As Marta rattled off the events, Lindsey took notes on her phone. They all sounded fun, especially the male auction. But she wasn't sure if she could go to them all. Even if not, Jenny could still cover them. It would get the word out and be entertaining at the same time. Win win.

"That all sounds amazing, Marta. Is there anything else in general that you want to tell me or get out there?"

well..if  i was  going to say anything, I have to Thank the Amotas, for all they have   done for the community. There are other    Families out there who  have joined forces with him, and   New Jack  is   the  gem of the South. I was here when  there were  more closed
  doors , then opened ones, down town... shops, food places, stores all have  grown and Blossomed  as the  factories  flourish, a the money flows back into the coffers of the
 town and it outlying areas.

Lindsey put away her phone. "This is going to be a great story, Marta. Thank you so much. And I'm sure the Amotas will be pleased with your kind words. But for the record, I completely agree with you." She popped her eyebrows and smiled.

---

Lindsey stayed around until the after party started to thin. It was getting close to 2:30. The Dragons would be done with practice by the time she got there. Still, the Chiefs would be starting soon, and she wanted to be there for that. She looked for Bob, but he wasn't in that room, so she texted him.

To Bob: Hey. Going to the stadium for the Chiefs part of practice.

Lindsey to Practice
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

(( Lindsey's  cruise  shoot))

  Benson  drove the  Van Sally ha d  shotgun  while  Jem and Lindsey  sat in the  back in 'jump seats' because  the   rest  had   a workbench and shelves  with  cameras  in gear , stowed   with  loving  car.

 so..the football thing?.. You guys gonna  win>

 Sally  said..OMG!.. its the AFC title game..you know how long its  been...let alone , we get to host it!

The excitement built as Benson drove north up the coast. It felt like she was going on a field trip, which in a way, she was. A field trip to a day on a cruise, taking pictures and having fun. She sat besides Jem in the back seat making some small talk that came around to football.

"Well, the appropriate answer is we are favored to win, but anything can happen. And that's true, but the Dragons aren't the usual team. I mean, it's totally possible that the jets could surprise us, but really no. The Dragons are totally going to win. They're scoring over a hundred points a game while the Jets had been averaging less than twenty. And Sally's right. It's a big deal. This is the first title game for Jacksonville in over 50 years, and it'll be here. It's totally historic."

"So, Jem, where are you going to school and what are you studying?"

  Jem  nodded...well.. I root for the Dragons of course. .. and Payne..OMG...The   small guy that gets  if   fights.. he's  fun to watch....I like that lady kicking Girl..That Tall score  a  bounch of  Touchdown..

 Sally  laughed , Benson was smiling.. Sally says,That's Ok  Jem..at least you're pretty..

  she  crossed her  arms and pouted,just because  i don't watch  football much?

 This  year!..My god  chica..there are people who died , wishing they would live  long ebough to see a season like this

Lindsey gazed out the window, watching the city pass by as they drove.

"It's alright Jem. You can watch on Sunday, and in two weeks will be the Superbowl. You can catch up"

  Benson said,Lem is  in  her  first year at Tallie JC.. she's taking..what again?

   Film  and art... i'm the  only  girl in my class who has been getting paying jobs..i turn down a couple because    of the  pervs  running them

Lindsey looked at Jem. First year? So this girl was only like eighteen. Jeez, that made her feel old.

"Yeah, there are pervs in any business. You don't want to hear about my last boss, and he was a news editor. But you're lucky you you found a professional like Benson. He's awesome. His whole team and his other photographers were great. I've enjoyed every thing I've done with him."

  Jem  nodded,I heard  some stuff, Im sorry  you broke up with that football guy. He seemed nice, guess you can't tell.

 she got a bit  more  comfortable  as she said.I was  lucky, one of my friends  works in the talent office at TJC.she got  be  an interview  with Benson..I th9ught that was it, but he called me a month later to do a shoot  for SI? I didn't get in the mag, but i got  paid, so my name was out there. Then this  Swimsuit  catalogue  had be join a shoot with them, I think it was just like a try out , you know?But  i'm stacked a bit more then  the  older women who were there..and? Lets face it? I was the only Black Girl.so i had a bunch of shots, they used, like half of them, I banked 5,000. Benson tried to get me more.

 Yeah?  well..i told them Jem  had more pics in then the other ladies,,I could only squeeze another 1000, out of them.. But it was  a win...

he smiled awkwardly,I sent head shots  and  some of the swimsuit pics to  Dragon Studios, they said  about useing  alot of  homegrown talent for  smaller roles  and walk ons.. She's  set to see them  On Friday Morning.

 we'll see how that goes, but  anything i get with them? goes  on my resumé.

"Thank you." Lindsey smiled politely. "I'm sorry about that too."

"Oh, yeah, we just opened the studio. The projects are going to be run by the director, Paulo Sancho. He likes to use lesser known but hungry talent. He's a good guy. There are already a few actors in the troupe. Me, Sage Sinclair, Cole Hamilton, and Harley Donovan. I heard more are coming. They have a really aggressive filming plan too. A science fiction and a fantasy franchise, with the first two installments of each filmed concurrently. Don't ask me why it's so aggressive. I assume Paulo has a plan. I mean, I get the sequels being filmed concurrently. That makes sense. Everyone is in character, the sets and costumes are all there. There's less chance that an actor's look will change."

"As exciting as all that is, I still really get pumped for these modelling shoots. The money is great, but what motivates me is just doing them. They're so fun and rewarding."

  Jem    shrugged,I like them ok?  But  all we  are, are hangers for the clothes...80% of the woman see the clothes..right? and then try to match up if  it will fit  them like it does us.    some guys will be looking  at us, with barely a flicker to the clothes, and the guys who look at the clothes, wouldn't  be hitting on Benson, instead of us!

 Benson  shook his head with a chuckle, Lem  Grinned.

Lindsey shook her head. "No, I disagree. The reason they choose models that look like us is because we make the clothes look good. Otherwise the would use hangers. I guess maybe you do it differently, but I see the whole look, and if I like it - if I find it attractive, then I want those clothes so I can be that attractive. And it's the same for the guys. Sure, some are looking at pretty girls. That's what guys do. But some are shopping for their girlfriend-wives-sisters etc. An attractive model makes them think they'd like the woman they're shopping for to look like that. We light up their imagination and their fantasies."

Lindsey chuckled. "You're already too cynical. Or you're listening to people who don't like modeling for some reason. There's reason companies shell out tens of thousands of dollars to a guy like Benson. He has the eye and the resources to make their products look good, and that's by hiring you. We're effectively selling their clothes. My last job I was modelling mostly hoodies, but a hood on me looks better than on some random sales person."

 Jem just gave a  shrug,I just go out there and  smile, try to make the clothes  look  like some one , wants them. I have  doing a   full page  age   for Vouge last Month, we were
 doing coats and gloves and had a snowball fight..That was  fun, because   i was doing  something. I mean? its  a Good  Gig, smiling  and   trying to  make guys  thing the clothes are sexy, and ladies thing the clothes  will make the  sexy. But it  pays the bils...

Sally  sighed,did your  father  run off  with a Model?  Sheesh...

 something  like that.. I don't want to talk about it.

 benson piped  up,Then? Don't. whatever happened , happened  right You  are doing ok...Let him look back and see what he missed.yeah...he's not missing anything..

 Look there.. The Masts  for the   1st  ship... If  i understand it right the  ships  pass each other , so there is  always one ship  at the   restaurant  docks.

   they entered the Lot and  parked in the employees  lot. Bring your  day bags,  and   extra shoes...Sally  you   fill  one   camera  bag  with   Film and camera  3  and 4... I'll  get lenses in  and  camera's  1 and  2. take  chargers   for the  battery  packs.

 A tall , hawk faced  woman with a tad too much  make up, met them.Helo..You Must  be Benson and his  team.. I  and   Henna's Sister, I  will  over see the shoot and   show your the  clothing we want..there is a stateroom?its a bit crowed with the racks of clothing, once we get there.. I would like to start off  with 'morning wear" with the ladies
wearing  the  lounge  wear , one  might wear on a cruise while they have their  coffee

 Benson  was  Loading   while he  listened, Sally signaled she was ready   and the doors  were locked . and  the  followed the tall woman    up the  gangway and onto the ship.

Jem was being a Debbie Downer. Lindsey wasn't going to press and was happy when Benson changed the topic by pointing at masts. After parking, Lindsey grabbed her bags and waited as Sally and Benson loaded up their equipment. As they prepared the woman running the shoot appeared. She identified herself as Henna's sister, but never gave her own name. She did get right into what they'd be doing first.

As they headed up the ramp, Lindsey just followed along. It was nice to not have to be part of running anything or making decisions. It was for Benson and Henna's sister to worry about. All she had to do was her part, which was dressing up and looking good for the cameras.

 In the  Stateroom  Ms  Henna , who revealed  her name a Nadine,  showed the   girls the  lines  of racks.The  ship is about  to Pull out.. You lades  pick from the  racks that are  marked  with Number cards?  #1  is the 'morning leisure'   Mr Benson can  get you   at various places  on the  ship. since its  early,  there should be just enough background people to add to the authenticity

 um...ahh...I'll go   out  and   check the lighting at some spots  i like...

 Nadine  looked at Benson..are you actually leaving, because the girl  will change? Aren't you a professional?

 Benson, for the first time   Lindsey has seen, looked angry..look...Ms Henna..Have  i seen  some of  my models   naked?  Yes.. but that was when it could not be helped.. we're gonna be on this  boat  for the whole day on  sunrise, after non and suset pics.. there is no hurry, and they don't need me here..whatever they do need, Sally is here.. he left, and it was plain to see he  was  angry, if not insulted.

  Jem looked over  the selection of long legs  and shorts  with  the thin covers on tops, some  satin, some lace, all colors.she whispered to Lindsey.THAT's  why  I like working for Benson.

Nadine Henna's surprise at Benson's exit raised all kinds of alarming questions in Lindsey's mind, but she didn't do more than observe the interaction. There really was no reason for him to be there. As he said, Sally was there, just like at the SI shoot. Benson had always been completely respectful.  Even when they did the topless shots, they were only exposed facing away from the camera. It was one of many reasons why she trusted him. He was always a professional. Apparently, though, Nadine had a different idea of what the word professional meant.

"Yep." Lindsey agreed with Jem "Totes." Apparently Jem's experience was different also.

The racks were full of clothes. Lindsey could have had fun all day trying on different outfits, but the clock was ticking. She would have figured that Sally or Nadine would have picked her outfit, but maybe it didn't matter that much. White shorts, matching deck sandals, a sheer over shirt with a splash of summer colors and a light sports bra top. She put on some bangles on her wrists, and grabbed a pair of sunglasses but didn't out them on.

"Okay, I'm ready. Sally, how's this?"

  Jem wore  a  very light green, thing  short sit  that tid, it was realtively se through , but  dark enuygh  to  hide  things, The fact that she was baclk, helps  camo things  as well, her  Top was the matching top with a slight  cover vest, .  you would have to  be , almost, next to her  to say anything   exciting, but that added to  the  shot.

  Sally   was  writing notes in a journal, she  tapped  her  headset and said, we're ready Boss.. where   at?

 Cone to the Bow, the    ships  is starting to sail  we'll have the  sun 3/4  to out  left.. we'll take a  dozen or so pics, of each, and the  can  Run back  for the next set..

 Alright  Ladies.. Show  time. we head to the bow, he'll set you up..  a dozen pics  each then you sury  back here  for another   outfit from  rack #1

 Nadine opened the  door  and th    four  made their  way  down the  side,   Jes short  heads  making  noise   while Sally's sneakers didn't make a sound

Lindsey followed along, looking around at the ship as they went. "That's a nice outfit, Jem. Good choice."

The ship was actually really nice. Lindsey could easily picture herself taking this ship for a leisurely day cruise.

When they reached the bow, Lindsey stood aside and waited for direction.

  Benson   had  two cameras on his,  Sally had  another two.OK , now  here's what we're  doing.   Go to the   sprint?   you can hand on ropes, look over the corean, pretend  to talk  anything.. You'll only know when i shooting if you here the   camera.. I don;'t  want 'poses"  I want 'real"

Nadine said,But the clothes, we  want the customer  to see...

 SHUT UP.... Nadine. your foloks hired  mje..whether it was because in work cheaper then some of those bigger names, or because my  work is damn good... I  know what i'm doing..we're on a god damn ship..havign fun , in your clothes line... you want poses,   we can quit  right now, and go to  a studio and they can si t on stools with fake  smiles...

   Jem Giggled  and held out a fist to Bump  with  Lindsey... Nadine was  red Faced  and  no words came out of her moving mouth.

Sally gave her a Defiant nod. and waved to the Girls..You heard him!..   Have  fun, do what you want, once  we get the pics   for those out fits, we'l gopick out another set..

Lindsey fist bumped Jem. Nadine was going to be a real pain in the ass. It was a good thing the cruise manager wasn't there putting in his or her two cents also.

"Got it. Fun I know how to do."

"Alright, are you ready, Jem?" Taking her hand Lindsey strolled leisurely up to the sprint along the port side rail, swinging here and Jem's hand. The ship was moving, giving them a head wind.  Lindsey smiled into the wing shaking her head so that he hair blew back care-free in the ocean breeze. She stepped out away from Jem holding their arms out so that their outfits were on display as they walked.

When they got to the sprint, Lindsey leaned forward on the rail, pushing her butt back to show off the shorts as she pointed out ahead of the ship. She didn't want it to look like a pose, so she pointed out and explained about the visible Jacksonville points of interest along the water. Then she spun around, leaning back with her elbow propped up on the high rail. Her over0shirt hung open, putting her body and the colorful clothes hugging it on display as she told Jem briefly about her date the night before.

"So yeah, I went out with Wade last night." Her face expressed her excitement about it. She propped a foot on the rail behind her, letting her knee sway back and forth with the subtle motion of her hips. "He's a huge line backer on the team. Oh my God, Jem, his shoulders..." She put her hand up about the height of Wade's shoulder and exaggerated their width..but not by much. "We had a great time. We went to a movie then had a pretty steamy romantic walk" She summoned back some of those lusty emotions to add some allure to her body language without over doing it. "We have another date to pick up where we left off."

Lindsey looked up and around at the scenery

"The breeze is amazing." She turned back around and stood on the lower rail as she leaned forward. Her hands were wide, letting the wind blow her hair and clothes back as the ship cruised forward. After a few moments she hopped down excitedly, adding a couple bounces with laughing some claps. It actually was fun. Speaking of fun, she looked up at the ropes. She wouldn't have thought of those if Benson hadn't mentioned them.

Using the rail, Lindsey jumped up to grab a rope. She missed, instead landing with both feet on the deck. The next try, she had Jem help until she managed to get a grip on it. She let herself hang for a few seconds., twisting back and forth. Then she tried to pull herself up. She rocked and undulated to get herself up, swinging up with her legs. She never quite got up there, and she didn't know what she would do if she did, but it didn't matter. After making a fun go of it, she let herself drop to the deck, landing with both feet, but then fall to the deck on her butt, laughing and pulling Jem with her.

"Okay Jem, your turn to ham it up." She couldn't stop giggling

  Jem  smile d  and was having  fun, ort, she  was  acting really good  at having  fun. He  sounds  Nice, id he as  big as Payne ?

   Jem made sure   the  wind  caught her    in the  right  position, but seemed  very relaxed, she  could have been hanging out  By herself, or when  Benson had them paired,  just having  fun with a friend.

 About 20 Minutes or  so  he   said, switch out , Outfits from  rack one..  Sally  take  camera  one, stick the  roll in the case  and reload,   hang onto camera  4, give  me Camrea  3,, I'll be using  2  Next..

 Nadine spoke up ...we  want to make sure the outfits  are..

 Ms Henna, please.. you have  4  racks  that have   som 20  outfits  each..we   could  dress  ever one on the curies  and have   outfits  left over. Let the girls pick what they want, they'll sell it better, if they like it better...if this doesn't turn  out the  way you and your sister hope? Then you'll never  need  hire me again.... if it works out the way, Most of my shoot work out, You'll be  dying for  me to  shoot  Your  Fall and Holiday outfits.

 Sally went  down the  side of the ship to their stateroom. the  could see people having coffee and   small snacks  as the  watched, some excited they got  to see a 'shoot"  others annoyed that it was happening.

Costume change! Lindsey couldn't figure out Nadine at all. If she wanted them to wear specific things, then why bring racks of clothes? She could have brought very specific outfits. Maybe she just wanted to be a part of it and feel useful. She was probably sent by her sister to oversee the shoot and now didn't know what to do with herself. That had to be an awful feeling. Lindsey had an idea.

When they got to the stateroom, Lindsey hit the racks. It sounded like they would do the same shoot, but with different outfits. Different outfits could mean a different energy, and the cruise line might like different shots than Apparel by Henna. Still it should have a fun daytime vibe, but there all kinds of outfits for that. Which meant, she could execute her plan.

Lindsey pulled a set of sun dresses she liked off the rack and laid them out. for the ones with a lower cleavage cut, she found a set of colorful under tops.

"Nadine?" Lindsey called over the tall woman. "All these clothes are gorgeous. So, I like all these for the next round. They're vibrant and compliment my shape without being over the top. But you seem to have some ideas too. Out of these, which do you think captures your vision the best?" It was a way to include Nadine without compromising Benson's strategy. Lindsey picked her favorite choices, so Nadine could choose from there. Any combination would be great and go well with Lindsey's figure. Hopefully, Nadine would appreciate being asked for her input.

"I..." Nadine looked over. She looked confused at the request, but then stiffened taking on an air of authority. "Well, yes of course." The Henna representative glided over, looking over the selections. She held up each, scanning it up and and own and comparing it against Lindsey's shape. "You do have a tight body, don't you." She set one aside then another, ultimately alternating back and forth between two of them before making a final selection. "Yes, I think this one will do nicely."

"Thank you, Nadine." Lindsey cheerily put it on. "You have great taste."

Once she was dressed, Lindsey smoothed out the thigh length skirt and performed a test twirl. "Perfect." She waited for Jem at the door and they all returned to the set.

On the way by the breakfast bar, Lindsey grabbed a cup of coffee for a herself and Jem to use as props... and to drink.

"Okay, boss. We're ready." She said as she danced onto the set.

 Benson nodded to them,ok...now the  sun is getting higher  and  is   slightly to our   Back.. half the shoot  this   time will be on the port side of the  ship  with the ocean and any random  craft  as  back  round, the  2nd half of these shots  will be on the starboard  side,  so we can get some of  New Jack's  beaches in the  background, and help set up Landmarks  so folks understand  where the cruise is located.

 Lets go... Fun, you love your clothes  all that..make me believe it.