Page 64 of Capri

I started journaling my thoughts at night as well as purging my entire apartment, decluttering the shit I don’t need or anything that reminds me of my old life.

That’s why my parents are here now—to help me bring some sparkle back into my space. Collie and I live in the same apartment complex, just a few doors down from each other, so they’ve been going back and forth between us.

“Have you heard from Drew?” My mom asks me timidly.

“Whit…” Dad warns, but there’s no need. I don’t feel like I could break at the sound of his name. If anything, his name is a reminder of the favor he did me.

“Nope,” I answer. “He can get fucked for all I care.”

“He literally did,” Dad mumbles under his breath at the same time Mom shrieks. “Capri Charlotte Meadows. What happened to your manners?”

Dad chuckles and Mom cuts him a stern look. “Don’t encourage her.”

I smile wickedly. “I left it in Capri, mother.”

Seems I left everything there.

“I see that,” she huffs. “You’re different.”

I feel different. Who knew a week could change you?

I reach for the bell at my neck, which I haven’t let myself take off. It’s the only thing that’s stopped me from falling apart. From breaking and succumbing to sadness.

And longing. So much longing.

Meeting Jones taught me who I am and who I deserve to be…for myself. I intend to prioritize that.

“Your encouragement is too good for me,” I tell my mom sarcastically.

She hugs me. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a nag. I just want my girls to be happy.”

“Let’s be honest, Mom. You want grandkids,” I say, earning myself a snarl.

Dad gasps and Mom looks shocked.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to shatter, Mom.”

“Oh, honey…I’m sorry.” The sorrow in Mom’s voice can’t be missed. She has nothing to be sorry for. Never.

My heart hurts for her. It sounds peculiar to say, when I should be the one upset, but I know my mom trusted Drew like a son, and I think once the reality set in, she realized a divorced daughter means no grandkids in the near future.

I’m back at the beginning. The very beginning.

But I’m okay with that for now, despite how painful it once was.

“You have no reason to be sorry, Mom. It’s life.” I want her to know I’m sad for her, too. And Dad.

“How about we talk about something happy? Right, ladies?” Dad tries to change the conversation.

I send him an appreciative smile. “Sure.”

“You coming tomorrow night, Cap?” My dad has called me Cap since I was a little girl playing baseball with the boys. I secretly love it, even at twenty-six.

“Wouldn’t miss it. The Dove?” I ask.

He nods and sends me a bright smile. “Yep. Seven o’clock.”

“I’ll be there. Can’t wait to celebrate you, Dad.” I wrap my arms around him, giving him a big hug.

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