Chapter Four

Aroha

“It’s not that bad,” Sophia says, securing her towel around her body.

“Easy for you to say, you’re not the one who collapsed in the middle of a step class.”  I gather my things, trying not to let my eyes linger on her curves.  Knowing she is naked beneath that towel is doing my head in.

“I don’t think anyone noticed.  You’ll get it next time, don’t worry.”

“Oh no.”  I hold my hand up to stop her.  “There won’t be a next time.  Once was more than enough for me.”

“Oh, come on, you can’t give up after one class!”  She puts her hands on her hips in a no-nonsense kind of way.

“I most certainly can, and I most certainly will.”  I fold my arms across my chest.  “You’ll have to find yourself another step buddy.  Sorry.”  I let my eyes travel the length of her body before turning back to my bag.  “I’ll wait out in the foyer while you get dressed.”

Without waiting for a response, I power walk out the door, needing to put some distance between us.  It’s impossible to keep my mind out of the gutter when she’s standing mere inches away in next to nothing.  It’s moments like these I thank my lucky stars that I’m not a man, because I would be sporting some serious wood right now.

At least the foyer offers some relief.  The air is cooler out here and helps clear my mind.  I don’t know what I was thinking coming here.  Knowing I can never have her, but putting myself through the sweet torture of watching her bend and twist her lithe body in that ‘leaving-nothing-to-the-imagination’ leotard was a stupid mistake.

I need to get my head out of the clouds, find something else to occupy my time.  Sophia will never be mine, and unless I put myself out there, I’m never going to find what I’m looking for.

With renewed purpose, I push my shoulders back and march to the noticeboard.  Perhaps there is a class I can take, something that will broaden my horizons.

The board is filled with posters about body health, personal trainers and health supplements, but one small notice, tucked in behind, piques my interest.

 

Nude models wanted

 

Models of any shape, size and ethnicity wanted for Life Drawing Class.  No experience necessary.

*Must be over 18

If interested, please phone Angelique on 03 3885 968

 

Nude modelling.  If anything is going to broaden my horizons and get me out of my comfort zone, that would be it.  But, could I do it?  Could I actually strip down in front of complete strangers?

Before I even know what I’m doing, my phone is in my hand, snapping a picture of the flyer for future reference.  I guess it couldn’t hurt to look into it further.

“You ready to go?”  Sophia latches onto my arm, making me jump.  “Ooh, what’s got you all riled up?”  She chuckles, looking up to the board that has held my attention for the past few minutes.  With a click of her tongue, she points at the very notice I’ve been staring at.  “Can you believe that?  Who in their right mind would volunteer for that?”  She shudders.  “All those random people staring at you… makes my skin crawl.”

Instantly on the defensive, I raise an eyebrow at her.  “Really?  That’s a little close-minded, don’t you think?  It’s not like it’s a room full of perverts.  It’s art.”

“You’re not…”  She flicks her finger back and forth between me and the board.  “You’re not actually considering this, are you?”

“What if I am?”  I pull my arm out from her grasp.  “I think it could be interesting.”

“Or dangerous.  Why would you put yourself in such a vulnerable position?”  She scrunches her nose at me.

“I don’t know, maybe to put myself out there.  Try something different.”

“Aren’t you worried what they’ll draw?  What if it’s not… flattering?”  Her eyes flit up and down my body.

“Why wouldn’t it be flattering?”  I cock my hip, interested to hear what she has to say.

She coughs, shuffling her feet. “You know, you’ve got all those tattoos… it might not be easy…”

“You don’t like my tattoos?”

“No!  I like them, but, you know, they’re not for everyone.”

Huh.

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t get them to please anyone else then, eh?”  I swing my bag over my shoulder and walk towards the door.  “And if they don’t like them, then so be it.  I’m not embarrassed by who I am or how I look.”

“So, you’re going to do it then?” she asks with a look of complete and utter horror.

I stop walking and look at her.  Up until this very moment, I hadn’t decided either way, but something in her words makes me want to prove a point.  I am proud of this body, tattoos and all.  “Yeah, I guess I am.”