Picture Perfect

Chapter 1

"Peanut," I called out as I filled his bowl with food.

I heard a meow from behind the sofa.

"Come here you silly fur ball," I cooed, placing his bowl back onto the tile floor next to his water.

Peanut waltzed into the kitchen and brushed up against me, doing a figure-eight through my legs. I reached down and stroked his long copper colored fur. He started to purr.

"I know, I wish I could stay here and hang with you all day, but I have appointments I have to keep."

I left Peanut to his food and grabbed my bag at the front door, swooping it on to my shoulder.

My favorite coffee café was just around the corner from my apartment. It didn't take me long to reach it. I opened the door thankful to notice only one other person was already in line. I didn't have much time, my first appointment of the day was in twenty minutes and my studio was still a good ten minute walk from here.

I had finally reached the counter and had given my order when I heard the jingle of the bell on the door and felt a rush of the breeze blowing in.

"It's a rather nice day outside today, isn't it," a voice behind me said.

I wasn't sure if the stranger behind me was speaking to me or the young girl behind the counter, so I didn't answer at first.

"I mean, snow this time of year is a given, but it's nice to see the sun, right?" He asked.

I turned my head just enough to see the high dollar shoes behind me and then refaced the counter, "I'm sorry, were you speaking to me?"

There was a long pause before he responded, "Doesn't seem to be anyone else here." His voice was sarcastic.

I'd only known him for the few seconds it was taking the barista behind the counter to whip up my caramel mocha espresso. Did he strike up a conversation with everyone he was in line with? Was he one of those kinds of people that just had to talk to everyone? Did I appear like I wanted to have conversation with a complete stranger right now? Quite frankly, I wasn't in the mood and was wishing he'd leave me be.

"Yes, the sun is a nice break from the snow," I simply responded, not turning toward him.

"It would be great if we could just take the day off and enjoy it," he continued. "Too bad we have to work and stay cooped up inside."

"Um hm," I said hoping he'd stop talking to me.

And then, he said those six little words to me.

"I have a proposition for you," he stated coolly, his breath hot on my ear.

My body stiffened and a chill ran through me. I could feel him pull away.

"Excuse me?" I scoffed, trying to keep my composure at his odd remark, and shook my head. "Look, it was a pleasure meeting you, but I'm late for work already, so I really need to go."

I turned, coffee in hand, and immediately regretted my last statement. My eyes paned up from the shiny, expensive looking patent leather shoes, to the tailored tan slacks, and the freshly pressed white button up shirt paired with an intricately designed, beautifully colored tie. He wore no jacket, which surprised me considering the weather had started turning cooler. Coming face to face with this man was something I'd never experienced before. It was more than a pleasure to meet him, it was breathtaking.

His long-lashed blue eyes were fixated on me. His light brown hair was neatly trimmed in the back while the front was slightly longer and messy. His facial features were perfect. His skin-tone flawless. He was fit, but not a muscle bound freak. No. He was a little slice of heaven. He was perfect. He was the type of eye-candy your mom always warned about.

I brushed by him to leave and he smiled at me.

"You don't even want to know what it is?" he asked as I opened the door to the busy city street.

I paused. A tiny part of me was curious as to what this guy could possibly offer me. And more importantly, why me? He looked like he'd just stepped off the cover of some trendy fashion magazine, and I looked like a girl who lived in a small apartment and didn't have much money to spend on new clothes. My hair was pulled into a loose pony tail. I barely had time to throw on some mascara. The capri's I wore were at least three years old and showing their age. The light-grey blouse I wore had stuck with me since college years ago. I was a mess.

"Not really," I said and let the door close behind me as I started to walk away.

"I work right across the street, over there," his voice followed me down the sidewalk.

I glanced over to where he pointed and froze.

'Winters and Stone Attorneys at Law,'' the sign read.

I turned toward him. "Look, I swear, I'll have rent by the end of the week," I blurted. "I just haven't had the amount of clients I'd hoped to have by now. I've got two shoots this morning, one this afternoon, and three more tomorrow. I think I'll be able to scrape it up by Friday."

I couldn't get thrown out, not now. The apartment had the most perfectly lit alcove for my photo shoots. Sure business had been slow since I'd moved here, but I wasn't more than a couple of weeks late. They'd hired an attorney already? What happened to leaving a warning on your door that you were late?

"Whoa," he chuckled holding up his hands, palms out. "I am here about business, but not personal business." He cleared his throat, "I'm a- I'm a fan of your work, Izzy. I heard you were going to be in town, I just didn't expect you to be on my block. My business partner and I are doing an interview for Money Magazine. I want you to do the photo shoot."

My face flushed, "You're a fan of my work?" And he knows my name?!? "How do you- Where?"

"I'm a fan of photography. I go to the shows when I have time. I've seen your work. I'm especially a fan of those who are just starting out and have such a keen eye. I found your Facebook Page after last year's show here and have been following ever since."

I was creeped out and flattered all in the same moment. "Thank you? I think. I'm not sure what to say. How did you know it was me?"

He pointed to the bag I had strapped around my shoulder, "How many people do you know that walk around this busy city wearing a fifteen-hundred dollar Nikon around their neck? I didn't know, really. I just took a shot in the dark."

I looked down at my bag, "How did you know what this was?"

"Photography was a hobby of mine years ago, that's why I'm such a fan. I never developed the eye, though. About that photo shoot, I'm prepared to offer you ten grand right now and then another ten grand after the shoot. Providing, of course, you keep everything discrete and we get to keep the proofs. If you'll follow me to my office, I have all the paperwork drawn up for you to sign."

"I'm flattered, really I am, but I'm late for a shoot."

Ten grand! He was willing to pay me ten grand now and another ten when it was done! I was trying to contain my excitement. That would take such a burden off my shoulders. I wouldn't be scraping money together for rent anymore. I could take jobs as I wanted them and not because I had to. I could do so many upgrades to my studio. I could get more equipment, but I had to be smart about this. I didn't know this guy.

"I really have to go. I'll think about it. Maybe I can swing by later. I think I'll be able to find you."

"I really hope you decide to consider it. Here," he reached out his hand, a card held between his fingers, "I hope to hear from you soon. Our interview is in a week. I'll need the shoot to take place in the next three days in order to get them to the magazine in time."

I reached out for the card, his fingers brushing against mine as I slipped it from his grasp. He winked at me and turned walking away.

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