Page 23 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

Most of the window shades are up, allowing in more light than when we were in the air. I reach up to turn off the overhead light and open up the air vent. I can see the heat rising from the asphalt outside. I didn’t check the forecast, but it’s a safe bet that it’ll beninety degrees or more today. August in LA or August in New York City. They’re both sweltering, but one’s a dry heat. That means it’s not as bad, right?

I’ve never understood that.Yes, it’s ninety-five degrees, but it’s adryheat.Ok, so the humidity isn’t sitting on you and suffocating you. But it’s still hot as balls. Why did I move here again? Oh right, I had no choice.

I’m not the first to reach the baggage claim carousel for our flight. The metal slabs are still, taunting me with their serious lack of luggage. I try to block out the sounds around me as the crowd grows. I’m too tired to listen to the screaming children or the one teenager who’s complaining to their parents about something inane.

The red light over the carousel finally spins, telling us that the metal slabs will begin to move and our bags will soon arrive.

When I finally have my two very large suitcases in hand, wishing I wasn’t traveling alone, I make my way out to the arrivals area where cars are driving in circles, waiting for friends and family. Stepping over to one side so I don’t trip anyone, I pull my phone from my pocket once more and call Natalie.

“Hey, where are you?” I ask when she answers.

“Two minutes. You out?”

“Yeah, I’m wearing gray sweats and a hot pink tank top, about halfway down. I’ll wave when I see you.”

“Cool, stay on the line just in case.”

“You got it, dude.”

We’re silent for a moment while I scan the approaching cars with my eyes. No, that red sedan isn’t her. Neither is that one. Or that one, although the pink dice make me do a double-take.

“I see you.” I wave at the red sedan with the fuzzy pink handcuffs hanging from the rearview mirror.

“Gotcha! I think I see a spot just a little further down.”

I follow Natalie’s car until she pulls up to the curb a few spots away. She opens the trunk with the push of a button and I quickly shove the suitcases in. I slam the trunk and set my carry-on bags in the back seat before sliding into the passenger seat.

Without speaking, Natalie pulls away, glancing back to check for oncoming cars. I fasten my seatbelt and wait for her to get us out of traffic, knowing that she’ll snap at me if I speak too soon.

“So,” she says when she finallyfeels at ease, “how was the trip?”

“It was amazing!” I exclaim, startling her with my enthusiasm. “Vera Connor and Penny Pepper want you to text them if you’re in New York any time soon. They’d love to work with you.”

“Wait, really?” Natalie’s eyes go wide, but she keeps them on the road. “Those girls aregoals. I’d love to get my hands on them.” In the space behind her glasses, I can see an impish gleam in her warm, brown eyes.

“Yeah, you want their numbers?”

“Are you seriously asking me that?”

“On it, boss.” I salute and quickly send her their contact information before sending hers to them and letting them know she’s interested in working together. Natalie’s phone makes a noise I haven’t heard before and I frown. “Did-did you change your ringer to someone moaning?”

Natalie’s pale, freckled face splits into the widest grin and she giggles.

“Yeah!” She full-on laughs as we pull to a stop at a red light.

“Who’s voice is that?” I barely get the question out, caught between shock and amusement.

“Mine, obviously. Sophie Larson, are you telling me you don’t recognize it?” She feigns shock and disappointment as the light changes to green.

I burst into laughter alongside her, rocking back in the seat as we surge forward.

“Why? Why not make it, I don’t know, someone you’ve worked with? Or your dream girl?”

“Iammy dream girl.”

“Fair enough.” I wipe a tear from my eye before it can spill down my cheek and take a deep breath. “If I ever lose an ounce of confidence, remind me to come straight to you.”

“I won’t let it get that far.”

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