Page 40 of No Time for Traditions

Greg drove past his parents’ house and out toward Marty’s place. He needed to see if Brittany had come by before she left. Or, better yet, if she was still in town. He couldn’t leave things the way they were between them. He had to talk with her first and tell her what role he’d played in the farmhouse sale. If she hated him after that, fine. But he had to find out.

Greg’s chest tightened when he pulled up to Marty’s house. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. Waves of nervous energy shot through his limbs as he made his way to the door. Knocking took about as much effort as bench-pressing a dump truck.

He dropped his heavy hand and lifted his shoulders with anticipation. He could hear footsteps on the other side of the door. Sarah opened it.

“Hello, Greg. Or should I say, neighbor.” She smiled and let out a giggle. “Come on in.”

Greg followed Sarah into the living room and stood behind the couch.

“Have a seat.”

Greg shook his head. “No, thank you. This won’t take long. I just wondered if Brittany was still around.”

Sarah frowned. “No, dear. Her flight left about two hours ago.”

Greg’s body numbed, making it hard to speak. He simply nodded.

Sarah made one of those “bless your heart” faces common to any Southern woman over age twenty. It was their way of showing sympathy when they really found the other person pathetic.

“Thanks, anyway.” Greg forced his body to turn toward the door and walked away.

“You’re welcome. Come by anytime.” Sarah’s voice had a soothing tone, but it didn’t help.

Greg shut the door behind him, wondering if and when he’d get another chance to talk to Brittany.

* * *

Sweat drippedfrom Brittany’s brow onto her gym mat. She took long, deep breaths like Alice had taught her, but it didn’t help. Half a minute into holding a plank, she collapsed. She laid spread eagle on her stomach, her limbs flopped across the gym floor.

“Keep it up, people. You’re doing great. Only forty-five seconds to go.” Alice walked toward Brittany as she called out instructions.

“Are you okay, Brit?” Alice squatted down by Brittany and pressed between her shoulder blades. “You’re super tense.”

Brittany raised onto her elbows and swiped a sweaty strand of hair to the side. “I’m just a little stressed.”

Alice rolled her eyes, clearly not buying the lie for a moment. “Do some downward dogs and donkey kicks for a minute. We’re about to cool down.”

Brittany did as her Pilates guru friend instructed. But she had a hard time not picturing Greg’s perfect face, so she pretended to donkey kick him in the teeth. Weird, but it lifted her spirits momentarily. At last, Alice dimmed the lights and gave everyone permission to bend back into child’s pose.

Sinking her head between her arms, Brittany let out a heavy sigh. Nothing could’ve prepared her for the surprises of last week. First, the farmhouse. Then, Greg. Greg hurt the most. She should’ve known not to fall for him.

In the two days since she’d returned to New York, Brittany found it hard to think about anything but him. Thoughts of him made her both sad and mad all in one. She hated herself for trusting him. But she hated herself even more for still caring about him.

Alice gave a few final instructions that sounded like mud to Brittany’s fuzzy mind. She followed what those around her did for the final stretches. Pilates usually helped clear her mind after a stressful day. But not now. Troubles from work or life in general paled in comparison to the heartache of Greg.

Brittany took her time wiping down her mat as the other participants filed out of the studio space. Unlike her usual efficient self, she’d been simply going through the motions at work and home, and here at the gym.

“Brit, hang on a sec, and we can walk home together.” Alice turned off the stereo system and put away her head mic.

“Okay.” Brittany didn’t want to talk about her problems in Alabama, but she deserved that for lingering around. Alice probably thought she’d wanted to talk.

Alice grabbed her jacket and the sack full of mats. “Ready?”

Brittany nodded, pulling on her own jacket. They walked out together, Alice locking the door behind them.

Alice opened the main door and stared at Brittany. “So, spill.”

Wow, she hadn’t even made it outside before Alice started her interrogation. “I really don’t feel like talking about it.”

---