"I'm hosting a charity gala this weekend," Dominic said, sliding a glossy brochure across the counter. "I need someone to capture the real moments—smiles, glances, unguarded laughter. Not the staged stuff."
Ava flipped through the brochure. The guest list was a who's who of business, politics, and art. She swallowed hard.
"Why me?"
"Because you see people, not poses. I want that. Five thousand dollars for the night."
Her hand tightened on the brochure. "You're serious?"
"Very."
For a moment, the sounds of the café faded. Rent, bills, groceries—all of it could be covered with one night's work.
"Deal?" he asked, extending a hand.
She shook it.