Page 30 of Twisted Paths

“Yes, but you look like you’re being interviewed for a true crime documentary. ‘He was always quiet. Kept to himself.’”

A muscle tics in his jaw, but he straightens slightly. I adjust the frame again. Still not right.

I shake my head. “No. Stand up.”

Luke stares at me like I’ve just suggested he take up interpretive dance.

I widen my eyes, lifting my hands in mock encouragement. “Come on, you can do it.”

His sigh is long and deeply put-upon, but eventually, he pushes himself up, standing like a man awaiting his sentence.

I step back, framing the shot. “Much better.”

Luke mutters something under his breath. It sounds suspiciously like never again, but I pretend not to hear.

I step back, checking the framing one last time before pressing record. Luke stands stiffly in front of the camera, his arms hanging at his sides like he’s not quite sure what to do with them.

I give him an encouraging nod. “Alright, just say something about the walk. Make it sound inviting.”

He exhales through his nose, glancing at the phone as if it personally offends him. Then, in the dullest, most uninterested voice I have ever heard, he says, “It was a nice hike.”

I stare at him.

He stares back.

A bird chirps outside.

I press stop.

“Right,” I say slowly, folding my arms. “That was… something.”

Luke lifts an eyebrow. “You wanted short and simple.”

“I wanted short and simple, not lifeless and joyless.” I gesture vaguely at him. “That sounded like a hostage reading a script under duress.”

He smirks slightly. “Well, in a way—”

“Nope.” I cut him off, stepping closer and poking him lightly in the chest. “Try again. This time, like you actually enjoyed yourself.”

He exhales, running a hand through his hair, but there’s something amused in his expression now, like he secretly likes winding me up. “Fine. One more take.”

I press record again, watching as he shifts slightly, rolling his shoulders. This time, his voice is smoother, more natural.

“The walk was great. Good company, good views. If you’re thinking about joining, you should.”

I nod, biting back a grin. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Luke shakes his head, but there’s a hint of a smile there now. “Depends. Are we done?”

I tilt my head, pretending to think. “Almost. Just one more take.”

He exhales, a mix of patience and exasperation. “Of course.”

“But before, let me—”

Without thinking, I step closer, reaching up and sliding my fingers through his still-damp hair, smoothing it down slightly.

His breath stills.

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