time of the morning.”
“Absolutely!” she says, surprising me with her agreement. We laugh, grab each other’s hands and start swinging our arms together as we walk, exactly how we used to do as kids.
And in this moment, everything seems like it will be okay.
4
Chase
Click, click, click.
The sound of the camera’s shutter clicks loud and furiously as I take photos of the two women leaving the donut shop. I halt taking photos and review the shots I got of the petite brunette and her blonde friend. My focus is on the brunette, Jenna Pruitt, the girlfriend of mega star, Cal Harrington, and the mother of his child. Photos of her are still commanding a pretty penny despite the hype of their scandal dying down.
A scandal that was revealed by me.
I sigh and slowly start to follow them, reminiscing about that day. I didn’t really care back then about the consequences of what taking photographs of celebrities could do to them. I didn’t give a shit if it would hurt them or their loved ones. I needed money and I needed it quickly, which is the only reason why I got into the paparazzi business. All I cared about was how many zeros those photographs would bring to my bank account. Some celebrities and their photos vary with the amount of money they bring in. What really makes the money is if you have a shred of evidence of a story that could be reportable. A story that gained interest and traction to become world-wide news. I was on the hunt for that next big story. A scandal that was so big that I could command close to six figures. Fate delivered that scandal right to me in the curvaceous and beautiful package that is Layla Sands, the best friend of Jenna Pruitt.
It was just last year that I was at a famous nightclub in Las Vegas to photograph another sponsor endorsed party for the latest B-list celebrity. These parties in Las Vegas are a dime a dozen. They are my least favorite events to cover as I feel I’m only supporting the already inflated egos of narcissistic celebrities who shouldn’t be paid to attend their own birthday party. Photographing them was a quick and easy way to make money, so when I had the time and was desperate for cash, I would attend these parties. The company that Layla works for are major players at sponsoring these type of VIP events. Despite their reputation as always putting on excessive parties to keep their vendors and celebrity guests satisfied, I had never attended their parties before. I arrived at start time to scope out the club before it got crowded, knowing that these parties always tended to start later than advertised. I was taking some shots of the club to check out the best lighting when I noticed Layla. A blind man would have felt her presence, but if he could see her, he would have seen the face of an angel and heard the voice of a sultry, seductive siren. She unconsciously commands your attention with the confidence that radiates from her. I was intrigued when I saw her, but quickly became enthralled when I heard her magical laughter.
I was determined to meet her.
I did my job sparingly that night, my intentions on meeting Layla becoming my sole focus. She was hard to get to at first, with the manager of the club sticking close to her. I placed myself in her line of vision, waiting for her to scan the crowd. I knew she would notice me because I’m a good looking guy. Not trying to be cocky about it, but years of women throwing themselves at you and telling you how hot you are will indubiously convince you so. As soon as I caught hold of those blue eyes, I gave her my best smile and saluted her with my drink. I wasn’t prepared for the sexy smile she gave me in return, nor could I hide my body’s reaction when she raked her smoldering eyes over me from head to toe, her return gaze showing crystal clear that she liked what she saw.
I felt like the prey about to be devoured, except I wanted to be devoured.
Devoured by her.
I liked her boldness. It was refreshing for once to see a woman showing she was interested instead of playing games and being coy. As soon as I saw my opening, I swooped in and introduced myself to her. It