Page 14 of The Top of Admiration
“Whatever. I think I’m done.”
“Well, I’m popping champagne for two reasons then,” Lucy declared. “Lucky for you, my brother is single.”
I laughed. “Yeah, well I just snotted all over his shirt outside, so not sure he’s an option.”
Lucy’s face brightened in excitement. “He won’t give a shit about that! Really, Randa, he’s awesome.”
“I wasn’t being serious, Luce. I mean, I did slobber and cry all over him, but I’m joking about potentially, you know …” I trailed off. What was a polite way to say that even if I dumped Bad Cam, I wasn’t into her brother like that? Sure, he was physically attractive. Tall, broad, and warm, with deep dimples in each cheek. Blond hair that set off his green eyes … No. I didn’t want him, even if he was lovely to look at. I had an artist’s interest. I assessed everything I looked at for balance and charm. Good Cam was just another natural element that I assessed.
“Sure, okay. Well, time will tell.” Lucy was set on this.
“Fuck him, Miranda. Seriously. Surely this is the last straw.” Cordy was angry, I could tell. Damon wandered in and appeared to be trying to read the room. “Are we celebrating or …”
“Yes, we are. Miranda achieved something great tonight, even if Cam ghosted her to help Jess with a family drama,” Cordelia said firmly.
Damon pulled his face into a half-frown. “Bloody hell. Miranda, you can do better. Even alone you can do better.”
I nodded. I couldn’t argue with them, but I also didn’t want to talk about this.
“I’m gonna slip into some leggings and a sweater and then we’re gonna celebrate!” I painted on a bright smile and made my way to my room. Bad Cam could wait. Tonight, I was going to party with my family. Juliet and Seamus were on their way around, but Mom and Dad declared it was too late for oldies and told us to have a good time.
I was slipping on some fuzzy socks when Traitor Cam messaged.
Cam: You didn’t answer Randa. Are you okay? Did tonight go okay?
Me: Yeah, it went fine. I wish you’d been there, but I get it now. We’re not really in the same place anymore. Hope Moonwalker is doing well. Take care, Cam.
Shit. Did I just dump my boyfriend of four years via text?
Chapter 12: Cam R — Bad omens
I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.
Richard II, William Shakespeare
Randa: Yeah, it went fine. I wish you’d been there, but I get it now. We’re not really in the same place anymore. Hope Moonwalker is doing well. Take care, Cam.
“Take care, Cam?” What the hell did that mean? This must be about Jess. What could I do? My best friend since junior high had just learned that her brother would be facing court for vandalism. She was a mess. I couldn’t just boot her out of the car and wish her the best. Miranda would have more art shows. She was talented and driven. I couldn’t take back hurting Jess, but I could attend the next exhibition.
Me: What does that mean? I’m coming around.
I’d spent a few hours with Jess, and she’d stopped crying. I didn’t want to fight with Miranda. I had to make this right, and this time, I wouldn’t be stupid enough to serenade her withSweet Melons, even though it was a classic.
Randa: Don’t bother. I’m going to bed.
That was a lie. A quick check of Insta showed me that Lucy had opened champagne about 10 minutes ago. Sounds like I was just not invited. Miranda never lied to me.
Me: No, you’re drinking with Lucy and your family. And probably that fucker Cameron.
Randa: Yes, but his cousin was just arrested for shoplifting so he’s a mess.
I didn’t respond. I had to fix this and to do that, I had to be there, especially if Other Cameron was there.
“Jess, I have to go. Miranda is upset with me.”
Jess sniffled and put her hand over mine. “Of course she’s upset with you. You’re with me, her mortal enemy.” She laughed bitterly.
“It’s not like that, Jess. I missed her art show tonight.”
