Modern Girl's Guide to One-Night Stands

by DRAYER, GINA

  That’s why instead of sleeping, Julia was lying in bed obsessing about their last chat. Simon’s interest in her nude and his cryptic comments made her uncomfortable.

  There was no way he could know that photo was of her. She’d been extremely careful picking out the lighting and pose to conceal her identity. You couldn’t see her face at all in the shot. She’d even taken great care to conceal her tattoo, not that many people even knew she had one.

  Putting the nude on her splash page had been a risk, but it was one of her favorites. She’d thought the photo, which really did highlight her skills with a camera, would entice people to take a look at the rest of her work. So far, no one, not even Luke, had noticed it was a self-portrait.

  The whole series had come about by accident. A friend in the industry had planned on working in the studio, but was called away on a family emergency the day of the shoot. The space was paid for, as well as the models, so he asked her if she wanted to go in his stead.

  It hadn’t been her intention to do a self-portrait, but since it was her first time working in a studio setting with models, Julia had wanted to test the lighting. The first few shots she’d taken had been with her clothing on, but she knew there'd be no way to get the right effect if she didn’t test it without clothes. After half a dozen shots, she was finally satisfied with the layout and had some really amazing photos. None of which saw the light of day. Except for that one.

  Luke had been horrified when he found out she’d worked with nude models, and had argued with her for months about posting the nudes on her website, equating them to artsy pornography. If he even suspected that photo was of her, he would have shamed her into taking it down.

  But after one look, Simon figured it out. His last comments gave it away. She repeated them, analyzed them and dissected them all night, trying to decide if he’d been talking about the picture or her. She thought about just asking him, but he had no reason to log back onto the chat.

  The first night had been a fluke and after that it was because he wanted to see the photos she’d taken at the lake. She didn’t have any new work and just emailing him to ask about the comments seemed a little too desperate.

  The next morning she was tired, cranky, and determined to put Simon out of her mind. The late-night chat had thrown her whole schedule into disarray. Normally, she was up and ready to start work by five in the morning, but today she found herself wandering down to breakfast at nine.

  She still had a lot to do if she was going to be ready for the gallery show in August and couldn’t afford the lost time. But like an itch she couldn’t scratch, Simon’s words kept bugging her.

  She found Megan in the kitchen, and decided to pick her brain before she disappeared into her own world of editing.

  “What do you think of my portraits?”

  “Honey, all your stuff is fabulous,” Megan replied without looking up from her notebook.

  “Meg, I need your opinion. Simon thinks I should do more portraits, but I’m not sure. I love taking snapshots, but to display them? They’re so personal and I never thought they were…I don’t know, artistic enough for a gallery”

  Megan looked up from her cup of coffee and narrowed her eyes. “First off, your portraits are some of my favorite pieces. I already offered to buy that male nude for the cover of my next book. If I could talk you into it, you’d do all the art for my covers. So while I think you should keep some of the nature stuff in the show, adding a series of portraits to your portfolio would really showcase your work. Especially if you do some more nudes. More guys next time.”

  “Really? More nudes is your advice?”

  “Of course. Everyone loves hunky man-chest.” Megan closed her eyes and started fanning herself. “Now, the real question I should be asking is when did Simon talk to you about your photography?” She leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms, waiting for an answer. “I didn’t realize you two were speaking to each other."

  “You gave him my email address, remember?” Julia said and even though their conversations had been polite and very much PG, she felt a blush creep into her cheeks. She felt a little strange talking to Megan about Simon. “He made his way to my website and left some comments. He asked about the photos I’d taken here so I sent him a link to my new work.”

  “You haven’t even shared that with me.” Megan placed a hand over her heart and gasped. “I’m wounded. I thought I was always the first to see your work?”

  “You always get first look, but I had just finished posting the stuff I’d processed that night, when he messaged me,” Julia said. She felt bad, because she was already keeping so much from her friend. “I’m sorry. You’re my friend and I shouldn’t be talking to your brother behind your back.”

  “God, Julia. Relax.” Megan shook her head in a fit of laughter. “I’m just giving you a hard time. Really, I’m glad you and Simon worked out whatever happened between the two of you. I don’t know what I would do if Simon and you didn’t get along. I know he hasn’t been around much this last year, but Simon and I are really close. He’s my family. Simon, and Matt and Peter. I really wish you two would have hit it off. You know he’ll be here on the Fourth.”

  Julia blushed and looked away. “I’m not sure Simon and I…” Christ, she couldn’t even finish that thought.

  “He could use someone like you in his life.”

  “Meg, there’s nothing really going on between us. Besides, this is the first time I’ve lived by myself. Ever. I’m really not interested in being part of a couple,” Julia said.

  “Yeah, he said something about being too busy. This stupid acquisition. He says he doesn’t have time to date. At least I know I’m not the only person he's ignoring, but I still think you two would be perfect together. Speaking of the Fourth, we need to go to town and shop for new dresses.”

  “I have a nice summer dress. I’d rather do some scouting today.”

  “No. This isn’t like a backyard barbecue Fourth of July party. It’s strictly cocktail attire and I know you didn’t bring a cocktail dress with you. You’re getting a new dress and if you don’t come I’ll pick one out for you.”

  “You do what you need to do. I’ve got too much work to worry about what I’ll wear to a Fourth of July society bash. If you want to get me a dress, more power to you."

  “That’s fine, but you have to wear what I pick out.”

  The evil grin on her face sent up alarm bells in Julia’s head, but before she could take back her words, Megan had grabbed her purse and was out the door. There wasn’t much she could do about it now.

  Julia cleaned up the breakfast dishes Megan had left and packed a light lunch before heading to the dock. The abandoned house Simon had mentioned was her first stop. It sounded like the perfect setting for a contrasting perspective to the nature series and she wanted to scout out the location. There was something haunting about decaying architecture. If the location was even half as interesting as he promised, she could do an entire series on the house alone.

  It took her almost an hour to find the sinking dock and crumbling staircase that led to the old Harper estate, and it was better than she could have hoped for. The crumbling manor was elegant in its decline. Heavy vegetation had encroached into the house, completely overtaking it in some areas.

  Outside of the obvious signs of wildlife and some minor vandalizing, the structure looked sound. Julia took some photos around the exterior, then decided to venture in. There were a few odd pieces of furniture decomposing throughout the main area of the house that just added to the abandoned feel. She really wanted to see the second story but the stairs had collapsed. But it was probably for the best, she surmised, judging by the water damage on the ceiling. The floors were probably too unstable to hold her and the last thing she needed was to have an accident.

  She spent the rest of the morning poking around the house, taking quick snapshots for reference. Her head spun with ideas on where she was going to focus her time. This was a great find. May
be she should send Simon a thank-you email?

  She was thinking about him as she packed her bags to leave when the wind picked up. A summer storm was brewing and she’d need to hustle if she didn’t want to get trapped. After all her gear was packed, she headed for the main door and noticed the way the wind lifted the threadbare curtains. She stopped and watched as the fabric caught the wind and stretched longingly in her direction. The scene was surreal in its beauty. The wind pulsed like the stuttering breath of this dying house.

  She pulled out her camera again to capture the moment, and came up with a crazy idea. With the right lighting, she could do another series of portraits in this house. But this time, without access to models, Julia would be the only subject.

  She slung her camera bag over her shoulder and headed back to the boat, mind racing. There were a few things she’d need to pick up in town if she was going to make this shoot successful, and her first stop would be the fabric store.

  The sky was dark with heavy rainclouds by the time she tied off the boat and hauled her gear back to the house. She had the urge to run into her room and message Simon to find out what he thought of her plans. But when she walked into the living room, Megan pounced.

  “Where were you? I’ve been waiting forever for you to get back,” she said, throwing her hands up in the air.

  “I told you. I had to do some work this morning.”

  “You have to come into town right now. I found it. The absolute perfect dress for you and I don’t want that nasty Heddie to sell it, so get your ass in gear.”

  Julia sighed and set her camera gear on the table in the corner. “I thought you were just going to buy me something? I really want to download these photos and start planning the next few days. We came here to work, remember?”

  “One afternoon isn’t going to kill you.” Megan came up beside her and grabbed her arm. “Please. You need to see this dress. I would have just bought it, but I’m pretty sure Heddie is going to need to alter the length. Please, please, come with me back to the store. That woman hates me and I wouldn’t put it past her to just give the dress away now that she knows I want it.”

  “Fine. I wanted to pick up something in town anyway. I’ll come, but only if we can stop at the fabric store.”

  “Yeah!” Megan clapped her hands and spun in a circle like a two-year-old.

  For a woman who shunned any type of formal social gatherings, Megan had a love for cocktail dresses and high-heeled shoes that bordered on the obsessive. If she was this excited it had to be something really special.

  After they reached the dress shop, Megan ran to a rack in the back and pulled out a hanger. “What do you think?”

  “That’s it?” Julia asked staring at the slip of red cloth draped on the hanger.

  “Isn’t it spectacular?” she said. Megan’s expression went glassy as she looked at the dress and she let out a sigh. “Go, try it on.”

  “I’m not so sure about this. I don’t think I have the figure to pull off a dress that…um, revealing.”

  “Nonsense. Now get your short ass in that dressing room and put it on.”

  “I’ll help you with the dress,” the older woman said. It was a statement of fact, not a question.

  Feeling like she was being sent to the principal’s office, Julia followed Heddie Sobin, the shop owner, back to the dressing room. Heddie unlocked a large dressing room and proceeded to sit down on a small chair in the corner with the dress draped over her lap.

  “Take off your clothes and let’s see what I have to work with,” she said. Her thick accent harkened back to a Slavic or Baltic heritage. She turned around and pulled out a large mending kit and started slipping straight pins into her sleeves. “I’m going to have to take it up, yes, but those hips are not wide. I’ll probably have to take it in."

  “I’m sorry. There must be some misunderstanding,” Julia said. “I was just going to try on the dress. I don’t need it altered.” She eyed the slip of fabric draped over the back of the chair and sighed. “I'm not even sure I’m going to buy it.”

  “You will buy it,” Heddie said over her shoulder and went back to gathering supplies. She pulled out some chalk and a well-worn measuring tape. “That silly git of a girl you call a friend might get on my last nerve, but she does have an eye for fashion. This dress. This dress is for you. Now take off your clothing so I can fit you.”

  The older woman was minuscule even compared to Julia, but gave off an air of authority that didn’t allow dissent. Julia chuffed out her jeans and t-shirt and waited under the harsh electric light for further instruction.

  When Heddie turned around with the gown slung over her arm, she gave a disapproving huff. Granted, Julia’s utilitarian white bra and briefs weren’t exactly sexy or even fashionable, but they were comfortable. Had she known there would be an audience, Julia might have put a little more effort into her undergarments, but she took pride in her body and stood a little straighter under the scrutiny.

  “You can leave your bra on for the fitting, but you’ll need go without it when you wear the dress.” She gave Julia an appraising look and sighed. The expression that flitted across her face made Heddie look as though she’d sucked on a lemon. “You’re young and still perky. You won’t need to tape up the girls, but I’ll send body tape when the dress is finished, just in case.” She waved an impatient hand to the stool in the middle of the room. “Come on, girl. I don’t have all day.”

  Heddie helped her with the dress and went about pinning up the hem. The dress accented Julia’s every curve; draped stylishly to cover what needed to be covered, but still leaving her entire back and sides exposed.

  The mirror was behind Julia so she couldn’t see her reflection. But as the icy air conditioning washed over her, the bare skin broke out in gooseflesh, letting her know just how naked she was. The daring dress wasn’t like anything she'd ever worn before and it made her feel exposed and on display. There was no way she’d ever wear this dress in public.

  She was just about to give a polite excuse when Heddie wheeled the large mirror in front of her. “Now you must wear an appropriate heel with this. None of those awful flats. Nothing under two inches or you might as well wear trainers, for all the good it will do you. I’ll have it to you before July.”

  Julia stared at her reflection. She didn’t know who that woman was in the mirror. The blood-red fabric was perfect for her coloring, highlighting the auburn streaks in her hair. The open back even framed her tattoo and gave her normally pale skin a creamy, warm tone. Damn it if Megan wasn’t right. She looked fantastic. She had to have the dress.

  “Go on, girl. Take it off. I have a shop to run,” Heddie said as she untied the strap and helped her out of the dress. She carefully set the dress aside and looked back at Julia. “I saw that look. I don’t know what you’ve been wearing, but dear, you’re a beautiful woman and you shouldn’t be surprised when you wear something that showcases your assets. Come back and see me. I’ll put aside a few more pieces for you to try.” And again without waiting for a response, she left the dressing room.

  When Julia finished dressing, she found Megan in the middle of a heated debate with Heddie.

  “But I don’t care if you think it’s wrong for me, I want the shirt. Just be a normal businessperson for once and take my money," Megan said waving her credit card in front of the older woman’s face.

  “I’ve told you a million times, those high necklines make you look fat. You have a fantastic bust. Use it. You cannot have the shirt. If you want to dress like a slob, buy your clothes from someone else.” Heddie snatched the shirt in question out of Megan’s hands and escaped into a back room.

  “Evil witch. I don’t even know why I try.” She swiped her purse from the counter, scowling, but when she caught sight of Julia she broke out into a knowing smile. "I told you. Didn’t I tell you? It was like that dress was destined for you. Did it look fabulous on?”

  Julia smiled back and couldn’t help but concede. “You were r
ight. Although I still think it’s awfully risqué for a Fourth of July party."

  Megan looped an arm through hers and started walking toward the exit. “Honey, you’ve never been to a Shelton Fourth of July party. It’s the place to be seen during the summer, and trust me, you will be the talk of the night.”

  That’s exactly what Julia feared. She’d had her fill of Chicago’s upper crust. Now she just wanted to be Julia Hopkins, professor and budding professional photographer.

  The humid summer air blasted them as they left the shop. The rain had held off so far, but it was just a matter of time before the heavens opened.

  “I’m still not sure I can pull off that dress.” Before Megan could argue, Julia pointed to the sky. “I need to pick up those supplies and get back to work, and I’d rather not do it soaking wet.”

  “Fine. But don’t think I’m going to let you back out now, Julia.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Modern Girl Tip #16: Use Your Words—Fling or no fling, communication is still key. Talk to your guy about how you’re feeling. Give him feedback. Let him know what you’re thinking.

  “I’m glad you’re satisfied with the work. We look forward to working with you again," Simon said to the executive board at Star Atlantic before ending the conference call, hoping they’d never contact his company again. He let out a sigh and raked a hand through his unruly hair. Thank God that was finally over with.

  “Man. I can’t believe you pulled that off. Eat your heart out, Tolkien. Because, my friend, that was fucking epic. You are my new hero.” Peter stood up from the other side of the conference table and started picking up his files. “After that shit with the commercial, I thought for sure they were going to bail. I don’t know about you two, but I’ll be glad to get this file off my desk. Tell me again why we wanted to branch out?”