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Viv’s expression mirrored his concern, and she sighed. “You’re right. It won’t be easy, but maybe we can find moments when we can be ourselves, even if it’s just for a short while. We’ll have to be creative and work with the time we have.”
Though it wasn’t an ideal solution, Red knew they had to try. Their connection was too strong to ignore, and they would have to find a way to make it work. With determination and trepidation, they agreed to face the challenges together and see where their journey would take them.
“We’re heading to the studio, right?” she asked.
“Will you be ready to leave in fifteen?”
She laughed. “I’ll be ready in five.” She took off running up the stairs and was back in moments dressed in jeans, heavy boots, and another polo with the Vortex logo.
As Red watched her, he couldn’t help but reflect on how different Viv was from his usual type. He had previously gravitated towards women who could be described as “Party Barbie”—hot-blooded and high-maintenance. But there was something about Viv, with her no-nonsense attitude and “GI Jane” vibe, that he found irresistibly attractive.
He couldn’t put his finger on it, but her strength and confidence drew him in like a magnet. Viv was the kind of woman who could hold her own in any situation, and he admired her for that. Perhaps it was the fact that she challenged his expectations and defied stereotypes that made her so intriguing. And the more time they spent together, the more he appreciated her unique blend of toughness and vulnerability.
“What do I do with Lucky?” He’d brought the dog with him everywhere he went thus far.
“Is it bring your kid to work day?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I think the noise will bother his ears.”
“Then he gets to stay home and watch TV.”
They settled Lucky in his kennel and turned onAnimal Planetand went on their way. As Viv joined him, Red couldn’t help but smile at his life’s unexpected turn.
* * *
Red playedwith the band at the studio as they laid down tracks for a new album. The whole time, his mind wasn’t on the music. Thankfully no one noticed. His mind was on Viv, but he became more confused as he thought about her and their situation. If he’d had a mom, this would have been when he’d call and ask her advice, but he had no mom or influential female in his life. He needed to talk to someone about the situation, someone who would understand the complexities of their relationship. As he took a break, he decided to confide in Cameron. He trusted her judgment and hoped that she might offer some valuable advice on handling his growing desire for Viv without compromising her ability to protect him.
He picked up his phone and dialed her, his heart racing as he waited for her to answer. “Hey, Cam, it’s Red. Do you have a minute to talk?”
Silence filled endless seconds of space. “Red? What’s going on?”
He hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. “It’s about Viv,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I think I’m falling for her.”
Cameron didn’t hold back her shock. “Are you crazy? You know she’s my sister-in-law! And you two are working together.”
“I know, but—”
“This is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Red took a deep breath, determined to make her understand. “Cam, I know it sounds insane, but it’s different than anything I’ve ever felt. I can’t help it, and I need some advice on how to navigate this.”
“You want advice? Walk away, or Val will bury you.”
“That’s the thing. I can’t walk away.”
Cameron sighed. “Alright, Red, but you need to be prepared to face her brother. And take it slow, and don’t mess with her heart if yours isn’t in it. When you get scared, and you think about doing something despicable and damaging, don’t. You know, that’s your MO. You do the hurting before someone can hurt you.” He could almost see her shaking her head. “You’re just repeating what’s been done to you. You abandon your relationships before they can do it to you.”
The words stunned him, but they didn’t feel untrue. He’d been sabotaging his love life since he could remember. Was that the case? Was he protecting himself by hurting others?
He hung up the phone, feeling sad and guilty for all the hearts he had broken.
He returned to the recording booth. He promised Viv he would stay inside the locked studio while she ran a few errands, and he intended to keep his word.
When Viv returned, Red couldn’t help but keep looking at her. Her eyes met his, and he saw a flicker of uncertainty in them, mirroring his own feelings.
When he had another break, he said, “I was feeling lost in my feelings for you, and I called Cameron for advice.”
Viv’s eyes widened in surprise. “You talked to Cameron? Red, she’s a megaphone straight to Val.”
