This is another Deirdre tribute story from the late 1990s.

“Oh, Simone, I know just the thing!”

I was talking with Moira about my anniversary and what I might get for Kyle. Suddenly she dashed off to her bedroom to fetch something, leaving me to wonder what it might be. She returned with a framed picture and triumphantly presented it to me. It was a picture of her wearing some scandalously revealing lingerie!

I just sat there and stared. The picture appeared to be very professionally done, and her pose didn’t quite reveal anything, but still… I blushed, imagining myself in Moira’s place — it didn’t take much effort, we look so much alike people are always mistaking us for sisters.

“You’d look so good, Simone! You know Kyle would love a picture of you like this!” I did take good care of myself, and Kyle would like it, but I couldn’t imagine posing for some stranger dressed like that. Somehow Moira talked me into it anyway, and even had me call that very day for a sitting time — the next day at 2. I was surprised when she too made an appointment for herself the following Thursday at 4; she just smiled at my inquiry.

Well, I was really nervous when I arrived at the studio for my sitting. The receptionist showed me into one of the sitting rooms and told me the photographer would be with me shortly. I had barely started looking around when this girl breezed into the room. “Hi, Simone. My name is Naomi and I’m your photographer. Do you see anything you like?”

For some reason I had assumed the photographer would be a man. Moira hadn’t said anything about it. I suppose I should have been relieved that I wouldn’t have to pose in front of a man, but instead I felt embarrassment. Naomi was so young and good-looking, I was sure to look old and dumpy next to her.

Naomi gave me an appraising look and a brilliant smile. “Your first time?” I managed a small nod. “Don’t worry, you be great! Now let’s find something for you to wear, shall we?” Hesitantly, I fingered one of the filmy gowns hanging on the rack. “Oh no, Simone,” she objected, “I don’t think that would suit you at all. Here, let me show you why.” She took off her top and cutoffs right in front of me! All she was wearing was this tiny thong underneath!

I was gasping in surprise, but Naomi just took the gown and slid it over her head. “See?” she said. “Even with your bust, the fall would be all wrong.” We were about the same height, but her breasts were smaller than mine.