Page 48 of Back to You

“Might as well. I’m pretty sure I’ve lost what little sense I ever had, so might as well go full crazy person and start talking to myself all the time.”

“Do you regret it?” Marcus said. He’d been informed the day before by Michelle what had happened so he knew what he was walking into on Monday. He still seemed unprepared for the Brandon who’d shown up — unshaven, eyes still bloodshot, doing an amazing zombie impersonation.

Brandon heaved a sigh. “Every other minute, yeah. But that doesn’t change the facts. I had to leave. At least this way I can pretend I might actually ever be happy again.”

“Can you be happy without him?” Marcus said tentatively. Feelings weren’t his strong suit.

Brandon turned his eyes to his friend for a long moment. Finally he said, “I hope so. Otherwise what am I doing this for?”

Marcus nodded and retreated back to the counter.

Brandon restarted his supply order for the umpteenth time, determined to actually get it done. He’d finally hit the complete order button when Marcus stuck his head back into the kitchen.

“Uh, I told him you were busy, but he insists on seeing you.”

“Who?” Brandon said, a big part of him hoping desperately that Marcus would say it was Ethan.

“It’s Lake.”

“Oh. Yeah, sure, he can come back.”

Lake pushed through the door and regarded Brandon thoughtfully. “You look about as good as I figured you would.”

Brandon ran his hand through his wild hair. “Yeah, can’t seem to find any fucks to give about that.”

Lake nodded. He seemed unsure what to say, mouth opening and closing a few times before Brandon couldn’t take it anymore.

“How is he?”

Lake’s head shot up and he eyed Brandon. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yeah. I still love him, Lake.”

“I know you do. He’s … not great.”

Brandon just nodded, looking down at his hands.

“Listen, I’m not here to beg you to reconsider, I know what led to this. We all warned him, and I don’t blame you for getting sick of it.”

Brandon smiled sadly. “You don’t blame me?”

“I can’t. I wasn’t even in your shoes, and he was pissing me off too. But I’m still his best friend, and I’ll be there for him. I want you to know that.”

“Thank you, Lake. That means a lot.”

Lake still seemed hesitant. “What’s up?” Brandon said.

“I don’t want to lose you from my life.”

Brandon met Lake’s nervous gaze. “You won’t. We’re friends regardless of what happens with me and Ethan. You’ll still come in here for that nasty latte and I’ll still force-feed you muffins. We’re good.”

Lake smiled. “Thank you.”

“Please take care of him.”

“I promise.”

***

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