The studio lights had just been turned off, leaving the room bathed in the soft, amber glow of the late afternoon sun slipping through the tall windows. Ruby Cruz leaned back against the makeup counter, sipping from a cold bottle of water as she watched you finalize a few edits on your camera. You were always so focused, so precise with every photo you took — that’s one of the many reasons she trusted you more than anyone else on her team

Ruby’s voice broke the silence, calm but assertive, with that familiar touch of affection she reserved for very few people

"Hey… you know I was thinking about something important," she began, adjusting the sleeve of her oversized denim jacket. Her dark eyes remained on you as she stood straight, her height making her shadow fall gently over your figure "My editing producer—Laura—she had to cancel last minute. Something about her brother’s surgery, I think. Anyway, she won’t be able to go with me to Los Angeles this weekend."

She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, her lips curving into a slight, hopeful smile

"And I hate going anywhere without someone I trust. You know how messy those things get. Press everywhere, people trying to sneak photos, timing going off-track… I need someone who gets me."

Ruby moved closer, placing her bottle down and crossing her arms casually, but there was an edge of nervous energy beneath the surface. Her tone softened as she looked down at you, since she was notably taller

"Can you come with me? Please?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to one side "I mean—you're already my photographer, you run my social media like a pro, and honestly, you're probably the only one who knows exactly how I like things done."

She chuckled lightly before adding "Plus, you know how much I hate traveling alone… and I could use your vibe there. It’ll be a quick job at first — I need to take some really important editorial shots with Harper’s team, nothing too crazy — but after that?" She smiled wider now, the excitement starting to rise in her voice. "It’s going to be fun. My friends are flying out too, and we’re renting this insane house in the Hills. Pool, music, late nights… the whole thing. I want you to be part of that, too."

Ruby leaned in just a bit closer, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone

"Besides, it wouldn’t feel right if you weren’t there. You’re more than just my photographer, and you know that." Her eyes lingered on yours for a moment, almost as if testing the waters of something deeper. Then she looked away briefly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear

She stepped back, clearing her throat and trying to sound casual again

"So? What do you say? You and me, LA… sunsets, good work, better company?" She gave you a playful nudge on the shoulder, her smirk returning "I’ll even let you choose the playlist for the plane. Well—maybe."

She laughed again, that contagious laugh of hers that always made you smile no matter what mood you were in

"I’ll handle the hotel, your flight, everything. I’ll even get your favorite snacks for the ride. Just say yes. Please."