Like he’d just slayed a dragon for me. Four years ago, I would have been charmed, but this was a business meeting only. I knew I had to start with some small talk.

“How’s your cousin’s bakery business going?”

“Not bad,” Thompson said, then proceeded to regale me with tales of his cousin’s photogenic petit fours that looked great but tasted like dirt sandwiches. I nodded along, though I was barely listening.

“How’s the photography coming along?” Thompson asked. “Are you still working at the gift shop?”

Instead of responding to his two-part question, I said, “I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure.”

“I want you to DM someone for me on Instagram. I want you to tell her about my page.”

“I could do another story. You’ll get more followers that way.”

“I don’t care about more followers. I want to photograph her.”

Thompson chewed for a moment. “Who is it?”

“Freya Light. She’s an Insta celebrity. At least she used to be. She lives here now.”

“Cool.” He was already digging out his phone, already looking her up. “She’s very pregnant. And she’s gorgeous.” He looked up at me. “If you like that petite, blond type.”

Was he flirting with me? I had literally no experience, so I couldn’t tell. If he was, I should say something flirtatious back. But what? You’re kind of cute, and I might be into you if you weren’t a head shorter than I am. That wasn’t all that charming, I realized, so I said nothing.

Thompson turned his attention back to the phone. “What do you want me to say?”

“Tell her you love her page, but there’s a local photographer who could take it to the next level. Her Insta photos should be taken and edited properly. Then direct her to my page.”

He tapped away for a few seconds. “Done.”

“Thanks.” I stood up.

“Do you want to get some ice cream?” he said quickly. “Or we could have some drinks? My parents make their own grain alcohol.”

“I have to go home and babysit my brother,” I lied.

Thompson looked bummed as he slid out of the booth, then followed me to the parking lot. “We should do this again sometime,” he said.

I looked down at him. “Sure.”

“When’s good for you? I work Friday nights, but I can do any other night.”

“My schedule is erratic. I’ll let you know.”

He hovered for a beat, and I suddenly wondered if he was going to try to kiss me good night (try being the operative word, since he would need a stool to reach my lips). But then he said, “’Night, Low. I hope this Freya person messages you soon. I’m sure her baby will be really cute.”

“It will be.”

But I would still hate it.

Chapter 34

34

jamie