Chapter 14

Time passed by quickly.

Nathan hadn’t appeared before Kathleen again after that day. In fact, over these past few days, Kathleen didn’t think of him much.

David treated her well, but not in a way that was urgently eager to define their relationship. He took care of Kathleen in a gentle, unobtrusive way.

Kathleen felt that these calm and reassuring days gave her a sense of stability. One morning, Kathleen received a call from the Editor–in–Chief of Milsworth Magazine early at dawn.

He said, “Ms. Floss, I have a friend named Jeff Maynard who hosts a show. Today, he’s scheduled to do an exclusive interview with a famous person–you know, that hotshot I mentioned to you before. Would you be available to help with the photography work?”

“Sure. I can go. What’s the exact time and place?” Kathleen inquired..

“It would be best if you could go there now to coordinate in person. I’ll send you the address. and Jeff’s contact info,” he replied.

He was evidently pleased that she was willing to help out.

Since there wasn’t much time left, Kathleen didn’t hesitate and hailed a cab by the roadside. She had to arrive at the studio as quickly as possible.

By the time Kathleen arrived, the venue and other staff were all ready. They were just waiting for the photographer to arrive. She looked around at her surroundings, and before spotting Jeff, she noticed someone else.

There were many people on–site, and it was noisy. However, Nathan stood out the most, as usual.

Kathleen hadn’t expected that he was the famous person Jeff would interview. Why hadn’t he gone back yet? Had he been in Milsworth all this time?

Kathleen thought about these things calmly. To her surprise, she didn’t have any extra or unnecessary ruminations.

She continued minding herself until Nathan unexpectedly looked her way first. The two of them looked at each other from a distance. Neither of them stepped forward nor took the initiative to greet the other.

Jeff noticed the shift in Nathan’s gaze and followed the direction in which he was looking at. Then, he walked over to Kathleen excitedly. “You must be Ms. Floss, right? I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly. How fantastic!”

“The Editor–in–Chief sent me here,” Kathleen replied, shifting her gaze from Nathan and chatting with Jeff.

Although it was their first meeting, Jeff had a good impression of her. “I heard about you from Mr. Atwood. I knew you were young and very skilled, but, I didn’t expect you to be so beautiful, too.” 

As he spoke, he led her toward Nathan and introduced her, “Mr. Meyer, this is Ms. Floss, a well -known and promising photographer. With her help, today’s shoot should go very smoothly.”

Nathan hummed indifferently as an acknowledgment in response.

“Ms. Floss, let me also introduce you. This is Mr. Me-”

“May I know what kind of interview this is and what the theme is? We can go over the requirements before starting to save time and effort,” Kathleen suggested, interrupting Jeff’s introduction.

“Mr. Meyer can decide. I have no objections.” Jeff quickly forgot what he was about to say earlier as he tried to stir them to join the conversation. “Having Mr. Meyer on our show is already a rare occurrence–we’re just so glad he agreed to this. We’re happy to accommodate whatever style he prefers.”

Throughout their entire interaction, Kathleen never revealed that she and Nathan knew each other.

Upon realizing that Jeff wanted her to discuss things directly with Nathan, she said impassively, “Please go ahead and tell me what you have in mind, Mr. Meyer.”

Her neutral way of addressing him was polite and distant.

Nathan answered with a question instead. “I think it’s a bit chaotic in here. Since it’s almost noon, why don’t the three of us head to a restaurant and talk over lunch?”

While he was inviting both Kathleen and Jeff to lunch, his eyes were only fixed on Kathleen the whole time. He stared at her so intently as if he was scared she might vanish again.

Kathleen wasn’t the least bit interested in this arrangement. “I have plans at noon and can’t. stay long. Why don’t you two discuss it over lunch? Once the photography requirements are set, you can send me a document with the details!”

Just as she said that, her phone conveniently rang. A call coincidentally came in for her. Kathleen answered the call right before them, not feeling the need to hide anything.

The caller was David, and his voice was as gentle as always. He asked on the other end, “Are you done yet? I’m about to head back; I can pick you up. Then, we can head to Mr. Atwood’s house together.”

No matter where she wanted to go, he was always conveniently on her way. Kathleen smiled and responded, “I’m done here. I was just about to head out.”

David then said, “What a coincidence–I just arrived outside the studio.”

“Is that so?” Kathleen replied absentmindedly.

David chuckled and didn’t say anything. They both knew that he had come here early on purpose.

Kathleen didn’t expose him. She hung up and bid Jeff goodbye. “Well, you heard it. I have something planned for noon and need to leave.”

And so, Nathan was left behind with Jeff as Kathleen jogged out of the studio. There was a spring in her step as she got into David’s car.

Watching the car drive away, Jeff said to Nathan somewhat enviously, “Both of them are students of a good friend of mine. I heard they’re a couple and very much in love. Since they have a stable relationship, they’ll likely tie the knot soon and become husband and wife.”