The Invite

WINTER of 2022. Andrius can’t believe that he received an invitation from one of the biggest producers of Las Vegas—Mr. Silver Johansson. He said he needed Andrius's photography service.

Aside from a small restaurant on Hillhurst Street, not far from the huge restaurant owned by his family, he also makes a living by taking pictures.

Actually, he didn’t even enter a photography workshop. His talent for taking beautiful pictures is natural. He discovered his ability in a Nature study during the three-month vacation in the Philippines. He sells those pictures to a Nature Magazine in LA. The editor of the magazine was impressed with all his shots. The editor didn’t even think twice about buying all his works and getting their features in his magazine.

Many noticed the unique beauty of his shots so his first work was immediately followed by the same magazine.

Since then, taking beautiful photos became his hobby and he sells them in various publications. And where there are big events anywhere, he was there to take pictures.

He soon became known in his field. His credit line AN for Andrius Novitch has become the buzzword of social celebrities. All his works were fantastic and got appreciated by many socialites.

Some of his masterpieces were displayed as posters in some nightclubs on Sunset Boulevard. Even some celebrities of Universal Studio were asking for his service.

According to Marcy—Mr. Johansson's secretary, his boss allegedly saw a picture of an artist that he took last summer. Mr. Johansson liked his acquisitions and he wants to hire his service. The secretary even said that he has accommodation for two at the Silver Dust Hotel owned by Mr. Johansson.

Mr. Johansson is a famous producer of big shows in Las Vegas. He is the owner of the Silver Dust Studio.

According to the secretary, Andrius will photograph the artists who will perform Silver Dust’s biggest show that year. The image will be used in posters and advertisements. The secretary also said that Mr. Johansson is willing to pay big in exchange for his good service. ‘Nice shot, nice pay.’

That gave him excitement. Not only because he will earn big but he will definitely be able to watch Silver Dust’s biggest show—known for producing unique and entertaining shows.

Andrius thought of taking his girlfriend, Beatrice to Las Vegas and he certainly wanted them to be together for a long time in a faraway place. Especially since it was free. So, he called her to let her know about his plans but he felt dismayed about her answer.

Beatrice said that she would not be able to join him because she was rushing her manuscripts. The woman is a sitcom writer on a television station.

That’s why Andrius sadly hung up the phone.

THE GLASS door of his restaurant opened and the chime hung above rang—where he got the name of his restaurant—Chime Shoppe. A tall blonde-haired man entered. He was wearing a thick sweater and his baggy pants were already reaching the floor. And his face was full of freckles flustered with an unwilling smile.

“What’s up, Chuck?”

“Know what, Andrius.” Chuck sighed. He seated on the stool and put his chin on his hands. “I deplore.”

“Deplore? Just say that you’re sad. And we both are, Chuck.”

“Deplore is my word today.”

“Why?” he casually answered and sifted a big burger patty for his friend's cheeseburger. That was his favorite thing to eat at his small restaurant.

“I deplore the lack of excitement and adventure this winter.” Chuck sighed. “My coffee?”

“Wait!” he poured brewed coffee into the disposable cup and put it down in front of Chuck. He also gave the cream and a spoon.

“LA is a dull place, dude.”

“Dull?”

Suddenly the door opened and they both looked into the entrance. There, entered two girls. Both sexy. it’s Jess and Beth. Jess has long and straight hair. While Beth has short and curly blonde hair.

“That’s ridiculous! Beth took off her thick coat and hung it on the rack at the corner, near the entrance door.

“Yeah.” Jess also removed her feathered coat. “Look!” she pointed at Chuck, “There you are!”

Chuck raised his right hand and waved. “Hi, Jess, Hi, Beth!”

The two women went closer to them. Beth sat on the stool, while Jess stood behind Chuck. She buried her palms in the man’s thigh and placed her chin on Chuck’s shoulder.

“You owe me a date, remember?”

Andrius secretly winked at Chuck and uttered, “Dull, huh?”

Chuck grinned. “I’ll pick you up tonight,” he said to the woman and it seems like the woman is thrilled.

“Okay.” Jess stole a kiss on Chuck’s neck and sat on the stool next to him. “Ham and cheese on rye… and a soda.”

“And you lovely lady?” Andrius smiled at Beth.

“Tuna salad.” Beth bit her index finger and looked up at him with a teasing smile.

Andrius nodded and grinned as he turned to take their orders

“Are you free tonight, Andrius?” Beth asked.

“Aha.”

“Why not spend the cold night in my place?”

“Silly!” It’s Chuck. “Andrius is a one-woman man. He’ll just refuse your invitation.” He stared at Beth, foolishly. “I’ll be free tomorrow.”

“Huh! Playing Casanova.”

“Take back your words, lady. I’m not taking any advantage. I’m just…” Chuck can’t think of a suitable word for himself.

Beth just rolled her eyeballs.

One by one, Andrius gave their orders. He sat across Chuck. The two ladies then stood up while holding the tray and find a new seat.

“I guess your night will not be dull again,” Andrius joked to Chuck who was smiling as he glanced at Jess.

“This place is saturated with beautiful and sumptuous women. Let’s face it when the opportunity is looking at us, why think twice?” Chuck took a bite of his cheeseburger. “I’m a man after all.”

Andrius secretly smile. Things were different in this generation. Women don’t hesitate to their motives to other men.

Another thing was, theirs were no men of the right age who are innocent when it comes to sex. According to Chuck. “Deep inside of every prince charming are impure thoughts.” In short, ‘All men are jerks.’

It’s true, even him, he’s a jerk. He thought of sex. He even had a great collection of Playboy magazines and pictures of nude girls, but he’s different from his friend, Chuck, and other boys out there. He’s not playing like he’s a virgin, as his friend said—he could only touch one woman. That was Beatrice, his girlfriend.

“I have a job in Las Vegas next week. Someone wants to hire my photography service. Would you like to come with me?”

Chuck’s eyes widened. “Why not? It has been a long time since I last gambled with chick.”

“Ops! No girls! Just you and me.” ‘I don’t want to get unlucky when you bring girls,’ he thought.

“No girls? Okay. I got it, dude.”

Andrius just smiled. He knew that they would enjoy a friend even if they were not with women.