Page 101 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“Momma says we only det movies before bed,” says Violet, rubbing her eyes.

“Well, we just won’t tell Momma. Or Dad. He can’t keep a secret,” Brody adds, looking at me.

We settle onto the large couch, Brody and I resting our feet on the ottoman while the girls sit in between us. Within minutes of starting an episode of Bluey, both of the girls are out cold.

“Sorry,” says Brody softly.

“For what?” I turn and search his face, my hand absently rubbing the top of Violet’s head where it rests on my lap.

“For this.” He motions to the TV.

“Oh I’m a Bluey fan,” I assure him, keeping my voice low. “It’s wholesome, it’s relaxing. I’m not bothered by this at all.”

“God, you’re amazing.”

“I know.” I wink at him and turn back to the TV.

The sound of the front door unlocking startles us both and it swings open. If I didn’t already know this was Brody’s sister, I’d have guessed it by looking. The woman who just walked in has similar facial features, the same green eyes, and brown hair which falls just past her shoulders. Her hair has a few streaks of blonde in it, though.

“Hey Brody, thanks f-” She pauses, staring at me for a moment before her eyes focus on Brody.

“Sorry, we can’t get up,” Brody explains, motioning toward the girls. Opal’s head is nuzzled against his side. “This is Sophie. Sophie, this is my sister, Raegan.” The man who enters behind Raegan has salt and pepper hair and is a few inches taller than her, though Raegan isn’t short by any means. “And that’s Brett.”

Brett’s blue eyes are striking above a slightly crooked nose. His jawline is covered in dark stubble as if his beard hasn’t gotten the memo that his hair did. I wonder what the age gap is between them. Brett waves with one hand and a tight-lipped smile.

“Hi Raegan, Brett.” I nod to each of them, feeling rude not getting up, but I don’t want to disturb the girls. I’ll have to eventually, of course, but I want to make this feeling last.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” Raegan’s squeal as she hurries forward to grab my hand and shake it is enough to wake her daughters. “Sorry,” she whispers as Violet’s eyes flutter open.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” I laugh as the girls sit up. It gives me the chance to stand and greet Raegan properly. “I hope it’s ok that Brody brought me along.”

“Oh, it’s fine! I don’t think he’s ever brought a girl around, so you must be special.” She winks at me and I hate that it makes me blush. Am I really the first one?

“Nice to meet you,” says Brett, approaching a little slower than his wife. “If we’d known it would be more than just Brody, we’d have tidied up.”

I raise an eyebrow and look around the home that was basically spotless until we walked in with the girls. Even now, the only things out of place are the dishes in the sink.

“Yeah, the place is a wreck,” Brody laughs, standing up from the couch. Opal has finally allowed him his freedom.

“Oh shut it, we’re still living out of boxes.” Raegan rolls her eyes.

“Where are the boxes?” Brody glances around.

“Basement, mostly,” says Brett. “Kinda don’t wanna unpack everything if we’re gonna up and move in six months.”

“Would it really be that soon?” asks Brody, placing his hands on his hips.

“They said six months to a year.” Brett nods as the girls drag on their mother’s hand, babbling about the party this morning.

“Still thinking Ireland or the UK?”

“I don’t think they’d send me anywhere else, but there’s been talk of Norway and France.”

“The girls are young enough that it should be easy to learn a new language, not to mention up and moving away from their friends.”

“Yeah, that’s what people keep telling me,” Brett sighs. “Kids are resilient and all that.”

“They are, man. Just keep me posted. I’ll help you move if you want.”

---