Page 127 of Capri

I quickly turn, refusing to engage any further, and run.

I run so damn fast, Tracy calls for me as I exit, almost trampling the line of people outside the door.

I need to get out of here. I run to my car, knowing at least in there I won’t be bothered and the scene I just caused can be avoided.

I take a seat in the driver’s seat and scream. I scream at the top of my lungs, releasing all the pain and shitty life choices I’ve made. The pain I likely brought on myself but is triggered by the woman I wish would just go away.

Leave me the fuck alone and stay out of my life.

A gargled sob leaves my lips as I choke down the torment I feel. My hands claw at my neck as I reach to unclasp the bell necklace I’ve cherished like a lifeline.

It was irresponsible of me to think I could be in another relationship so soon after my failed marriage.

I’m spiraling.

I’m about to put my keys into the ignition when the passenger door whips open, revealing Jones in all his glory.

But gone is the sweet man I’ve seen daily. The man in front of me is angry. He launches himself in the car and snatches the keys from my hand, shoving them into his pocket and pressing the lock to the doors.

“Jones. Just go. Please.”

I look everywhere but at him, wiping the mess I’ve made on my face, hoping he doesn’t see. “I’m not going anywhere until you explain what that was about.”

That’s the open door I needed.

I unleash, crying out to him, “Out of all people.” He jerks back like I physically hurt him, but I continue, “You said you had to talk to me, so I came to see you and found you talking toher.”

His brow furrows. “Her?”

Tears fill my eyes, and I hate that they’re because of her, once again. “Vivian.”

“The nurse? What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Capri?”

My body shakes as I fight to calm down. “Vivian is the woman Drew cheated on me with. My once-best friend.”

And back are the tears. Like the rush of a river, the sting of betrayal floods me at the notion of seeing that same woman with the man who has become my everything.

Tears, knowing I can never have this. Have him the way I could only ever dream of.

“Capri, I had no idea.” He’s pained by my reaction, reaching to comfort me.

I pull away and rest my head on the steering wheel, thinking through my next steps. Hot tears run down my face. “I know,” I sniffle. “But it doesn’t matter. I saw her hand on you and the two of you talking; nothing else mattered. I panicked, Jones.”

“We were just talking. That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”

I hold up my hand, not sure my heart can handle hearing anymore right now, and I carefully place the necklace in Jones’ hands. “I can’t,” I say with a heavy sigh.

I feel immediate stillness wash over him, and I hate myself for what I see. His tired eyes drop to his lap, locked in on the gold bell necklace he gave me before I left Italy. The bell that signified so much more than my short trip.

It represented a new start. A new chapter. The promise of a prosperous life just like the shepherd boy.

At the time, I had no idea that my new beginning was with Jones.

He’s lost in thought, and I want so badly to comfort him, but I can’t.

“Why are you giving me this, Capri? And don’t tell me it’s because of her. You know what you saw was innocent.”

I know.I know that now that I’ve calmed myself down.

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