Page 54 of Just Joshing

"Action!" Josh called.

Pete looked at me, I looked at him, then back at the camera – no – my eyes weren’t on the lens, they were above it. I was looking at Josh.

I remembered feeling the confusing twist of budding desire. The uncertainty and excitement of what had just happened.

Finally, Young Pete reached out, pulled me a step closer and pressed his lips quickly to my cheek before dropping my hands.

"Cut!" Sam yelled, "That’s a wrap."

The scene went to black.

I shifted, reaching for the remote. New footage appeared just as I picked it up.

Feet stamped around the camera.

Josh moved behind me, reaching for the remote. "We don’t have to watch this."

"Huh-uh." I twisted away, sending him a smile. "It may be something I can use for the wedd-"

"You love Molly." Sam's voice sounded accusing.

I froze, turning to look at the TV.

Young Josh’s face was in close focus. He was looking away, packing up our costumes.

"Of course."

"Dude…" Sam’s voice sounded sympathetic. "She loves Pete."

"I know," Josh kept folding.

"You going to tell her?"

"No."

"Why?"

"For Pete's sake, Sam, just drop it, okay?" Josh swung to the camera, arms folding across his chest.

"I'm okay with it." Sam told him, the camera shifting. "We'd all be cool. You're a good guy. She deserves someone who'll love her."

Josh’s young jaw clenched, the muscle ticking. "I’m not going to tell her because I want her to be happy."

"And she can’t be with you?"

Josh shrugged. "God knows no one thinks so. Besides, we got plans."

"Yeah we do!" They fist bumped, Sam’s fist appearing on the screen for a moment. "But seriously, why can't she be with you? We all know Pete is hung up on Bess."

"Because he's an idiot. And when he finally wakes up, Molly will be there, getting everything she wants."

"But-"

The film cut out. I turned, seeing Josh's hand on the remote.

"That’s enough."

"Josh…" I stared at him, seeing him through new eyes.