Page 102 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“Thanks.” Brett smiles at his brother-in-law.

I find myself staring, wishing I’d grown up with siblings. The chance at nieces and nephews, a home full of family, even in-laws. My mind conjures an image of Christmas with Brody and his family, most of whom are still faceless for me. The home is full of laughter and joy and all the things I doubt I’ll ever see with my parents again.

Brody already mentioned that he wants children. I used to, but since making adult content full-time, I’m not so sure. How do you raise kids while making porn for a living? People do it, I know they do. Could I? Would Brody want that?

Getting ahead of yourself, Soph.

“I think we’re gonna go.” Brody’s eyes catch mine and I know he sees that something’s off, that my thoughts are elsewhere.

“Oh yeah, get going. You’ve been cooped up with the girls long enough.” Brett shoos us away.

“It was nice meeting you, Sophie!” Raegan calls as we walk toward the door.

“It was so nice meeting you both.” I grin over my shoulder and follow Brody outside.

“So, was-was that ok?” asks Brody once we’re safely in his car.

“What, meeting your family? Big step,” I admit, trying to keep my tone light. “But it was really nice. I wish I had siblings. Growing up might’ve been less lonely.”

“Well being the only boy wasn’t amazing,” Brody laughs. “But I’m glad you liked them.”

“I really did.”

I hadn’t planned for more than one night at Brody’s, but I hate the idea of leaving. It’s been so relaxing being with him, feeling safe with him. When he asks if I’ll stay another night, there’s no way I’m saying no.

I take my car back to my apartment, noting the new wood along the door frame. The ring around the camera on the doorbell lights up as I approach. It’s working, at least for now. As I head up the stairs to pack another change of clothes, I wonder if Brody found anything last night. He didn’t mention anything this morning and part of me doesn’t want to ask.

I gather a few items, but then, after standing in front of my closet for several more seconds, I grab another sundress too.

“Just in case,” I mutter to myself.

“Just in case, what?”

I jump and turn to see Natalie leaning against my door frame, arms crossed and a smile on her face.

“In case I want to stay the whole weekend.” There’s no point trying to keep the smile off my face.

She laughs, coming to sit on the end of my bed while I pack.

“So things are good?”

“I’m afraid to say yes and jinx it.” I chew on my bottom lip, holding the sundress in my hands. “But yeah, things are… great.”

“Just be careful.” Her tone is far more serious now and I know she’s not talking about Brody or Miles before she even says his name. “I’ve never met Caleb, but if he scared you enough for you to run all the way to LA, I worry what his plan is for you. You should tell the police.”

“I can’t.” My voice comes out softer than I’d like. Weaker. Caleb is a snake and snakes know how to hide. They know when to strike. I know I’m in danger now, but I still can’t bring myself to speak to the police.

“Why not, Soph? They could look for him or something.”

“Since when do they side with victims in cases like this?” I mutter. “Besides, his brother is a cop. All it would take is a flash of his badge and his cousins in the LAPD would think his brother is innocent.”

“Fuck, really? A cop?” Natalie shakes her head.

Why am I talking about this? It’s been six months. Natalie promised she wouldn’t bring it up, but that was before Caleb started stalking me.

“Did Brody find anything?” she asks tentatively.

“He said it’ll take time for some programs to run, whatever that means.”

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