Subtle Endearment

20. Let it Out

Kira

"You three have beautiful figures, you'll make great models," Mrs. Walters says as she inspects us. Alice had invited us to her mom's studio after we wrapped up work just as we planned before. Violet, Alice, and I stand on platforms as her mother walks around us examining our proportions. I haven't been under this much pressure since college. "I see you have a bandage on, we can edit it out in post production," Mrs. Walters says.

"Yes, this will work," I have the perfect outfits for you all," she says before leaving and returning with a cart. Much to my surprise, the cart has several pieces of revealing gowns. I shoot Alice a look and she chuckles.

"I guess I forgot to add that we're modeling for the Roses and Cocktails line," she whispers to us.

"Ah, that's fine I guess. It would've been nice to know that before though," Violet says looking down at the pieces as Mrs. Walters holds up a short gown to her body.

"I'm not sure about this, Alice," I say.

"Please Kira, there's no one else I can find," she pleads cupping her hands.

"I guess... but you owe me," I add.

"For sure," she says, giving a thumbs up.

Mrs. Walters hands me a lace piece that leaves little to the imagination. I can't imagine actually wearing something as revealing as this in public.

"Go try them on," Mrs. Walters says, shooing us to the dressing rooms. It takes a minute for me to find out how to get into the fit without accidentally stretching the fabric but when I finally get it on I can't help but admire the way it tugs to my body. The yellow lace fit has a bralette top that cuts high and reveals my stomach but situates into a ruffled skirt.

I step out of the dressing room to find that Violet and Alice are already dressed. Violet wears a hot pink two-piece satin set with no straps and Alice wears a one-piece set in a mint green shade.

"Oh my gosh, you look so cute, Kira," Violet says admiring my outfit.

"You guys look great too," I say, shying away from her scanning eyes.

"Thanks, we should head to the back to get our photos taken now," Alice says happily.

"Okay," I say, taking a deep breath. The three of us walk to the room where equipment is scattered around the white background.

"Let's get to it," Mrs. Walters says, clasping her hands. "Alice, you're up first since you're familiar with the process," she informs. Alice walks over to the background where she starts posing in front of the camera. The woman behind the camera begins taking pictures and she fluidly transitions from one pose to the next. Two guys hold equipment just out of view of the camera as she poses.

"That's great, darling," Mrs. Walters says, flipping through the pictures taken by the photographer.

"Am I done," Alice asks.

"For now. Kira, you're up," she says wasting no time. My feet feel heavy as I walk to the background. There's so many people watching.

"Okay, so I'm going to have you do some simple poses today. Just copy me," Mrs. Walters says. I nod. The poses start with simple things such as over the shoulder looks and slowly transitions to things that look almost ridiculous. I take nearly two times as many photos as Alice did thanks to my inexperience with modeling.

Violet goes shortly after me. She seems to be a natural at modeling. She poses with ease and quickly knows which angles work for her. I look at her pictures as the photographer takes them and I can't help but feel a little envious, it's like she was born to model. "I'm jealous, how are you so good at modeling," I complain to Violet after she leaves the background.