The less you wear...

A scene that came from a free-write 15 min. writing prompt at the Grind Writers Group – writing to a painting in an exhibit at the gallery. The paintings are on display until the end of June.

-I have a secret, Gloria whispered.

-We don’t have secrets…well, not since grade two…

-I’ve something to tell you, Sandra…it’s important.

-OK, slow down, breathe…you’re not… (checking out tummy area)

-No, it’s not that…I’ve…

-Gloria, you’re not seeing him again??

-No!  Just listen.

-Ok, ok, shoot…

-I’ve got a new job…

-Well, that’s fantastic!  What’s the big deal?

-It’s how I’m earning…

-Oh God, no…Look, if staying at my place helps…

-Why do you always think the worst?!  Not that!

-What then?

-I’m modeling.

-Models make great money. What?--designer clothes, lingerie…?

-Less.

-Less what, money?  Models make great money…you know 
  the rule of less?

-What’s that?

-The less you wear, the more you make.

-Not in this case.

-Why not?

-I wear nothing…except maybe some drapery--a scarf, a discretely
  placed cushion or bolster…

-How does that work?

-Well, I show up…

-Where?

-At the figurative art studio.

-Then what happens…who’s there…do they watch?…is it seedy?

-Stop!! (laughing)

-Do they play burlesque music?

-Sandy! (exasperated) No!! I go to the bathroom.

-To throw up?  Nerves?

-No, to change…

-Oh.

-Then I wear my robe between poses.

-How long’s the session?

-Well, at first they’re short one, two, five and ten-minute poses.

-Do you move around?  Show me one of your poses.

-Ta da! (posing)

-Doesn’t your ‘hoohoo’ show?

-Look, it’s not an issue…

-Since when isn’t your ‘hoohoo’ an issue?

-They’re sitting all around me. I’m on a small, raised platform with locked wheels.

-Do you get to look at their work?

-At the twenty-minute break, I sometimes circulate…it’s…wonderful.

-Respectful?

-Absolutely…one guy even gave me his half hour sketch.

-That’s a long time to hold a pose…

-You choose that one carefully…

-Show me…(demonstrating) hmmm, I don’t think I could hold that for thirty minutes.

-Never know ’til you try, Sandy, never know til you try.  Check out the model 
  requirements on   their website!  It’s not easy money, but it’s fun!

-Not on your life!  (dissolving to laughter)

(c)2011 Joan Boxall

kjbox@telus.net
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