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“Come on Ruby, you’ll have fun too.”
Ruby stared into space and sighed. Leti had called her last week and mentioned a boudoir photo session. Something about increasing the fires in her marriage. She’d tuned her out as the sparks in her bedroom were lit and roaring. She didn’t recall anything else about the conversation until Leti phoned her this morning.
“Ruby, are you listening to me? We can drop the kids off at daycare and be at the studio in thirty minutes.”
“Uh huh. Leti, I’m too busy. I can’t come with you on a half brained.”
Leti cut her off. “Ruby, please I’m begging you. I don’t want to go by myself.” She closed her eyes and prayed that her sister would say yes. She usually didn’t mind doing half brained stunts by herself, but this was different. Someone else would see her body in provocative poses and she wanted a bit of protection.
“Fine I’ll go. I swear I don’t know how you continue to come up with these ideas. The man gets excited just looking at you.” Ruby whispers as Christina had entered the room. She wasn’t sure why she was whispering but a part of her felt like it was a secret her sister wanted kept. Christina looked at her with an eyebrow lifted. She shook her head.
“I need time to get ready.” She shook her head in the affirmative as Leti assured her she had an hour or so to get everything that needed to be done completed before she picked her up. She crossed the room to hang up the phone and fix Christina a plate of breakfast.
“So, what does the vile creature have you doing today?” Christina playfully asked. She kissed their toddler on the head and smiled when the baby giggled.
“She wants me to go with her to a photo shoot.” Ruby shrugged her shoulders and tried to look relaxed. “Lyta is going to watch the kids and we’ll be back before you are home from work.” She sat across from her wife and smiled. She loved to watch her eat. It seemed one of the few times she simply relaxed and enjoyed herself. With work and Samuel stressing her out, plus worrying about William, the only time Christina truly relaxed was at home with her and their child.
“Well, I hope you have fun. Don’t let her pull you in too deep. Remember the last time, she took you someplace, I had to come and pick you both up.” She laughed when Ruby rolled her eyes. “What is the saying, drunker than cooter brown?”
“Oh, be quiet you.” Ruby leaned forward and Christina met her halfway. They kissed, softly at first and then it began to deepen. “Umm” Christina said when they pulled away. “Keep kissing me like that and I’ll never make it to work.”
“We can always finish this later tonight.” Ruby’s smile lifted Christina’s mood and heart. She loved seeing her wife happy and carefree. They didn’t get very much spontaneous intimate time with a curious and fast learning toddler roaming around the house. “Yes, we can. I’ll make certain to not be late tonight.” Christina washed her plate, shaking her hips teasingly at Ruby.
“You better come home early.” Christina jumped as Ruby’s lips grazed her neck. She hadn’t heard her move. Laughter filled the house as Ruby and the little one left to ready themselves for Leti’s arrival.
Two hours later
Ruby walked around the studio admiring the different scenes and clothing choices. The photographer let Leti choose five backgrounds and showed her to a closet of size appropriate wear, as long as she agreed to keep on her underwear. “Really, who would be nasty enough to strip and wear someone else’s lingerie?” Leti asked with a scowl on her face.
“Hmph, you’d be very surprised.” The photographer noticed Ruby checking out the space. You know, I have extra time if you’d like to have a photo taken." Ruby turned with a surprise look on her face. “I’m good. I like the setup. The energy is really good.”
“Thanks, I make sure to sage the place before and after each session. You never know who will enter the door and the demons they’ll bring with them.”
“You’re so right about that.” They both laughed as Leti sank to the mink rug, in a Sukhasana pose.
Ruby watched as the photographer and Leti worked. She could tell when Leti relaxed and let the photographer control the poses. They were stylish, daring and she had to admit, beautiful. She was sure Tic would say sexy. As they moved from scene to scene, Ruby was struck by the vivid colors in the background portraits. She was transported to the Maldives and Dominican Republic. The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River and the Arches National Park. The photographer was an artist.
“Ok, last pose Mrs. Freeman. Think of your husband and close your eyes.” Ruby gasped when she looked over at Leti. The backdrop was a photo of a sunset over the mountains. The orange, purple and deep blue hues against Leti’s café au lait skin were gorgeous. The transition from slight smile to full on teeth on display, almost brought tears to her eyes. She knew Leti and Tic had their moments. Some even said Leti still followed behind him like a lost puppy. Ruby knew that it was mutual. Tic would love these photos.
“You can go ahead and get dressed. We’ll look through the shots and you can select the ones you like best.” In typical Leti fashion of course she asked, “What if I like them all?”
“We have packages, and you can always purchase your photos on a disc.”
“Ruby, can help you pick out some of the shots I’d like. Though I don’t know why she won’t let you photograph her.”
The photographer smiled. “Are you certain Ms. Ruby that you won’t let me photograph you?”
Ruby smiled. “No, I’m quite alright. I love the backdrops and scenes you have. I’ve never seen a photographer use real plants and greenery. Your gardener is amazing!”
“Well, my mom keeps all of my plants up for me. She has the green thumb. If it were up to me, I’d use really realistic fake ones.” They both sat at the table and clicked through each of the photos on a 65-inch screen. “She’s going to want the entire disc.” Before Ruby could finish her statement, a tall and thin man breezed into the room. He looked familiar but Ruby couldn’t place him.
“Amandla, darling, I have the designs. I just need a model for the gown.”
“Christian, I’m in the middle of a shoot.” Forgive my friend, he’s a little high strung. Christian, walked in and threw air kisses their way without really looking at them. He hung the clothing bag on a rack and stared open mouth upon seeing Ruby. “Please, you must model this gown for me. I’ll pay for your session and any of your fees. Who represents you?”
“I’m sorry.” Ruby looked around to make sure Leti hadn’t entered the room. “Are you talking to me?”
“Why of course. Amandla can’t model and take the photos. You would be perfect, and the color would suit you. No, do you still have Eric’s hat here?”
“Yes Christian.” He smiled at Ruby, trying to convey an apology for his spirited friend.
“I would be honored if you’d model this for me. I have makeup and hair artists who are five minutes away.”
“I don’t know. I’m here supporting my sister.”
“Hi, I’m Leti and this is my sister Ruby.” Leti stepped back into the room. She’d heard the commotion from the back but couldn’t make out what they were exactly saying. “Can you convince your sister to model this gown for me?”
Christian went back to the garment bag and unzipped it slowly. He pulled out a sheer pink gown with edging that looked like a cross between bows and braids. She had to admit the colors of the gown and Ruby’s skin complimented each other well but she still needed to see her in it to be sure. “I’ll pay for your session and hers, plus her fees.”
“Well, I’m her manager.” Leti said with her hands on her hips.
“Leti!”
“Now Ruby, don’t be coy. Let me and?”
“Christian” he said as he extended his hand.
“Christian, work out the details. You go and put on this fabulous and exquisite gown.” She put her hands around Ruby’s waist and propelled her towards the dressing rooms. Leti faced Christian and said, “Let’s make a deal.”
Ruby held the gown up and shook her head. She started for the door when it opened and Leti came in with a brown fringe hat. “Leti.” She put her hand on her hip and faced the vile creature as her wife had called her just this morning. “He’s willing to pay you $10,000 for some pictures. Now he has the stylist bringing some other outfits. All you have to do is wear them, Amandla will snap some photos and that’s it.”
“Leti, I can’t do this. I have to call Christina and pick up the baby.”
“Live a little Ruby damn. $10,000, plus my 10% fee. I could do a lot with the money. Hell, if you don’t want your cut, give it to me. You can start a leave Christina fund with it.”
Ruby looked at Leti facing her with big puppy dog eyes. She thought to herself a rainy-day fund wouldn’t be a bad idea. She knew Christina would never leave her destitute, but if she’d learned nothing from living with Eloise, a rainy-day fund was a good idea. $10, 000 for some pictures? This guy must be the opposite of Christina and just loose with money rich artist.
She stripped down to her shapewear and waited for the hair and makeup artist. They were nice, Kyle and Lise. They placed R&B from the 70s and 80s. They even played Ruby’s favorite artist. She sang along to some of the tunes while Lise did her hair. “OMG, Ms. Ruby, your voice is amazing! When will we hear you on the radio? You can sing circles around some of the ladies we hear today.”
“Thank you. I don’t sing professionally, just at home.” Ruby said with her eyes downcast. She didn’t want to show the pain of rejection there. At one point she’d filled clubs and halls but now, she refused to sing. Not talented enough was what she was told.
“Well, you can blow! I do believe you’re ready.” They turned her around to face the mirror and she didn’t recognize herself. She rarely wore makeup and she never paid over $130 for a hairstyle. She was sure the makeup alone cost three times that much. She looked absolutely stunning.
“Ms. Ruby, my friends ɅMɅO and Donatella sent over some outfits for you to try as well”. Christian brought two more garment bags into the room. “You’re going to shine brighter than you already are.” He left giggling.
“Thank you all so much, now it’s time for me to get dressed.” Ruby said to Lise and Kyle. They exchanged a look between themselves. “We have to help you get dressed. Is this your first time with a major client?”
“What do you mean by major client?”
“Well, that’s the designer Christian Siriano and his friends, one whose last name is Versace.”
“Oh my God, are you serious?”
“You’re so cute. Let’s get you dressed.”
Ruby dressed in each of the garments provided by the designers. Each time, Kyle and Lise made sure to touch up her makeup and hair. More than five hours passed before Amandla called the shoot done. Ruby was brimming with excitement and couldn’t wait to see the shots. The accessories for each photo complemented her features well. Although Christina wanted to spend thousands of dollars on her, she never allowed her to. She had to admit that the fine jewelry was a treat. Now she had the photos to look back on with glee. She thanked Kyle and Lise again and hugged them both before they left.
Leti, Amandla, Ruby and Christian went through each of the shots until they picked their top three, one for each outfit and designer. Christian remarked that he couldn’t have chosen a better model. Ruby and Leti smiled and noticing the time, informed the photographer and designer that they needed to be getting home. Amandla presented them each with a disc full of the photos taken and Christian gave them each checks for their services.
“You should expect your printed photos in a week’s time. I do believe you’ll love them.” Amandla said.
Leti talked the entire way home. The only time she stopped talking was when they entered the bank to deposit the checks. That took a little longer than they’d like as the tellers wanted to ensure the funds were there. “It’s not like we were chasing the damn checks. I swear. I’m tired of the way we’re treated.” Later that night, both women were able to spend deliciously intimate time with their spouses. Ruby hadn’t taken off her makeup after the shoot and Christina noticed it right away. “So beautiful”, she said to Ruby upon seeing the natural or barely there look.
In a week’s time, as Amandla has promised, the photos arrived. Leti put hers into a photo album, while Ruby framed hers. They also printed off wallet sizes on their home printer, but they were not the quality of the prints Amandla had sent. When Christina arrived home and saw wrapped gift box, she thought she’d forgotten their anniversary or someone’s birthday. When Ruby saw her startled face, she laughed until she cried. “You didn’t forget anything. These are for you.” She handed the box over to Christina.
While she unwrapped the box, slowly and mutinously, Ruby dimmed the lights and turned on some soft music. She smiled when she noticed Christina looking between the photo of her in the gown and Ruby in the flesh. “If ever I wondered how the Goddess Oshun looks in the flesh, I just need to look at you. These are absolutely gorgeous and stunning”. As she opened the other two boxes, her smile grew bigger and bigger until she captured Ruby in her arms and kissed her passionately. I am so very glad you’re mine and you agreed to marry me, Mrs. Ruby Braithwhite.”
“I’m glad you asked me Mrs. Christina Braithwhite.”
“I think it’s time we retire so that I can drink from your sweet waters and show you my undying love and devotion.”
“I like the sound of that.”