Love ~A Series of Short Stories~

Say Cheese! | Tom Hiddleston

BRIANNE

I stare into the lens of my camera as the light outside my window changes. The trees move gently in the wind, and the shadows from the leaves are visible in my studio.

I hum in approval as I take a step back from the camera, standing straight and placing a hand on my waist. The scene looks perfect, as it should, especially considering the day ahead of me.

"Brie."

The sound of Donna's heels creates a slight echo in the minimalist studio. I can already tell that she's crossing her arms over her chest, even before I look at her.

When I turn around, she has a concerned look on her face. She's always been a little tightly wound, but I let it go because she's one of the best artists I know.

She's my partner, my friend, and often the pain in my ass.

"Yes, my love?"

Donna rolls her eyes, then glances down at her watch. "It's ten to, and this is one of our biggest clients. He'll be coming in with his manger and publicist. I've heard they're supposedly nice people, but I guess we'll see." She looks around the room, slowly, until she fixes her eyes into onto me.

I've made my way to the window, leaning against it as look down on the busy streets. Maybe, I think, I can spot them before they arrive.  Though I'm not sure if I'd be able to make out his face from-

"You all set?"

She pulls me from my thoughts, and I look back at her.

"Yeah, I'm ready." I move from the window and walk over to my lights and backdrop setup, double checking to make sure everything was as I said. "I'm excited to meet him."

She gives me a once over, nods, and then turns to leave.

"You got this, Brie."

******

"So good to meet you Mr. Hiddleston. I'm Donna Shay, co-owner of Snap and Brianne's business partner," she shakes Tom's hand enthusiastically, and it's obvious to me that she's a little starstruck.

Tom smiles, and he actually send y happy to meet her. I watch from the far side of the room as Donna, Tom, and his publicist get acquainted.

I was told that he would be bringing this guy with him, and I didn't know how to feel about that. I still don't. As much as I pride myself in my work, I have happily come to terms with the fact that I am an introvert.

In the past few years, I've gotten really good at talking to anyone, and I can appear to be a pretty social person. I've come out of the shell I created for myself. But there are moments when I just can't, and the quieter side of me emerges.

This must be one of those moments, because I continue to keep my distance, even though one of my favorite celebrities is in my studio!

Hey! Get it together!

God...

"I'm Tom, good to meet you. And this is my publicist, Randy Farris. He's a little uptight, but a great guy once you get to know him." Tom claps a hand onto Randy's shoulder and smiles at the guy, "just don't expect him to laugh at any good jokes."

Everyone laughs, including me, though I don't want to make anything too obvious. The goal for today is to be as professional, yet cool and calm, as possible. I'm a world-class photographer.

"Right... It's hard to find jokes funny when they're constantly at one's own expense. It's nice to meet you," Randy extends his hand to me. "You're the photographer, Miss Brianne?"

"Yes," I take his hand firmly, "it's nice to meet the both of you. I'll give you a few minutes to get some refreshments, and become more acquainted with the studio while I finish setting up."

I look over at Donna and, judging by the expression on her face, my attempt at being aloof is working a bit too well. So, I try my best to soften my expression and not scare them off before I get to take some photos.

Randy shoves his hands in his pockets and smiles, "actually, Donna and I were going to take a look around the area. I haven't been here before, and I thought it would be nice to take a tour. And, uh, you and Tom can focus solely on the photo shoot. I don't want to get in the way."

My eyes go to Donna to give her a dirty look, but she's already collecting her stuff and half way out the door. "I'm gonna call you, or text, to check in," Donna says to me, quickly. "If you need anything, just call."

'Maybe Tom will think this is just as random as I do.'

Looking over at Tom, I see that he is looking around the studio with a bottle of water in his hand, either completely oblivious to what is happening, or previously informed and not at all surprised. So, I guess I'm the only one who didn't know.

I slowly make my way to where she is, right behind Mr. Randy.

"Donna-"

"Don't hesitate to call. Actually, just text me. Bye!" And with that, the door is shut and they're gone.

Now, it's just me and Tom.

Alone in my studio.

Seriously.

Alone with Tom Hiddleston!

"Tom!"

Ugh, that sounded way too enthusiastic.

He looks up at me from his phone, brows raised, "time to get started?"

"Yeah."

******