He might have been a distant figure in her upbringing. However, after they had lost their father, Steven had taken the role of protective older brother without question.
“Of course,” she replied. “I wouldn’t go out with him if he didn’t.”
They reached the path and he slung his arm around her shoulder. She might be an adult now but that didn’t mean she didn’t like a cuddle now and then.
“You make sure that he does. You’re a special person who deserves that. Hey why don’t you bring him to the barbeque?”
Since he’d retired, Steven had hosted a family barbecue every summer. It had become a fixture in the family’s calendar. Everything they did revolved around food in one way or another. His mother had Christmas, Easter, picnics, Sunday roasts and big birthday celebrations locked down. Thankfully Steven’s vast garden was perfect for outdoor entertaining and he’d claimed this festivity.
“Can I?”
“Of course.”
If she was even remotely interested in this guy, Steven wanted to meet him.
They walked in silence for a minute or two.
“I wanted to have a quick word. You know, privately.”
Here it comes.
“What’s up?”
“You know how I’m trying to become an influencer?”
Steven didn’t really know what that meant. He’d heard from his mother that Naomie had got this into her head. Of course, mother didn’t approve but Steven had persuaded her to at least listen to what Naomie wanted.
“I do. Wouldn’t you be better going to university?”
“Don’t you start,” she replied. She picked a leaf from a bush and examined it.
“Whatever you have to say, please spit it out.”
She sighed. “It’s expensive. I’ve got to make content every day and no one wants to see boring shit in my bedroom.”
“How many followers do you have?”
“Ten thousand.”
Impressive. Perhaps she did have a point with this.
“How do you know it isn’t going to go the same way as the dog walking?”
Naomie pouted. “You can’t blame me for that.”
“You let the husky off the lead,” Steven said, shaking his head.
Poor Naomie had spent the next hour searching for the freedom-loving fur baby.
“Let’s cut to the chase. How much money do you need?”
“Five thou?”
“Five thousand pounds?”
“I told you, it’s expensive.”
He didn’t want to be that person that pissed on her dreams. He also didn’t want to throw money away.
