Page 138 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“Is that really it?”

“I don’t know why she wanted me out.”

“You know I don’t have any insight. That shit has always been over my head.” I go to the fridge in search of something to eat, but I’m not sure what. Brody’s aimlessness is going to be contagious if he doesn’t find something to occupy him soon. “What about,” I hesitate before asking, “the security stuff for Sophie?”

“I still have access to some of that.”

“So our girl is safe?”

“Her ex showed up again on Monday and left another note. Mel even has a team trying to track traffic cams in the area, but there aren’t many near her neighborhood, so it’s been slow going trying to figure out what car he’s even driving.”

“Fuck. You know, he called Sophie during the convention. Scared her so bad I thought she was going to pass out.”

“She told me.” He stands just as I close the fridge doors. I’m glad she told him so quickly. “She told me you had to talk her through more than one panic attack.”

“She had a tough time.” I run a hand through my hair.

“You were there for her when I couldn’t be.”

“You’re trying to track down her douchebag ex. I think you win.”

Brody spends that evening with Sophie, out on the town for a nice dinner and I turn in early. In an attempt to release some pent-up energy and tire myself out, I film a masturbation video before going to bed. It’s a good opportunity for content, even if it’s short. If the camera wasn’t on, Sophie’s name would be on my lips the entire time. A wish, a plea, a fucking prayer.

Her name or Brody’s.

Hours later, my mind races with thoughts of Sophie dominating me, thoughts of her ex stalking her, and now thoughts of his brother doing even worse things. I can’t get it out of my head. Brody has been able to help thanks to his job, even in his semi-retirement. I feel utterly useless.

All of a sudden, the sheet wrapped around me is suffocating, the blanket on top far too warm. I can’t lay here any longer, dwelling on impure urges and feelings of helplessness. The combination will be lethal if I let it continue. Fighting with the covers, I finally untangle myself and throw my legs over the side of the bed. I lean over and rest my elbows on my knees, dropping my head into my hands.

Sophie hasn’t brought up her ex again with me since we got back from Miami. Brody hasn’t given me much of an update except for what he said this afternoon. I’m in the fucking dark.

I’m at the door in a flash, ripping it open and aiming for the kitchen. I’ve never been one to use any kind of sleep aid and I’m not entirely sure what my goal is. A shot? A midnight snack?

I glimpse the time on the oven.

A two-hours-past-midnight snack?

Movement out of the corner of my eye makes me jump, clutching my bare chest, just inches from barrelling into my roommate. Brody steps away from the kitchen island to come fully into view. The mounted lights beneath the upper kitchen cabinets couldn’t reach him where he was standing before.

“You scared the shit out of me.” My heart is pounding.

“Sorry,” Brody mutters.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

“Apparently not. You?”

“Can’t shut off the damn brain. How was the date?”

“It was good. I, er, took her home and then left.”

“Nothing says ‘good date’ like a chaste kiss goodnight,” I chuckle. Brody smiles halfheartedly. “You’re not worried, are you?”

“No, no. Honestly, it was my idea. I don’t want her thinking I’m,” he sighs, “I’m only after sex.”

“Good call.” I wink. “Find anything in here to help you sleep?”

“No, got any ideas?”

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