“Sure. That’s better.”

“What kind of things do we say to each other? I know we acted out the whole ‘Jay is a dick’ thing, but will they want something more authentic to the characters? Porn dialogue is horrendous, but I’m not sure what else to say. You know?”

“I’m not sure if there will be a script or music over the trailer. I didn’t ask.”

“We should ask. I mean … right?”

“I’ll email Jay tomorrow.”

“So we fake-talk stuff today?”

“Sure. Go with the flow, I guess. It can be our own personal version of fake twincest porn.”

We both winced.

Discussions ended, and once again, we stood like two awkward strangers staring at one another.

It was my fault we were in this predicament, so I said, “Well, no time like the present. The reward for a job well done is pizza. Shall we?”

Asher gave a clipped nod, and we both stripped out of our clothes.

“For the record, I didn’t plan today’s underwear around this. I didn’t know it was happening. I’m not underwear prepared, so please no comments on the boring white cotton briefs. I usually spiff it up for my dates. I haven’t done laundry all week.”

“This is not a date, and we aren’t discussing your underwear.”

“But you clearly planned for this. Silky black boxer briefs again? Do you own ratty underwear?” I waved a hand at his choice of undergarment. “Those are date-worthy. They cradle your whole package all beautifully, and they’re kinda hot.”

“Atti!”

“I’m just hearing it now, and I get why you're mad. I’m shutting up.”

“Thank you.”

“So. Wait! I have a thought.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“Get dressed again.”

“Why? Isn’t that counterproductive?”

“Because what if we play the whole scene from me walking into your room. You undress me all sexy-like while kissing over my body while we get mostly naked, then you take me to bed. It gives us somewhere to start. A direction. The undressing part can be uber-sexy if done right.”

“Okay. Undress you. Kiss your body. Take you to bed. Check.”

“Feel free to spend extra time in the nipple region. You wanna see a good sex face on me? That’s the place to focus your energy. Love nipple action.” I flinched as Asher’s Adam’s apple bobbed and his eyes widened. “Again, I don’t know why I’m talking and not shutting up. In no lifetime did you ever need to know that about me.”

We re-dressed, and Asher fluffed the covers on his bed with miles of nervous energy.

“I’m gonna slip out the door and knock. When you answer, we go with what feels right.”

“Okay.”

I left, closing the door behind me and stood, staring at the wood for a minute, finding my balance.