“She introduced me to Helena last night. I guess she has a new project starting soon at FlixPix, and Stella wanted me to be on her radar before she started hiring her crew.”
“I can put in a good word, too. You'd be perfect on that project.”
“Thanks, Soph.”
“Speaking of Stella,” Sophia says, settling back in her chair with that look she gets when she's about to dig into something. “How are things going with you two? Still fake dating and living together?”
“We're fine,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual. “Her mom left this morning, so things should go back to normal.”
“It was nice of you to step in as her fake boyfriend,” she says, watching my face carefully.
“It wasn't a big deal. Just helped her out of a jam.”
“Mmm.” Sophia tilts her head. “Can I ask you something?”
I bite into my sandwich and take my time chewing. I know when I'm about to get grilled. “Sure.”
When's the last time you went on a date?”
The question catches me off guard. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Humor me.”
I think back through the past few months. There was that woman from the gym in March, but we never actually met up. Before that… “New Year's Eve, I think? That party at Wyatt's.”
“Brandon, that was almost six months ago.”
Has it really been that long? “I've been busy with work, physical therapy?—”
“And Thursday nights with Stella,” Sophia finishes gently. “Every Thursday night for how long now?”
“We're friends, Soph. Friends hang out.”
“They do. But friends don't usually stop dating other people.” She leans forward slightly. “I'm not judging. I'm just pointing out that maybe subconsciously, you've made yourself unavailable since she's moved in across the hall.”
I want to argue, but something about the way she says it makes me pause. Have I been turning down opportunities? Making excuses not to go out with other women?
“She's interested in Mason anyway,” I say finally.
“Is she?” Sophia says softly. “I'm not suggesting you run off and marry the girl, but seeing the two of you together last night and knowing how close the two of you have become, well, maybethere's a reason why it was so easy for you to fall into the role of boyfriend.”
The truth is, it did feel natural. More than natural. It felt right in a way that scares me.
“I enjoyed it,” I admit quietly. “More than I should have.”
“And that terrifies you.”
“Yeah. It does.” I run a hand through my hair. “She's my friend, Soph. My really good friend. If I mess that up?—”
“What if you don't mess it up? What if it's exactly what you both need?”
Before I can answer, my phone buzzes with a text from Jake sharing a packing list for Manmorial Weekend.
Sophia notices the notification. “You're going to La Jolla with the guys?”
“Finally got the coveted invite,” I say, grateful for the subject change.
“Congratulations. Perhaps you'll get some perspective after some time away with them.”
