Page 88 of Collateral Damage
“Fuck cancer.” Perry lets out a long breath. “She’s decided to do a double mastectomy. No seventeen-year-old girl should have to make the decision to lose her chest.”
My heart drops, and the three of us sit in silence for several minutes. Given the situation, I wouldn’t call it a comfortable silence, but it’s the kind of silence that can only happen between friends when times are tough, and you just need someone to sit with and hold the space without trying to solve things.
“So anyway, you know how we have that trip coming up for filming?”
We’re taking the cast to Cabo for a week next month. One of the typical things with reality shows like this is to get the cast out of their element, into bathing suits, and hand them unlimited drinks. Drama is sure to ensue. I’m looking forward to this trip, though I’m not sure I should go after my conversation with Lance.
“What about it?” Cooper asks.
Perry sits up strait and leans forward, his fingertips pressing together, and I instantly know we’re about to be pitched an idea.
“Cabo is far,” he says. “And it’s so hot this time of year. I’m not sure if it’s the best call. I don’t want to be that far awayfrom my sister, and you guys probably don’t want to be that far from work, and the cast definitely won’t want to be sweating on camera.”
“What’s the alternative?” I ask.
“What if we filmed it at one of the Nantucket houses?”
It’s like an anvil drops on my shoulders. I’mnotready to return to Nantucket, and I highly doubt Cooper is.
“Hear me out,” Perry continues. “We can film it at my family house, or one of yours if they’re available. We have three great options. All big houses, all on the beach, and all amazing properties. It’s only a two-hour flight between the island and the city. We can still get them in their bathing suits and film a bunch of content. What do you think?”
Cooper runs a hand over the back of his neck. “I don’t know, man. Sybil and I haven’t been there since…”
Perry’s eyes widen with mortification. “Shit. You’re right. I wasn’t thinking. Don’t worry, we’ll come up with something else. Maybe The Hamptons?”
“We sold our Hamptons house,” I say, “and it’s not easy to get a property that big there this time of year, let alone accommodations for the crew.”
Perry adjusts in his seat and lets out a long sigh, accepting his fate. “You’re right. I’m sorry. We’ll stick with Cabo.” But he sounds defeated, and that kills me.
“What do you think, Sybil?” Cooper turns on me, his expression matching exactly what I’m feeling. “Do we go back? We can do it together.”
A painful ache pierces my chest, but I force myself to think this through. I miss my favorite place, and I don’t want to avoid it forever. Mom and the boys are already there, and she’s been hoping I’d join her.
“Okay…” I say slowly, softly, unsure. “But I don’t want any cast or crew at my house. My family is there for the summer, and I won’t displace them.”
“My family is here, obviously,” Perry says. “We can use mine.”
“We can use mine, too,” Cooper offers. “Ethan and I own it now, anyway. He won’t care if we use it for this.”
There’s hope in Perry’s eyes. “Are you guys sure? You really don’t have to do this for me. I shouldn’t have even suggested it.”
But he did, because he loves his family. And honestly, it’s a good idea. Nantucket is luxurious, and our homes are top of the line. Whatever home gets featured in the show is only going to boost the ratings. Part of the reasonTop of the Worldworks is because it gives everyday people a look into the lives of the rich and famous. Nantucket feeds right into that narrative.
I’m not going to stay here. I can’t let Cooper face this alone, but I really hope I don’t regret going back to the place full of so many shattered memories.
Thirty-Eight
Cooper
Past - Age 24
The first time I saw Arden, it was like being punched in the chest.
Auburn hair flashing in the firelight. Freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose like constellations. Big, haunting eyes, and a heart-shaped mouth that could ruin a man. For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
She looked likeher.The resemblance was so uncanny; it was honestly painful.
I hadn’t seen Sybil in almost a year, and here she was again, only it wasn’t her. Not even close. Seeing Arden was like looking into a distorted mirror. Almost the real thing, but not quite right.
