Me: Rude much?
Shayne: Sorry if the truth hurts, but let’s be honest here for two seconds. Unless you want to end up as an old spinster with fifteen cats, you’re gonna have to let someone in.
Me: I’m allergic to cats. How about a bird?
Shayne: JFC.
Shayne thought I subconsciously sabotaged every intimate relationship because of misplaced guilt over Aunt Carolyn’s death. It wasn’t like there was a long line of broken hearts in my rearview mirror, but maybe she was right, or maybe I just hadn’t met the right man. My thoughts immediately drifted to Kier.
Me: I have a date tonight.
Three little dots appeared, then disappeared.
Me: Hello???
Shayne: Give me a sec. I think I’m in shock.
Me: Quit being a bitch and tell me I should cancel.
Shayne: If you cancel, I’m flying to Curaçao to personally kick your ass.
Shayne: What’s he look like?
Shayne: What's his name?
Shayne: Where’d you meet him?
Me: Are you gonna let me answer?
Shayne: Sorry. Please continue.
Me: His name is Kier. He’s gorgeous, and I met him on the beach.
Shayne: Kier?
Me: I’m pretty sure it’s Irish. He had a hint of an accent.
Shayne: Do they have a spa at your fancy resort?
Me: I think so. Why?
Shayne: See my previous comment regarding dust.
Me: You’re ridiculous.
Shayne: You love me anyway.
Me: Yeah, I do.
Shayne: I’ve gotta head to work. Text me later. I want all the deets.
Me: Stay safe.
Shayne: Always do.
I’d been on the island long enough to realize my little escape from reality was merely a pit stop before hell broke loose. My troubles—aka my father—would still be waiting for me when I returned, as would his three unanswered phone calls. I didn’t have the energy to play his stupid games anymore. My give-a-fuck jar was bone-dry.
For two decades, we managed to keep our interactions to a bare minimum. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement considering we couldn’t stand the sight of each other. But I knew my sperm donor well. The last case my team worked on garnered a considerable amount of media attention, meaning Senator Mitchell wanted camera time with his only heir; whatever it took to boost his image among his constituents. It was the same song and dance. He’d portray the proud father to the public, then he’d do everything possible to tear medown behind closed doors. I was his greatest disappointment, after all.
