There were social media personalities out there who truly were fakes, who were out for themselves. Maybe he could track down one of them.
“Find out her secret,” Linda continued. “That’s the key to this article. See if you can get her to open up and admit that she’s purchased some real estate for herself. She probably secretly takes lavish vacations. Has impressive investment accounts. She probably doesn’t even like doors that much.”
Since when had Linda become so jaded? At one time, she was an amazing journalist.
Now she simply sounded like someone with a vendetta.
Or was he the one who was blinded?
Just as he realized Linda had ended the call, Amayah’s voice floated from behind him. “Luke?”
He turned toward her., quickly hiding his phone as if it might reveal his conversation. “Yes?”
“Listen, I was thinking of picking up a few things at the mall for the Crump kids.” Her eyes softened. “Coats. Shoes. Food. They clearly need more than a borrowed paper towel roll.”
His heart tightened. That was a wonderful idea, one he’d considered himself.
She tilted her head as she stared up at him. “Any chance you’d like to come with me? I know you have work to do, but I’d love some company. Maybe some more interview questions will come to mind while we shop.”
“You want me to go shopping with you?”
She smiled and nodded. “I do. For the Crump kids.”
Something settled inside him—heavy and certain. He’d been determined to keep his distance from Amayah, yet he couldn’t seem to resist her either. He especially couldn’t resist an idea that was so selfless.
His work could wait.
Or maybe this would be his opportunity to find out more information.
Whichever truth he allowed himself to believe meant he could go.
“I’d like that,” he finally said.
For the briefest moment, the distance between them felt manageable again.
Luke was suddenly aware of two truths at once.
He should be preparing for an interview that could save his job.
And he was instead choosing a path that felt terrifyingly right.
CHAPTER 19
Amayah hadn’t plannedon bringing Luke along for her shopping trip.
But then she’d seen him on the phone. She hadn’t heard the words, only the sharp edge in his voice—and it had left something unsettled in him. Something guarded.
At that moment, she felt convinced he needed some Christmas cheer.
So instead of ending their interview, only for him to walk away and for her to possibly never see him again, she’d surprised herself by inviting him to go with her.
He’d blinked, startled. Then nodded.
Now they walked side by side through the Mall of America, swallowed by the sparkling excess of the season—garlands cascading from railings, massive ornaments spinning lazily from the ceiling, and holiday music echoing through the crowd like warm breath against glass.
It felt good to walk with him here. Unexpectedly good.
And the longer they were together, the more he seemed to loosen up.
