“Do you want me to do the pilot, Shelb? Not just because you need a costar, but me, specifically? Is this okay? With our, um, past and everything?”

My hand freezes midstroke and I raise my eyebrows.

He rushes on. “I’m already committed. I’m on sabbatical and obviously I’m here and everything, but you were as shocked as I was in L.A. I know you didn’t have a choice in the matter.”

I can’t help but feel stung at the idea Cameron was pulled from his thriving documentary career to swoop in and save my show. That, ultimately, Lyle had to beg him. Lyle’s still pulling strings while Cameron runs defense, and all the while, I’m here, being pitiful.

“I didn’t ask for Lyle to manipulate you like that.”

“Of course not—”

I cut him off with an aggrieved slash of my varnish brush. “I didn’t ask for him to do anything. I didn’t agree to work for him, period. He inserted himself into the production, and he took it upon himself to interrupt your life.”

“I was there, Shelb. I know.”

I huff. “I know, too. It’s just—I felt like I needed to say that. To be up-front with you, I haven’t been pining for you. And I’ve been busy. I’ve made a career here. I’m content.”

“I can tell. Honest. I didn’t mean it to seem like I was swooping in to save you. I want to be here.” He’s so sincere that I’m baffled.

I turn to face him fully, my head tilting to the side, and I try to understand—try to put aside my irritation. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why would you want to do this? Why jeopardize your career behind the camera for a reality show? You walked away from television a decade ago. Why go back now?”

He releases a long breath. “I’m not jeopardizing anything. I haven’t taken a break in years, Shelby. When I say I haven’t been to visit since my parents’ split, that’s not an exaggeration. I’ve been on the road almost every day for the last six years. I needed to come home. See my mom. Stay in one place long enough to let the dust collect.

“But mostly,” he says, “I want to work with you again.” He hesitates, and then his lips quirk in a half grin. “And it would piss Lyle off that we’d be the center of attention without him.”

Another huff escapes before I can stop it. “That’s true, though I can assure you, he’ll find some way to make it about him.”

I dip my brush and we go back to work in silence while I think. Our arms and hands work in smooth synchronization, bringing the shelves to gleaming life.

Finally, I say, “Lyle has always been jealous of you.”

“Me?”