The first thing I notice are her lips. Lush and full. They're killer with that bold red lipstick. Her red hair is like fire, shoulder length with waves. I'm guessing she's in her 40's, which is older than my normal clientele, but I can still see her being a model in some way.
I'm alone in my studio because it's lunch hour. This is Beverly Hills where it's normal to have striking women come through these doors. When she approaches, her smile is brilliant. Nude model? Doesn't seem like her personality. A news anchor is more likely, with a real television smile if I've ever seen one.
She offers a handshake.
"Hi, my name is Elena, we spoke briefly on the phone days ago."
"Ah, right. I'm CJ, the owner of this humble establishment."
"Glad to meet you," she says. "I had extra time during lunch and wanted to check out the studio."
"Let me guess, news anchor?"
She laughs. "I get that a lot. No. Actually, I own a dental practice."
"That explains the perfect set of teeth. So what brings you here?"
"I'm interested in updating my professional headshots. I know you typically work with fashion models, but I'm happy to pay."
She's right, fashion models are what pays the bills around here. I give her a lookover. I brush her hair aside. Her makeup game is on point. The woman is a beauty and I'm wondering what she's doing working at a dental practice.
"Yeah, we can figure something out," I say. "You missed your calling. You could have been a model. Maybe that can still happen."
"Flattering. I did modeling work in my younger days to help pay for college."
"Why did you stop?"
"A career in finance seemed more stable."
"Now you're in the dental industry."
She nods. "My late husband started a successful dental practice, I managed the place, when he passed I became the sole owner. My son finished dental school recently and works there. I'm hoping he becomes the owner someday."
"A family business. How nice."
"Hopefully it'll stay that way. Business slowed when my husband passed. He was the driving force. You know how it is. A friend suggested updating my portfolio. That's why I'm here."
I reach out and fluff her hair. The style is good, but not professional grade. I can tell she goes to a local salon and pays standard rates. Yeah, there's potential here. I should comfort her over the loss of her husband, but that's not my place. Helping her earn more money is what's appropriate.
"Let's see what we can cook up," I say. "Interested in some quick test shots? After that we'll make an appointment. I'll have my stylist work magic on you."
"That would be amazing."
My studio looks like a warehouse, tall ceiling, the infrastructure and electric wiring on display. I love how gritty it looks. There are stations for makeup, different backdrops and lighting equipment, and expensive cameras all around. Make no mistake about it, stars have been made here.
Elena stands in front of a light gray backdrop. I grab a 35 mm film camera and start shooting, nothing fancy, just gauging her comfort level and what lighting works best for her. Exactly as I thought. The woman is a natural. She tosses her shoulder-length red hair and smiles. Glorious.
That smile. God. The pouty curves on those lips. I can imagine scores of women going to plastic surgeons with a picture of Elena, saying, 'I want what she's got.' And those teeth. They gleam under the studio lights. Flashing those pearly whites would do wonders for her business.
Her movements stop, the smile ends.
"Is it easy to find modeling gigs?" she asks. "You know, for someone my age."
"How old are you?"
"I turn 46 in a few months."
"Modeling gigs come and go. I can make inquiries if you're serious."
"I just might be. Being in front of the camera again makes me feel alive."
"Some people are born of this. You certainly have the lips."
xxx
Over a typical month I correspond with at least 100 people. Models, agents, different businesses, inquiries that never lead anywhere. You can imagine how time consuming the process is. On hot nights like these I prefer being nude in my apartment bedroom with the window open. While answering emails at my desk, I see an offer from a friend who specializes in adult-themed products.
He professes his love for Elena's professional headshots and wants to work with her. I look at the products and their description. We bounce emails back and forth. Elena would never go for this but the man is persistent.
My phone rings, it's him, and he gets straight to the point.
"I must have that woman," Diego says.
"With these products, are you serious?"
"Lubrication and penis cream. As wholesome as it gets, sweetheart."
What I love about Diego is that he's a consummate businessman. A bit of a sleaze, but a businessman nonetheless. There's a reason he drives around in a sports car and wears expensive jewelry, it's because he makes dozens of calls per day, constantly on the hustle.
The product will be advertised alongside pornography over in Japan where natural red hair is unique. Apparently red-haired white women are a thing over there. Good taste if you ask me.
"At least talk to Elena about this, please," he says. "Will you do me that favor?"
"She'll never go for it. But thanks for calling."
"Trust me, sweetheart, ladies will do anything if the price is right."
"I'll let her know about the offer."
"Can you also ask about her son?"
"In what way?"
"Joining the shoot," he says.
"With penis cream involved?"
"His penis."
"Been drinking?" I ask. "Goodnight, we'll talk tomorrow."
"No, wait, wait, wait, I'm serious. Elena could make big money from that. Huge money. I'll get commission. You'll get commission. Everyone's happy."
"Money from who? What maniac would pay for such a thing?"
"Japanese hot shots. They'll blur most of Elena's face for the marketing of their products, they just want that smile and red hair. And they'll pay for exclusives, the good stuff. Real stuff is popular over there."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me."
"I'll send more info, okay? Let me make a few calls, shoot a few emails. Get the numbers worked out. Got it?"
Adult modeling and light pornography are in my wheelhouse -- sometimes. If the price is right. But this? Fetish content is something I've always steered away from.
"Fine, send it over."
"Ah, great. Work your charm talking to her, okay?"
They say everyone has a price, I guess this is mine. My nipples turn rock hard.
x
Elena swings by the studio as things are settling down late afternoon. 19 year-old twins have finished a photoshoot, both looking to break into commercials, paid for by their father. My stylist is helping to remove their makeup and outfits so they look 'regular' again before leaving.
I pull her aside so we can talk in private, away from my other employees and models.
"Full disclosure," I say. "There's a substantial commission for me. That's why I'm telling you about this fucked up offer. You're going to laugh."
"Well, I've already come all this way."
"$50,000 for starters. Potential bonuses. Your identity will be concealed, they love your smile and red hair."
Penis creams, lotions, a company in Japan and dealing with their business men. I explain everything to Elena the same way it was explained to me. I emphasize that she'll be anonymous, which helps to calm her, but the sexual parts keep her on edge. Her arms are crossed tight which is always a telling sign. But her eyes are engaged, hanging on my every word.
"And I'm expected to pose with a young male?" she asks.
"That's non-negotiable. They want a male model included. Do you have a young guy in your life? Someone you're seeing on the side?"
"I'm not seeing anyone. My whole life is making sure the business stays afloat."
"There's more to the offer. This is the part that'll make you cringe."