Page 121 of Capri

If the dead could rise, they would’ve at the rate Collie just gasped. “You hit Drew?” Her mouth is wide open.

I nod and seconds pass before she jolts to her feet and fist bumps the air. “Fuck yes, Capri! I knew you had it in you!”

She then proceeds to talk to an imaginary Drew.“You thought you were so slick, huh, Drew? Fucking around on my sister and thinking you could get away with it? Huh? Huh? Well, guess what? You can’t. So get lost before she sticks Jones Archer on you and chops off your dick.”

“Jesus,” I chuckle. “That’s very specific.” I giggle.

“Did he cry? I bet he cried.”

“No, he didn’t cry. Jones had him in a chokehold, though, and I’m pretty sure he blacked out for a second.”

She looks at me in amazement. “Wow. I think I’m in love with Jones, too. Care to share?”

Now, I throw a pillow at her. “He’s mine,” I say before continuing, “I can’t believe everyone noticed.”

“Only because Drew walked straight to Mom and Dad, telling them ‘what kind of man their daughter is seeing.’”

I huff. “Oh, that’s rich. He wrote the damn book,” I exclaim.

Collie nods. “Tell me about it. You know what Mom did, though?”

“What?” The mention of my mom always makes me nervous.

“She defended you. Told Drew if he knew what was good for him, he’d leave you alone and let you be happy. He at least owes you that.”

Wow.That may seem like such a small gesture, but from my mom, it means unity. It means she’s proud of me and accepts where I’m at in my life.

Jones included. It feels good to have her approval.

“Wow. That was really cool of her,” I say.

“My guess is, Jones made an impression,” Collie tells me. “You know what that means, right?”

“He’s a keeper.”

“That he is, babe. Don’t let him get away.”

“I’m gonna tell him. I’m meeting him at Paloma this week after work to visit with his mom. I’ll tell him after. I can’t wait any longer.”

I’m only a couple weeks into the school year and I hardly have time for anything during the week, but I told Jones I’d stop by one night to visit with his mom.

Collie grabs my hand and looks me in the eyes. “You deserve this, Capri. I’m so happy you finally found the love you’ve always wanted.”

“Thanks, Cols. I want that for you, too.”

“Maybe.” She smiles. “Someday.”

40

JONES

“Take me home!”

Crash.There goes the cup I just had refilled.

“Mom, it’s okay. I’m right here,” I reach for her carefully.

“I don’t know you. Don’t touch me.”

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