Page 104 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“I-” Brody’s eyes flick back and forth between us. “I-I just meant-”

“Regardless of what you meant,” says Sophie, “I can promise you that measuring up isn’t an issue.” She places a wet hand on his upper arm. He brings his opposite hand up to cover hers, still looking at me. “And I hadnoidea about… this.” She motions toward me.

“I believe you.” Fuck those eyes are sad.

“I don’t want to come between you two,” Sophie continues. She looks back at me. “Not that I think I could. I just mean-” She takes a deep breath, then mutters while looking at Brody, “Your best friend. I could’ve handledgoodfriends, even neighbors. Best friends.” After a heavy sigh, Sophie shakes her head yet again. “I’ll get my things and leave.”

Brody’s hand tightens on hers as she moves, keeping her by his side. Those brown eyes of hers, golden pools I know Brody wants to fall into as badly as I do, are questioning, but she doesn’t speak.

“No,” he sighs. “No, I’ll, er, bow out.”

“The fuck you will.” The anger, not just in my voice, but in my whole goddamn chest, surprises me. Dating the woman I’m obsessed with doesn’t mean he has to back off.

“You guys have a lot more in common,” Brody protests. “Why would I- How can I be enough?”

“Shut up, man.” I shake my head and take a few more steps closer until I’m able to stand on the opposite side of the counter, my hands on the cold granite while I lean forward. “Sophie,” I look at her and she meets my gaze, “I know you can make your own decisions, but Brody clearly cares about you. I’m not letting him end this.”

“Excuse me, but your friendship is way more important than me.” Her expression is stern.

“Doubtful,” says Brody just as I laugh. “No, I’m,” he squeezes Sophie’s hand again before dropping his, “I’m done.”

“Shut up.” I slam my hand on the countertop loud enough to get their attention but not hard enough to hurt. My eyes find theirs–emerald and gold staring back at me, waiting for answers I definitely don’t have. I run a hand through my hair. It’s been a long trip full of making content and I’m exhausted, but this is important. “Look, don’t… don’t be weird about this, but,” I focus on Sophie, “what if we continue like this?”

She frowns.

“Miles,” Brody groans.

“This isn’t the dark ages.” I ignore him. “Polyamory is a thing. I’ve never tried it, I knowyou’venever tried it,” I add, looking at Brody, “and I’m guessing it’s new for you too.” Sophie nods when I meet her eyes. “So it’ll be an adventure for all of us.” Why thefuckdo I sound so excited?

“Polyamory,” Brody repeats, skeptical. “Is that a big thing in the adult industry?”

“I don’t know, fuck the industry. This is about us.” I motion between the three of us. “Sophie, I’ll give you up if that’s what you want, but I really hope it’s not because goddamn it, I like you. I’m not asking you to choose between us. I won’t put you in that position. Other positions, sure, but not that one.”

“Miles, I-” she begins to protest, but I hold up a hand to silence her.

“Let’s just try sharing. Brody?”

He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the effort, then looks down at the woman still clutching his arm.

“I’m in.”

“Men.” Sophie rolls her eyes.

“Is that a yes?” I ask, a hopeful smile on my lips.

“I guess?”

We pass the rest of the week only seeing Sophie one more day each. I start to wonder if she’s trying to give us space. I certainly hope not. Brody and I avoid the subject of her unless she’s in the room, which only occurs once. On some level, it feels strained, but on another, it feels perfectly normal. If Brody feels weird about the situation, he doesn’t let on. He does, however, hide away in his office more than usual.

When Sophie calls me about a party on Friday, I’m shocked to get the invite, but happy to accept. The party is held in Glendale, an area I’m very familiar with, so I offer to drive.

“So, how did you find out about this?”

“I did an interview for Sara Sitwell’s podcast when I was in New York last month.” She stares out the window as we pass house after house. “She invited me and told me I could bring a plus one.” Sophie looks at me. “Is Brody ok that I chose you?”

I snort.

“I don’t think Brody would be comfortable at a party like this. Any other time, yeah, he might be jealous.”

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