Backstage

Part 2. Let's grab a drink

Here I was, a few weeks later, packing my belongings and preparing to move to my hotel. Despite being from Amsterdam, I lived outside the city, but Joost insisted on arranging accommodation near the venue for the pre-party. As I packed my cameras, clothes, and other personal items, I couldn't help but feel excitement for the Eurovision journey ahead. The night before I stayed up quite late checking out pictures from the previous collaborations with Joost for inspiration. In one picture he was smiling while reaching to camera with one hand. I cought myself smiling.

When I made my way downstairs with my luggage, I was greeted by a pleasant surprise. Joost was standing by the car, waiting for me.

"Hi, Julia!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "I thought I'd help you move to the hotel and then we could grab a drink. What do you think?"

"Omg, how nice of you, Joost! Thanks, yeah, that would be great," I replied, still in disbelief at his kindness.

Joost effortlessly loaded my suitcases into the trunk of the car, and then we set off towards the hotel. After dropping off my luggage, we went out into the city. We strolled along the canals of Amsterdam until we reached our destination - a cozy, aesthetic bar.

As we went in, Joost ordered a beer while I went for a mimosa. I wasn't used to drinking so early even though it was already lunch. but oh well there was a long night ahead of us.

"So, Julia," Joost began, taking a sip of his beer, "I wanted to once again thank you for joining our delegation. Your work is truly amazing, and I'm thrilled to have you on our team."

"To be honest, I think I'm the one who should be thanking you. Eurovision is a huge opportunity for a rising artist like me."

"Well, in that case, you're welcome," Joost replied with a smile, and we both chuckled.

After finishing our drinks we slowly walked back towards my hotel. When we reached it Joost stopped and said.

"It was nice hanging out with you, I guess I'll meet you tonight at the pre party"

" Yeah, bye Joost thank you for picking me up and thank you for the drink. It was nice catching up"

We both smiled and Joost walked back to his car and drove away.