Our Way

“How’s the vacation?”

A big smile crosses my face. “Amazing. ” I don’t know whether to tell her about Nathan and I. No, I’ll wait to tell them in person. “Majorca is beautiful. You need to come here; it really is incredible.”

“I’ll add it to my bucket list.”

“So, what’s this about Brooke and Santiago?” I ask as I sit down on a bench.

“I’ve started seeing him and, oh my God, Eliza, he’s amazing.”

“The porno guy?” I frown.

“Yes, but, you know what? I appreciate his honesty.”

I need to try and be understanding here. “Well… I guess.”

“There’s just this sense of honesty between us, and we really connect on a deeper level.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Brooke is completely right: Jolie’s lost her fucking marbles here. “Okay, so have you been sleeping with him?”

“Yes. Holy fucking shit, he’

s so hot I can’t stand it.”

“Right.”

“And the orgasms.”

“Is he filming you?”

“Yes, but he’s not going to show anyone.”

“Jo,” I sigh.

“Don’t ruin this for me.”

“I’m just saying. It’s a bit of a red flag, you know? And, as my friend, I just need to point out the potential dangers here. I’m just trying to be a good friend.”

She exhales heavily. “I know.”

“Look,” I try to think of a solution, “why don’t you just film yourselves having sex on your phone or camera? That way, you have possession of the film.”

“Hmm… maybe.”

“I’m just saying, you don’t know him, and you don’t know what he’s going to do with that footage. Do you really want your future kids seeing mommy getting banged on porn sites in years to come?”

She stays silent, and I know my words are resonating with her.

“Look, I’m all for you and him having a great time. Have fun. Fuck his brains out. But just guard yourself. Guys who pick up girls in bars by showing them footage of themselves fucking other women… they aren’t really husband material.”

“That’s his past, Lize.”

“I know, baby, and it may be all behind him, but as your friend, I have to have this conversation with you.”

“I guess.” She sighs.

“Look, I’ve got a video camera you can borrow. You’ve got a key to my place. Go over and get it. It’s in the top shelf of my linen closet. That way, you own the footage and not him. The risks are lessened. It’s the perfect solution.”

“Really?”