La Photographie Moderne

cold weather?"

  "Oh yes. I like to wear my winter clothes." He said cheerfully.

  "Winter clothes. So what do you plan on doing after this job? You like advertising don't, or is it public relations?"

  "I like public relations. I want to concentrate in that area." His eyes had a gleam in them.

  "Well I might just help you out soon, when I need some PR for my upcoming show. Do you moonlight?"

  "Well I never have, I better ask my boss."

  "You don't have to ask your boss if you can moonlight as long as it doesn't' conflict with his clients. I am sure you don't have anything to worry about. I like fresh minds. How long have you been out of school?"

  "Just six months."

  "Still green, Jeff hasn't spoiled that mind of yours with his ways has he?"

  "Oh no, I have only learned more from him." Jimmy said proudly.

  "Yes, that's what I am afraid of, he'll teach you the old ways. Well don't worry, you'll do fine. It will be in a few months. I hope you can do it." Reason said this with all sincerity.

  "I do too," was Jimmy's reply and then he smiled.

  "Now let's do the Dell Inspirion. I am going to have a black back drop. It will contrast with the others. He set up the backdrop by pulling down a sheet of all black.

  "Wow that's cool." Jimmy said with a smile.

  "Yes, tricks of the trade. There are over 50 colors in that. And you can change some of the lighter ones by using two at the same time." Reason explained. Reason liked having fun with Jimmy, who in all reality was just a young green kid. "We'll be finished in a few minutes. Do you want to get a bite to eat?" Reason asked.

  "Well I need to get back to the office, but I haven't had lunch. Is there a place close?"

  "Right down the street, we can walk. I am going to go finish the roll and then have this picked up to be developed. You can repack up the laptops. How about in ten minutes we go to lunch?

  "Sure, I don't have to really pack these back up, because we are going to be using them at the office." Jimmy said politely.

  Reason went to the lab to move the film and pack it up for a pick up. He dropped in a lock box at the back door. Then phoned it in for a picked up. "Ready?" He asked Jimmy walking back to the studio.

  "Oh yes, can you help me put them back in the car?"

  "Let's do it when we get back. I am starving." Reason headed for the back door.

  "Colbert!" Reason hailed her. She came running to the front. "Let's go for lunch." He put her leash on and opened the door.

  "Jimmy come." He walked out the door. Jimmy came out in a second.

  "I had to wash my hands. Nice bathroom, even a shower." Jimmy said.

  "It came with the building. So I remodeled it a bit. Yes there have been times I have used it after work, before going out to a gala. So tell me Jimmy, you lived here all your life?"

  "My family moved her just before I was born. I love it here, but I want to travel and see the world."

  "In time I am sure you will be able to do that, you're still young. So do you have a boyfriend?" Reason said it nonchalantly.

  "Not right now, too busy for that with work and all." Jimmy replied without hesitation. Reason put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it a bit. Jimmy was pretty comfortable with himself, he liked that.

  "Well that's smart. When the career is in full throttle, then find a man and always remember, never settle for someone so you won't be alone. Be true to yourself always."

  "It seems the best way. I just get distracted when I am in a relationship, and can't focus on work. Do you have a boyfriend?"

  "Yes I do. His name is Didier. I met him at the Bagel shop right down the street. He's a beautiful man."

  "You deserve one." Jimmy replied.

  "Well thank you, that is kind of you." Reason smiled at him. They ate lunch on the outdoor patio and then walked back to the gallery. Reason helped Jimmy load the computers into his car and then said goodbye. Jimmy had been very quiet on the walk back, and Reason wondered why. He finished the day by going over some paperwork and then headed home, Colbert in tow.

  Didier was already there when Reason drove up. He thought that odd. Maybe he missed him. Upon entering the house, he found candles lit up everywhere, the lights were all out. Some new music was playing from the living room and bedroom. He had never heard it before. Reason smiled, he knew Didier wanted a romantic evening. He slowly and quietly walked down the hall to the bedroom. There he found Didier pouring some chilled champagne.

  "Bon jour mon ami."

  "Come in and close the door."

  He closed the door and took the glass of champagne and they toasted.

  "To happy times together."

  There was incense burning in the window sill, the cool breeze was blowing in.

  "Today is our anniversary of when we met. I wanted to have an evening alone with you." Didier proceeded to tell Reason. "I hope you don't mind that I let myself in."

  "You can let yourself in anytime to surprise me." He had totally forgotten about the day and the month they had met. The night was glorious.

  The next morning,

  Reason awoke to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. Didier was just coming back in from the bathroom, he had brushed his teeth. He crawled back into bed and cuddled up to Reason.

  "Well how did you sleep?" Didier asked.

  "Wonderful!" Reason said. "I love to wake up in my bed with you."

  This started a passion play that lasted for more than an hour, and then it was time to get ready for work. Reason was spent. His body was so relaxed and he felt that euphoric sensation in his entire body. He really loved Didier and this was so beautiful. Didier went to shower and he went to have another cup of coffee.

  "You know I love your shower. The pressure is fantastic, just really feels great.''

  "I am so glad you like it. You may shower here any time. Will you have another cup of coffee?"

  "I will take it with me, must be headed to work." Didier poured himself a cup and then kissed Reason goodbye. "I will call you at lunch."

  "How is Catherine?"

  "This was a way to get out of the house and away from her, but she is fine being boring."

  "You'll get used to her being there, don't worry about it and you can always crash here."

  "Thank you."

  "Good bye, I loved last night and this morning."

  "We'll do it again soon." Didier departed.

  Chapitre 26

  One week later.

  "Well, what do you think of this minivan Catherine? Comfy?"

  "All our luggage fit, and you brought so much. What is all that for?"

  "I want to take some shot's of the lighthouse and I brought my camera and a tripod. It's not much really. You have three bags, what's in those bags?"

  "Oh just my clothes dear." Catherine said with a smile. There drove off into the morning, stopping in to buy coffee and a bagel for some nourishment. Reason loved to start the trip out early in the morning when it was still dark and then as it became morning, it was such a peaceful feeling to watch the sun rise.

  The coffee was good, made him perk up, he wasn't used to waking up so early, but the excitement of the trip woke him up at 4 a.m. without much despair. The trip would take almost 4 hours, so they had to stop and eat brunch along the way. Catherine feel asleep soon after leaving, the van rode smoothly along the interstate with little noise. The first rest stop was after they had driven 98 miles. Reason was ready to get out and stretch.

  "Catherine, were here at a rest stop, would you like to stretch or use the restroom?" Reason was unbuckling, as he said this. He was a bit stiff after sitting that long, and it felt great to stretch.

  "Oh yes, I need to stretch and freshen up. I had the most wonderful nap. How long did I sleep?"

  "Oh not long, about an hour. It was a pleasant drive and I didn't mind." Reason said as he put on his coat, "It's a bit chilly. Do you want your sweater." Reason reached in the back seat to hand Cather
ine her sweater."

  "Thank you, dear. I'll just need this. How much longer do we have to drive?" She asked with a smile not realizing she was using the oldest saying in the world when you are on a road trip.

  "I would say about three more hours, but we will stop for brunch sometime to break it up and I know this quaint little café off the highway up in Morro Bay. You'll love it."

  "How lovely Brunch on a week day," with a smile as they walked to the rest stop.

  Reason was standing there in the chilly air. A few other cars had pulled in and it was the same, people would get out of their cars and stretch and yawn and move slowly. Reason went to the van and waited. Catherine came back and offered to drive and Reason took her up on the offer. He needed a cat nap himself.

  One hour later.

  "Reason, Reason, wake up," Catherine was telling him.

  Reason woke up groggy. "How long did I sleep?"

  "Well we are in Morro Bay."

  "Already, wow that was an entire hour of sleep."

  "I just kept driving, I didn't want to wake you but you said we would have brunch here."

  "Now I am not sure where it is exactly, but when we get there, I'll know it."

  The café was an old 1960's dinner that had been updated with moderne touches here and there and like Reason said, was quaint. They dined on chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, which Catherine remarked, "were the best she ever had, except for Reasons." It was a good break from the drive, but Reason was ready to get back on the road. He couldn't wait to show Catherine the lighthouse. He had told her the story of how he first came upon it one day and taken photos of it.

  For the next hour Reason talked about his life. He sometimes felt like he took over