Page 5 of Capri

Grand Luna Resort is vast in size.

I read online there are ten pools, five hot tubs, and three swim-up bars. Plus, an infinity pool that overlooks the Blue Grottos along the island’s southern shore.

Sounds tranquil and the perfect start to our girls’ trip.

Catching me off guard, Collie props her foot out to stop my suitcase and spins me to face her. “Capri, look at me.” Her voice is firm.

It’s not like I have a choice in the matter. She’s got a death grip on my face.

“You have my attention, mother,” I tease, bugging my eyes like saucers.

She sticks out her tongue. “Brat.” Her giggle is the best sound. “Fuck. The. Itinerary. Trash it. Shove it up Drew’s cheating asshole, for all I care. Just forget about it, okay?” Collie begs me to comply.

God, the mention of Drew’s name makes me want to vomit.

I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time. This trip is supposed to be my new start. Cleansing the old and welcoming the new.

I’ll gladly sing the praises of his departure from my life, but I doubt the sting of his infidelity will ever go away. That’s something I think only time will heal.

Choosing to move on, I ask her, “But why? I figured you’d want to explore, sightsee, and?—”

“Hey, look at me. I’m here foryou. You’re officially divorced, and that’s something to celebrate. Drew stole too many important years from you. Let this week be your time to not think about what comes next. So…listen to me when I say fuck the schedule, fuck the plans, and let’s just be free for a while. See where Italy takes us.”

Her heart is so big.

I stare at her, steady and unfazed. “See where Italy takes us?”

Collie smiles. “We’re in the most beautiful city in the world, Capri. It’s your name for a reason.”

“It means goat, Cols,” I tell her.

Capri, the city in Italy, is stunning.

My name, however, means goat. Not so stunning.

“Ah, no one cares.” She waves me off. “So, what do you say? Ready to live a little and take some chances with me?Vivere il momento?”

Live in the moment with Collie, my best friend, sister, and the only person I can count on? I think I can do that.

“Sure. My freedom is in your hands, sister.” I send her the softest of smiles, knowing she’s going to react in a big way.

Collie squeals, hightailing it to the front door. “Yay! Get ready. We’re going out. And leave the buzzkill here.” She points to the three-page paper in my hands.

Can’t wait…

2

CAPRI

“I remember reading about this place,”I recall, pointing at the antique stand in front of us. We’ve been here less than six hours, and my mind is reeling with all the potential I can feel this city brings.

Just the air here feels different. Maybe that’s just becauseIfeel different.

I swivel my head, taking in the beautiful landscape surrounding the outdoor market we’ve been exploring all morning. “I heard there’s a local that makes lemon spaghetti from scratch. Evidently, it’s so good that the line wraps around the street corner before they open.”

“If we had a list, I’d totally tell you to write that down,” Collie laughs, adjusting her wide-rimmed sunglasses.

“Har har,” I say sarcastically.

---