Page 26 of Another June with You

“I think they’re lovely,” Shannon replied. “Everything looks so nice together.”

Georgia let out a little harrumph. “Every couple should have a nice set of fine china.” It was clear she didn’t approve of the choices Keely’s mother and sister had made for the shower.

The Penningtons were wealthy and felt like southern royalty to Shannon, though she had no idea what they did that brought them financial success. From what Shannon had gathered at brunch, Chase was very much like his dad—laid back, level-headed, charming. But Georgia had an air of pretentiousness about her and a way of speaking that made Shannon feel uncomfortable and inferior.

Shannon moved around her and focused on the floral detail of the plates before moving to the food. Whenever she photographed an event, she tried her best to capture every minute detail as if it had been her own special day. Pictures of the bride and her guests were a given, but shots of the details were a reminder of all the planning and creativity that went into it. A wedding, a bridal shower, an anniversary party—whatever the case—was a big deal. So much went into bringing an event like this to fruition, and her goal had always been to transport her clients back to their special event with a simple glance at a picture. Just as important as capturing the feeling and emotion of the day were the little things that made it special. Even if those details were simple plastic plates instead of fine china.

She felt Georgia’s eyes on her but continued on with her work, trying her best to ignore the condescending gaze. When Georgia finally wandered out of the kitchen, Shannon breathed a sigh of relief.

Once her work in the kitchen was done, she went back to the living room where the tables were set up. As she moved to photograph the long gift table at the front of the room, she nearly dropped her camera. Chase and Micah were standing in the entryway talking with Keely and a couple of her bridesmaids.

Shannon lifted her camera and searched for something—anything—to photograph. She fixed her lens on the flower girl sitting on her mother’s lap, pouting. She could feel Micah watching her, and she scanned the room for Jamie, who was busy with her camera in hand. Slowly and deliberately, she moved away from Micah and toward Jamie.

“Hey,” Jamie said from behind her camera. “Do we get food at this gig? Whatever is in that kitchen smells so good, my stomach is growling louder than a grizzly bear.” She started to laugh to herself, but then noticed Shannon’s face. “What’s wrong?”

Shannon subtly tilted her head in Micah’s direction.

Jamie not-so-nonchalantly looked his way, then back, like she hadn’t looked over at him on purpose.

“Subtle.” Shannon scrunched up her nose.

“So, that’s him, huh? Why are guys at a bridal shower?”

“I have no idea.” She thought this would be a fun day with Keely and the girls. If she had known Micah would be there, she could’ve mentally prepared.

“Don’t look now, but he’s coming over here.” Jamie barely got the words out before he was standing beside them.

“Hey,” Micah said.

“Hello.” Shannon tried to act aloof, like she couldn’t care less that he was there.

“Who’s your friend?” he asked.

“Micah, this is Jamie. Jamie, this is Micah.”

Micah’s eyes widened. “If you ever give up photography, you could totally work in radio.”

Shannon’s brow furrowed.

“You said that so fast, you could be one of those speed-talking radio announcers that do the disclaimers after the car ads. ‘See dealer for details.’”

Jamie laughed and held her hand out to shake Micah’s hand. “You’re funny.”

Shannon wasn’t amused.

“Nice to meet you, Jamie.”

“You too, Micah. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Shannon gave her a look.

“You have?” Micah looked to Shannon then back at Jamie. “Should I be afraid?”

“Oh, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Shannon would never say a bad word about anyone. She’s just that sweet and kind and—”

“Why are you here?” Shannon cut her off.

He appeared wounded. “We just stopped by for a few. We’re not staying.”

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