Chapter 12

After getting off, I lay on the bed and thought about my future. As much as I wanted to be a model, I didn’t think I would make it, especially living in Australind and not in Perth, Sydney or Melbourne. I need to find another suitable career I can study for. I was disappointed, but I had to be realistic.

Another month went by, and still, no work was coming my way. Should I call Arty and tell him my decision to quit because of the lack of opportunities?

After school one day, I turned on my phone, and there was a message from Arty asking me to come to the studio. He said I should call once I had finished school as he had a surprise and wanted to give it to me personally.

“Hi, Arty, it’s me.”

“Hi, kid. I’ll send a car around to pick you up. Look for the leggy blonde wearing a short white dress, and she’ll be driving a silver two-door Mercedes. Her name is Priscilla.”

“Thanks. Tell her I’m by the main school gate.”

Within fifteen minutes, I was in Arty’s office, and we greeted each other warmly with a kiss on each cheek.

“How’s school going, kid?”

“Uh, you know, it sucks. Too much shit to learn, too much homework, boring. I’d much sooner be doing photo shoots with you.”

“Sorry, I can’t fix that. You need an excellent education, whatever you end up doing.”

Arty had ignored my request for more photo shoots.

“Yeah, I know, but why did you want to see me? Do you have more work for me?” I said enthusiastically.

“Do I need a reason to see my favourite girl?”

“Stop messing with me, Arthur. You haven’t even called, and I’m not in the mood.”

“Mmmmm, sorry, ducky. Wrong time of the month, is it?”

I gave him the most disapproving look I could muster.

“Fuck off! Why is it always the wrong time of the month if a girl’s pissed off?” Had I gone too far? I rarely swear like that, but I was angry and frustrated.

“Caitlyn, I apologise for the mix-up, but let me bring some cheer to your day. I received this package from the erotic scene client, along with this.” Arty pushed a sealed envelope across the table.

I opened the envelope first. And there was a handwritten letter addressed to Daphne from the client. I was confused and thought, who is Daphne? But read it anyway. “Dear Daphne. The photos were of the highest calibre, and you played a significant part in the shoot. I offer you an open invitation to visit me at my palace. Let Arthur know the dates you can make it, and I will send my private jet to pick you up. You will be my guest, with all of your expenses taken care of, and I look forward to seeing you in person and again in more erotic photos. With the utmost respect and best wishes. S.”