Page 28 of Twisted Paths

I exhale and press play.

“—lovely time,” Mrs Higgins is saying, her voice crisp and clear. “You don’t get many communities coming together like this anymore, and it’s so important, isn’t it? A bit of fresh air, some good company. And Luke, of course, was a wonderful addition. Bit serious, but we’ll fix that.”

I pause the video.

Nancy bites her lip, clearly trying not to laugh. “She really took a shine to you.”

I narrow my eyes. “I refuse to comment.”

Nancy grins, nudging the laptop closer. “So? What do you think?”

“I think I need a drink.”

She huffs a laugh. “Come on, it’s nice, isn’t it? And all I need now is your take on the walk.”

I lean back slightly, crossing my arms. “Absolutely not.”

Nancy groans, flopping against the chair dramatically. “Luke.”

I shake my head, unmoved.

She leans forward again, hands clasped together. “Please?”

“No.”

“Please?”

I give her a flat look. “I’m not a performing seal, Nancy.”

She presses her lips together, studying me for a moment. Then her face brightens. “I’ll edit it so you only have to say one sentence. Just something short, simple.”

I shake my head again, but I can already feel my resolve cracking, which is ridiculous because I don’t do this. I don’t do videos, I don’t do interviews, I don’t do publicity stunts for a walking group I didn’t even want to join.

But.

Nancy is looking at me with those bright blue eyes, hopeful and expectant, and I realise I don’t actually want to say no to her.

Which is exactly why I should.

I sigh, rubbing a hand over my jaw. “I don’t do cameras.”

Nancy pouts. Actually pouts. “But it’s just for the Ramblers.”

I exhale slowly, staring at the laptop like it’s a trap, which it absolutely is.

I could say no.

I should say no.

Instead, I hear myself say, “Fine. But one sentence. And you don’t post it if I hate it.”

Nancy beams, clapping her hands together like she’s just won something. “Deal.”

I lean back, already regretting this. “I really hope I hate it.”

She grins. “I really hope you don’t.”

Chapter 8

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