"I'll be there."
"Perfect. One last item." She doesn't pause long enough for me to think the conversation's over. "We need your preliminary shot list tonight. I have to brief the bid team first thing tomorrow morning."
Tonight. Of course, tonight.
"I'll send it over."
"Thank you, Mr. Bennett. Looking forward to working with you."
The line goes dead.
I set my phone down. Stare at it like it might ring again with better terms.
It doesn't.
Another notification pops up before I can move.
Harbor District Site Walkthrough Wednesday, 8:00 AMSouth Gate
I click into the invite. Sloane's already added a description. Attendees: me, her, Sam Morgan.
Email chimes.
Subject: Shot List Template - Due EOD
I open it. There's an attachment. A form. Rows and columns. Fields for location, lighting conditions, architectural focus, narrative alignment.
Narrative alignment.
Who says things like that? I close the email.
I open a blank document instead, glaring at the blinking cursor on the empty white page. They want coordination andalignment. They want an architect standing over my shoulder, dictating which angles support their corporate story. I pinch the bridge of my nose.
I didn't go freelance to trade one gatekeeper for another.
I start typing.
Exterior elevations - morning light
Dock perspectives - high tide
Warehouse facade details - structural elements
Site context - surrounding area integration
I read it back. Too detailed. Every line is a place for someone to micromanage every frame.
Delete.
I open my eyes. Type fast before I overthink it.
Exterior conditions and structural elements
Dock access and water-level perspectives
