Chapter 11.
Eliza and Stephan
We regained some semblance of respectability, clothes put on and adjusted, in time for Eve to make an appearance to get a look at Stephan. Eve became all girly, coquettishly shy and innocent in his presence.
Stephan, I could tell, was enthralled by her.
She whispered out of Stephan's earshot.
"You have a well fucked look about you Eliza, when can I have some of his cock? He is scrumptious."
I just looked at her wide-eyed.
While Stephan busied himself with the business plan, we went upstairs.
Eve said she had pulled a big personal favour from the delivery contractor, which would cost her.
They would deliver the new sofa at six p.m. and pick up the old one, which they would bring to the studio on Monday at seven a.m.
Eve would meet them and let them into the studio, but she needed a set of keys from me and said she didn't mind.
"I will give them what they want for the favour."
''I should be the one to pay.''
Eve laughed, advising me that the payment involved using the old sofa, or the back of it and for her to be bent over it bum up to pay the driver and his mate. Eve said she was looking forward to it.
Again, she had shocked me.
Eve advised she had been out with the driver on and off for two months. The driver's mate would be allowed to watch and film with his phone, as though this was all in a day's work.
I shrugged my shoulders and responded.
"That's settled then."
With me thinking, who am I to moralise?
We left for the cottage in plenty of time for the delivery and collection.
The removal guys were efficient and friendly. I realised on meeting the two hunks why Eve was happy with the payment arrangement.
I gave them a Twenty-pound tip and whispered to Rob, the driver.
"Be careful with the sofa on Monday, it is a few years old but try not to make a mess on the leather. I don't want to clean it when I get into my studio and thank Eve."
Only then did he realise where he was making the delivery to was my studio and that I knew the reward Eve planned for delivering it.
I slipped him my mobile number written on a small piece of paper.
"Send me the clip please."
His eyes widened in amused surprise. He just nodded.
Stephan admired my sofa, complimenting me on my choice and taste. We tried it out with a bit of old-fashioned snogging.
We both showered and dressed for dinner.
I wore a short, light blue cocktail dress.
Stephan was short of clothes due to his unexpected stayover but looked good in chinos and a black botany wool roll neck and decided to carry his slightly crumpled jacket.
I had made a reservation at the Brudenel Hotel for eight p.m., which was a five-minute stroll.
We arrived at seven forty p.m., were given menus and went to the bar for an unusual aperitif, a brandy sour.
Silently, we sipped our drinks and drank in each other.
A smartly dressed man approached us, an acquaintance of Stephan, who introduced me to him. He was around Stephan's age, handsome, immaculately dressed, and his name was Clarke.
Stephen explained he was helping me set up my photographic studio in Snape and proceeded to tell him all about it.
Clarke said he would like to see the studio when it opens. Stephen replied he would get an invitation to the opening party.
Unknown to him, we had not yet discussed and arranged any opening party.
After Clarke left us, we chatted until we were shown to our table by the restaurant manager.
"What opening party? We haven't even spoken about one."
I admonished him.
"It was a sudden inspiration. I will organise and pay for it as a gift to the most beautiful woman I have ever met.
I will give you a list of all the business contacts to invite them, you will need to get plenty of the right kind of work, should you want it."
I was taken back again by him and his help.
"Oh Stephan, thank you so much, I am so happy you're helping me, I will have to show my appreciation later."
I smiled at him as I replied.
The meal was superb. Stephan acknowledged four people he knew who were dining, giving them a nod or a wave.
"More possible work Eliza."
He chuckled.
After dessert and whilst waiting for our coffee, Stephan excused himself.
I ordered two large glasses of Brandy at the table.
Stephan returned with a tall, elegantly dressed lady, around forty years old, and introduced her as Willamena Dawson, an acquaintance.
We exchanged greetings, and she said in a plummy voice.
"Please call me Will or Billie, I answer to either.''
''I understand from Steph that you are about to open a studio at The Maltings in Snape.''
I nodded.
''I would welcome the opportunity to view the studio, as I have some photography work I need to get shot soon.''
''Can I visit you next week? I will bring the shoot brief to see if you are interested in the work. Here is my card. I will call you.''
''I must dash now"
With that, she was gone. Stephan smiled at me as I was still digesting all that 'Will' had said and looked at the business card.
Willamena Dawson
Managing Proprietor
Daring Fashion
Colchester
01823 678934
"Will owns fashion brands and has a new range that needs photographing. She pays well, never batted an eyelid at six fifty a day plus studio costs and exes.."
"I did some shoots for her when she first started her business. I didn't charge her, but she has always helped me in return, although I have never asked her for anything for the work.
Will is good fun, a bit exuberant at times, but a good solid friend."
He continued.
"I will help you with the work all you want."