistake or not, it had all brought her to this point in her life, to this moment when her dreams of a studio in her hometown were about to come true.
There it was. The old, red brick building where Simon Walker Photography had once been located. Vacant for several months since he’d moved his business to Maggie’s shop in Hastings.
Shannon couldn’t have been more grateful when Maggie suggested she take over the space. At first, she wasn’t sure she would be able to afford the rent, and she had said as much to Jamie, who floated the idea of them sharing the space. It was ideal, and everything had fallen into place perfectly. And in minutes, they would walk through the space with the owner, discuss the terms of the lease, and make it official, so they could move in.
The girls climbed out of Jamie’s car and stood on the sidewalk in front of the building, waiting for the owner to arrive.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Shannon peeked through the window into the empty space.
“Believe it,” Jamie replied.
A car drove by and honked, and Shannon startled.
Jamie laughed at her. “You’re jumpy.”
“I’m just excited. I wish Vern would get here.” Shannon’s phone went off in her pocket. She didn’t recognize the number, but answered it anyway.
“Shannon McGregor Photography.”
“Shannon, this is Vernon Howard.”
“Hi, Vernon. Jamie and I are here at the building waiting for you.”
“That’s what I’m calling about.”
