1. Capri
1
CAPRI
6 months later
“You didn’t tell me there was a Jacuzzi tub!”
“Actually, I did. I sent you the itinerary,” I remind her, and Collie has the nerve to look repulsed. “You didn’t read it, did you?” I ask.
“I didn’t and I don’t plan to,” she tells me, eyes full of passion. “I know where I’ll be soaking my fresh suntan at night.” Collie sprawls out in the bathtub, pretending to be asleep.
I snort, laughing at her dramatics. “Not that it matters to you, but I brought sunscreen, too,” I tease her, knowing it’ll only piss her off more.
I really did bring plenty. Ever the preparer, I am .
She flips me off. “Boo, you whore,” making her way around our temporary home for the next seven days and taking in all the little details.
We upgraded to the poolside suite, giving us swim-up access that leads to the resort’s lazy river.
I may never leave . Now, if I can just find myself a margarita. I deserve it after these past two weeks. Hell, this past year.
“Oh, don’t be sour. It helps to have a plan,” I say, writing her off.
Good thing I have our schedule for the week stored in the notes app on my phone. She can hate on me all she wants, but I’m sending it to her.
She’s crazy if she thinks I came here without doing some proper research. I’m anything if not predictable.
Collie’s phone pings with a notification. That would be our itinerary. “Capri, stop,” her firm yet loving voice exclaims as she tosses her phone to the side.
I lift my eyes and find my sister staring at me like she’s close to a nervous breakdown. “What?” I ask her. “What am I doing?”
“Fuck the itinerary,” she says, her eyes going wide and her tone snippy.
I giggle, assuming she’s kidding. “Yeah, okay.”
Collie is free to do her own thing, although I really was looking forward to spending time together. This was meant to be a trip for us to relax, forget about life for a while, and rid ourselves of men who lack brain cells.
The pretty views and strong drinks are just an added bonus.
Believe it or not, I feel successful on a schedule and knowing what comes next. It’s just the way I’m wired. More so now than ever. I’ve had to learn to depend on myself and keep busy.
I appreciate the structure of a well-thought-out plan.
I roll my luggage toward my bedroom for the next week, planning to unpack and organize my things before we explore. “Want to unpack, then go tour the grounds?” I ask her, not bothering to watch what she’s doing.
Grand Luna Resort is vast in size.
I read online there are ten pools, five hot tubs, and three swim-up bars. Plus, an infinity pool that overlooks the Blue Grottos along the island’s southern shore.
Sounds tranquil and the perfect start to our girls’ trip.
Catching me off guard, Collie props her foot out to stop my suitcase and spins me to face her. “Capri, look at me.” Her voice is firm.
It’s not like I have a choice in the matter. She’s got a death grip on my face.
“You have my attention, mother,” I tease, bugging my eyes like saucers.
She sticks out her tongue. “Brat.” Her giggle is the best sound. “Fuck. The. Itinerary. Trash it. Shove it up Drew’s cheating asshole, for all I care. Just forget about it, okay?” Collie begs me to comply.
God, the mention of Drew’s name makes me want to vomit.
I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time. This trip is supposed to be my new start. Cleansing the old and welcoming the new.
I’ll gladly sing the praises of his departure from my life, but I doubt the sting of his infidelity will ever go away. That’s something I think only time will heal.
Choosing to move on, I ask her, “But why? I figured you’d want to explore, sightsee, and?—”
“Hey, look at me. I’m here for you . You’re officially divorced, and that’s something to celebrate. Drew stole too many important years from you. Let this week be your time to not think about what comes next. So…listen to me when I say fuck the schedule, fuck the plans, and let’s just be free for a while. See where Italy takes us.”
Her heart is so big.
I stare at her, steady and unfazed. “See where Italy takes us?”
Collie smiles. “We’re in the most beautiful city in the world, Capri. It’s your name for a reason.”
“It means goat, Cols,” I tell her.
Capri, the city in Italy, is stunning.
My name, however, means goat. Not so stunning.
“Ah, no one cares.” She waves me off. “So, what do you say? Ready to live a little and take some chances with me? Vivere il momento ?”
Live in the moment with Collie, my best friend, sister, and the only person I can count on? I think I can do that.
“Sure. My freedom is in your hands, sister.” I send her the softest of smiles, knowing she’s going to react in a big way.
Collie squeals, hightailing it to the front door. “Yay! Get ready. We’re going out. And leave the buzzkill here.” She points to the three-page paper in my hands.
Can’t wait…