Amateur glamour model
"Good morning, my little ray of sunshine," Tullio, the chubby Italian restaurant owner says as he enters the newsagent shop where I work.
"How are you this morning?"
"Fine, thank you," I reply, smiling, as I fold his newspaper and take a packet of his usual cigarettes from the shelf. I always look forward to Tullio's daily visits.
He is a happy man, in his mid-forties, with long, black wavy hair, and a big moustache. He always takes the time to flatter me, which Is always appreciated.
As he hands over a £10 note, he takes a card from his jacket pocket.
"How much will it cost to place an advertisement in your window?" he asks as he passes it over the counter.
Local Camera Club
MODELS WANTED
Glamour & Portraiture
Over the age of 18 only.
Generous hourly rate.
"It's fifty pence per week," I reply.
Tullio smiles. "I'll go for the whole month then." He replies in perfect English, but with a sexy Italian accent.
"I didn't know that you were a photographer," I say to him as I take his change from the till.
"I am sure that there are many things that we don't know about each other, he laughs. Yes, I love to take pictures of beautiful things, the sunrise, a bright red Ferrari, a beautiful girl--it is all the same to me. My friend and I have a small studio above one of my shops, where we have a darkroom and some of our friends can take pictures in private."
As there are no other customers we continue our conversation.
"What sort of photos need to be taken in private?" I ask giving him a cheeky smile.
Tullio raises his eyebrows and grins. "Wouldn't you like to know, a woman like yourself would always be welcome."
I am laughing as a young boy enters the shop.
At this point, Tullio starts to leave, but when he reaches the door he turns and pauses.
"We will talk about this tomorrow." He smiles and leaves the shop.
I spend the rest of the day fantasizing about being a model or a girl in one of the "top shelf" magazines. It's fun, but even though I have always been considered "pretty," I feel that I am too tall (5 ft. 9 in.) and my boobs (34DD) are too big. My fantasy, however, is fun while it lasts.
The following day Tullio comes into the shop at his usual time.
"Good morning, my ray of sunshine; can I say that you look even more beautiful today?"
I have his paper and cigarettes prepared and hand them over.
He passes me a £5 note, smiles, and says, "I have told my friend that you are interested in modelling for us, and I have arranged for him to meet you in my restaurant. We will meet you at 1.30, so don't be late."
My head is in a spin; he can't possibly be serious, can he?
At 1.30, I am outside the restaurant, debating whether to go in or not, my heart is beating like a drum and I have butterflies in my stomach.
"Helen, you are on time. I appreciate that in a person."
Tullio greets me with two kisses, then holds the door open for me, guides me past a couple of customers, and then to a secluded table at the back of the restaurant where a younger man is sitting.
Tullio makes the introductions, "This is Ian, he owns the camera shop next door, and this is the beautiful Helen."
I blush as we shake hands.
As we sit down, an extremely gorgeous waiter appears, and speaking Italian, Tullio orders some pasta and a bottle of wine for the three of us.
Ian turns to me. "Tullio, tells me that you would like to pose for our club."
"This is all happening too quickly. I didn't say that I would."
"You didn't say that you wouldn't!" Tullio responded.
"Why do you want me? Surely there are plenty of younger girls who would love to model for you," I ask them as the food arrives.
Ian looks at Tullio, who nods.
"Yes, we do get quite a few girls from the college who like the money and enjoy showing off, but some of our members would like to photograph a more... voluptuous, older woman. Not that you fall into the category of 'older.'"
I should hope not! I am only twenty-six years old, married for the second time, and have a daughter who is six years old.
"If I am interested, what will I have to do--nothing rude, I hope?"
They look at each other and smile, they know that I am interested, but how will they get me to commit?
When we finish eating, Tullio suggests visiting the studio.
We go outside, and Ian unlocks the door next to the restaurant. He leads the way up the stairs.
Tullio follows, muttering something in Italian,
"What did you just say?" I ask,
"I am sorry, I was just telling myself that you have a fantastic arse!"
I am wearing my favourite jeans, which are very tight and emphasize my shape.
The wine is having an effect. I giggle.
Upstairs there is an office, a studio which appears quite large, and a couple of other rooms which are locked leading off.
The studio has a small stage and is surrounded by some very professional-looking lights, tripods, and an assortment of chairs.
There are also two large cupboards that, when I open them, are full of theatrical props, hats, and some women's clothing.
I turn towards Tullio, "My God, I thought that you said this was just for a few of your friends."
"It is, but if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing properly," he chuckles, "the members who use this all shop with Ian, so the expense is worth it."
As I walk around I find there are also three small bedrooms with showers and toilets, there is even a pool table.
"What are these for?" I ask,
"Sometimes my new waiters have nowhere to stay, and sometimes I like a bit of privacy." They laugh at the in-joke.
"So, what do you think?" Ian asks me,
"You haven't told me what sort of pictures you want me to pose for," I reply.
"Well, there is a meeting on Friday, you can do some portraits and, if you want, some glamour shots with your jeans and top on."
He looks at Tullio, who smiles. "You're not required to do topless... unless you want to."
The butterflies are back in my stomach. "Okay!" I stutter.
Friday will be good for me, as my daughter will be with her father for the weekend.
And my husband, Dave, will be working, setting up a stand for an exhibition somewhere, and will not be home until Tuesday, as usual.