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I stumbled from one conversation to the next, thanking people for the compliments and trying not to let on too much about how draining the whole thing was for me. It was a mystery to me how Noé managed to stand on stage for ninety minutes and captivate the audience. Nonetheless, I was happy to see every face I recognized, especially when I spotted Martin. With a glass of white wine in hand, he stood in front of Noé’s photo and smiled at me as I approached him.

“He seems somehow ... relieved,” he commented on the picture.

“Relieved?”

“Yeah, his eyes. They seem to have seen a lot, and yet he looks calm and confident to me.”

I chuckled. “You’re great at reading people.”

“Did you choose the location where the photo was taken? Or was it him?”

“The same rules apply to everyone. But I must admit, I was surprised that he chose this corner.”

“Did he grow up there?”

“Yeah. He didn’t want to completely ignore his past.”

“Must have been tough.” Martin glanced around with a hint of unease. “He’s around here somewhere, right? Not that he’ll suddenly appear next to me.”

“Don’t worry,” I said, amused. “He won’t come near this picture. He’s avoiding it like the plague.”

“I like the picture you took of me,” Martin admitted. “It feels authentic ... if I can say that. Thanks for this experience.”

“I thank you for even agreeing to it. Once the book is out, you’ll be delivered a copy.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

We walked a few steps and approached the wall where his photo was hanging. A young man stood in front of it, with his hands in his back pockets, swaying slightly back and forth. I had to grin because he somehow seemed a little lost.

“May I introduce? This is Jonah, my cousin. Jonah, this is Alex, the photographer.”

“Hello, nice to meet you,” he said, smiling politely.

Martin looked at his watch, pulled a scarf out of his jacket pocket, and wrapped it around himself. “Sorry, but I have to go now.”

“Now already?” Jonah asked, surprised.

“Yeah, the surprise party. I have to be there before nine.”

Martin finally said goodbye and rushed off. Jonah and I stood silently for a moment, watching Martin leave. I was already looking around, thinking I would do Jonah a favor by leaving him alone, but he turned back to the photo and beamed.

“That’s really a good picture,” he said, peering at me.

Intrigued by his sudden confidence, I raised my eyebrows.

“Thank you. What do you like about it?”

“It’s just him. Unfiltered and honest. Where did you two meet?”

“Oh, at the hospital.” I had no idea why I admitted that, but the way Jonah looked at me with his brown doe eyes almost disarmed me.

Jonah nodded as if he knew, then turned back to the photo. “How did you manage to get him to agree?”

I laughed. “Honestly? No idea! As we talked, he eventually admitted he had a heart for artists.”

Jonah found my response hilarious and shook his head in amusement. “I understand.”

“What? Really?”

“Yeah, completely. He has a heart for artists. Especially for our roommate, who’s a bad boy.”

Jonah didn’t notice someone approaching him from behind. “Oh yeah?” the guy whispered into his ear with a wide grin. “A bad boy, huh?”

Startled, Jonah moved to the side. “Oh my God! Lu! Don’t scare me like that!”

Noé also stepped forward and stood beside me, while Lu wrapped his arm around Jonah’s waist and pulled him close. Jonah was embarrassed and flushed with heat, but he didn’t push Lu away; however, he was visibly relieved when Lu let him go and reached out his hand to me.

“Alex, this is Lucien,” Noé introduced.

“Hello! Nice to meet you!”

“May I ask ... how did you meet my father?”

At first, I didn’t understand, but Noé pointed to the picture of the surgeon. “That man is your father? Oh ... my ... condolences.”

While Noé turned his head to me in shock and Jonah’s jaw dropped, Lucien burst out laughing loudly. “Thank you! I like honest people.”

“Why did you photograph him if he’s so terrible?” Noé asked.

“The theme is demigods. You don’t have to be a saint for that.”

“Unfortunately, he really is a demigod. At least one of the best in his field,” Lucien reluctantly admitted. “But that doesn’t make him any less of an asshole. Certain facts cannot be denied.”

“Hm ...” Noé murmured beside me.

I couldn’t hold back any longer. I just had to touch him. My hand reached for his back, and his shoulders relaxed. I loved having this influence on him and was hesitant to admit that it was actually me who had completely fallen for him.

***

When only a few people were left and the gallery owner gave me permission to leave, I disappeared into the back room. I was exhausted, but at the same time, I felt great.

Noé sat with crossed legs on one of the chairs at the side table, leaning his back against the wall and yawning. A cup of coffee was in front of him. He smiled as I sat on the free chair and tousled his hair back.

“I’d say that was a success, wouldn’t you? You even sold something.”

A smile spread across my lips. He was so cute when he was tired. “Thanks for staying here.”

“Of course.”

“No, it’s not. You love me.”

“What?”

“It’s obvious.”

“That has nothing to do with it,” he said in an amused tone.

“Yes, it does. You wouldn’t have done it for someone else.”

After gazing at me with a lackluster expression, he averted his eyes. “I have no idea what love is.”

“That’s why I’m telling you. And soon you’ll realize it yourself.” Standing up, I moved my chair around the table and sat next to him. “Something’s bothering you.”

“The tour is starting soon.”

“I know.”

“You seem to be taking it very lightly.”

“Kind of,” I admitted, brushing a few strands of hair behind his ear.

“Is that also ... love?”

“Yeah, I’m happy for you to be able to live your passion. And me visiting you as often as possible, that’s love.”

His eyebrows twitched, and he looked at me.

“Do you think I’ll wait here for three months for you?” I laughed lovingly. “Definitely not.”

“What about your work?”

“Well, it seems like it’s time for me to find an assistant.”

“You don’t have to base your life around me.”

“I’m not. Everything is just as it should be.”

Finally, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and held me close to him. “We should go. After all, I have something planned for you tonight.”

“Oh yeah? Is that why the coffee?” I laughed.

The way he winked at me made me melt. I pressed my face against his neck, breathed in his scent, and sighed. “Let’s sit here for a moment longer. Just like this.”

“Okay.”

He kissed my forehead and stroked my head.

Damn! He had no idea how much love he was giving me.

I hoped he would realize that one day.

THE END

Next up is the following book in the Room Series

Back Room Host