Claire checked her watch... almost 5PM. Her next appointment would be arriving shortly. Claire was 28 years old, and worked as photographer out of a small midtown studio. She hadn't sold much of her work, so she supplemented her income by doing portraits. Boring work, but it paid the bills. The doorbell rang. "Right on time," Claire muttered to herself, as she went to answer the door.
"Hello, dear," said the smiling woman at the doorway.
"You must be Sylvia," Claire said, extending her hand and shaking Sylvia's hand. "Come on in and we'll get started."
Claire was immediately impressed by the elegance of the woman. Sylvia Ferguson was 34-years-old and worked downtown as a legal secretary. She was also a very beautiful, with haunting blue eyes and shoulder-length raven hair. Claire knew she wouldn't have to try very hard to make this woman look good.
"This is quite the place you've got here, Claire. Very quaint," Sylvia remarked. She continued walking around the studio, admiring some of photographs Claire had mounted around the studio.
"Thanks," Claire replied. "I know it's not much, but it does the job. I'll be getting a bigger place once I can get my finances together. It's just been tough the last couple of months."
"Beautiful work, Claire," said Sylvia, "Obviously portraits is not your future." Then she added, "What were you saying about 'the last few months?'" Claire frowned, obviously unsettled by the question.
"I'm sorry, Claire. I didn't mean to pry," said Sylvia.
"It's OK," Claire replied, "My husband I separated a few months ago, so the money isn't coming in quite the way it used to."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Claire. I shouldn't have brought it up," said Sylvia. "Maybe we should just get started with the portrait."
"I'm fine," Claire smiled uneasily, "But yeah, we might as well get started." Claire got her lighting and camera ready while Sylvia went to check on her hair and makeup. A half an hour later, the portraits were finished, and Sylvia began gathering her things to leave.
"I should have them ready in a day or so. Is that alright?" Claire asked.
"Fine, I'm not in any rush Claire," Sylvia replied. "But... if you have a moment, there is something I would like to talk to you about."
"Sure," Claire replied.
"Well, Claire... I'm not sure where to start. Maybe with telling you that I really liked the photos I saw hanging on your walls. I may not be a professional, but you seem very talented to me," Sylvia said.
"Thank you," Claire smiled back, "It's always nice to get a compliment."
"And I really appreciated your professionalism with taking my photos just now. There's this idea I've had for some time now, and I haven't done anything about it because I haven't found the right person. But I think you might be the right one to ask," she continued.
"Yes?" Claire asked.
"Well, it's my husband's birthday next month, and I was thinking of getting some photos taken for him. Private-type photos; something sexy," Sylvia said.
"You mean, of yourself. Like, lingerie?" Claire added. "Well, I never done erotic photos. It's not really my thing," Claire replied.
"Actually, I was thinking about a little more than just lingerie," Sylvia chuckled. "You don't know my Darryl..." Then she quickly added, "Something artful. You're capable of that Claire, I know you are."
"Well, I shot a few nudes when I was studying photography, but that was a long time ago," Claire answered. "I mostly stick to cityscapes. I don't even do fashion. The only people I photograph are in my portrait work. I'm sure there are plenty of photographers..."
"No," Sylvia interrupted. "I don't want them, I want you. I feel comfortable around you. I'd obviously prefer a female photographer, and I've got a great one standing in front of me now. What do you say, Claire?"
"Well, I suppose I could try. Like I said though, it's not really my area of expertise. Come back on Friday, maybe around the same time, and I'll see what I can do."
"I'll see you then," Sylvia smiled.
Friday arrived and Claire was getting the finishing touches ready for her photo shoot with Sylvia. She'd had a few pieces of sparse furniture to work with in the studio, a table and chairs, a sofa, but nothing really fancy. She just hoped this was going to work out and not look too cheesy. Sylvia arrived, beautiful and radiant as ever. To Claire's surprise, Sylvia didn't seem at all nervous. Then again, a woman as beautiful as she could afford to be that confident.
"I brought a few things with me. Do you have a changing room I could use?" Sylvia asked.
"Sure," Claire replied. There's a small room, second door on the left. There are a couple of chairs, and a closet where you can hang up your things. A mirror too, so you can check you hair and so on"
"Thanks dear," said Sylvia. With that, she went into the room and shut the door."
"Wow, I'm more nervous than she is," Claire chuckled to herself. Claire went back to check her equipment again, and by the time she was finished the door opened, and Sylvia appeared. She was wearing a pink terry-cloth robe and matching slippers.
"OK. Uh, why don't we start with you standing over here," Claire said, motioning Sylvia next to the wooden table.
"Aren't you going to ask me to take off my robe?" Sylvia asked with a playful grin. Claire was a bit taken aback... was this woman trying to tease her?
"Uh, yeah. Whatever you like," Claire responded, laughing at Claire's tone of voice.