CATCHING FEELINGS.

Aisha

By morning, we were off to Lumière early since he had a tight schedule. He is a professional photographer and him helping us with the picture was just a favour. I had to be dressed up by a stylist and make up artist. My make up wasn't heavy but still I looked different. Very different even from when I make up. Well that's how you can tell an amateur and a professional on the subject.

" you look amazing." Toni said.

"What? She's incredible. I mean you totally look like a model out of a vogue mag. You're sure you don't want your face to show?" Kim asking as she touched my hair and I scowled at her "OK, OK, no selfie."

"Is she ready? I need to hurry for another photo shoot." Lumière said a little impatient.

" yes she is." Kim answered for me" go up there and pose like some Victoria secret model on a shooting." She encouraged me as I walk up stage.

There were bright light everywhere which could make you go blind and the heat from them again wasn't helping. They gave me a thumbs up to encourage me once I was on the spot light. A group of women came up to show me how to pose, the positions I should take so my face won't really show. I felt like a model on a photo shoot with everyone around arranging my make up, my hair, my dress, after each pic. Then I decided to take a few in which my face could be seen. All this make up would be a waste if it's not to see how it was on me and besides, those won't be the pictures to upload to the profile.

" good that was great." Lumière said

" thank you so much Lumière." I said gratefully.

" oh it's always a pleasure working with beautiful women. Come over and take a look at the pictures." He said as we both moved to his laptop to which he connected his camera. Indeed the pictures were exceptional. I could hardly believe it was me on them. It looked like the picture of some movie star.

" they're just fabulous Lumière. Thanks a lot" kim gushed, embracing him tightly.

"Let go. you'll ruin my shirt"he said trying to get out of her hold before she let go.

"When can we be expecting them?" She asked excitedly

"By Tuesday morning." He replied

"What? But it's too far. Can't they come earlier?" Kim asked

" Stop pressuring him Kim. you want the pictures good or not? Just trust him" Toni said slightly irritated by her impatience.

"OK fine, I was just excited. That's all" Kim huffed.

"More than me, who took the pictures?" I asked sarcastically.

"Sorry I just couldn't keep in place." She replied sheepishly.

I just smiled at her enthusiasm. At times I wish I had that kind of energy or charisma or vivid spirit. Kim is always chirpy and in a good mood. Her happiness is very contagious. She emanates a beautiful aura around her.

****************************

After changing back into my normal cloths, we all left for ice cream. I too couldn't wait to see the pictures. Somehow, thinking about this photo shooting made me all smiles and happy. Yea I dropped the idea of being a model but nonetheless, I was happy I had a peek of that sensation today. With the central focus been me. I've never been the type to always want to draw all attention to me, but I was comfortable with it today. I had no complexity with my body. May be we could do this again. I took a mental note of thanking Kim when the pictures arrive, and to knock some sense into her head if this whole thing turns out bad for me.

*************************

The weekend passed by quickly and it was already Tuesday night. We received the pictures this morning and Kim being her usual excited self, continuously jumped around in the living room. She uploaded the pictures but the account had be active only by morning so we went off to bed.

Michael J. Donovan

Wednesday morning 9:45a.m

The work here everyday seemed never ending. I mean, I work hard everyday including supplementary hours and on Sundays as well, but it looks like I fool around. My entire desk is full with stacks of files with different contracts, project proposals and the likes. I always wind up with a migraine by the end of every week. I mean, I love what I do; my job, my company but still....

I'm very meticulously about everything I deal with. Be it my partners or employees, I'm strict on every level. We can't afford to lay down our guards in this business. Everyone can be successful but it takes a true successful man to stay up high. And I want to remain high. My mum always told me "a successful man always needs a woman. That's why they say behind every successful man is a woman." Tsk. I know that talk. She always gives me that crap when she wants to pressure me on the fact that I'm still single. There is no rush anyway. It's not like the world will run short of women soon. And besides all these dating and relationships are not my thing.

Women are so complicated. They always bring up unwanted situations and jeopardize your main focus. I prefer dealing with things I can handle. I can barely do anything peacefully without Molly been stuck on my back. She's so clingy and so demanding.

"Hey! Michael are you even listening to me?" She said waving her hand in front of my face. See what I'm talking about? When did she even get into my office?

"Sorry what were you saying?" I asked a little bit lost

"You're so mean Michael." She snapped crossing her arms before her abundant chest.

"What? I'm very busy so excuse me if I can't multitask. I've got the carriers and jobs of over a thousand people in this building in my hands. I'm not some super computer." I replied exasperated

"Well then you should learn to become one." She said before standing up and storming out of my office.

Fortunately she could not bang the glass door because Nathan came in at that time. The last time she stormed out like that my door had to bear the consequences of her fury.

"Thanks bro. You saved my door." I said standing up to greet him.

"Don't mention"he said caressing the door as though it were some jewel. I rolled my eyes at his action.

"If you're so scared of this baby ending up in pieces after Molly leaves. why don't you just get mahogany doors like everyone else and save yourself that stress? It's not like you don't have the means." he said

"Because I love that 'baby'..." I said pointing to the glass door. " like that."

"If you say so bro. Sorry I offended your girlfriend." He said sarcastically

"Haha. I'm totally cracked up." I said rolling my eyes and flopping back into my seat. " what brings you here this early.?" I asked

"So... can't I just visit my old friend? Just for catch-up sake?" He said looking innocent.

" No not this time. Not that it displeases me anyway. I'm serious Nathan what brings you here?" I asked seriously.

"Ouch! that hurt. The serious guy's back to business hmm? Anyways, I came to talk about the annual gala summit this month. It's this Friday." He said.

Shit! That completely slipped out of my mind.

"I don't know, I'm not sure about going. I still have a lot of work due by next week. And you know those things are not really my type anymore." I replied.

" oh come on. It's gonna be fun. And it will take your mind off work for a while. You need rest man. Have you looked into a mirror lately? You look like some zombie straight out of a horror movie." He said with and exaggerated look.

" I'm not that horrible." I retorted

"Yes you're. Where's my handsome friend who had the heads of all girls spin back when he passes by them?" He asked. "See you can't even reply but you never hesitated at first. It will be fine. And besides I think it's your father hosting it so you can't back out." he replied.

Double shit!

" yea you're saying that to convince me into going with you, you flirt." I replied.

"Hey! I can't help it if I attract beautiful women." He retorted with a smirk.

"Plus, I can't because you'll need to be accompanied by someone to get in. So I can't have them all unfortunately." he said seeming disappointed

"Accompanied? Why so?" I asked. I'm having a feeling my mum had something to do with this.

"I've got no idea."he replied with a shrug then his eyes lit up. "But I've got an idea. I stumbled on these website for escorts..." He started.

"No I don't want to know the end of it." I stopped him dead in his tracks.

" okay...you could ask Molly if you want to. She had virtually throw herself at your feet if you asked her." He said.

"Well I'm not looking for some sex partner Nate." I replied

"Fine. But I'll have fun. These websites are known to have some hot girls that I could go for a shot with. You should try." he insisted.

"Nate I said no." I replied then turn back to my laptop but he was still staring at me and I know what he wants. "OK fine. I'll see about it later." I said defeated.

"Good." he replied, standing up with a victorious smile." I'll see you later then. I've got some things to attend to." He said walking out.

"Something my ass. I'm sure it's some girl he's going to see." I muttered.

I sighed heavily thinking about what he just told me. I could try, after all it won't hurt. And moreover, I'm not ready to spend a night with Molly, she's too chatty. And I can't handle that. I'll see about it after work tonight. I texted Nathan to mail the website to me and he replied immediately

Nate: I knew u would agree.

Me: whatever..

I sighed again, dropping my phone. What am I getting myself into?