Breathtaking photos

Amanda had a body Laura was envious of. Laura didn't feel anger or jealousy, just envy at the beauty displayed in simple snapshots. Her body shivered.

"I see you've discovered my trade," Amanda joked as she stepped up beside her. "Sometimes, I'm a glamor model. I even did a movie once; as an extra."

Laura thought Amanda sounded a little scared of being judged. "You look breathtaking," she murmured as she looked at the next picture. Sensuality and the vibrancy of youth emanated from the pose. Laura wasn't sure she could ever look like that.

"Great genes and a religious worship of the gym," Amanda said with a laugh. "Come, help me with lunch. You can stare at my album later, if you want," she teased as she put a hand on Laura's shoulder and gently pulled her toward the small kitchen.

"You are lovely," Laura whispered, more to herself. "I'm so jealous," she joked.

"Oh, please, I'd rather have your body. I'll bet you don't set foot in a gym, and you still keep your figure."

Laura harumphed goodnaturedly. "If you call my body a figure. Is round a figure?" she laughed. While she didn't truly believe what she was saying, she still felt Amanda was far more attractive than she was.

"Don't fish for compliments," Amanda chided. "You're beautiful and a sexy woman in her prime. Now, would you like rice or pasta?"

Laura fell into an easy conversation with her neighbor as they cut up vegetables and cooked the chicken. "You have a lovely apartment."

"Thank you," Amanda said as she expertly basted butter, garlic, and thyme over the chicken thighs. "I have this one, and the one beside me is my studio. I live in the studio more than here."

"You... have two rooms?"

"Oh yes, I have an arrangment with Mack. A sweet man. Some of the girls like him for his... well... he knows what to do with what he has. I enjoy my privacy here and didn't want to move. Collecting memories is something I love to do, and photography is one way to do it."

"I loved collecting stamps," Laura confided. "When I got to college that kind of fell away. A lot of things fell away," she muttered.

"Hey, you're supposed to be having fun," Amanda ribbed. "So, any luck with the job search?"