Actually—I have a thought about what to send them. Can we talk when we get to the site this afternoon?
The reply comes faster than I expect.
Sure. See you around 1 PM. Want me to grab you lunch?
I stare at the question. She's offering to bring me food like it's normal. Like we do this all the time.
Maybe we do now.
Yeah. Thanks.
I set the phone down and exhale slowly.
The laptop is still closed. The "What Stays" folder is still locked inside, unseen and safe.
I stand up, walk to the window, look out at the street below. A delivery truck double-parks. A woman with a stroller navigates around it. Two kids on bikes weave through pedestrians, laughing.
Life in motion. People going somewhere.
I used to be one of them. Always moving. Always looking for the next frame, the next city, the next reason to leave before anyone expected me to stay.
I walk back to the desk to pack my bag. My laptop screen wakes up as I brush the trackpad.
The email notification sits in the corner of the screen, flagged and bolded. I must have missed it earlier when I opened the portfolio.
Subject: URGENT: Dubai is back on the table. Tom, The backup photographer Dubai hired when you passed last month just flaked on them. They are frantic. They need someone on-site starting next week and just upped the offer to $55K with full accommodations. I know you said no before, but do not turn this down again. This is a career-maker. Call me.—Marc
I stare at the number. $55K. Next week.
The kind of gig I used to say yes to without checking my calendar. The kind of gig that kept me solvent and mobile and unattached to any project that required follow-through.
I click Reply.
To: Marc Subject: Re: URGENT: Dubai is back on the table. Passing again. I'm committed to a long-term project here (Harbor District) and can't leave the team mid-cycle. Moving forward, only interested in projects under 10 days that don't require international travel.—Tom
I read it once. Hit Send.
My phone buzzes almost instantly. A text from Marc.
Marc
Are you out of your mind? You do not turn down $55K to shoot a local real estate gig. I am not accepting this via email. I am calling you at 1:30 to talk some sense into you.
I stare at the threat. I'm meeting Sam at the site at 1:00.
My thumbs move across the screen.
I'm fine. The Harbor District project is critical right now. I can't leave the team hanging.
I stop.
I look at the words.The team.
It's accurate. It's professional. It's safe.
I backspace.
I can't leave Sam and the team hanging.
