Page 94 of Animal Beats

“I will!” Mila leaves me in her room, vowing to keep her as happy and insulated as humanly possible.

Returning to my car, I turn on the radio and a UC song blasts. I’ve seen the guys perform this innumerable times, so I sing along with Bennett’s tenor. More importantly, I beat Río’s rhythm on my steering wheel.

When the song ends, reality seeps in. I need to land a job outside the entertainment industry. None of my posts on the University website have yielded any hits.

I remember the conversation Río and I had about my taking backstage photos of the band and putting it all together into a memory book of sorts, to be sold as merch. If only this could be a real path, as it marries my true passion, photography, with the business world. I wonder if any companies already do this sort of thing?

When I get home, I do some research and find a company that specializes in backstage photo journals for bands. A quick scan of the job boards shows the pay would be enough to keep Mila in her school. Even if Platinum Records blackballed me, they don’t control the entire industry. There are other labels—and a whole indie scene that doesn’t answer to anyone. I’d be good at this.

I reach out with my resume, and get an interview for the very next day. Needing to share this news, I text Renata:

I got an interview!

Her reply is swift:

That’s great! I knew you wouldn’t stay down! What company?

Behind the Memories. It makes merch for bands, creating behind-the-scenes photobooks.

Right up your alley! Combine your PR skills with your amazing photography chops. I’m sure you’ll land this job in no time.

Her encouragement means a lot, especially after everything she went through—losing her own job as a result of the L.A. wildfires. But her script was recently picked up by Netflix, which completely changed things for her. I’m happy my little matchmaking worked out.

If only something would work out for Río and me.

The next day, my interview goes well, as I really hit it off with the HR woman, Breanna, from Behind the Memories. We talk as if we’ve known each other for years instead of merely minutes.

Breanna and I discuss my access to UC, and Río’s comment about loving some backstage photos as merch. “This was the founder’s impetus, actually. He wanted more photos of the ‘real life of rockstars,’ and nothing was available. So he started BTM five years ago with a couple photojournalist friends. We’re still a young company.”

“I think it’s a super idea. Can’t believe no one has thought of this before.”

“It’s been done, but always by individual bands. BTM is hoping to take it more mainstream. Even getting photos of up-and-coming bands just starting out.” Breanna speaks faster and faster about this exciting concept.

“This is so exciting—I would love the opportunity of getting in on the ground floor.” An idea sparks. “Do you ever sponsor any bands? You know, as a way to put your company’s name out there?”

“We haven’t. I’m sure the founder would be interested, if the right opportunity came along.”

My mind races. BTM probably has a limited budget, but still a sponsorship would garner some attention.

“I’ll keep my ear to the ground for you, if you’d like.” Maybe Nina knows of some bands looking to fill this position.

On the phone, Breanna laughs. “Here I am interviewing you for a job, and you’re trying to get the company a higher profile.”

“Well, I was in PR before.” Before I got fired. I keep the ending of this sentence to myself.

“Listen, Hayden, I really enjoyed speaking with you. Please forward your portfolio for me to review, and I promise I’ll be in touch soon.”

“Thanks, Breanna. I will.”

I immediately start curating some of the photos of UC for my portfolio. Ignoring all the pictures of the band performing, I focus on footage most people wouldn’t experience firsthand. Bennett drinking tea in the green room. Coop reading a book in the corner. Tris and 007 tossing M&Ms at each other’s mouths.

Río.

He’s going to be the most problematic because I have a million shots of him. Shirtless. Working out. Eating. On the private plane. Acting up at a restaurant. Which captures his essence?

I scroll through several photos, looking for “the one.” Finally, I land on one of him banging on plastic buckets, when he was showing Mila how to play. This is it. He’s in his element.

He’s never looked more real.