Page 28 of Blinded By The Sun
King
I watch Matteo as he stands in front of the camera. This is so cool. Another photographer sits next to me while he looks at the pictures that come through the screen. “He’s a natural, isn’t he?” hhe says.
I nod. “Yes, he is!” I smile widely, looking back at Matteo.
I catch his eye and he smiles at me. I wave at him and he waves back. The photographer takes another picture. “Teo! Do that again. That was a marvelous shot.”
“This is amazing.” I say to myself.
“Yeah! You ever considered modeling?” The guy asks me.
I turn to him. “No.” I feel my face as it grows warm.
“Why not?”
“Aren’t models supposed to be tall or something?” I ask.
He chuckles. “Darling, have you not been paying attention to Instagram and how people get their fame now?”
“What’s Instagram?” I ask.
“Teo!” He yells over the music. “Where did you get her from? She doesn’t know Instagram?”
“That’s why she’s the best, because she isn’t distracted by the dumb shit like everyone else.” Matteo replies and poses again.
I smile. He remembers what I told him in the car. Although he asked me a million questions, he genuinely talked to me and shared things about himself. I found out that Matteo is recovering from something traumatic. He doesn’t like his therapist, but he appreciates her for doing her job. He wants his parents to never get back together because that would be a disaster. Also, he loves this modeling gig because he takes away from all the stupid shit that he has to deal with. He told me he’s trying to get a tutor so he can show his father he isn’t struggling with all his subjects in school. I sort of, kind of said I could help him. I told him about myself; that I don’t own a cellphone, never had one. I don’t have a favorite show because this is all new to me. I didn’t get the chance to watch much tv. I was homeschooled but I’ve never gotten the chance to go to University, but I want to get my post-secondary education just because I can.
“King!” Matteo calls out to me. “Come over here for a second.”
“Okay!” I say. “Excuse me,” I say to the other guy. I stand and walk over. “Yeah?”
“Stand in front of me.” Matteo directs. “Now, stare into the camera. Don’t smile or do anything else.”
“Okay.” I do as he says. The photographer takes a picture and my eyes widen at the sudden flash that has me seeing double for a second.
“You’ll get used to it.” Matteo says. “Try it again. This time, think of something that can be seen as sexy…” I do that and I think of Ciro.
The photographer takes the picture. He looks down at his camera. “Fuck! She’s a natural, Teo. Where have you been hiding her?” He looks back up at me. “I have never in my life done this before, but how would you like being a model, Ms.…”
“King Storm.” I answer. “And I’ll let you know.” I smile wider.
“Okay, for now, please pose for me some more. I think I’m in love with your face and the way it’s shaped.” he says.
Matteo chuckles. “That’s just Travis and the way he talks. Don’t mind him. Also, the other one you were sitting by is his brother, Tony. They are amazing photographers and if they think you’re a natural, then you are. I’m excited.”
“Me too! Thank you for bringing me.”
“Of course! Thank you for coming. So, are you ready to become a model, Miss King Storm?” Matteo teases with a smile on his face.
“Better than what I used to be.” I chuckle even though he doesn’t get it.
For the rest of the shoot, I don’t wipe the smile nor do the feelings disappear. This is awesome.
* * *
When we finally make it back to Ciro’s house, I’m full of food, dessert, happiness and what Matteo calls a caramel macchiato iced latte. It tastes like heaven.
“We’re back!” Matteo yells out.
