Chapter 22
I was just finishing blending the margaritas when I heard the familiar sound of Hattie’s car pulling into the empty parking spot behind the building. I could hear her music thumping as she turned off the car and got out. I grinned as I took the blender off and started to pour the margaritas into the glasses. Hattie never arrived quietly, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A moment later, Hattie burst through the door, her arms full of takeout bags. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, and she wore yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt.
“Girl, I hope you’re hungry!” Hattie called, dropping the bags on the counter. “I brought enough pad thai to feed a small army, and I’m ready for margaritas.”
I laughed, as I handed Hattie her drink, “You read my mind. I’ve had the longest week.” She took a sip and then sat it down on the counter. “O girl trust me, same here.” And then we both started to laugh.
My phone vibrated on the counter and I look up to see if Hattie was paying attention, but she was she was unpacking containers of Thai food; steaming noodles, spicy curry, crispy spring rolls. I picked up my phone and saw a text from Wes.
Text me when she leaves and I will head over. -Wes
I put my phone back on the counter and took a really long sip of my margarita. Soon, the kitchen was filled with the scent of lemongrass and lime, and after we platted our food we went and curled up on the couch with our plates.
We ate and chatted about everything and nothing—work drama, the latest town gossip, my lunch date with Preston. Hattie listened with wide eyes and a mischievous grin.
“So, you’re telling me you finally said yes to going on a date with Preston?” Hattie teased, nudging my arm.
I groaned, “it wasn’t a date, it was just a lunch get together.”
Hattie cackled. “o sure it was just a lunch between two friends and nothing more. I love it. But I actually came over because I have a business idea, and I want you to be part of it.”
I perked up, curiosity piqued. “Okay, spill. What’s this big idea?”
Hattie leaned in, eyes sparkling. “It’s called Blind Date Photo Shoot. Here’s the concept: two people who don’t know each other sign up for a photo shoot. When they get to the photo session spot, it’s a romantic shoot—think dreamy locations, cute props, the whole nine yards. The twist is, they have to act like a couple for the camera. It’s part of the blind date, part photoshoot, part social experiment.”
I blinked in shock, then burst out laughing. “Wait, so you’re setting people up on a date, but instead of dinner, they have to pretend to be in love while someone takes their photos?”
“Exactly!” Hattie said, clapping her hands. “It’s fun, it’s awkward, it’s Instagram gold. And who knows? Maybe some real sparks will fly.”
I shook my head, grinning. “That’s… actually kind of brilliant. But where do I come in?”
Hattie reached and set her plate down on the coffee table. “I want you to help me with the first photo shoot. You’ve got the eye for detail and you’re great with people and the organization. Plus, you’re the only person I trust to tell me if this is a terrible idea.”
I sat there and considered it, while I swirled my straw in my margarita. “It’s definitely not terrible. It’s unique. People love surprises and romance—and everyone wants cute photos for their profiles these days.”
“Exactly!” Hattie said her excitement was contagious. “We could start small—just a few shoots, maybe some themed ones for the holidays. I’ll handle the logistics and marketing; you help with the creative side and the organization of things.”
My mind was already spinning with ideas—locations, props, ways to break the ice between strangers. “We could do a picnic setup, or a vintage truck in a field, or even a cozy coffee shop vibe at the bakery and we could have little games or prompts to help them loosen up.”
Hattie nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I totally agree! Look at you coming out of your shell!!”
I laughed, I was feeling a spark of excitement that I hadn’t felt since I opened up the bakery down stairs. “I’m in. Let’s do it.”
Hattie squealed, jumping up to hug me. “I knew you’d say yes! This is going to be amazing.”
We spent the rest of the evening brainstorming, scribbling ideas down and making lists of what we would need. By the time the margarita pitcher was empty, and the last spring roll was gone, we had a rough plan for our first Blind Date Photo Shoot.
As Hattie packed up to leave, gave me a great big hug. “Thanks for believing in me and helping me with this. I couldn’t do this without you.”
I smiled, feeling lighter than I had in days. “We’re going to create something fun, Hattie. I can feel it.”
As soon as Hattie closed the door behind her, I grabbed my phone and texted Wes.
She is heading home
Right away I got a text back saying he is on his way and will be over in 20 minutes. Which is just enough time to get the kitchen cleaned up.