Smile

4 Chapter

Rory loved the way Robert acted around her at the club. He was so handsome they kissed and flirted yet he never made a move. When it was time for her to leave the club, he never asked for her number or gave her his.

She was hurt and felt rejected and what made matters worse was the erotic dreams she was having. She had never felt such an intensive physical attraction to a man before. She wondered if she should visit his club again?

The following weekend she had to fly to Pasadena for an interview of a talented photographer. He was making a name for himself photographing many of the stars in Hollywood. For her to get the interview, her boss booked her a photo session along with the interview.

Rory reviewed many of his photos. They were brilliant. She went to an exhibit of his photographs in New York, but there was not one photo of him. She also noticed that most of his photographs were of naked women. She became nervous when she found out that she had to sit for a photo session. Would he expect her to pose nude for him?

She flew to Pasadena on Friday night; her appointment was for Saturday at 2 pm. She pulled up to the address that was given to her. It was an apartment building. She entered the building and was buzzed up to Mr. Holmes apartment.

"Good morning, my name is Rory Gilmore, I'm the reporter from the New York Times," she greeted the young blonde woman who opened the door.

"Good morning, Mrs. Gilmore, I'm Jane Doe. Mr. Holmes will be here shortly. Before you start the interview and photography session, you need to read and sign this contract"

Rory looks at the blonde assistant; she wonders why she needs to sign this contract. As she reads it over, her journalistic sense triggered. It stipulates that she keep the identity of this photographer a secret. Why would someone want this? What was he hiding? She researched but only found his work. There were no interviews or photographs of him. Who was this allusive man? Why didn't he like being interview?

Rory begins to ask his assistant some questions. "Do you know why Mr. Holmes tries to hide identity? Any ideas?"

Jane smiles softly, Rory is not the first person to ask this question after reading the contract.

"Sorry, Ms. Gilmore, I can't tell you. Mr. Holmes himself is the only one who can answer you that question."

"Okay, thanks," Rory replies.

Rory decides to sign the contract, this was a coup for the New York Times and she wasn't going to ruin her chance for this interview. She took a deep breath and signed the contract.

As soon as Jane returns, she hands the contract to her. Jane quickly scans the contract and, checks the signature and takes the paper.

"He had me make you an Old Fashioned to help reduce your nerves while you wait," Jane explains gently, returning with the strong cocktail.

"Reduce my nerves?" Rory asks, feeling actually more nervous than before.

"Yes, Mr. Holmes believes that the alcohol relaxes his clients before he asks them to remove their clothes and photographs them," the assistant replies.

"Oh my God," Rory coughs, she is out of her comfort zone, maybe this isn't a good idea.

"Didn't anyone explain to you about the photo shoot?" The young woman asks her.

She tries to comfort Rory, "Mr. Holmes is a very professional photographer. Mr. Holmes never hold interviews, he only agreed after your boss Mr. Baquet promised to send one of his most talented journalists and told him your name."

Rory understands why Mr. Baquet never told her more about the photo shoot. He is a big fan of Mr. Holmes work and tried for the last year and half to convince him to do an interview with the Times.

Rory replies stuttering, "Yeah, no... I mean, yes, Mr. Baquet told me about the photography session and I saw that Mr. Holmes exhibit in New York. He noticed he took a lot of likes nude pictures, but I didn't think that my photo session would be for me to remove my clothes. I'm more here for the interview..."

Jane smiles inwardly, seeing Rory's discomfort.

Thinking that she signed the contract, and she didn't want to fail at this interview, she decides it wouldn't hurt to drink the strong cocktail.

While Rory sips her drink, Jane asks, "Have you brought your own lingerie or do you want to take your photos in the nude?"

Swallowing hard, Rory rethink what she is wearing under her dress, suddenly she hears a man laughing.

"Enough teasing, Jane," Mr. Holmes says, "Welcome in my studio, Mrs. Gilmore."

Rory looks up and sees Robert standing there.

"Oh my God," Rory exclaims, blushing, "Robert! What are you doing here?"

Robert looks at the assistant, "Thanks, Jane, I can take care of everything now. That's it for today, see you on Monday. Enjoy your weekend."

Rory feels confused.

After Jane leaves, Robert grins and says, "Nice to see you again, Rory."

He leans in and gives her a peck on her cheek.

"Sorry, Robert, it's nice to see you again, too...but... I wasn't expecting you," she answers puzzled.

Robert smiles, enjoying her confused look and pink cheeks.

"I thought I booked a model for my photography session today for my bar campaign. But instead I find you here," Robert teases.

"What?" Rory asks. She wonders what sick joke is this and whose idea was it?

"Just kidding, Rory," Robert smiles tenderly, "Perhaps I should explain that I use the pseudonym Nick Holmes when I do my photography."

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After some research on Nick Holmes I think I'm in love with his photography style. I absolutely appreciate every comment for my #TeamRobert story. Thanks, ClaudiaCleland.