Charlotte could hardly contain her excitement. “Thank you. I’ll be here tomorrow.” Then she asked, “Is there a uniform?” She knew many restaurants had dress codes.

  “Just wear what makes you comfortable—nothing too flashy, though.” He smiled. “See you tomorrow morning.”

  “I’ll be here,” she said, excitement in her voice.

  As Charlotte strolled along the Riverfront, her eyes were drawn to the charming brick stores that lined the historic waterfront. She paused in front of one building, its walls marked with what might’ve been bullet holes from the Civil War.

  The scent of freshly made pralines wafted out of a nearby shop aptly named The Sweet Tooth. Curiosity pulled her inside, where she was greeted by shelves overflowing with colorful candies and treats she had never seen before. On the other side of the store, three men were hard at work crafting caramel apples and traditional Georgia pralines. Charlotte couldn’t resist trying a few samples, then continued to explore the unique shops along the Riverfront for the rest of her day.

  Charlotte awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and excited for her first day of work. She took extra care getting ready, making sure her jeans and blouse were neatly pressed. As she walked to the restaurant, the warm summer breeze lifted her spirits even higher.

  Upon arriving, Charlotte was greeted by Jacob, the friendly manager who’d offered her the job. He showed her around the dining room and kitchen. The head waitress, Beth, took Charlotte under her wing, going over the menu and computer system. “It looks complicated, but you’ll get the hang of it,” Beth reassured her.

  The lunch rush soon arrived, and the restaurant bustled with customers. Charlotte did her best to keep up as orders came flooding in. She stumbled a bit at first but quickly found her groove. The customers were patient and tipped her well. By the end of the day, Charlotte’s feet ached, but she felt a great sense of accomplishment. She had made it through her first shift! Jacob told her she did an excellent job and welcomed her back tomorrow.

  On her walk back to the boardinghouse that evening, Charlotte stopped to watch the sunset over the Savannah River. The glowing orange and pink hues filled her with contentment. She was proud of herself for taking this leap into independence.

  Charlotte settled into her new life at the boardinghouse. Every moment spent with her new friends, every laugh and shared experience, brought a sense of comfort and belonging that she had never felt back home. But there was always a lingering reminder of Rhonda, her one true friend from before. Rhonda had visited just before the start of the semester, thanks to Lynette’s easy approval of her stay. It was a blessing to see her, not just to ease Charlotte’s transition to college, but because it was the last time Charlotte would see her friend healthy. Rhonda had been recently diagnosed with a rare blood disease, and would die less than a year later. Charlotte couldn’t help but wonder if Lynette was so kind to her because she knew the true extent of Rhonda’s illness through the Bakers.

  Despite being underage, Charlotte still found ways to enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Savannah with her housemates. They explored the late-night shops and caught a live performance at the local theater on their rare days off. As they watched Death of a Salesman with bated breath, Charlotte couldn’t contain her excitement and clapped so hard her hands turned red. She made a promise to herself to soak up as much culture as possible during her time here, even if it wasn’t Broadway-caliber. For Charlotte, this was where she truly felt alive and free.

  Chapter Seven

  The sun blazed down on the sea of caps and gowns, casting sharp shadows that crisscrossed the lawn of the Savannah College of Art and Design. Charlotte adjusted her tassel, her eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face she knew wouldn’t be there. She had held a flicker of hope that today, of all days, her mother might surprise her, as she’d learned of her SCAD scholarship not long after Charlotte left the night of her high school graduation.

  But as the rows of folding chairs filled with proud families and friends, that hope dimmed to an all-too-familiar resignation, and honestly, she didn’t care. That was the past, and as Lynette was fond of saying, “The past is prologue.”

  “Charlotte! Over here!” The enthusiastic shout pulled her gaze to the side, where Mr. and Mrs. Baker waved frantically. Their presence was a balm to the sting of her mother’s absence, their smiles wide and genuine beneath the brims of their sun hats. They had always believed in her, pushing her to pursue her artistic talents beyond the confines of their small store.

  “Congratulations, dear,” Sally Baker said, pulling her into a warm embrace as soon as Charlotte stepped off the stage, diploma in hand. Mr. Baker offered a firm handshake that lingered, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “You’re going to do great things. I can feel it.”

  “Thank you both for being here,” Charlotte murmured, clutching the diploma tightly as she had four years ago in Florida. Her gratitude for these wonderful people swelled in her chest, almost enough to eclipse the hollow spot where a family should have been.

  As the ceremony wrapped up and the crowd began to disperse, Charlotte turned away from the chatter around her, taking a moment to reflect. This was it—the end of one chapter and the precipice of something entirely new. The weight of the decision lay heavy in her pocket; the job offer from World of Wildlife felt like a dare to leap into the unknown.

  “New York City,” she whispered to herself, the words carrying the promise of skyscrapers and endless possibilities. It was a far cry from the scenic tranquility of Savannah, a stark contrast to the sleepy aisles of Photo Mart, where she’d first found her love for capturing moments through a lens.

  “Have you decided which offer you’re going to accept?” Mr. Baker asked, interpreting her distant gaze correctly.

  “Yes,” Charlotte replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. “I’m taking the job in New York. It’s time for a new adventure.”

  “Brilliant!” Mrs. Baker exclaimed, clapping her hands together with delight. “They won’t know what hit them.”

  Their encouragement was the final nudge Charlotte needed. With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders, ready to step into the role she’d been preparing for all these years. New York City awaited, a canvas vast and vibrant for her to fill with the images she’d capture—a testament to the resilience and ambition that had carried her this far.

  Charlotte stood on the cracked pavement, her gaze climbing the brick façade of the aging brownstone. A FOR RENT sign, weathered and slightly askew, hung in a second-story window. She clutched the strap of her camera bag, feeling both apprehensive and excited as she buzzed the intercom.

  “Can I help you?” a voice crackled from the speaker.

  “Hi, I’m here to see the apartment,” Charlotte replied, adjusting the baseball cap that shielded her eyes from the summer glare.

  “Fourth floor,” the voice returned, followed by a buzz as the door unlocked.

  The stairwell was narrow and dark, and the faint smell of waxed wood and decades past filled the space. The echo of Charlotte’s footsteps was so startling that she tiptoed most of the way so as not to make too much noise. When she reached the fourth floor, the door to apartment 4-B was ajar, inviting her in. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, caressing the hardwood floors and casting geometric patterns across the walls. It wasn’t large, but it had character—the perfect blank slate for a new beginning.

  “Are you Charlotte?” A woman in her mid-fifties emerged from what appeared to be a small kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her smile was warm, despite the formality of her business attire.

  “Yes, I am.” Charlotte extended her hand, which the landlord shook firmly.

  “Welcome. Let me show you around.” The landlord’s enthusiasm was infectious as she pointed out the vintage moldings and the view of the park from the fire escape—a makeshift balcony, she joked.

  As Charlotte toured the space, she could already picture where her framed photographs would go, the spots where her potted plants would bask in the sunlight, and the corner that would become her makeshift studio. There was a hum in the air, an energy that whispered promises of inspiration and creativity.

  “Will you take it?” the landlord asked after explaining the terms of the lease.

  Charlotte didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” she said, a decisive nod accompanying her answer. “I’ll take it.”

  Later, with the ink drying on the lease and the keys jingling in her pocket, Charlotte stood alone amidst cardboard boxes and suitcases that held her life. She unpacked methodically, placing her lenses and cameras on a sturdy built-in shelf, aligning her books with care, and spreading her duvet—patterned with vibrant wildlife photography—across the bed.

  Night had fallen by the time she returned the moving truck to U-Haul. It was only a short walk back to her apartment. As she made her way toward her building, the city’s pulse thrummed through her. When she learned how to navigate the subway system, she’d take in as many sights as time allowed. Once inside her apartment, she perched on the sill of an open window, a steaming mug of tea cradled between her palms, peering out at the constellation of lights and shadows that New York City offered up to her hungry lens.

  “Here’s to new adventures,” she toasted quietly, taking in the scene before her. This apartment, with its creaks and quirks, was now her anchor in the vast, electric ocean of the city. And tomorrow, she’d set sail.

  PART TWO

  Chapter Eight

  The vibrant colors of an abstract painting caught Charlotte’s eye as she meandered through the hushed halls of New York City’s Museum of Modern Art on Sunday afternoon. The brushstrokes seemed to dance before her, luring her closer and into a reverie of sorts. A soft chuckle snapped her out of her thoughts, causing her to turn around with raised eyebrows. After living here for more than a year, she never failed to find something fun to do when she had free time.

  “Charlotte?” said a familiar voice, tinged with surprise. “Is that you?”

  “Alex Banning,” she gushed, disbelief mingling with elation. She hadn’t seen him in years! They had met during her first year at SCAD and became fast friends. Memories of their time together in Savannah flooded her mind, the antics and adventures and a ton of laughs. She did have a slight crush on him initially, but he had a girlfriend at the time, and so their relationship developed into friendship. He graduated a year before her, and they had stayed in contact for a while after as both of them pursued careers in photography, but life had led them down separate paths, and they eventually lost touch.

  “Wow, I can’t believe it.” Alex grinned, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “How have you been?”

  “Busy, but good,” Charlotte replied, her smile widening. “Art has consumed my life.”

  “Same here.” Alex nodded, gesturing at the artwork surrounding them. “Want to catch up while we peruse the exhibits?”

  “Of course, I’d love to,” she agreed, her curiosity piqued by the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend.

  As they wandered through the museum, the conversation flowed effortlessly, picking up where they had left off years ago. They laughed at shared memories and marveled at the artistic masterpieces before them, all the while filling in each other on their latest adventures. The hours flew by, and before they knew it, the sun was setting, casting the gallery in a warm, golden glow.

  “Are you hungry?” Alex asked, glancing at his watch. “There’s this great restaurant nearby called Valerie—it’s a bit pricey, but the food is phenomenal.”

  “I’m starving, so yes, it sounds perfect,” Charlotte replied, stomach rumbling a reminder she hadn’t eaten since early morning.

  They made their way to Valerie, settling into a cozy corner table. As they savored each delectable bite, Charlotte marveled at how easily she and Alex had reconnected. Their conversation continued, delving deeper into their passions and dreams for the future.

  “I’ll just leave this, whenever you’re ready,” the waiter said, setting the leather-bound booklet on the table with a polite smile.

  “Let me split it with you,” Charlotte offered, reaching for her purse. “I know this place is quite expensive.”

  “Nonsense,” Alex insisted, already pulling out his wallet. “Consider it my treat—a celebration of our unexpected reunion.”

  “Thank you, Alex,” Charlotte murmured, touched by his generosity. She wondered what the rest of the evening held for them, but she knew that whatever it was, she would cherish every moment spent with her long-lost friend.

  They left the restaurant and strolled through the city, continuing their conversation. Not fully aware of where they were going or how far they walked, their steps led them to the warm glow of streetlights that illuminated Central Park, casting long shadows on the winding paths as Charlotte and Alex walked side by side. They shared tales from their recent assignments—the hustle of bustling cities, the serenity of remote landscapes, and the colorful characters they’d met along the way.

  “Remember that time I nearly set fire to my hotel room in Paris?” Alex reminisced with a grin, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

  “Of course! If I recall, you called me afterward, telling me you were trying to make an impromptu romantic dinner for some new girlfriend.” Charlotte laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I can’t believe you thought lighting candles next to those flammable curtains was a good idea.”

  “Hey, I was young and reckless back then!” he defended playfully.

  Their laughter echoed through the park, and Charlotte’s heart swelled with happiness. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this carefree, and she knew it was all thanks to Alex.

  “Would you like to come over for a while? My apartment is nearby, and we could continue our art discussions over a cup of tea,” she suggested, secretly hoping he would accept.

  “Sounds lovely,” Alex agreed, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

  As they settled onto Charlotte’s plush sofa, surrounded by her eclectic collection of art and memorabilia, the conversation never waned. They spoke about the intricacies of cubism, the boldness of abstract expressionism, and the haunting beauty of surrealism, their voices mingling with the quiet hum of the city outside.

  As the clock on her wall struck four in the morning, Charlotte blinked in surprise. She hadn’t realized how late it had gotten, or how much time she’d spent simply talking and laughing with Alex.

  “Wow, I should probably head home,” Alex said, rising from the sofa and stretching. “I didn’t mean to keep you up this late.”

  “No, it’s fine,” Charlotte assured him, though a small part of her wished he could stay. “I had a great time, truly. How long are you staying in the city?” He had told her earlier that he was here working on a portrait for a very, very well-known family in the city. They’d offered him a place to stay, plus an enormous amount of money. Charlotte knew portraits weren’t his passion, but for such a hefty sum, she would’ve accepted the job, as well.

  “I think I’ll be here for another month, at the very least,” he said with a smile, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment before he looked away. “I hope we can get together again.”

  Charlotte agreed and wrote down her telephone number before she walked him to the door. “Call me and let’s plan something soon,” she said.

  “Sure thing,” Alex promised and gave her another smile before he left.

  After the door closed behind him, Charlotte sank back onto the sofa, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Alex was undeniably attractive, and his kindness and attentiveness made her feel cherished like never before. But she couldn’t let herself fall for him, not when they had such a strong friendship at stake.

  “Alex is my friend, and nothing more,” she whispered to herself, recalling the heartache of her two college relationships that had ended amicably but left her yearning for something deeper. She wanted that spark, that whirlwind romance that would sweep her off her feet—and although Alex could potentially provide that, she refused to risk their bond. Fate had brought Alex Banning back into her life, and she was determined to preserve the beautiful friendship they shared. Some connections were special enough to cherish just as they were, without expectations or definitions. Charlotte was grateful for this connection with Alex, and she didn’t want to risk losing it again. With that resolution, Charlotte fell into a contented sleep.

  Chapter Nine

  Normally, Charlotte wouldn’t have accepted an assignment in such a loud—and to her, obnoxious—environment, but she’d felt the sacrifice was worth it. An extremely rare yellow-billed loon had been spotted in the fountains of the Bellagio hotel, forcing the management to shut down the display of dancing waters. This news hit the art world with a bang. The rare bird had descended on the famous strip just days ago, and every wildlife magazine in the country wanted to be the first to capture it on film. Charlotte’s editor insisted she take this assignment for World of Wildlife magazine. While Vegas wasn’t at the top of Charlotte’s list of places to visit, this unusual phenomenon had to be photographed as soon as possible. Who knew when the bird would decide to relocate? Charlotte booked a flight for the next day and a three-night stay at the hotel.

  The day of her arrival, Charlotte met with Nevada’s Department of Wildlife director, Patten Woodly. His team of ornithology experts kept constant watch on the feathery creature. Then she spent the rest of her first day in Vegas capturing the rare bird, careful to follow the instructions given to her. She was lucky to get the photos, because a few hours later, Woodly decided to relocate the bird to a sanctuary and eventually release it so that it could migrate to the Arctic on its own.

  Charlotte now had a few days with nothing to do except explore the city. It was as loud and boisterous as she’d expected. The vibes were upbeat and contagious, something she’d picked up on the minute she’d landed. Ads displayed throughout Harry Reid International Airport suggested which casino was best if you wanted to win a fortune and live happily ever after. She didn’t put much stock in money these days, because she had enough; being a lifelong saver had paid off for her. Unlike her mother, who’d lucked out by winning the lottery all those years ago, Charlotte had made a promise to herself that she would earn her way to the top by working hard and using common sense, not luck.