Page 5 of Second Shooter

“We go to alotof weddings lately.” Alexi chuckled. “They are enjoying being with the other new parents. The cocktail hour will be crawling with them, literally.”

She giggled. “Well, it looks like I have my next assignment then. Now is the time when I try and get everyone into at least one image. It always sucks when you know you were at a wedding, but you can’t prove it.”

Win walked with him, and they chatted for a while before she said, “You know, Harry was supposed to be here, but he heard you would be here, and I think he pissed himself and panicked. Or couldn’t find clean pants.”

Alexi grinned. “His faulty bladder is my blessing. I am very glad to have met you, Win.”

She nodded. “It was nice finally to speak to you as well.”

“We have met before?”

“Not met. Just been at the same place at the same time. You do a lot of family photos and art photos of couples. I take their families and steal their souls at moments like this.”

“I don’t remember you.”

“No one does. Well. Agatha does. I hear it happens with my kind of beta.”

“Oh, you are one of the ones with extras?”

She curled her lip. “That makes it sound like I have three breasts.”

Alexi chuckled. “I mean the betas with special talents.”

“Oh, yes. Well, it was a survival situation in my case. Okay, sorry. Playtime’s over. I have to go back to work.”

Alexi smiled. “I will see you later.”

She nodded and began to record the bits of folks playing, chatting, one alpha balancing a canapé on his nose before he caught it in his mouth.

There were fun moments, serious moments. Baby moments, young child moments. It was a fun time, and everyone was enjoying the day.

She went to the bar and asked for a soda.

“Are you a vendor?”

“Yes?”

“Four dollars.”

“How about water?”

“Three dollars.”

She looked at them. “How about a glass?”

He looked at her and handed her an empty glass. She went to the restroom, turned on the cold tap, and started chugging.

A woman with long brown hair, a pregnant belly, and soft brown eyes stepped toward her. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, ma’am. Just paying the price for not thinking ahead.”

“Dinner will be served soon. It smells wonderful.”

“I am sure it will be.”

The woman cocked her head. “I don’t know you, but you feel familiar.”

“Oh, I am Win. I am the photographer. I have taken your picture for a few magazines, Dell.”

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