We’ve barely spoken since finishing the photo shoot. After dressing and packing up all the clothing and props, we got the room back in order and locked up the studio with as few words aspossible.
“So,” Aaron picks up, “I totally saved ourasses.”
“Um, I think the saving credit is equallymine.”
There’s only a half-hearted heat to our bickering. The rise he usually gets out of me is muffled by confusion, the familiar spark of annoyance refusing toignite.
“You, uh, good to drivehome?”
I give him a doubtful look. “What, do you think your presence is so intoxicating I’m no longer in a fit state todrive?”
He flashes me a smile “Something likethat.”
“I’ll see you later,Penn.”
I shift my bag up on my shoulder and start to cross the parking lot when he calls out my name. My first name. The sound of his voice wrapping around the syllables I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him say hits me with a jolt. I stopmoving.
“Christina!” he calls again, stepping up beside me. “Look, about the whole photography thing, I meant it when I said you can’t tell anyone. It’s just...Just don’t.Please?”
There’s a wild-eyed urgency in hisfeatures.
“Of course,” I answer. “Your artistic sensitivities are safe withme.”
He bobs his head once. “Good. Thanks. Goodnight,Dominguez.”
He turns and heads towards hiscar.
