The Nerve (Photo Story)

Tony rings the doorbell to Lea’s apartment.

Come in…it’s open! (Lea, yelling)

Tony enters and is surprised to find Amber there with Lea.

Hey, Bro. (Amber)

Hey. I didn’t expect to run into you here. (Tony, surprised)

Well, today’s visit was unexpected. I had to give Lea and Kayla a ride home. (Amber)

Oh? (Tony, confused)

And I wish I could stay and chat, but I gotta run. I’ll talk to ya later. (Amber)

Okay. (Tony and Lea both answer)

Amber laughs.

I was talking to Lea. But, hey I’ll catch you later, too alright? (Amber to Tony)

Sure. (Tony, still a little confused)

Amber leaves.

Kayla fell asleep in the car on the way home. I can go wake her up if you want. (Lea)
Before you do, what was that all about? (Tony)

What do you mean? (Lea)

Amber and the ride home… (Tony)

Ohhh, that. My car broke down again. And there was no room in the tow truck for Kayla’s car seat. (Lea)

I thought you just got your car out of the shop a week ago. (Tony)

Yeah, it’s the third time I’ve put it in the shop this month. It’s too old to keep throwing money at, so Kayla and I might be taking the bus for a little while until I can save up for a decent replacement. (Lea)

But why call Amber? You could have called me, you know. (Tony)

I know. I just thought it would be better this way. (Lea)

How so? (Tony)

Wellll, I didn’t want your fiancée to think I was trying to lure you away by pretending to be a damsel in distress. (Lea)

Oh come on. So you and Kayla get stranded and you’d rather call her aunt, who you barely know, than her father? (Tony)

Barely know, huh? I guess you’re the one who doesn’t know. (Lea)

Know what? (Tony)

That I know Amber a lot better than you think I do. Kayla and I have been spending quite a bit of time with Amber and the twins. (Lea)

Really? (Tony)

Yes, really. Is that a problem? (Lea)

No, of course not. I didn’t mean to say it like that. I’m just surprised that’s all. (Tony)

To be honest, I’m really grateful for your sister’s friendship. I don’t know very many people in town, and I don’t think it’s healthy to be too dependent on you- no offense. Besides, it’s great for Kayla. The play dates have helped her really get to know her cousins. (Lea)

Tony shrugs and smiles.

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LATER the same afternoon:

Brandy is meeting Tony for lunch at Made Fresh. When he arrives, she is already there, so he greets her with a kiss and takes a seat at the table.

So, how was the meeting with Kari Michell? (Tony)

Exhausting. I looked at so many photographers’ books that I thought my eyes would cross. The good news is I finally selected one. Now, all of our vendors are booked. (Brandy)

Good. What’s his name? (Tony)

Her name is Khadijah Phillips, and I’ll show you her website when we get home. I think you’ll be impressed. I know I was.  (Brandy)

The waitress brings Brandy her salad and takes down Tony’s order.

Is that all you’re eating for lunch? (Tony)

Yes, and please don’t give me a hard time about it. I had my final gown fitting last week. The dress is a perfect fit, and I want it to stay that way. (Brandy)

Tony flashes an amused smile before taking on a more solemn look.

So, I’m thinking of buying a car, and I want to discuss it with you. (Tony)

Why, is something wrong with the Jeep? (Brandy)

Nah, it’s okay. (Tony)

Look, it’s sweet of you to ask me first, but you don’t need my permission. We’re not married yet. If you want to buy yourself a new car, then go right ahead. (Brandy)

Well, that’s just it. I don’t want to buy a car for myself. I want to buy one for Lea. (Tony)

Excuse me? (Brandy)

Now do you see why I wanted to talk to you? (Tony)

Did I seriously just hear you say you want to buy a car for your baby mama? (Brandy)

Yes, but give me a chance to explain. Her car has been in and out of the shop for the past month. She needs reliable transportation to get Kayla to and from preschool and whatnot. She’s planning to take the bus until she saves enough money to buy another car, but I don’t want my little girl on the bus. I talked to my pal, Liam, down at Dollton Auto World and he found me a nice, used Fiat for a good price. I’m in a position to help and I think I should…with your consent, I mean. (Tony)

Brandy is deep in thought. On one hand, she can’t believe Tony would expect her to even consider this, let alone agree to it. On the other hand, shouldn’t she be grateful that she is engaged to such a generous and considerate man? Tony is waiting for a response, but she doesn't know what to say.

Thanks for reading!