Picture Perfect
Chapter 1:
Lights. Camera. Action. Nothing thrilled Dan more than hearing the shutter of his camera. When his camera shuttered, it meant he had captured a perfect image to last forever. Models loved working with Dan. Dan was a visionary, and he knew it. He only worked with the best models, and he chose each of them personally. If you were a model that wanted your career to take off, you'd better hope you were approached by Daniel Howell, London's most famous and successful professional photographer.
"Work it, Jessica!" said Dan as he snapped picture after picture of one of his favorite models. Jessica was a rare specimen of lightly tanned skin and emerald eyes. Dan loved working with the lighting and how it made her eyes shine like real gemstones. "Turn to your left. I want to see your hair flow with the dress."
Jessica flashed a perfect smile, "Whatever you say, Daniel." She tossed her hair just right, and when Dan heard the camera shutter, he knew he had done it again.
"Perfect!" exclaimed Dan as he took a moment to catch his breath. He let his camera rest around his neck and opened up his water bottle that was brought to him by one of his assistants. After taking a swig of water, he sighed, and he smiled at Jessica. "Great work today, babe. Get some beauty rest."
Jessica walked over to Dan. Dan could spot her body language message a mile away. She was about to ask the famous question. Sure enough, she said, "Why don't we both rest up at my place?"
Dan gently cupped Jessica's face, "Sorry, sweetheart, but you know the rules."
"I thought a man like you would be up for a little bit of rule breaking," said Jessica in her most seductive voice as she brought Dan's face close to hers.
"Well," said Dan, his voice trailing. He then pulled away. "Unfortunately, I'm married to my work."
Jessica huffed, "Worth a shot."
"I always am." Dan gave Jessica a wink and left the studio.
After stepping outside, Dan got inside his private car. "Starbucks, please, I'm parched for something that isn't the taste of the inside of my mouth." His driver chuckled and started towards Starbucks. Once they arrived, his driver opened his door for him. Dan stepped out of the car and walked inside the building, hoping his coat would cover his extremely professional attire. He often posed for his own photoshoots and was sometimes recognized, so he deeply hoped he wouldn't have to deal with that today.
"A cinnamon chai latte please, hot," said Dan not bothering to look at the barista. He was too busy getting his credit card out.
"That will be 3.49," informed the barista. Dan looked up from his wallet, and his heart stopped. He felt like he had been hit straight in the head with a hammer. The man standing in front of him was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. He had black hair styled in a fringe that was swept to the right. His eyes were the most stunning thing Dan had ever laid his own eyes upon. Blue, green, and even some light shades of yellow seemed to mix into the man's eyes. However, it was the blue that stood out the most, and Dan felt as if it was hard to breathe. Dan stood still, completely unaware he was staring with his mouth hung open.
"Um, are you alright?" asked the man.
Dan blinked and licked his lips unconsciously. "Um, yes. Sorry." He handed the man his credit card, having no idea that eyes were still filled with awe. The barista smiled awkwardly, and swiped Dan's card. "What's your name?"
The barista had to take a moment to process Dan's question. Why did he want to know his name? "Phil…" he said with slight suspicion in his voice. He handed Dan back his credit card, and picked up a cup for Dan's drink. "Name?" Dan's eyebrows rose. "For the cup. It's just…for the cup."
"Daniel," said Dan with a slight smirk to his lips.
Phil shyly nodded his head and then wrote "Daniel" on the cup. "That will be right out."
Dan smiled at Phil, and then sat down in the lounge area of Starbucks. A few minutes later, Phil called out, "Daniel." Dan got up from his seat and walked up to the counter to grab his drink.
"Thank you," he said, making sure his voice smoothly made it to Phil's ears.
Phil blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his neck, "It's kind of my job." Dan gave Phil his signature wink and left the Starbucks. His driver opened his door for him, and he sat inside his car.
Dan sipped his drink and smiled to himself, "Everett, make a note of this location. I think I just found London's next top model."
It wasn't long before Dan had locked down who Phil was. His full name was Philip Michael Lester. He was 28 years old, just two years older than Dan. Dan couldn't help but to feel entranced as he looked through any photos he could find of Phil on the internet. There was something about Phil that was perfect to Dan. Dan just had to have him.
Dan made his way to the same Starbucks location Phil worked at and waited for Phil's shift to end. Almost immediately after Phil left the Starbucks building, Dan approached him. "Phil, right?"
Phil stopped dead in his tracks. He recognized Dan as a customer and was instantly confused as to why a costumer would want to talk to him, none the less remember his name. "Can I help you?"
"Have you ever considered modeling before?" asked Dan trying to make the idea sound intriguing.
Phil just stared at Dan for a moment. "Wait, what? Modeling? You're joking right? This is some sort of prank."
"No, I'm serious. I saw you the other day, and you're perfect."
"I'm supposed to believe that? I'm a skinny nerd that works at Starbucks." Phil chuckled at his own statement.
Dan couldn't help but to smile with a hint of sinister flare. "You're a hot nerd, and where you work is irrelevant."
Phil's cheeks burned. He couldn't believe what was happening. "Even if that were true, I'm too thin. The men that do modeling have trainers for Christ's sake."
"You don't necessarily have to do photoshoots for sports magazines. Gaming magazines, advertisements for college, those are where we need a nerd, but a sexy nerd. Those are the types of photoshoots I have in mind for you."
Phil bit his lip nervously, "So what are you? Are you someone that looks for models, or do you know someone?"
Dan chuckled. "Something like that. Honestly, you're perfect. Please, please come to a trial photoshoot."
Phil shrugged, "I think I'll pass. Thanks anyways," he started to walk away.
"I'll pay you one-thousand pounds!" exclaimed Dan before he could even fathom what he had stated.
"You'll what?" asked Phil as he turned around. He was stunned. Was this guy serious?
Dan nodded his head yes, "One-thousand pounds. Just come to the studio, and please, please do a trial photoshoot."
Phil had to think for a moment. One-thousand pounds seemed worthwhile, however, the idea of modeling? He felt like he'd make a fool of himself. Despite that fear he said, "Alright."
"Now just hear me out—wait. What did you say?"
"I said alright," stated Phil as he crossed his arms. "Give me your business card if you have one." Dan immediately pulled out his wallet and handed Phil a card. Phil looked at the card. Daniel Howell. "Come to this address?" Dan smiled and nodded yes, since he was at a loss for words. "Alright. When?"
"Uh, tomorrow; how's 2:00 p.m.?"
"I get off at one, so that should be fine."
Dan grinned from ear to ear, "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Phil chuckled, "Shouldn't I be thanking you?"
Dan couldn't help but to chuckle as well, "Oh. It's like you've never looked in a mirror."