Rather than lost for words, there was too much between them to still be said and too little that could be done to change what had already been spoken. Effie turned back to the paintings before she said something she’d regret.
‘I love these, they’re so ethereal, the light, how does she do it? It’s perfect,’ she said, steering them towards safer ground. ‘Freya is so talented. I’d love one of her paintings but I’m not sure my budget would stretch yet,’ she gabbled nervously.
‘Something to aspire to. I love seeing how artists interpret the scenes I capture on camera. Seeing this makes me feel like a fraud. All I do is point and click.’
Effie glanced at him, noticing his dismissive tone. ‘Don’t put yourself down. You have a great eye for detail, and everyone likes something different. Photography is its own skill. Anyway, your photos are why I’m here.’ Her gentle reminder seemed to break the ice that had formed over their friendship.
‘Flatterer.’ Jake smiled and his shoulders relaxed. ‘Shall we get another drink?’
Effie glanced at her now empty glass. ‘Good idea,’ she said.
She followed him over to the refreshments table and took the glass he handed her. They chinked their glasses together in a cheers, eyes meeting as they took their first sip, memories of the kisses they’d shared running hot up Effie’s neck.
Effie turned to study the activity in the room. On the opposite side from where they were standing, Angelo, Freya’s sculptor partner, was standing next to some twisted metal shapes that reminded her of stormy waves hurling themselves against a harbour wall. Angelo was guarding the piece as if he didn’t want anyone to come too close. He’d been a successful artist before his life imploded, and he’d run away to Polcarrow and slowly rediscovered his need to create.
Jake’s photos were displayed on the main wall and these were the ones most people were gathering around. Locals mingled with visitors from out of town and Effie was pleased that Freya’s social media campaign to advertise the opening night had garnered the interest she’d desired. Effie made to step forward but Jake held her back. The brief touch sent shock waves through them both
‘I want to watch them,’ he explained when she gave him a questioning look. ‘I want to see what they make of the photos without realising I’m watching.’
Understanding what he meant, Effie joined in with his observations. She watched as Alf cackled with laugher to find the photo of him and Scruff from his birthday. Other villagers were exclaiming between themselves that they’d never seen Polcarrow look so beautiful as in the dawn shots Jake had taken, as if the sunrise was breathing new life into the village. Effie glanced between Jake’s daybreak photos and Freya’s paintings; they complemented each other perfectly.
‘I think they like them,’ Effie whispered.
In response, Jake drained his glass in one swallow and flashed her a relieved grin. ‘I think I’d better go over,’ he said, putting his empty glass down. ‘Wish me luck.’
‘Good luck!’ Effie followed him, watching as Jake’s dad broke away from the crowd to pull him into a hug.
‘Jake boy, these are stunning, honestly, I knew you had skill, but I didn’t realise just how talented you are until I saw them like this.’
‘They look so much better framed than on a phone screen,’ his mum said, planting a kiss on his cheek.
‘Thanks, that means a lot.’ Jake beamed with pride. Elation surged through Effie to witness his parents’ love and support. Her own romantic hopes might have been dashed but she found she still wanted the best for Jake’s career. After all, he’d been an ardent supporter of hers.
Effie lingered back slightly until the crowds began to clear from around Jake’s photos. Still holding her glass, she made her way down the line, peering at all the details that were more obvious now that the photos had been enlarged and printed. The depth of the colours, the way Jake’s eye drew the viewer in, she wasn’t surprised to see little red ‘sold’ stickers beneath half the photos.
By the time she’d taken them all in, exchanging small talk with the locals she was still growing familiar with, Jake was busy talking to a man dressed in a finely cut suit. Not wanting to interrupt, she watched as they exchanged business cards and shook hands. The suited man walked away, and Effie caught Jake’s eye. He was barely controlling his excitement.
‘Who was that?’ she asked as she joined him.
‘Simon Cauley, he has a few high-end hotels around Cornwall. Can you believe it, he wants to have a look at my portfolio with a view to me taking some art shots of local scenery for the hotel rooms,’ Jake exhaled.
‘Jake, that’s amazing!’ Everyone had heard of Simon Cauley’s eco hotels with their sea-view rooms and hot tubs. In fact, Effie had pored over the website on numerous occasions wishing she had the funds for even one night’s stay.
Jake slipped the card into his pocket. ‘I think I’d better do some more circulating, are you OK if I leave you? I’ll catch you later. I need to talk to you.’
Effie’s heart sank at the seriousness of his tone. Hadn’t they talked enough? What on earth was there left to say? ‘Jake, I’ll be fine. Polcarrow feels like my second home now. I’ll step outside if I need a breather, but go and make the most of this, you deserve it.’
Jake leaned towards her slightly then pulled back. Effie’s brow furrowed in confusion before she stepped away, putting some distance between them. As she watched him move away, she realised just how difficult it was going to be to untangle the romantic feelings from the roots of their friendship.
Chapter Thirty-Five
‘Well, I think that was a success,’ Freya held her glass up as the last few visitors milled around.
‘I can’t believe I sold all my photos,’ Jake said with disbelief as he joined in the cheers.
‘Well done!’ Effie couldn’t help but feel proud of his achievement.
‘I think I better start taking this photography thing more seriously,’ he quipped, making everyone laugh.
