Page 12 of A Boy Is a Gun: Part II
The murders are still unsolved, and everyone is seemingly mad at the police department.When word got out that most of the department was at Ethan’s wedding, a slurry of bad press and protests followed.Even Jamie’s social media accounts were flooded with the conservative Karens being upset at her.
If Cameron’s intention was not to ruin their wedding but to embarrass Jamie and Ethan, he certainly succeeded.“So, what’s up?”
“I wanted to talk to you about what happened at the wedding,” Jamie begins.Her brown eyes are serious, and there are some obvious stress lines across her forehead.We’ve both been dreading this conversation, but it needs to happen before anyone can move forward.“I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines.”
It was impossible to miss them.It made national news, and people from both sides of the political spectrum suddenly became experts on what was happening in East Atlanta.And just as quickly, it became a talking head point; it disappeared when the next news story appeared.
Surprisingly enough—and I’m sure Eric’s friends at the various networks made it happen—there was no bad press on the Page family at all.They weren’t even the highlight of the story, despite it being Jamie’s wedding.I know she’ll never admit it, but I feel a part of her must be grateful for that.
“I thought I’d come to you before I go to Cameron.”She gives a small nod.“Give you a chance to explain what the hell that was at my wedding.”
“I don’t know,” I lie.
Jamie’s jaw flexes.“Bullshit.”
Silence spreads between us like spilled coffee—hot, dark, and bitter.“You think I planned it?”I ask quietly.“That I had a hand in what happened?”
“I think you knew what he was capable of.”She points out.“And I think you let it happen.”
“I didn’t let anything happen, Jamie.”My voice stays calm, but my fists clench in my lap.“You know how Cameron is.Once his mind’s made up, he doesn’t care who gets scorched.”
She looks at me for a long moment.Not as a sister.Not as a friend.As a woman piecing together how her wedding turned into a goddamn war zone.“He threatened Ethan,” she says.
I exhale slowly.“He warned him.”
“Oh,please.Don’t split hairs with me, Taylor.He threatened to kill my husband.He boasted about having people inside my reception.”She shook her head.“He dared law enforcement to make a move on him on the happiest day of my life.”
“He also watched your husband smile in his face and talk shit about raising our daughter without him,” I snap.“Ethanchoseviolence first.Cam just reminded him who he was dealing with.”
Jamie looks like I slapped her.“I didn’t know about what happened when Mia was born,” she says, voice thin.“I didn’t know Ethan arrested him that day.”
“Well, now you do.”My tone cools.“So maybe next time you want to accuse me of collusion, think about who set this all of this in motion.”
Jamie paces for a second, then stops.Her eyes shine, but not with tears—with pure, furious clarity.“You don’t get to deflect,” she says.“You’re still responsible for what you allow into your life.And so is he.Seven people died, Taylor.”
I stand now.“And yet your husband is still breathing, and so are you.”Jamie doesn’t respond.“We can sit here and trade hurt feelings all day, Jamie.But the truth is, you married a man who made enemies.And I had a child with one who never forgets when he’s been wronged.So, unless you want to be collateral, I suggest you pick a side and stop pretending you're neutral.”
Jamie flinches at that.She smooths her scarf, like she needs something to do with her hands.Then, a final look.Cold.Clean.Devastating.“I already picked a side,” she says.“Let’s just hope you survive yours.”She walks out.
And I realize, for the first time in a long time, Jamie and I might not come back from this.
~~~~~
THE AIR SMELLS LIKEespresso and confrontation.I walk out of the office trying to look composed, but Hayley’s already waiting with thatI told you solook she’s perfected since the sixth grade.
“You good?”she asks, not even pretending to be casual.
“Nope,” I say, grabbing a rag to wipe down a perfectly clean counter.“But I will be.”
She nods, slowly.“So, I take it Miss Red Lip didn’t come to bond over lavender oat lattes.”
I snort, short and bitter.“She accused me of helping Cam crash her wedding like it was a damn heist movie.Said I let it happen.”
“She ain’t wrong,” Hayley says, shrugging.“You didn’t stop him.”
“I couldn’t stop him.”I snap.“You think I can control Cam?No one can.Not his mama.Not his lawyer.Definitely not me.”
Hayley tilts her head, eyes sharp.“You don’t have to control him, Tay.But you do have to decide what being with him costs.”
