A Little Dinged Up (gxg)

Chapter 12

Miki didn't take long to set up, since she already had all her equipment already there to shoot her video review of the truck. She also travelled light, she obviously hadn't had money to invest in what she was doing. When you're just starting out, you spend all your time getting your base up and couldn't afford more, and I had no doubt that was her primary goal right now.

"You know, I still have some of my old gear if you need to upgrade," I mentioned. It was true too. I never used my old ring lights, and I had several older cameras and go pro cameras that might suit her needs. Used or not, they were higher quality than the ones she was currently using. "They're yours if you need them."

She stared at me, her mouth hanging open for a moment before Ava reached over and nudged her chin up. "I'm so sorry! This is like the greatest day ever. You have no idea!"

"Miki, I started out my channel when I was even younger than you, and I see that same drive in you that I had. If I can help you become more successful, then that would be awesome. You deserve a chance to grow and succeed, and I'd rather you use them than have them sit around my place. You can always pass them on later to someone starting out too, pay it forward."

She nodded happily and sniffled a few times. "Okay! I will! I promise!"

"You know, if you shoot us eating the tacos, people will know we like it here. And when you go to the truck, tell them you want a Ly Combo, and you'll be able to sample the best ones," Ava told her.

"I'll do that! This is going to be such a great video!" she exclaimed once she was done setting up, and then sat down in front of us. "Are you guys ready?"

We both nodded, and Miki started her interview. "Hey everyone, this is Miki on the Move, and we have a special episode today! I was here to check out Timmy's Taco Truck and look who I ran into! That's right, two of the most famous people out here in Los Angeles, Ava Santos and Lylah Hunter! Now ladies, what brings you out here today?"

Ava held up a shrimp taco, smiling at Miki. "The tacos! Honestly, I almost want to lie and tell everyone they're horrible just so we can keep it a secret, but I can't. These tacos really are the best in the city!"

"They sure are. If you like street tacos, then you have to come here. These guys knock it out of the park every day!" I agreed.

"She comes here so much that they named a combo after her." Ava nudged me playfully in the ribs, and I couldn't help but blush. They're amazing tacos, how could I resist?

Titty started sniffing at Miki, making her giggle adorably. "And what does this little girl think of the tacos?"

"No tacos for Queen Nefertiti, we don't want to get her sick. I'm trying to get her used to being with me outdoors, maybe she can go on some adventures too!"

Miki nodded delightedly. "That would be awesome! So, do you guys want to comment on the relationship that everyone is talking about between you two?"

I turned to look at Ava, not sure if she wanted to talk, or have me. But she nodded at me, so I started. "Ava is an amazing person. I met her on the set of Seven Deadly Surfers, and she was always so friendly that I couldn't help but see what a great soul she has. As you might know, my relationship just ended, and it was in a very painful way with no warning. I lost not only the woman I loved, but my entire channel team in the blink of an eye. I didn't handle it well, and somehow Ava pulled me out of it. I don't know that I would have been able to recover so well if not for her. Since then, she's proven to be my rock."