Being near her again is like learning how to breathe for the first time in years. Sure, breathing happened while we were apart, but it was merely to exist until I found my way back to her. And it feels as if I have finally rediscovered her. I only hope she has managed to do the same.
During today’s shoot, we are supposed to be strolling through parts of downtown Dunedin. Me in some hoity-toity outfit while Cora walks five to ten paces behind me, snapping photos of me “looking casual” on the street. Looking casual in my world translates into walking along the sidewalk and turning to look at something with your profile or whole face toward the camera. But don’t look at the camera. Because looking at the camera is not natural, or so they say. Whatever.
It’s all ridiculous if you ask me. But that’s what the companies and consumers love. At least for this particular brand. The shoots for romance novels and risqué, they want your hungry eyes straight on. They want the consumer to feel as if you’re reaching out and luring them in.
So, after my morning walk on the beach and a shower, I dress in a linen short-sleeve, white button-up, a pair of khaki cargo shorts with more pockets than I’d ever fill and a pair of boat-style shoes. And don’t forget the chunky watch and dark-tint sunglasses. Each shoot’s ensemble hangs in plastic wardrobe bags in my closet, labeled, courtesy of my wonderful agent.
The only part of this whole ensemble I would use again is probably the sunglasses. They mask the sun better than any pair I have owned in recent years. Lucky for me, I get to keep everything from the shoot.
Alyson and I meet in the lobby and walk to her rental car, sliding in and driving off the beach. The shoot doesn’t start for a little more than an hour, so we agreed to grab breakfast nearby.
Once we are seated and place our breakfast orders, Alyson chimes in and starts asking about last night. I expect nothing less from her.
“So, how was dinner? Anything I need to be concerned over?” A look of genuine worry pinches her brow line.
“Dinner was good. She was worried at first, because she didn’t see you. But after we talked for a few, everything went well.”
“And I’ll ask again. Anything I need to be concerned over?” Alyson persists.
“Nope. Just two old friends, eating together and sharing good conversation.” Maybe if I say it enough times, I will start believing it myself. Because Cora and I will always be more than “old friends.”
“And there were no flashes going off anywhere? From your phone or anyone else’s?”
“I didn’t catch any. No one around here knows me as a model. The only people who know me are the few friends I have still living here.” If anyone recognizes me as a model while I’m here, shocked wouldn’t begin to cover it. Yes, celebrities live in the area. But this isn’t Los Angeles, and people aren’t stalking celebrities. Not that I consider myself one. For the most part, when people spot celebrities here, they just whisper and go on with life.
She spins her fork in a circle on her napkin. “I hope you’re right.”
We finish breakfast in silence, and I take the time to do a self-evaluation of how I feel.
Being around Cora stirs up loads of memories and emotions I suppressed for years. But I can’t ignore how I feel when near her. The way my heart rattles my ribcage. Or how my stomach quivers with excitement. Of course, I plan to follow etiquette and maintain a professional appearance while working, but once “off the clock” I cannot speak for my actions. I also won’t resist what is right in front of me.
Because each moment I have with Cora, I intend to take full advantage. This shoot could be complete happenstance. Or maybe it is kismet. Personally, I believe in the latter.
After Alyson and I leave the restaurant, we stop at the juice place up the street. Cora had one of their juices the other day, so I Googled the business. Once I buy something for each of us, even grabbing a duplicate of Cora’s drink for Erin, we jump back in the car and drive up the street to the main hub of downtown.
It is eight-thirty in the morning on a Thursday, and the streets already have people walking and bicycling everywhere. Downtown Dunedin is a quaint place. I hadn’t come here much when I lived in the area, but I can see I missed out.
Restaurants and boutiques and eclectic shops line the streets. People bustle along the sidewalk, going from one shop to the next. Some people just sit on benches under trees and chat about what a nice day it is outside. And as busy as it is, it’s not busy at the same time. Everyone is friendly as smiles are shared amongst complete strangers.
It’s pieces of home like this that make me want to return.
Don’t get me wrong. There are many stretches of California I love. Forests and mountains and waterfalls. Many I would love to show to Cora, knowing her love for the wilderness. But I haven’t been anywhere resembling this. The happy town with ever happier residents. Everyone shares warm greetings and pleasant words and exchanges hugs. It makes me homesick for a place I haven’t called home in a long time.
Alyson parks the car in a small lot near the epicenter of downtown and we walk over to the outdoor trail, standing in the shade. Cyclists whip past us, waving and smiling. Dogs sniff the grass as they walk alongside their owner. People window shop the storefronts nearby.
“She emailed me early this morning and said for us to meet her here,” Alyson tells me.
A moment later, Cora and Erin pull into the parking lot at the same time and park beside Alyson’s rental car. My eyes remain fixed on Cora behind my sunglasses as she gets out of the car and strolls to the back hatch, opening it and taking out her camera bag.
“Check yourself, Hunt,” Alyson chirps behind me.
“Did I do something, Miss Jameson?” I curl my lip at her. She is really starting to piss me off.
“First, remember that you hired me to do exactly what it is I am doing. Second, don’t take that tone with me. You will respect me.” Alyson stares at me like a mother scolding a child. In some respects, she is correct. I did hire her to keep me “in line.”
But she also needs to remember her place in the grand scheme of things.
“I know what I hired you to do. And since I’m the one signing your paycheck, I suggest you check yourself. I’m fully aware of my boundaries. And if I want to cross them, it’ll be when the shoot is done. Which, by the way, is only a few days from now.” I pause and lower my voice since Cora and Erin are walking our way. “I’ll be here a few days after the shoot ends, I intend on enjoying that time however I see fit.”