Working as a freelance photographer has always been a passion of mine. The soft, rapid clicks of the shutter and the diffused flashes of light dancing across the walls as I strolled through my studio's loft always seemed to put me into a hypnotic trance, the subjects positioned before me became nothing more than a fixture of the space as I positioned myself around them, always looking for that perfect shot...
The days that once started with searching the internet and local papers for my next gig quickly turned into photo sessions that earned more money than I had even though possible. Not only did I love what I was doing, it turns out that I was good. In fact, I was really good. Reservations were starting to come in months and even years in advance. The pay was amazing, the clientele were satisfied and I was happy. Lonely, but happy. As I glanced through my growing portfolio, my eye caught a picture that I had intentionally tucked away toward the rear of the pages. Face and neck glistening from the moist heat that settled on that private island in the Caribbean, a set of deep turquoise eyes gazed back framed by a strawberry blonde mane. Isabella.
Hearing the phone ring I quickly snapped back to reality. "Photos by Charlie" I said instinctively, all the while thinking it was time to come up with something more professional. The man on the line was a bit out of breath, almost panting, "Charlie! I'm glad I caught you!"
Wondering to myself where else I would be at 2am on a Thursday morning I responded, "You caught me. What's up?" What's up? Seriously Charlie, get a grip here.
"I need a huge favor! I have family flying in from the States tomorrow my waste of space son-in-law who offered to film the wedding has decided to back out at the last minute!"
"Flying in from the States? Who is this and how did you get my number?" Come on Charlie, act like a damn professional. It may be early in the morning, but this is still a potential client.
"Charlie! It's me, James! James Cordova!"
You have to be kidding me... James Cordova, the father of the turquoise eyed beauty Isabella. "Mr. Cordova I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize the number."
"James, call me James. And I should be the one apologizing for calling out this early hour. But tell me Charlie, can you make it? Are you free for the weekend?"
Without hesitating I responded with a yes. Looks like my little country getaway will have to wait.
"Grab your bags then. I have jet waiting and Isabella is on her way to escort you."
With a quick click of the receiver, I was left standing at the desk, phone in hand staring back at the photo of Isabella. I loved how they called their little homestead, "The Cordova Keys". To be honest, homestead is a far reach for words. James Cordova was a billionaire who earned his fortune in a joint venture with his brother Javier, a venture which had remained a mystery beyond that. For all I knew, it could have been gun or drug related. I laughed out loud at the image of James and Javier sitting back in lavish style on one of their island mansions, protecting their fictitious marijuana fields with outstretched arms holding weapons towards the boats that passed by on the horizon. The laugh quickly softened as the gravity of the situation took hold. I needed to repack. Hell, not only did I need to repack, but I needed to cancel my ride to the cabin and get my gear secured. I knew form my previous visit to The Cordova Keys that I would need every camera, lens and piece of equipment that was available in my arsenal. The diverse settings of the islands and the family homes scattered across them would take every trick I had learned over the years and stretch them to their limits.
Not long after I had finished repacking my clothes and securing my gear, there came a sharp knock at the door. When opened, I was surprised to find two older gentleman dressed in driver's attire beckoning for my belongings. Slowly stepping aside and motioning towards the pile of luggage in the middle of the room, I became aware of a second presence behind me and a light feminine caress on my arm. Turning slowly, I was awed to see the now 23 year old enchantress Isabella. Seven years had passed since my first visit to The Cordova Keys where I was hired to capture the sweet sixteen celebration of the youngest of the Cordova children. Now, at a staggering 5'10', she was the perfect picture of health and beauty. The tops of her tanned breasts were just visible over her white blouse that was cut to accentuate her toned and lean arms. Her white skirt swayed gently in the breeze of the corridor of the complex as she crossed the threshold and gave me a warm embrace. When I realized that the men holding my belongings were ready and starting to stare at the sight before them, I motioned towards the door as I locked up behind them and escorted Isabella back to the awaiting limo. As we walked, she spoke for the first time in a hushed tone, "I missed you Charlie."
Blushing, I quickened my pace, reached out and opened the door to the limo as I beckoned her to take a seat. As we rode to the airfield only a few miles away, we chatted about the minor events in our lives since we had last seen each other. She had just finished her schooling here in the States and was travelling back home for her sister's wedding. A breathed a sigh of relief at hearing that little detail and my mind drifted back to that island all those summers ago when the young Isabella had flaunted herself in front of me, showing me her young yet full figure as she pretended to drop her bath towel and teased me as we swam in the family pool. There was even the last night of my visit, where she had grabbed my neck and gave me a deep kiss before running up the stairs to her bedroom...
"Charlie?" Isabella said.
I glanced up to see her reaching for my hand. The door was open and the driver and his aide had already begun to load our luggage onto the jet who was idling nearby.