When she looked up again, the sky had turned deep purple, and stars were beginning to appear overhead.
“Oh,” Mia said, blinking in surprise. “What time is it?”
Nolan checked his watch. “Almost seven.”
“I didn’t realize we’d been out here so long.” She glanced around.
“Time does that when you’re focused on something,” Nolan said, taking the camera back and slinging it around his neck. “Come on, I’ll walk you back.”
They walked in comfortable silence, the boardwalk creaking softly beneath their feet.
“You really do have a good eye,” Nolan said as they neared the Inn. “With a bit of practice, you could be excellent.”
Mia felt a flush of pride and accomplishment, something she hadn’t felt in what seemed like forever. “I can feel the difference between your super-technical camera and my phone.”
Nolan stopped walking and turned to face her. “I have a second camera. It’s not as fancy as this one, but it’s still good quality. You can use it if you want. I’ll teach you, if you have the time and want to, that is.”
Mia didn’t hesitate as excitement tickled her stomach at the thought of learning something new. “Yes. I’d like that.” She frowned before adding quickly. “But I’m wary about using your expensive cameras.”
Nolan waved that off. “I’ll be with you when you use it. And if you find you love photography, and want to buy your own. I’ll help you buy one to suit your needs.”
Mia nodded, warmth spreading through her chest. “Okay. Thank you.”
For the first time since that fateful night, she felt alive again. Back in control.
Her hand went to the locket at her throat, and she realized with a start that she hadn’t stroked it once in the three hours she’d spent with Nolan. She hadn’t counted her steps on the way back either.
They reached the stairs that led to the rooms, and Nolan paused at the bottom.
“Are you an early riser?” he asked. “You can get some brilliant shots at sunrise.”
“I can meet you then,” Mia said without even having to think about it.
Nolan’s smile widened. “Great. Six thirty?”
“Six thirty,” Mia agreed.
They parted ways, and Mia climbed the stairs to her floor, a smile spreading across her face that felt foreign and wonderful all at once.
She reached her door and turned the handle.
Once.
Just once.
Pushed it open and stepped inside.
Eve and Lila were both in Lila’s room, visible through the adjoining door. They looked up as Mia entered, and their faces registered immediate surprise.
“You’re smiling,” Eve said, her tone a mix of relief and curiosity. “What happened?”
“I met a photographer,” Mia said, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. “He’s going to teach me photography.”
Eve and Lila exchanged glances, then both stood and moved toward her.
“A photographer?” Lila asked, her eyebrows raised. “A male photographer?”
“Yup,” Mia nodded. “He’s also staying at the inn.”
