Written from Bronwen’s point of view.
"No, People needs a photographer for the party, you work for a temp agency, you're free, you're the best I've got, you're going." she said back, walking around her office, putting things away.
"I have to be there in a hour?" I questioned impatiently.
"Yes, you can use your own equipment."
"You know this is not the stuff I put on my resume." I argued, following her around, "I want to do ads, not paparazzi stuff."
"Calm down it's not paparazzi, you're at the party, they know you're taking pictures, some of them will even pose for you." she said sitting down.
"So basically I'm like a wedding photographer then?" I complained.
"Would you calm down. This is the MTV Movie Awards after party. There will be a lot of extremely attractive, rich, celebrities there." Jane smiled.
"That's exactly what I'm worried about," I muttered under my breath, walking out of her office. I went into the bathroom and fixed my make-up. What the hell did it matter anyway, I was going to be behind my camera, hated by all of those people at that party. I know, I've been the one photographed before, and it's not that pleasant. I checked my outfit, khaki jeans, a white long sleeve t-shirt, and a long peach patterned sweater that had one button in the front and ended just below my knee. I guess it looked ok for the party.
An hour and a half later, I had my press pass hung around my neck and was munching on the vegetable platter at Planet Hollywood. The movie awards had just let out and I was waiting for the "stars" to arrive. I went to the bathroom so I wouldn't have to later while I was working. When I came back out it was insanely packed. I don't know how everyone got in there so fast. I made my way, with my camera, to the entrance to see if I could catch anybody walking in. Those pictures would be easier to get than others.
I was stopped at the door and asked to show my press pass. I did, and was allowed to snap away. I don't think I had ever really seen this many famous people before. I mean I had been around some before, and that made my job easier, but this, I was in awe. I took pictures of everyone from Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston to Marilyn Manson. The crowd at the door was slowing, so I decided to walk to a side of the room that was less populated and take pictures of the celebrities interacting among each other from there. I was up on a small platform that outlined the dance floor, so I had a good view. Most people were just chit-chatting, but there were a few dancing. I moved the camera back and forth around the room, stopping to snap a picture when a recognizable face entered the frame.
I turned around momentarily to take a sip of water that was sitting on the table. I turned back and looked through my lens and stopped breathing. I think I had totally pushed the idea to the back of my head. I had convinced myself there would be no way he would be there. They were touring, it was too hectic. But there he was, clear as day, grinding into some girl. I didn't even have the strength to snap the picture. I might have collapsed all together if I hadn't felt a tap on my shoulder. I spun around, taking the camera from my face and was greeted by a huge hug.
"Bronni!" Lauren yelled over the music.
I smiled brightly, backing away, "Laur, I haven't seen you in so long."
"How are you?" she asked, a little concerned. "I'm so sorry I never called."
"Please," I sighed, "It's not like I left you much of a choice."
"Well, anyway, it doesn't matter now, you're a photographer?" she asked smiling.
"Yeah," I said, "I graduated and now I'm working here in LA, mostly freelance, till I can establish myself."
"That's so awesome! Here," she said, grabbing Lance and pulling him out of the shadows he was hiding himself in, "Take a picture of us."
Lance wrapped his arm around Lauren and they smiled warmly while I took the shot. "Hi Bron," Lance said softly when I was through.
"Under the picture, you can tell them to put," she smiled, "Lance Bass of *NSYNC, with his fiancee!"
My mouth dropped, "Oh your kidding! Congratulations."
"Thank you," Lance said, and then turned to Lauren, "Baby we better get going."
"We want to go ring shopping tomorrow, before we have to go to San Diego for the show." Lauren smiled. "I'm going to call you when I get back to Orlando, ok."
"Ok," I said as she walked away.
I wanted to fall through the floor. But I didn't, I regained my composure and looked back out at the crowd. Lance had been so cold, and I can't blame him after what I did to is best friend. I began to take pictures again. But I stopped when my lens found him again. He looked so good, I just wanted to scream his name. He had ditched the red dye, and I like the brown look. I could see him smile and nod and even laugh as he talked to the crowd surrounding him. He was always like that, attracting people wherever he went. There was just something about him that drew people to him. I felt a tear slide down my cheek as he bent over to whisper something in a girl's ear. She giggled and laughed. His eyes shifted as he continued to talk. He looked up and our eyes were caught in a deadlock for what seemed like minutes. But then in an instance it was gone. He shifted his eyes angrily down, and began to dance with the girl. I couldn't look anymore, but had to stay for a little longer, I had to get a picture of Carson Daly and he hadn't yet arrived.
I wiped the lone tears from my eyes and plopped down at a nearby table, munching on some carrot sticks.
"Jane, seriously, isn't there any other assignment I can have?" I pleaded with my boss.