Manhattan to Illustra Tower
Haleigh listened to him... she searched his eyes for sincerity and found it quickly... and she HEARD him when he said he needed to be a part of something that MEANT something... that he'd do anything. In the past she might have kept her expression blank... but today... her expression was one of empathy. He may have been misguided at first... but the more she talked with Ethan the more she was convinced that their alliance WAS fate. He talked about his housewarming party and reached out to hand her the address, written on a napkin. The corners of her mouth turned up in a slight smile, and reached out to take his hand.
"I can't promise they'll come, Ethan... but I'll tell them. I hope you realize what you're getting yourself into."
She said quietly, taking the napkin as her hand slipped from his. She stood from the table, as he suggested this wouldn't be the last they saw of each other.
"No.... this won't. English Lit, hmm? Good Luck teaching those snotty kids how to appreciate anything of substance. For now you'll have to excuse me... I'd stay... but I have an engagement to get along to... I'll see you tomorrow... and we can talk about this more then. Take Care, Ethan.... and let me know if you run into any trouble.... you know how to reach me."
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So it seemed Ethan was ready to cooperate.... Haleigh didn't know the details of what the team did to change his mind... but whatever it was... it worked. Haleigh considered his 180, as she now made her way down the Illustra corridor to the photoshoot, switching gears and getting her mind on the task at hand. This would be extensive... but Haleigh didn't mind... she'd always liked the process and it was one of the reasons she chose to make a photography business a very DETAILED front for her intelligence agency.
She strolled in, with her usual air of confidence, taking in the scene and immediately getting things rolling. All of the ladies where dressed and had been to makeup and the atmosphere was one of excitement. Haleigh gave a lewd whistle to get their attention and then smiled devlishly.
"My MY... arent you all looking heavenly.... I'm surprised Nicolas here hasn't gotten a hard--- mmm... heart attack." She finishes, giving him a wink. It was the first time the group had been all together again after last night-- indeed it would be the first time any of them had seen her a Nicolas not at each others throats.
"Alright.... so lets see. Today were going to get some group shots... some individuals... and basically run with the 'powerful women' theme. But ALSO... were going to introduce Nicolas as Illustra's signature male model... so after I finish with the ladies... I think we'll have you, Nicolas, pose with Morgan... just so everyone knows you've got her 'stamp of approval'."
She ushered all the girls to the stage area and asked Nicolas to stand so she could get a good look at him. She has him turn around, her hand on her chin, as she looks him over, a slight frown in her brow. She tosses a look over at a stylist, who's come over to give her a hand if necessary.
"What do you think, too stiff? Yes... me too. Let me help you with that, Nic."
She looks up at him, tilting her head to the side as if considering something, and then reaches up and loosens his tie a little, pulling it slightly crooked and unbuttoning the top button of his shirt. She pauses and leans into him a little, a curious smile on her face.
"Mmm... Nicolas.... you smell GOOD. [clearing her throat] There. We want men to identify with you... and from my experience.. when Zach's in a suit all he's thinking about it how tight the tie is and how high the buttons are. Roll your sleeves the elbow... it'll give the impression that you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty." She takes the hat off and narrows her eyes... then decides she likes it better on and replaces it. "Was he wearing something over this?" She asks the stylist, who holds up the jacket he was previously wearing. "Nope... the jacket's too much. Get him a vest.... kept that hanky... I like that. Yes. Alright... much better... not you just wait your turn... its ladies first.

"
Haleigh turns her attention to the rest of the group, and she eyes them all for a moment before springing into action.
"Let's go people... you should have been ready to shoot by now. someone bring me that armchair... the plush one. Put it in the center. Okay... Morgan... you're the leading lady... take a seat. Delilah... love the splash of color. Youre gonna need to be in the center... so stand behind that chair. Yes... now put your hands on the corners of the back. alright. Lean in a little... yes. Alison... you on Morgan's right, Ava on her left. Both of you... kind of perch on the arms there. Okay... ah... I want you to have your backs to morgan, and then turn to face the camera. That's it, thats VERY nice."
She cues the lead photographer to get started, and they take a few shots before she doles out more direction, both to the subjects of the pictures and to her crew, to adjust lighting and backgrounds.