Page 30 of The Fire Line

Romy picked up a tile sample.

“I could tell him I’m gay,” Jay said.

Her hand stopped. “Why would you do that?”

“Casually. See what happens.”

“Babe, no.”

“That was immediate.”

“Because you’re talking about turning something personal into an experiment. You barely know him. You’re living on his family’s property, and your entire production depends on access they control. Maybe don’t test a deeply private rancher’s feelings about gay people because you have a crush and want data.”

“That made me sound significantly more unhinged than I actually am.”

“You proposed field research.”

“It would not be field research.”

“You’re literally in a field.”

Jay smiled despite himself.

Romy’s phone chimed. She glanced down and began sorting through the tile samples with one hand.

“What happened?”

“My contractor has discovered measurements after ordering the wrong vanity.”

“Seems like a rookie mistake.”

“Very much so.” She found the sample she wanted. “Make your film, Jay. Let Harris assume whatever he wants.”

“My sexuality isn’t classified information. He probably assumes I’m straight. Most people do.”

“Maybe.”

“Which is objectively funny.”

“I know. So only tell him if you want him to know you, not because you want to watch his face.”

That was irritatingly good advice.

Romy picked up her work phone. “I have to stop a man from installing several thousand dollars of cabinetry in the wrong place. Call me when you ignore everything I said.”

“I won’t be calling.”

“Sure. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

The screen went dark.

Jay was not going to tell Harris. This was important.

* * *

The high-country locations were still pending. Harris had postponed the trip twice, but Priya had decided to work out the logistics anyway, just so they would be ready to go if and when Harris gave them the green light.