Page 38 of Evading the Enforcer

“How did you turn your interest in Bigfoot into a career?” Niall asks.

“I went to college for media communications, and once I graduated, I worked for local television for ten years. I learned a lot of valuable information during that time, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled with my career. A few years ago, I decided to pursue my dream of hosting a show about Bigfoot. So I started online with a podcast that slowly grew, and one of the producers for the local channel happened to listen in one day. I guess he liked what he heard. Together, we’ve madeBigfoot’s Hairy Talecome to life.”

“That’s inspiring,” Maeve says. “You found your way to make your dream come true.”

“It took longer than I imagined, but better late than never, right?” I laugh. “Although, my real dream is to get the show nationally syndicated, which is a lot harder than it sounds.”

“With your tenacity, I’m sure you’ll get there,” Niall says.

“You bet. I’m not accepting anything less. I just might be sixty by the time it happens,” I say, laughing.

“You better not wait that long, or your show will be hosted by AI,” Rogan pipes in.

“Thanks for reminding me. It’s sad but most likely true.”

“I wonder if it’ll affect hockey,” Niall says. “How could it? We need real people to play the game.”

“They’ll have robots playing,” Rogan predicts.

“Won’t they rust if they get wet?” Maeve titters, slapping her knee.

I laugh along with her.

“Titanium doesn’t rust,” Rogan explains.

“Then we’re fucked,” Maeve says.

Rogan holds up his beer. “Here’s to being fucked.” He winks.

I raise my glass, tapping his bottle, and Maeve does the same. “To being fucked,” we say in chorus. I finish the drink Niall made me and eat the remainder of the brownie on my plate. “I better get going. I have a feeling my aunt will call me much too early tomorrow.”

“Oh, boo. You can’t leave,” Maeve says, side-hugging me.

“I agree,” Rogan says, hugging me from the other side. I’m left helplessly sandwiched between them.

I pat their arms. “I’ll see you both soon.”

Rogan lets go first. It might have something to do with the glare Niall is aiming his way. When Maeve releases me, I quickly stand.

“Thank you so much for having me over. I had a great time with y’all.”

Niall rises. “I’ll walk you home.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“I insist.” He leaves no room for arguing.

“Bye, y’all,” I call out.

“Bye, bestie.”

“See ya tomorrow.” The younger O’Rourke siblings’ goodbyes follow me out the door.

We walk down the three steps to the walkway. “You can stay here and watch me walk home.”

“Don’t deny me the chance to walk a beautiful woman home,” he says, flooring me.

He thinks I’m beautiful?

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