Carol set the alarm for early that morning. The first thing to do, before thinking about work, was to go straight to that studio, she needed time to prepare herself for what was coming, or what she hoped was coming. I'm making a fool of myself. While eating breakfast Carol put John Coltrane Record My Favorite Things. This was one of her records of choice to listen to in the mornings. It lifted up her spirit, if that was even necessary. She showered after breakfast and felt truly hesitant about what to wear. She tried different outfits and none pleased her. She opted for a light white blouse with a collar, some jeans and flat shoes. Simple but classy. Once it was now really cold in NY she had a warm jacket. Light makeup and she was ready to go.

Therese opened the studio 10 minutes prior the opening schedule. All of a sudden she felt nervous, she wanted to see Carol again but was feeling a bit foolish. It's just another customer. She left the door opened and went to the studio to distract herself from what was coming. Therese started to gather some material to the photo shooting she would have the day after in the Hamptons. Whenever Therese was around anything related to photography she got distracted, she was thinking what kind of lenses she would take, maybe I'll get by just with the 85mm, hmm better take the 50mm also! Therese owned a portable kit AlienBees Studio Flash Unit, when it comes to photographing families she likes to keep it simple, and if the environment allows, she doesn't have to use the flash at all. Since I have no help with the reflector I'll better take the bracker grip holder. Therese packed all in the bags and everything was ready to go. She'd take all the equipment home later that day, so she didn't have to come back to the store. Suddenly someone was entering the door.

"Hi. Would you mind printing some of the photographs in folder VACATIONS please?" "Of course", Therese replied. This person looked nothing like Carol, and Therese couldn't help but being a bit annoyed with the customer. While she was taking care of the photographs and asking which size he wanted the pictures printed, another person entered the store.

Therese felt that she could faint any second now. She tried to figure out why did a total stranger had this impact in her, but she couldn't. The atmosphere in the small store became stifling even before Carol set a foot inside. There was no oxygen enough for three human beings to breath, because Carol, on the eyes of Therese, was bigger than anything real, and she inhaled all the oxygen there was left. Leaving no space for Therese or that man who was standing there just waiting. Carol took it all to her. And the only solution Therese figured was to breath the air just near Carol's body.
They shared a long stare, a kind of stare that has no boundaries, and no words to describe, because neither of them had explanations for what they were feeling that moment.

"How long is it going to take?" Asked the man with a tone of anxiety.

"Oh no, don't worry, just 5 minutes and we're done".

Therese who received a phone call from earth, was now grounded to the task she had to do and asked silently Carol to wait. Carol nodded and smiled amused.
Carol wondered around the store once again, like she haven't done the exact same thing the day before. She felt she could do this over and over again. She immediately recognized the record that was playing in the background Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Push The Sky Away - easy peasy! She's a catch!

The man left the store, they were alone now.

Carol approached the counter were Therese was. "Finally!" This was bold. Carol was immersed in her charm persona, every living being on earth would fall instantly in love if they saw just how she smiled to Therese, how she placed her hands in the counter, how she'd glance furiously already in love with someone she didn't know the name.

"So, you got the wrong number! I'm so sorry for that"

"It would be worse if you were not here now!" Therese answered flirty. Carol smiled with the boldness.

"So...I thought that after you give me my wallet, the least I could do is offer you a coffee. Since you are confined to these space, I maybe get some for us and we'll drink it here while you talk to your boring costumers!"

"That would be great, I haven't drink coffee yet!"

"In order to know if you want sugar in your coffee I need to know your name first!"

Therese laughed with the unusual way of Carol asking for her name.

"I thought you knew my name. I told my name to your husb.."

"To Harge, my ex-husband. Yes. But he didn't mention it, and I thought it would be polite if I ask in person."

Oh she's single. No way she's gay, is she? Are we flirting?

"So...I'm waiting." Carol smiled and gazed with the intensity of the spring sun rays.

"Oh well, hi Carol, I'm Therese very nice to meet you!" Therese stretched her hand towards Carol to a very formal handshake. And so they stood shaking hands and laughing with that so sweet situation. Nice to meet you Therese, how do you like your coffee? Milk no milk?" "No milk, no sugar, no cream, just coffee"

"Oh well, aren't you self assured!"

"I'm not" Therese answered not giving away that gaze they were sharing for a long time.

"So I'll be right back!"

Therese waited patiently for Carol to come back. The anxiety abandoned her in a mysterious way, it was like she knew nothing could come between them, this was the right time. Carol would come back with the coffee and never leave. It was an odd feeling, but she was so sure of it and it was impossible to express it in words.