Page 14 of Pose for Me

After lunch I return to editing and get the gallery finished and the art and album ordered. I’ve just hit submit when there is a knock at the studio door, checking the time I see that I’ve timed it perfectly for my appointment.

I make my way to the door, smoothing down my dress and plastering on a warm, professional smile. As I open it, I'm greeted by Lacy Matthews' beaming face.

"Lacy! Come on in," I say, gesturing her inside.

She practically bounces through the doorway, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, Rayne! I can't tell you how excited I've been for this day!"

As I close the door behind her, Lacy turns and grasps my hands in hers. "The photoshoot was just... magical," she gushes, her eyes never leaving mine. "You made me feel so beautiful, so empowered. I've never experienced anything like it."

I smile, used to such effusive praise. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Lacy. That's exactly what I aim for with every client."

As we walk towards my client's sitting area where her album and wall art are waiting, I can't help but notice how Lacy's gaze seems to drink in every detail of the studio. It's almost as if she's replaying the photoshoot in her mind.

"You know," I say, trying to fill the silence, "most of my clients come in nervous, but leave feeling much more confident. It's really rewarding to see that transformation."

Lacy nods enthusiastically. "Oh, I can imagine! You have such a gift, Rayne. Such a special way of... capturing people."

There's something in her tone that makes me pause, but I push the feeling aside as we reach the seating. I pick up the boudoir album from the coffee table, its leather cover cool against my fingers.

"Ready to see the final product?" I ask, opening the album.

Lacy's eyes widen, and she leans in close as we begin to flip through the pages. "Oh my god," she breathes, her finger tracing one of the images. "You've made me look... perfect."

As we continue through the album, Lacy talks animatedly about each photo, pointing out details I hadn't even noticed.

"This one," she says, lingering on a particular shot, "it's like you saw right into my soul, Rayne. Like you really know me."

I laugh softly, ducking my head. "Well, that's part of my job – to capture the essence of my clients."

Lacy looks up at me, her eyes shining. "You certainly captured mine," she whispers.

I smile, feeling a mix of pride and unease at her intense gaze. Clearing my throat, I stand and move to the large, framed wall art I'd prepared.

"And for the pièce de résistance," I say, unveiling the piece with a flourish.

Lacy gasps, her hands flying to her mouth. Tears well up in her eyes as she stares at the enlarged image of herself, artfully posed and bathed in soft light.

"Oh, Rayne," she whispers, her voice choked with emotion.

I quickly grab a tissue from a nearby box, offering it to her. "Here you go," I say gently.

She takes it, dabbing at her eyes while fanning her face with her other hand. "I just... I look so sexy and beautiful," Lacy says, her words tumbling out. "Thank you, thank you so much."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at her reaction.

Lacy suddenly straightens, composing herself. "Oh, I should get out of your hair," she stammers. "I'm sure you have a lot to do, and you don't need me gushing at you all evening."

I laugh. "Actually, I just have drinks with a friend tonight. Nothing too pressing."

Her smile falters for a moment, becoming strained. I wonder if I've said something wrong. Does she not socialize with friends? Or worse, does she not have any? I mentally kick myself for not considering that before mentioning my plans.

"That's nice," Lacy says, her voice tight. She moves forward suddenly, enveloping me in a hug. As one of the only women I’ve met who is taller than me, it’s a little strange to be surrounded by her. "Thank you again, Rayne. This means more to me than you know."

As she collects her things to leave, I can't shake the feeling of sadness that presses in at the thought she might not have anyone. Although I am glad she chose to do the photoshoot for herself. My professional mask slips for just a moment as I watch her go, trying to remember back to her photoshoot and if she spoke of having anyone in her life.

Shaking my head, I tidy up the sitting area, lock the studio door behind her and head upstairs. A client’s excitement and happiness is what I live for – helping people feel empowered and beautiful. Lacy felt that in a profound way, and to me that was a good thing.

It's nearly time to meet Kahlee for drinks so I grab my purse, pausing to scratch Luna behind the ears. She purrs contentedly, seemingly back to her usual friendly self after her earlier dramatics.

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