Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Killion: How’s my pal Ben?
Camille: He’s not your friend.
Killion: I’d like to differ. By the time I dropped him off with you, we were chatting about . . . well, everything: life, kitties, and his future.
Camille: We had a long talk and he’s now aware that you’re a persona non grata. Ashbies don’t like you.
Killion: Why are you manipulating your kitty? That’s not very nice, Camille.
Camille: I can be mean, sue me.
Killion: I won’t sue you, but can you tell me why you became the hoochy coach?
Camille: I’m not the hoochy coach.
Killion: My apologies. The Happy Hoo-Ha Coach. That’s a catchy name. I thought you like to call any anatomic part of the body by its name. What’s the story there, Cami?
Camille: It’s Camille. Not Cami nor Cam.
Killion: That still doesn’t answer my question. I heard you’re a surgeon, and yet you have videos on how to tighten cunts.
Camille: I do and I’m not ashamed of it, if that’s what these questions are trying to do.
Killion: No, I’m curious. I remember you didn’t know your specialty. I want to know how you went from ‘I have no idea’ to . . . being an online sensation.
Camille: (rolls eyes)
Killion: Sure, roll anything you want, Cam. But can you tell me more about it?
Camille: Why did you contact me again?
Killion: I wanted to check on you and Benny-boy.
Camille: Ben, Benedict. Not Benny-boy.
Killion: Have you discussed with him the possibility of different pet names?
Camille: He’s doing fine. Can you leave me alone?
Killion: Why didn’t you travel with him? And who was that guy who brought him over?
Camille: I traveled with the investor and his wife. She’s allergic to cats. I hired a guy who could bring Ben over, but he couldn’t do it the same day so . . . Zindy arranged it.
Killion: Ah, that’s why things didn’t go as planned. She hasn’t changed, has she?
Camille: What does that mean?
Killion: She always did everything last minute and didn’t care if it was done right. Which works for some things, but for your cat . . . she should’ve been more careful.
Camille: She has a busy life. Business, children, husband, and pets. I admire that she can keep up with all that and still is able to help me.
Killion: So the guy is nothing to you.
Camille: Nope. Never met him. Zindy did. She said he’s good at what he does, transporting animals from one state to another.
Killion: He left your cat with a stranger.
Camille: He thought you knew Ben. You could’ve said something like . . . aren’t you forgetting your cat?
Killion: Technically, I didn’t know he left a cat until I opened the carrier.
Camille: That’s pretty irresponsible of you, Killion.
Killion: You want the truth? I thought this guy was Benedict, your boyfriend, partner or husband. I was trying to figure out how to get rid of him so I could get a second chance with you.
Camille: Have I mentioned you’re a sociopath?
Killion: A few times when I broke up with you.
Camille: Obviously, YOU haven’t changed.
Killion: I’m a brand new man. You should try to get to know me.
Camille: Hard pass.
Killion: I can be lovable.
Camille: You can fake being lovable.
Killion: What would it take to get a second chance with you, Cam?
Camille: Camille. The name is Camille. And don’t waste my time. It’s over. *You* called it off. I’m not the same stupid eighteen-year-old who believed in love, who believed in . . . you.
Killion: I fucked up, but if I can have a few minutes to talk to you.
Killion: Cam, hear me out, don’t block me.
Killion: One chance?
Killion: Fine, ignore me. But remember, I never give up.