For the followers of my blog, you are privy to two facts: 1. I work at an art gallery and 2. My derriere has received compliments by male, Las Vegas strippers. These two elements are key ingredients that make up my very fun, yet awkward story (may I just add, this would happen to me).
Every December my gallery hosts a "Holiday Showcase" featuring a particular artist's paintings from our very esteemed collection. Our clients saunter in for a night of French culture and delicious wine. This year we discovered a brilliant Italian artist who paints magnificent still life's, mixing contemporary and Renaissance ideals. Since such a large fan base exists for this particular painter, not only were our loyal customers invited but also patrons of the artist. That being said, with stardom comes the paparazzi.
Among the flash and fast pace photographers scurrying to catch opportune pictures, I saw a young gentleman with dusty blonde hair and light, grey eyes doing the same. Every now and then I would catch his not so subtle glimpses my way. Intrigued by this charming camera man, I was delighted when he finally made his approach to indulge in conversation with myself and friend Ryan. (I will refer to him as "Charming").
Charming: "So how are you this evening? I gather you work here?"
Me: "Yes, I am the associate art director. How do you know the artist?"
Charming: "We have been friends for several years now; great guy."
Me: "So you are a professional photographer I take it?"
Charming: "More like amateur, I am actually an actor."
Me: "Oh, that's fantastic! Anything I would have seen?"
Charming: "I actually do a lot of work for HBO and Cinemax."
Me: "Wow! We love HBO (motioning towards Ryan)... have you been in anything big?"
Now I was expecting these for answers, "Yes, I was that guy in Game of Thrones that fought that battle along side that other guy" or "Yes, I was that guy in TrueBlood that turned into that werewolf and killed that vampire." Instead...
Charming (beaming with pride): "I am actually on late night."
Ryan starts to chuckle.
Me: "Oh, like..."
Charming: "I've been in movies like..." (I'll leave the specifics out, but you can fill in the blanks with witty, porn titles).
Yes dear friends... this charming photographer was none other than a Cinemax soft core porn actor. Completely at a loss for words I eyed Ryan trying to mouth, "Did you hear what I heard?" Ryan mustered up the strength to speak.
Ryan: "Are you IMDB-able?"
Charming: "Why yes! But I wouldn't recommend looking me up on the work computer."
We went on to learn that Charming started his career on the male side of things before taking a straighter path in acting choices. While his family does not completely approve of his profession, I do give him credit. He still works as an actor while building a resume. I too am at the bottom of my professional world working as an assistant. Fortunately the pit of the art world allows my clothes to remain in place. The acting world, on the other hand, does not necessarily happen in that fashion.
As the night drew to a drunken conclusion, we bid Charming a fond farewell after the hand of friendship was extended by invitations to several New York night clubs.
So, I have been complimented by a stripper AND hit on by a porn star... what's next?
