Through the Lens

After getting settled in and a few drinks later, all of us were sitting around in the main part of the hotel room talking. The guys were interested in how I got into doing photography and how I got my job working for John.

"So photography is sorta your whole life?" Mike asked.

"Yeah. At one point I wanted to make the spare room in my house a dark room for photos. Sadly, my mom said no." I giggled a bit as the guys laughed too. I took another sip of my drink and I could tell someone had their eyes on me. Looking for a quick second, I could see Tony's eyes on me. Oh man, those eyes...

Vic nudged Tony for a moment with his shoulder, quickly noticing that he was staring. Tony jumped a bit as he came back to reality. I kept my eyes on him for a moment and took another sip of my drink, smiling at him.

That's when Vic knew exactly what was going on.

Luckily Jaime and Mike had started their own conversation, completely missing the look that Tony and I had shared. Tony then got up and walked to the other room, drink in hand.

"You have the hots for Tony, huh?" Vic whispered, just enough for me to hear.

I blushed. "Well, I mean... Yeah, maybe..."

"It's so obvious! He couldn't keep his eyes off you either." Vic smirked.

I sighed a bit and looked down into my glass, half empty of rum and ice. "I'm just a photographer."

Vic placed his hand on my shoulder. "Rax, I've known Tony for a long time now, and it's been a REALLY long time since I've seen him look at anyone like that." He smiled. "Maybe talk to him more. Get to know him."

"I'd love that, honestly... But..." I began and then was quickly interrupted by Vic.

"No, no more excuses." Vic stood up and took my hand pulling me up too.

"H-hey, wait. Uh-" I stammered. What have I gotten myself into?

Vic dragged me to the other room where Tony was. He was standing in front of the huge sliding doors over looking the ocean. Outside was a balcony, but it was probably too cold outside at this time, especially with the ocean breeze. Vic continued to silently nudge me towards him until I gave in and took a step forward into the room. I gave a quick look back to Vic and he was already gone.

'Well, damn...' I thought to myself.

I turned back to look at Tony who luckily hadn't noticed all the commotion behind him.

I took a few steps forward to him. "Hey." I whispered, attempting to not startle him. "Everything okay?"

Tony looked over his shoulder to see me. "Oh hey. Yeah, I'm cool. Just gotta step away sometimes, y'know?"

I nodded a bit and stood next to him, looking at the amazing view of the moonlight reflecting off the ocean. "I get that. I find myself needing times more and more like that. Maybe I'm just getting old." I giggled.

Tony looked at me again with those eyes that made me melt and I couldn't help but to stare back.

"If you're old, then damn, I must be ancient." He joked. The guy had a sense of humor. Couldn't deny that.

I couldn't help but to giggle back at him.

Tony took a sip of his drink and finished it, leaving just ice in the glass. He then placed it on the small table behind him and then walked towards the sliding doors out to the balcony, unlocking it and sliding one side open. He stepped outside and waved for he to join him. "Come on."

I felt the cool sea breeze touch my face. I smiled and took a few steps towards the door and stepped out with him. My eyes now watched the waves, moonlight still reflecting off them. My legs brought me over to the edge where the railing was and I leaned against it.

"Even after living in San Diego for so long, the ocean still amazes me." I whispered.

"You amaze me." Tony whispered from behind me.

My heart skipped. I took a moment and then turned to look at him, not realizing how close he was to me before.

"I don't want to say it's just the alcohol talking... But since I met you this morning, I couldn't keep my mind off you all day. I was excited for you to come hang out with us tonight." Tony began, his voice sounding nervous. He looked away for a moment and sighed. "Man, I must sound crazy."

"You don't." I replied immediately.

Tony fixed his eyes back on me. He moved a step closer and gently placed his hand onto my upper arm.

My eyes stayed locked with his as I placed my glass down on a small wooden table next to me. Tony's hand that was on my arm moved up to my cheek, his face moving closer to mine. I moved my hand to his free hand and intertwined our fingers together, our noses touching. I could smell the alcohol on his breath now, clearly knowing he was slightly tipsy.

His lips hovered above mine for a moment as he inhaled and then exhaled, gripping at my hand slightly.

"Tony?" I could hear Jaime calling from the hallway.

I sighed and took a step back, separating us from one another. What was I doing? I either just really messed up or threw away the chance of a lifetime. Or both.

"Dammit..." I heard Tony say under his breath. "On the balcony, Jaime!" He called out.

Jaime appeared from the room behind us and walked up. "We're going to get some pizza. Want anything special?" He pointed to Tony and then me.

We were still nervous about what had almost just happened, but tried to not show it.

"Just cheese is fine for me." I said, breaking the awkward silence from us.

Tony nodded in agreement. "Cheese is fine with me too."

"Alright." Jaime gave us a thumbs up and walked back out to the room and then the hallway.

I let out a sigh of relief and leaned my back against the railing. "That was close..."

Tony looked to me with an indescribable look. Sad? Disappointed?

"I-I'm really sorry about doing that..." He whispered and then looked away.

"Don't be... I'm just a photographer, after all..."

Notes

Oooh! What do you think would have happened if Jaime didn't show up!?