Page 79 of Marc

The silver pattern really pops against the black, but I don’t see how it will work with my gray plaid and Ben’s navy blue pinstripe.

Luckily, Staci is an expert, so she will figure out the best pairings.

Speaking of Staci, where is she?

I’m about to call her when she walks through the back door.

She looks scared and anxious, like something happened to her. Her eyes look red and a little swollen, as if she was crying. And her makeup looks a little different than it did when we separated this morning.

Where did she go and what happened?

Staci glances at the two newcomers, and I know she is wondering what happened to Adam and Kelly.

So, I answer her unasked question.

“Kelly and Adam were called to another shoot, so Luke and Ben are here for their first ever professional photoshoot.”

Her eyes narrow as she looks over at the two new guys. I recognize the anxiousness in her gaze. It’s the same look she had when Adam started.

But I don’t blame her because newbies usually require more direction, which means a longer photoshoot and more work.

After dropping her bags at her desk, Staci walks over to the guys on the couch and introduces herself.

“Hey, I’m Staci.”

“Ben. Nice to meet you.”

Ben stands and holds out his hand and shakes hers before she turns her attention to Luke.

Like Ben, Luke stands and shakes Staci’s hand and says, “I’m Luke.”

Staci smiles and says, “Nice to meet you.”

She walks back over to her desk to set up the camera before addressing all of us.

“I’m sorry I was late, but if you can give me a few more minutes, I will be set up and ready to start.”

Before the other guys can say anything, I speak up. “Take your time. We aren’t in a rush.”

Staci rushes to get her camera hooked up, the lights turned on, and the backdrop smoothed out.

“Ben? We can start with you.”

Ben awkwardly walks towards her. She takes her time and helps him get into position before returning to her camera.

This might be his first professional photo shoot, but appears to be a natural.

Staci snaps a few shots before frowning. “Can we change it up a little? Maybe unbutton your jacket.”

He does what she suggests, and she snaps a few more before calling Luke over.

“Luke? Can you come over?”

She gestures to Ben to stand off to the side while she takes a few solo shots of Luke. After a few minutes, she gestures for Ben to come back.

The two of them pose together for several minutes, and I can’t help but to stare at Staci. She’s amazing at what she does, and it’s clearly evident that she loves doing this.

When she’s confident she got a good shot with both of them, she motions me over.

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