Chapter 6 #2
And what was her intent? Private time with him of course.
“Camille,” he said slowly, “I appreciate your hospitality. But if we want this to last every week, we need to keep it simple. The moment we add commutes, it’ll be harder to commit.”
She tilted her head, reluctant but listening. “So you’d rather keep it here? Among trailers and noise, and people to distract us?”
“Yes,” he said firmly. Then, softening, “It’s not the setting that matters—our focus will be on the Word. Besides, the studio clears out by six-thirty. It’ll be quiet enough. Just an hour.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as she considered his reasoning. Finally, she exhaled and nodded. “Alright. On set, after wrap. But promise me one thing?”
“What’s that?”
“One day—maybe a weekend—let me host you.”
He smiled faintly. “Weekends aren’t really mine. I try to maximize time with Madison. Most days I drop her off at my parents even before she has had breakfast and then when I pick her up she sometimes drops to sleep before we get home.”
“Oh.” She winced. “I didn’t think of that. Of course. That comes first.”
“It does. But we’ll see what’s possible.”
She nodded stamping down her disappointment.
“I’ve got to go,” he said, glancing past her. “Adam’s here to meet me.”
She looked over her shoulder. The resemblance between the two men was unmistakable. She had noticed it at the art gallery but it seemed more obvious now. Same height, same build—though Adam carried himself with a casual edge that Aaron didn’t.
“Hey Adam,” Camille called with a pleasant smile.
Aaron waved Adam over.
“Are the two of you twins?” she asked.
“No, he’s my little brother,” Aaron quipped.
Adam rolled his eyes. “Don’t listen to him. We were born at the same time.”
“Not true. He’s three minutes my junior,” Aaron said solemnly.
Camille laughed. “So you are twins.”
“We’re actually triplets,” the two men said in unison.
“Damian? But he looks younger.”
“No not Damian. Alexandra is the third member of this terrific trio, as my mother refers to us.”
“Oh, wow! That’s awesome. Well, Adam, I hope your ‘big’ brother didn’t take advantage of you growing up.”
Adam grinned. “Nah. Every now and then he’d let that three-minute start go to his head, but I’d put him back in his place.”
“Alright,” Aaron said, tugging Adam away. “Let’s go. That’s enough of that.”
He waved back at Camille. “See you.”
She chuckled softly as they walked off, watching them with a wistful smile. There was something quietly beautiful about their easy banter, their shared history, their affection without strain.
She’d never known that kind of ease. She was an only child raised by two players—smart, charming, perpetually alert. Love in her house had always come bundled with effort. You earned attention. You managed moods. You stayed useful.
Both her parents, in their own ways, had been hustlers. Always selling, always framing, always convincing.
Camille had learned early that survival meant staying visible and valuable. That worth had to be proven, again and again.
~*~*~*~
Aaron nudged Adam with his elbow as they left the lot. “My car or yours?” he asked. They were headed to Frank’s Place.
Adam shrugged. “Your call.”
“Mine,” Aaron said with a grin.
The white Mustang convertible still made him smile even though it was an eight-year-old purchase.
He’d come by it at an auction. He’d paid handsomely for it too but it had been well worth it.
There were many memories with Scarlette in here but, unlike the Holmby Hills house, there was no chance he would be selling it.
He hopped in easily over the car door while Adam shook his head and slid into the passenger seat via the car door.
“Where’d you come from dressed like that?” Aaron asked, eyeing Adam’s suit.
“Board meeting,” Adam said. “Church leadership. Strategic direction. I had to present.”
“Sounds very corporate.”
“In some ways it is,” Adam said. “Honestly, I think the church is getting too big. Losing sight of what matters.”
Aaron glanced at him. “How so?”
“When I joined, it was simple. Gospel-centered. Now there’s more focus on growth—shorter sermons, shorter prayers, more music, more announcements. Potlucks for this, events for that.”
Aaron nodded slowly. “And what would you change?”
“More evangelism. More Bible teaching. More prayer. Those are non-negotiables for a healthy church.”
“I hope they listen to you.”
Adam smirked. “Why?”
“Because you know what you’re talking about. And they won’t want to lose you.”
“Who says I’m going anywhere?”
Aaron smiled. “I recognize that look.”
“What look?”
“That intense look you get when you’re making up your mind about change.”
Adam grunted.
“So—what do you think of Camille? I forgot to ask you last night.” Aaron asked.
“She’s stunning.”
“That’s obvious. Beyond that.”
Adam considered. “Guarded emotionally. Feels like someone carrying a lot alone.”
Aaron nodded. “I think so too.”
“And what are you going to do about it?”
“Who says I want to do anything about it?” Aaron said quickly. “I just want to study the Bible with her.”
Adam smiled. “Of course.”