13

"Well, depends what you're looking for," she starts. "The town itself has some cool places to hang out. There's Skippy's, which is a coffee shop—I think it's a little overrated, but they do have cool concerts there some nights. If you're interested in the local music scene, or just want a frappuccino with way too much whipped cream, Skippy's is your best bet. There are some neat independent stores, too, though some of them seem to be closing down. I think the park is probably the nicest place in town—lots of wildlife, pet friendly, and just a quiet, peaceful place to relax. But…"

Nic glances up from scanning something and locks eyes with you, as if she's about to share a very important secret with you.

"The best stuff's all outside of town. I can't stand being cooped up, and there's so much to explore if you head out just a few miles. Pretty much any chance I get, I drive out into the country—there are a couple of big ranches nearby that don't mind people hiking through their land. It's pretty beautiful—but if you want a real adventure, the forest is—"

She pauses, a shadow coming over her face. You quickly try to make sure she's not reacting to a sudden change in yours by straightening up your expression.

"Yeah, the forest is one of my favorite places," she finishes, seeming suddenly a little flat. "I just hope they don't mess with it too much, if they go through with those developments."