I picked up a guy on 55th street.

"The Xenon Gallery at 145 Broadway, please," he said.

"Right away," I said, and I started out.

As I drove, I realized something: I recognized him from somewhere—but I wasn't sure where.

Finally, I said to him, "Forgive me for being rude, but I think I recognized you from somewhere."

"Perhaps you do. My name is Peter Franklin."

And then it hit me. "The photographer!"

"Yes, that's right! In fact, I have a studio at the Xenon Gallery, and that's where I'm headed now."

"Oh, wow! I'm a big fan of your work!"

"That's nice! I didn't know cabbies were into art!"

"I'm an art curator on the side."

"Oh, I see!"

"My name is Elaine Nardo, by the way."

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Nardo. I don't see too many female cab drivers!"

I smiled. "I'm one of the few!"

We continued talking, as I drove, and I made it to the studio.

"That'll be $7.50."

He gave me a ten. "Keep the change, Ms. Nardo."

"Thanks!"

"Say, I've got a proposal for you—in a matter of speaking!"

"Ok."

"How would you like to pose for some photos?"

This both excited-and concerned-me!

"Depends. Would you like me to be…"?

"Nude? No, let me assure you of that!"

"Oh, that's a relief!"

"However, I would like you to be wet!"

"WET?!"

"You see, I'm doing a series I call Fountain Play. It shows people playing in public fountains with their clothes on. Here, let me show you."

He had a portfolio with him. He took out some of the photos and gave them to me. They showed people—mostly women, but also a few men—cavorting in various fountains in New York City with their street clothes on.

I gave them back to him. "I see. Looks interesting—but let me think about it, a bit."

"Sure. But maybe this will change your mind: I'm willing to pay you $50 to be a model."

"$50?"

"Plus a percentage of the royalties, when I sell the photos."

"I'll do it!"

"Wonderful! Why don't you go into my studio, and we'll arrange things."

"Ok."

We got out and went into the gallery. He introduced me to a couple of his friends, then we went into his studio. We agreed to meet again at 2:00pm tomorrow at the studio.

I met him promptly at 2:00, the next day. He had me fill out a model consent form. And then we went to a fountain that was in a small park near the gallery. It was where he photographed most of his models.

I took my shoes and socks off and got in. The water was about a foot deep—and it was cold! Actually, it was a hot New York summer day, so it felt good!

"What do you want me to do?" I asked Peter.

"Just wing it. Do whatever you feel like."

"Ok."

I began walking around in the fountain. He took his shoes and socks off, got in, and began taking photos. Eventually, I became bolder; I walked to where the water dripped down from the inner tier and let it soak my clothes. Finally, I sat down in the water. It was fun; it made me feel like I was a little kid again!

He continued snapping pictures. When one roll was exhausted, he put another in.

Finally, he said, "Ok, I've run out of rolls, so we can finish now."

We got out of the fountain. He gave me a towel and I dried off for a bit. Then we put our shoes back on, and we went to his studio. He gave me the $50 and we parted.

I actually continued my cab shift with my clothes still damp!

A few days later, I visited him again. He had, by now, processed the photos. I went over them with him and picked out what we felt were the best shots, and he even let me keep a few of them.

He eventually published a book entitled FOUNTAIN PLAY, and it included 5 shots of me. He identified me as "Elaine the Cab Driver!" It was published in an edition of 1000 numbered copies, and he actually let me have one for free! I got an extra $75 in royalties from it.

We're still friends, and I see him on occasion.