Picture Perfect

Chapter 1

I'm in England. I can't believe it has finally happened. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be the place I'd be living. Sure, it was a dream since I was a kid but real life has a way of making you a bit jaded. That and some hard knocks.

As I walk around the rooms in the house, well maybe it is larger than a house – realistically it is an estate, I can't stop the smile from increasing. It's huge and beautiful. Larger than I would have guessed. It's mine. Yes, it was probably a bit much but now that I am here working, it was a great investment. Both for business purposes as well as on a financial investment.

The moving van dropped off a large amount of my furniture and belongings. I am so ready to be out of Los Angeles and couldn't wait to be here in Oxfordshire. Once I saw the photos of this place I knew it was mine – I had to purchase it.

My name is Victoria. Victoria Antonia Maria Perez. Besides being Latina, I am a photographer. The career was a surprise, believe me – I graduated from Stanford, my majors being Public Relations and Business Management; you know – a safe and secure path. One weekend I decided to purchase a camera on a whim as a fun thing for me to do, a hobby if you will. Little did I know this was going to be my career.

After going to various concerts, I began taking photos and posting them on Twitter and Instagram. Shortly the offers came in asking for my services to photograph performers. Actors, musicians, singers, even some political and business leaders included. The one thing I will not do is photograph models. That is a different animal at least it is in my mind. I know, strange and probably too stubborn for my own good. It is just one of my pet peeves.

The latest assignment has me in London. I am going to be photographing The Rolling Stones. I am so very excited – I've been a fan of the Stones since I was a little girl. My parents played the classics and while I have a very eclectic music collection, this group is high on my list. Keith is just so fucking cool.

There is discussion from my agent about the Royal Family wanting me to photograph them as well. That would be an incredible assignment.

As if on cue, I look down at my ringing cell phone. Incoming Call: Hazel, my agent.

"Hello Toni. How was your flight in from the United States?" she asks. Only my family, friends and agent call me Toni.

"It was great Hazel. Long, but I am so glad to be here."

"So, is the estate just as great as you thought it would be? I know you were determined to get it regardless of what it might take."

"Yes, and I am staring out at the magnificent garden and labyrinth of hedges. It's beautiful. I'm on the balcony looking at the view. This was the best thing I've ever done. Don't you dare try to make me feel guilty" I tell her.

"Toni, as long as you are happy, then I am happy. What is the weather like in Oxfordshire?" Hazel says with a chuckle.

"It's sunny and warm. It's June and the weather is gorgeous. Okay, so tell me what offers you have for me, Hazel. I know you wouldn't be calling me from Los Angeles unless there was something of great importance" I tease her.

"Well, there is an offer I knew I had to call you about. I know you like this musician's music and as soon as I finished the conversation with his people there was no doubt in my mind you'd be taking this. And before you ask, I did not commit to it – even though everything in me knows you are going to say yes" she tells me mysteriously.

"Okay, you have totally got my attention, Hazel. Spit it out."

"Niall Horan wants you to do a photo layout for him. It will be for his PR team and new album. He has personally requested you for this. From what his people said, had you not been private on your IG or Twitter account he would have contacted you personally. It sounds as though Mr. Horan may have a slight crush on you" she says as she tries to hold back her laughter.