Summer Love at the Beach (Summer Instalove)

The police car slowed as I waved him over. “Hey there, Mitch,” he called out. “I heard there

was a bit of a screaming match over at Vaughan’s.”

“Yeah, Andy,” I said. “Listen, the short version is that Tiffany and I broke up a couple of

years ago, and she continues to stalk and harass me. She just made a scene, completely

upsetting my friend. Can you please make a record, so that if this happens again it will be

easier for me to file a restraining order?”

He looked back and forth between Tiffany and I, then nodded. I was twice her size, and

obviously trained in various forms of combat. If she ever came at me with her fists flying,

and I were to push her away, I would instantly be seen as the bad guy. The only possible

thing I could do to cover my own ass would be to start an official record now.

Also, this town was known for tourism. Any public disturbances were frowned upon, and every local authority tried to keep everything calm and happy here.

After making a quick report, the officer took down all of Tiffany’s information, then I finally saw her sister’s car pulling up behind. As she got out and approached us, I did feel bad for

Marla. But she knew her options.

“Two choices, Marla,” I said, my voice sounding even icier than I intended. “Keep her under

control or get her to a therapist. If she comes anywhere near me again I’m pressing

charges.”

“I’m not that bad,” Tiffany said. “And what the hell do you mean, a therapist?”

As I turned to her, I could feel rage rolling off my body in waves. “You assured me a year

ago that it would be the last time ever. Yet here you are. If you choose to behave like you

are completely insane, that is how we’re going to have to treat you. Screaming at

somebody in public, making up lies, trying to file bizarre paperwork that isn’t even legal…

Tiffany, it all stops now. Do you understand?”

She tried to sulk, as she looked to Marla for sympathy, but her sister held up her hands. “I

completely agree with Mitch. If you go near him again, I’m kicking you out. Let’s see you try to get your own place with your crappy employment record.” I almost felt guilty about

wanting to laugh as Tiffany’s mouth fell open.

I wrote down my latest number and handed it to Andy in a way that Tiffany couldn’t see it,

then I simply walked back to my car.

I needed to go down to my gym and take out this anger on the heavy bag for a few hours,

but that would have to wait. Driving quickly, as soon as I was on the slow back road, I

called Becca.