Shot of Espresso

CJ was perfectly suited to photography, with his observant dark eyes and his almost lizard-like patience, instinct and reflexes. He always got his shot.

The camera was an extension of his own body. Its flash a keen eye zeroing in on details, freezing moments in time. The click of the shutter a second heartbeat. His other heart, the red one squishing and beating away behind his ribs, slowed as if to match it.

He was content here. Not so much here in this fancy hotel, but here, behind his camera. It was a conduit that kept him connected to the thrum and bustle, like a salmon in the flow of the river. Yet it was also his shield, keeping him apart just enough that he wasn't sucked into the crush of striving bodies, consumed by it.

Would he be invited to such a lavish event as this without this job? Would rich and influential people bend to his whim? A little to the left, sir. Smile! Probably not. With a camera in his hand, he wielded a kind of authority. People looked at him keenly for instruction, but they didn't really see him. He was never naked, not with his trusty tool in his hand.

It was fitting that the first time he saw her was through his third eye. He lied to himself that she was photogenic with that striking white hair and electric blue dress. Every frame was a perfect pose, but it was entirely unconscious on her part.

He made himself turn away, but the camera became a divining rod that kept swinging back. It's not just me. Look how she draws people in. Charisma.

He'd heard people say,e life and soul of the party, but not appreciated properly what that really meant. That is what it meant. She was like a shot of espresso.

Without the camera, would he have moved forward, smiled in that way he had which was both diffident and commanding, and asked for another picture? Would she have beamed back at him, and agreed? Would he have learned her name was Em? Would they have agreed to meet again? He walked away with a perk in his step.

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Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and author's note.)

Submitted on Monday 18th November

Quick Author's Note

This is a response to my own dollar challenge prompt, "A Shot of Espresso".

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 323 (!!!) daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January.

ONLY FORTY-THREE DAYS TO GO!

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments.

I am still plodding away, catching up on reads. If I'm already up to date with your stories, I read someone else's!

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Thank you again!