Can anyone help with manning the display at the annual Photography Day this year?"
Dropping her eyes quickly, Paula studied her nails wondering what idiot would get suckered into that. A stirring beside her and she snapped her head up in horror.
"Nooooo. What are you doing?" she fiercely whispered, "It's on a Sunday. Our day."
He smiled down at here indulgently, explaining, "This is our camera club, we do what we can to help." Pouting dramatically, she subsided knowing full well that anything he was involved in would mean she would be too. The event would be an informational day for those interested in photography in any manner, from manufacturers of cameras, film and equipment to portraitists, camera clubs and the general public.
As the meeting broke up, she waited by the door for him, wondering at their involvement.
"It's a display of a mock-up of a sultans tent with a model in harem costume and the model is already lined up." he said, "You and I will decorate it and supply her costume. Think you can do that? We've already used her for photo shoots, she's a little slimmer than you."
Rolling her eyes, Paula's brain jumped to the design of the outfit, knowing she had plenty of suitable fabric and baubles to turn out something effective. What could be easier than a bikini top, short decorated vest and skimpy gauze trousers. Loads of gilt chains, junk jewellery and a coin necklace she owned would complete the picture of sexual enticement.
Offering him the use of the her extensive curtaining collection, they returned to her home, dropping her off to prepare the items for the next week's event. Thinking that at least the next date with her lover was entirely innocent, she would be able to work on the preparation without having to be furtive.
She was waiting on the kerb with a pile of boxes when he turned up very early the following Sunday, he smiling broadly. Studying him, she queried, "What's so funny? We're missing out on our time together."
He just smiled - so shrugging, Paula helped load the car and they crossed the city to the display park.
Stapling and tacking the fabric and decorations to the tent frame erected by the other members, she muttered,
"You know, this is corny. Why would anyone want to waste film on this set up? So she'll be half naked, what'll they do with the pictures?"