Page 133 of Unlikely to Stay
“When do you start work?”
“Tomorrow.”
Griff whistled.“Man, you aren’t wasting time, are you?”
Brant felt his shoulders shrugging.“Might as well.Nothing better to do.Want to keep busy.”
“Trying to keep your mind off her?”
Brant nodded.“Yep.”
“How’s that working out for you?”
“It’s not.”
Griff laughed.“Trust me, I know the feeling.Breckin and I split for a bit during our relationship because of my stupidity.We weren’t apart long but I felt like my insides were caving in.”
“Well, thanks for that word of encouragement.”
“I’d like to tell you it will get better but I don’t really know that for sure.All I know is I knew I couldn’t live without Breckin.”
“Not really doing much to make me feel better here, Griff.”
“All I’m asking is if you’vereallythought all this through.I know she’s not talking to you right now, but that doesn’t mean she won’tevertalk to you again.I just don’t want you to do something you’ll regret later.”
Brant sighed.“I don’t know what I should do.I’ve tried everything and all I’ve gotten on the other end is dead silence.That seems to be an answer to me.”
“I’ve been around the trio since elementary school,” Griff said.“All I can tell you is they’re a complicated sort and you shouldn’t count yourself out yet.I just don’t want you to walk away until you know there’s no hope left.”
“I wish I could say I stood a chance but I don’t think there is one.”
“You don’t have any hope?Not even a tiny spark?”
Brant shook his head.“I don’t know.”
The other end of the line stayed quiet for a few seconds before Griff sighed.“Well, just think about it.I know deep down she loves you.She hasn’t been the same since everything.”
“I know.I’ve seen how much weight she’s lost.”
“It’s not just the weight.”
“What’s going on?”Brant would never forgive himself if something happened to her.
“For one, she accidentally let Madge’s fire engine red hair dye stay on too long.”
“Why does that matter?”
“Rumor has it half of Madge’s hair fell out.Whether it was from the excessive dyeing or the extended dye time I don’t know.But poor Madge has been walking around wearing a head scarf the last two days.”
“Sothat’swhy Madge was wearing the scarf.I thought it was an old lady trend.”
“Did I forget to mention she’s always on a treadmill every time I walk by that gym of hers?Ever since y’all split, she’s been running.I swear she’s lost ten pounds already.”
“I know.I’ve seen her.”
“Just call her, man.Maybe if she hears your voice enough she’ll start realizing how stupid she was and let you come back.”
“I tried before I left town.She said it was no use.Wouldn’t even use my nickname.Called me Brant.”