Photographing Love

Chapter 1

Duncan Lewis

I'm woken up by my phone ringing nonstop, I groan as I feel around for the demented device. "Hello?" I ask sleepily. "Duncan! Get your ass up! You've got a meeting in an hour with a client!" Linda yells through the phone. I shoot up, sleep evaporating in a snap.

"Sorry Lin, I'm on it." I say. The woman continues to scold me as I pull the phone away from my ear, ending the call. I check my messages to see that I have five missed calls from her, she's going to kill me if I show up to the meeting late.

I grab a change of clothes from my closet before going into the adjoining bathroom and cutting on the shower. My shower is record breaking as I fly out of it and tug on my clothes, an old band tee under a button up and faded skinny jeans whilst pulled me hair up.

I grab my keys and wallet as I exit my bedroom, speed walking through my apartment to the kitchen where I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. I grab my camera from the desk in the corner of the living room before walking out the door and down the stairs to the street level.

My car is parked in the small parking lot to the side building as I get in. The engine starts and I pull out, zipping out onto the street and hoping that I'm not late to the meeting. I regret not stopping to get my morning coffee on the corner as I pass the small buzzing café.

My foot slams on the breaks at a traffic light and the car behind me blares its horn, I flip the driver off in my rearview mirror as the light turns green. I keep my speed up just below the speed limit, itching to go faster as the clock ticks closer to the meeting time on my radio.

I almost miss the museum, swerving into the parking lot at the last moment and pulling to a stop. I get out, grabbing my camera as I lock the doors and walk up to the building. Linda waits inside with a young couple, maybe a few years older than my twenty four years.

"Duncan, I'd like you to meet Joseph Beck and Jasmine Park soon to be Beck." Linda says. I smile, "A pleasure to meet you both. I apologize for my tardiness." I say. The woman smiles, "No problem. We're just happy you showed up." she says with relief evidence in her voice.

The man nods, "We've already been turned down by four photographers." he says stressfully as he looks at his fiancée. "I'm sure he'll be able to help you." Linda says. She motions to the exhibits around us, "Would you like to look around while we talk?" she asks.

The couple agrees and we begin our walk around the museum...

*** *** *** *** ***

"I'll see you later Lin." I tell the stout woman as we part ways. The couple ready left, having agreed to keep in touch later on. I get back in my car and drive off, my eyes wandering to the scenery passing by around me. I park and get out, entering the small café.

"Duncan! You're later than usual!" Teresa exclaims from behind the register. She hands a customer her change, "I had a meeting with a client." I explain. "You're doing clients now?" Teresa asks as she punches in my usual order. "No, it's a one time thing." I reply.

I hand her the correct amount of money, "How's the fam doing?" I ask. She rolls her eyes, "Don't even get me started." she says. I laugh, "That bad?" I tease. "Sandy came out last night, and while I could care less dad was furious." Teresa explains as she hands me my coffee.

"What about your brother?" I ask. "Max was fine with it, though he went into big brother mode and threatened to decapitate anyone that hurt her." Teresa says. "Well tell Hazel I said hang in there and that I'm proud of her. At least your dad didn't disown her like mine did." I say.

Teresa smiles, handing me a warm croissant. "Will do, Later D." she says. "Later T." I respond. I sip my coffee as I walk out the door, holding it open for a woman coming in. My eyes catch on a couple across the street. Their hands are entwined as they walk along.

My camera is pointed in their direction with my coffee long forgotten as I switch to my desired filter. The woman tosses her head back and laughs with her hair falling around her shoulders whilst the guy smiles cheekily. My camera clicks, the small moment captured.

I down the rest of my coffee and finish my croissant before walking on down the street...