Bree
It’s time.
I’ve lived in this house for a week and a half, and it’s about time I’ve watched the movie that is plastered all over the place.
I walked down into Bodega Bay today and ate lunch from The Birds Cafe.
It was a lot of walking, but it did me good.
I also chatted with the woman who made my sandwich about the photos they had up on the wall, depicting the movie and Tippi Hedren’s fantastic sixties hair.
Now I’m determined to watch it.
But not alone. That would be crazy. It’s a Hitchcock movie, for heaven’s sake.
I could use a distraction, anyway, since my lunch excursion was followed by a quick stop in the market, where I saw my name splashed all over the magazine headlines in the racks next to the gum. Canceled. Where is Bree? I’d Hide Too After What She Did.
We Don’t Deserve Jaida.
The last one makes me want to vomit. Why do they even print those anymore? Doesn’t everyone get their news from TikTok?
I find my phone and swipe away all the notifications, suppressing the guilt when I catch Noah’s name on a text. But Zoey said Peanut was doing well, didn’t she?
Benny’s phone number is right at the top, so it’s easy to find.
I call him and hit the speakerphone button.
We’ve grown up using speakerphone so the cameras could pick up both sides of the conversation, and it was a habit none of my sisters or I ever broke.
I don’t have a reason not to use it, do I? It’s more comfortable this way.
“Hi,” he says warmly.
“This is a business call.”
He chuckles. “What’s up?”
“I need Nancy’s phone number.”
There’s a beat of silence. “Okay. I’ll send it to you.”
“Thanks.”
“Everything okay?”
“If by that you really mean, ‘Hey Bree, did you break and call your entire family and log into X today to see how badly the world hates you,’ I can safely tell you that I stayed off my phone, but I still know how much the world hates me.”
“That’s not—you know, I think you should talk to your family. It might be nice to have more people in your corner.”
“I have you and Nancy. Who else do I need?”
He doesn’t argue. “My buddy out in Sebastopol said we can use his studio after hours, but he needs to double check the building cleaning schedule before he can give us a date.”
“How much extra did you have to pay for this?”
“Not much.”
“Whatever it is, I’ll cover it.”
“I’ll let you know when I have a date, okay? Probably sometime next week.”
“Thanks, Benny.” I twist some dark hair around my finger. “Listen, I get that your grandma isn’t agoraphobic. I figured that out when she had to walk however many streets over to break down my door. But there’s something going on, isn’t there?”
“She…yeah…there’s something going on.”
He doesn’t say more, so I don’t press. “Well thanks, Benny.”
He laughs, and I can hear how amused he is. “You and Nancy Rhodes are friends now?”
“Pulling someone out of the depths of despair is bonding.”
“I can see that,” he says, except he sounds like he doesn’t really buy into it.
I try to sound chipper. “Well, have a good night.”
“You, too.”
We get off the phone, and I immediately call Nancy. Was it too much to call Benny for his grandma’s number without inviting him to the movie, too? I wanted to ask if he’s free. It was tempting. But Zoey’s voice pinged in my head, and I don’t want Benny thinking I’m looking for a hookup.
Our kiss was electric—proving I won’t survive leaving later if I give in now.
The last guy I thought I could have a casual relationship with took things too casually. Lonnie was never overtly unfaithful, as far as I know, but he wasn’t faithful, either.
I’m not ready for anything right now.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Nancy. It’s—”
“Bree,” she says, cutting me off. “Calling on my cell phone.”
“Benny gave me your number. I hope that’s all right.” I run my fingers through my scalp, massaging the places where I just removed the wig clips.
“Of course it is. What can I do for you? You finally calling to let me know you spoke to your family?”
Accountability. Right. “Yes, and no. I did…kind of. I don’t know if you heard, but my sister got engaged—”
“Zoey.”
“Yes. I called to congratulate her, and she promised to tell everyone I’m okay.”
“You still haven’t called your mother?”
“I don’t think she’s as worried as you think she is.
” It’s not something I want to argue with Nancy about, especially because my mom is probably dying over my absence, but not for the reasons Nancy believes.
She needs me back to fix what I broke. “Anyway, that’s only part of the reason I called.
Want to watch a movie with me? I’ll walk over if you give me your address. ”
She’s silent for a moment. “Is Benny busy?”
“I don’t know.” Honestly, it was unclear why I’m pressing the matter with Nancy at all, except I want to spend more time with her.
I like her. I like me when I’m around her, and I didn’t expect to feel that way about anyone after the song was released.
She makes me feel good about myself, capable, and not only as a music artist—as a human.
It’s hard to explain. All I know is that Nancy might be obsessed with The Belacourts, but she sees me as a person, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had that.
“I suppose I can watch a movie.”
“Great! Text me your address so I can find your house. I’m a fast walker. I’ll bring popcorn and saltwater taffy.”
“Sure thing, honey. I’ll send the message to you now.”
“See you soon!” I hang up and fetch my new blue hoodie, then don’t think too much about it before I throw on the sunglasses and toss the snacks into a bag.
The sun is beginning its descent, falling toward the east side of the ocean.
The air is pleasantly warm with a cool breeze, smelling of fresh grass and earthy seaweed.
One of the teenage girls who lives on this street looks at me as she’s getting in her car, but I look away, tugging my hood down over my forehead.
I didn’t want to wear a wig all night, so I covered my hair with the hoodie and hoped the waning sunlight was enough to hide me.
She lingers at her door, so I walk faster.
Nancy’s house is fifteen minutes away on foot, and I’m relieved when I make it around the corner without the girl calling after me.
Nancy’s house is safe. I just need to reach it. I can’t help thinking of her advice and of my siblings being left completely in the dark.
It wouldn’t be the end of the world to send them a message. Removing my siblings from my Do Not Disturb settings won’t ruin the peace I have here, right?
I pull my phone out and slide into my settings, approving Zoey, Olive, and Noah alongside Benny and Nancy. Then I open the Belacourt Siblings group chat that has too many missed messages to read and send them one.
Bree
I’m sorry, guys. I’m a coward, and I needed to get away while the song bomb dropped
Noah
We just want you to be safe.
Bree
I’m being taken care of by a sweet old woman who makes sure I shower and feeds me homemade muffins. It could be worse
Zoey
Is “sweet old woman” a euphemism for something younger, maler, and hotter?
Bree
No, you perv. My neighbor’s real grandma has been amazing. I’m walking to her house now for a girls night
Zoey
*wink face* I see
Noah
*a picture of Peanut snuggling with Noah’s new little baby, Stella*
We’re doing fine here.
Bree
That almost makes me want to get on a plane to Sunset Harbor. ALMOST.
Noah
We’ll take you anytime the urge strikes, B.
Zoey
So will we! I could use some wedding planning help. Patricia is going wild with the engagement party, guys. I don’t know if she understands the meaning of “small dinner” *crying face emoji*
Bree
When this blows over, I’ll be there!
Zoey
How did you manage the anonymity, anyway? I’ve been dying to know. I can’t make it a block without being recognized
Bree
Makeup and a wig, mostly. Plus I stole Cat’s clothes so I’m not wearing my typical style. But you know how much magic a blonde wig and some freckles can be
Zoey
Contouring for the win
Noah
You took Cat’s favorite shorts, and she wants them back.
Bree
Sorry and I love her. I’ll mail them. Which ones???
Noah
She says you can keep them until you come home, but don’t lose them.
Olive
SHE’S ALIVE!
I can’t believe you dropped that song and then ghosted everyone. Such a baller
Bree
No one says baller anymore
Olive
Do you need us? I can do an ice cream run and cue up Ten Things I Hate About You. Just say the word
Dash says I can borrow his plane if you want to keep this 007 thing going and don’t want a Belacourt plane being tracked
As though using her boyfriend’s plane would keep anyone from watching her every move?
It’s sweet of them to consider my feelings, though.
The offer for ice cream and romcoms sets off a primal urge in me to be near my sisters, yet here I am heading to watch horror.
Their support is buoying, but it doesn’t make me want to sacrifice what I have here—not yet.
Bree
I’m good right now
Olive
We’re on standby. Just say when, B. I mean it!!
Zoey
Same
Noah
I know I’m not really invited to this, and I want to stay with Cat and Stella anyway, but you’re always welcome here, and I love you. If you need a place to crash and don’t want to go home, you can take my NY apartment, too. Tell me how I can help.
Bree
Love you all
I put my phone away when I turn onto Nancy’s street. Walking up to her door is freeing in a way I can’t explain. There are no paps following me around, no cameramen shooting for our reality show, no one wanting a selfie. I get to act like a regular person.
Can this last forever? I’m falling in love with this place.
Nancy answers the door in a maroon robe over a flannel nightgown. “I was already ready for bed when you called, and I didn’t feel like changing.”
“That’s perfect for a movie night.” I put a hand out and do a spin, showing off my sweats and hoodie. “Popcorn?”
“No, but you go right on in there and heat it for yourself. Bowls are to the left of the microwave.”