27 comments/ 128542 views/ 63 favorites Maybe She'll Say Yes By: Totzman "She said no." Alex didn't know who or what Steve was talking about; figuring maybe Steve has asked his girlfriend for head again. Alex flipped to the next page of his 120-page textbook "Art and Artists," as he took a sip from the Pepsi can resting on the pavement underneath his chaise lounge. "Michelle, I mean," Steve said. "She doesn't want to pose for you." Alex almost gagged on the cola that trickled down his throat. He placed, no, practically threw his text book aside to avoid spitting the cola all over the fine glossy pages as he tried to restore the air into his lungs. "You asked her?" Alex said in disbelief. "Well yeah, dude," Steve said, peeling off his shirt and eyeing the diving board above. "You said you wanted to draw a naked chick, right? I thought I'd help you get the ball rolling." Alex slammed his text book shut and slid it into his book bag. "I hope you didn't say it that way!" Alex said. "Michelle's gonna think I'm a pervert!" "So? She's not gonna do it anyway," Steve said. "You'll have to ask someone else." Alex rolled his eyes. Steve had never shown a sense of tact in the five years Alex had known him, why should he start now? "Hey, why don't you just do a still life?" JB asked. JB only briefly looked up towards Alex to make his helpful suggestion before resuming his attention to his iPhone, furiously pressing the buttons to ensure the T piece landed neatly onto the I and L pieces with no spaces in between. "Cause this dude's still a virgin who's never seen a naked chick in real life," Steve said, picking up a bottle of sunscreen. "Shut up, yes I have," Alex said. "The man's got a talent, might as well use it to get him some pussy," Steve said, smearing the sunscreen onto his arms. "Artists don't sleep with their models, Steve," Alex said. Don't know why they wouldn't," Steve said. "Especially if they got a good-looking one. Speaking of that- daaaaaaaaaamnnnnn!" Steve almost dropped the bottle of sunscreen as he twisted his head to ogle two bikini-clad girls who had just emerged from the women's locker room. "What do you think?" Steve asked. "The brunette could stand to lose a few, the blonde, no problem, no problem." Alex turned to check out the newly arrived babes. He agreed the brunette was a tad overweight but had a pretty face nonetheless. The blonde had fantastic breasts and shapely legs, but perhaps a bit too much makeup. Alex tried to imagine her under softer lighting with a prop next to her. That might make a decent piece, Alex thought. "Aw man!" JB shouted. "I got over 15,000 points and I just lost!" JB shrugged and set his iPhone aside. "Well screw this, I'm going swimming," JB said. He pulled his shirt up over his chubby torso and dropped it onto his chaise lounge. "Woah, Casper, nice tan!" Steve laughed. "Shut up Steve, not everyone spends their winters in a tanning booth trying to get that perfect shade of carrot orange," JB said. He then curled in to a ball and slammed his rotund body into the pool, splashing water all over Steve and Alex. "My sketchbook!" Alex shouted. The rush of displaced water careened onto the cover of Alex's sketchbook, which he had resting at the foot of his chaise lounge. "You got it wet, dickhole!" Alex exclaimed. He grabbed his towel and meticulously wiped the water from the cover of his sketchbook. Alex flipped the book open. His collection of pastel and charcoal drawings appeared undamaged. Alex flicked a speck of dust from the corner of one of his drawings and shut the book again. "Hey Leonardo, the pool is for swimming, not drawing," Steve said. "Why don't you get in and do a lap?" What the hell, Alex thought. He wasn't getting much work done anyway, and was still no closer to finding a model for his project. Alex put his sketchbook into his book bag and zipped it shut. As an extra precaution, he moved his book bag a few feet further from the pool. "All right, Gentlemen, let's clear the landing pad," Alex said as he stepped up to the pool's edge. He waited for JB to swim out of his way, only to find JB apparently hadn't heard a word he just said. "Hello, Earth to JB," Alex said, but JB was staring intently at the pool entrance. "She's here," JB said. "What?" Alex asked. "Hold onto your cock, sir, look who just walked in," Steve said. "Who are you guys talk-" and then Alex stopped mid-sentence when he saw her. Audrey Poma, Alex's crush of six years, just stepped out of the pool office building. Geared up in a very form fitting red swimsuit with the word "Lifeguard" sprawled across the front in bold white letters, Audrey scanned the pool area through her ruby red-framed sunglasses and licked her lips. Alex had to take a step backwards when he felt her gaze pass him. His heart skipped four beats and he went momentarily catatonic. Steve and JB, while not carrying the torch for Audrey that Alex did, were still very much captivated by Audrey's alluring presence. Steve wrapped his arm around Alex's shoulders. "Now THAT'S the girl you should get for your art project," Steve said, admiring Audrey's curvaceous body. "She'd never do it," Alex said is dismay. "Won't know unless you ask," Steve said. Alex turned to Steve sternly. "Do NOT ask her," Alex said, with a penetrating stare into Steve's eyes. "It's on you, buddy," Steve said, and jumped into the water. Alex was too busy watching Audrey climb the lifeguard tower to mind the water Steve had just splashed onto him. What a perfect body, Alex thought to himself. She would be a great model for Alex's final project, which he had informed Steve and JB two days prior would be a female nude. Alex's professor has encouraged the assignment, but Alex did not have the money to hire a professional model. He'd spent the past few days in the hopes of finding a girl who would do it for cheap, if he could find a delicate way to present the question. Now here he was, in front of the perfect girl, and he had no idea how to ask. "Come on, dude! Jump in!" Steve said. That's right, Alex said to himself. I need to just jump in. Taking a deep breath, Alex stretched his muscles for a few brief seconds, and plunged into the water below. ***** "Now THAT'S the girl you should get for your art project." Steve's voice echoed in Alex's head as he felt his heels touch the bottom of the pool. Ignoring the multitude of shuffling swimmers above him, Alex tried to imagine Audrey's slim, sexy body easing out of her tight swimsuit. Sliding the slinky material down her long legs, her round, firm breasts emerging into view. The mental imagine of Audrey's naked body danced about in Alex's brain. Firm. Gorgeous. Beautiful. A body any man would want to squeeze against his own. Alex leapt to the surface and took a breath of fresh air. He wiped the water from his eyes and saw her right in his line of sight. Audrey lifted her left leg and rubbed sunscreen up and down her calf, up over her thigh, around the outside of her thigh and then the inside as well. Even from this distance Alex could see that Audrey was absolutely fantastic looking. Alex felt lost among the crowd of swimmers around him. He was just another fish in the sea. "That's the girl," Steve's voice echoed again. Alex knew Steve was right. There was no sense just staring and thinking about it. Audrey might say no, but Alex was going to have to ask. There was nothing else he could do. Alex climbed out of the pool and dried himself off with his towel. Grabbing his brush and quickly combing his chlorine-soaked hair as nice as he could manage, Alex took his sketchbook from his book bag. Here goes nothing, Alex thought. Alex walked along the pool's edge. Every few seconds he glanced up towards Audrey, just in case she might have been looking at him. She was watching the pool. Alex finally arrived at the foot of the lifeguard tower. His heart felt like it would jump out of his chest. He had to do this. "Hi Audrey," Alex said. Alex waited. Audrey didn't respond. She might not have heard me, Alex thought. Alex considered saying it again. Wait, what if she had heard him? If he said it again he would sound desperate. Maybe Steve had told her what he was doing. Shut up, shut up, Alex told himself. It was time to get his head in the game. Alex cleared his throat. "Hi Audrey," Alex said again. Audrey looked down towards Alex. She lifted her sunglasses. She had the most gorgeous bright blue eyes that sparkled in the sunlight. "Oh, hi Alex," Audrey said, smiling. Alex melted. "How's it going?" Alex swallowed. "Great, you?" Alex asked. He tried to act casual, while clutching his sketchbook as if it contained the nation's nuclear arsenal codes. "Just working," Audrey said. "I was supposed to have today off but Nick called off." "That sucks," Alex said. He felt a gust of wind, and detected the scent of Audrey's hair. She smelled fantastic. Alex wondered how she kept that herbal smell in her hair when she sat by a large tub full of chlorine all day. "Hey, whatcha got there?" Audrey asked. She was looking at Alex's sketchbook. "Oh this?" Alex asked. "My sketchbook for art class." "Ooh, can I see?" Audrey asked. "Um, sure," Alex said. He handed the sketchbook up to Audrey. Audrey flipped it open to a page depicting a charcoal drawing of JB sleeping with his head on his desk. Audrey laughed. "I like this one," Audrey said. Alex nodded in appreciation. Audrey flipped to the next page. It was a pastel piece depicting Steve playing basketball. "You are really talented, Alex," Audrey said. "Thanks," Alex said. Maybe this was the time to ask, Alex thought. "I'm still trying to find a subject for my final project that's due next month," Alex said. "Ooh, maybe you could draw me!" Audrey giggled. "Well," Alex said. This was as good an opening as any. "You know I always wanted to be a model," Audrey continued. "You could do a drawing of me on this tower. I sit still all afternoon." Audrey laughed. "I could," Alex said. "But I was thinking maybe-" "Uh oh," Audrey said. A child thrashed about in the water helplessly. Before Alex could say another word Audrey dove headfirst into the water. Alex couldn't help but notice how majestically she swam towards the distressed youngster. Within seconds she had her grasp on the young swimmer and helped him wade towards the pool edge. "All right there, big guy?" Audrey asked. "I- I thought I could touch bottom here but I couldn't," the child said, panting. "Let's get you up," Audrey said. Audrey helped the child climb out of the pool and settle on the pool ledge. Alex stood by, awkwardly waiting for Audrey to finish her duties so he could continue making his subtle pitch. Alex could see Steve over by the vending machines, chatting with the blonde babe they'd seen entering the pool area earlier. He'd probably end up banging her later that evening. Alex wondered if Steve's girlfriend was oblivious to his womanizing or if it was just something she tolerated. Once Alex saw Audrey was on her way back to her post atop the lifeguard tower, he prepared himself to pop the big question. Whether he would have done it or not he wouldn't know because JB chose that exact moment to interrupt Alex's focus with the news he did not want to hear at that moment. "We got to go now," JB said. "Now? Why?" Alex asked. "My mom just called me. I need to drive my sister to band practice," JB said. "Then go," Alex said. "Steve can drive me home." "Steve said no," JB said. "He's trying to pick up that chick." "Aw shit," Alex said, knowing that he would have more success trying to build a car himself out of the pool's piping system than cock-blocking Steve. "All right look, just give me a minute okay?" "All right, but hurry up," JB said. Alex walked back to the lifeguard tower. "Hey Audrey?" Alex asked. "Yeah?" Audrey said. "Yeah, I was just wondering, if you wanted, maybe I could do a drawing of you if you wanted." Shit. That sounded stupid. "Huh?" Audrey asked. Alex had never in his life had so much trouble trying to put a sentence together. Maybe there was still time to salvage this. "You know, you said you wanted to model?" Alex asked. "Well, I need a subject for my final project. Would you want to come to my studio and pose for me?" Audrey stopped. Alex waited with baited breath. "For real?" Audrey asked. "Yeah," Alex said. "Want to?" "I'd love to!" Audrey said. "I thought you were kidding at first. Yes, That'd be fun!" Alex breathed a sigh of relief. "When's a good time for you?" Alex asked. JB tugged on Alex's arm. "Hey, we gotta go," JB said. "Hold on!" Alex whispered angrily, before turning back to Audrey. "Well, I got tomorrow off," Audrey said. "After that I got work and school every day 'til finals." "Oh, I guess we should do this tomorrow then," Alex said. "Yeah. Do you have my new number?" Audrey asked. "No, what is it?" Alex asked. "I don't know it by heart yet. Can you meet me after my shift? I'll give it to you then." "Um," Alex saw JB tapping his watch. "Yeah I'll see if I can be back here then. Five o'clock right?" "Right. See ya!" Audrey said. "See ya," Alex turned around and felt his insides explode with happiness. She said yes. Not even JB could spoil his mood now. "All right, we can go now," Alex said. "You didn't tell her you need her to be naked," JB said. "I know that!" Alex said. "I'll tell her later." Alex walked back to his chaise lounge and picked up his towel and book bag. After gathering all his belongings, Alex turned and took one last look at Audrey. "What if she doesn't do it?" JB asked. "I'll figure it out then," Alex said. "Come on; let's get your sister to band practice. I need to be back here at five." ***** It was 5:01 when JB turned left onto Pine Street, a block away from the pool. "Shit, you think she'll wait for me?" Alex asked. "I wouldn't count on it," JB said. "Hurry up then!" Alex said. "I'm not gonna risk getting a ticket just so you can get this girl's number!" JB moaned. For one brief second, Alex wondered if a van speeding towards a swimming pool would make a good subject for an art piece. Maybe later, Alex thought. JB pulled into the pool parking lot, and Alex hopped out. "Just wait here, I'll be back in a second," Alex said. Alex checked to see if a new lifeguard sat atop the tower. There was. "Damn, gotta hurry," Alex muttered to himself. Alex lifted the latch on the gate and hurried in to the pool area. Alex figured she probably went into the pool office after her shift, so he knocked on the door. A uniformed middle-aged woman answered. "Yes?" the woman asked. "Hi, is Audrey still here?" Alex asked. "Who are you?" the woman asked. "I'm- a friend," Alex said. "You're a friend of Audrey's?" the woman asked. "Hey Alex!" Alex heard Audrey say from within the office. "Come on in." Audrey opened the door and Alex stepped inside the cool, air-conditioned office. The woman gave Audrey a dirty look as she shut the door behind him. "This way," Audrey said. Alex followed Audrey back to the lifeguard's locker room. "Don't mind Teresa, she's always like that," Audrey said, opening the door to the locker room. "In here." "You sure it's okay I come in here?" Alex asked, walking in cautiously. "Of course, why wouldn't it be?" Audrey said. "No reason," Alex mused. He followed Audrey down a row of lockers. She stopped outside one and began fiddling with the combination. "I just got a brand new phone with a new number," Audrey said. "Let me get it for you." Audrey opened her locker and bent over, digging through her handbag. As she bent over, Alex couldn't help but notice her fine ass. It was so firm and defined, especially within the confines of her swimsuit. Alex wondered if she was doing that on purpose. Alex had always noticed that while many people stooped down when they needed to retrieve things that were located down low, often women with nice-looking asses would bend over, without bending their knees, and Alex found that so distracting. Did they want him to stare at their asses? She seemed to be taking her time too, digging around through her handbag. Alex had nothing to look at but her firm ass and the back of her thighs, and in the position she was in, she looked so deliciously inviting. He just wanted to go and give her ass a nice smack. Seemed like she was asking for it anyway. Alex managed to restrain himself and soon Audrey was back on her feet with her brand new phone. "You got to check this out," Audrey said. "It's got touch screen, GPS, I just love this thing!" Alex looked at Audrey's phone. "Yeah, that's cool. My friend JB has one kind of like that." "It's my baby," Audrey said, holding it tightly between her breasts. Alex realized he wouldn't mind being that phone for a day. "Now how do I find the number on this thing?" Audrey asked, flipping through all of the fancy menus. "Ahh, here we go. Ready?" Alex took out his own phone. "Ready," Alex said. "'k, its 747-555-2139," Audrey said. "Okay, got it," Alex said. "So what time do you want to meet tomorrow?" "Whatever's good for you," Audrey said. "I got the whole day off." "How about noon, then?" Alex asked. "I can use the morning to get the studio set up and I should be ready for you then." "Great!" Audrey said. "I can't wait to pose for you!" "Me neither," Alex grinned. "What do you want me to wear?" Audrey asked. Alex's heart skipped. "I-" Alex was stopped mid-sentence when Teresa walked into the locker room. "Audrey, your ride's here," Teresa said. "Ugh, I haven't even gotten changed yet," Audrey said. "Well, I got to go, we'll talk about this tomorrow then?" "Yeah, sure," Alex said. "Okay see you then!" Audrey said, gathering up her belongings. "Bye," Alex said. He walked out of the locker room, putting his phone back in his pocket. He waited until he was out of the pool office before clenching his fists and in one celebratory exclamation, shouting "YESSSSS!" ***** "You mean you still haven't told her you need her to be naked?" JB said in bewilderment. "I'm going to, alright?" Alex snapped. "Let's take things a step at a time." JB drove back down the street, trying his absolute damnedest to put a damper on Alex's superlatively happy mood. Alex stared out the window at a park across the street from the pool. The playground's swing-set and slide had been uprooted, and workmen were installing new playground equipment in their place. Out with the old, in with the new. "You're so dead," JB said. "When she gets to your studio tomorrow she's gonna flip when you drop that bomb on her." "I'm going to tell her before then," Alex barked, though he realized JB was probably right. It wouldn't be prudent to tell her over the phone, and he wouldn't see her again until she arrived at his studio door, ready to be his Mona Lisa. Hey Alex baby, here I am! What's that? You want me to take my clothes off? Okay! Here, help me unhook my bra! Alex sighed. He needed to think of something. ***** "Audrey, put some damn clothes on!" Craig Poma groaned when he saw his youngest daughter enter his front door still clad in her lifeguard uniform. An empty whiskey bottle rolled off the couch and onto the floor. "Sorry Dad, I didn't have time to change after work," Audrey said, strutting down the hall. Craig was still dressed in his work suit, though Audrey didn't bother pointing out that he also had yet to change from his work clothes and he'd been home for an hour. She smelt the whiskey as soon as she entered which meant only one thing. The Orioles were losing. Maybe She'll Say Yes "I know, you're always in a big damn rush," Craig said. Craig turned his attention back to the TV. "Fuckin' batter, learn to hit!" Audrey's sister Trish set her car keys on the kitchen counter. "Sorry, I guess I should have warned you," Trish said. "No worries," Audrey said, and walked into her bedroom, humming happily. She emerged now fully dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, which her father would likely complain were too tight on her. Audrey walked down the hallway, turned, and walked back into an empty bedroom, her oldest sister Katie's old room. There were paintings adorning the walls of Katie's room; the legacy of Audrey's mother. Audrey slowly walked around the room, admiring each of the pieces. There was one depicting Katie, when she was only ten, holding a doll. Audrey looked to the next painting. which showed an eight-year-old Trish, holding a beach ball and smiling. Audrey walked past many other paintings, a self-portrait of her mother, a painting of her father. And finally, Audrey's eyes rested on the only unfinished painting. The face and body had been etched out; clearly depicting Audrey when she was only five years old. Audrey's mother had succumbed to Multiple sclerosis before she could finish it. It was her greatest regret; not being able to have a finished piece for each of her daughters, but the damage to her nerves had prevented her from making the brush strokes she needed to finish the painting. Audrey reached out and touched the surface of the painting, feeling the rough sensation of the paint strokes. "Audrey, do you want any of this chicken salad?" Trish said, walking down the hall. "Audrey? Where are you?" Trish peered into the bedroom-turned-art-gallery. "Oh, here you are. What are you doing?" Trish said, entering the room. "Just looking at Mom's paintings," Audrey said with a smile. Trish walked to Audrey's side and admired the paintings. Trish rarely entered this room anymore, no one from the family did very often, but whenever they did they couldn't help but take another look at works from a time past. Trish looked over at Audrey, who hummed cheerfully. "What are you so happy about?" Trish asked. "Because I'm going to model again," Audrey said. ***** Alex opened the door to his studio and turned on the overhead lights. They flickered momentarily before illuminating the small dingy art studio Alex has set up in the storage shed behind his parent's house. Several of his art pieces were set up against the wall while the center of the room served as his work area. He had his own lighting kit, an easel, writing desk, and even a cot nearby for when he needed to relax and let his mind wander. Alex opened his book bag and removed several books he'd collected from the campus library and the bookstore. He was in need of inspiration. He flipped open a book he'd purchased featuring several pin-up pictures from the 1950s. Alex loved the quaint and innocent poses of the doe-eyed models; he thought they looked sexier that way. Alex had a fruit basket, a table and a chair to use as props. Somehow he had to find something that would compliment Audrey. Alex stayed up for hours, browsing his books, finding nothing that piqued his interest. Nor was he any closer to figuring out how he was going to ask Audrey to take off her clothes. Not finding anything helpful in his books, Alex flipped open his laptop and browsed through the Internet. Classic nudes, contemporary, there were plenty of ideas from which to choose. Alex needed something that would capture the ideal he felt Audrey best represented. Joy, happiness; Alex felt all kinds of emotions when he saw Audrey. He managed to stay awake past three a.m. before he conked out, dreaming about what he was going to do when Audrey arrived the next day. ***** "Oh Shit!" Alex said when he awoke at 10:45 the next morning, lying on the floor of his studio. His cell phone showed three missed calls from Audrey. "Shit, shit, shit," Alex muttered, groggily pulling himself to his feet. He flipped open his phone and called Audrey, waiting frantically for her to answer. "Hello?" Audrey said. "Hey, Audrey it's Alex, sorry I overslept," Alex said, wiping drool from his chin. "Hi, sorry, I was trying to tell you I might be late today," Audrey said. "I need to buy a gift for a four-year-old's birthday I totally forgot I have to go to this afternoon." "Oh, you do?" Alex asked. "Yeah, it's not till 4:30 though, will that be enough time you think?" "Should be enough," Alex said. "So anyway, where's your studio?" Audrey asked. "Oh, it's-" Alex fumbled about his studio, almost knocking over the stack of books on his desk. He had to think a second before he could remember his own address. "Five five oh five Melbourne, it's in the storage shed behind my house." "Okay, I'll be there as soon as I finish shopping. Hey, do you know if kids like Veggie Tales anymore?" Alex paused. "Um, I honestly could not give you a qualified opinion on that," Alex said. Audrey laughed. "You're funny, Alex." "Thanks," Alex said, scratching his head. He wasn't trying to be funny. That was honestly how he talked sometimes. "See ya at noon-ish," Audrey said. "Bye," Alex said. He hung up his phone. He now had an hour and fifteen minutes to prepare for his project., and just remembered something in his dream that told him exactly what he needed to do. What was it? He was in such a frantic mood when he woke up Alex completely forgot what he had just dreamt. Something Audrey had said brought it back. Gift for a kid? The light went on in Alex's head and he took out his phone again. "What up, bitch?" This was Steve's usual telephone greeting. "Hey Steve, I need to borrow your truck," Alex said. ***** Fortunately Alex didn't have to wait long for Steve. Alex could hear the thumping bass from Steve's speakers before he'd arrived, and was pleased to see Steve's black Ford pickup bounce up the gravel driveway, making the marijuana leaf-shaped mirror ornament twirl about. Steve screeched to a stop and Alex hopped into the passenger seat. "Thanks dude, I owe you one," Alex said, wrapping the seatbelt across his body. "So where's this thing we're picking up?" Steve asked. "The park by the pool. You know, the one across the street." "Where we saw that hot mom with the tight pants that one day?" Steve asked. "Yeah," Alex said. "Your memory serves you well." Steve backed out of the driveway and took off down the road. "So'd you get that chick to pose for you?" Steve asked. "Yeah, she actually agreed to," Alex said. "Really? And she was all ready to get her gear off for you? Fuck yeah," Steve said. Alex sank into the leather seats a little deeper. Now he had to hear it from Steve too. "Well, actually, I haven't told her yet about being nude," Alex said. Alex braced himself for Steve's reaction. "Why not?" Steve asked. Alex looked at Steve's face. Steve didn't appear shocked, just genuinely curious. "Oh, I just didn't get to it yet, I'm gonna though," Alex said. "Hopefully she'll be okay with it." "She will," Steve said. "She's got a nice body. Chicks with bodies like that love to show them off." Somehow, Alex found that reassuring. "So did you hook up with that blonde chick at the pool yesterday?" Alex asked. "Yeah she came back to my place last night," Steve said. "She had some nice-ass-titties. I let her give me head, ooh, she knew how to suck a dick, too. And then she starts jawing about how she loves me and shit and how I'm not like any guy she's ever met, and I told her I already had a girlfriend, and she started crying. Dude, I fucking hate that, when chicks cry, it pisses me off." Alex nodded in agreement, although he hadn't ever made a girl cry that he could remember. "So what'd you do?" Alex asked. "After that we fucked and then I told her to go home," Steve said. "She started crying again and told me I'm a jackass, and I said whatever, and she left. Her pussy was blown out too, I'm glad I used a rubber." Alex stared out the window. He wondered why guys like Steve had no problem getting girls, and it was near impossible for him. He didn't feel sorry for the girls that Steve hurt. Not when he'd been rejected by countless girls in favor of guys like Steve so many times, only to watch them walk away crying. Alex dismissed it as the way things worked. Alex actually enjoyed hearing about Steve's escapades, even though he secretly hoped one day Steve's girlfriend would find out about them. "Here it is," Alex said, pointing out the window. "I hope it's still here." Steve stopped his truck in front of the playground. To Alex's delight, the uprooted swing-set remained discarded at the park's border. "Yes, it's still there!" Alex said. "You think they'd care if we took it?" Steve shook his head. "Nah, I used to steal stuff from construction sites all the time, they never came looking for it," Steve said. Some questions about Steve's life were best left unanswered. "Okay, help me lift it into your truck," Alex said. Alex and Steve walked over towards the uprooted swing-set. Steve turned his head towards two young women pushing baby strollers down the sidewalk. "Check it out! Two no-problems at three o'clock!" Steve said. Alex looked towards the chicks. They weren't bad looking at all. Alex had to smile at the fact that no matter how big of a hurry he was in, he always had a few seconds to spare for ogling. Alex loved being a male. "No problem," Alex reiterated. He shook his head quickly and resumed his attention on the swing-set. "On three, ready?" Alex said. "One, two, three!" Alex and Steve lifted the swing-set by its legs and carried it towards Steve's truck. They hoisted it above their heads and over the truck's tailgate. "Okay, let's get this back to the studio," Alex said. ***** Alex and Steve had to do some difficult twists and bends but eventually managed to get the entire swing-set through the door of Alex's studio. They plopped it down in front of Alex's desk, shaking it a few times to ensure it was steady. "I got to hand it to you, Alex," Steve said. "A naked chick on a swing is a fuckin' sexy idea." Alex bit his lip and smiled. "Hope my piece is just that when it's done," Alex said. He checked his watch. It was five minutes to noon. "Hey thanks man, but Audrey's gonna be here any minute," Alex said. Steve raised his eyebrows. "I help you lug that shit around in my truck and you're not gonna let me watch her take those titties out?" Steve exclaimed. "Sorry, don't think it would be good form for a dude to be stroking himself while I'm trying to make art," Alex grinned. "You know I wouldn't be rubbing one out, I'd be on top of that shit!" Steve laughed. "Nice dude, but seriously, get the fuck out," Alex said. "Alright, but I expect a full report from you this evening!" Steve said, pointing at Alex with an outstretched arm. "You will let me know that you got your dick wet because of my help!" "Sure," Alex said. "Peace, pimpin," Steve said, and walked back out to his truck. Alex looked around his studio. He had his materials set up. He had inspiration. Now all he needed was the girl. Alex paced around in his studio. How was he going to phrase this? What was he going to say to her? Alex sat down at his desk and tapped his fingers on his desktop. One minute till noon. Alex shut his eyes and let out a sigh. Maybe if he just relaxed, the answer would come to him. Alex took a breath, and smelled that sweet smell from the pool yesterday. Not the chlorine, that sweet herbal smell of Audrey's hair. And footsteps- Alex could hear footsteps on the grass, approaching his studio. And finally he heard the sound of tapping on his studio door. Alex turned around and looked into the open doorway. Audrey was here. ***** She stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe with the biggest smile Alex had ever seen. She had sandals on her feet, and each of her toenails were painted bright crimson, with a beaded bracelet around her left ankle. She wore a red halter-top, cut nice and low enough to expose her generously sized cleavage. Below her halter-top, she had about two inches of exposed skin showing; she had very tanned and toned abs. Upon her hips she wore a short blue jean skirt with slits up both sides, revealing her firm and smooth thighs. She had a small white purse wrapped around her right shoulder, and a butterfly ring around her left middle finger. Her long blonde hair was tied back into a ponytail and fluttered in the afternoon wind. "Hey there," Audrey said. Alex's pulse raced as he admired her beauty. "Hey, come on in," Alex said. Audrey sauntered into the storage shed and looked around in curiosity. "Wow, this is your studio, huh?" Audrey said. "Yeah, take a look, tell me what you think," Alex said, standing up to greet her. Audrey walked around the studio, admiring the pieces Alex had displayed . She smiled in amazement at each one. "These are SO good, Alex!" Audrey said. "You are amazing!" Alex smiled humbly. "Thanks," he said. Audrey admired a painting of a little girl standing over an ice cream cone that she had dropped on the pavement. "You know my mom used to paint," Audrey said. "Yeah, I read your blog last night," Alex said. Audrey looked at Alex in surprise. "You read my blog?" Audrey asked. "So you saw my comment about-" "Yeah," Alex said. "Sorry she wasn't able to finish that piece for you. Hope today can make up for that." Audrey looked into Alex's eyes. "I'd really appreciate that, Alex," Audrey said. "So, you ready to get started?" "Yeah," Alex said, as he cleared the books off his desk. "Is this outfit okay?" Audrey asked, turning around for Alex to check her out her front and backsides. "I never did get to ask you what you wanted me to wear." Alex stopped. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that," Alex said. He fumbled the books he was holding, and dropped them on the floor. "Oh, let me help you with that," Audrey said, and helped him gather up the fallen books. She picked up one book, "Drawing the Nude," and glanced at the cover. "Just some reference material," Alex said, taking the book from her. Alex placed the books into his book bag and set it aside. "You draw nudes?" Audrey asked. "Well, I haven't yet, it's something I've been thinking about," Alex said. "Oh, ok," Audrey said. "Nothing wrong with that. So what did you want to talk to me about?" Alex swallowed. "The style," Alex said. "What style are you comfortable doing, you know, modeling for?" Audrey shrugged. "I don't know, you're the artist," Audrey said. "Well, I was looking through a lot of books for inspiration, to get ideas, about what style to do your picture as, so I thought-" "Like nudes?" Audrey asked. Alex felt his heart pound even faster. "Well, that was ONE idea I had, you know, possibly I could do at one point." "With me?" Audrey asked. "With someone, I didn't know if you'd be interested in that," Alex said. Audrey took a step closer to Alex. "Did you think I would ever pose nude for you?" Audrey asked. "Like I said, I didn't know, I was just thinking it," Alex said. "You were thinking about asking me to pose nude for you?" Audrey asked. Alex couldn't tell if Audrey was mad or simply curious. She seemed to be probing him with each of her questions, almost as if she were trying to get him to say something he shouldn't. "I- I don't know," Alex said. Audrey stared Alex in the eye. Alex thought he might die from the awkwardness. Finally, Audrey broke the silence with laughter. "I'm just teasing you, Alex, I heard you talking to your friend at the pool," Audrey said. Alex felt his heart sink. "You heard? You knew this entire time?" Alex said. Alex was dumbfounded. "Your friend JB is quite the loudmouth. I'm surprised the whole pool area didn't hear him," Audrey said. Alex covered his face with his hands. He had never felt so humiliated in his life. He shook his head for a few seconds and decided maybe this was for the better. "So you're okay with this?" Alex asked. Audrey tapped her finger on her elbow. "If you wanted me to pose nude why didn't you ask?" Audrey asked. "I didn't know what you'd say," Alex said. "Then you never will know," Audrey said. She sat down on a step, which lead to the back of the storage shed and crossed her legs. She took a small file from her purse and casually filed her fingernails. Alex took a breath. She wasn't going to make this easy. "Audrey," Alex began. "Yes?" Audrey said, looking up from her nails at Alex. "Will you pose nude for my project?" Alex asked. "Please." Audrey smiled. "Yes," Audrey said. "I would be happy to pose nude for you." Alex could have been told he'd won the lottery and felt less excited than he did right now. Those were the words he never imagined he might hear. And now that he'd heard them, the worst part was over. "Thank you," Alex said. "You're going to love this, I promise." "I'm sure I will," Audrey said, rising to her feet. "I guess I'll go get undressed." Audrey walked up the steps towards the back of the shed. Alex took another deep breath and got out his art supplies. He took out a 12 by 22-inch piece of cream colored drawing paper and laid it out on the desk in front of him. Through the corner of his eyes he could see Audrey standing near the far window pulling off her halter-top. Alex took out a set of pastels and set it next to the blank sheet. He rubbed his palms together as he looked at the blank medium before him.. Alex loved the anticipation before beginning a new piece; so many possibilities. Alex looked over at Audrey again. He saw her unhook her bra fastener and set her bra aside. Alex quickly took his gaze away. No sense staring, and he would see her soon enough. Alex sat down at his desk and placed his hands at both ends of the paper. Planning out how to frame it, imagining every detail before it went on the page. Alex was a detailed planner, at least for most of his projects. Alex could hear Audrey approaching so assumed it safe too look. The rear of the studio was rather dim so Alex could only see her silhouette walking towards him. Even shrouded in darkness, Alex could tell that Audrey had a fabulous figure. Audrey emerged from the shadows and stood at the top of the steps, where Alex could see her from head to toe. She was completely naked. Wow, Alex said to himself. Audrey had very large, beautiful breasts. Her nipples were small, oval-shaped with a feminine pink hue. Alex was astounded by her gorgeous curves. Her slim waist complemented her noticeably wider hips, which swayed so sexily in tune with each of her steps. Alex was pleased to see that her pubic hair was completely shaved, and he could see her labia peeking out innocently between her firm thighs. "Well, here I am," Audrey said sweetly. "Where do you want me to pose?" Alex gulped. "On the swing," Alex said, pointing to his newly acquired public property. Audrey laughed. "I was wondering why that was there," Audrey said. She made her way down the steps. Her legs looked so luscious as she descended the steps; Alex couldn't help but stand in awe of their exquisite beauty. As Audrey approached the swing-set, Alex was at last treated to a view of Audrey's backside, and he stole a glance at her round and absolutely perfect ass. He remembered how nice it looked when she was clad in her bathing suit and bending over her locker the previous day, and now here it was, fully exposed for his eyes to enjoy. Audrey took a seat on the swing and playfully rocked back and forth. Alex noticed her breasts had a pleasant bounce to them that he wondered if he would be able to capture on paper. Maybe She'll Say Yes "Okay, I need you to hold still now," Alex said. "I know, I was just getting in the mood," Audrey said. She stopped the swing and held her place. "Can you lift your right leg in the air?" Alex asked. "Point your toes at the window." Audrey did as she was instructed. "Now bend your left leg at the knee. Toes pointed down. There," Alex instructed. "Now lean back. Way back. Eyes closed. Perfect." In that position Audrey looked as if she was in mid-swing. Exactly the look Alex hoped. "Now hold that pose. Let me know if you get tired," Alex said. Alex took his pencil and sketched out an outline of Audrey's figure. He laid out the outline of the swing-set and made sure Audrey was mostly visible between the swing-set legs. Alex worked quickly; he always did when he did outline sketches. After several minutes he finally had a decent outline of Audrey's pose on the swing. Now it was time for the pastels. Alex was very meticulous about this. He took his time, carefully matching the correct shade of every detail in front of him onto the page. He added color and depth to Audrey's flesh, and slowly but surely, he brought the rough design on the page to life. Alex felt strange admiring Audrey's body so scrupulously. Normally it would be frowned upon to stare at a woman's body for so long, absorbing every detail into memory, yet here he was free to do it as much as we wished. Alex stared at Audrey's breasts long and good, carefully matching the exact details onto the page. He stared at the shape of her butt, the curve of her hips, the shade of her complexion, until his image of her was an exact replica. Alex could see Audrey's leg trembling; she was understandably fatigued from holding her position. "You can rest for a minute," Alex said. "I have enough to go on memory for now." Audrey let out a sigh of relief and relaxed her legs. Alex took this time to fill in details and work on the background, which he knew didn't have anywhere to be at 4:30. After a few minutes of rest, Alex inquired if she was ready to resume her position, and Audrey recommenced assuming her pose as before. She was remarkably good at remaining still. Alex was amazed she was able to suspend her legs for as long as she did. Alex realized he was smart to choose a lifeguard as a model. Audrey's strong legs made it possible for her to pose this way for so long. After ten minutes Audrey took a few more moments to rest, after which Alex was able to continue drawing her for much of the afternoon. ***** "Ooh, Alex, it looks beautiful!" Audrey said in amazement. Still naked, Audrey looked over Alex's shoulder and admired his work so far. "Well, I had a beautiful model to work with, so it just kind of came naturally," Alex said with a grin. Audrey laughed. "Thanks, you're really sweet," Audrey said, touching Alex's arm. Alex felt a tingle rush up his arm. She had touched him. He liked how that felt. "I know you were really nervous about asking me to pose nude," Audrey said. Alex nodded sheepishly. "Are you surprised I said yes?" Audrey asked. "Yeah, I really was," Alex said. "You shouldn't be afraid to ask a girl things like that," Audrey said. Alex looked a her in surprise. "Really?" Alex asked. Audrey nodded. "Tell me something, Alex," Audrey said. "What would you ask me if you knew I wouldn't say no?" Alex shrugged. "Come on, tell me," Audrey said. "I want to know what's hiding back in that big artist brain of yours. I want to know all the dirty details." Audrey twirled her hair with her index finger as she smiled upon Alex. "I don't know," Alex said. It was strange how Audrey was really putting him on the spot, and she was the one who was naked. "Yes, you do," Audrey said. "Come on, spill it. I got naked for you. Now it's your turn to expose yourself to me." Alex had to admit, it seemed like a fair deal. "Okay, well-" Alex said. "I'd ask you if you'd have sex with me." Audrey showed something that was just a hint of a smile. "Anything else?" Audrey asked. "Well, that's the big one," Alex said. Audrey giggled. "Yeah, I thought so," Audrey said. "I bet you got pretty turned on, having a naked girl in front of you." "Yeah," Alex said. "Just a little." Audrey nodded. "Me too. Come here, feel my pussy." Audrey lifted her right leg, and placed her foot on Alex's chair, right between his legs. "It's okay," Audrey said. "Go ahead and touch it." Alex couldn't believe this was happening. Trembling, he reached out with his right hand and placed his index and middle fingers onto the lips of her labia. They were swollen and dripping with wetness. "Wow," Alex said. He rubbed his thumb against his fingers to feel the wetness she had left on them. Audrey smiled. "What can I say?" Audrey said. "I get really turned on having a cute guy see me naked." Alex blushed. He didn't know Audrey considered him to be cute. "Thanks," Alex said. "You're welcome," Audrey said sweetly. She nudged her foot deeper into Alex's groin, which he found quite stimulating. "Okay, your turn," Audrey said. "Show me yours." Alex looked up in surprise. "What?" "Come on, whip it out. I want to see if I got you hard or not," Audrey said. "Well, okay..." Alex said, and unzipped his pants. Audrey set her foot back on the floor and gave an excited giggle as Alex took his fully erect penis out of his pants and displayed it for her. "Ooh, it looks so nice!" Audrey said. Alex was proud to have gotten such a complement from a girl as beautiful as Audrey. "Okay, now close your eyes," Audrey said. "Why?" Alex asked. "I'm going to do something to you," Audrey said. "I want it to be a surprise." Alex smiled. "Well, okay," he said. Alex shut his eyes. "No peeking!" Audrey said. "I won't," Alex said. Alex sat and waited to see what Audrey would do next. He felt her place her hands onto his lap and grab his thighs. She must have been very excited judging by the force in her grip. She massaged his thighs for a few seconds, before taking his penis between her index and middle fingers and softly stroking it up and down. Audrey had a soft, sensual touch. He loved the way her fingers felt against the shaft of his penis. He hoped she would continue to stroke it longer and faster. Audrey must have been kneeling, because Alex could feel her very close to him. He could feel her breath against his penis and scrotum. She puckered her lips and softly breathed onto his privates. The stimulation of her breath caused his penis to grow even more full and hard. Alex moaned softly. He heard Audrey giggle. "If you liked that," Audrey whispered. "You're gonna love this!" Alex froze in anticipation. She tugged on his penis slightly, and then placed her tongue onto the base of his dick. The wetness of her tongue sent a pleasurable tingle up Alex's spine. Audrey sensually ran tongue from the base of his penis all the way to the top. Alex exhaled deeply. Audrey ran her tongue around and around his dick repeatedly, and then gave his entire penis one long and loving lick. "Ooh, yes," Alex murmured. There was no doubt in Alex's mind that Audrey really knew what she was doing. She placed her lips onto the tip of his penis and softly kissed him on the head. Alex could feel the emergence of pre-cum dripping from the tip of his cock and onto Audrey's upper lip. She didn't seem to mind and continued to kiss his head more and more firmly, taking it ever so deeper into her mouth each time. And each time, she put a little more tongue into her cock kisses than before. "Audrey, you are amazing," Alex moaned. Audrey responded only by taking Alex's penis even further into her mouth. She ran her lips softly from the tip all the way down his shaft, using her tongue to lick and tease his penis once it was completely inside her mouth. Alex opened his eyes at this point; deciding whatever surprise Audrey had in store for him was already being unveiled. Audrey placed her palm onto Alex's groin and held the shaft of his penis between her thumb and index finger. She held it straight and steady as she took his penis in and out of her mouth. Alex moaned, and Audrey moaned as well. She seemed to be enjoying it as much as he was. "Ohh, that's, that's-" Alex said, not knowing how to finish the sentence. He was reaching his threshold. With much more sucking, Audrey was going to earn herself a mouthful of cum. "Yeah, do it, do it, do it!" Alex said, but just like that, she stopped. Alex looked down at Audrey quizzically. Audrey looked up and smiled. "Okay, I think it's ready," Audrey said, rising to her feet. "Ready for what?" Alex asked. "To come inside me of course," Audrey said. She sat down onto Alex's lap, wrapping her legs around his waist. "Now let's get your shirt off." Alex didn't resist as Audrey pulled his shirt up over his head. As soon as it was over her eyes, Alex could see Audrey's breasts displayed artistically in front of his face. "Enjoying the view?" Audrey asked. "Mmm hmm!" Alex said. "Go ahead; touch them," Audrey said. Alex placed his hands onto Audrey's breasts and gently squeezed each one. She looked down to enjoy the smile on Alex's face. "You can lick my nipples if you want," Audrey said. "I love it when guys do that." Alex excitedly put his mouth around Audrey's left breast, and sensually ran his tongue around the edge of her nipple. She giggled with glee. "Now the other one," Audrey said. Alex repeated the gesture on Audrey's right breast, squeezing both breasts with his hands as he took turns kissing and licking the nipples on each. "Ooh, you have no idea what that does for me Alex," Audrey said. "I think I have a pretty good idea," Alex said, as he resumed licking her tits softly and slowly. Audrey wrapped her arms around Alex's head and held him close as she enjoyed the attention he lavished onto her breasts. "I have to tell you something, Alex," Audrey said. Alex stopped. He looked up into Audrey's beautiful eyes. "What?" Alex asked. "I think you're the nicest guy I've ever met," Audrey said. "I like you a lot. I never would have posed nude for anyone, but I knew there was something special about you. That's why I did it." Alex didn't know how to respond. He had to say something to her. He remembered how Steve had warned him to leave any girl the moment she got sentimental. Alex knew whatever he said next was going to define his future with Audrey. "You're an amazing woman, Audrey," Alex said. Alex didn't care what Steve thought. Audrey was something special to him. "You're also- really fucking sexy." Audrey laughed. "You're sweet," Audrey said. "Listen, will you do something for me?" "Anything," Alex said. "There's this little kink I got," Audrey said. "It's kinda weird but it really turns me on. But if you'll do it it'll really get me in the mood to have sex with you." Alex smiled. He really wanted to hear this. "What is it?" Alex asked. "Promise not to laugh?" Audrey asked. "Yes," Alex said. "You promise?" Audrey repeated. "Yes. I promise," Alex said. Audrey paused. "Okay. I really love it when a guy puts his pinky finger in my belly button and wiggles it up and down," Audrey said. "That's not so weird," Alex said. "You don't understand. It's like my biggest fetish," Audrey said. "One time my ex boyfriend did that to me while we were making out, we were fully clothed, and he did that and I almost creamed myself." "That's awesome," Alex said. "So you'll do it?" Audrey asked. "Of course," Alex said. "Good. Some guys think its weird and won't do it, that's all," Audrey said. "It's no problem," Alex said. "Let me have a go at it." Alex stuck out his pinky finger like he was a snob at a tea party, and touched it against Audrey's pelvis. He ran his finger slowly up her skin, further, further, until he reached her belly button. He could feel Audrey's body tremble the closer he got to her special spot. "Here goes," Alex said. He slid his pinky into Audrey's belly button, feeling Audrey let out a gasp as soon as he entered. She only said one word. "Ohhh." Alex wiggled his finger up and down, slowly at first. "Ahhhhh!" Audrey closed her eyes. Alex wiggled his finger a little faster. Audrey's breathing became louder and faster. She opened her eyes and stared directly into Alex's. "Fuck me," Audrey said. "Right now." "Okay," Alex said. Audrey slid her pelvis forward, until the tip of Alex's cock touched Audrey's pussy lips. "Just sit still, baby, I'll take care of it," Audrey said. Audrey took Alex's penis, and slid it into her vagina. She lifted her pelvis up and settled down onto Alex's lap. Alex could feel his cock enter deep into Audrey's pussy. The soft insides of her flesh soothed his sensitive organ. "Mmm, here we go!" Audrey said. She bounced up and down onto Alex's lap, allowing Alex to absorb the friction of her moving body. Alex placed his hands onto Audrey's hips, helping to lift and lower them onto his lap. "Ooh, yes!" Alex moaned. Audrey's pussy gliding up and down on his cock was even more stimulating than her mouth. Not the mention the sight of Audrey's beautiful breasts bouncing up and down in his face. She was like an animal liberated from a cage, thrashing about in her newfound freedom. Alex felt much the same way. Fucking Audrey had freed a beast within him. His adrenaline soared as he unleashed all of his energy on enjoying her body for every drop it was worth. "Oooh, baby, that's it!" Audrey shouted. She shut her eyes tightly as she thrusted herself hard and harder onto Alex's cock. "You like that? Like that baby?" Audrey asked. "Yeahhh," Alex said coolly. He squeezed her hips tightly. "That's it, touch my body," Audrey moaned. Alex felt her hips, and reached around to squeeze her butt. "You like touching my ass?" Audrey asked, panting. "Yeah," Alex said. "Good. Give it a good feel," Audrey said. Alex did as she instructed. Her ass was tight and firm. He loved how her fine cheeks felt against his open palms. "That's right baby. Feel me up. Nice and good," Audrey said. "Oh God!" Alex said. He felt like he might explode. "Are you gonna cum?" Audrey asked. "Yes!" Alex shouted. "Good. I want to get you off!" Audrey said. She thrusted faster and harder, unleashing her entire body onto Alex. Alex squeezed her hips again, then touched her sides before moving onto her belly. "I love it I love it I love it!" Audrey moaned. Alex very carefully worked his pinky finger into Audrey's belly button once again, and just as carefully, wiggled it intensely. "OOOHHHHHHHH!" Audrey's body seized up and she screamed in ecstasy. Her legs tightened around Alex's abdomen and her entire body trembled. Audrey passed the shock on into Alex's body, and he was unable to restrain himself any longer. Audrey sighed deeply, as Alex shot his load inside her. Audrey gasped and grabbed Alex's shoulders firmly. "Oh God! Oh God!" Audrey whispered. Alex sighed as well and released his grip on Audrey's body. Both of their bodies went limp. Audrey remained still for several moments, and Alex simply sat and enjoyed her closeness to his body. That felt incredible. After several minutes of silence, Audrey finally spoke. "I'm kind of sensitive in that spot," Audrey said. Alex laughed. "Yeah, I noticed," Alex said. Audrey laughed as well, and kissed Alex softly on the lips. She didn't stop kissing him for several minutes. When Audrey finally climbed off of Alex and stood back on her feet, Alex zipped up his pants and stood up as well. "So are you sure you can finish your painting without me?" Audrey asked. "I could come back, maybe Thursday after work if you still need me." Audrey gave a flirtatious smile. "I don't know," Alex said, smiling. "To finish a work of art, I might need you to come back again, and again, and again-" Audrey laughed and pushed Alex playfully. "Of course I'll come back," Audrey said. "Whenever you want." "Really?" Alex said curiously. Audrey nodded and smiled. "So, can I put my clothes back on now?" Audrey asked with a smirk. "Yeah, of course," Alex chuckled. Alex watched as Audrey, glistening in the glow of her sweat, sauntered up the steps towards the back window. Even in the relaxation of having just boned her, Alex still couldn't help but notice her perfect ass. He regretted not posing her to see her backside better in his picture, but he had to choose one side of her to show and every one of them were gorgeous. Alex put away his art supplies as he waited for Audrey to get dressed. She came back down the steps, fully clothed. "Well Picasso, I don't know what grade you'll get on your picture, but I give you an 'A' on getting me off," Audrey quipped. "Likewise," Alex said. "See you at the pool tomorrow." Audrey stepped forward and kissed Alex once again. "Good luck," Audrey said. "Thanks," Alex said. Alex watched as Audrey opened his studio door. As she disappeared through the doorway, Alex collapsed into his chair and breathed a sigh of relief. ***** Alex stood with pride next to his finished piece, as the gallery attendees paused to admire it. "Very stylish," a passing gentleman said. "A bit cheescake-ish, but a classic pose reminiscent of a 1950's pinup." "Thank you," Alex said. "Are you the artist?" the Gentleman asked. "Yes, sir," Alex said. The Gentlemen nodded respectfully. "You have quite a talent, young man," the Gentleman said. " I look forward to seeing your future work." "Thank you very much," Alex said. Two young men wandering by stopped to admire it. "Wow, she's hot," one of them said. "Hey don't we know her?" the other said. "That's the lifeguard from our pool!" "No it's not!" the first man said. "Yeah it is, totally!" The men walked off arguing as Alex chuckled to himself. He observed the crowd and saw Steve emerge from the throngs of people. "Alex!" Steve shouted. "What's up, my man?" Steve walked up to Alex holding out his fist. Alex fist-bumped him and turned towards the painting. "What do you think?" Alex asked. Steve looked up at the picture, and nodded approvingly. "She's bangable. Nice work, my man," Steve said. "Good job on the picture too." Alex rolled his eyes. Steve leaned in closely to Alex. "Did you see the chick at the entrance collecting tickets?" Steve whispered. Alex nodded. "Yeah, she wasn't bad looking," Alex said. "Nice lower half, I thought," Steve said. "Waist up she was nothing special, but waist down, I mean, damn, what nice ass and thighs." "Who was?" JB asked, walking up to Alex and Steve. JB was dressed as a jester for his role in the campus play 'the Taming of the Shrew.' "JB!" Alex said. "Rehearsals get out early?" "Yeah, I thought I'd stop by and see your piece. Nice work, sir," JB said. "Thanks," Alex said. "So how many times did you fuck her?" Steve asked. "Twice," Alex said. "She came back a few days later so I could do a few finishing touches on the picture-" "And you did some finishing touches on her!" Steve laughed. "Shut up, Steve," JB said. Alex caught a glimpse of Audrey, who had just handed her ticket to the nice-assed ticket lady. Alex waved. "Yeah, hey guys Audrey's here, I want to go say hi," Alex said. "Go for it!" Steve said, patting Alex on the back. Alex walked towards Audrey, who walked alongside a frail-looking, middle aged woman. "Audrey! Hi, thanks for coming!" Alex said. "Hey Alex," Audrey said. "I'd like you to meet my mother." "Nice to meet you Mrs. Poma," Alex said, extending his hand. Audrey's mother extended her hand as well "Nice to meet you too, Alex," Audrey's mother said. "Audrey's told me you're quite the artist." Maybe She'll Say Yes "I'd like to think so," Alex said modestly. "You know, I used to paint," Mrs. Poma said, proudly yet with a hint of sadness in her voice. "Yes, Audrey told me," Alex said, hoping to come across as sympathetic but not patronizing. "I'd love to see your work." "Yeah, you really should come over sometime, Alex," Audrey said cheerfully. "I'd love to show you my Mom's paintings." "I'd like that," Alex said. "And I'd like to see yours," Mrs. Poma said. "Let's go see it!" "Okay, right this way," Alex said. Alex was a bit nervous allowing Audrey's mother to see his image of her nude daughter. He hoped Audrey had told her ahead of time that she was nude in the picture. Unlike what he had done when Audrey came to pose. Alex brought them before his latest work, "Swinging Nude," and stood proudly to its side. "Here it is," Alex said. He prayed she would at least say something. Alex didn't mind criticism, he could handle being told his work was awful, but he could not stand when a viewer of one of his works had nothing at all to say. Audrey's mother gasped. "It's beautiful!" Mrs. Poma said joyfully, She turned to Audrey. "Honey, you look fabulous!" Audrey blushed. "Thanks, Mom," Audrey said. "You are a fantastic artist, Alex," Mrs. Poma said. "Thank you," Alex said. Alex and Mrs. Poma talked for several minutes about techniques and inspirations. Mrs. Poma's eyes got wider and wider upon hearing all of Alex's ideas. Before long, Mrs. Poma excused herself to admire the other exhibits in the gallery, leaving Alex alone with Audrey. "Wow, I haven't seen her this alive in years," Audrey said. "She seems so happy." "Yeah, she seems like a brilliant artist," Alex said. "I feel really bad about her having to quit." Audrey reached out and grabbed Alex's hand. "Thanks for giving her so much to talk about. No one in my family really had any interest in art but her," Audrey said. "Yeah, I know what that's like," Alex said glumly. His family was much the same way. "Hey, you think maybe your Mom would want to help me with my next piece? I mean, make suggestions and stuff?" Audrey looked thoughtfully to the floor before letting her gaze rise up into Alex's eyes. "Maybe she would," Audrey said. "Guess you won't know. Unless you ask." Alex sighed. Always the lesson with Audrey. "Yeah, I suppose no harm in asking then, huh?" Alex said. "That's right sir, you've learned well," Audrey said, planting a kiss on Alex's cheek. Alex stepped towards Audrey. "On that note, I have a question for you," Alex said. "How would you like to meet me this weekend, for a dinner and afterwards, maybe some late night sex at my studio?" Audrey wrapped her arms around Alex's shoulders, slowly moving her grinning face just inches from his. "Yes," Audrey said.