Page 63 of Capri

“Okay, I’ll think about it.” I smile and that seems to satisfy her. At least that gives me some time to decide. “Are you bringing a date?”

“Yep. Already asked Mikey.”

I shake my head. “Wild life you live, Collie Meadows.”

I can’t keep track of her men, and I don’t think she can either.

“Eh.” She waves me off. “It gets old after a while.”

I cock my head. “But is it better than being divorced at twenty-six?” I ask, teasing her.

“Yeah, good point. I’d rather fuck every man in this town than that. Sorry, not sorry.”

I smile to myself, knowing she’s right and I’d probably pick the same if the roles were reversed. “Go fuck ’em all Cols. Take care of your kitty.”

She barks out a laugh and heads to the door. “You’ve been hanging around me too much, babe!”

Yeah. Maybe I have…

* * *

“Capri,honey, I really think you should start putting yourself out there more. Go on a date or something.”

What is up with everyone lately? Insisting I date and experiment.

“Mom. Please, don’t.”

“I’m just saying. You’re only getting older. I figured after everything that happened with Drew, you would want to at least try.”

Go ahead, dig the knife deeper, mother.

She has no idea how much I did try. I know she wants the best for me, but that’s not a decision for her to make. There are things I will never tell her, and it’s for good reason.

I finally feel in control of my life. Like I can do what I want without needing acceptance from anyone in the meantime.

I’m enjoying focusing on myself.

Besides, no one is doing itfor me right now. Not even the sight of a good-looking man can pique my interest.

“I’m not ready to try, Mom. I’m just trying to stand on my own for a while.”

She runs a hand through her short brown hair. “And I think that’s wonderful. I just want to see you happy, honey. That’s all.”

“Leave her alone, Whit,” Dad tells her, walking into the kitchen and kissing my cheek.

“What?” Mom questions, her defenses rising. “Capri knows I mean well.”

“Capri will date when she’s ready, my love.”

As much as my mom drives me batshit crazy, I know she only wants me to be happy. The fallout after my marriage hurt my family more than I expected.

Although I was the one living in misery, they lost something as well. Something I’m not sure I can give them anytime soon.

Collie and I have been home from Capri for a month now, and life hasn’t stopped since. Given it’s the middle of the summer, I haven’t had to report back to work yet, which has only given me ample time to think about a certain someone on the other side of the world.

I’ve done everything I can to keep myself busy.

A sad attempt at painting.

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