Chapter 4 | I'm Poor, So What?

It's dark outside by the time we both head inside, Manu helping me with the stands of the camera and I with the actual camera. We both plop down on the sofa, inspecting all the photos that we took. After seeing and admiring each and every one of them we both agree that today was a success.

Turning off his phone, Manu turns to look at me. "So, do you have any other jobs planned for tomorrow?" he asks, smiling. I shake my head.

"No, I think I mentioned earlier this was my first job."

"Oh yeah, guess I forgot," he smirks. "Well, I was thinking that if you would want to work together with me only? It's just that I need a good photographer like you and seeing that no one knows about you I might as well take advantage of the chance, and we could work together."

I stay quiet for a while, thinking about his proposal. Only work for him? I didn't know, and how much would I get paid for doing so? What if he only paid a small amount and I risked not earning a higher income with other jobs? But then I looked at his hopeful face and decided otherwise. I mean, with a house and garden like this, and with such a nice but playful personality like his and by giving me such a jacket... Maybe he could be a good boss?

"I think that's a great idea," I say, and he throws his arms in the air in success. I laugh as he does a short happy dance. "You really want to work together?"

"Of course! And, plus, we can focus on our plan even more!" he says, grinning. His hazel eyes are shining with excitement, making me feel excited also.

"Okay, then it's settled!" I say, with a small smile. "Anyway, I better get going, Uber can only have so many hours of service," I joke, but he perks up.

"Wait, Uber?" he gasps, and I frown, nodding my head slowly. "I-I thought you had a car!"

I snicker. "A car? Manu, this is my first job after barely graduating college. My parents basically kicked me out of the house, and I'm barely affording a studio apartment from here, I'm basically on the line of becoming homeless!"

He gasps. "So if you're poor, where do you even keep your equipment?"

"First of all, I don't like being called poor... and even if I am, so what? Second of all, the apartment I have is well kept, meaning I don't fill it up with unnecessary stuff. A mini refrigerator, a bed, a closet, and space for my equipment. There's public bathrooms all over town, so...." I smirk. It's been the first time I've told anyone about my current living situation, and now that I think about it, telling my future boss about this might not be such a hot idea. He'll probably not want to work anymore with me, even though I have skill. "Um, but you said I have skill!" I blurt out nervously, afraid of what he's planning on doing. "It doesn't matter how I'm doing economically, I take good care of my place, myself, and my job!"

He laughs. "If you're thinking I was going to kick you out because you're 'poor', I'm not. I don't give a f*ck about money, so you might as well be homeless but you're a great person and an even better photographer," he said, in such a serious tone that made my heart ache, and made me believe him.

"T-thanks..." I stammer.

"Listen, why don't you stay here? I mean, live here for a while until you have enough money to buy yourself a place?"

"Oh, I can't do that!" I say.

"Yes you can. I know it might be strange but it would be fun. You could also do every job faster and...." he blushes as he begins to speak again. "I really like you, and I would love for you to live with me, it's lonely here and we could be not only be boss and employee but maybe even... friends? It just seems weird to have someone so young being an employee, how about we're just friends?"

I blush at the thought of becoming friends with him, much less living with him. It seems sl weird yet so... right. I admit it, i would actually like living with him, he seems fun and kind.

"A-alright..." I say, and we both share a smile. "Just don't call me poor, it feels ugly."

He chuckles but nods. "Here, I'll take you go your new room."

"What about my stuff?" I ask, worried.

"There's food in this home, and you've got your work equipment here. Also, we'll buy you better clothes..." he eyes my outfit and for a second I'm afraid he's going to criticize my outfit and fashion choices but he just smirks. "I think I'll have go give you all my clothes, because, damn, you look hot in that jacket!"

I blush fiercely as I push him playfully. "Shut up, you're making me blush!"

He laughs, shaking his head. "You're cute when you blush, Mags."

"It's Maggie," I say, gritting my teeth to prevent myself from blushing.

He laughs again. "Okay, MAGS."

I groan as he helps me up to my new room, and once I'm in there I plop nervously on the bed. "It feels weird. Ny first job was a success and my boss is too kind, offering me to live with him?" He chuckles.

"It's not that strange, isn't that what some people do with maids?" Our eyes widen.

"I didn't mean to call you a maid, I was just using a harmless example!" I giggle at his reaction.

"I know."

He blushes.

"Well, uh, see ya tomorrow, we have some work for tomorrow!" I nod, with a small smile.

Who knew so much could change in only a day?