Page 136 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“So do I,” I assure her. “I’m just curious. Looks fade and not all women are lucky enough to break into the MILF category, you know?”

“I’ve only been doing this a couple years. I’ve been making good money and I’m investing some to give me some additional passive income.”

“That’s smart,” I reply. “Might need to give me the number for your financial advisor.”

“She’s good.” Talia nods. “Beyond that, I guess I just want to be able to retire comfortably, you know? Maybe with my person, if I find them.” She grins, her eyes unfocused for a moment before shaking her head and looking at me once more. “What about you?”

I blush, feeling a bit foolish for my ambition, but give my reply anyway.

“I, er, want to start a production company.”

“Really?” Talia perks up.

“Yeah, I mean I don’t have a business plan or anything. I’m still getting my feet wet and networking and all that.”

“Oh, hush.” Talia waves her hand at me. “That’s so cool to want to start your own thing. I always trust women-run companies way more than the ones run by men. No offense.” She shoots a look at Miles who chuckles.

“None taken.” He holds up his hands. “I get it.”

“Well when you start it, hit me up. I’ll be in your first video.”

I smile at her, thankful for the support, even if it’s just because of my proximity to Miles.

“Deal.”

34

Miles

I’m glad to see Brody when he picks me up from the airport. He greets me as if nothing has changed. As if we didn’t both fuck Sophie just last week when I’m sure it’s been on his mind just as much as it’s been on mine. I have to wonder if he’s even finished processing it. He’s been known to overthink things and that experience is definitely one he would pick apart for days, if not weeks.

As we pull away from the curb, he asks the question I’m sure he’s been dying to all weekend. I’m glad he refrained from texting it to me every day.

“Is Sophie ok?”

Flashbacks of the conversation about her ex give me pause, but it’s Sophie’s story to tell.

“Yeah, she’s good. I think she had fun.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know what you meant.” My tone is light. “She’s fine. How was your weekend?”

“I think I may have driven myself into early retirement,” he mutters and I barely catch the words.

“What? I’m gone for all of four days and you retire? What happened?”

“I-” Brody grunts in frustration, focusing on the road as we turn away from the airport. “Mel kind of forced it on me.”

“We both know Mel can’t force you to do anything.” I cross my arms, waiting for a response. Brody owes Mel a lot for his position, his freedom in his job, but he still wouldn’t do something he didn’t want to.

“I may have asked for help.”

“What does that have to do with retiring early?”

Brody spills everything. My jaw drops more and more with every word. When he’s done, I’m surprised it’s not on the damn floor.

“So, let me get this straight.” I hold up a hand, trying to work through what he’s just told me. Sarcasm is my first instinct. “You–poor baby–were forced to accept a promotion–afterobscenepay raises, by the way–in order to get Mel to put security cameras into Sophie’s placewithout her knowledge?” Brody is silent. “What is wrong with you, man?”

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