(Disclaimer: This story may or may not be based on real life events in which my roommate actually embraced the impracticality of fashion for absolutely no reason other than our own entertainment. And I say "based on" because, come on, it was a few years ago. Lol Who remembers exact dialog after all that time? She was in such a good mood that night that I didn't even have to try to convince her. It did end up costing her one of her favorite pairs of heels though, so I do feel a bit bad about that. Also, side note: Names and locations have been changed to protect the identities of those involved: My roommate and me. Anyway On with the story!)

(Disclaimer #2: This story is pretty long, like 90% of it has nothing to do with wetlook, and there's no messiness involved, so if that's all you're here for, you can probably safely skip this story. There is also nothing at all sexual in this story. It's just a happy memory that includes a bit of wetlook, embellished a bit to turn into a hopefully entertaining story. I may or may not be exaggerating my abilities as a model. Ok, I'm totally exaggerating that, but, hey, a girl can try to feed her ego sometimes, can't she? )

Adventures In Location Scouting

"Oh, good, you're home!" Maggie exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and running to greet Katie at the door. She stopped running and slid the last five feet in her thick, knee-high socks on the hardwood floor, giggling as she caught herself on the open door to avoid crashing into her roommate of nearly thirteen years.

Katie instinctively turned her body, both to brace for an impact that never came and to shield the cardboard Culver's takeout tray containing two large Cokes and two frozen custards.

Maggie grinned as she watched Katie realize she wasn't getting bowled over. Seizing the opportunity with her best friend having her hands occupied and being helpless to defend herself, Maggie reached up and lightly trapped Katie's nose. "Boop!"

It took a second for Katie to process the playful surprise attack before she sighed and relaxed. "Did you seriously just boop my snoot?"

Maggie grinned and nodded gleefully, then snatched the Culver's takeout bag from Katie and jogged over to the table in the kitchen, letting herself once again slide the last few feet on the linoleum floor before catching herself on the table. "Take those nasty shoes off and let's eat! I have some plans for afterward that you're REALLY going to like!"

Katie watched Maggie start to pull items out of the paper bag for a moment, then braced the toe of one steel-toed work shoe against the heel of the other and slid her foot out before repeating the process with her other shoe. She had tied them loosely once, months ago, and had never bothered untying them since. She kicked them aside into the small rug next to the front door, then walked over to join Maggie at the table. "You're in a really good mood. Usually I'm the hyper one."

Maggie grinned again. "Let's just say I've had a great day. I'll tell you about it later. Right now, I'm starving!" She pulled out Katie's chair in a mock romantic gesture and waited for her to awkwardly sit down, the tray with their drinks and ice cream still in her hands.

As soon as Katie was seated, Maggie pulled out the chair next to her and quickly sat down while Katie set down the drink tray and scooted her chair in so she could reach the table more comfortably. The scent of fried food and the sweet aroma of frozen custard mingled in the air, the familiarity of the comfort food interlacing with the undercurrent of excitement that seemed to emanate from Maggie.

"You're practically buzzing. I can't remember the last time you slid across the floor twice in under five minutes," Katie remarked, her curiosity piqued as she reached for a plastic spoon.

"You know I can't resist a good slide," she admitted, her smile turning sly. "But you're right, there's something special about today. I'll spill the details over custard." Her eyes twinkling mischievously, Maggie grabbed away the cardboard cup of custard that Katie was just about to dig her spoon into.

"Hey!" Katie exclaimed, then laughed. "Ok, I guess that one is yours now. I WAS going to try something new, but I guess I'm eating mint chocolate chip again."

Maggie grinned. "Don't complain. We both know that's your favorite."

As they both dug into their treats, the playful atmosphere lingered. Katie couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and amusement - whatever Maggie had planned, it was bound to be memorable.

"Now, before I say anything else, you really like that outfit you're wearing, right?" Maggie asked. "I think I remember you saying those were one of your favorite pairs of jeans..."

Katie nodded slowly, unsure where Maggie was going with this. She looked down at her clothes. Her work at the lab had a business casual dress code, and she was dressed accordingly in a fitted white cotton dress shirt with the top few buttons undone to show the top of a black silk tank top. The dress shirt was tucked into her tight-fitting dark blue denim boot-cut jeans, which were held in place just below her athletic waist by a black leather belt sporting a sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted belt buckle. It was one of her more eye-catching work outfits, and it made her feel sexy without being unprofessional. "Yes... Yes, I really like this outfit. Why do you ask?" she asked cautiously, not sure if she'd like Maggie's answer, especially since she'd noticed her photographer friend's camera and other photography gear in their cases near the front door.

Maggie's grin seemed to widen at Katie's cautious affirmation, her eyes dancing with a mischievous light that Katie knew all too well. "Well, because I have this idea for a photo series, and it involves a bit of... let's call it 'environmental interaction.'" Maggie's words were accompanied by an exaggerated wave of her hands, as if to paint her idea into the air between them.

Katie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity now mingling with a hint of suspicion. "Environmental interaction?" she echoed, not entirely sure she liked the sound of that, especially given that her outfit was indeed one of her favorites. But there was also a part of her that was intrigued by Maggie's sudden burst of creative energy.

"Yes!" Maggie's excitement was palpable as she leaned forward, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "I found this absolutely gorgeous spot by the lake. It's secluded, serene, and has some really interesting rock formations. The light is perfect at sunset, and I thought... what if we did a 'fashion meets nature' kind of shoot? You, looking fabulous as always, but in the midst of all that natural beauty. Maybe even interacting with the water."

Katie processed this, the image forming in her mind. She loved the idea of the shoot, the contrast between her classy, understated attire and the rawness of nature. It was risky, potentially messy, but it was also the kind of spontaneous adventure that she'd come to enjoy. "You want me to get into the lake... in this outfit?" she asked, a tentative smile starting to form. Maggie's ideas were often bold, but they were also the source of some of their best memories.

Maggie nodded. "That outfit, and a pair of heels. Whichever ones you like, but preferably at least as sexy as the rest of your outfit."

Katie's tentative smile bloomed into a full one, her adventurous spirit ignited by the challenge and trust in Maggie's artistic vision. She considered the request, envisioning the potential of the photographs, the interplay of her refined outfit with the untamed beauty of the lakeside at sunset.

"Okay," Katie agreed, her voice laced with a playful resolve. "But if I'm going to potentially ruin one of my favorite pairs of jeans and a good shirt, it better be for some epic shots. And I want to see every single one before you decide to delete any."

Maggie's eyes sparkled with triumph and anticipation. "Deal. I promise you, it's going to be epic. The juxtaposition of your elegance with the lake's tranquility... it's gonna be amazing!" She stood up, already brimming with energy for the project ahead.

Katie pushed back her chair and stood, the thought of wading into the lake in high heels and her chic outfit both daunting and exhilarating. She glanced at her work shoes by the door, momentarily debating whether to wear them instead. After picturing them sinking into the soft earth by the water's edge, she frowned. "Well, if we're going to do this, let's do it right. Give me a minute to pick out the perfect pair of heels. If my outfit's going to take a swim, it's going to do it in style." She headed toward her room with a newfound excitement, ready to embrace the chaos of Maggie's grand idea.

"Maybe pick a pair that will show off the pedicure you got yesterday?" Maggie suggested. She picked up a fry and dipped it in her frozen custard, a salty/sweet combo she'd loved since she was a kid. "And don't take too long deciding or your food will get cold!"

Katie paused at the threshold to her room, casting a glance back at Maggie with a mock-stern look. "Threatening me with cold fries? That's low, even for you," she teased, her tone light and playful. "And don't worry, I already have the perfect pair in mind."

With a spring in her step, Katie disappeared into her room. She dug through her collection of shoes, which, no matter how many times she sorted and organized them, always seemed to end up in a messy jumble of mismatched heels and boots. Her gaze settled on a pair of sleek, black satin high heels with tiny rhinestones lining the bottom edge of the low platform where it met the sole, as well as completely covering the 6-inch stiletto heel. The open-toe design would indeed showcase her freshly pampered feet, the vibrant red nail polish a stark contrast against the natural backdrop they would soon tread upon.

"Got them!" Katie announced, emerging with the chosen heels in hand. They were daring and bold, just like the evening's escapade promised to be. She set them down by the front door next to her discarded work shoes, ready to slip them on when they left.

Returning to the table, Katie slid into her seat and picked up her Butterburger, taking a hearty bite. "Okay, let's eat. We'll need the energy for this little adventure of yours," she said, her voice muffled slightly by the food. The anticipation of the photoshoot added an air of excitement to the meal, the prelude to an evening neither of them would soon forget.

Katie eyed Maggie as they ate, then asked, "You're not planning to leave the house like that, are you?"

Maggie chuckled as she looked down at her own outfit, a white tank top, pink cheer shorts, and knee-high white socks with pink stripes just below the knee. The outfit was perfect for lounging around the house on a day off, but not something the fashionista would be caught dead wearing in public. "Don't worry. You just came home with the food a little earlier than I expected. I've got my outfit all planned out in my head. Just need to throw it on. But priority one was making sure the photographer - me - doesn't starve to death before the shoot," she grinned, popping the last of her custard-dipped fry into her mouth.

Katie couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head at Maggie's antics. "Well, make sure it's something you can move in. Knowing you, you'll be climbing trees or wading into the lake right alongside me to get your perfect shot."

Maggie's grin only widened. "Naturally. But don't worry, I have just the thing. It's cute and practical. The best of both worlds." She finished her meal quickly, eager to get started.

With their meal concluded, the excitement in the air was palpable. They cleared the table together, a well-rehearsed dance of efficiency born from years of shared meals and chores. Then, with a shared nod, they split to prepare for the evening's main event. Maggie to change into her 'cute and practical' outfit, and Katie to slip into the black stilettos that awaited their moment in the spotlight.

"I thought you said you just needed to throw the outfit on!" Katie called out a few minutes later as she waited on the couch scrolling through Instagram on her phone, her stiletto-clad foot tucked up on the cushion beneath her. "What's taking you so long?"

From the other room, the sounds of rummaging and the occasional hushed exclamation hinted at Maggie's search for the right ensemble. "Perfection takes time!" Maggie's voice floated back, tinged with laughter. "Besides, I can't let you be the only one looking stunning out there."

Katie chuckled, her eyes not leaving her phone as she double-tapped on a few fashion posts that caught her eye. "Just remember, the sun's going down, and we're losing light," she reminded, her tone light but carrying the gentle nudge of urgency.

Soon enough, the sound of footsteps announced Maggie's approach. Katie looked up, curiosity piqued, ready to see what combination of cute and practical her friend had managed to put together for their impromptu photoshoot.

"Wow... THAT'S what you're wearing to take pictures of ME? Are you sure I'm not actually the photographer and you're the model?" Katie asked, clearly impressed. "Those heels are almost as high as mine!"

Maggie emerged with a flourish, clearly pleased with the effect her chosen outfit had on Katie. She struck a playful pose, showing off her attire. "I did tell you, I had an outfit in mind," she said with a laugh. "And what's wrong with wanting to look good behind the camera? Plus, these heels," she lifted a foot slightly, "are actually pretty comfortable. I can run in these if I have to."

Her ensemble wasn't nearly the blend of functionality and style she'd implied earlier. She wore a fitted black turtleneck that accentuated her figure, paired with a high-waisted olive-green pencil skirt that ended just above the knee, allowing for ample movement. The skirt was complemented by a pair of black suede high-heeled ankle boots, only slightly more practical Katie's stilettos. A thin gold chain belt cinched her waist, adding a touch of elegance.

Katie's eyes gleamed with approval and a hint of playful envy. "Well, you look fantastic. I suppose it's only fair that if I'm going to be frolicking around in front of the lens, the person behind it should be equally glamorous," she teased, rising from the couch. "Shall we?" She gestured towards the door with a grandiose wave.

On their way to the door, Katie grinned as she took Maggie's outfit in one more time. "I guess that outfit is a little more practical than I gave you credit for. That skirt might be short enough to not get wet as you move around in the water taking pictures... as long as the limited mobility it offers doesn't trip you up." She chuckled at the thought.

Maggie gave a playful twirl, the fabric of her skirt hugging her tightly. "Well, I'll have you know, this skirt is only slightly more practical than it looks!" she said with a laugh.

Katie laughed, picturing Maggie trying to maintain her balance in the water in that tight skirt. "If you say so. Just try not to dunk your camera," she advised, her tone light but her concern for Maggie's expensive equipment genuine.

The two of them quickly gathered their things and headed towards the door, with Maggie slinging her camera bag over her shoulder and picking up a folded reflector while Katie picked up a large case containing lighting equipment.

"Hey, Maggie, can I set my phone up to record our shoot? You don't usually... well... ever dress this glamorously for taking pictures of me. We gotta document it!" Katie asked as she watched her best friend strutting in her stilettos while carrying her gear to Katie's car.

"Absolutely," Maggie beamed, her excitement contagious. "It'll be like one of those behind-the-scenes fashion shoot videos. Plus, it'll be a hoot to see me work my magic in these heels. I may or may not already be regretting my choice to wear them."

Katie chuckled as she unlocked her car, the beep of the doors unlocking punctuating the moment. "Well, if you trip, I promise I'll edit that part out... unless it's really funny," she teased.

"Ha-ha, very funny," Maggie shot back with a grin, placing her gear carefully in the trunk. "Just remember, if I go down, I'm gonna make sure you do too!"

"You mentioned this being a really good day earlier," Katie said. "Did those women finally sign the contract for the full wedding package? They were the ones interested in a Trash the Dress shoot the day after as well, right?"

Maggie's smile lit up like the flash on her camera. "They did! And they're so excited about the Trash the Dress session. They've been looking at examples all week and sending me ideas. They want something really out of the box, which is exactly my style." As Katie navigated the car onto the main road, Maggie's enthusiasm was palpable. "I mean, how often do you get clients who want to roll around in the surf and sand in a designer gown?"

Katie laughed, glancing at Maggie. "About as often as you wear a ballgown to shoot in the water, I'd guess."

Maggie nodded, her eyes sparkling with the reflection of the passing streetlights. "Exactly. It's going to be epic. And today's shoot with you? It's just the practice I need."

"I, on the other hand, actually have worn a ballgown in the water. A few times." Katie chuckled. "Both for your photoshoots and just for fun." She paused as a thought came to her. "Is this a test shoot for a location you're thinking of using for them?"

Maggie nodded, her gaze flickering with a hint of mischief. "It is. There's this spot I've had my eye on. It's beautiful and secluded, so we can go all out without an audience. Plus, seeing how the fabrics and colors work against the backdrop is crucial for the final shoot."

Katie's curiosity peaked, her mind painting images of the potential scenery. "I'm game. It's always an adventure with you. Although, if I'm going to be your test subject, I expect to see some of these pictures before anyone else."

Maggie's laugh was airy, a promise in itself. "You'll have the first look, as always. I'm thinking of trying some new editing techniques, too. But let's focus on getting you into the water first. Trust me, I have a vision, and it's going to be stunning."

Katie looked down at her jeans. "If this is a test shoot for a Trash the Dress session, shouldn't I be wearing white?"

"You ARE wearing white, silly!" Maggie said, looking at Katie's white cotton blouse.

"I mean, like, a white dress with a long skirt?" Katie asked.

"I guess maybe that would have been the smart thing to do, but it's too late now." Maggie said. "Pull into the next wayside, right up there. It's a gorgeous overlook of the lake, but it's even more amazing if you go down the path to the little rocky beach below."

As Katie pulled into the small, roadside gravel parking lot overlooking the lake that Maggie had navigated her to, she stared out at the beginnings of sunset. "We'd better hurry if you want to keep the light. This looks like it might be a really pretty sunset today."

Maggie nodded. "Let's grab what we need and head down there. Carry your heels though, don't wear them. It's a bit of a steep trail to get down there and I don't want my favorite model falling and hurting herself, ok? We can put them back on once we're down there."

Katie complied, slipping off her stilettos and feeling the gravel under her feet, a sensation she wasn't particularly fond of but endured for the sake of the shoot. She scooped up the shoes in one hand, her other hand grabbing the necessary gear from the trunk.

Maggie, camera bag slung over her shoulder, led the way to the trail's entrance, then waited for Katie to catch up. The descending path was a ribbon of earth carved into the hillside, flanked by clusters of wildflowers and the occasional overhanging tree.

The air was filled with the golden hour's glow, a warm light that seemed to kiss the world with a kind of ephemeral magic. Katie's eyes were drawn to the horizon where the sun was beginning its descent, a fiery ball painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple.

"We've got the perfect backdrop," Katie said, quickening her pace, her voice tinged with urgency but her eyes still fixed on the rapidly changing sky.

Maggie frowned, her eyes also on the spectacle unfolding above them. "Maybe I took a little too long getting changed... Oh, well. Let's get down there and make some magic happen, Katie," she said, gesturing for her roommate to lead the way down the narrow path.

As Maggie followed behind Katie, her camera case slung over her shoulder, a case with lighting supplies in one hand, and her fancy ankle boots in the other, her bare foot suddenly slipped on the loose earth. She screamed and instinctively dropped her shoes to grab onto a nearby sapling to regain her balance.

Katie, carrying a full canvas tote bag in one hand and her stilettos in the other, spun around in fear at the terrified scream, then sighed in relief when she saw Maggie leaning on a tree just big enough to support her weight. Quickly setting the tote bag and her heels down on the path, she ran back up to Maggie and took the large plastic case from her so she wouldn't drop it over the edge. "Are you ok?" she asked, reaching a hand out to help Maggie stand upright again.

Maggie was braced against the tree, leaning out over the steep drop-off and momentarily frozen in fear as she stared at the small, rocky beach thirty feet below. Regaining her senses, she took Katie's offered hand and carefully pushed herself off the tree until she was safely standing back on the path. "I'm... I'm ok. Just a bit shaken. I need to watch where I'm stepping." She knelt down to pick up the shoe that had landed at her feet, then peeked over the edge and pointed at the other on the beach below. "That... That could have been me."

Katie pulled her roommate away from the edge and into a hug to calm both of them down. "It's ok. You're ok."

Maggie let out a shaky breath, her heart still racing from the near fall. Katie's hug was a grounding presence, reminding her that she was safe, despite the adrenaline that still hummed through her veins.

"Thanks, Katie," Maggie said, pulling back slightly to look at her friend. "I guess I was too caught up in getting to the shoot. Lesson learned - never underestimate nature's catwalk."

Katie smiled reassuringly, the moment of fear dissolving into their usual banter. "Nature's catwalk? Maybe don't pretend this steep path is a catwalk and you won't fall off it again."

They shared a small laugh, the tension ebbing away. With a renewed caution, they continued their descent.

As they approached the water's edge, the setting sun cast a surreal blanket of color over the lake, the surface shimmering like a canvas splashed with the most exquisite paints. Maggie's eyes sparkled with that familiar creative zeal.

"Let's set up quickly. This light is too perfect to waste," Maggie said, her tone professional.

Katie nodded, feeling the urgency of the fading light. They moved quickly, setting up the equipment in preparation to capture the magic of the golden hour.

"Hurry up and get your shoes on," Maggie directed as she walked over to her fallen bootie and retrieved it. "You can set your phone up on that rock there to record. That should keep everything in view while we do the shoot. And don't go in the water yet. I want some dry shots of you first." She looked Katie over. "Those curls..." she chuckled, studying the barely-tamed mess of brownish blonde curls that Katie lived with on a daily basis. "It's a little late to do anything fancy with that mess of hair, but maybe you could do, like, a quick half-up, half-down look to pull the hair back from your face? But leave a little bit on each side to frame your pretty face."

Katie nodded, her fingers already working through her curls with practiced ease. "You know, you're lucky I've mastered the art of the five-minute hairdo," she lied, pulling the hair from her temples back while letting the rest cascade down in what she hoped would look like a deliberate, artful disarray. She then slipped her heels on and waited for her photographer friend to tell her where to go.

Maggie couldn't resist a proud smile. Here was her friend, a clearly amateur but very enthusiastic model, ready to take on the makeshift lakeside studio they had cobbled together.

The air was filled with the soft sounds of the evening - birds settling down for the night, the gentle lap of water against the shore, and the distant whisper of leaves rustling in the breeze. It was the perfect backdrop for a spontaneous fashion shoot, and as Maggie lifted her camera, she felt that familiar thrill of capturing a moment of unexpected beauty.

"Ready when you are," Katie announced, striking a playful pose on the rocky terrain, the rhinestones on her shoes sparkling in the dying light.

Maggie peered through the lens, her finger ready on the shutter. "Let's make some art," she declared with a grin, and the shoot began.

Stepping up onto a flat rock, Katie gazed out across the water, shielding her eyes against the setting sun. From Maggie's perspective, Katie was almost a silhouette against the bright colors. The way the light filtered through her curly hair almost gave her an angelic glow, and she excitedly snapped away, hoping the images would turn out as beautiful as it looked in person.

"Perfect, now look back at me!" Maggie called out.

Katie turned her head, her curls dancing as she did so. With the sunset at her back, the light caught the edges of her hair, creating a radiant halo around her. She smiled, her expression a mix of mischief and delight, a look that Maggie knew all too well.

"Stay like that," Maggie instructed, her voice steady despite the excitement that bubbled within her. The click of the shutter was rhythmic, a comforting sound that signified the capture of yet another successful image. The contrast of Katie's white blouse against the darkening sky, her jeans hugging her form, and the playful yet poised look on her face - it was all coming together in a symphony of visual storytelling.

Maggie looked down at her own pencil skirt and stiletto-heeled booties as she wondered how she'd fare, then shrugged and chuckled. "It seems that my shoes will get wet before yours. I want to get that first pose from the front, with you looking into the sunset and shielding your eyes, but lit up from the front instead of a silhouette from behind." Then she carefully stepped across the rocks and into the water, feeling the coolness seep through her shoes. She suppressed a giggle, thinking how ironic it was that she, the photographer, would end up with soaked shoes before her subject did.

"Alright, Katie, let's make this quick before we both end up completely drenched," Maggie said with a playful tone. She positioned herself, camera in hand, the water lapping at her shins.

Katie adjusted her stance, her reflection on the water's surface as she raised her hand to shield her eyes, looking into the distance where the sun was a fiery orb descending into the lake.

"Perfect, hold that!" Maggie called out, focusing the lens. She clicked away, capturing the soft evening light that caressed Katie's face, the shadows and highlights playing across her features.

The light was fading fast, but Maggie was determined to get the perfect shot. "One more, with a smile, Katie!" she directed.

"Beautiful! Ok, now... dip just the toe of one of your shoes in the water, like you're testing the temperature," Maggie directed.

Katie shifted her weight and extended one leg forward, the tip of her black stiletto hesitantly touching the water's surface. She gave a slight grimace as the cool water met her toe, causing ripples to dance away from the point of contact. "Ooh, that's chilly!" she exclaimed, her reaction more genuine than intended.

Maggie was quick to capture the moment. "That's it! That's the shot!" she praised, snapping several photos to ensure she caught the perfect blend of elegance and playfulness. The sun, now just a sliver above the horizon, bathed the scene in a soft, golden hue. "Ok, now step down off the rock with one foot," Maggie instructed, snapping away with her camera.

Katie obliged, her expression a mix of concentration and grace. As she stepped down, the hem of her denim jeans brushed against the surface of the water, darkening slightly with the touch. Her foot, clad in the sleek stiletto, moved with careful precision, finding a spot on the submerged rocks that offered some semblance of stability.

"Got it," Maggie confirmed with a nod as she carefully circled around Katie to capture her from the side, her eyes not leaving the camera's viewfinder. "Now, give me a look back over your shoulder, a bit of mystery in your smile," she suggested, ready to capture another facet of the moment.

"Now trade that mysterious smile for a mischievous one... you're good at those!" Maggie teased.

Katie's face transformed effortlessly, her eyes sparkling with a playful light as her lips curved into a mischievous smile.

Maggie captured the transition, the camera shutter preserving the fleeting expression. "That's the one! It's like you're plotting to turn this photoshoot into a splash war," Maggie joked, keeping the atmosphere light and energetic.

"Now sit down on the rock, cross your legs, and look as ladylike as you can," Maggie said with a chuckle, knowing Katie gets annoyed when she tells her to "look ladylike."

Katie rolled her eyes playfully at Maggie's direction but complied as she gracefully sat on the rock. She crossed her legs at the ankles and folded her hands in her lap, trying to mimic the pose she'd seen hundreds of celebrities do.

She turned her head slightly, giving Maggie a look that was part coyness, part challenge. "This ladylike enough for you?" she teased.

Maggie laughed behind the lens, focusing on Katie's poised figure. "Absolutely perfect," she affirmed, snapping the picture. "Though, I think we both know you're anything but conventional." Satisfied with the pose, she then directed, "Ok, now let's go for 'unladylike.' Put your hands on the rock behind you and lean back, then start kicking your feet to splash the water. Let's see those heels in action!"

With a spark in her eyes, Katie shifted her position, placing her palms flat against the cool, rough surface of the rock. She leaned back, her hair cascading down in a wild tumble of curls, a stark contrast to the demure posture she had just abandoned. She lifted her legs, the heels of her stilettos catching the fading sunlight as she began to playfully kick at the water's surface.

Water sprayed all around her as she splashed, and she couldn't help laughing with delight as she felt the cold drops hit her bare hands and face and soak through her blouse and jeans.

"Perfect, keep that up!" Maggie encouraged, her camera capturing every sparkling drop and the vivacious spirit of her best friend.

As Maggie watched through the camera lens as she snapped away to immortalize Katie's playful yet glamorous splashing, she mused, "You are definitely my favorite model..." Maggie's voice trailed off, her focus entirely on the viewfinder.

Katie, amidst her laughter and the splashes she created, paused to shoot Maggie a warm, heartfelt smile. "I better be! Who else would do all these shoots with you for free?"

Maggie grinned. "You know that's not what I meant. It's just... I don't really know how to explain it. You're not a model and you don't really act like one. You're just you. Goofy and fun. You do what I ask without arguing or trying to do it your own way. You're not worried about how the picture will look or acting sexy or whatever, but sometimes... Sometimes you just effortlessly pull off great shots, like a professional model." She lowered the camera for a moment, then chuckled as Katie stuck her tongue out at her. "And then you pop out again."

"Hey, now!" Katie exclaimed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Maggie shrugged, grinning. "You're not a model. You're a goofy girl-next-door who happens to be best friends with a photographer who can make anyone look pretty."

"Ouch!" Katie said, looking genuinely hurt.

"You know I'm kidding," Maggie said quickly. "I have a whole portfolio that's just you. I love our photoshoots so much. You're easy to work with, you look great, and I just really enjoy working with you. Plus, how many women will soak their nice clothes just for fun?"

Katie asked, "Speaking of soaking nice clothes... I know why I'm wearing heels and dressed nice in the water, but you never said why you got dressed up for this. And you never wear heels for these outdoor shoots. I don't think I've ever seen you wear heels for a photoshoot, like, ever. Not even in your studio. You wear them for taking pictures of weddings and stuff like that, but never just for photoshoots."

Maggie glanced up from the camera, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "Ah, well, I might have a date later," she lied, although she didn't really know why she said that. "I figured since we were doing the shoot by the lake at sunset, I'd dress for the occasion and head straight out afterward."

"If you have a date later, then why are you in the water?" Katie asked in amusement. "I don't believe that excuse."

Maggie chuckled. "Well," she started, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "I might have exaggerated the 'date' part. But truthfully? I wanted to see if I could keep up with you, fashion-wise, even here."

"I'm truly impressed, especially that you're sticking with the heels," Katie said. "I thought you'd ditch them before you even got close to the water."

Maggie beamed at the compliment, shifting her weight slightly to find a more comfortable stance in her submerged stiletto-heeled booties, then glanced back towards the lake, now painted with the deepening colors of the sunset. "Let's do a few more shots before the light's gone. How about you give me a pose that says 'adventurous elegance'?" Maggie suggested, readying her camera again.

Katie stood up, lifted one foot out of the water and placed it on the rock, then put her hands on her hips, striking a proud, defiant pose. "How's this?"

Maggie's eyes lit up as she adjusted her lens to focus. "That's perfect," she affirmed, her voice laced with excitement. She clicked the shutter repeatedly, capturing the moment from various angles, the soft shutter sounds mixing with the gentle lapping of the water.

"Are you ready to get really wet?" Maggie asked, gesturing for her to wade further into the lake.

Katie's eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and challenge. "I thought you'd never ask," she replied with a grin as she took a deep breath and stepped further into the cool embrace of the lake, feeling the fabric of her jeans cling to her legs as the water rose past her knees.

"Okay, now walk towards me slowly--let's capture the movement of the water around you," Maggie instructed.

"Perfect! I love the cat walk!" Maggie exclaimed with a laugh as Katie strode toward her a bit awkwardly, trying to hide that she was carefully placing her feet on the rocks and pebbles so she wouldn't fall. Maggie quickly stood up and backed away, keeping Katie in her camera's lens. "You're doing gr- Whoa!" Maggie yelled out, startled as she lost balance in her own heels and fell with a splash, soaking her outfit from the armpits down, barely managing to keep the camera above water.

Katie halted mid-stride, her playful demeanor replaced by concern as she watched Maggie flounder in the water, camera held high like a trophy. "Oh my gosh, Maggie!" she exclaimed, rushing over with the water splashing around her. Reaching her, Katie extended a hand, trying not to laugh at the comical sight of her now-soaked friend. "Are you okay?" she asked, biting her lip to stifle giggles.

Maggie, still in a bit of shock and trying to assess if her camera survived the unexpected dip, couldn't help but let out a reluctant laugh. "I'm fine," she sputtered, accepting Katie's hand and standing up, dripping wet. She looked down at her soaked turtleneck and skirt, then back up at Katie with a smirk. "Guess we're both getting the full lake experience today," she said before turning her attention to her camera. After a few moments examining it, Maggie breathed a sigh of relief. "Its ok. It didn't get wet. Now... where were we?"

Katie eyed the very expensive camera. "If you're going to insist on keeping those heels on, maybe you should sit down on the rocks and let me stumble around in the water."

Maggie considered Katie's suggestion, her eyes scanning the slippery rocks and water that had just claimed her dignity. "You know," she started, a playful twinkle in her eye despite the earlier mishap, "that might be the best idea you've had all day." She carefully made her way to the rock and sat down, her soaked skirt clinging to her legs.

"Now," she said, arranging herself gracefully despite the circumstances, "show me how it's done. And try to look graceful even if you're about to slip - it makes for a great action shot!"

Katie chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "All right, get ready for some prime elegance," she declared with mock seriousness. She began to move through the water, her movements exaggeratedly poised as she navigated the uneven lake bed, doing her best to navigate the submerged stones in her stilettos.

After a few minutes, Maggie said, "we're losing the light, but there's one more shot i want to get. It's the reason I asked you to wear the heels in the first place. I saw this pose online where a ballerina was posing on the beach at sunset and she was standing calf-deep in the water on one leg, with the other leg raised up behind her in a dance pose, making this beautiful, graceful silhouette against the sunset. Do you think you can do that in those heels?"

"Just for my own clarity, was that ballerina wearing heels?" Katie asked.

Maggie grinned. "Nope. Of course not! You're the only crazy one who would try that."

Katie laughed, her eyes sparkling with the challenge. "Well, I've never been one to shy away from a little craziness. Let's give it a shot." She steadied herself, focusing on a point in the distance to keep her balance. Slowly, she lifted one foot, the heel of her stiletto dripping with water, and stretched it behind her, pointing her toes. She fought to keep the other heel buried in the sand for stability, her arms extending gracefully to her sides. The setting sun wrapped the scene in a warm glow, casting a long, elegant shadow on the water's surface.

"Okay, take the picture before I topple over!" Katie called back to Maggie, holding the pose with a dancer's tension, a smile playing on her lips, ready for the moment to be captured.

"Got it! That's perfect!" Maggie called out. "Ok, you can topple now."

Katie relaxed her stance with a relieved laugh, allowing her raised foot to splash back into the water, sending ripples across the surface. She teetered for a second on the unstable rocky bottom but managed to regain her balance without a full topple. "Your turn to try it in heels," she teased Maggie, who was still perched safely on a rock, camera in hand. The sun was now below the horizon, leaving a quickly fading display of purples and pinks.

"Aw... I was hoping you'd just relax and let yourself fall," Maggie said. "You're barely even wet above the knees."

Katie smirked, the mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "Is that a challenge?" she quipped, stepping deeper into the water with a splash. The lake's cool embrace climbed up her legs to her thighs, her jeans darkening as they soaked up the water. "How's this for commitment to the shot?" She spun around slowly, arms outstretched, barely managing to keep her balance.

"You still look pretty dry to me," Maggie teased, picking up her camera again and snapping away.

Katie raised an eyebrow and without breaking eye contact with Maggie, she took a deep breath and dropped back into the water, laying out flat with a dramatic splash. The water enveloped her for a moment before she rose again quickly, her blouse nearly see-through and clinging to her like a second skin, revealing her black silk tank top. She shook her head like a dog, her curls sending a spray of droplets in every direction. "Now, do I meet the 'drenched' criteria?" she asked with a laugh, striking a playful pose amidst the ripples.

"I love it!" Maggie exclaimed, still snapping away.

Katie, now fully embracing the waterlogged fashion shoot, started to move with exaggerated movements. There was nothing graceful about her movements now as she stumbled on the slick stones beneath the water, but she didn't care. She was done being a model and was just having fun. Each time she tripped or slipped, she stood right back up again and kept going.

Maggie was laughing so hard she could barely keep the camera up. "Work it, girl!" She called out between gasps for air. Finally she gave up taking pictures altogether and set the camera safely on the rock next to her.

Finally regaining her composure, she called out, "I think that's about it for the shoot. It's too dark now and I don't want to go back up to the car for the other lights. But... I don't want to go home yet. Help me put my gear away and then I'll join you in the water."

Katie nodded, her movements slow as she waded back to the shore, feeling the cool water against her skin contrast with the air now growing chill as the evening deepened. They worked together in comfortable silence, Maggie carefully drying her hands before dismantling her camera setup, storing each piece in its designated spot within the case. The gear stowed away, Maggie unzipped her booties and slipped them off, tossing them next to her gear.

She looked at Katie with a mischievous glint in her eye, "Okay, photographer's off-duty now," she said. With a playful grin, she stepped into the water. Katie watched, her own drenched attire clinging to her, as Maggie embraced the water with an almost childlike delight, the hem of her skirt soaking up the water once again with each step deeper into the lake.

Katie laughed. "I'm actually a little surprised you didn't keep those booties on. I thought you were going to try proving you could handle these wet rocks as well as I can."

Maggie gave Katie a playful roll of her eyes, "Please, after today's near-catastrophic tumble, I think I've proven enough. Besides, there's a difference between elegant risk-taking and just plain foolhardiness," she said with a laugh, her toes curling in the sand as she enjoyed the newfound freedom from the constraints of her footwear. "I'll be elegant and you can be foolish!"

"Honestly, I'm really happy you dressed up for this. Usually, I'm dressed up and you're wearing some cute workout outfit, so I loved this change of pace. I would love it if you did that more often," Katie said.

Maggie raised her eyebrow in caution. "As long as it's just in fun?" she asked, her expression turning serious. "I don't want a repeat of... that other time. You and me... we'll only ever just be friends."

Maggie's words carried a gentle firmness, ensuring that boundaries remained clear. Katie's face fell a bit at the memory of when she confessed her undying love for Maggie and tried to kiss her straight friend. "Absolutely, just in fun," Katie assured her with a soft smile, understanding the gravity behind Maggie's tone. "Just friends. That's all I want now."

Maggie's features softened at Katie's response, and she reached out to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Good, because you're an incredible friend and model," she affirmed with warmth in her voice. "And honestly, getting dressed up was a blast. It's like stepping into a character, you know? It's not something I'd do every day, but maybe once in a while? Absolutely." Then she glanced over at her shoes on the rock. "I really liked those booties. But that tumble down the rocks really scratched the one up. And then wearing them in the water didn't help. I think they might be goners"

Katie followed Maggie's gaze to the discarded shoes. "But think of the adventure they had!"

Maggie chuckled, a bit wistful yet nodding in agreement. "True. They've had more adventure in one day than they would've had in a year of parties," she mused.

As the adrenaline from their excitement wore off, the two women started shivering. "I think it's time to go. It's getting REALLY COLD now that the sun is down!" Katie exclaimed through chattering teeth.

Maggie nodded vigorously, her teeth chattering just as much. "Yeah, let's pack up," she said, hurrying over to the gear they had left on the shore.

"Race you back to the car?" Maggie suggested with a playful glint in her eye, momentarily forgetting the cold.

Katie laughed, her shivers momentarily forgotten as the competitive spark lit up within her. "You're on!" she declared. "But no. No! You almost died on the way down here, and now you want to race back up?"

Maggie glanced up at the path, then laughed. "Ok no running. We'll take it easy. You better take your heels off. I wouldn't want you to break your ankle AND your neck."

Katie nodded, then kicked off her heels, leaving them behind as they started up the path toward the warmth of the car, shivering in the chilly evening air. The promise of heated seats and the cozy blankets Maggie always kept in the trunk spurred them on.

As they climbed in the car, Katie started the engine, but then just leaned back in her seat, looking out the window at the path down to the secluded beach.

"Are you ok?" Maggie asked.

Katie nodded. "I'm ok. I... I don't want to leave my heels. I love that pair and don't know why I left without them. So now I'm just trying to warm up a bit before I run back down there to get them."

Maggie reached over and turned up the heat, directing the vents towards Katie. "I'll go with you. We'll both be warmer and it'll be faster if we go together. Plus, I can't let you have all the fun of a midnight rescue mission for your beloved heels," she said with a chuckle, though there was a touch of understanding in her voice.

They sat in the car for a few moments, allowing the warmth to seep back into their bones. The heater hummed a comforting tune, and the car gradually filled with a cozy warmth that made the outside cold seem like a distant memory.

Once they felt their bodies had warmed up sufficiently, they stepped out of the car, the cold air making them gasp. They carefully made their way back down the path, barefoot and shivering, but determined to accomplish their mission.

Reaching the beach, they quickly spotted Katie's heels on the rock, still proud and sparkling in the moonlight. Katie scooped them up with a relieved sigh and turned to head for Maggie's, but her friend was already headed back for the path. "Are you leaving yours here?" Katie asked, pointing at the abandoned booties sitting on the rock.

Maggie glanced at her booties, considering them for a moment with a mix of fondness and resignation. "They've had a good run, but I can't really wear them out again," she said frown, then shrugged. "Let's leave them." She started to head back up the path. "Come on, let's get back to the car before we freeze to death!"

Once they were safely back in her car, Katie asked, "Have you ever wondered what people think when they find something like that? Like those booties? They're very clearly out of place, especially since the only way down there is steep and rocky, impossible to do while wearing heels. And they're stilettos, which, as you found out, are nearly impossible to walk in on that tiny, rocky beach. And one is in nearly perfect condition while the other is scratched and scuffed and dinged up from its tumble down the drop-off," mused Katie.

Maggie shrugged, then chuckled. "I bet they'd concoct some wild tale. Maybe they'd think it was a Cinderella story gone wrong, a beachside gala where the belle of the ball had to make a hasty escape," she suggested.

The two women laughed, then fell into a comfortable silence as the warmth of the heater slowly brought feeling back to their fingers and toes. Finally, Katie put the car in gear and pulled out onto the road to head home.

After a couple minutes, Katie spoke up. "So, after that mishap on the path to get down there, are you still planning on taking that couple... those brides down there for their photoshoot, gowns and all?"

Maggie paused, considering the challenge that lay ahead. "I think so," she said, her voice a mixture of determination and a hint of trepidation. "But I'll be much better prepared. We'll take it slow, and I'll have them wear proper shoes until we're on solid ground. It's going to be an adventure for them, too. I'll make sure it's a story they can tell for years!"

She pictured the brides, radiant in their gowns, the rocky landscape of the small beach as a backdrop. "It'll be worth it. The photos will be incredible, with the raw beauty of the place... It's unique, just like them," she added with a confident nod.

Katie smiled, her enthusiasm reigniting. "I can't wait to see those pictures," she said. "That'll be one epic photoshoot. They're lucky to have you as their photographer!"