Page 152 of Too Far

I was a goddamn fool, thinking I could trudge through this life without her.

“I know you’re sorry. I can’t just say I forgive you, though, because I want to fully mean it when I do. You’ll earn my forgiveness, Decker. I have faith you will. But you need to be patient with me. Respect that I’m still hurting. Give me time.”

I hurt her so badly. My already decimated heart cracks a little more each time I remember.

“I know,” I repeat.

“We’ll get there.”

Those three words feel more hopeful than any vows we’ve exchanged or promises we’ve made.

“I loved you,” she reminds me. “I think…” She trails off, rubbing the stubble along my jawline as she considers her words. “I think I can love you again. Don’t give up on me, Cap. Don’t give up on us.”

“I won’t,” I vow. “Never again.”

Texts: The Fab Five

Kylian: Press conference is scheduled, media has been invited, and details have been leaked to Misty and Thomas. All systems go.

Locke: I’m telling you, bro. If stats doesn’t work out, you’ve got a budding career in PR

Kylian: There isn’t a single reason I can fathom that statistics won’t “work out” for me. Probability is equal to zero.

Cap: What about the website?

Kylian: Done.

Josephine: What website?

Josephine: I’m sitting on the deck, you guys. I can see you with your phones in hand. Someone better answer me…

Kylian: I’ve created a simple static website and placed it behind a private firewall. It features incriminating pictures of Misty Ann Paynter, several of which were manipulated using Photoshop. We don’t intend to release the website, but she will be made aware of its existence and will be allowed to view the compromising pictures in full detail.

Jo: So we’re blackmailing her?

Cap: We needed an extra layer of protection.

Locke: Sounds like it

Kylian: Yes.

Kendrick: Only with your consent, Mama

Josephine: Cool

Cap: Cool?

Locke: Did you really just say that, Hot Girl?

Kylian: What does that mean?

Josephine: *eye roll emoji* It’s a good idea. Misty is slippery to the core, so I’m glad we have an extra layer of protection against her. I don’t love the idea of using doctored photos to blackmail her, but I do love the idea of her going away and leaving us alone.

Cap: She won’t be a problem in the future, Siren. I’ll make sure of it.

Kendrick: I doubt we’ll even see the likes of her or Thomas ever again

Josephine: Cool