Page 106 of How You See Me
After the unplanned detour to the B&B—and the more than worth-it pit stop on the side of the road—we arrive in Albuquerque right before sunset. Too late for the hot air balloon ride I’d hoped to check off the list, but that’s okay. We’ll catch it in the morning.
Tonight, we’ve got time and each other.
We grab dinner downtown, tucked into the corner of a lively Italian restaurant that hits all the senses. Josie’s laughter blends with the warm spice in the air, and for a moment, it’s easy to forget everything else.
On our walk after dinner, I check my phone.
“Anything important?” Josie asks, nudging my arm.
“Yes. This way.” We detour off the main road and take the next left courtesy of the directions I found online.
She raises a brow but follows me down the quiet street. “Where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see.”
I check the directions again, and the store should be up ahead. As the sign comes into view, I lean in and kiss her. She melts into it without hesitation.
“Ready for your next surprise?”
“Next? I already feel spoiled with everything that’s happened today.”
“That was only the beginning.” With a peck to her forehead, I lead her the few feet to the door and let her enter first.
She freezes to take in the small camera shop, her hand pressed against her chest. “Hayes.”
“Whichever one you want. It’s yours.”
Spinning like she wants to retreat, she bumps into me. I hold her there with my arms around her.
“I can’t let you spend that much on me. I’ll get a new camera after my Vegas sales.”
“How about a compromise? I’ll get the camera. You get any additional equipment you need or want later.”
Her lips purse in disapproval. “That’s basically the same thing since I’ll probably be able to use all my previous accessories.”
A guilty smirk emerges, telling her I’d already thought of that. “I want to do this for you.”
Her gaze sweeps my face, landing on my mouth last before planting a kiss there. “You’re amazing. You know that, right?”
“That’s how I feel when you kiss me.”
“Then, I’ll be sure to do it often.”
She gives me another before diving into talks about lenses and specs with a salesman. It sounds like a foreign language I’ll never understand. To give me something to do, I stop by the main counter.
“Do you offer photo printing here?” I ask the staff.
“Yes, we do. Would you like to place an order? Depending on what you need, I can probably get them to you before you leave.”
“Perfect.” I pull out the storage card Josie used in the damaged camera. “Two of everything that’s on here. Whatever is the standard size.”
While I wait, I grab a seat by the windows and text Mom.
Me:Checking in. We’re in New Mexico.
Mom:Hi, honey. You’re almost there! We’re okay. Ava loved your photos. She showed them off to every nurse like she went with you.
Me:I wish she had. Is she awake?
