Chapter 14: Birth of a New Model

The photoshoot progressed smoothly.

Eve placed the bag in front of her stomach. Then, she angled her body towards the camera, turning on her side. The handles framed stood up beside her face. Her hands held the satchel on both bottom ends. She eyed the camera lens and arched an eyebrow.

The shutter captured the change.

After a few seconds, Eve directed her gaze to the right corners of her eyes. Her hand snatched the handles and lifted up, palm facing the ceiling. A teasing smile stretched her lips. The side of her waist ached from the twist but she endured.

The photographer kept up with her pace.

"Are there other bags?" She asked, noticing the shelf full of them. They came in various sizes and designs. Each one had the same red leather exterior and embellishments.

A whole collection for any occasion.

Luna walked over to grab another bag. She hummed to herself as her hand reached for a clutch. It had a rectangular shape and one flap. Golden laurel leaves served as the covering of the lock. Their tips pointed up. Collectively, they overlapped at the base and resembled a blazing fire.

At the sight, Eve ignored the shoot and sat up. Alarm bells rang in her ears. She had just planted her feet on the floor when Luna approached her.

"Oh, Ms. Athon!" She exclaimed, blood rushing to her cheeks. She stood up and almost tripped over the skirt. "I could have done that myself. There's no need for you to—"

A hand smacked her forehead. "I'll stop you right there. You're not an assistant right now. You're a model. Focus on the product and the camera."

Luna took away the satchel bag and replaced it with the clutch. She offered Eve a kind smile. "You're doing great so far. It's not professional level but it's a good start. Keep it up."

Eve caressed the surface of the clutch. The laurel leaves felt thin, almost like paper. Her fingertips brushed over the embossed designs of the veins and the midrib. The amount of detail fascinated her.

She looked up and returned the smile. "Thank you, Ms. Athon. That means a lot coming from you. I hope the rest of the shoot would also be good enough."

Luna shook her head, wearing a face of disbelief. "I'm sure you'll do just as great. Your heading in the right direction with your instincts. I'll hand you the next bag once you take a few shots with this one."

She gave the go signal to the photographer and left the scene.

Eve lied on her stomach, lifting her crossed legs. Her left hand and the clutch danged over the side. The corner of the bag almost touched the floor. She held it as if it was a wide stem of grapes. Her other hand cradled her chin.

A bored expression painted over her face.

The camera took the shots.

She twisted her left arm and rested the elbow on the cushion. Hooding her eyes, she puckered her lips in the clutch's direction. The hand position made it seem like a flying kiss. She pulled her legs until the heels of her feet almost nearly her bottom.

When she heard the shutter, she turned her wrist over. Then, she touched her forehead and her nose with her index finger. The bag hid half of her face. Her exposed eye and half of her lips teased the camera.

Soon, Luna had the Cleopatra chaise removed.

Eve stood on her feet with the skirt circling her feet. She held a bucket bag, balancing it on her right shoulder. Her left one leaned back and curved her torso. She mimicked the women that carried jars of water from a nearby stream.

She also placed it above her waist, using another optional pose.

With a backpack, she turned away from the camera and pulled the straps with her thumbs. She stared over her shoulder. Her hair flowed down one side of her neck, covering her chest. The polished appearance of the bag fitted her toga and maybe even the era.

For a luggage one, a short rectangular block had been provided. It had the same height as the main body of the bag. She hid it behind her skirt. Her back faced the luggage while her left hand gripped the telescopic handle.

Her hazel eyes looked up at the ceiling. Her mind wandered and dreamed of the places she wanted to visit, the cultures she wanted to explore as well as the adventures she desired. They misted her gaze as she travelled through her imagination.

...

...

…

Mikael had his jaw locked. His blue eyes focused on the shoot. He observed as the young woman worked out poses for the bags. Different types demanded different attention. The various sizes also played a factor.

A model shouldn't overshadow a small item. Otherwise, it would be hard for consumers to notice the product.

A big item shouldn't overshadow the model either. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a need for a model at all.

It came down to wits and skills.

Most photoshoots also had limited time. The faster the transitions, the better. It required tremendous experience and proficiency. Every move had to be calculated. There should be coordination between the model and the photographer.

If that kind of setup was a flower, this one was a petal.

Something not easily achieved just from a boost of confidence.

Jordan shook his head. He couldn't help but admire the progress. The young woman had the right mindset. Her execution needed more refinement but she modelled from head to toe. Beginners usually overlooked a body part or two. It was their first skill to master.

The model before him clearly learned it in the past.

He wondered what the circumstances were.

"That's a wrap!" Luna announced, clapping multiple times. No words could describe her amazement. She had witnessed a spectacular scene. Forget about being a secretary, she'd hire Eve on the spot. A blossoming bud like her had unlimited potential.

Avery left her spot. She ran up to Eve and embraced the young woman. She felt like a proud mom. The show of determination left her breathless. She tightened her grip, pulling Eve closer.

"I knew you could do it!" She squealed in the young woman's ear, "If you ever decide to quit your job and become a full-time model, you have my utmost support!"

'Is this what it feels like to have a daughter?' The madam thought. It would have been such a joy to have one. They could share moments in the spa, in the mall and so much more!

Hopefully, her only son would help her experience it.

Eve choked out a laugh. She stepped back as Avery released her. Her hands hoisted up the skirt. "With all due respect, Mrs. Hathaway, I am not about to leave my job over one photoshoot. Thank you for the opportunity though. It was interesting."

Hours ago, she doubted that she'd make it through this.

Now that it finished, she almost believed that she could accomplish anything.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Cale walked back to the shoot. Out of everyone, he wore the biggest smile. His aqua blue eyes sparkled as he spread his arms wide. "What did I tell you, ladies? You worried too much."

He stepped up to Eve, covering her hand with both of his. He looked straight into her eyes and said, "I, for one, never doubted you. I don't care if I'm biased, you're my favorite model for this campaign."

Touching warmth envelope Eve's chest. "Thank you for your kind words, Cale. I can boast that, right? I'd consider it as my best accomplishment in my modelling career."

"You absolutely can!" He cackled and kissed the back of her hand. "You gave us quite a show. I don't think we'll ever forget it."

Eve laughed with him and gave him a look. "Neither will I."

"That's the spirit! This is your moment! Enjoy it and avoid Mr. Grouchy Pants over there." Cale nudged his head towards the door, rolling his eyes. "He's so picky. You'd think he climbed to the top overnight."

"I can hear you!"

"Well, good!"

Hiding an amused smile, Eve glanced at the doorway. She spotted two male spectators. Their postures suggested that they had been there for a while. Her mind pushed away curious questions. It would be best that she avoided other people with this persona.

Unfortunately, she had no control over their actions.

Jordan pushed himself off the doorframe and decided to meet the new model. He strutted up to the platform, clapping his hands. "I agree with Cale. Avoid Mr. Grouchy Pants. No matter what he says, I think you did great."

He stretched out his hand towards her.

Eve took it out of politeness. She mustered a small smile and said, "Thank you… um…?"

"Jordan. Jordan Dawson." He answered, finishing the statement for her. "I am Mr. Grouchy Pants' manager and close confidant."

"Oh." Eve blinked. They looked almost the same age. She wouldn't have guessed. "I see. I am truly grateful for the compliment. I do know I lack in many areas though."

"I think you can pick up fast." Jordan shrugged, letting go of her hand. "I'll look forward to the campaign and to your future projects. Maybe you and Mr. Grouchy Pants might even have a joint one."

Mikael exhaled sharply.

"Alright, alright, if you all keep calling me that, I guess I have no choice but to defend myself."

He joined the small group, moving with poise. His intense gaze stayed on the female model. Even now, he continued to study her. Interactions gave clues on a person's character and personality. He was determined to find out her motives.

As soon as he reached her, he offered his hand for a shake.

"Mikael Davis," he introduced himself. His eyebrows scowled as he tilted his head to one side. He scanned her face and tried to read her body language. He clicked his tongue, purposely making her uncomfortable.

It was a sure tell if someone had an attitude or not.

To his surprise, she smiled pleasantly and shook his hand. "Please call me, Evangeline."