Page 143 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“Thought you had enough of those.” I allow a small smile to grace my lips and Brody returns the grin.

“Mel recruited me right out of college, said she wanted to build a company that helps people by staying in the dark. It all sounded so cool when I was twenty-one. She said I’d get to create all of our programs, design all of our systems, alongside her. How could I say no?”

“I guess if someone came to me and offered to let me build a production company based on my own vision, I wouldn’t be able to say no.”

“That’s what you want?”

“Some day.”

“Got a name for it?”

“Yeah, but I’m keeping it a secret for now.” I smile. It’s a stupid name, but it makes me giggle and sometimes you can’t take yourself seriously.

“Still don’t trust me?”

“What if you steal it?” I tease.

“Ah, yes. I know a lot of porn stars wanting to start their own production company. I’d definitely tell them about your brilliant name. You got me.” He winks, the expression so casual and easy. “Miles mentioned wanting the same thing once when he was dating…” Brody trails off and shakes his head. “Hasn’t said anything about it since.”

“A bad relationship can kill dreams easier than most people realize.”

I wanted to marry Caleb. Even after the first time he hit me, I still wanted a life with him. I wanted children with him.

“I’ve seen that.” He nods. “My sister doesn’t seem to be able to find the right guy. Been trying dating apps for a few years and she dated in college, but-” Brody’s eyes widen. “Fuck.”

“What?”

“She had a date last week,” he groans, setting his tea on the coffee table and running a hand over his face. “I was supposed to give her a call half an hour in, but I forgot.”

“Why you?” That’s much more rude than I want to sound. “I just mean, instead of a friend or-or one of your sisters.”

“Apparently everyone was busy. She’s gonna kill me.”

I can’t help but giggle.

“Well, since she hasn’t made you regret it, I doubt she needed the call anyway.”

“Do women really do that? Set up those calls?”

“Better than telling a man no when the vibes are off.” I nod.

“Given your ex and his brother, I can only imagine.”

The front door opens to announce that Natalie is back from her yoga class this morning. When her head pops up above the half wall and she spots Brody, she smiles at me.

“I thought you had a shoot today.”

“Last-minute cancellation,” I fib.

“Bummer. Hey Brody.”

“Hey Natalie, how’s it going?”

“Oh, don’t mind me. I’m headed straight for a shower and then I gotta leave again.”

And with that, she disappears down the hall to her room.

“Think she’ll forgive me for the cameras?” he asks when we hear the door shut.

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