Chap 3 –

After sending the text to Sarah he sat at his desk for a moment staring at his phone. Maybe he shouldn't have sent it, maybe she would freak out. He didn't want her to think that he was desperate for contact with her, even though he was. Would she text him back or use the 'oh I didn't get your message' excuse? Whatever it maybe he decided to put his phone in his pocket and walk back to the darkroom. He was just setting his second photo in the developer when his phone vibrated. He immediately smiled and wanted to take it out of his pocket but had to wait until his photo had fully developed and he could move it to the stop bath. He didn't want to take any chances of light hitting the photo. 2 minutes…it felt like a lifetime. He never had problems waiting when it came to his photos but right now he kept switching his eyes back and forth from the photo that was starting to develop to the clock. After what felt like an eternity he put the photo into the second tub and step out into the studio to check his phone. He smiled again when he saw that the text was in fact from her.

"Just what exactly do I get for lunch? It better be something good!" He inwardly laughed a bit by that remark. Of course she would send some sort of sarcastic remark. It couldn't be a simple, 'sure, what'll it be?' no that was too easy, too boring. And Sarah was anything but boring.

He started typing his response, "Sure, it'll good, as long as my coffee is still hot by the time you get here."

Knowing his photo would be ok for a few minutes he waited outside for a response. Just a few seconds later she replied back, "Of course it'll be hot, there is a coffee shop less than a mile from your studio. :) What would you like?"

He liked that she used the happy face, he felt kind of like a kid again talking to the cute girl in school. His response was simple, "large latte please."

"Ok, see you soon."

He slipped his phone back in his pocket and walked back into the darkroom and was thankful that no one could see the huge smile on his face. He knew that playful texts wouldn't be enough to make things more normal between them, but he was hoping it was a start.

He had about 5 photos fully developed and on the drying rack and was about to start on another when he glanced up at the clock. Seeing that it was close to 9am he decided to wait on starting another photo until after Sarah was there and he headed back out to the studio. He headed over to his desk, sat down, and took a deep breath. Suddenly he was very aware that Sarah would be here any moment and was nervous he would say something that would get him into trouble. Normally he wouldn't care what he said, he said whatever came to his mind. But today we wanted to do his best to not say anything to make Sarah any more uncomfortable than she already might be. He didn't have much time to gather his thoughts when he glanced up and saw her walk in looking a bit flustered. Before he could say anything she spoke up and said, "I'm sorry I'm late. Drew forgot to get a permission slipped signed so I had to deal with that, then my dad stopped me and asked me about the sprinklers….oh and then the chick at the coffee shop got your order wrong so I had to wait for that….and then…."

Hank tried to get her to stop talking and kept waiting for her to at least take a breath so he could interject, but with Sarah that isn't always easy. Finally he just said, "Sarah….SARAH….it's fine. Don't worry about it. It's only ten after nine. Seriously, don't worry about. As long as I get coffee, all will be forgotten."

At a loss for words, Sarah stammered, "Oh…uh..ok. Wait you aren't mad? You're pretty anal about your time schedule."

"Yeah really, I just want coffee….so can I have mine?"

Sarah realized she was still holding both coffees and walked over to his desk and handed Hank his cup. "Thank you," he simply stated.

"So I'm going to be in the darkroom most of the morning, I figured we could develop that roll we shot in the hills the other day." He managed to say that sentence like nothing ever happened.

Sarah almost choked on her coffee, "The darkroom? Are you sure you don't need me to do anything out here?"

Hank obviously knew why she didn't want to go back in the darkroom and he so badly wanted to act like he didn't kiss her yesterday, like he didn't put himself out there and that she didn't reject him. He could either play it off like it didn't happen or he could talk about. He wanted her to be comfortable and as uncomfortable he it would make him to talk about yesterday he decided to do just that.

"Sarah, I….I'm sorry about yesterday. If you feel uncomfortable being in there with me I understand, but I would really like to show you some things today and I want you to get used to doing things in the darkroom. But if you're not ready today I understand."

He slightly bowed his head not wanting to look her in the eye. He was scared that she would go running in the opposite direction and never want to go in there again. There was a pause before she said anything.

"So today I could find out if you owe me coffee for a week?" She said with the a bit of a grin.

He looked at her slightly confused, "what? I know I owe you lunch today…" his voice trailed off.

"We made a deal, if my self-portrait looks better than your photo, you buy me coffee for a week!"

Hank stood up and stated, "Oh yes, that deal. That's funny, you know, I don't remember shaking on that."

Sarah exclaimed quickly, "Oh you are not getting out of this that easily! My photo will be better, I just know it."

They both started walking back to the darkroom, and in mock enthusiasm Sarah said, "By the way, I think today marks another monumental occasion!"

Hank a little nervous to ask just what that was, looked at her with a puzzled look.

"You said the word 'sorry' today. That's the first time you've said that in a LOOONG time." Sarah couldn't help but have a little fun with him.

Hank just smirked and said, "Well just see how confident you feel when you're buying me coffee for a week."

I'm sorry this one is a little shorter, it's been a long day and I wanted to get it posted. Also, sorry if it seems a little jumbled or whatnot. Btw, I had started to write this chapter last night before seeing the new episode. I had to laugh a bit when Sarah came walking in with a latte for Hank!

Anyway, leave a little love, let me know what you think! Thanks! Oh, and I don't owe anything!