The rhythmic shutter clicks echoed softly in the studio as Lucas Kane adjusted the angle of his camera. The afternoon light streamed through the tall windows, bathing the space in a warm glow. His subject, a young model with sharp features and an air of confidence, shifted her pose under his direction.
"Chin up a little," Lucas instructed, his voice steady. "Perfect. Hold that."
Photography had been his world for as long as he could remember. From candid street shots to polished editorial spreads, Lucas found beauty in the way light and shadow danced together. Yet, as he reviewed the images on his camera screen, his mind drifted to the morning's encounter.
The architect with the coffeestained papers.
Her startled expression had been etched into his memory, as had the determined look in her eyes when she hurried away. It wasn't often that someone left such an impression on him. He'd been tempted to ask for her number outright but hadn't wanted to push his luck. Still, the idea lingered.
"You're distracted today," his assistant, Clara, noted, breaking his reverie. She was perched on a stool, scrolling through her tablet.
Lucas shrugged, setting the camera down. "Just a lot on my mind."
Clara raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. She'd worked with Lucas long enough to know when not to pry. "Well, the client loves this concept. They're asking for a preview by tomorrow."
"Got it," Lucas said, refocusing on the task at hand. Yet, as he wrapped up the shoot and packed his gear, he couldn't shake the thought of her.
Later that evening, as he walked home through the bustling streets, Lucas found himself scanning the crowd. It was a ridiculous notion—trying to spot one person in a city this size. But then again, stranger things had happened.
Passing by a coffee shop, he paused. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted out, mingling with the crisp evening air. On impulse, he stepped inside. The barista greeted him with a smile as he approached the counter.
"Just a black coffee," he said, glancing around the cozy space. His eyes caught on a noticeboard near the entrance, cluttered with flyers and business cards. Among them, a bold headline read: Design Showcase: UpandComing Architects. Beneath it was a familiar name: Elena Carter.
Lucas felt a flicker of recognition and curiosity. Maybe fate wasn't leaving this entirely up to chance.