“Uncomplicate it before two o’clock. The camera will pick up on tension, not the good kind.”
She leaves before I can respond.
I pull out my phone and text Bailey.
Me: Shoot at two. Executive lounge. Are you okay with this?
Three dots appear, and then her response.
Bailey: It’s part of the job.
Me: That’s not what I asked.
Bailey: I’ll be there.
Not exactly reassuring, but I don’t bother her further.
At one forty-five, I head to the executive lounge. The space has been transformed into a photo studio, with lights on stands, reflectors, and a backdrop that looks like a modern office but is somehow softer.
The photographer is a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and an easy smile. “Mr. Williams. I’m Diana. We’ll make this as painless as possible.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Your girlfriend should be here soon. Wardrobe wanted to touch base with her first.” She gestures to the setup. “We’re going for a natural, intimate, successful couple. Think power partnership, not fashion editorial.”
“Understood.”
Bailey arrives at two on the dot. She’s wearing a different dress from the gala. This one is navy blue and fitted, subtly showing off her curves.Her hair is down in soft waves, and she has minimal makeup on her face. She looks professional, beautiful.
“Hey,” I say quietly.
“Hey.” She won’t quite meet my eyes. “So we’re doing this.”
“We’re doing this.”
Diana claps her hands together. “Perfect. You two look amazing together. The camera is going to love you.” She positions us near the backdrop. “Bailey, stand here. Daniel, right beside her. Closer. Closer. Perfect.”
I’m standing close enough to smell her perfume. The same scent from the gala.
“Okay, let’s start simple. Just look at each other like you’re having a private conversation and I’m not here.”
We turn toward each other, her eyes finally meeting mine.
“This is weird,” she whispers.
“Extremely weird.”
“I feel like we’re in a toothpaste commercial.”
I bite back a smile. “At least our teeth look good.”
She laughs just as the camera clicks rapidly.
“Beautiful,” Diana says. “That’s exactly what I need. Keep talking. Keep that connection.”
“What should we talk about?” Bailey asks quietly.
“Anything. Everything. Tell me about your weekend plans.”
