Page 6 of Marc

MARC

Staci is late.

She’s never late to a photoshoot, so something must be wrong.

The assistant, Kat, walks over to me with a small smile on her face. “Staci should be here soon. I’m sorry we are holding you up.”

I’m the last photoshoot for today, so technically no one is holding me up.

I love being the last one. I get to spend extra time with Staci and make an excuse to stick around to watch her work.

Staci rushes through the door, slinging her camera bag off her shoulder. “I’m so sorry I am late. Just give me a few moments to get the equipment running and I’ll get started right away.”

Her apology is sincere, but she seems frazzled like she has a million other things on her mind.

Kat whispers something to me, but I’m notpaying attention. All of my attention is on Staci’s flustered face.

I laugh, pretending I know what the hell Kat just whispered in my ear.

After a few moments, I walk over to Staci’s desk and stand beside her, putting my hand on her arm. “Is everything okay?”

Normally, I wouldn’t touch her, but something propels me to.

She finally speaks after a moment. “Yeah. Everything is fine.”

I can tell she is holding something back, despite her telling me everything is fine. I’ve looked at her more times than I can recount over the past few months, so I know when something is bothering her.

“Alright. Who’s first?” She asks loudly.

The new guy, Kelly, walks towards us. “Me. I’m Kelly.”

He’s nervous, but I don’t think it is about the photoshoot. His gaze looks over Staci’s long bare legs.

Yeah, she’s hot, but he needs to remember the contract. Specifically, line number eleven. There is absolutely no fraternization with photographers, make up artists, assistants, and other models.

“First time?” Staci asks, her voice empathetic.

Kelly seems embarrassed despite our chat earlier. “Is it that noticeable?”

I internally roll my eyes at him flirting with Staci. “Don’t worry, man. Staci is the best.”

We were all hand picked to be in this new ad and we don’t need a weak link.

“She gives great pointers, too.” Adam replies from the couch as he stuffs the entire danish in his mouth.

Fucking idiot.

He’s risking getting crumbs and jelly on these nice clothes.

Staci gives Kelly a smile and walks him over to the backdrop. “Just relax and enjoy today. There is only one first professional photo shoot, and I promise you will be happy with the way the pictures come out.”

I join Adam on the couch while thinking about my first professional photoshoot.

It was completely opposite to Kelly’s. My photographer was strict and non communicative. I wasn’t nervous at all that day until the photographer didn’t have any feedback- good or bad.

Staci has been a godsend.

She lets us know what we are doing right as well as what we need to improve on. She gives us pointers and if we still don’t get it, she takes her time to show us what she wants.

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