Something flitted over his expression, but it was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared. “I’m looking for a damn good photographer who can put up with me. Right now, all of you show promise, but I think with some hard work, we can make you shine.”

Way to be vague. “I’d just like to know the criteria you’re using to measure my work.”

His lips tipped up in an oddly familiar smile. “Ahhh, the artist with a type-A streak. I understand. Composition, command of the light around you, the basics but to an expert level. I don’t want to be able to tell the difference between your work and an Ansell Adams. But you have to infuse heart into your images. That and confidence. If it’s not there, I can’t use you.”

Heart. Confidence. Considering mine had been ripped out of my chest, and my confidence lay under a pile of shit, I’d have to figure that out. “Okay. I can work on it.”

“So, tell me what you’re thinking of for your first assignment.”

I detailed my plan to photograph the architecture of London and how I hoped to get that gritty urban feel that somehow still managed to convey joy. He listened intently before speaking.

“It’s a decent plan. But honestly, I want to push you outside of your comfort zone. I don’t want you to take pretty pictures of landscapes. Your portfolio was a little light on portraits. Maybe you can try some this week.”

I forced my breathing to even out. Portraits. Absolutely my weakest kind of photos. “I, uh—”

“Hold that thought.” He stood and strode to the bookshelf. Xander pulled out a dusty hardcover and handed it to me. Then he got on his hands and knees and searched the lower shelves before finding what he was looking for. “And this.”

His fingertips brushed mine, and I jumped. He immediately withdrew his hand and sat on the edge of his desk, giving me plenty of room. Great. Now he thought I was nuts.

“I don’t understand.”

Xander studied me carefully. “You’re here to learn, right? And to push your boundaries?”

I nodded.

“Then try something new. Have a look through those two books. Jonathan Frazier is one of my favorite photographers. The first one is a book of his landscapes. The other is of his portraits. Next meeting, tell me which ones moved you the most.” He glanced at the clock. “It looks like our time is up for today.”

Wow, an hour had gone by that quickly? “Sure. I can do that.” I thanked him and picked up my bag to leave.

He stopped me in the doorway. “Abbie.” His voice was low as he leaned forward. “You can’t photograph honestly when you’re shuttered from the world. You’ll have to open yourself and show your vulnerability to hit your true potential.”