Picture Man

He gave her a thin smile and said, "No not the shawl but what did you have in mind?"

"Well as beautiful as her blouse is I'm afraid it won't translate well in the photos."

"Good idea, go ahead." Teri stepped behind Meg and after gathering some of the silky fabric she pinned it in place with the clothespins.

"How's that Lee?"

"Much better thank you."

After Teri was finished Meg asked, "Did I choose the wrong blouse?"

"I think you look stunning but sometimes things just don't come across as they really are so we try to trick the camera a little. It's not something we can expect people to be aware of." Teri stood close to Lee and watched him work but didn't say anything.

After Lee did a series of photos he said, "I think that should do it unless you have a special request Meg."

"Whatever you think is fine with me Lee."

"Then let's go to my office and see what we've created."

Teri removed the clothespins from her blouse and said, "I'll finish here and then go home Lee."

"Thanks Teri, see you in the morning."

"By the way you have two appointments in the morning."

"Okay." Once Lee and Meg were settled next to each other at his computer they went through the shots one by one. Hoping he could see her again he said, "I'd really like to do another series of you in a natural setting some time, like in a park for example."

"You really do seem to enjoy your work."

"I really do, especially when I'm working with a beautiful woman."

"Thank you Lee."

When they were done she turned to him and said, "You did a great job. I agree you are good at what you do."

"Thank you. I'll get those printed and get them to you or if you want to hang around here for a while I can print them now."

"I'm famished so let's go to dinner."

"Let's go." As they went out Lee locked up and Meg asked, "Have you ever eaten at the Boat House?"

"I never have."

"If you like Cajun you'll love this place."

"Sounds great."

"Could I get you to follow me so I can drop my car off at my apartment?"

"Of course lead the way."

Once they were seated at the restaurant they ordered their drinks and Meg asked,

"How long has Teri worked for you?"

"About three years."

"She seems very capable."

"Very."

"Does she always watch you that closely?"

"I wasn't aware that she did."

"She didn't miss a move you made."

"Probably because I'm teaching her to do portraits."

"Yes, maybe that's why then." She took his hand in hers and asked,

"How's your hand doing?"

"It's much better now thanks."

"I'm still in yours and Moon's debt for that day."

"Not at all, we had the honor of watching you, and now I have the honor of having dinner with you."

"How is Moon by the way?"

"Doing well, in fact we're going to the driving range tomorrow afternoon."

"Tell him hello for me and thanks again would you?"

"I'll do that."

"So is portraiture what you concentrate on or do you enjoy all photography?"

"I enjoy most photography but primarily people and nature. Maybe I could talk you into another sitting sometime in the great outdoors."

As she picked up her glass she smiled and said, "Maybe you can."

Chapter Twelve

As they finished an after dinner drink Meg said, "I have to be at work bright and early tomorrow, but would you like to go back to my place for a night cap?"

"I'd like that. As you heard from Teri, I have appointments too."

"She seems to be on top of every thing that's for sure."

"She keeps me on track. She can be a pain in the neck sometimes but I can't imagine being without her help plus I think she'll be a first rate photographers given time and experience." They left the restaurant and as they drove the short distance to her apartment Lee said, "You haven't said what you do."

"I'm in advertising."

"Then we have a common bond in a way."

"In a way we do have, I work with photographers frequently."

"I'm sure you do."

"Who knows we may be working together on something some day."

"Now that's a job I could really get into."

"Have you ever worked with professional models?"

"Some but not a lot and not recently."

"Do you like doing that?"

"Oh yes, it isn't my favorite but if the model is half way decent to work with it's very enjoyable."

"So you've done the Sports Illustrated bikinis on the beach kind of work then."

"Sure. It isn't as glamorous as some people think it is either. It's hard work in fact. I'd rather do what I mentioned earlier, beautiful women in the mountains or woods.

To me nothing makes a woman or a location more interesting or sexy than seeing a flash of skin in an unlikely location like that. A lot of skin showing on the beach doesn't have the same impact. You expect to see bikinis on the beach.

"I agree, sometimes less is more."

"Sometimes a lot more." As they sat on the couch at her apartment having a glass of wine Meg said, "So if we were at your place instead of etchings we might be looking at some of your work."

"Only if you asked to."

"I'd like to see some of your work some time."

"Then by all means it can happen. How about Friday night?" I might not be able to get away until about seven or eight."

"That's fine. We can order Italian and drink bad Chianti."

"Sounds fun but I'll call you to confirm after I see how tomorrow goes at work."

After Meg and Lee had finished their wine he said, "I better get out of here so we can both brace ourselves for tomorrow."

As they walked toward her door Lee slipped his arm around her waist and said, "I've really enjoyed being with you tonight. Call me on my cell phone because I'll be in and out of the office."

"Thank you for taking my picture Lee."

"Thank you for dinner Meg."

"If Friday pans out I'll bring the bad Chianti."

Lee pulled her close and kissed her lightly before saying, "Thanks for the wine and the kiss Meg. I'm looking forward to Friday night."

"Me too Lee."

Chapter Thirteen

When Lee got to the office in the morning Teri was there and the coffee was made. When she appeared she poured her coffee and standing next to him asked, "How was your date?"

"Nice. We had a nice dinner."

"She seemed nice, not as pretty as Gwen but not bad.

"I'd have to agree with that."

"Do you remember Vickie?"

"Of course she introduced me to you three years ago."

"Would you mind if I took her portrait for practice?"

"Of course not. I've been replaced have I?"

"Never, I can't wait to do yours again but the more practice the better."

"I agree. Moon's picking me up at four so the place will be yours."

"Thanks."

"You seem a little quiet this morning."

"Do I?"

"You feel okay?"

"I feel fine, just a little down I guess, no big deal."

"Let me know if you want to go home or anything."

"I'll be fine but thanks."

"If you feel up to it let's plan on the two of us working on your practice tomorrow afternoon."

"I'll be ready, I've been reading that book you gave me."

"Do you need anything before I head out for my appointments?"

"I don't think so, you sure you don't need me to go along?"

"No these two appointments will be quick and cheap so they don't get the deluxe treatment."

"Lee do you want me to take the proofs out to Gwen?"

"Would you mind?"

"Of course not."

"I'd appreciate it. I'll be back here by two or three o'clock at the latest."

"Vickie will be here about three so we may be in the studio when you get back." After Lee left, Teri spent some time doing some minor things but without the constant darkroom demands she was having a hard time filling her day now. She had to learn how to do portraits or she would go nuts or maybe even lose her job.

Lee was back by two thirty and beat Vickie there. As he worked at the computer he heard her come in and went out to say hi.

When he saw her he said, "Who's this beautiful stranger in our midst?"

"Hi Lee, it's been a long time hasn't it."

"It's been too long how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"Wait until you see how good Teri's getting with the camera."

"Not to hear her tell it."

"She impresses me more every time I see her work."

Teri heard them talking and came out of the studio saying, "I heard you talking about me was it good?"

Vickie said, "It was very good."

"Ready to pose for me?"

"I'm ready."

Lee said, "You two have fun. I'll be in my office working on what I shot today. Holler if you need anything." As Lee entered his office his phone rang and it was Meg. "Hi, Friday still open?"

"I only have time for this beautiful woman I met recently."

"I'll pretend to be that woman then, how about a little after seven?"

"Works for me."

"Remember I'm bringing the wine."

"Are you planning on taking advantage of me?" "I was thinking it was supposed to be the other way around."

"I'll have my etchings ready."

"See you then Lee."

Nothing was seen or heard from the two women for almost an hour until they came out and Teri told Lee, "We took a bunch and I'm tired. Can we look at them or are you still on the computer?"

"I'm done. Mind if I look over your shoulders?"

"Please do." As Lee stood behind the women they went through the session as they critiqued each one.

Teri was the most critical of the three and Lee finally put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Don't be so hard on yourself, you're doing fine, great even. If Vickie were a paying customer I think we could easily come up with the required mix for the job."

"But...I can do better I know I can."

"Of course you can but don't expect miracles. Learn from it and move on. If you spend all of your energy berating yourself you'll give up in frustration."

Vickie quickly jumped in and said, "I agree with Lee I think you're doing great."

Teri finally relaxed a little and said, "Okay I guess I'm a little stressed. Thanks you two."

As Lee went to refill his cup Moon walked in and said, "Okay Lee it's time for me to give you lessons at the driving range."

"In your dreams dude, remember who won last week?

"Yeah well okay."

Teri and Vickie came out of the office so Lee made the introductions and Moon gave Vickie his undivided attention.

After talking for several minutes Lee said, "You ready to go Moon?"

"I...I'm kind of hungry, why don't the four of us go get something to eat first, my treat." Like Moon had been with Lee about Meg, Lee knew what was on Moon's mind.

"You have time Teri?"

"I always have time for free food."

Moon turned to Vickie and asked, "So how is it you know these two lost souls?" As Vickie talked to Moon Lee looked at Teri and smiled. She could see what was going on and eased over near Lee and waited until the other two were finally ready to leave. When they went out the door it was as two couples with Vickie and Moon leading and talking.

Teri reached out and took Lee's arm and pointed toward Moon and Vickie and gave thumbs up as she smiled at Lee.

He leaned down and whispered, "I think they've taken an instant liking to each other" and she just gave his arm a squeeze as she continued to hold him as she smiled. As they got out of the car at the restaurant Moon's arm slipped around Vickie's waist and the four of them went to dinner.

As they waited for their after dinner drinks Moon excused himself and a minute later Teri did the same. Lee gave Vickie a smile and said, "You two seem to be hitting it off nicely."

"We do. He seems like a great guy."

"He is. I've known him a long time."

Vickie said, "Teri's really excited about doing portraits."

"I know and there's no doubt she'll be doing them soon, she has a natural touch with them."

"I take it you don't want to lose her then."

"Of course not. She's a great woman and I can't imagine doing without her."

"No emotional attachment?"

"I can't allow myself to let that happen it might interfere with our working relationship."

"How do you think she feels about you?"

"I think she likes me and enjoys working for me. I get the feeling you're working up to something."

"Lee I know you're tall so maybe that explains it because I don't think the blood is getting to your brain."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about Teri and...I'll call you when I get back in town Thursday, they're coming back."

"Call me on my cell phone."

When Teri sat down she looked at Vickie and said, "You and Lee getting caught up on days gone by?"

"We were just talking about how tall he is."

"Curious topic but okay."

The four of them went back to the studio and split up with the guys going to the driving range and the women went home. As Lee and Moon left the studio Moon asked, "Why haven't you introduced me to Vickie sooner you hiding her for yourself?"

"No I haven't seen her for a couple of years.

Right after she introduced me to Teri she started divorce proceedings against her husband. I haven't seen her since. You two seemed to have a good time, seeing her again?"

"Friday night. How are you and Meg doing?"

"Friday night." "She seems pretty nice."

"Indeed she does. I saw her for dinner last night too."

"Way to go dude."

Wednesday Teri and Lee didn't see much of each other as they went through the day. When he was finally done he made coffee and Teri joined him.

"How was your day boss?"

"Pretty easy and mildly profitable, how was yours?"

"Very easy and not the least profitable. I spent part of the day studying."

"Still want to practice?"

"Sure, you still willing to pose?"

"Why not, I have the easy part."

"Maybe I should start calling you teacher instead of boss."

"You're mostly teaching yourself, I just offer an opinion here and there. What are your plans this time, something new or what?"

"I want to experiment with lighting again and I want to see if I can do something different with the natural backdrop."

"Just let me know when you're set up."

"Give me ten minutes. Oh and I'm going to use your old camera this time too." "Okay."

As before they went through their routine in the studio and then reviewed her work.

Lee sat back then and said, "Teri you'll be doing portraits in no time without a doubt. That was your best yet."

She couldn't help but smile and then asked, "Could we do a shoot outdoors one of these days?"

"That presents a different set of challenges are you ready for that?"

"I think so, I have almost memorized those chapters in the book."

"The best thing to do is try it then."

Chapter Fourteen

Thursday morning Teri had the coffee ready and after finishing in her tasks back in the studio she came out to see Lee getting his first cup of the day. When he turned around he stared at Teri until she asked, "What?"

"You had your hair done."

"Well do you like this style as much as you thought you would?"

"I love it what do you think?"

"I like it plus it's less fuss in the morning."

"And your makeup. You really look nice. Better than nice, you look great."

"Thank you. Of course on my salary I can't afford to get fancy for you everyday."

"And I can't afford to give you a raise but maybe a little bonus is in order for all of your studying."

"What if I find a paying customer willing to give me a chance"

"Go for it and I'll even split the fee with you as another bonus."

"You're on.

After lunch Lee got a call on his cell phone and when he answered he heard, "It's Vickie."

"Hold on a second."

Lee went to his office and said, "Okay, now what's this about my being tall or whatever?"

"You didn't figure it out?"

"You didn't give me much to work with."

"I know we haven't seen each other for a long time so forgive me but oh my God Lee I know you're a smart guy what's your problem? Look, I'll make it simple for you. This is going to come as a shock to you but Teri is crazy about you."

"Teri's...about me?"

"Holy mother of God, yes about you."

"How do you know, did she say something?"

"She spoke volumes but no she didn't say so in so many words. She didn't need too. Unlike you I don't have to be hit over the head."

"I don't remember you being so testy. Look Vickie I don't want to lose her."

"Lee where the hell did you ever get the idea that a relationship couldn't survive working together? What about all the small businesses that are a husband and wife team? There has to be a million of them out there that are succeeding."

"If I allow myself to get emotionally involved with her I'm afraid I won't have my head on the business like I should."

"If you don't, the day will come you'll lose her anyway. If she loves you like I think she does she isn't going to be able to go on like she is forever you know. I know you care a lot for her, I could see it at dinner the other night."

"Of course I do."

"I mean as a woman not an employee."

There was a long pause so Vickie said, "Are you still there Lee?"

"Oh yeah...I'm just trying to..."

"Lee I have to go but you give this a lot of thought."

"I will believe me."

"I think you care for her a lot more than you're willing to admit even to yourself. Bye Lee."

"Bye Vickie."

When he came out of the office Teri was looking out of the small window in the kitchenette. When she heard him coming she turned around and when she saw him she said, "You look deep in thought, everything okay?"

"Yeah...I think so. Listen I need to leave. Just do what you can here and you can practice on me tomorrow."

"You're the boss. You sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine really." Lee spent what remained of the day at home thinking about his conversation with Vickie. Maybe she was being a little melodramatic. If Teri was so crazy about him as she put it, why hadn't he noticed it? What if he approached Teri and it caused her to quit? Did he care for her? Of course he did, but in a close romantic way? That very real possibility scared him. This wasn't something he was going to do anything about without giving it a lot of thought.

Lee spent most of Friday doing his best to act like he and Vickie had never talked and when Teri asked about practicing he was quick to say yes. If he couldn't interact with her closely then he had a problem that had to be resolved one way or another. When they were finally able to lock the door and go back to the studio Teri talked him through a number of shots as she tried one thing after another. When she finally announced she was done Lee stood up and walked over to her. "You handled me like a pro Teri, nice job." It seemed so natural at that moment that he didn't give it a thought as he kissed her lightly on the lips. It was several seconds later that he realized what he'd done.

Teri was stunned and stood looking at him completely immobile for a minute before she said in a hesitant whisper, "Thank you." He almost felt like a kid that had kissed his first girl and didn't quite know what to do so he said, "Let's go look at your efforts."

When they had looked at and discussed her last shot he said, "Whenever you feel ready to try I'd like you to do one of our appointments and I'll just stand off to the side. I think you're more than ready for basic portraiture."

She felt that was high praise and said, "You don't know how happy I am right now.

I can't wait. I know I can do it."

"I know you can too Teri. Ready to call it a day?"

"I'm ready." They stood up and Teri put her arms around him and looking up at him said, "Thank you for everything Lee."

"You still want to practice tomorrow?"

"Of course, do you have time?"

"How about three?"

"That's fine, meet here?"

"Why don't I pick you up and we'll go on to the state park."