Page 106 of Back Room Host

“I’ve only ever taken photos with my phone. I have no idea about professional photography.”

“Well, let’s start by putting a camera in your hands.”

Alex lifted up a huge camera and handed it to me. “This is a digital SLR. I’ll be shooting an ad for an NGO with it tomorrow.”

“Wow …”

While I was excited, I felt stunned and struggled to process my emotions. One thing I knew: this was super cool!

“You could accompany me if you want.”

My lips parted in surprise. “What? Tomorrow? Really?”

“Of course. Were you even listening to me?”

“Yes.”

“Well, what do you think?”

Despite all the gratitude for this opportunity, I could hardly believe my luck. “I’d be the biggest idiot if I turned down this opportunity.”

“Yes, indeed you would. But there’s one more thing.”

“What’s that?” My pulse quickened.

Here it comes. Once again, my past is going to ruin everything for me.

“You can join me under one condition.”

“And what would that be?”

“You go with Noé to the group session and stay away from drugs.”

For a moment, I held my breath. I stared right through Alex and suddenly felt afraid.What if I fail?Panic surged within me.Answer, dammit!“I … That …”

Alex said nothing, which made everything even worse. I carefully set the camera down and pondered about his offer.

“I probably just …” I sighed and forced a sad smile. “Waited way too long to answer, didn’t I?” The silence between us was unbearable, and I pressed my lips together. “I want it. I’ll go with Noé to the group session. Unless … I just failed your test right now.”

Alex shook his head. “No, of course not. I’m glad you didn’t immediately tuck your tail and run away. And let me say it again: Your photos can easily compete with those of trained photographers here. You have an eye for it. Now you’ll learn the rest. So don’t sell yourself short.”

“But I can still smoke, right?”

Alex laughed. “Of course.”

I never would have thought something like this could happen, especially since I had only considered photography asa hobby. But the fact that I was now getting the opportunity to make it my job … I was at a loss for words.

I gazed at Alex for a while. Maybe a bit too seriously, because he noticed it.

“Do you have any more questions?”

“Did Noé ask you to give me a chance?”

“No. He doesn’t know anything about it. Let’s hope he doesn’t mind.”

I knew Stoney too well to be afraid of that and laughed.

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