Page 30 of Picture Us

Pulling out their phone, Drew hoped to see a text waiting on the lockscreen. But they knew there wouldn’t be anything.

Their leg began to shake as the afternoon sun warmed the loft.

“Fuck it.” Drew began collecting the prints and tossing them into a manilla folder, sealing them away. They jolted out of the bed in their loose, light wash jeans and plain, white t-shirt.

Heading for the door, Drew threw on their black Chelsea boots, hoping this wasn’t a huge mistake. With the folder in hand, they ran out of the apartment, letting the door lock behind them.

Drew’s finger pushed the buzzer and waited for a voice to come through the building’s intercom. “Who is it?

Standing outside, arms crossed, Drew smirked. “Delivery.”

“For who?” Rose asked, her confusion clearly evident.

“It’s Drew.”

The intercom went dead for a moment. Drew’s mind started to spiral.Maybe she fucking hates me and won’t let me in.

But after a moment, Rose’s voice rang out again, this time a little breathless. “Come up.”

The door buzzed open. Drew pushed the handle in and headed down the narrow hallway that led to an old, creaky staircase.

Two flights felt like a walk in the park compared to Drew’s insane hike of a stairwell.

They took a deep breath and lightly rapped on the door.

As they waited, Drew thought they heard murmuring coming from inside the unit.Did she have Shan over?

But before Drew could get too wrapped up in that concern, the door was flying open to reveal Rose’s stern face.

Drew opened their mouth to say hi.

But Rose lifted a finger and launched into her own tirade. “Listen, what you said yesterday was really out of pocket. Even as a joke. I don’t know where you get off thinking your work is more valuable than mine, but it’s not, okay? I make a living doing this just like you. So I expect a modicum of respect from you as a colleague.”

Their heart was pounding in their chest as they watched Rose find her voice. A small smirk lifted in the corners of their mouth. A part of Drew wondered if they could push her farther, just to see how frustrated she’d get.

But before they could fight back, Rose lifted her finger again. “Now, I’m going to agree to do this other shoot with you. But I demand the respect I deserve, and I won’t let you bulldoze me or belittle my work.”

As she finished, she crossed her arms and sucked her teeth. Drew couldn’t stop their eyes from darting down to her lips, pursing out as her tongue settled into place.

“Okay.” Drew could hardly speak, the throbbing in their boxers too strong to think. They had no idea why it was so hot to get told off by her, but they’d let her keep going for hours. They hardly cared that they had no idea what job Rose was referring to.

Trying to hide her surprise, Rose crossed her arms. “Great.”

Clearing their throat, Drew extended the manilla folder in their hand to Rose. “These are for you to look over.”

Rose took the folder and nodded.

“So, what other job are we taking?” Drew raised an eyebrow.

Rose sighed. “Fucking Fin. Maternity shoot, rates are up 20 percent. But I want to take the lead.”

Drew nodded, a charming smile taking over their face. “Okay.”

It was obvious that Drew’s sudden agreeableness was a shock to Rose. And they couldn’t blame her. When had they ever relented so easily?

The pair stood in the doorway for a minute. Drew peeked behind Rose’s figure, trying not to stare at her perfect curves. Her apartment was brightly painted and heavily decorated. It wasn’t their taste, but they liked how boldly “Rose” it was.

“Do you wanna go out?” Drew asked before they could stop themself.

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