The Walk
This is a work of fiction, derived entirely from my imagination. It is not about any person I know, living or dead, or any real event. All participants in the story are over 18 years old.
I'd been working around the house all morning - mostly sitting at a computer editing photographs and when I stood up, my back and legs felt really stiff and sore. I decided to go for a short walk round the local streets for a half hour or so just to loosen up a bit, and besides, it was a fine sunny day, ideal for a pleasant walk. I took my camera with me as usual because you never know when a photo opportunity might present itself, and I've missed so many great shots over the years because I left the camera at home.
So, I set out, walking briskly to get the blood circulating, but after about twenty minutes, I slowed down a little, enjoying the sun and life in general. It was then that I noticed the young woman at the other side of the road, keeping pace with me. At first I didn't pay her much attention apart from giving her a cursory, 'once over.' I noticed that she was very attractive, long dark hair, slim figure, with great legs, shown to best advantage by her short blue dress, which apart from its length was very demure. High neckline, no cleavage on show, sleeveless, and quite dark, just a few shades lighter than navy blue.
When she stepped off the kerb, obviously intent on crossing the road towards me, I paid her a bit more attention. When she smiled a beautiful smile at me that showed her perfect white teeth, I paid her even more attention, and when she spoke to me, 'Hello, you're the photographer guy, aren't you?' she had my complete attention. I agreed that I was, and by this time she'd reached me, holding out her hand, which I took in mine. Her handshake was firm and dry, no clammy palms here.
As if in answer to my unasked question she said, 'You don't know me, but I've spoken to you on the internet quite a few times.' When she explained who she was, giving me her internet username, I instantly recalled, 'talking,' to her, although her real name was Ashleigh. If the truth be known, I'd dismissed her as a timewaster, or an idiot. We had indeed, 'spoken,' a number of times, and while she initially came across as really keen on being photographed, there was always some excuse at the last moment, and she never went through with it. I'd more or less mentally filed her away as a waste of space.
'Yes, I remember you okay, but to tell the truth, I'd kind of given up on you. We always get so far down the road to arranging a shoot, and then you disappear on me. It's really disappointing because you'd obviously be a good model.' She looked suitably embarrassed by my candour.
'I know, and I'm so sorry. I desperately want to do it, but things just get in the way. My boyfriend doesn't want me to do it, but believe me it's something I've always wanted to do.'
'Does your boyfriend think I'm going to molest you or something?' I asked indignantly. 'I've photographed hundreds of women and it's no big deal; to me it's a job. A very nice job admittedly, but a job nonetheless.' She shook her head, and said nothing for a moment or two. I could see she was struggling with something and waited, giving her time to come to a decision. She was blushing when she finally spoke.
'No, it's not you he's worried about, it's me.' She was looking down at the ground in an embarrassed sort of way before adding, 'It's me - he thinks I'm too sexy.'
'Well, I've photographed a lot of sexy women over the years, and it's never been a problem before,' I explained. 'In fact it's almost an essential part of the job, in my opinion.' Again she shook her head.
'Oh dear, you're not making this easy for me, are you?' She went silent again and then blurted out, 'He worries because I'm too sexual, too horny, whatever you want to call it. He thinks I'd like it too much.' I explained to her that some girls do get a little turned on when they started modelling, but I didn't think it would be problem.
Again she went silent, before speaking. 'One of the reasons I always seemed so keen and then changed my mind was because when I started talking about it with you I got really excited. I thought if I get this excited just talking about it, what am I going to be like when I'm actually doing it? I just know when I do a shoot with you I'm going to be so excited I'll make a fool of myself.' She was trembling as she said it.
'Look, I can see it took a lot for you to admit that, but to me, that shows just how important this is to you.' She nodded her head quickly. 'You'll never know how it will work out, if you never do it, will you?' I asked. 'So, let's go back to my house and discuss it, and maybe take a few pictures. It's just a couple of streets away, and we'll know how you feel within a few minutes of starting. If it's too much for you, we can stop, and no harm done. What do you think?' I finished.