Illicit

Chapter Twenty Four- Little Things

"Your first day at work with him...Are you gonna be okay?" Carly asked Naomi as she threw her bag over her shoulder.

"I'm taking your advice to not let it get to me. I have more important things that some guy from a year ago."

"I agree." She gave her a hug before watching her leave. With each step, as she moved towards the snazzy black car whose driver held a sign with her name on it, she felt anxious. Not wanting to mess up with Erwin, or wanting any drama with Logan, she moved towards the car and slid inside to find a complimentary bottle of champagne awaiting her. A note was attached saying welcome aboard before she placed the bottle at her side. Within the hour, they arrived at a field before the driver explained to walk about five minutes before arriving to where Erwin had been.

She took her bag from her side and moved down the path before hearing the shots of a camera ahead and the motioning of feet. Upon arriving, Logan moved towards her, yet she dodged him and moved to Erwin.

"Do you need anything?"

"Yes." He looked to the model who was posing with one hand on her hip and the other through her hair. "Why won't my damn model pose as an Erwin model?" He yelled at her as she grew frustrated and moved off set. "Just great!" He turned towards Naomi. "What is it about runway models that are so infuriating?! Aside from the fact they don't have any body fat and whine?"

"I don't think she understands your style of picture you want."

"You do though don't you? Would you mind instructing her?"

"Me? How so? I mean..you seem to have-"

"Show her how she should pose...You've seen what I expect."

"Alright." She placed her bag on the ground before moving towards the camera.

"Okay. Give me '65" He teased as she placed her hand over her mouth and her leg slightly popping before bringing her eyes slightly up. "More to the sun." He instructed before she moved her gaze higher up. Upon seeing the photo, he looked to the model. "You're fired."

"No no no. She's a professional-"

"And now...so are you..."

He moved to her as her eyes became wide.

"I'm not an idiot. I know you have little experience on this side of the camera but you know my work better than anyone. If you wish, I can find another model..."

"I would prefer it. I like to capture-"

"Not be captured."

She nodded.

"I will on one condition."

She nodded again.

"One photo of my collection, you will orchestrate it."

"Meaning what exactly?"

"Clothing, hair, makeup, model-You will be the one to choose what goes where and how long..."

"Are you sure? I have little experience-"

"In my personal experience, it isn't about how long someone has been doing it, but how much they want to keep doing it."

She nodded as he moved his tripod into its case before moving back to his car.

"We are headed to my studio next. I need you and Logan to call some models for my next shoot. Tell them they need to be there in an hour. It will take that long to get there."

"An hour? in the car with Logan?" She asked herself in her head. But in real life, she could bring herself to nod. "He has the names." Erwin interjected before moving to his car and she moved towards hers, finding Logan already inside it. He had already been on the phone as he handed her another sheet. The names highlighted were the ones to call as she slid her phone from her pocket and began.

Marking off names, one by one, she came to the bitter conclusion that Erwin was a difficult man to get models for. Most of them loathed their time with him, so instead, she used her own contacts to gain his models.

By the time they arrived at the studio apartment, that appeared more like an expensive loft, the models were waiting outside.

"Who are you?" He asked them as he placed his key in the slot.

"They are my models. None of the ones on the list I called wanted to come so I brought some who will give you great pictures." Among them was Carly. Upon seeing Logan, she pulled her aside.

"No wonder you were so heartbroken!" She said as she let out a sigh before moving into the apartment and taking their shots.

Suddenly a man with long black hair, rings on each finger, and a long trenchcoat entered the apartment.

"Declan...This is-"

"Naomi-Yes, I have heard all about you." He took her hand and kissed his as Logan broken one of the prop cameras.

"Good thing it was just a prop..." One of the models said as she attempted to be flirtatious, but failed as he kept his gaze on Naomi.

"It's good to meet you."

"You as well." I have an idea of a glitter pump with nothing more than a few objects like ISpy..."

"I was thinking more of a stormy-scene."

"Explain."

"Well if we soften her skin with beads of water and give her a darker makeup than we can give her a dark backdrop and she'll stand out more."

"I like her-I like you." He said as he kissed her had again, much to Logan's dismay.