How to be loved

20 - One step at a time

HOW TO BE LOVED

20 - One step at a time

Freen's POV

The mid-morning sun cast a golden hue over the city, its light filtering through the windows of the modern high-rise studio. Today was another shoot day—one that promised to be quite challenging.

I was scheduled for a photo shoot with Friend, Becky's ex-girlfriend, who had made quite a name for herself in the modeling world. Despite her success, I knew her reputation for being difficult. I was determined to keep things professional and focus on the task at hand.

I arrived at the sleek entrance of the sports brand's headquarters, greeted by the cool blast of air conditioning and the hustle of photographers, stylists, and models.

As I stepped into the studio, I spotted Friend across the room. She was in conversation with the creative director, her tall frame and confident stance making her hard to miss. She glanced over and gave me a nod, more dismissive than acknowledging, before returning to her conversation.

The set was an impressive display of athletic gear, vibrant backdrops, and intricate lighting setups. I was ushered into the dressing area, where racks of sportswear awaited. The stylist handed me a sleek, performance-enhancing outfit—an ensemble that balanced functionality with style.

Once dressed, I joined Friend on the main set. The photographer, a seasoned professional named Marcus, welcomed us both with a warm smile and a firm handshake. "Alright, team," he said, "let's create some magic today. I want energy, I want movement, I want connection."

The first few shots were all about capturing dynamic action poses. We leapt, sprinted, and stretched, the camera clicking in rapid succession. Despite the underlying tension, we found a rhythm, syncing our movements to create powerful, athletic imagery.

During a short break, I found myself next to Friend at the refreshment table. She glanced at me and then turned away, muttering something under her breath. When she finally spoke, her tone was icy. "Try to keep up, alright? We don't have all day."

I bit back a retort, determined not to let her get under my skin. "I'll do my best," I replied evenly, taking a sip of water.

As we returned to the set, Friend's attitude seemed to harden. Her movements were sharper, almost aggressive, as if trying to outdo me at every step. Between takes, she shot me glares that grew more intense with each passing moment.

Finally, during a particularly intense series of action shots, she couldn't hold back any longer.

"You think you're so special, don't you?" she snapped, her voice low and venomous. "Think you've got it all figured out?"

I paused, taken aback by her sudden outburst. "What's your problem?"

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "You. You and Becky. You think you can just waltz into her life and take her from me?"

Realization dawned on me. This wasn't just professional rivalry; it was personal. "I didn't take Becky from you. You lost her on your own."

Friend's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't know anything about it."

"I know enough," I said, my voice steady. "I know you cheated on her. She deserves better than that."

Her face twisted with rage. "I can still get her back."

I shook my head, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination. "No, you can't. You don't deserve her."

"You don't get to decide what she deserves," she retorted.