Page 81 of With Stars in Her Eyes

We sat side by side in camp chairs as the sun inched lower. Thea had brought a telescope in addition to the camera she’d set up and was adjusting its position.

“Where’s the moon going to be?” I glanced around like I would find it hiding out somewhere.

“No moon tonight. That’s probably why there are so many people out.”

“No moon is better?”

“Less light pollution. I’m trying to get some good shots of the Milky Way. There will also be several planets aligned. I brought a few cameras. Film and a digital camera. We’ll see what works best. Hm…” Thea adjusted a dial on her camera. “Can I take some golden-hour shots of you? The light’s kind of fantastic right now.”

“Why?” My voice was wary.

Thea winked. “Because I like your stupid face.”

“Well, if you put it like that.” My hands went up in a questioning motion. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Get up and dance around.”

“Dance around?” I bit my lip.

“I’m more of a candid, photojournalist style.” She took a fewphotos with the digital camera and then looked at them in the back screen. She picked up a different camera. “We should have brought your cello.”

“I don’t usually bring it on random road trips. It’s a little cumbersome.” I stuck a hand in my pocket and rubbed the back of my neck with the other. Months later and I still hadn’t quite gotten used to my short hair. I hadn’t realized how often I hid behind it when it was down past my waist. I had refreshed the pixie a couple months ago, but it was growing down over my ears again.

“I have an idea.” Thea reached into the trunk and handed over a stool. “Sit on this.”

“I thought you said I should dance around.”

“I have a better idea. It might be cheesy, but let’s try.” She set up a tripod, eyes narrowing as she looked between me and the light. “Sit right here. I’m going to do a few longer exposure shots.”

“Okay…”

“Pretend you’re playing.”

“What?”

“Like…” She held up her hands to demonstrate playing a cello. “Don’t pose. Just pretend you’re playing a song. If this turns out cool maybe you could use it for an album cover someday for solo recordings.”

I grinned and did as I was told even though I felt a bit silly. But an unfamiliar melody started purring through my mind as I tried to consider what it would be like to play for Thea. The idea was oddly enticing.

“All right. I think I got some cool things, but I’ll have to check tomorrow.”

“Check?”

“I’ll develop some of the photos.”

“Youdevelopthem too?” I sat back next to Thea and swept a kiss over her ear. The casual contact was so much easier than it had been with anyone else.

“You haven’t seen the film lab I’m setting up at the studio yet?”

“We’ve always eaten in the main part. And if you remember, Igot a little distracted by the aura camera last time I was in there. That wasquitethe move.”

Thea’s brown eyes flashed. “It was not a move.”

“Since it ended with me making out with you, I probably shouldn’t tease you about it.” Heat climbed up my neck to my cheeks. “Are you done with me?”

“Not by a long shot.”

“Pun intended?”