The women he had brought with him to my place over the years had all been good looking. Some, of course, better than others, but none of them even remotely in the same league as the models I worked with. I knew he was using me and my place to build himself up to the women he was dating, some sort of 'cool by association' thing or something. Still, for some reason, it didn't bother me much. I guess I could sort of relate to where he was coming from, because at one time in my life I had been there, too. Eventually, I outgrew it, as I hoped he would, too.

When he showed up this time, though, he had Lori with him. Lori was different. I knew from the instant I saw her that Lori did not belong with Brad. I was at a loss to understand why she was. My mind kept flashing back to an old rock and roll song that I can't remember the name of that had a lyric something about "...pretty women, walking with gorillas down my street...". It wasn't that bad, actually, but it was what went through my mind. My first assumption was that she was there because Brad had told her I was a professional photographer, and she hoped to perhaps get a break into modeling. She certainly had the look for it. I found it hard to believe that she as there because of any real attraction for Brad. Of course, I have been wrong before. Maybe she just hadn’t seen the ‘real’ Brad yet.

Brad could be an asshole. Sometimes I think it was unintentional, but other times he really worked at it. He was a great guy when he wanted to be, but it seemed to me that he didn't want to be very often, especially with women. I guess it just took women a little longer to see that part of him. When they did see it, and they all did eventually, they would leave him. When they did leave him, he would be back in a week or two with someone new, and the cycle would start over.

Unlike most of the women that he had brought to my place, Lori could have easily been a model. Other than being a little bit too short, she was certainly good looking enough to make it, and her build was probably as close to perfection as I had ever seen. I knew from the minute I saw her that I was going to bring it up with her before the weekend was over. I knew I was going to offer to do a portfolio for her and represent her. I already had clients in mind that would pay major money to have her work for them, despite her being short in stature. Her features were flawless, not so much as a blemish. Her hair was sort of long and blondish, sort of an early Stevie Nicks look. It worked well for her.

The thing about her that caught my attention most was that she was so openly friendly, and that she seemed to have no idea how truly beautiful she was. If she did know, she certainly didn't let it show. That made me wonder all the more what she was doing with a guy like Brad. Hell, she could have had her pick of any guy, and that includes me. Yeah, I know. You're thinking that I am a photographer, and that I hang around models all day every day. What makes Lori so special? Just this. Most models know they are models. I know that sounds like a stupid statement, but it really isn't. To me, attitude and personality are far more important than looks in general. Looks can be changed. Attitude is forever. What I mean is if there is a beautiful woman with a shit attitude and all the personality of a damp dishrag, you are not going to change that attitude or personality. Period.

On the other hand, if you have an average looking woman with a wonderful attitude and a bubbling personality, well, looks can be changed. A nip here, a tuck there, and you have a beautiful woman. The trick is to not lose the personality and attitude in the process. Lori already had the attitude and personality, and the looks were certainly there as well. She had a deadly combination, and didn't even seem to realize it.

I didn't really get a chance to talk to Lori that afternoon. Brad spirited her off to the beach within minutes of their arrival. I did catch a glimpse of her in a bikini as they walked across the deck heading towards the beach. I was more impressed with her than ever. Her build was even better than I had imagined......(cont)