Candace's appointment, a young family of three she had known since their little boy was born, arrived at exactly two o'clock.
"Sorry. Are we terribly late?" The wife, Allison, rushed her 2 year-old son and husband inside Candace's studio that was built onto her home.
"No, you guys are fine. Come on in," Candace had to try hard that day at her fake nice act.
"Wow, what happened to you? You look terrible!" Allison oozed.
"Gee, thanks," Candace half-smiled. "I just had a long night, that's all."
"Oh?" Allison raised an eyebrow and was immediately interested.
"You'll have to excuse her. She tries to live vicariously through others now that she's a boring old married hag," David, her husband smiled.
"Oh stop it! I do not!" she gave him a playful slap on the arm.
"It's ok," Candace laughed. "Why don't you guys take a seat over there?" She went about adjusting the lighting and backdrop when she heard a faint knocking.
"Did you guys hear that?" she cocked her head to one side.
"Hear what?" Allison asked, too caught up in her own little world of keeping her young son from running around the room. The knocking came again.
"I'll be right back. Make yourselves comfortable." Candace made her way through the house to the front door.
Who the hell could it be?
she wondered. No one she knew well ever came in the front. She unlocked the deadbolt and opened the door.
"Hey. Sorry I didn't call first. I thought I would surprise you. Plus, I was kind of afraid you wouldn't answer my call." Sam stood in front of her with his hands shoved in his pockets, grinning a little nervously. Candace realized her mouth was hanging open.
"Well, you definitely surprised me," she gave a genuine smile, but it quickly turned into a frown.
"How the hell did you get my address, anyway?"
"I remembered it from you giving it to the cab driver last night. Before we, uh, changed plans," he looked at her sheepishly.
"Oh. Right. I can't believe you remembered that. Especially after how much we had already drunk," Candace laughed.
"I told you. You don't want to challenge me in a drinking contest." They both laughed. "Who sounds like the alcoholic now?"
"Look, I'm a little busy right now, but you can wait or come back later or something if you want."
"Oh, uh, sorry. Your appointment, right? I thought you would be done by now. Sorry. I thought I could take you to pick your car up," Sam glanced down at his feet.
"Oh my God! I forgot all about it! Would you? That would be so nice. Just, um, make yourself at home. Shouldn't be more than an hour," Candace moved to the side, letting Sam in.
"Thanks very much. I'll just watch some telly for a bit," he plopped down on her couch.
Candace tried to suppress her stupid grin as she made her way back to the studio.
"Sorry about that," she went back to where she left off.
"Who was it?"
"Jesus, Allison, would you give it a rest? Leave the poor woman alone."
Candace shook her head. "It's just a friend," she beamed. "Say cheese." The family of three all gave their most realistic-looking fake smiles.
Allison wasn't falling for it. "JUST a friend?" she looked suspicious. "Was it the same 'friend' that kept you up so late?"
Candace said nothing more, but her face was turning red behind her camera. She clicked away, without noticing that Sam had started peeking in, trying hard not to be noticed. Five minutes had passed before Allison even said anything.
"So, Candace. Is that your 'friend' out there?" she pointed.
Candace turned toward the door and smiled at Sam, holding her index finger up.
"Okay, guys. I think we're all done here if you want to come pick out which ones you like best." Candace led them to the computer where you could view the images off her camera instantly.
"Take your time," she said as she headed toward the door. She cracked it a few inches.
"You're being awfully nosy today. You don't have to stay if you're bored, but we're almost done, really."
"No, no. Just thought I'd get a peek at you in action. Nothing good on the telly anyway," he smiled that wonderful, bright smile of his.
"Alright, Mr.Paparazzi. I'll be right with you," Candace rolled her eyes as she began to walk away.
"Aw, that's you, love. You're the one with the camera," he winked. She just shook her head.
"So, what do you guys think?"
"I think you should introduce us to your friend," Allison giggled.
"I meant your pictures," Candace laughed.
"Oh, come on. Lighten up." Allison proceeded to point out which pictures they wanted in what sizes.
Candace set the order form on her desk in the corner. "Thanks so much, you guys. Pictures should be done in about a week. I'll give you a call," she held the door open for them. Allison turned and gave a little wave in Sam's direction. Candace rolled her eyes, smiling, and shut the door behind her. She crossed the room to let Sam in.
"Sorry you had to wait. I guess that's your own fault for popping in on me," she chuckled. "Shall I give you the grand tour now?"
Candace led him through the house and finally stopped back in the living room.
"I don't know what you were talkin' about last night, but I think your house is lovely," Sam intertwined one of his hands in Candace's. She blushed.
"You seem to be in a better mood today."
"Yah...I am now," she beamed.
"Oh. I forgot to mention. There's a catch to me taking you to pick your car up."
"Oh really? What's that?" she raised an eyebrow at him.
"You have to tell me what was wrong last night."
"Aw, Sam. Come on. You don't want to know anyway. I was just being...stupid."
