Page 105 of Back Room Host

“As if you know me now just because you know a few things about me.” When I noticed my harsh tone, I tilted my head in embarrassment. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. Especially since I’m living in your apartment.”

“It’s okay. You’re right. But what I know about you now makes you even more interesting.”

I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t tell me you want me to be your muse.”

“What? Why? No. I want to see the photos you’ve taken. Noé told me you were the one who photographed his profile picture.”

“Yeah. So?”

“It’s very good. Let me see more. Show me what you’ve learned from this photo blog.”

“Why?” I didn’t understand what he wanted from me. Instead of giving me an answer, he furrowed his brow and smiled mischievously. “I don’t have the pictures here. They’re on my laptop at home.”

“But you have the originals here, right?”

I could only manage a weak nod. I opened the app, scrolled back to the night with the guys at the club, and swiped througha bit. It didn’t take long before Alex took the phone out of my hand.

“They’re good.”

I was aware of that, and yet the confirmation from a professional photographer felt good. Alex took his time, carefully examining the photos and even swiping back once or twice. When the pictures of Luca came up, I sank even deeper into the couch. From the corner of my eye, I saw Alex studying them, even enlarging them. I was relieved when he finally swiped on and reached the end.

“Come with me,” he said, handing me back the phone.

What? Not another word about the pictures?

Confused, I followed him into the hallway. He stopped in front of the door with a strange lamp hanging on the wall. It was indeed a darkroom.

Cool!

As soon as he opened the door, the smell of developer filled the air. The sight of plastic trays, clamps, and the light table made my heart beat faster. Numerous black and white photographs hung on the wall. Of the three of them, I even recognized Noé sleeping.

Alex turned on another light and led me to a table. There were photos and various folders that looked like application letters. I glanced at a few of the pictures and thought nothing of it. Compared to those hanging on the walls, they were nothing special.

“What do you think?” he asked.

I frowned. “About the photos?”

Alex sighed. “You see it too, right?”

“What? There’s nothing there.”

“Exactly.”

I scanned the room again until my gaze returned to Alex. “What am I doing here?”

“Listen. I’ve been looking for an assistant for a week now. Not one who gets me coffee or carries the equipment. I need someone who supports me since the work is piling up. Just because I have my own projects on the side, I don’t want to turn down any assignments, so I thought I could hire an employee.”

I understood where this was going, but since he was Noé’s boyfriend, I couldn’t help but speak the obvious. “I don’t need charity.”

“It has nothing to do with that,” he countered. “I need someone to accompany me on shoots. Someone who knows what I want and how things work. I’ll train you. You’ll start as an assistant, an apprentice, or intern—whatever you want to call it. And when you’re ready and we still get along, I’ll hire you permanently, and you’ll take on small assignments on your own.”

I opened my mouth without intending to say anything. Then I took a deep breath and scanned the darkroom.

“I’m serious,” Alex added. “Your photos are very good. If you’re interested in going down this path, I’d be happy to help you. Unless you want to go back to the kitchen.”

“That sounds almost too good to be true,” I muttered softly.

Alex smiled.

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