She was one of those model slash actresses that come through every once in awhile. They're generally snotty and unappreciative of Rob's pure talent at make-up. His skills at effectively creating a movie monster have garnered him numerous accolades within the industry. Today is the first day of four days that he must create a golden skinned alien for some B-movie. For four days he must put up with this model/actress who is going to be incredibly bitchy and annoying. Through out the make-up process, the girls mostly ignore Rob and talk on the cellphones. He doesn't mind, though. He has his art.
He comes into work at six in the morning and prepares his paint. Part of his genius is the fact that he can create such vivid colors using only simple basic colors. He spends the majority of a make-up job on creating the blend. A little red, a little orange, a little blue, some more red. Whatever it takes.
He comes into his little work room and sets out all his stuff. He starts the blending. Last night he worked on it a little bit, just to give himself a head start this morning.
In the room there's a chair, table, make-up mirror and a fold out table for large make-up jobs. It's usually tucked away in a corner, but today, Rob pulls it out and sets it up.
There's a knock on the door, and the director of the film and a girl, presumably the model/actress, comes in.
"Rob, this is Kayla. Kayla, this is Rob," says the director. "Okay, you know what I need, and I have faith in you. How fast can you paint her?"
"It should take me about⦠an hour," replies the artist.
"Okay then. See you in an hour." He is about to leave them alone when he turns back and says, "Oh yeah, I forget to tell you that I need her nude. Paint the whole thing. No pasties, please."
He leaves and Rob chuckles nervously. Nude? Nobody told him that. He turns to the girl who's smiling at him. She says loudly, "So, should I go ahead?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess."
"No, wait. Before I get butt naked for you, I think we should get to know each other a little better."
"Okay. I'm Rob."
She laughs. "Yeah, I know that. How old are you? I'm eighteen."
Eighteen? God almighty.
Rob answers that he's twenty five. "Are you still in high school?" he asks.
"Yeah, but I'm graduating in, like, three weeks. I'm only doing it for my parents. I mean, I'm making enough money modeling and acting."
"That's cool."
She has a really pretty face, Rob reflects. She has this beautifully high cheekbones and an adorable nose, which points right to her pouty lips. It's like she's born to model slash act. He glances up and notices her blue eyes are watching him watch.
"Uh," he stammers, "you're very beautiful."
"Thanks," she says, probably used to the cavalcade of compliments.
"Okay, so we should get started."
"Uhβ¦ Iβ¦ uhβ¦"
"Yeah?"