Page 8 of The Top of Admiration
Cam shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Miranda …” he said.
Miranda, what? What was he going to say? Was he going to blame me for this awkward exchange?
“It’s fine, Cam,” Jess soothed. “We’re just chatting. This is how we are. Miranda knows I love her.”
Yeah, right. She loved me like people loved sour milk and toe fungus.
“Yes. Love,” I clarified.
“This steak is awesome. Best I’ve had here,” Cam enthused.
“This trip is going to be life-changing for you, Cam,” Jess said. “I can just feel it.”
“I hope so. I’ve been working on some new material. It’s edgier than my usual stuff, but I think it’s gonna hit just right.” Cam loved his music, and he was honestly quite good at it. But his lyrics needed work. He wasn’t super insightful and never touched on anything beyond “art” and “freedom.” He avoided the realer aspects of life, like love, grief, and anger, which was fine. Everyone had a different style, but he seemed to want to be a commercial artist without catering to popular needs.
“I’m sure you’ll be great,” I assured him, squeezing his hand. Jess eyed our hands, meeting my eye with a determined gaze.
“He is great. And I knowthesepeople will really appreciate him.” The emphasis on “these” did not escape me, nor did it escape Cam judging by the way he stiffened. How could he see what a bitch she was and still sit there? He was all too quick to call foul on the home team, but Jess? The visitor? She was untouchable.
“Well put, Jessica. Anyone who sees the real Cam knows how to appreciate him. Those along for the ride, well, they just bluster and push the others away.”
“Miranda!” Cam snapped.
“Right, I’m out. Enjoy your dinner.” I wasn’t hanging around for this shitshow.
Cam had driven so I was outside waiting for my Uber when he approached me.
“I’m so sorry, Randa. I was out of line back there. I know it was Jess’s fault, but it’s just easier for me to ask you to calm down. You know what she’s like. I’m just asking you to toe the line for my sake. For my peace.”
“It’s always about you. She comes at me sideways all night and you decide the best action is to shut me up? You think I should lay down and take her snipes like a doormat for your sake? No,Cam. Absolutely not. Don’t invite me to anything else with her or I’ll take the gloves off completely.”
“I know, I know. I’m in the wrong here and I’m sorry. I told her to find her way home. Cancel your Uber and let me take you home.”
“No. Uber Mike is nearly here. That would be rude. Did you tell her she was out of line?”
He was quiet. No, he obviously hadn’t.
“I will. I’ll talk to her tomorrow. Randa, this could be my big break. Jess is my ticket in.”
“You defended her long before she dangled this ‘ticket’ Cam. You’ve defended her for years at the cost of me. At the cost of us.”
He hung his head. “I know, and it’ll stop. As soon as I’m back from this trip, I’ll cut ties. I promise.” This stupid, stupid man. There were only so many times I could trade in my self-respect for love. He needed to step up. To step in and defend me.
Mike pulled up. I sighed, leaning over to whisper in Cam’s ear. “I’ll get him to drop me at your place. Seriously though, Cam, you need to come through for me. I’m done waiting.”
He nodded eagerly and kissed me on the lips.
“See you in 10 minutes. I love you, so much babe.”
On the way to his apartment, I received two messages.
Cam: Love you x
Jessica C: Sorry if I upset you. I’m really passionate about Cam’s career.
I didn’t respond to either text.
Chapter 8: Cam W — Delightful disasters
