Work Text:
Kate sighed.
Exhaustion was taking over her body.
Even though the day wasn't over yet, she couldn't get more work done.
And no amount of coffee given by her over efficient assistant Hina would do the trick.
She needed sleep.
"What are you doing ?" A voice asked at her office door as she was closing her laptop.
"Leaving ?" Kate replied, confused by the demand.
"No."
"No ? I'm tired, Ernie. It's my studio, and I'm your boss. If I want to leave, I will."
"We are more like partners, and you are not leaving."
"Pretty please, just let me go die in my bed in peace."
"No can do."
"There is no more shooting today. My eyes are too fucked to watch photos anyway."
"There is another shooting."
"If it's not scheduled, I won't do it, Ernie."
"Yes, you will." Ernie was now in front of Kate. "Please, just meet with the client for five minutes. She is my best friend."
"The notorious best friend, right ? The one you can't stop talking about ?"
"She prefers high class, and yes, that's her."
"Here, boss, another coffee, I think you will need it." Kate couldn't be more grateful to Hina being a godsend with a coffee at the right moment.
"Don't call me boss."
"Sure, boss."
"Is there anyone that still respects me in my own studio ?"
"Probably Alan. Only because he's scared of you." A notification sound prevented Kate from arguing further. "Here ! She is here !"
"Calm your tits, Ernie. She is not that famous." Kate winced at Hina's comeback. She knew how sensitive he was about his best friend.
"First, rude. Second, yes she is."
"Whatever. I will be elsewhere." Hina left the office.
"I'm confused."
"As usual. Just come with me." Ernie took her by the arm and dragged her out of her office.
"Ernie, you know I'm rude when sleep deprived."
"She is rude too. It's part of her Texas charm or whatever excuse she has." Kate couldn't complain further as they were now in the central part of the studio. "There she is. Kate, meet my best friend, Lucy Tara." She couldn't breathe. In front of her was a vision. "Yes, THE Lucy Tara. Isn't she great ?" Ernie added when he saw how lust struck Kate was.
"How … What …"
"I swear, Luce, Kate Whistler is a top of the line photographer that can speak properly and knows her job."
"With how highly you talk about her, I would hope so, Ernie." Her voice was thrilling.
"Talk about me ?" Kate looked at Ernie with uncertainty in her eyes.
"Of course ! About my great partner in crime, Kate."
"Good morning, Kate."
"Hey, Jane." She had a small smile. "Ow !" Ernie had just pinched her.
"You know Jane Tennant and you never told me ?"
"I told you about my best friend Jane."
"That could be anyone !" Kate rolled her eyes.
"You never told me you were best friends with a photographer, Jane." Lucy was surprised.
"That's Katie."
"Oh !" Suddenly, brown and hazel eyes locked. "Howdy there, Katie. It seems we know about each other without knowing we knew about each other. Does that make sense ? Nevermind, I'm gonna start over." Lucy approached Kate and raised a hand. "Lucy Tara, sometimes I act in something that becomes famous."
"Kate Whistler, I photograph famous people." She brushed Lucy's hand with her own for a brief moment before it went slack against her body. "So, you want to do a photoshoot ?"
"Jane thinks it will be good for my image after shooting a tv-show for four months on a big boat. What do you think ?"
"Uhm, well. I- uhm. I'm sure Jane knows what she is doing." Lucy smirked when Kate stuttered.
"So, how do we proceed ?"
"I, well, you could meet the team before the photoshoot."
"Awesome." One charming smile and Lucy was gone to the other part of the studio.
"Whistler."
"Yes ?" She looked at Ernie after watching Lucy's figure far too long to be professional.
"I thought you were ready to leave. You know, tired and all."
"Who, me ? No, I'm good. Hina brought me some coffee, I'm not tired." Ernie watched her as she drank her coffee.
"You can't fool me, Whistler." She raised an eyebrow. "You are attracted to Lucy !" Ernie said excitedly.
"Shhhhh."
"He's right, you're not exactly subtle."
"Jane !"
"As your friend, and you know I love you, Kate, you need to tone down the heart eyes."
"I already regret the two of you meeting."
"Are you sure about that, Kate ?" Ernie asked, showing Lucy laughing.
"I'm gonna go check with Miss Tara what she wants for the photoshoot."
"You mean check on Lucy." Kate rolled her eyes as she went toward Lucy.
"Everything alright, Miss Tara ?"
"Lucy, please. Your team is very awesome. Y'all are so awesome." Lucy directly told them. Kate now understood the Texas charm Ernie talked about. "Alan is going to show me some products for my curly hair, so great. Oh, and Dalia was very helpful and will just do some light make-up, to keep my tan skin." Kate tried to hide a smile. Seeing Lucy talking this passionately about her team was truly a turn on. "Did you know Carla has all those gorgeous dresses and handsome suits ? Silly me, of course you do."
"I'm happy to see all is to your satisfaction, Lucy." They smiled at each other, unaware of all the eyes watching their every move. "Should I leave you into the capable hands of Fabulous Bean Inc's team and meet you back here for the shoot ?"
"Amazing, I will try not to make you wait too long."
"Take all the time you need." Kate's heart skipped a beat at Lucy's wink. This was bad, she couldn't be so unprofessional around a client.
"Take all the time you need, kissy kissy." Ernie mimicked as soon as Lucy was out of earshot. "Your flirting is so painful to watch."
"I don't sound like that !"
"You do, please stop drooling on my best friend. Act professional, Kate !"
"I'm trying ! Lucy is just so- so, so wow !"
"Maybe we should have gone to Bibimbap." Jane commented, seeing how Kate acted around Lucy.
"Like the Korean meal ?" Kate confusedly asked Jane.
"Like Boom-Boom and Bam-Bam studio." She immediately clarified for her friend.
"That's weird."
"You didn't correctly say genius." Ernie replied with a smile. "Plus, you would think FBI was our name all along. We were called Kate Whistler LLC for many years. Very narcissistic of you by the way."
"I'm not narcissistic ! It was accurate, as you know, it is my studio."
"Fine, self-centered then."
"Could the two of you behave for this photoshoot ? You are worse than my kids."
"Sorry, Jane. I will, uhm, I will check the lenses." Kate quickly went to her equipment and cleaned some lenses to use for the photoshoot. Taking much needed deep breaths, she started assembling her various cameras. Checking over the big brick white wall in the studio, she thought about adding some light to use.
"Ready when you are, Big Fed." Ernie was indeed ready with all his screens, keyboard and mouse.
"Thank you, Ernie. And stop calling me that." She scrunched her nose.
"What are you thinking about ?"
"Do you know if Lucy will be comfortable with some outside shooting ?"
"You will need to ask Lucy that." Kate nodded while drinking a bit from her cup of coffee.
"Ask me what ?" Kate turned toward Lucy and spit the coffee back into the cup.
Lucy's hair was straightened and loose on her shoulders. A light make-up was applied on her face, letting her natural skin color shine. She was wearing some light fabric with flower pattern pants and a matching mid-long jacket with the belt hanging loose.
And nothing else.
Some gold jewelry adorned her neck and her torso remained bare.
Leaving little to Kate's imagination on Lucy's body.
Her self control was gone, her willingness to touch Lucy's skin with her fingers and her tongue increased.
"Is she frozen ?" Hina whispered, sneaking close to Ernie.
"Like an antelope in the headlight."
"Carla nailed the clothes." Hina went to Kate. "Here, boss, chew on that. Maybe it will reduce your hunger." She put a sandwich into Kate's hands who snapped out of her staring.
"I, uh, what ?"
"Food. And some water." A bottle was also put in her hands. "For the thirst." She winked at Kate and walked away. "By the way, looking good, Miss Tara !"
"Thank you so much, Hina !" That smile was back on Lucy's face. Kate's heart skipped a beat, or maybe several. "So, what do you think ?" Kate opened her mouth several times without uttering a word.
"Smashing it, Lucy !" Ernie said with a big smile. "Between us, I think you fried Big Fed's brain." He fake whispered, making Lucy giggle. Kate swallowed several times to keep the blushing at bay.
"You look very beautiful, Lucy. Ernie, I just told you to stop calling me that."
"Annoying you is the highlight of my day." She rolled her eyes while Lucy couldn't help but giggle once more.
"You have such a lovely relationship." Lucy attested, still with her smile.
"We are partners, I mean, partners at the studio ! And friends ! Not partners elsewhere. I'm gay, a lesbian, a very gay person. Uhm." Kate clenched her jaw seeing Lucy's smirk.
"So, you wanted to ask me something ?"
"I did ? I did ! Would you be comfortable with some outside shooting ?" She asked Lucy, trying to be professional.
"Yes, totally. Thank you for asking, darling."
"Darling ?"
"I'm from Texas, I hope that's okay with y'all." Lucy demanded the rest of the studio. Kate noticed right then that her team was gathered around them, watching everything.
She knew right there would be the beginning of endless teasing.
"You can call me whatever you want."
"Alan !"
"Sorry, boss. I'm very sorry, Miss Tara, going now."
"I'm so very sorry, Lucy. I assure you, we are very professional in this studio. Please don't ask Jane to go elsewhere."
"There is another studio nearby ?"
"Yes, Bibimbap."
"Like the food ?"
"Exactly what I said."
"I'm sure they are great, but they're not you." Kate blushed. "So, FBI uh. And Ernie is calling you Big Fed. Was that your dream growing up ?"
"To be teased and called Big Fed ? Not in particular." Kate fidgeted a bit with her sandwich and water bottle. "The studio was called Kate Whistler LLC until recently."
"What made you change ?"
"Ernie. Apparently, the previous name sounded too narcissistic and self centered."
"Why Fabulous Bean Inc though ?"
"Ernie again. He proposed several names. I had a preference for Digital Illustrated Agency, but he preferred his other idea with Studio that could be shortened to NCIS I think. FBI was a compromise in a way."
"Amazing. So … Are we going outside ?"
"What for ?" Kate frowned.
"The photoshoot ? The reason I'm here and dressed like that ?"
"Right, yes of course. Let me just grab the camera." Kate looked at her hands, filled with a cup of coffee, sandwich and bottle of water.
"You do that." Lucy smirked as she watched Kate's figure walking away.
"Just, kill me now …" Kate whispered as she took her camera. "Deep breaths, you are a trained photographer. You can do your job in front of a beautiful woman." She shook her head and walked back to Lucy. "After you."
"Charmer." Kate tried to focus on walking instead of Lucy's backside. "So, where do you want me ?" She asked as soon as they were outside. Kate had to refrain from saying out loud her multiple inappropriate responses.
"Right, yes, hum, against this wall. With the garage metal door behind."
"Like this ?" Lucy placed herself against the corner between the door and the wall with one hand into her pants pocket.
"Great. Maybe, put the other hand into your pocket as well." She nodded at Kate's instructions and positioned herself once again. With both hands into the pants pocket, the beginning of her right breast was visible. Kate took some more deep breaths.
This was a terrible idea.
Never accept a last minute photoshoot for a gorgeous petite brunette ever again.
Kate crouched down, giving Lucy even more height to play on the photos. Lucy's hair hid part of her face, adding an air of mystery.
Kate took a lot of pictures, changing angles and zooming. The wind blowing helped with Lucy's hair, giving some pictures a unique touch.
"Do you want me somewhere else, darling ?"
"I think we are good for this outfit."
"Awesome. Can we take a picture inside, against your white wall ?" Kate opened her mouth and closed it right after. "If that's alright with ya."
"Of course. Lead the way."
As soon as they were inside, Lucy crouched down against the wall. She smiled as Kate followed her. High heels in front of her, knees up, hands flat on the ground, and chin up with her eyes looking directly at the camera.
Kate discreetly checked her pulse. She was afraid she would go into cardiac arrest in front of this beautiful and devilish woman.
But, oh what a way to go.
"Ya alright over there ?"
"Fan-fucking-tastic." Kate whispered as she took another shot. "I'm good, and you ?"
"Same. I feel like a new outfit is due."
"Of course, you are free here, Lucy. Change as many times as you want."
Lucy's biggest smile was worth every second of torture.
Kate followed Lucy's silhouette as she went next to Carla.
"Stop ogling my best friend, Big Fed."
"Right, sorry." Kate took a deep breath and gave Ernie the memory card.
"First batch of photos, I assume."
"Yes, Lucy went to change clothes."
"Do you want me to see if you have a chance ?" Kate raised an eyebrow. "To, you know, go second base."
"What ?" He rolled his eyes.
"Do you want us to tell Miss Tara you are thirsty for her and want to bang her ?" Hina asked, appearing suddenly behind Kate.
"Hina ! What the hell ?"
"It's a legitimate question." Hina shrugged.
"She probably has someone." Kate lowered her head, feeling hopeless.
"Nope." She quickly looked at Ernie and his smug smile.
"How can you be so sure ?"
"Please, she tells me everything."
"How come she is single ? She is so beautiful, so full of life, and cheeky. She is the most amazing woman I've ever met." Hina raised an eyebrow. "Not that I'm invested."
"Okay, heart eyes, stop looking at her like Tom Holland gazing at Zendaya."
"Who ?" Kate asked Ernie, confused by the comparison.
"For a photographer of movie stars, you are a disaster. And I say this with love."
"British lover boy with glasses and real life looking Disney princess."
"Oh, them ! Thank you, Hina."
"I will never understand you, Whistler."
"Okay ?"
"Don't worry, Ernie, I will try to up her knowledge on movie stars."
"You are so brave, Hina. It was nice meeting you."
"You both are so dramatic ! I know some movie stars !" Ernie and Hina crossed their arms on their chests and waited for Kate to continue. "Like, like, hum, oh like Tom Holland, and Zendaya, and Lucy !"
"Nice try, those don't count."
"Don't you have better things to do than teasing her ?"
"No." They immediately said to Jane.
She raised her eyebrow.
"I have editing to do."
"Maybe Miss Tara wants something to drink or eat."
"Thank you." Kate said with a smile as soon as they went away.
"Don't thank me yet. You can trick them but I know you. Behind your 'photography is my passion no matter the object', I know you know."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"Katie."
"Janie."
"You're lucky you're cute and the godmother to my children."
"Love you too."
"I expect a drink with answers."
"The good stuff you keep in your office at home ?"
"That can be arranged."
"I will ask Hina to schedule an appointment."
"Now, go back to being great and please try to keep the drool to yourself."
"Jane !"
"We definitely should have gone to Bibimbap."
"Please, I'm way better than the dynamite duo." Jane raised her eyebrow at her best friend. "I am !"
"Stop. Drooling."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Jane seemed satisfied with that and she left Kate alone.
"And I'm ready !"
"For fuck-" Kate turned around and saw Lucy in front of her. She swallowed as she gazed upon Lucy top to bottom.
Hair all over the right shoulder.
Large gold hoop earrings.
Carla had given her a dress this time.
A silk light pink dress.
A silk light pink dress with ruffles.
A silk down to floor long light pink dress with ruffles and wide sleeves.
"Oh shoot ! Weren't you ready ? Because I can come back, like, way later." Lucy added, concerned about Kate's lack of answers.
"Yes, no ! I mean-"
"Wanna start again ?"
"You are ready, I am ready, we are ready. And I was looking at you. For business ! In a professional context ! For the photos !"
"You do that." She smirked, satisfied once again by her outfit and the effect on Kate.
"Hum, so hum, what do you want to do ?" Lucy raised an eyebrow. "For the photos, with that outfit."
"I can choose ?"
"Of course."
Lucy's biggest smile was on again at full force.
Some drool may have been present near her mouth.
Not that she would admit it to Jane, under any circumstances.
'Hugging a palm tree' wasn't on her Bingo card for this shooting.
And yet.
Here she was.
Taking multiple photos of Lucy hugging a palm tree outside, near the studio.
Going back inside the studio, Lucy immediately squatted down. Her long silk dress formed a circle on the floor, adding some texture.
She put her right elbow on her knees and her chin on her right hand, looking directly at the camera.
High on Lucy's beauty, Kate was seeing her eyes as gray instead of the usual hazel color.
Was there something in the coffee ?
Kate was taking a much needed pause while Lucy changed clothes.
She didn't know if she could continue with the shooting.
They only did two outfits.
Kate felt like it was a fashion show for Vogue with hundreds of beautiful clothes done and created only for this gorgeous woman.
Ernie already got the second batch of pictures.
A smirk may have appeared on his face, not that she would tell him she knew exactly what he meant by it.
Hina strangely had the best timing and provided yet another cup of coffee.
Kate gazed upon it, debating on drinking it.
"Goldilocks, we are home !"
"Wasn't it Rapunzel last time, bro ?"
"I like to keep things interesting, man."
"Nothing about you is that interesting, Mr Boone."
"Okay, Frozen, you are in one of these moods." Jesse brought a hand to his heart. "I'm so hurt." Kate rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure you'll be fine." Kate looked at the other man. "Mr Holman. How is your father ?"
"Why are you nice to him ?"
"He's good. Thank you for asking, Kate."
"Ass-kisser." Jesse said, without trying to whisper. Kate rolled her eyes once again.
"You two, what took you so long ?"
"Yo, Hina !"
"Don't you 'Yo' me, Holman."
"Tough crowd today. Did one of the judges not approve of your warrant demand ?" Jesse asked while taking an untouched sandwich on Kate's study.
"How can your wife deal with you and your jokes ?"
"Part of my charm."
"So gross."
"To answer you, Hina, shooting went a bit too long."
"At Bibimbap ? Long shooting ?"
"Kai was blowing up every take."
"What was he doing now ?"
"Doing nothing, that's the problem."
"He always seems fine while working with me."
"Probably because you're not interesting to him, Goldilocks."
"Right. But I'm confused, which one do you like ? Boom-Boom or Bam-Bam ?"
"Yes." Kai only stated with a dreamy look.
"Anyway, why are you here ? We don't have a shooting, right ?"
Kate was sure there was no shooting, except for last minute gorgeous and famous best friends.
"For company and food, obviously." Jesse replied with a big smile. "I thought you didn't have any shooting."
"How do you … Damn it. I asked Ernie to stop sharing my timetable with the group."
"Details. So, what gives ?"
"Ernie's best friend just showed up for a shooting." Hina answered Jesse.
"Wait, back up." He put down the sandwich. "The Lucy Tara is here ?"
"She is not that famous." Hina whispered once more.
"And she got a shooting just like that ? Man, I got to say this to Heather."
"What do you mean 'just like that' ? What was I supposed to say ?"
"Talk dirty to me." Kate suddenly turned to Hina.
"Excuse-me ?" She took a deep breath. "Hina, this is highly inappropriate. I am your boss, and …"
"Boss, if you turn your head ninety degrees to the right, you'll understand it was to answer you."
"What are you even-" She turned her head and opened her mouth.
Lucy was back into the main part of the studio.
With a new outfit.
A dress once more.
A black dress.
A black dress with a turtleneck.
An ankle length black dress with a turtleneck and sequins all over it.
High heels completed the look.
Was that a leg side split on the right ?
"Oh, new people ! Hey !" Lucy happily exclaimed once she saw them. "Name's Lucy."
"They know who you are, honey." Jane said as she joined them.
"CC totally nailed the dress." Ernie yelled from his desk. Lucy responded to him with a smile.
"Jesse Boone, pleasure. My wife is a big fan."
"You're not in my style of movies, but you're alright. I'm Kai Holman."
"Nice to meet y'all. Please thank your wife for the support." Lucy smiled at Jesse. "Your style of movies ?"
"Romcom."
"Don't tell me, Say Anything ?"
"Such a classic."
"True true." Lucy smiled once more. "So, what do y'all do ?"
"Male models." Hina immediately told Lucy.
"Goldilocks' glorified slaves."
"Bro, come on." Kai slapped Jesse on the shoulder. "We pose for Kate when she has a clothes brand contract."
"As I said, male models." Kai rolled his eyes.
"Katie, I thought I asked you to keep it together." Jane whispered to Kate.
"I'm trying !"
"It was very nice to meet ya." Lucy smiled one last time to them and went to the white brick wall of the studio. A wink was sent to Kate.
"Good luck, Goldilocks." Jesse smirked. "You're gonna need it."
"Why do I keep you employed ?"
"Please, I'm a catch." He winked at her.
"Interesting people you're working with, Katie."
"I may rethink it."
"Come on, Goldilocks, you love us."
"Right, excuse-me, I have work to do." Kate said as she walked to Lucy.
"Goldilocks !"
"You know, if you keep calling her Goldilocks or any other names you have for her, she is gonna make sure you won't be able to model anymore." Jane told him. "Trust me, I know Katie."
"Just a fun nickname !" Jesse explained holding out his hands in defense.
"Yeah, she isn't a fan of that." He scratched the back of his neck. "Katie is the only one she accepts from me on a regular basis. And we've been best friends for over fifteen years."
"Yeah, I use Big Fed like once or twice a week."
"Wear a bell, will you ?" Jesse was startled. Ernie didn't make any sound before speaking.
"It's fun." Ernie replied with a smile before going towards the blender in the kitchen for his smoothie.
"Point taken, I'll apologize to Gol-" Kai slapped him on the shoulder. "Jeez ! To Whistler ! I'll apologize to Whistler."
"Good." Jane smiled at him before going outside for a call.
"Scary lady."
"I think she's great !" Jesse raised an eyebrow at Kai.
Before joining Lucy for the rest of the photoshoot, Kate had a discussion with Dalia and Alan. With the dress being so black and provocative, a light make-up and gentle hair wouldn't do. They agreed with her assessment, and prepared their tools before joining them.
"So, Goldilocks, huh ?" Lucy asked as soon as Kate was back.
"Mr Boone keeps calling me by Disney princess nicknames. It was Rapunzel until last week. Sometimes I'm Frozen." She rolled her eyes thinking about it. "It gets annoying pretty quickly."
"I think it's cute." Kate blushed.
"Wait until he starts calling you Jasmine or Moana." She said to deflect.
"Can't wait." Lucy chuckled.
"You say that now."
"It can't be that bad."
"Maybe. But I'm not a particular fan of nicknames."
"Really ?"
"A few people only. My parents obviously, my brother, Jane and I indulge Ernie."
"No one else's ?"
"No."
"Interesting." Kate blushed once more under intense hazel eyes. "So, brother ?"
"Yes, Noah. Older brother. U.S Marine Captain that also likes to dirty his hands in mechanics."
"He sounds like a great guy."
"He is."
"Okay, boss, talk to us." Dalia eyed them. "Do I need to bring handsome over here ?"
"We were talking, while waiting. For you. So, do your magic. Please. No need to disturb Ernie."
"On it, boss."
"Thank you."
Dalia made dark smokey eyes to accentuate the dress and the sexy side of it. Alan was more simple on the hair by redoing some curls on Lucy's side ponytail.
"I think we are done." Dalia announced. "What do you think, Miss Tara ?"
"I trust ya, darling."
"Thank you both."
"No problem, boss." Dalia winked at Kate.
"Now, where were we ?" Lucy said as soon as Dalia and Alan walked away. Kate swallowed.
"Whatever you want to do, Lucy."
"That's a dangerous thing to say you know."
"For the photos !" Kate added quickly, blushing furiously.
"Obviously." Lucy smirked. She went closer to the corner between the two white walls of the studio. She placed her right hand onto one wall. With her left one, she grabbed the belt attached at the back of her dress.
A detail Kate didn't see until now.
She swallowed once more.
She tried not to look too much at Lucy's left arm.
Grabbing the belt showed her biceps.
And veins.
Lucy in this dress and make-up was truly something else.
And Kate didn't know if she could continue to function as normal as possible.
Lucy then crossed her legs to finish her position.
She was every bit of a femme fatale.
Sexy and dangerous.
Kate was debating on taking a very very cold shower.
There was, after all, a bathroom in her office.
Only, it was nearly the end of the photoshoot; Lucy announced she would change one last time.
She couldn't give up now and prove Jane right.
She could do it.
As the professional photographer she was, one more outfit was a piece of cake.
How wrong she was.
This outfit was the worst.
And by worst, she meant the best for Lucy.
White platform and thin high heels; long sky blue jeans with the bottom rolled up; an opened oversized white shirt with rolled up sleeves, and a black lacy bra.
Some gold necklaces and earrings completed the look.
Lucy's hair looked straightened and maintained the natural wavy style.
Kate was sure this outfit was the cause of her death.
She wasn't sure which piece was the culprit: lacy black bra or oversized white shirt and jeans.
Oversized clothes that could easily be Kate's put on by Lucy the morning after.
"You look serious."
"Fucking hell !" Kate turned around and saw a smiling blonde. "Alina, hey."
"I thought you were supposed to be free this afternoon." Alina asked with her accent.
"Ernie I swear …" She ran a hand through her hair. "Last minute thing."
"Hum." She saw Alina looking at Lucy. "Is that her ?"
"Yes." Kate knew exactly who Alina was talking about.
"Not bad."
"Thanks ?" Alina smirked. "Not that I'm unhappy to see you. But why are you here ?"
"Myra forgot something yesterday." Kate raised an eyebrow. "It's a life and death situation." Alina changed her voice to mimic Myra. "You know how she is without her phone."
"Yes, I'm aware."
Meanwhile, Lucy observed the scene from the kitchen area. Hina reminded her she could use everything in the studio, which included the kitchen.
"I see you have met one half of the spice girls."
"Who ?" Lucy asked Hina.
"That's what I like to call our female models, Alina Nikitin and Myra Tan." Hina waved her hand at the blonde with Kate. "This is Alina." Lucy nodded, trying to contain the jealousy she was feeling. "I think Myra is looking for her phone."
"Found it !" Myra screamed from the changing room.
"Myra, and I say that with love, you're a disaster with that phone." She said as soon as Myra was at her side.
"Don't bother. Alina already lectured me at home."
"In English ?"
"Russian." Hina grimaced. "Myra Tan, nice to meet you."
"Lucy Tara. And the Black Widow look alike is ?"
"Good one." Myra couldn't help but laugh. "My better half." Those simple three little words were enough to bring back Lucy's smile.
They continued their conversation until Alina came up next to Myra, happy to gaze at her. Lucy's senses picked up some gazing at her as well.
Once they left the studio, Lucy got away from the kitchen after finishing her tea and went to meet Kate for the continuation of the shooting.
"Kate !"
"I wasn't looking !" Kate quickly replied to Jane, afraid of yet another talk.
"Sure." Jane didn't look convinced but she didn't press her best friend any further. "Do you mind if we put the volume up ?"
"What volume ?"
"For the music."
"Music ?"
"You are aware of the music playing in your studio, right ?"
"Yes ?" Kate blushed under Jane's eyebrow raise and Lucy's light chuckles.
"Thank you, Kate."
"What did I just agree to ?" She asked as soon as Jane walked away.
"Just music, darling." She swallowed hearing Lucy's voice.
"Good, music is good."
The rhythm of music and lyrics released by the singer's voice could now be heard in the main room of the studio. The team only used music while working and maintained a low volume; they never wanted to disturb Kate and her shooting.
I speak in grey to match the shade on the inside of my brain
I decay when my tongue touches the edges of your name
White lies are coloured by context
And oh my god, I've lost my innocence
"Oh my gosh ! I love that song !"
"Of course you do." Kate murmured as she watched Lucy singing badly to the song.
I can't believe what you've done to me
Can't you see that I'm on my knees ?
You look at me and the darkness leaves
And suddenly
"Wait !" Lucy exclaimed when she saw Kate ready to continue the shooting.
"What is wrong ?"
"Would it be cool if I went on the couch ?"
"You want to stop ?"
"No ! Not at all ! Like, can I pose on the couch ?"
"Oh ! Of course. I told you, whatever you want for the shooting."
"Fun."
I'm covered in the colours of you, ooh
Every single hue, ooh
Of purple and blue, ooh
Covered in the colours of you, ooh
Lucy went to the lounge part of the studio where a long L-shaped gray couch was located.
She positioned herself at one end of it and decided to use the backrest as a leg rest instead.
Her elbows rested at the edge of the couch, very close to the end.
Her long black hair was cascading freely.
But what made Kate skip most heartbeats was Lucy's smile.
Wide and happy smile directed to the camera.
You've changed my life into something I no longer recognize
And stained my eyes, now they paint in bolder colour when they cry
I used to see the world in black and white
Now I, I
Smile still in place, Lucy changed her position on the couch.
Her legs were folded under her butt with her left arm resting flat on the backrest and her right elbow resting on her hip.
This position showed a direct view to the lacy bra and her chest's skin.
I'm covered in the colours of you, ooh
Every single hue, ooh
Of purple and blue, ooh
Covered in the colours of you, ooh
As Kate changed the angle of the next pictures by walking across the room, Lucy modified her stance as well.
Only her left elbow was resting on the couch's back while her hand gently played with her hair.
The smile was gone.
She was more provocative with her slightly open mouth, showing a bit of tongue.
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue
Purple, pink and indigo too
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue
Purple, pink and indigo too
"I think, hum. I think I've enough."
"Sweet." Lucy stayed on the couch as Kate went to put down her camera. "It's a shame I don't try on more clothes. Carla really has some exquisite pieces."
"Not as exquisite as you." Kate said out loud. "Your beauty ! You're a very beautiful person, woman, lady. You compliment the clothes, not the other way around." She added as quickly as possible under Lucy's smile.
"That's so sweet of you ! Thank you so much."
"You're, hum, you're welcome." Kate breathed out deeply as soon as Lucy went away to change back to her clothes.
"I'm impressed, you did manage to finish the shooting without making too much a fool of yourself."
"Just finish the editing, Ernie. Pretty please."
"Right away, Big Fed."
"He's right, you know."
"Not you too." She sighed as Jane was now next to her.
"Don't worry, I will tease you later on." Jane smirked. "I checked with Hina for our regular evening at my house. You have the afternoon off, I will be expecting you."
"The photos should be done."
"Katie, you know very well we'll not talk about the photos."
"I'm trying to remain professional until you leave."
"Thank y'all so much. It was a real pleasure to work with ya !" Lucy was back with her clothes in the main area. "Thank ya very much for the opportunity, Kate. Sorry I came unannounced."
"Don't worry about it, Lucy. It was a joy."
"I hope we will see each other again."
"I hope that too."
"Awesome." Lucy bit her lip while looking at Kate. "I'm ready, Jane."
"Lead the way." Lucy smiled once more before leaving the studio. "Use that well." Jane said as she gave Kate a card.
"What is it ?" She asked, confused. Jane only winked before leaving as well. "Jane !" But it was too late, Jane was gone. Kate looked at the card and saw a phone number on it. She quickly put it into her pants pocket as her team approached her.
"Well done, boss. Handsome showed me some photos. I think it's your best work." Dalia praised.
"Miss Tara is really a beautiful woman, in and out. Her aura was pure."
"I, hum, her hair was really easy to work with."
"Her hair ? Really, Alan ?" Hina tapped Alan on the back of the head.
"I'm glad we managed to stop by after Bibimbap." Jesse confessed. "We finally met Ernie's famous best friend."
"She is so cool. Her taste in movies is on point." Hina rolled her eyes at Kai's statement.
"Well, I'm going."
"Going where, boss ?"
"Home. As I was supposed to be before Ernie stopped me."
"You can be so boring."
"Thank you, Hina. Have a nice evening and I will see you tomorrow."
Finally stepping outside to go home was a liberation.
She was now even more exhausted than before.
Dealing with this unplanned photoshooting completely drained her.
She wouldn't be opposed to crashing into her bed for a couple of hours, or days.
Getting into her apartment, Kate directly put on some music.
Her current obsession was Amy Winehouse, and so Our Day will come gave an atmosphere to her apartment.
"Babe, I'm home !" Kate smiled. Even in her tired state, the voice of her girlfriend in their apartment was enough to keep her awake after a long day. "Ya will never guess how my day has been. I met this really cute and charming photographer, and let me tell ya, she was super bashful." Kate rolled her eyes before going to the living room and saw her girlfriend's back.
"Funny thing happened to me today too. You know my best friend Jane, she is the agent to this really beautiful and gorgeous actress, and well, she gave me a card with that actress's phone number. Then Jane gave me a wink. Do you think I should use it ?" Kate took her girlfriend in her arms who couldn't contain her laugh anymore. "I mean, it's already my number one phone number." She said, kissing her girlfriend's forehead. "And leave that poor photographer alone, she wasn't prepared to see you in those clothes. You told me you would be there in two days."
"I moved my travel arrangements. It only took me three requests to Jane, eight emails to the producer and one very long phone call to a private jet company."
"That is a lot of red tape to cut through." Kate let her eyes linger on her girlfriend's face, and gently cupped her cheeks. Even though she saw her at the studio in those amazing clothes, she always preferred Lucy Tara in a simple shirt and jeans. "You are home." Lucy was really here.
Back with her again, in her arms and in her life.
Kate moved one of her hands to Lucy's glorious curly hair. She played with some hair tips, savoring the silky sensation. She then moved her fingers to slide them on Lucy's jaw, feeling the softness of her skin. She finished the journey on Lucy's lips, enjoying their sweetness.
Losing herself into big hazel eyes was all it took to live again.
Kate couldn't wait any longer, four months without her was pure torture and longing. Without giving any chance for Lucy to back away, Kate lunged forward and kissed her. It was a clash of mouths and tongues fighting for dominance after so many months apart. Lucy took Kate's hand, still on her face, into one of her hands, interlacing their fingers.
Breathing became necessary, but didn't last too long as their lips couldn't be parted anymore.
Eventually, they stopped kissing. Their faces remained close, enjoying the intimacy.
"I've missed you." Lucy whispered, tracing Kate's jaw with their joint hands.
"Me too, so much." Kate couldn't resist and stole a peck. "Today was difficult, Luce."
"I quite enjoyed myself."
"Of course you did."
"I like your team very much."
"Even the models ?" Lucy scrunched her nose.
"The boys were funny. Now, the girls …"
"Full disclosure, Alina knows."
"Black Widow wannabe ?"
"Yes, she knows about us."
"You told her ?"
"She guessed ?"
"You don't sound sure."
"I mean, I gather." Kate kissed Lucy's forehead. "Do you remember the few days off you had on your show when your character was missing ?"
"Hum."
"We went to this bar, you know the one you like."
"Oh yeah, great beer."
"And apparently, I had this big smile on my face the entire time we texted because Alina asked me if I was happy with my partner."
"And what did you tell her ?"
"Definitely."
"Careful, Goldilocks, one may think you are in love."
"Very much so." They smiled at each other and slowly kissed.
"Is that why Black Widow was talking to you today ?"
"Why do you insist on calling her that ?"
"It's a nickname. Ya are the one calling her Alina."
"That's her name."
"Her first name ! And don't change the subject !"
"Yes. She just asked if it was you."
"And ?"
"I confirmed it and I think she was complimenting me. She said 'not bad' while looking at you."
"Hum, which outfit was that ?"
"You know perfectly well which outfit it was."
"Hum. Did you like the bra ?" Lucy smirked. "Was it the shirt or the jeans ? Both were too big on me. Did you imagine they were your clothes ?" Kate blushed. "I knew it !"
"I've been thinking." She said to change the subject.
"About me without clothes ?"
"Among other things." Lucy smirked. "Shush you." They softly laughed. "Maybe we could tell Ernie and Jane."
"About us ?" Kate nodded. "I'm so excited about that !" Lucy's smile was so big.
"Now that you're both back, our weekly evening is back. So, tomorrow I'm with Jane."
"Yeah, me too, with Ernie. He wants me to try this new bubble tea place tomorrow."
"Right, I think I know which one you're talking about. He brought me there."
"You ? Going with Ernie to drink boba ? Who are you and what have you done to my drinking Pinot Grigio in mason jar girlfriend ?"
"Very funny." They deeply kissed each other, happy to be together once again.
"Full disclosure. If we want to tell more people after them, I have an idea."
"What do you have in mind ?"
"I know you're not too big on events, but my premiere is next week. I can come with a plus one."
"Hum, let me check my very busy famous photographer schedule and I will get back to you in a few days."
"Babe !"
"Kidding !" Kate laughed while Lucy pouted. "I would be delighted to come as your plus one."
"I think I saw something earlier, I will need to ask Carla."
"No. No more clothes from my studio for you."
"Katherine Marie Whistler." She rolled her eyes at her full name.
Kate was nervous.
She never was. In anything.
Never before an exam.
Never when she started her career.
And here she was, in front of her best friend's house.
A comforting place.
A safe place.
What if Jane didn't approve ?
Not that she needed it, neither of them.
It would be nice, for sure.
Not a deal breaker, never.
Only she doubted herself.
That was a first.
"Aunt Kate, are you gonna come in ? Or will you just sleep on the porch ?"
"Alex ! What's up ?" He raised an eyebrow in a true Jane Tennant fashion.
"Are you drunk ?"
"What ? Why do you think that ?"
"You're weird."
"I'm always weird, thank you very much."
"You're scared then." She swallowed. "It's just mom."
"Exactly." Kate fidgeted with her hands. "What if …"
"Remember the time you were late on Julie's birth ?"
"I wasn't late ! Your sister was early. A week early ! The nerve of that baby."
"Remember the look ?"
"Worst day of my life."
"Can't be worse."
"I hid something from her, from my private life."
"As her best friend ?" She nodded. "It was nice having you as my aunt." He kissed her on the cheek as he walked past to the door and entered. "Mom, Aunt Kate is hiding on the porch."
"You little-" She stopped as Jane arrived on the porch.
"You've been waiting out there for the past ten minutes. Did you forget it's always open here ?"
"No ?"
"Are you asking me ?"
"I was avoiding you. Maybe. Sorta." Jane raised an eyebrow. "I really was."
"Okay, you need the good stuff."
"Yes, please."
Kate directly went to the back door, she knew Jane would follow with the bottle of tequila.
"Aunt Kate !"
"Julie, what's up ?"
"Are you already drunk ?"
"What is wrong with you too ! I told your brother I'm always weird !"
"You're weirder."
"Thanks ?"
"Will you tell me why ?"
"I guess you can stay while I talk to mom."
"Awesome."
"Here you go."
"Thanks, Janie." She drank the tequila in one shot. Jane looked at her.
"I'm concerned about what you want to say now."
"Right. So, hum." She took a deep breath. "I've been hiding something from you for the past three years."
"Are you sick ?"
"No, Julie. Just, let me talk."
"Three years ?"
"A relationship."
"You ? Hiding a relationship? From me ? For three years ?"
"Yes."
"I can tell when you lie about finishing the cake."
"It's Lucy Tara."
"Who ?" Jane slowly put down her drink. "Maybe I didn't hear you right. I thought you said Lucy Tara. That's not possible. I would know if Lucy Tara was with someone. And I would definitely know if Lucy Tara was with my best friend for the past three years. Do you want to change your statement ?"
"I've been with Lucy for the past three years." Kate said confidently.
Lucy was stressed.
Never concerning Ernie.
And yet.
Meeting with him now was nerve-racking.
Even living for the past four months on that ship on the scary ocean was less stressful.
Hiding something from him was new.
Everything in their life was shared instantly.
But not that.
This was her secret, her little garden kept close to her heart.
And now, she needed to open the gate.
"Order 26 !"
"It's us !"
"Ya are always so excited for boba."
"That's the nectar of life."
"I believe ya."
"You are not drinking yours. Don't forget to mix it."
"I've something to tell ya."
"Shoot." Ernie said between sips.
"Right. So, hum, I … I don't know how to start."
"The beginning always helps."
"Right." Lucy took a deep breath. "I've been hiding something from ya."
"The name and location of the ship for your tv-show ? Don't worry, I've some theories."
"No, that's not … That's not it."
"Do you have a medical condition after being so long on the ship ?"
"A medical-, what ? No !"
"Oh, so I have no more ideas."
"Just listen to me !" He nodded. "I'm with someone."
"Yes, you are with me."
"Jeez, Ernie, focus !"
"Oh, you mean romantically."
"Yes, exactly !"
"I hope it's Big Fed."
"It is."
"For real ? Wow, you move fast, Luce. Well done !"
"We didn't meet for the first time at her studio."
"What ?"
"It's been, like kinda, three years ?"
"Sorry, I think I didn't hear you properly. Because I think you just said you were with Big Fed for the past three years. And I would know because you tell me anything. As, you know, best friends."
"Didn't tell ya that before. And yep, three years."
As they entered the studio the next day, Lucy was beaming at the prospect of getting clothes, especially those in Carla's professional wardrobe.
If you asked Lucy, she would tell you that Kate can't refuse her anything, mostly when she isn't wearing clothes, and when they are horizontal; if you asked Kate, she would tell you that letting Lucy think that is the easiest.
Those hazel eyes should be illegal.
"Boss ?"
"Hey, Hina."
"And Miss Tara, well well well."
"Good morning, Hina."
"Not that I'm unhappy to see you both here, coming in together like that, don't get me wrong. But, why are you here ? Nothing is scheduled. I made sure of it, today is your day off, right ?"
"Don't panic, Hina. Today is indeed my day off."
"Since when do you take days off ?" Lucy asked, intrigued.
"Since you were supposed to be coming back today."
"Oh right, good point."
"Is there something going on there ?"
"Yes."
"No." Kate said at the same time as Lucy.
"This is gold. Girls, boys !"
"Who is here ?" Kate asked.
"Everyone minus Ernie and the spice girls. We do work when you aren't here you know." Kate rolled her eyes.
"Hello y'all !" Lucy exclaimed as Kate's team, Alan, Carla and Dalia, and models, Kai and Jesse, came into the main area of the studio.
"Boss, you are in good company." Kate raised an eyebrow at Jesse's lack of blonde related nicknames.
"Your auras are beautiful."
"Thank ya, Carla !"
"I approve." Dalia winked.
"Good for you both." Kai thumbed up.
"I'll not say something that could get me fired, thank you very much." Alan confessed much to everyone's amusement.
"Wait. Are you guys like together or something ?"
"And you say I'm slow." Kai said to Hina.
"Shush ! This is important information. We need Myra and Alina here too. Ernie was too grumpy this morning."
"Oh, Alina already knows. I guess she told Myra. And Lucy told Ernie yesterday."
"Wait, wait, wait. Back up a bit." Hina looked seriously at Kate. "Alina knew before me ? Boss, I feel so betrayed." Hina replied. "I was ready to give you her phone number and ask some questions for you. You know, like if she was living alone and all."
"Right, about that. I got her phone number on speed dial for the past three years. And we have been living together for a little over two years."
"What did you just say ?" Hina screamed.
"Congrats, boss !" Alan said.
"Nice one, Goldilocks !"
"Now, I know how you guessed Say Anything." Lucy winked at Kai.
"The auras never lie."
"We need to think about a couple's name. I'm gonna get in touch with handsome." Dalia thought out loud before taking out her phone to contact Ernie.
"I don't get it though, boss." Alan started. "Why did you look like a deer in headlights during the photoshoot ? Like you never knew each other ?"
"You've been together for the past three years without telling us ?" Hina exclaimed. "Wow, I guess you do have some game after all."
"Thanks ?"
"Please, she is a blushing and bashful nerd."
"Luce !"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"Gross." Hina grimaced. "Now, can we get back to my first question ?"
"Alan, Lucy was supposed to arrive today. So, I was surprised to see her before."
"Thank you, boss."
"We need clothes to go to the premiere." Lucy confessed.
"Well, at least, I wasn't the last one to know." Kate rolled her eyes at Hina's dramatic act. "And you come dressed like that here just to choose clothes ? Never heard of a t-shirt and yoga pants, boss ?"
"Am I overdressed ?" She asked while looking at her jacket pantsuits and turquoise silk top.
"Totally." "Very much." "Yep." "Very fashionable." "A bit, Goldilocks." Kate's team answered, except Dalia who was still on her phone.
"You were with me when I dressed this morning !" Kate turned towards Lucy.
"And you were so excited to match your belt to your boots."
"Let's just get this over with." Lucy chuckled at Kate's annoyed face.
"What do you have in mind ?" Carla asked softly.
"A suit for her." "A dress for her." They answered at the same time.
"Eww. If you want me, I'm over there puking some rainbows and fluffy unicorns. I can't anymore with their heart eyes. Three fucking years !" Hina exclaimed as she went to another part of the studio.
"Don't worry, Miss Whistler. It will pass."
"I know, Carla. And how many times did I tell you Miss Whistler is unnecessary ?"
"That would be one more, Miss Whistler." Kate rolled her eyes.
"Miss Whistler, huh ?"
"Don't even start."
"It's cute."
"You think Goldilocks is cute !"
"Babe. This is your team, of course I found it cute."
"I don't understand."
"We never maintain a work-related conversation for longer than a few minutes, let alone spend time at your studio." Lucy took Kate's hands into her own. "And I love it. Because I love you, and everything about you."
"This is a workplace area. Keep your mushiness to a low level. Thank you !"
"A suit for Miss Whistler and a dress for Miss Tara. Very well. Any color in mind ?" Carla asked, unphased by Hina's shouting.
"Black." Lucy quickly responded.
"That's so fucking depressing for lesbians !"
"It's a formal evening, what do you suggest, Carla ?" Kate asked, trying to ignore Hina.
"Is Hina always like this ?" Lucy murmured.
"No. That's new." Carla honestly announced.
"Terrific."
"I can hear you !"
"Don't worry, we'll keep her busy, boss."
"Thank you, Jesse."
"What's with the big smile on his face ?" Lucy asked, surprised.
"That would be the first time Kate called him Jesse." Kai explained before joining Jesse with Hina.
"Can we focus back on the clothes ?"
"You never called him by his first name, but Black Widow, yes."
"Are you jealous ?"
"Me ? Jealous, ha !" Kate raised an eyebrow. "Clothes. We are here for clothes."
"Yes, my love." She looked at Carla. "Do you have something ?"
"I do have a little black dress for Miss Tara."
"Awesome." Her good mood was back. "And for Miss Whistler ?"
"Yes, you're right. The suit for Miss Whistler. Wait here."
"Stop it !" Kate said as soon as Carla was away.
"What ?"
"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about."
"Do you prefer Goldilocks ?"
"Lucy !" She just chuckled, happy to see her girlfriend so annoyed. "No teasing, please."
"We should be horizontal for that."
"Lucy !"
"I've never had the chance to embarrass you in public before. I need to change that."
"Really not necessary. Like, at all." Lucy chuckled once more.
"I have several options, Miss Whistler." Carla was back and showed the rolling rack with the suits and Lucy's black dress.
"Pink."
"Blue." Kate said after Lucy.
"Interesting. So, no black or white pantsuits." Carla commented and took those two colors out of the rolling rack.
"Pink, definitely."
"It will indeed go well with Miss Tara's black dress."
"But, I …"
"Go try it, babe. I will put on mine too."
"The things I do for you."
"Thank you !"
"Do you want to go into a change room, Miss Tara ?"
"Nah. I was practically naked the other day, I think I can manage to get into the dress here." She said as she started to undress.
"The body is to be seen, not all covered up."
"Are you quoting Marylin Monroe, or was it just a coincidence ?" She asked, confused, just as she took her jeans off.
"Another student of the minds." Carla was impressed and happy.
"I mean, I'm living with a nerd." Lucy replied as she just finished putting on the dress.
"Stop calling me a nerd." Kate said, coming back into the main area with her pink suit on.
"Number 83."
"83 what ?"
"Reasons why I love you." Lucy confessed. "Totally rocking a pink suit just popped to 83." Kate's smile was big and smug on her face.
"What is in the top ten ?" Kate was now curious.
"Ouh. I will tell you later."
"Okay." Lucy raised her eyebrows, pleased with the effect on Kate.
"You are such a Texas Cinderella with that dress." Dalia said, approaching the couple. "Oh, and it's Kacy."
"Kacy ?" Lucy asked intrigued, while Kate was confused.
"Your ship name ! Kacy. Handsome came up with it. You know, Kate and Lucy."
"I see it now !" Lucy exclaimed. "That's genius. Kacy."
"Whatever you say. So, how do I look ?" Lucy opened her mouth to respond. "Not you, Luce."
"Looking good, Barbie."
"Thank you, Mr Boone." Kate rolled her eyes.
"And we are back to my last name, shoot."
"You asked for it, bro. Jesse is right though, Kate."
"Barbie is accurate, boss. Embrace it." Dalia smirked while Kate sighed.
"Luce."
"Me now ?" She asked while pointing a finger at herself. "I really love the suit on you." Lucy was now in front of Kate, grabbing the jacket. "But I would love it even more on our bedroom floor." Kate swallowed under Lucy's gaze.
"I will take it, Carla." She quickly said.
"That's gross. I feel like I just witnessed my parents hooking up." Everyone looked at Hina who just came back at this exact moment. "Like you weren't all thinking about it."
"Right. I will put it back in place, Carla. I will need it next week."
"And I will change too, but keep the dress. If that's okay with ya."
"Of course, Miss Tara."
"No funny business." Kate rolled her eyes at Hina. "What ? I'm traumatized !" The team chuckled while Lucy and Kate went to the changing room. "So, do you think one of them will pop the question ?"
"Definitely Lucy." Dalia replied right away.
"Yep." "For sure." "If you say so." Kai, Jesse and Alan joined Dalia's statement.
"What do you think, Carla ?" Hina asked as she was the only one who didn't speak.
"Miss Whistler. I sensed a change in her energy."
"You sensed her ?" Hina was confused.
"Did you get a hint of strength with a side of stern authority ?" Dalia asked, amused by the situation.
"Sincerity, actually."
"You're weird, but in a good way, Carla."
"Aren't we all ?" She responded to Hina.
"True, we have to be. We do work for the weirdest of all." They all laughed.
"Do you think we should send Alan to check on them ?"
"Why me ?"
"It's fun." Jesse replied with a tiny smile.
"Leave poor Alan alone." Kate said as soon as she was back into the room.
"Thank you, boss. I think."
"Are ya sure I can take the dress, Carla ?" Lucy asked once more.
"Of course, Miss Tara. It would be my pleasure."
"Fun." Lucy smiled and walked towards Kate. "So, about that day off." She was now in front of Kate and took her hand. "Anything on your agenda ?" Kate interlaced their fingers.
"I have a few ideas." Kate smiled while Lucy bit her lips.
"Nope. Not today, not here." Hina said, making them pull apart a bit.
"Hina, ya need to relax."
"Easy for you to say. I thought Kate was a loner."
"Nothing wrong with being a loner." Lucy looked at Kate with a love gaze.
"So much heart eyes. Can you please go now ? We are trying to work, you know."
"Yeah, yeah, we are going now." Lucy walked away and dragged Kate with their joined hands. "Come along, babe."
"Yes, my sweet. I will see y'all on Monday !" Kate exclaimed, waving goodbye to her team just before the exit.
"My Kacy gods, the Texas charm has spread." Dalia chuckled.
"As I told you, I sensed a change." They all looked at Carla in disbelief. "That change is Miss Tara. We just didn't see it before."
Lucy sighed.
Events were never her thing nor her strong suit.
Being in the movie business and coming from an oil family, you would think it gets easier.
Nope.
This was still a nightmare.
But now, that would maybe change.
Now, she wouldn't be alone.
Only, Kate was late.
Which was not a Kate Whistler thing.
Paparazzi already took a billion photos of her.
From every angle.
And all she did was look at the entrance, looking for a blonde in a pink suit.
She couldn't stay there forever.
She had to move.
Luckily, journalists were there to interview.
"Lucy Tara, thank you for stopping by."
"Of course, Steven, happy to."
"How are you ?"
"I'm awesome, and ya ?"
"Pretty fantastic to be at your side."
"It's so good to be with ya too."
"Pretty cramped for a couple of months, right ?"
"My gosh, you have no idea."
"Tell me more about it."
"Funny thing, I'm aquaphobic."
"Wait ! You live here in Hawai'i, which is an island." Lucy hummed. "Wow, okay. And then, you accept a role on a tv-show filmed during four months on a ship at sea."
"Yep."
"I need a drink." Lucy laughed. "Seriously, how did you manage that ?"
"Got some jumbo-size Dramamine."
"That's the trick ?"
"Part of. I was able to phone my partner and my friends a lot. Helped me calm some nerves."
"Oh, partner. Someone we know ? Is he gonna be here ? Who is the lucky guy ?"
"I'm so sorry, Luce ! Ernie kept talking about your show with what he managed to find out, especially the ship, and Mrs Harrison needed some help with her groceries. I'm late."
"You are perfect." Lucy kissed Kate. "More like lucky girl." She answered Steven. "And I am." They were looking at each other as if the outside world didn't exist.
"Oh my … Kate Whistler ? From the studio FBI ?"
"Hello, I'm so sorry to barge in like that."
"Barge all you want." He looked at them, arms around each other and beaming smiles. "You are such a power couple; Lucy Tara the rising star from Texas, and Kate Whistler the famous photographer."
"See, what did I tell ya ! Power couple, babe." Kate rolled her eyes.
"When did you two happen ?"
"Funny story here, Steven." Lucy chuckled.
"Oh I'm sure."
"We didn't know each other when we met. Like I didn't know she was that super fancy photographer and she didn't know I was some actress in progress."
"It was three years ago." Kate added for context.
"Excuse me ?"
"Hum, but her business partner is my best friend, and my agent is her best friend."
"Wait, how come you'd never met before ?" Steven asked, and then looked at Kate. "Jane Tennant is your best friend ?"
"So, long story short, I don't like meeting my friends' friends." Lucy grimaced.
"Yes, Jane is my best friend, and no, we have never met before. We don't talk about our jobs with Jane."
"My head hurts." He put a hand to his forehead. "You both work in the same industry !"
"My passion is photography, it doesn't really matter what I take."
"And I was pretty new at the time."
"But she is so creative, eager to learn new skills and meet people."
"So, let me get this straight, sorta. We have the most popular photographer of stars who doesn't care who or what is in front of her as long as she has a camera in her hands; and we have the most promising young actress with super social skills and personality who doesn't acknowledge her fame." Steven was in awe. "You both truly are something."
"Aren't they stunning ?" A voice said from behind them.
"Noah ?"
"Hey, Katie."
"What ? How ? You !"
"I was invited, I took a plane. And yes, this is me in a suit." Noah replied cheekily. "Milady." He bowed to Lucy.
"My good sir. So good to see you again."
"Again ? But I never had the time to introduce … Wait. You were on the Reagan ? And neither of you told me ?"
"I almost told ya, babe. But I couldn't." Lucy confessed before taking Kate's hand into her own.
"I signed a confidentiality contract, Katie."
"Unbelievable."
"Sorry to interrupt."
"Steven, Captain Noah Whistler. He assisted on the show."
"I have so many questions for you, Sir. Captain."
"Noah. And ask away. Especially everything to embarrass my little sister and her lovelife." Kate opened her mouth. "Which, to be honest, was pretty desertic before Lucy." He took the microphone from Steven's hand. "Kate Whistler, please explain how Lucy Tara changed your life."
"Noah, I'm not going to talk about how much I love Lucy in front of Steven, his cameraman and the world."
"That was really sweet of you. Thank you." Lucy said with her love gaze.
"You're welcome."
"Please do." Steven confessed.
"We should focus back on Lucy's show."
"Oh, I was done." Steven told them. "Finding out about your relationship is gonna explode our audience. So, thank you for that." Kate opened and closed her mouth, unsure about what to say to him. Noah laughed at her.
"Miss Tara, you're needed inside." A security agent said.
"Thank ya. I will be right there." He nodded and took a few steps back.
Lucy smiled at Kate.
That was it.
She was gonna get into her event with someone at her side.
She squeezed their hands.
Kate smiled back.
She couldn't be happier to be finally at Lucy's side in public.
That was a lie.
The velvet box inside her jacket's pocket would make everything in their relationship happier.
She just had to wait for the perfect time.
