The Aftertaste

Chapter Eleven

The idea of a date races through my head as I wait for Aubrey to show up for her appointment. Of course she would be late, she's entitled. I don't know to what yet, but it's there. An arrogance. I bounce Grayson on my knee, the sun shining on us. I decided to bring him to my shoot so Mom could have some free time with Calvin. Then, she'll get him later so I can have a date with AJ.
"Can Grayson say apple?" I ask, pointing to the apple in his book.
"Ahhh-pull." He sighs, clearly bored. The lake scene was a great choice to shoot today but I'm sure Aubrey will find a way to tweak it. I let Grayson grab his ball and run around, adjusting my light settings, I catch some shots of him playing. He's beautiful. My light. I'm consumed in his little eyes that have began to lighten over the days. The right one is still the color of burning embers, but the left one has begun to fade into a piercing grey. The doctor said it's normal as long as he still has clear vision and by the way he's smacking at that butterfly, he can see well.
"I didn't pay you to shoot pictures of random kids."
I turn around and Aubrey is wearing clothes way too fancy for this setting. She said she wanted natural but elegant. The gated garden with this beautiful lake was enough. Obviously not, she has showed up in red bottoms with a tight black dress and a fur. The fur confuses me but I decide not to comment.
"It's not a random kid, it's my kid." I roll my eyes, already irritated. Grayson makes his way back to me, hiding behind my leg.
"Ah cute. Let's get started. I want some shots by myself before he arrives. I don't want any formal poses, I want to pose myself. You shoot."
I nod, exhausted by her attitude. She has this air about her that's hard to read. I think I'd like her in another life and another world. Just not this one.
I give Grayson a snack and sit him in his car seat. He seems content, hopefully long enough for me to get this done.
She's gorgeous, even with all the extras. I click, allowing her 3 seconds in between to pose differently.
"So a son, where's his father?" She says, stop spinning and posing. Personal.
"He's around." I lie. I don't know why I need to lie to her but it feels like she's creating an image of me and so far I don't like it.
"Around? My love wants kids. He's just too shy to admit it I think. How'd you convince yours?"
I didn't.
"Convince?"
"What did you do to get a baby? You don't have a ring, you work. You seem real independent, men like dependent."
I roll my eyes and guide her to a different spot.
"To each it's own."
"So how'd you do it?"
I want to slap her but I need to stay professional.
"I di-"
She lets out a screech and takes off running past me. I look over at Grayson who is now sleeping with his arm wrapped around his goldfish box. She's hugging a man and her legs are thrown around him. Please don't let that dress rip.
I pull the shield down over Grayson, shielding the light from his face. He wore out easily today.
They head toward me and I decide to click through the shots I have. She looks amazing, I wonder if she models.
"Danielle, this is the man who forced me to propose to him. Honey, this is the amazing photographer I told you about. Isn't she lovely?" Aubrey says, excitement in her voice.
I look up and extend my hand, grey eyes meet my gaze.
"Nice to meet you." He takes my hand and he shakes it. It's warm. Welcoming.
"Y-you too."
"Well let's finish up! She's gotten some shots of me. Let's get some together and then you by yourself." Aubrey beams. I smile and nod. She drags him to a spot, adjusting his tie and rubbing his face stubble. He smiles at her and then they face me.
I'm mesmerized. They look beautiful. The perfect couple, almost.
Something in me feels hollow. I swallow it down and begin to take pictures.
God, is this a test?