Eddie. “Meg’s an up-and-coming photographer and I brought her to watch so she can get some tips. Anita already knows, so it won’t be an issue.”
Eddie looked impressed. “Oh, maybe I’ll be working for you someday!”
Megan shook her head. “She’s exaggerating. I do weddings and family portraits.”
Eddie smiled. “That’s important too, you know. Okay Harper, let’s get this going.”
Harper turned to Megan. “Do you want to make yourself comfortable somewhere while we get set up?”
“I’m going to sit over there. Let me know if you need anything.” Megan wandered over to a couch near the window. She sat, watching the organized chaos. The team was a flurry of movement as the lights were unpacked and assembled, the camera equipment was prepared and a team of stylists, hairdressers and makeup artists worked furiously on the models, who sat in directors’ chairs, looking bored. Caterers set up a craft table with various trays of food, coffee, water and other drinks. Harper had her eye trained on every aspect of what was happening in the room. Megan sat in awe of her friend, who had gone from a hungover mess to an organized, calm leader within seconds of entering the building.
Pulling out her camera, Megan started adjusting the settings to take a few shots of a candle on the table in front of her for practice. The light was very good; Harper clearly knew what she was doing bringing them here.
Two hours later, the photo session was still in progress. Megan was shocked at how long and hard they had to work to get the right look. Harper continued to call out directions as the shots were set up and made final adjustments to accessories and clothing, with only the briefest pause to take a breath. No detail escaped her keen eye. The only sign of the effects of the night before was when Eddie put on some loud dance music and Harper requested something slower and softer.
Megan stood quietly at the back, watching Anita, hoping to learn what she could from one of the fashion world’s most prominent photographers. Finally it seemed as though the entire crew breathed a collective sigh of relief, having reached some milestone in the shoot that Megan was completely unaware of. They all seemed to relax, including Anita, who had appeared quite tense at the beginning. She turned to Megan and called to her in a British accent, “Harper’s friend! Come here!”
Megan walked forward. “Yes?”
“I understand you want to learn some tricks of the trade. Come. I’ll show you everything you need to know to do what I do. It’s really quite easy.”
Megan laughed. “I think you’re being very modest! You’re amazing to watch. You move so quickly.”
“Years of experience. We’re always racing against the sun in this job. Let me see your camera. . . .”
* * *
After an hour of working with Anita, Megan’s head was swirling with everything she was learning. Luc walked quietly through the front door and stood, silently taking in the sight of his nightclub, which now looked like a studio. Immediately, Harper saw him and was about to address him. He put a finger to his lips with a wink and continued to observe Megan. She looked gorgeous in a pair of dark boot-cut jeans, black heels and a fitted, long-sleeved black shirt. Her hair was down and she had tucked one side behind her ear as she worked. She looked very much like a professional as she moved with Anita. She was eager in her attempts to learn and she laughed easily when she made mistakes. Luc loved hearing the sound of her laugh; it was so full and genuine. He wanted to make that happy sound escape her mouth. The day before, he had sensed a sadness in her. As Luc watched Megan, he decided to send her home smiling.
Megan suddenly had a feeling that someone was watching her. She turned to see Luc standing at the back of the room, leaning casually against a pillar, smiling at her. She felt her face heat up as the memory of his kiss flooded her brain. He