Page 99 of Dark Room Junkie

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Alex

“One thing at a time, Mr. Photographer,” Marco said, pushing me out of the dressing room after they received Tom’s message. “We probably shouldn’t upset him too much for now.”

If looks could kill, Marco’s head would have exploded before my eyes. I knew I wouldn’t be able to resolve the issue with Noé before the concert, but if Marco had even remotely known what I had been through the past week ... I was sick with worry!

At least the opening band recognized the advantages and roped me in right away, which kept me somewhat distracted. The setup was now happening, and I was standing with the camera next to the bar, trying not to lose it.

But Noé was everywhere. All week! The feelings I had for him were just too strong. I kept telling myself that I was only chasing an ideal that had helped me through a tough time, and it wasn’t the real version of Noé.My God!It had been five weeks since we last saw each other. He couldn’t possibly still be the same person.

Ms. Gerber saw a valuable strategy in these thoughts, which I employed. If Noé was a support to me in this way, there was nothing wrong with it and all the more reason to talk to him.

What a pathetic man I was. Hiding behind the mask of the photographer and having heart palpitations like a pubescent girl. A crushing weight lifted off me when I saw Tom. He came out of the side door next to the stage and observed his surroundings. The club was packed, and the bar was chaotic, so I waved to get his attention. To avoid the crowd, he climbed onto the stage and climbed down on the other side.

“You’re here,” I said, relieved. “Is he here too?”

“Yeah.” Tom didn’t sound particularly happy.

“Is he downstairs?”

He shook his head and frowned. “He’s warming up.”

“That’s good, right?”

“Yeah, that’s good.”

I wasn’t so sure if it was. Tom seemed resigned and angry at the same time.

“Did something happen?”

But this time he ignored me and stood at the bar as if he wanted to order something. However, it would take a while for his turn to come, so I pushed the bar stool aside and stood next to him.

“Can I do anything? I feel so ... I don’t know ... useless.”

Tom sighed. “He knows by now that you’re here. And as much as I hate to say it, Alex, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.”

“Why? Is he mad at me?”

“No, I doubt it. He’s really deep in shit right now.”

“Hey!” A shout from behind startled us, causing us to turn around simultaneously.

A guy clad in all black with a lip piercing stood before us, raising his eyebrows questioningly. “Did everything go well?”

“You,” Tom growled, shoving him back with both hands. “You bastard gave him something!”

I was immediately alert.Gave him something?

“What?” The guy’s voice rose, and he spread his arms, as though offering Tom enough space to attack. “Are you serious? You should be grateful to me! All of you!”

I glanced at Tom, who was staring at the guy as if he wanted to set him on fire. “Are you crazy?”

The stranger just shrugged, as if he didn’t know what Tom was talking about. He shook his head and gave me a bewildered look.

“Of all the people who could have helped him, he ends up with you!” Tom continued. “You knew it! You’re one of the few who knows his story! How could you give him this crap? Why, Juri?”

I had never seen Tom like this. Even on stage, he always seemed composed and cool to me. Seeing him lose it like this, apparently because of Noé, unsettled me more than I would have liked.

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