Stephanie was good at making conscious choices in conversations. The things you said and did not say each conveyed messages. When she mentioned Malia’s father was not in the picture, it meant she was fine with the person she was talking to knowing she might be single. Plenty of creeps never got that key detail; she did not want to use her daughter as a deterrent, but some sleezebags were deterred nonetheless and she would not complain about that.

”Then you should get out there occasionally. Meet people. You know, with a can of mace.” Just in case. ”I haven’t dated many men lately, admittedly. Not to generalize, but the creeps per capita in the gay female community tends to trend lower than when I chat up guys.”

Two of the rings offered to her had gorgeous red stones matched with diamonds, one as a focal point and one using smaller diamonds for accenting. Curious, she took both rings, setting one within an open ring box and the other on the cloth base. Both together might make for a good shot, contrasting the bands unique coloration. ”I can respect someone who values her work. I’d like to think you and I have that in common.”

Stephanie snapped a few photos, then adjusted the placements, taking a shot of each ring separately to compare her options. ”But you definitely deserve the occasional reprieve. If you ever need someone to take you out on the town so you can meet people, you have my number,” Stephanie suggested playfully.

When Stephanie speaks about the creeps and the gay community, admittedly, Alexandria didn't see it coming.   Then again, shes been pretty sheltered since she showed her mutation and her family kept her home away from everyone.   Even now knowing that Stephanie was gay or bi, probably bi since she talked about guys too, it didn't change anything for her. 


She speaks about work and being dedicated and Alexandria gives a slight nod.  "I wouldn't have responded to your email if I didn't think you were dedicated to your work."  Over half the people who responded to her ad were trolls and most were armatures.  While she doesn't mind helping those people out, with her business she needs to have someone who knows what they are doing.  Someone who takes pride in it and wants to do right.  Someone who wants to come back to do the job again, if asked.  


Alexandria watches Stephanie work, moving the rings around, replacing them to hit the right light.   With the previews that she had on her email and with what she is seeing now, Alexandria has high hopes for how these will turn out.   The better the pictures the more people will buy, hopefully.   Then again she doesn't care for the money as much as the recognition.  Even if they don't know its her work and only her alias.    When Stephanie speaks of going out some time to meet others, she has to think about it before replying carefully.  "I appreciate the offer."   Its not much, but for her, its something.  

Steph was not about to tattoo a magenta, purple, and blue heart on her wrist, but she was comfortably open with her sexuality. She was learning that 2020 was a more accommodating place, even if it was not perfect. She could be more out and proud, which was important, because evidently she did not give off enough gay vibes on sight for girls to make assumptions. The pains of being a femme, she supposed.

Photography was originally a hobby that complimented her late-night career, but she was glad she picked it up as a day job. She loved photography, potentially as much as slipping in and out of secure buildings to steal their treasures. It was affirming to know she was appreciated for her efforts. "Thank you for the vote of confidence," she said while snapping additional photos and making minor adjustments. "I like to think I have an eye for beauty. It helps when I'm working with beautiful subjects." These gemstones were beautiful. As for Alexandra... well, if she ever needed headshots, Steph could be all over that job.

This young woman was still an introvert, so Stephanie was not going to break her in one day. She hoped the bi thing was not making Alexandra uncomfortable, but if it was, it might be for the best if they did not hang out apart from business. "Of course. I know how helpful it is to have a friend to go out and about with."

Stephanie finished up final photos with the remaining offerings, giving her the chance to review the photos and clean up. She offered the preview screen of her camera. "There's still likely some postwork I want to do, but all in all, I think I'm proud with what we did today if you'd like to take a look."

Stephanie gave off enough vibes for her to realize that she was bisexuality, its just that Alexandria has been sheltered and kept at home most of her life ever since her parents found out about her mutation. Since then she hasn't had much interaction with people face to face so its safe to say she really has no idea how to handle someone possibly hitting on her. Plus she doesn't even know herself if she's just into guys or girls or both...she just doesn't know.

"From the pictures you sent me through the email, I'd say you are correct." Alexandria wouldn't have just picked anyone for this job because the rings that Stephanie is currently handling cost over 1mill together. Beautiful perfect jewelry must have the right pictures of they won't sell.

When Stephanie starts packing up Alexandria gently grabs the rings and such to pack it all away. "I'll trust your judgment and see the final results when we meet up again." Alexandria wants to see the pictures in person, not through an email. "How much time do you need before that?"

Alexandra did not seem to take issue with Stephanie’s forward and somewhat flirty energy, though she might not know what to do with it. So maybe she was straight or maybe just not interested, and Steph could handle either.

After briefly sharing the samples on her camera for Alexandria to glimpse, the woman with the jewels seemed content with awaiting the final results. ”I should be able to get those to you in a day or two. I want to set aside some time to really highlight the beauty of your jewelry. I won’t need to do too much, since the gems speak for themselves, but I know a few tricks to really show off that natural beauty.”

And speaking of natural beauties, Stephanie offered her hand to Alexandria, smiling warmly. ”In the meantime, please give my thanks to the lady in charge for the opportunity. And as for you, well, you have my number! Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

No Alexandria didnt take any issue with her forwardness or her flirty energy...its that she doesnt really know how to act around it.  Shes employed Stephanie, even if it wasnt known that she was the employer.   Being stuck in her parents house as soon as she showed mutant abilities...it didnt give her the life experience that she needed to know how to deal with something like being flirted with.   It was all new to her.   

Alexandria looks at the samples she is shown and nods at each.  They look good from the small screen so it should work just fine.  Specially after they are touched up on the computer with whatever program she has.  "Take your time.   You have about seven days before the pictures are needed anyways so dont rush it."

Only hesitating for a split second, Alexandria reaches out and shakes hands with Stephanie when she offers.   "I'll pass the message along to her.  Depending on the final results, you might just be hearing from her again for more once the site is updated."  Those words seem just fine, something she would know if the boss told her and since she was here for the pictures, it sounded reasonable.  Its when Stephanie tells her not to be a stranger that she worries her bottom lip for a second before nodding.   Leap of faith it is.  "Perhaps coffee once its all over?   I dont know much about the city."