Chapter Four

Leon got to the job site before Reina or any of her assistants. He took his time setting up the backdrop and the various lights and props he would use. While he was working, he hummed to himself.

“I think there’s a reason I’m here today,” he sang, working on a light. “And since I’m here I just wanted to say that baby, I really hope I’m not dreaming.”

“And tomorrow when I see you standing at the door, I really hope I’m not dreaming anymore because baby, I don’t wanna miss this chance.”

Leon turned and his eyes locked with the shinning hazel eyes of the singing star, Reina Hart. She tucked a strand of curly strawberry blonde hair behind her ear as she walked over to Leon and the rest of her entourage entered the room. Leon blushed and kept fiddling with the light, despite the fact that it was fine.

“You know, that wasn’t half bad,” Reina said crossing over to him. “You ever think about singing professionally?”

“No. I’m a behind the scenes kind of guy,” he replied, not looking down to meet her gaze. “Photography’s what I love.”

“Then I’m glad you’re the one taking my pictures today,” she smiled up at him, but got no response.

With a flood of people entering the room Leon pulled a bench over to the lit area and motioned for Reina to sit down. She did so and pouted back at him.

“You could at least talk to me so I don’t feel like an idiot.”

Leon grinned and walked over to his camera, adjusting it on the tripod until it was the right height.

“Sorry, I just get really into my work.”

“Oh, ok, no worries. I just didn’t want you to think I’m just a loser or something.”

Leon laughed and looked at the camera screen.

“You’re the most famous eighteen-year-old in the world. No one could call you a loser.”

Reina wrinkled up her nose in time for Leon to snap a shot. He grinned at her.

“Ok, so, that’s the front page for your next magazine appearance?”

“That’s not fair!” Reina threw back her head and laughed, allowing Leon to snap another picture.

“You make my job a whole lot easier,” Leon teased. “Man, if I worked for a tabloid I’d have the best dirt shots ever. I can see the headlines now “Reina Hart Needs Nose Job to Rid Herself of Wrinkles.”

One of Reina’s managers cleared her throat and shook her head.

“I was joking,” Leon assured looking back at the camera.

He froze for a second when he saw Reina’s expression looking back at him on the screen. He took the picture, but knew he would never sell it to any magazine, newspaper, or website. Her expression was so sincere, just watching him with awe. Leon looked up from the camera and locked eyes with her, and felt as though she were reading his soul. For a moment he could not move, think, or breathe. The two took in the few seconds they had, then got back to work.

“I have a bunch of different sets and props for you to pose with,” he said, stepping around the camera. “There’s more than the bench and blue background.”

“Ok,” Reina nodded, her eyes not leaving him for a second.

“I was thinking, we could do some kind of dreamy looking sets, since your manager sent me pictures of the different outfits they brought for you. If you want to go change into the white dress, I’ll set everything up.”

“Alright.”

Reina stood up and walked off to her changing area. Leon shook his head and began changing the backdrop, then pulled an old brass bed over. As he was re-adjusting the lights Reina came back. Leon used every ounce of self restraint he had to not stare. The lacy white gown had small sleeves that fell off her shoulders, and fit her loosely everywhere. Her reddish-blonde hair was piled up onto of her head in a haphazard fashion. Gracefully, she made her way over to the bed and sat down with one leg hanging over the edge.

Shakily, Leon moved back over to his camera and watched Reina through the screen. He furrowed his brow.

“What’s wrong?” Reina asked.

“The light is still to harsh,” he replied walking over.

Reina watched him intensely as he fiddled around with the different lights and covers. Finally, a soft light fell around Reina, framing her perfectly. Leon stepped back and smiled.

“Just try to look really vulnerable,” he instructed. “You know, like you trust me completely.”

“Like this?”

Reina’s facial expression softened more than the lights had. She loosened up her body and tilted her head towards the floor but continued to make eye contact with Leon . Through the camera Leon looked right back at her.

And this is all we’ll ever be, He told himself. Talk about two different worlds. There’s five guys here willing to crush me if I even look at her wrong…But man, it would be worth it.

After a few more hours of shoot Leon packed up his equipment and started loading it into his old car. Reina Hart and her assistants filed out and slipped into their expensive, clean cars that dwarfed Leon’s. He shrugged and opened the front door to get in.

“Hey! Leon! Wait!”

Reina rushed over to him and threw her arms around his waist. Her head barely made it to the middle of his chest as she squeezed him. Despite his body urging him other wise, he let his arms hang there, not moving to return the favor. Reina pulled away and smiled at him.

“I can’t wait until Saturday!” she exclaimed. “You’re coming to the after party right?”

“I don’t know, I’m gonna have a lot of equipment on me, and-”

“No,” Reina pouted. “I want you to come. You’re my friend and you should be there!”

“Reina,” Leon looked around at the bodyguards watching him. “I would love to come, but I’m sorry. This is terribly inappropriate.”

Reina’s smile fell and she stepped away from Leon .

“But I thought.”

“I’m sorry.”

Leon stepped into his car and waited for Reina to leave with her entourage before slamming his head on the steering wheel. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists.

“It’s just not fair,” he whispered. “Why couldn’t she have been rude or snotty or just ignored me? Why did she have to be so perfect?”

With a heavy sigh Leon pulled out his cell phone.

“One new message,” he read. “‘Hey bro. I’ll be out late. See ya later.’ Thanks Noel.”

He pressed a few buttons then held the phone to his ear.

“Yeah?” Noel answered, sounding kind of annoyed.

“Why are you going to be out late?” he asked calmly.

“I have a friend who needs help. When are you going to be home?”

“I don’t know,” Leon shrugged. “I think I’m going to go for a walk and then crash.”

“Ok Bro, see you in the morning.”

“Yeah.”

The twins hung up and Leon turned on his car. He drove slowly around town until he reached his apartments and climbed up the stairs. Once inside he went straight to his computer and started uploading the pictures. Reina’s image filled up the screen and her eyes pierced into his soul, despite that it was only a photo.

“Of all the women in the world, my next crush had to be on the most inaccessible girl out there. But…” Leon switched to the photo of Reina in the white dress and zoomed in on her face. “I think it’s worth all the crap I’ll have to go through.”