Chapter 41 Poppy
L ate October
Click . Looking through the camera lens, I take a few more shots of the bay before glancing over my shoulder at Owen. He’s looking handsome, as always, with wind off the water tousling his hair around—it’s slightly longer than when we first met and I really like it. Waving, he turns back toward the boardwalk and heads off to get us a refill on our drinks. The air off the water is bitterly cold, despite it not even being past Halloween yet.
My attention goes back to my camera and the fall colors of the trees, trying to get the focus just right. A few adjustments to the white balance should hopefully get the colors the way I’m hoping. Click. Seeing the vibrant colors and the way they contrast over the open water, I like it, but want another shot. I decide to try some different settings before calling it a day. A few aperture adjustments and a couple lens changes later, I finally get the shot I was hoping for.
Walking across the wet sand towards where Owen sits, my mind brightens at the promise of a warm drink and a cozy blanket to snuggle with him under. He shoots me a warm smile, looking back to the book he’s been absorbed in while I’ve been off taking pictures. I tried shooting with Steven once and I felt myself constantly worried that he was bored or annoyed with me. And he usually was. Owen is more simple and perfectly happy to sit, reading on the beach while I take as long as I need. Even encouraging me to take my time.
I’m not sure when I’ll finally get used to how kind and affirming he is.
Slouching down on the blanket, he hands me a warm to-go cup. I chatter out, “Thank you.” I didn’t realize how cold I had gotten by being closer to the water.
“You’re welcome,” he says as he leans down to kiss against my hair. “Clara was shocked you wanted something other than coffee, but I promised her I was only doing as you asked.”
“It is rare, but I do drink other things.”
“How is it going?” He gestures to my camera.
“Great.” I click through the pictures to show him the shot.
“That’s beautiful.” He leans over my shoulder to watch the pictures as I click through them all. I always take a million shots in hopes of getting that one perfect one and he seems content to sit through them all.
“Thanks, I’ve been trying to get a similar shot the past few years, but this year the trees and the weather finally cooperated for me. How’s your book?” I can’t help but smile looking at the shot. It’s perfect and I can hardly wait to edit it and see how it looks printed.
“That’s great. Book is good, also just enjoying this view. I’m not sure I’ll ever get tired of it.” He looks out towards the water, taking in the spray and surf as it dances around in the fall sunlight.
“If Honey Cove had a tourism department, that picture would be perfect,” he adds before taking a sip of his own drink.
Sally, my friend from my hotel in Toronto, had called me last month and asked if she could purchase some of the photos I had emailed her after my trip for use by her hotel. I didn’t realize she’s also the owner. I was definitely surprised, but excited by the idea of anyone other than me enjoying the photos. My photos. It was quite flattering and I have been happily basking in the glow of that and everything with Owen ever since.
“Oh, perhaps I’ll email them.” We laugh. Just as I’d hoped, he wraps us both in a blanket and pulls me close to him. After packing up my camera, I return the snuggle and lean in, savoring the extra warmth and break from the wind.
“Can you believe it’s almost winter? Winter is a lot worse here than in New York. Did you bring your parka?”
He rolls his eyes, but shoots back, “I’ll be fine. I have a very cozy girlfriend to keep me warm.” He leans down, pulling my face softly towards his and kissing me with the smallest hint of pressure that makes me question if it even happened. When he pulls away, his eyes are looking straight into mine and my heart races at the closeness.
I remind myself that he’s been here before, often visiting relatives for the holidays. He should be well prepared for the cold that is coming. While I know all of his relatives, our paths never crossed before this due to breaks, traveling, and other things. “Hey, Owen,” I whisper.
He turns towards me, chin brushing over my head before he leans down to meet my eyes. “Yeah?”
“This is nice.”