Page 53 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“So, tell me-” I start, but Brody speaks at the same time.

“How was-”

We stop and I chew my bottom lip, waiting for him to speak.

“Sorry,” he mutters. “What were you going to say?”

“Oh, no, it’s fine.”

“Well, I was going to ask how your day was.”

“I had a good day,” I say with a nod. “Nothing special.” Just edited content and scheduled a few posts in between sexting sessions. I can’t say any of that. I wonder if I should tell him. Just bite the bullet and admit it.

“Good, good.”

Brody stops at the front door of the Carmine Cafe. Below the name, painted in flowing script on the window, are the words ‘Italian Delights’. I glance up at him.

“Italian delights?”

“It’s delightful.” He shrugs and enters, holding the door behind him.

It’s a quaint little place with just a handful of two- and four-person tables, but I can see, straight out the back, a fenced-in patio that looks much bigger. All but one of the indoor tables are taken and the couple I can see outside look full as well. There’s an enormous display case with baked goods–breads, pastries, cakes, cookies, and so many more, all of which look perfect and identical. On the board behind the counter, I see a list of teas, coffees, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

“So much better than Panera,” I mumble, more to myself.

“I wouldn’t mention Panera to the owners,” Brody warns, but when I glance up at him, he’s smiling. “Sore subject.”

“Noted.” I nod. “Only Italian delights.”

“You got it.”

We order from the teenager behind the counter and head out the back to the patio with our sandwiches and drinks. There’s a table in the far corner, right up against a wall that’s covered in what I can only assume is fake ivy. It’s too green to be real, especially for August in LA. Even new to the area, I know that.

Once situated, I take a bite of my caprese sandwich, immediately closing my eyes with a moan. It’s quite possibly the most delicious sandwich I’ve ever had. Brody’s deep, rumbling laughter causes my eyes to snap open.

“That good, huh?”

“Delightful.”

I return my attention to my sandwich and we eat in silence for several minutes. The conversation around us is light, but I can’t really hear. Normally, I’d enjoy eavesdropping, but all I can think about is the man across from me and how it’s difficult for me to focus, just being this close to him. Even with a table between us.

A couple of the tables closest to us empty just as I finish my sandwich, leaving just the one near the door, a good twenty feet away.

“I’ll have to come back here.” I glance around the patio. “Maybe bring my roommate. She’d like it. We’re both suckers for baked goods.”

“Did you want to get something to take home?” He jerks his thumb toward the door, his expression genuine.

“No, no. I was just thinking. Complimenting your good taste, I guess.”

“Well, I’m out with you. I have impeccable taste.”

“Smooth.”

“I try.” Brody shrugs, but there’s a stiffness to the movement.

“This has been really fun.” Maybe if I confirm that it’s been a good date, he’ll relax. “Even if you’re a worse artist than me.”

“I’m a tech nerd,” Brody reminds me. “Not great with a paintbrush.”

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