Some stories end very close to where they began, but there is always some change. The question, as in this story by Kat Howard, is whether the change will make that starting place better or worse.
“I need a model,” he said. “For an ongoing series of work. Photographs.”
Francesca sighed, and sipped her coffee. “And I’m sure it’s very legit, really, and any nudity will only be tasteful and artistic, and—what are you doing?”
He had set a laptop on the table next to her, and was opening files. “Here’s my portfolio. My agent’s card, and the information of the last gallery where I showed. Call them. Google me. Talk to anyone. Then call me.”
The photos on the screen were good. If he was a creep, at least he was a talented one.
“And who do I ask for, if I decide I’m saying yes?” Her voice was warm at the end of the question, an answer already implied in the asking.
“You mean when?” He smiled, and he was gorgeous. “Vaughan. Vaughan Matthews.”
***
She said yes. Of course she said yes. There are no stories when people say no.
Wonderful story.
I have recently fallen in love with the re-telling of classical fairy-tales and stories in a way that gives the female characters some agency. Self-rescuing princesses FTW!