I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I actually laughed, looking over at the crowd of people sitting at tables then back at him. “Well as far as pictures go tourists take them every day so of course I don’t mind, but for a book? You sound like a pretty big deal,” I teased, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t know why you’d want a photo of me but of course its fine, I’d love to hear more about it when I get off for good at six, if you’re still in the area.” The idea of someone documenting the beauty of my home was a romantic one, there were so many beautiful spots close to my apartment, much less the entire island. Then the full realization of what he was there for hit me and I gasped, recognizing I might be able to help.

“You said it’s a book of the whole Newfoundland, right? Oh, I’ve got the most gorgeous views in mind! You may have already found them, but we could give it a shot, yeah?” I was way more excited than any person in their right mind should be, and it was our food appearing at the bar that brought me back to being calm, my smile fading a bit. I figured he probably thought I was nuts, but it was a habit of mine to be a little more…enthusiastic than people were used to. Biting my bottom lip I grabbed my fork, ready to start in on my salad with pieces of salmon and dressing on the side, a sweet tea to drink.

“Sorry, guess I’m getting ahead of myself. There’s just so much to see here and I don’t think many people know it.” I enjoyed hiking on my days off, most of the time alone. Yes it was dangerous, yes I shouldn’t have done it, but it was worth the extra effort when I reached my destinations. “I’m Alice Taylor, by the way. I didn’t catch your name or where you’re from, Mr. Photographer.”