Chapter FIVE

Theme: An Invite

PHOTO STUDIO

Camilla stood with Ivy, checking out the pictures they have taken for the engagement shoot. And Ivy did her best at avoiding every chance to look into Ace eyes.

Camilla was too excited about it. “Thank you so much, Ivy. These pictures are awesome!” She exclaimed.

Ivy flashed her a small smile. “I am just doing my job and don’t worry..it will look much better than this after some editing.” Ivy said.

“I told you she is good.” Arthur said.

“I guess you are right. So Camilla we need to go, the store called me not to long that they already ordered new wedding dresses.” Mrs Clark said.

“Oh so fast, they told me it won’t be ready until next week.” Camilla said.

Ivy left them to attend to some things. “Have you tried getting the new model of ring light I told you about.” She said to one of the workers in charge of the studio maintenance.

“Yes Ma.” The man replied.

“I made some extra calls so they ordered the wedding dresses early.” Mrs Clark answered.

Mrs Clark eyes darted at Ace. “Are you okay, Ace?” she asked.

“Yes mommy I am..fine.” Ace answered looking away from a staring contest at Ivy.

“You should come along with us to check out some wedding dresses for Camilla.” Mrs Clark said with a bright smile on her expression.

“No..mom. I have a meeting at work with some investors.” Ace lied.

“At what time?” Mrs Clark asked.

“Very soon..” he glanced at his wrist watch. “Probably in fifteen minutes time.” Ace answered.

“Please don’t take too long at the meeting okay? And don't forget your party tonight at Anderson's place.” Mrs Clark reminded her son.

Ace Clark nodded his head in agreement. “Alright mom.” He answered.

Camilla went ahead to meet Ace. “Sweetie don’t be late for our engagement party.” She kissed him on his lips before heading out with Mrs Clark.

Ivy watched Camilla kissing Ace through the corner of her eyes as she sat in front of a system ready to edit the pictures. Ace went out to accompany his mom and Camilla out of the studio while Arthur bid them goodbye and went ahead to meet Ivy.

“Ivy?” He called her name.

“Yes Arthur...” She mumbled without looking up at him as her attention was focused on the system.

“Thank you for doing this shoot for my cousin and his fiancée.” He said.

“Can your stop thanking me, Arthur? I am only doing my job as your photographer.” She waved him off with a beautiful smile.

Arthur sat down next her. “So..Ahm I..I was -“ he paused to think of how to say his intended words in a polite way that won’t piss Ivy off.

“Is something wrong?” Ivy asked as she looked at him.

“Nothing is wrong but I was thinking if you could escort me to my cousin’s cocktail party tonight? It is organized by Camilla’s parents for the couples.” He said.

Ivy looked away from him. “You see -“ And then she was interrupted by a ring from a phone.

“Miss Ivy, isn’t that your phone?” A lady asked.

And then she realized that it was her ring tone. “Excuse me, Arthur.” She stood up and went to where she had dropped her handbag earlier on a desk.

Ivy saw Ace walked back into the studio as she reached for her phone in her handbag. Ace went ahead to meet Arthur. It was a call from old Vanessa and she picked up after the third ring.

“Hi mom.” She heard Leroy’s voice over the phone.

“Hey son..what are you doing with Old Vanessa’s phone.” She asked.

“Mom...I am so bored at old Vanessa’s house so we decided to hang out at a restaurant close to your workplace.” Leroy said with excitement in his tone.

“Alright...are you done with your photoshoot?” Leroy asked.

“Yes I am almost done with it. I just need to edit them and I will be on my way to see you.” She answered.

“Oh mom..can you spare some minutes?” He asked.

“Why son?” Ivy furrowed her eyebrows.

“Well..we are just few blocks away from your studio. So can we come and see you for some minutes before we head back home?” Leroy asked.

“Baby...I told you that you can’t visit me at my workplace.” Ivy said.

“But mom-“ he tried to argue but Ivy interrupted him.

Ivy remembered that she had promised to get her son the new collection of super hero comic books and the last time she checked online they were available in all stores in Los Angeles. “Stay right where you are...I am coming out to meet you so we can go ahead to get your super hero comic books.” Ivy said.

“Seriously mom?!” Leroy gasped out.

“Yes son...I made a promise so I have to fulfill it. Please just give the phone to old Vanessa.” She instructed him.

Leroy handed the phone back to his old nanny. “Good afternoon, Miss Ivy.” Old Vanessa greeted cheerful.

“I am sorry about Leroy, he shouldn’t have stressed you this much.” Ivy apologized knowing how disturbing her son could be if he wanted something.

“No it is alright Miss Ivy, I wanted to come out to breathe in some fresh air so Leroy just happened to want the same thing.” Old Vanessa answered.

“Alright...please can you give me a description of where you are at the moment?” Ivy asked.

“Oh! We are standing close to a laundry house.” Old Vanessa answered.

“Alright I will be right there soon. I just need to wrap things up here, can you wait a little bit?” Ivy asked.

“Please take your time, Miss Ivy.” Old Vanessa responded.

Ivy disconnected the call picked up her bag and went ahead to meet Arthur where he sat trying to help in editing the photos.

Ivy avoided looking at Ace. “I am sorry Arthur, I am afraid that I have to leave now.” She said.

Arthur stood up from the swivel chair. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing I just got a call from home. Please can you send the pictures to my phone so I can edit them on my system at home.” Ivy requested a help from Arthur.

“That won’t be a problem.” Arthur replied.

“Thank you very much, Arthur.” She smiled.

“But Ivy we aren't done talking. I just invited you to my cousin’s engagement party.” Arthur reminded her.

Ivy did her best at trying to stay calm under Ace intense gaze on her. “What time is the engagement party?” She asked.

“The party starts by 8:00 p.m” Arthur answered.

“Alright I will just give you a call to let you know if I can make it.” Ivy answered then one final look at Ace before looking back at Arthur. “Please excuse me.” She said before walking away from the men.

“Bye Miss Ivy.” The workers in the studio said to her.

“Bye everyone! Matthew, don’t forget to place an order for the new model of ring light.” She said before walking out of the studio.