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 with Sweet 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.”
“For me? Oh, Cam, you’re so good to me.” She threw herself at me and hugged me tightly. This was awkward. We didn’t have that kind of friendship. We were more like beer buddies who laughed and joked around, avoiding anything serious.
I patted her back and pulled away. “Yeah, well, anyway. I’m out. See you later.”
“Tell Miranda congratulations from me!” she said, waving me goodbye.
Yeah, I would not be doing that. I may be a little slow on the uptake but even I knew that would be a very stupid move.
I hadn’t even reached the door, and I could hear the music pumping. I wandered in, almost bumping into Juliet in the hallway.
“Oh, so he shows up now,” she said sternly. Juliet would be one of those nurses they’d call to make someone take nasty medicine, or to reprimand them for squirming while being stitched up or something. She could put on a serious “mom face,” which she was using on me now.
“I’m here now. There was an emergency.”
“My whole career is built on real emergencies, Cam. I know the difference. What you had tonight wasn’t life or death.
It was a needy wannabe girlfriend dangling bait, and you bit, like the fool you are.
And here’s the worst part—you let her matter more than Miranda.
Congratulations. You’ve outdone yourself—you’re officially the world’s neediest white knight. ”
She walked away, leaving me staring at her retreating form. While Juliet was a born “mom,” she was usually more controlled than that. She hid behind polite firmness and subtle scowls, rarely using her words to cut someone down.
Miranda was dancing in the living room with Lucy, while Predator Cam chatted to Damon and Seamus in the corner.
I grabbed Miranda from behind and started moving with her.
She turned. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.
“I’m here to celebrate your show,” I said meekly.
“Bit fucking late for that,” Lucy spat at me. Lucy didn’t like me. I knew that. She was in her element tonight, now that I was in everyone’s bad books. She could lead the “Fuck Bad Cam” cheer squad tonight and no one would stop her.
“Well, I’m here now.” I pulled Miranda into my arms. “I’m so proud of you, babe.”
“Leave,” she whispered in my ear.
“No, talk to me. We’ll go to your room.”
“Nothing to talk about. I’m done. I was going to talk to you about it tomorrow, but you’re here now and there’s really nothing else I can say.”
We were louder now, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, including Cordy who’d just wandered in from the kitchen with some snacks.
I pulled her by the arm, not wanting to do this in public. She snatched it away from me.
“Buddy, just leave. You’re done for tonight,” Damon warned. Seamus stood beside him, ready to back him up. The other Cam stood in the corner, not smiling but certainly not unhappy.
“Oh, I bet you’re real fucking happy with this, aren’t you?” I asked him.
He smiled and shrugged.
“Leave, Cam!” Miranda shouted. I put my hands up in surrender. I’d come back tomorrow. She was probably a bit drunk. I loved her and she loved me. This was just another of our downs, but soon we’d have more ups. That’s how we worked.