Page 55 of Capri

My goal is to help ease her state of mind, not challenge it.

There have been many lucid times with her that I’ve thought long and hard about asking her for advice regarding my father. I just want to know if there was something I couldn’t see happening underneath his hatred for me.

I wrecked his yacht, yes, but is that really reason enough to despise your son?

I’ll never get the chance to ask him. It seems now that I’ve grown the nerve to ask my mother, I can’t guarantee she’ll remember the true reason.

Despite it all, I still fucking love him. Still want to do right by him. It’s why I can’t justify leaving Archer Chartering behind.

I’m a thirty-nine-year-old bachelor, tied to his past mistakes.

I wouldn’t call that a fulfilling life.

My thoughts circle back to Capri; her being a distraction I’ll never complain about.

I texted her early this morning and haven’t heard back. I don’t want to overthink it, but that’s unusual for her. Not to seem like a clingy boyfriend, I nonchalantly text Romeo to check in.

Jones:

You hear from Collie today?

He and Collie have been hanging out this past week. Unfortunately for him, she’s claimed to not be interested and is avoiding his desperate moves. Good for her.

Romeo:

Yes………

Annoying fucker. He’s gonna ask me why.

Romeo:

Why you asking, Jones?

Whatever. I’ve got nothing to lose.

Jones:

I haven’t heard from Capri. Just checking.

Romeo:

Sure…she’s sick. Collie left the beach early to grab her some meds.

She’s sick?Shit. I’m sitting here letting the day pass while Capri’s in her room suffering.

I don’t think, I act, grabbing my keys and rushing out the door to help.

We may only be in this for pleasure, but I’m more of a man than to let her suffer through sickness alone.

15

CAPRI

“Just take the damn medicine, Capri.”

“Go away,” I tell Collie as she tries to shove pills down my throat.

“Not until you take the meds.”

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