"Also fair."
"How much does this place cost?"
Joel laughs.
"Sorry, that was rude. I get a little… I'm nosy. It comes with the territory—" I bite my lip. "We never talked about what we do, huh?"
"You didn't." His eyes meet mine. "Don't apologize for the questions. I like it. Honestly, I don't remember my rent. I have an accountant who takes care of all my shit."
"You don't care?"
He shakes his head. "Not anymore. I have what I need now. But when I first got this place—" His gaze goes to the sky. "I was over the fucking moon. I couldn't believe I could afford a place on the beach on my own. The first night I moved in, I watched the sun set. I know it's cheesy shit, but I felt like a fucking, well… like I really was a rock star. Like I was someone important."
"Yeah?"
He nods. "Now, I only come out here as a seduction move."
"Oh baby, let's drink some wine on the balcony and take in the view?"
He presses his palms against the railing, pushing his body upright. "Something like that."
"Do you really have to try to seduce women?"
He shakes his head. "Sometimes I want a challenge."
"Why?"
"It's more fun."
"That's it?"
"Here, in L.A., it's easy to find women who are into status. I can head to Hollywood any night of the week and pick up a woman at a club. I'll have at least a dozen chicks approach me, because they want to sleep with the Joel Young. I'm not that fucking famous, but it's enough."
I stare back at him. "You don't want a challenge."
"I don't?"
"You want a real connection."
His lips press together. "Maybe. I get tired of the bullshit."
"Me too." I move closer. "We didn't bullshit each other last night."
He nods.
"I know we only have a week together. But… let's make a deal. I don't bullshit you and you don't bullshit me."
"What if you renege?"
"Call me on it."
"And you'll call me on it."
I nod.
He offers his hand.
We shake.