Susan hesitated and finally, she went with a partial truth. “Everyone wants and deserves love, but settling for something that doesn’t fit is a mistake. I’m not going to force a relationship because my family or society says it’s time.”
“It takes a strong woman to go against tradition,” the cameraman said.
An indelicate snort escaped. “Are you trying to tell me I’m not a traditional girl?”
“You’re interesting,” the cameraman said.
“I have a great set of friends and through them, my horizons have broadened. Maybe I’ve stepped outside conventional lines, but life would be boring if we all trod the same path. As long as I’m true to myself, that’s the important thing.”
“Thank you,” the cameraman said, lowering his camera and switching off the power. “I’ll head back to the motel and sort out this footage to send to Jennifer. Tell Nolan, will ya?”
“Sure.” Susan peeled the last potato and tidied the counter.
Nolan returned with a blanket and his puppy. He commanded the black-and-white dog to sit. “Thanks for the suggestion, although my father would say that’s not the right behavior for a farm dog.”
“You don’t talk about your father much,” Susan said.
“He’s slowed down after a fall from his horse. He spends more time in his workshop making furniture these days.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, I enjoy taking charge and doing things my way. It’s my ideal life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Susan nodded, her thoughts drifting to Tyler. She couldn’t imagine leaving the city now. A long-distance romance? That hadn’t worked for Julia, and if Susan were honest, it wouldn’t work for her either.
