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“What? It’s not a bad idea. It’s going to be really fun.”

“I don’t know about that,” Lucia says, “but it seems like whatever I say, you’re not really going to listen.”

“It’ll be fine, guys. Trust me. So, anyway, Izzy, what’s going on with this beach party you said you’re planning?”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited. So, I don’t know if I finished telling you guys my plan, but Colton’s dad is super-duper rich, and he owns this really fancy beach house. And so, when Colton was trying to get me to have a ménage à trois or a ménage à eight or seven or ten or however many people he wanted to include, he said we could do it at his dad’s beach house and that we could have a party and all this fun stuff. And he told me where the key was, and he was basically really making it seem like it was going to be a good idea.”

“But you’re not going to have a ménage à trois with him, right?” Lucia sounds nervous.

“No, of course not, but I’m still going to have the party.” She grins. “I know where the key is. The beach house is amazing, and I believe Colton is out of town, and he said his dad is never there. So, I’m thinking, what better way to get back some of my dignity than by having the most bomb-ass beach party to ever exist in Santa Capinari?”

“We’re not going to get arrested for trespassing, are we?” I ask her.

“No, of course not. Colton is the one who told me where the key was. It’s not like we’re breaking in.”

I look over at Lucia and watch as she stretches her arms and starts touching her toes. Lucia starts every day loosening up her body.

“I mean, I’m down for revenge on that asshole and a fun party. So, why not?”

“I need coffee,” I say as I grab a cup and head to the coffee machine. “I don’t know if it’s just me, but are we all a little bit crazy?”

Lucia groans loudly as she starts doing squats. “Don’t put me in this. You two are definitely crazy.”

“If you say so.” I giggle.

“One hundred percent. Oh yeah, by the way, there’s a free comedy show on the beach tonight,” Lucia says. “Roman was telling me about it, and I said I’d ask you guys if you wanted to come.”

“I love comedy. I told you guys that I’ve always wanted to do stand-up, right?”

“Oh yeah, you did mention it at speed dating,” Izzy says. “I think it might be open mic night, right, Lucia?”

Lucia nods. “Yeah, you should totally sign up and see if you can tell some jokes.”

“Oh, I’m not ready for that. I’d be far too nervous to go up, but maybe one day.”

“Ooh, you might get rich and famous and make loads of money from your comedy,” Izzy says.

I groan. “I definitely don’t want to be famous. I wouldn’t mind making money from being a comedian, but honestly, I just like making people laugh, and I feel like I can be quite funny sometimes.”

“Oh, girl, you’re super funny.” Lucia nods. “So, I’ll tell Roman we’re going to go?”

“Sure,” I say. “Why did Roman invite you though?” I ask in surprise. “I didn’t know you guys hung out like that.”

“Oh, I guess he just asked me randomly.” She gives me an innocent expression that makes me suspicious. “Anyway, got to get in the shower. See you guys later tonight.”

* * *

“And, folks, that’s how my wife found out that she lives with a snake. I used to call him Anaconda, but she now calls him Rattle.” The comedian on the stage wiggles his hips, and the crowd half laughs, half groans.

“I can’t believe he just said that.” I look over at Izzy, who’s still laughing at the immature joke. “He’s lucky she didn’t call him Worm.”

“Don’t make me laugh harder.” Izzy throws her head back, and I just smile.

“Or Caterpillar,” I add on, loving the fact that it is so easy to make Izzy laugh.

“You should go onstage next, Rosie.” She sips the last of her drink. “You’re funnier than half of the people here.”

“Maybe one day.” I look over at Lucia, who is texting furiously on her phone. “What are you doing?”