We unpacked quickly, trying to save as much light as we could. I carried the bulk of the equipment; which was primarily the dressing room kit, two large duffle bags, and both my digital and film SLRs. Kelly carried the clothes and Mom just carried a makeup kit for touchups. Had there been anyone to see us, I’m sure we would have been quite the troop as we marched our way along the sand.
“Oh wow, Jason,” Kelly said in awe. “This is so beautiful.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Sis.” I pointed up the hill back towards the car. “The campsite we used to stay at was up over there.” I turned to Mom. “Damn, that must have been, what, twelve years ago?”
“Fifteen,” she said without looking up. “I almost forgot about it.” Mom seemed to laugh as if lost in a memory as she watched the thundering waves.
“Man, that was like a whole other lifetime ago,” Kelly said, trudging along ahead, leaving Mom and me behind.
The wind billowed through the air, forcefully pushing against us. I couldn’t help but chuckle hoping they didn’t spend too much time working on Mom’s hair. I turned to ask her when I noticed she was lost in thought.
“Hey Mom,” I began. “Doing alright?”
“Hmm?” she said turning back to me, her hair flittering in the breeze. “Sorry. Just thinking.”
I smiled. “No worries. How you feeling?”
She scrunched her nose. “A bit nervous, actually. I hope they turn out good.”
“Hey, between her clothes, my skills, and your looks; we’re gonna blow it away. Don’t even stress.”
“I know,” she said looking down. “It’s just… never mind.” She shivered, snapping herself out of her train of thought. “So… any pointers?”
“About what? Modeling?”
“No, I was thinking of investing in a tech company and wanted your advice,” she said. I remembered now who I got my sarcasm from.
“Oh, okay. Fuck off then,” I joked watching her eyes and smile grow big in shock.
“Watch your mouth, young man!” she said laughing as she smacked me in the arm.
“What? Didn’t you just say last night it’s okay if we swear?” I said.
“No, I said it’s okay for your sister. Never said it was okay for you, Buster,” she teased. “Now come on now, be serious for a moment. I’ve never really done this before so what do you suggest I do?”
I shrugged. “Honestly, nothing too far outside of the norm. We aren’t going for posh, or glamour; that’s not this style. We are going for fun, sassy, with a little bit of sexy.” I said showing an inch between my fingers. “I’ve actually been thinking about it and I think you’ve the perfect personality to showcase with this line up so basically, just be yourself.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Easy to say. So what, no poses or anything?”
I laughed. “Oh we will be doing poses. Just do what you feel inclined to do. Go with your impulse first. If need be, I’ll guide you.”
She stared into my eyes and sighed. “Okay Mr. Director. I’m all yours,” and she smiled.
Kelly turned around as if sensing a lull in the conversation. “So where are we going to do this?”
“Just up ahead. There’s this really nice cove around that bend I think would work well.”