by Riley Rivers
“Alright,” Ezra said cheerfully as he took a microfiber cloth out of his pocket to wipe down his lens before capping it. “I think we’re all set. Hand me my iPad and the blue cable, please.”
Nonplussed, Cameron grabbed the items out of the suitcase and handed them over. That really hadn’t taken very long at all. Were things always supposed to go this quickly? He held his tongue instead of asking. He didn’t want to insult Ezra by accident.
Ezra looked up at him over the rim of the glasses he’d put on as he attached his camera to the iPad. “Question?”
Cameron bit his lip and ducked his head.
“Cameron,” Ezra said gently. “You’re here to learn, on top of work for me.”
“It’s nothing. Really. I just—it’s… it really doesn’t take you long.”
Instead of looking annoyed, Ezra just laughed. “Not anymore. It’s true I usually only have to take a few shots. It’s my years of experience and my trained eye that allows me to know how to take only a few shots.”
“Of course,” Cameron said quickly. “Right, yeah.”
“And technology certainly helps,” Ezra added, looking back down at the iPad and starting to flick through the now blown-up pictures. He waved Cameron over to see too, as he looked through them, pointing out several that looked only barely different from the rest, but still better somehow all the same.
“I think we really are good,” Ezra said, sitting back. “Obviously there’ll be some clean-up, but that’s all the shots we need.”
“Great.” Cameron wasn’t sure what happened now. Talking to Louis and getting set up and taking all those pictures—it was barely ten o’clock. Now what?
Ezra seemed to understand Cameron’s silent not-question. “I’m going to grab Louis.” He nodded at the table of food. “Why don’t you go ahead and get started?”
Get started? Cameron gave the food a bewildered look. Was he supposed to clean it up? He… he would, but he didn’t know how. He didn’t want to get it wrong, or mess up.
Also god, it seemed like such a fucking waste to throw the plates away. He swallowed just thinking about it, hating the idea of having to toss a perfectly good meal into the trash.
“Cameron?”
Fuck. Cameron broke out of his stupid staring match with a plate of fucking tacos and turned to Ezra and Louis. “Yeah?”
“I said you could get started.” Ezra’s smile was warm but puzzled. “You didn’t have to wait for me.”
“Wait?”
Louis nodded, beaming. “Yeah, man! You guys are the experts. You gotta tell me what you think.”
Cameron glanced between them, stomach sinking at the knowledge that he was clearly missing something here.
Ezra pointed to the table. “Go ahead.”
Cameron sat, uncertainly.
An expression Cameron couldn’t place crossed Ezra’s face, a blink-and-you-miss-it as Ezra took the seat across from him and held out… a pair of utensils.
Cameron took the knife and fork and tried not to stare at them. “I… I get to eat it?”
Another flicker of an expression before Ezra nodded. His smile this time was barely there, just this gentle little thing. “I did say.” His voice was soft. “Perks of the job.”
Cameron looked back down at the plate and took a deep breath, trying to will away the rush of emotions. This was like the fucking cookie from last week all over again. How stupid was he, having to bite his lip so it didn’t quiver at just… getting to eat what looked like some really good food.
In lieu of doing or saying anything else, Cameron hurriedly cut a piece from one of the three tacos and shoved it in his mouth. He forced himself to chew slowly, and not act as though he wasn’t ready to inhale the entire plate.
“It’s really good,” he told them both. A compliment to Louis, and an encouragement to Ezra to try some too.
He made himself wait to take another bite until Ezra had cut his own piece of one of the other tacos, and did his best not to look like he was staring as Ezra tried it.
“Cameron’s got excellent taste,” Ezra said, smiling at Louis, who grinned back. “How do you prepare your beans?”
He and Louis struck up a conversation about the ins and outs of taco preparation, while Cameron sat there, mostly lost. He tentatively cut himself another piece of the taco, and looked up to see Ezra watching him.
Cameron slowly turned red, caught out.
Except Ezra’s gaze just flicked back down to the plate and then up at Cameron again, before he smiled, nodding slightly. Go ahead.
Right. Okay, Cameron thought. Well… he certainly wasn’t going to say no.
Chapter Seven
“What are you doing once school lets out for winter break?”
Cameron stopped loading the dishwasher to look over at Ezra, who had come to lean against the kitchen island. They’d just wrapped up the Smuckers photoshoot, which had been super interesting to watch come together. The Smuckers people and their food stylist had also brought a bunch of stuff with them for the shoot. Several different loaves of bread, bagels, a bunch of jars of jam and peanut butter, whole and cut-up fruit…
One of Cameron’s jobs once Ezra was done taking pictures was to gather all the food together and then put the things away, throwing out the “prop” closed and open-face sandwiches and the used fruit and feeling a little sick about it. He had expected the Smuckers people to take the unopened jars and everything else with them, but they’d left with it all still sitting on Ezra’s kitchen counters.
Cameron was really hoping his next job, after loading the dishwasher, wasn’t to throw everything away.
Even thinking of it made his stomach hurt, so he directed all his attention to Ezra’s question. “Once school lets out? Working. The holiday season is a busy time, so I’ll be able to get pretty much any shift I want, and as many of them as they’ll give me. It’ll help me get ahead before next semester starts.”
Ezra nodded at this, mouth shaping a thoughtful frown.
When Ezra didn’t say anything else, Cameron figured that was the end of it, so he turned back to loading the used plates and cutlery. “It’ll be a good break though, I think. Work and school can be a lot sometimes, you know? And it’ll be nice to not have homework.”
“Are you married to the idea of working at the warehouse?”
Cameron threw in the detergent and closed the dishwasher, starting the cycle. “What do you mean?”
“I mean… how would you feel about working for me? For the break. Up your hours here.”
Cameron twisted around, eyes wide. “What?”
Amusement was written all over Ezra’s face. “You do know that if your schedule allowed for it, I’d already have you in here more often, right?”
“Wait, r-really?”
“Of course.”
“But I’ve… I’ve only been here three times so far. I haven’t even done anything for you yet.”
Ezra raised an eyebrow. “You show up on time, you do what you’re told, you work efficiently and, to be honest, a little too tirelessly. So far I’ve had no complaints with taking you on.”
“But I—”
“No ‘buts’,” Ezra said, firmly. “I’ve been appreciating the help, and I’d love to have more of it, if you’re available over your break.”
Cameron barely suppressed a shiver. Everytime Ezra did the I-won’t-hear-an-argument voice, Cameron could feel it right down to his toes. He wasn’t even sure why he was arguing the point to begin with. It was great that Ezra thought he was a good worker.
But it did feel weird to be praised about it. Praise was for when you did something impressive. Cameron hadn’t exactly been that, yet.
“Then, uh, yeah,” Cameron managed. Forget that he preferred working for Ezra on all levels—the job also paid way better than the warehouse. “That’d be great. If you want me.”
“I do,” Ezra said, voice even and matter-of-fact.
“Okay,” Cameron sputtered. “Sure, yeah. That�
��s—that’s awesome. Do you want to go over scheduling now? Or no, you’ve got—you’re busy—anytime is fine—”
Ezra chuckled. “Now is fine. Might as well lock you in, if I can. That being said,” he made eye contact with Cameron and held it. “If something does come up, I’ll understand as long as you give me notice. You do have a few weeks, yet.”
“Only two,” Cameron said. “Next week are the final classes, and the week after is finals.”
“Oh,” Ezra said, blinking. “I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.” He smiled ruefully. “It’s been a long time since I was a student. Do you need to skip next Friday to study?”
“No!” Stupid, calm down. “I mean no,” Cameron said again, a touch more subdued. “It’s fine. I mean, I want to work. I like coming here.” He loved the studio space, he got to follow Ezra around and get hands-on experience, and even the busy work wasn’t too bad. It was warm and dry, a nice place to be that wasn’t holed up in the library or a lab or shivering in his car, and Ezra kept feeding him. There were literally no downsides. “If that’s okay.”
Ezra looked pleased at that, but he still fixed Cameron with a stern gaze. “You’re sure it won’t be too much, with finals right around the corner? Be honest, now.”
“I—” Cameron stopped. “Maybe I’ll take next Friday off,” he offered meekly.
Ezra nodded. “That’s fine. And then the week after we can—”
“Oh no, no I mean–” Cameron waved his hands. “Take off from the warehouse. I still want to come here. Please.”
“The warehouse?” Ezra said, obviously taken aback. “You were planning to work at the warehouse next Friday?”
“Fridays are one of my regular shifts,” Cameron said, realizing as the words left his mouth that maybe it wasn’t the right thing to say.
He was right, because Ezra frowned, looking almost angry. “What do you mean? When?”
“I…” Cameron swallowed. “Third shift?”
“What are your hours?”
Be honest, now. “Ten to six,” Cameron said, watching unhappily as the frown deepened. He struggled to save the conversation. ‘“It’s really fine though, I promise. I’m used to it. I’ve worked third shift for years.”
“Be that as it may,” Ezra said, sounding troubled. “I’m not thrilled with the idea that for the past three weeks you’ve been getting up to work eight to four with me and then working another eight hour shift six hours later.”
“I nap,” Cameron said in a rush. “And I’m used to it. I do it with school. Really, it’s—it’s no big deal.” He stared down at the table, unwilling to look at Ezra and see disappointment there. “Please don’t fire me.”
“I’m not going to fire you,” Ezra said quietly. “But I admit to being worried.”
“Right—yeah—I’ll take next Friday night off. I will. And then the week after is finals, and then school is out. So I won’t have classes, just work.”
There was silence, which stretched until Cameron was forced to pick up his head to find Ezra regarding him. He licked his lips nervously, not wanting to say the wrong thing.
Ezra opened his mouth and Cameron couldn’t help his flinch, terrified that he had just messed up one of the best opportunities of his life.
But instead Ezra said, “If you’re available for your winter break, I’d like to employ you full-time here.”
“What?” Cameron gasped.
Ezra nodded. “If that was something you wanted to do, then yes, I’d like your help full time. There’s plenty for you to do, and it’ll give you a proper chance to learn more about how I operate things. If that’s something you’re interested in?”
“Yes,” Cameron said at once. “Yes, absolutely.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” Ezra said. He didn’t smile though, instead still sounding even and serious. “However…”
Cameron braced for the catch.
“I’m not comfortable with you working for me full-time knowing that you’re also working night-shifts at the warehouse.” Ezra shook his head. “I’m not trying to control where or how you work, but I just can’t allow myself to be an accessory to you running yourself ragged.”
“Oh,” Cameron said, momentarily stunned. “Um. Okay.”
“So why don’t you let me know what your shifts will be, and we can figure out a part-time schedule for you here, around that. Alright?”
Cameron chewed on his lip. He would much, much rather work full-time with Ezra than work shifts at the warehouse. On top of that… Ezra paid more. Cameron could work just one job and still earn more than he could working doubles at the warehouse for the whole of the break. “What if… what if I didn’t work at the warehouse, then?”
Ezra considered him. “You mean just work one job?”
“Yeah. If… if the offer for full-time with you still stands.”
“It does,” Ezra said slowly. “Of course it does. But I meant it when I said I don’t want to—”
“I like working for you a lot more than I like working at the warehouse,” Cameron said quickly.
Ezra’s eyebrows shot up, but then he smiled. “Well okay then. Why don’t we figure something out now?”
They both took out their phones to go over scheduling, and soon enough Cameron found himself looking at a work schedule that didn’t include a single dusk-to-dawn.
It felt way more exciting than it had any right to be.
“Now remember,” Ezra warned again, as Cameron stowed his phone. “Depending on some of our call times, I’ll need you to be here earlier on some days.”
Cameron was feeling good enough to grin. “It’s okay. I’m used to weird hours.”
Ezra sighed. “Yes, I suppose you are. Speaking of which—” he pointed at the kitchen’s wall clock. “You’re done for the day. Please get out of here and get some sleep before work.”
Cameron’s cheeks flamed. “I will. Yeah.”
“Right. Good.”
Cameron went to grab his jacket and bag from where he’d tucked them out of the way in a corner of the studio. When he returned to the kitchen, it was to see the counter cleared of most of the leftover food.
“All set?” Ezra asked.
“Yeah. Thank you.”
“Great. Here you go.” Ezra held out a reusable shopping bag.
Cameron took it automatically, surprised at the heft. Then he glanced down to see that it was full of food from the shoot. Unopened jars of peanut butter and different jellies, sliced bread and bagels, even a thing of cream cheese. “What…?”
“Well, I certainly can’t use all the leftovers myself,” Ezra said easily. “Figured you might as well take it.”
Cameron stared at the bag. The contents could get him through at least a week or two, possibly more if he needed to stretch it. And it was cold enough out that even the perishables would keep, no problem.
There was fresh fruit. Oranges and out-of-season berries, on top of apples.
“Really?” Cameron whispered, daring to look back up at Ezra.
“Really,” Ezra assured him. He smiled gently. “Perks of the job.”
Cameron tried to smile back, sure his was all wobbly. “Right. Well… well, thank you.”
Ezra nodded. “Anytime.”
***
Even though Cameron had final tests for all of his classes, most of those classes involved final projects too. He had to do a presentation for Astronomy as well as submit portfolios for Figure Drawing and Focus Photography.
He had been working diligently to try and stay on top of all his projects along with studying with what time he had, there were still a few final pictures he wanted to take for his photography portfolio.
The thing was though… a huge part of his portfolio had been taken in the woods around that hiking trail. And he hadn’t been back there since the weird dog incident.
But he did have a project to finish and not a lot of time left, so on Saturday, after a full night’s sleep from not working overnight at the warehouse, he go
t up, shivering, at nine to find that snow had fallen.
Perfect.
Fucking cold, but great for the pictures he had in mind.
He made it over to the hiking trail by ten-thirty, and was pleased to be the only car pulling into the lot. On further inspection, there weren’t other tire tracks marring the snow, which also meant that Cameron wouldn’t find any shoe treads either, hopefully.
It was quiet as he made his way further up the trail. That hush of the world that came with a cold day and a blanket of snow and solitude. Cameron took pictures as he wanted to along the way, but kept his eyes peeled, gaze intent on the ground.
There!
Bird tracks.
He stayed where he was, observing the tracks, trying to decide the best angle to approach his shots. He wanted to make sure he didn’t disturb the otherwise-untouched snow. Especially since… yes! The bird tracks ended with the faintest impressions of wings, as the bird had taken flight.
It was almost too perfect. Cameron fumbled for his camera and very carefully took a couple steps to the side, giving his target a wide berth while also trying to set up the shot.
His face was pretty frozen by the time he was happy with what he’d taken, but he headed back to his car feeling very satisfied. He had been hoping for snow before his final project was due and had been keeping an eye on the weather predictions, but it was always so nice when a plan came together.
He made it to the parking lot, snow crunching under his boots—fifteen dollars half off at a thrift store two years ago, the only other pair of shoes he had aside from his sneakers—still keeping an eye on the ground out of habit, looking for tracks.
Cameron paused where he stood, eyebrows raising as he took in the huge paw prints all over the lot. Someone must have come to walk their dog.
He hadn’t… passed anyone on the trail though. There was only one path out of the lot.
He followed the trail of paw prints and realized that his boots were the only treads in the snow on the ground.
There weren’t any other tire tracks.
Cameron hurried to his car and drove away.
***
Cameron used his Sunday to finally go in to get his new tires, study, do laundry, study more, and sleep. He didn’t work a shift that night and woke up for his final Focus Photography class almost well-rested, if altogether too cold. He’d had a full night, but cold always made it harder for him to sleep.