Our mother swirled her glass and took a deep sip. “Before I say yes or no… What did you have in mind?” She settled her eyes on me as she leaned back into the couch.
I could feel my cheeks flush. “Something simple. Something that would appear intimate.”
“You’re being awfully vague,” she said, “I know you have a specific idea of what you want.”
She knows me well. I felt a sheepish grin cross my face.
“I do. I was thinking underwear or lingerie.”
“Lingerie? That could be pretty bold.” Her eyebrow raised but her even tone remained the same.
“I guess. It really depends on the kind.”
She looked back to her glass deep in thought watching the wine spinning around the crystal bowl. Her cheeks still red and growing deeper in color.
Her chest rose as she took a breath. “I don’t know… I don’t think it would be appropriate.”
“I know, it sounds weird and I totally understand how you feel. Thing is, it’s not like you are going to be exposing yourself or anything. I’m not looking for nudie pics. Just… it’d be kinda like the bikini shots. Same thing; just different story.”
She didn’t look up. Her face was unreadable.
“It would mean a lot to me, Mom,” I continued. “I can’t think of anyone better who I trust and who could capture what I’m looking for. I need your free spirit. I need your expressions along with your willingness to experiment, your drive, your understanding, and your patience. You’re my perfect model. I need you, Mom.” This was my last leg, and I still wasn’t sure what I was doing.
The tension in the air was thick, hanging heavy like a curtain as Kelly and I looked at our mother with rich anticipation. She shook her head then finished the remainder of her glass.
“Fuck it,” She shrugged. “I better get Mother of the year for this.” She leaned forward, setting her glass on the coffee table. Her breasts threatened to spill out of the top of her dress. “So when and where, stud?”
Kelly’s smile was bigger than I had ever seen it as I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
“Honestly, I was thinking it would be best if it was in a bedroom; perhaps a large one with a kingsize bed and a large vanity mirror.”
It only took a moment to realize what I was describing. “My room?”
I nodded.
“I guess saying it might be a bit too personal would be out… When?”
Another deep breath and stood up. “How about now?”
“Right now?” She was taken aback. “But your father-”
“He’s downstairs fast asleep. Early flight, remember?”
Her mood seemed to change as she shifted in her seat. “I do.” Her clothes somehow seemed to grow tighter. “Do you have your camera?” she asked looking up at me with her large almond eyes.
“No,” I said, sensing suddenly their collective disappointment. “But I do have a camera.”
Confusion showed upon their faces up until my eyes settled on Dad’s red camera bag sitting just in the other room.
“You want to use Dad’s camera?” Kelly asked bewildered. “What a way to break it in.”
“It’s the same as mine, and I’ll just load the photos on my laptop which is in the car. Plus, I want to take advantage of this opportunity.”