The next day

The next day, Nigel paced around the studio and scratched his neck. “Why did you wear that itchy thing?” Anne asked as she re-positioned a light. Nigel was wearing a black turtleneck that he found deep in his closet, presumably never worn. “This is the type of fruity thing that photographers wear.” He said, and Anne made a face at him. “I think so, anyway. Maybe not.” Anne laughed. Then the doorbell to the studio rang. “Alright, get ready.” Nigel said as he walked towards the door. He swung open the door and there stood Natalya, in a big beige overcoat, carrying a duffel bag. “Hello, beautiful.” Nigel said in his posh voice. He came close and hugged her, assuming that is what a fruity photographer would do. “Come in, please. And let me take your coat.” Natalya shyly took the coat off and handed it to him. She was wearing a simple black sweater and jeans, but had other clothes in the bag. Nigel had told her to bring something simple, something elegant, and something sexy for the photoshoot, that he wanted to capture her wearing what she really wears in her wardrobe. But even her simple clothing looked sexy, Nigel noticed.

Nigel showed her to the tattered couch and told her to take a seat. He paced the room fiddling with his camera while speaking to her. “So, you’ve skated your whole life and won competitions and travelled the world.” Nigel said. “Yes, I have. I’ve been very fortunate.” Natalya replied. “And you skated for Russia, yes?” “Yes, I skated under the Russian flag.” Natalya shifted in her seat while peering around the loft. “But you are a dual citizen?” Nigel played coy. “Yes, British and Russian.” Natalya smiled while saying this. Nigel laughed a posh laugh as if he thought that was just a priceless factoid. “So, which do you prefer then?” Nigel asked, still laughing. “Well, that’s sort of difficult.” Natalya was caught off guard by the question. Goddammit Nigel, don’t be so direct. Ask her something else. Nigel mentally cursed at himself. “That’s alright, we’ll get back to that. Tell me, Natalya – do you mind if I take some test photos of you, to see if this old camera is working?” He asked. “No, not at all.” She smiled. He pointed the camera at her and captured a beautiful smile.