Chapter 1: A New Venture
Alex looked up into the bright blue sky, just a few clouds whisps through the air. "Well, Anna, you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for a housewarming party!" She looked over at her friend with a warm smile and
"I know, it did turn out delightfully, didn't it? I hope we have enough food." Anna looked over the dishes on the table with a worried expression on her face.
"Anna! You have enough food for an army. Now, what else can I help with?" Alex pulled her long brown hair back into a pony tail with the hair band on her wrist as she spoke.
"Just the drinks. I think everyone is here." Anna looked around the yard and saw several other friends and coworkers chatting with each other, some standing, some lounging in chairs. After a few seconds of scanning she found Robin in a corner chatting with Dave, who had managed to rangle Tanya into babysitting the kids so he could enjoy a social gathering - even if Anna did have to goad him into coming. She walked back in with Anna and they brought trays out with drinks for all. After Robin fumbled over a brief few words welcoming everyone to their new home, everyone found their way around the table to fix their plates and grab drinks. Anna and Alex found themselves seated together at a corner of the yard. "So, Alex, how is business?"
"It's brilliant, really! I've almost reached the point where I can be self-sufficient with my business and not need to work at the shop to survive. I'm working on a new website and other promo for a local B&B right now. I'm trying to find a photographer to partner with for some pictures. I just can't seem to land someone reliable. They either don't know what they are doing with a camera, or won't show up when I need them. It's one of the last real holes I need to fill to make this thing successful."
"A photographer!" Anna almost spit out her food, "Really? I might be able to help you there!" She turned and found Dave in the crowd. He looked to be awkwardly chatting with a few of Robin's coworkers. "Dave, come here a moment!"
Dave turned when he heard Anna shouting for him over all the chatter of the party and the background music. He walked up to Anna and another woman who appeared to be close in age to Dave, if he had to guess. "Anna, this is a wonderful get together you've managed tonight."
"Thanks! Dave, can I introduce you to my friend Alex Stanton. She has her own business doing design & publicity work for small businesses. She's in need of a photographer to help her out on a current project. You think you might be able to help her out?" Anna smiled as she looked between the two. Why hadn't she thought to introduce them sooner?
"Well, we might be able to work something out," he said towards Anna, then held his hand out to Alex. "Dave Tiler, pleasure to meet you Mrs. Stanton. What kind of project are you working on?"
"Please, call me Alex." She shook the hand of the man in front of her, not missing his handsome appearance. "I'm working on website, brochure and some other promotional material for a local Bed and Breakfast. I need some brilliant photos and cannot for the life of me find a photographer that knows how to show up, much less what a shutter is. Do you know someone?"
"Well, Alex, I think I might just know someone," Dave grinned at her.
"Ah, I see," she paused and shook her head, "it's you isn't it?" Alex smirked. Anna could have divulged a bit more information before dropping her into this conversation. Speaking of Anna, where had she gotten of too? She seemed to have sneakily and conveniently wandered off and was now off chatting with another group of people.
"Yes, I have my own photography business. I do a wide range of photography, though mainly it involves portraits and the like, I certainly have experience in styles that might suit your needs."
"Oh, that would be wonderful!"
Dave enjoyed seeing her smile as she responded. "Alex, if you don't mind me asking, where are you from? Certainly not 'round these parts."
Alex chuckled. "No, no," she shook her head, "I'm from the US. I moved here about just over a year ago. I've been working at Brew, the tea & coffee shop just down the street, till my business is profitable."
"Ah," Dave said, "I thought I detected an American accent. A bit late, I suppose, if you've been here a year, but let me welcome you to Scotland. How do you know Anna?"
"We actually met at the shop and hit it off. You?"
"Oh, um…" Dave seemed to flounder a bit at how to explain his relationship to Anna and it peaked Alex's interest. "…We're family."
"Oh, I see." Alex wasn't really sure she understood. How were they family? Brother? Cousin? Why didn't he clarify? She took a breath and decided not to be nosy. If Dave was a good enough photographer for Anna to recommend him, she didn't want to run him off before she had a chance to see. "Well, I hate to be pushy, but I'm in a bit of a rush to get this project done. How soon do you think you could do the work?"
Dave was relieved she didn't push for more details. He was just hoping to make it through the evening without explaining anything about the past two years of his life to anyone, and he didn't want to either scare Alex off, or have her pitying him. "Well, I don't have anything scheduled for tomorrow, how about it?"
"Oh that's brilliant! Um, can I get your mobile number? I'll just text you the address. How does 10am sound?" She pulled out her phone and held it up with a questioning look on her face?
"Sure, no problem," he took her phone and put his contact number into the new contact she had opened on the screen. "Send it over to me and I'll meet you there at ten." Dave was interrupted as Robin stepped into the conversation.
"Oh, hello Alex! Anna says you and Dave might be doing some work together, that's wonderful!"
"Yes, it looks like it. I'm so glad I was able to come tonight, might have been my saving grace!'
As the evening went on, Dave and Alex each glanced at each other several times, neither catching the other in the act. At some point later into the evening, Dave noticed that Alex had slipped out without getting a chance to say goodbye. He was the last to leave that evening and was just saying his goodbyes to Anna and Robin when his phone beeped a notification.
"Nice meeting you tonight, Dave. B&B is at 132 Wickson Ave. See you at 10am."
He glanced at the text before finishing his goodbyes and walking out with his helmet, sending a quick reply, "Pleasure was all mine. Look forward to tomorrow and to working with you. See you at 10." He slipped his helmet on and got onto his bike, starting it up and heading off towards home.