Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
MAX
“How many models are coming again?” Aspen asks as she sets up the makeup in front of the mirror.
“Six? Lemme check the email. I think they wanted to send eight but only had enough interest for six,” I recall. Pulling up the email I glaze over the details until I see the model count. “Yup, six.”
“Okay cool. That shouldn’t take me too long, especially since only two are being photographed together at the same time.” Aspen nods.
“Did you look over the clothes they’re bringing? They look perfect for you and Riv.” I smile.
The brand is queer-owned and is doing a PRIDE-themed shoot to promote its upcoming PRIDE line.
It isn’t uncommon to do this, but it is the first time I have been asked to do it so early; it is only November after all.
It’s a lot of rainbows, but they are clothes meant to be worn for the actual parade.
My only issue is that they are way too girly for my taste.
“I did, I was low-key hoping they might leave some stuff behind,” Aspen admits.
“If they do, it’s all yours,” I assure her.
I excuse myself to finish setting up. The models were set to arrive any minute, and I want to make sure the backdrops are set up right.
I’m using the plain white background so I can superimpose them wherever the company decides.
They weren’t sure when we last chatted, so it is easier to pop them in later.
The designer will be here too, making sure all the clothes are worn correctly and fit the right models.
The sizes are diverse, so at least I don’t have to worry about any models crying about not fitting into something.
That’s something I definitely don’t miss about California.
“Where can I set up?” The designer, Alec, asks. They are a bit eclectic for my taste, but they are nice, so that’s all that matters to me.
“There are changing rooms in the back, each booth has hooks, and there’s a rack for everything else in front of the bathroom,” I explain, pointing to the other side of the studio. “And any coats can go by the door outside the studio, please.”
It was snowing when Aspen and I got here and I didn’t want the coats dripping on the floors in here.
“Thanks.” Alec nods and ushers in the clothes and the models. I take a simple head count and lead the first set of models to Aspen’s chair.
“Are you Max Montgomery?” I spin around to face one of the models with dark brown skin.
“I am, do you need something?” I ask with a smile.
“I just wanted to say I’m a big fan of your work. I’ve seen your exhibit downtown probably six times. I’m so happy we’re getting the chance to work together.” She shakes my hand and I blush. I don’t think I’ve ever had a model who was familiar with my work.
“Really?” I can’t help but show my surprise.
“Of course! I saw the listing and applied immediately. Not to mention it’s a queer-owned brand, but being photographed by you?
If it wouldn’t bruise my skin I might pinch myself.
I’m a huge huge fan. Sorry for fan-girling, but wow.
” She brushes her dark curls out of her face, and I can’t help but notice how beautiful she is.
Sure, she’s a model, but it isn’t like I am automatically attracted to every model I work with.
Before I have a chance to reply, she’s being called over by Alec and rushes away with a quick smile.
It takes me a second before I remember I was in the middle of adjusting the camera lenses.
I glance her way, realizing I don’t even know her name.
I’m sure it is somewhere in my email, but I wanted to hear her tell me.
I swap out the lens for the one I want to use and place it on the tripod until I’m ready.
I adjust the overhead lighting using the remote and make sure it won’t clash with the outfits’ colors.
Some of them have some sparkles and those shiny things that reflect light.
I want to make sure I’m not accidentally caught in the reflection of them, because that would be a pain in the ass to fix.
“First two are ready!” Alec announces.
Two models walk over decked out in rainbow outfits.
They’re short, sparkly, and a little too sexy for my taste, but I wouldn’t mind being with a woman dressed in one of them.
I tell them where to stand, and they immediately go into posing.
Alec must’ve prompted them beforehand because they’re naturals, making sure the clothes are taking precedence over them.
I’m always in awe of all the ways models can contort and bend their bodies to make the clothes look even better.
Some of the poses are somehow romantic, but also show off the clothes. I’m equally impressed and hope the rest of my day will be this simple. It’s much easier on my end when I don’t have to give too many directions.
It reminds me of my shoot with River and Aspen.
They had stepped in when the models I hired got sick, and although they started off nervous as heck, those two pulled off my best-selling pieces.
That photoshoot has a permanent spot at the downtown art museum; their chemistry is something I haven’t been able to match.
But they had been so attuned to each other that they needed no directions from me, which was probably a good thing since I don’t think they would’ve been able to hear much from me that day.
I had witnessed the beginning of their falling back in love, which proved to be an amazing wedding present.
Their photos made a home all around their new apartment.
Of course, saving the sexier ones for over their bed, or so I’m told.
Trust me, I didn’t bask in seeing my best friend like that.
“What’s your name?” I ask as the model who was fan-girling over me approaches the shoot.
“I’m Ava.” She smiles and holds out her hand.
I shake it, trying not to gawk as I realize how much of her is exposed.
She’s wearing the tiniest dress known to humans, her breasts and curves on display.
I don’t want to be one of those photographers, so I quickly clear my throat and introduce myself to the second model.
“I’m Max, and you are?” I’d be lying if I said I heard her name. My head is too focused on how beautiful Ava is.
I direct them both to the middle of the backdrop, and they go right into it. They look amazing, and I make sure they take most of the focus.
I stop to adjust the features on my camera. Since Ava is a Black woman, I want to make sure she isn’t washed out with improper lighting or the wrong settings. All too often, photographers forget you can’t treat every model the same when it comes to those things.
Aspen sneaks up behind me halfway through the shoot to watch.
It’s not uncommon, she likes to be nearby to make sure the makeup is working.
But I can feel her eyes on me while I’m moving around the set to get the right angles.
I try to ignore it, but I never see her watching me this much.
Is something wrong? She raises an eyebrow at me, and I have to pull away to ask what’s going on.
“Is something up?” I whisper, pulling Aspen to the side.
“You’re joking, right?” She laughs.
“What?” I look at her, confused.
“That model is eye fucking you, do you not see it?” Aspen asks, and I sheepishly glance back to Ava to see her eyes on us.
“You think so?” I smirk to myself.
“I can’t believe you didn’t see it. She’s been all over you since she walked in.” She laughs before walking away.
I shake my head and turn back to the set. “Sorry about that.”
Ava and the other model both nod before snapping back into position.
This time I can’t help but notice how Ava is looking at me.
It wouldn’t be the first time a model flirted with me.
And it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gone home with one.
But am I ready for that? My stomach is in knots thinking about Cari.
I haven’t spoken to her in weeks, not since I blocked her.
Sure, I was drunk when I did it, and it might’ve taken me a day or two to notice.
But as soon as I did, I didn’t unblock her.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to move on if she kept contacting me.
I knew I had to go full ghost mode, at least for now.
But does that mean I am ready to move on?
I am so stupid. It isn’t like Cari and I were even in a relationship, so why wouldn’t I be ready to hook up with someone else?
In the past, I never thought twice about something like this, but here I am.
It’s like she’s completely rewired me, and I don’t know how to go back to the way I was.
I don’t want to be dependent on anyone, especially someone who is so up and down.
I know I need to push her out of my head once and for all, but it is easier said than done.
“Thank you both,” I say when I’m ready to move onto the last set of models. Ava blinks at me, batting her fake eyelashes and I internally groan. Something about a woman all made up and wearing a feminine outfit gets me so fucking pent up.
I photograph the last two models, who are equally beautiful as all the others, but my mind isn’t in it. Thankfully, I’ve been doing this for long enough so I can photograph in my sleep. I have Alec look over some of the photos so they have an idea of what I did and if I need to retake any.
It’s a hell of a lot easier to show clients the raw moments here for poses rather than have everyone come back another day.
“This is fucking fantastic, you did amazing,” Alec praises. “I can’t wait to see the final pieces.”
Everyone is dismissed to get undressed, and Alec makes sure all the clothes go back on the rack.
I see Aspen’s face dropping when she realizes we won’t be getting any pieces, so I make a mental note to email Alec and ask on her behalf when the line drops.
It’s the least I can do for my best friend.
Plus, I could always offer to grab some live shots from PRIDE for Alec if they wanted.
I am positive Aspen and River would look amazing in them, and I don’t know a designer who would ever turn down free advertising.
“So, did I look okay?” Ava sneaks up behind me, this time dressed again in her tight jeans and black sweater. Her makeup is more natural this time, gone are the huge lashes and bright colored eyeshadow. She still looks just as beautiful.
“Uh, yes. You looked great.” Damn, has it been that long that I’ve forgotten how to flirt with a woman?
“I was hoping you’d notice.” She winks, reaching in her back pocket she pulls out a piece of paper and leans in close to me. I can smell her lilac perfume and I gulp as she places the paper in the front pocket of my shirt.
“Call me sometime, I’d love to hear more about anything you’re working on.”
“Sounds good.” I smile as she bites her bottom lip.
I’m staring at her perfectly round ass as she walks out when Ava turns around and giggles, catching me looking. Holy hell, women are going to be the death of me.