CHAPTER 227: CHAPTER 227 - GETTING TO LIKE YOU

The woman beside him stood as we approached the table, closing the magnetic flap on her tablet case with a decisive snap as she offered me her own firm handshake.

"Maia Katsaros, production coordinator. I handle logistics, scheduling, and making sure everyone gets what they need when they need it. Some like to call me his assistant. Don’t, please."

Slightly challenging, but only because of her confidence. I can’t help but notice that a particular face not far from mine has shifted just slightly... so that our eyes could not possibly meet.

I suppose I won’t stare directly at Anise and make it obvious that she has recently done so. We’ll make her buy us late lunch.

"A pleasure."

With a short nod, she distances herself a bit behind her boss while looking pointedly at the other two still seated. Overall, I got the impression that she was someone more business minded and organized.

Someone who dealt with creative personalities and tight deadlines on a regular basis, possibly exasperated frequently but coming back for more anyway. I liked her immediately!

"Simone Reeves. I’ll be working with you on wardrobe if today goes well. And I handle the makeup artist when they are around."

I hadn’t looked at the other two much, but the woman with a braided updo introduced herself with a warm smile - not rising but giving a little wave from her position surrounded by some fabric samples.

She had some sort of British accent much like her boss, though her skin was dark in tone. When I nodded at her, her head tilted and her fingers held her chin as she squinted at me with the kind of knowing eyes that suggested she was also the type like the seamstress beside me.

One who could tell most everything about a person from how they wore their clothes. I can only hope she doesn’t begin teasing me for my encounter last night as well, right Vrika?

Giving me a loud snort, the wolf curls up on the slab inside my soul and ignored me. Just in time for the youngest woman in the room, besides possibly myself, to hop up and raise her hand with a slightly excited grin.

"Jessica - call me Jess if you want. Grad student stand-in. I’m just here to make you look good for the test shots."

With the camera equipment on the table in front of her, her role had already been the most obvious of any of them. But I still send a smile at her anyway, which she returns with more teeth and energy.

Nope, not getting into that smiling contest... so they strike with the professionals and end with the friendly youth. No intimidations so far. Good signs all around.

I settled into the chair that was indicated by the man’s gesturing hand, making a show of placing my new bag carefully at my feet and folding my hands in my lap as if I was ready to listen. I could feel that subtle confidence from last night flowing through my posture.

And could also feel myself thinking that I want one of these chairs! They have no business being this comfortable...

Except maybe because of how much they cost. I suppose that tracks.

"So, Anise there tells me you’re brand new to modeling but have some small background in photography?"

Ember settled back into his and fixed me with a pair of serious eyes as he asked this. I was somewhat prepared to be interrogated, but am just a little surprised that they are starting with this.

"That’s partially correct. I’ve been studying photography as a hobby lately. The technical aspects, composition, and lighting theory. I also find the interplay between photographer and subject fascinating - whether it is a selfie, a still object, or a landscape."

Maia crossed her arms after I spoke, in a display that didn’t fully hide her interest. Though it did hide what little she had on her chest there, poor woman.

"Any particular style or era that influences your work?"

"I’m afraid I’ve been focusing mainly on the technical side - lighting, angles, how to work with a camera. It really is just a hobby. Though I’ll admit the artistic aspect of it was what really drew me in."

I told her honestly, with eyes that stared directly into hers. Even though I was playing the room, I didn’t make it look like it. She seemed sharp enough to tell, because I saw her lip twitch in what looked like an attempt not to smirk.

"There’s something fascinating about how a photograph can capture a completely different mood just by changing the lighting or the model’s expression. I find myself too excited to stop trying for the perfect shot."

I deliver this set of lines with eyes catching their photographer. Hoping to show that - while I’m not an expert - I still appreciate someone in the field, even one who is supposedly not actually on this project. Or so I took that ’stand-in’ comment to mean.

Ember slapped the table lightly, drawing my eyes and those of the others who all seemed used to such behavior... at least enough that none of them seemed overly startled.

"Good foundational thoughts. Many people underestimate the great collaboration involved between the nature of physics all around us and the art we enjoy. It’s not just about something looking pretty on its own - though that certainly doesn’t hurt."

A small smile and nod my way lets me know it was indeed a personal compliment. I won’t say that I am weak to them exactly, but I would say that if he had no money I would now consider giving him some.

"That’s a lovely ensemble, by the way. The color palette fits well for your skin tone and hair. The sizing for your proportions is also spot-on. Your doing?"

Simone tosses more of them on me before turning to Anise, who only beamed calmly back at her. For all her anxious elevator moment, she seems quite in character now. Or maybe she passed out out with her eyes open?

Well, if you say her heart is still beating... just keep an eye on how rapidly for me, would you?