Page 201 of Lucky Mother Pucker

The guy Leo was fighting is my ex-boyfriend. What you don’t see in that video is what happened seconds before. My ex had just grabbed my face and shoved me into a brick wall. My brother reacted to protect me.

It might seem like his reaction was excessive, but it wasn’t. He was trying to defend me against my abuser.

Leo is my hero for what he did. I’d hate to think what would have happened if he hadn’t walked out at that moment.

I almost didn’t post this. I’m a very private person, and I don’t like talking about my personal life in such a public way. But I want to do this for my brother. He defended me, and now it’s my turn to defend him.

Now you know the truth about Leo. You know the kind of person he is. Please show him the support he deserves.

I stare at the post, stunned. Zoey put aside her need for privacy to publicly support me. To help me.

“I can’t believe she did this,” I say softly, my throat tight with emotion.

I look at Lucy, who’s misty-eyed as she looks at me. “Look how many people have read it. Look at the support you’re getting.”

Her post has gotten tens of thousands of likes and shares. “Holy shit.”

I skim some of the comments.

Your brother is a hero.

Way to protect your sister.

If anyone put their hands on my sister, I’d react the same way.

Leo Peretti is a stand-up guy!!!

I had no idea this was the cause of that fight. I’m sorry for what you went through with your ex. I’m glad your brother was there to help you.

Your ex deserved that beating. Never put your hands on a woman, ever.

I stare at the phone screen, blown away by the support I’m getting from total strangers. Zoey’s getting support too, which is comforting to see. She’s been through so much.

You’re so brave for sharing your experience as a DV survivor, Zoey.

From one survivor to another, you’re amazing, and you’ll get through this.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Sending love and support to you and your brother.

I hand Lucy back her phone, then grab mine from the side table and call my sister.

“Hey. I saw your Instagram post.” My throat tightens. “Zoey, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to, Leo. It wasn’t fair that you were getting so much hate for doing the right thing.”

“Yeah, but I know how private you are. I know it must have been really hard to talk about what Jeff did to you.”

She’s quiet for a second. “Honestly, it felt kind of good to put it out there. Freeing. I’m done hiding. I’m done feeling ashamed. You’re right. This wasn’t my fault.”

Relief courses through me hearing my sister say that.

“I’ve been getting a lot of nice comments,” she says. “It’s been really encouraging to feel supported by total strangers.”

“I’m glad, Zoey.” I swallow. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

“Thank you for protecting me. For everything that you did.” She sniffles.