Page 52 of Not A Whisper

“He threatened my job and promised I'd go homeless before I ever found another one. Then he said, if that wasn't enough, he'd go after Pianna. He also said to stay away. Sounds like that won’t be a problem anymore.”

Trip swears and Jason's hands curl at his sides. Their reaction is irritating. It’s like they actually care or something.

“We’ll get to the bottom of this, dollie,” Jason starts slowly, his eyes shifting past me as he considers something. “Give us some time to dig around.”

I laugh. It’s loud and carries all around us. “You can have all the time in the world since you don’t have to waste it sneaking around to see me.”

With all the resolve I can muster, I brush past Jason and Trip.

As I storm away, my heart screams. It’s not until I make it to the break room and grab my purse and jacket that I realize why I’m hurting more now than I did earlier.

I’d wanted them to chase me. To grovel, apologize,begfor me to stay. I wanted them to dosomething. Yet, as I leave Atwater and head to my car, I realize that in order for that to occur it would require them to care enough about me towantmy forgiveness or even our relationship back.

And their lack of action?

It’s just proof that I really never meant a thing to them.

Rather than head straight home,I drive around town aimlessly.

I consider getting some food. Lunch was ruined and breakfast only consisted of a banana. But the thought of stomaching anything makes me feel sick. My watery gaze slides over the bars I pass. There’s always the option of getting numb. Drinking until I can’t feel the pain sounds easier than forcing food down my throat.

Yet I don’t end up pulling up to any of them.

Instead, I continue to drive. I drive out of Groveton, then out past the next town. As I drive, I cry. And when my tears dry up, I rage with the music blasting so loud, no one driving by can hear my screams. When I’m done screaming, I turn off the radio and drive in silence.

When I’ve all but drained the emotions out of me, my rational thoughts return.

I’m a grown-ass woman who deserves better than three college-aged men who like playing games to hurt others. Why did I ever allow myself to believe I could have something real with them? Maybe I accepted this behavior because it’s been so long since I’ve had the attention of any man, let alone three. When was my last real relationship? Two years ago? Maybe three? Even then, it only lasted a few months.

I need to start getting laid more often, then I’ll be less likely to fall for shit like this.

By the time I pull up to my apartment building, I’m exhausted. Quickly, I wipe the tears from my face and use a napkin from the glove compartment to blow my nose. No need to look a hot mess for all the neighbors to gawk at. When I’m done, I order myself a small pizza. Cooking is the last thing I want to do right now.

As I climb out of my car, someone calls my name.

“Briella!”

I look up to see Lance waving as he gets out of his car three parking spots down.

“Ok, this is getting to be weird. Are you following me around?” I try to keep my voice light as we meet up on the sidewalk.

His deep, rich laugh is warm and pleasant. And that smile? It’s certainly a welcome sight. He really is good looking. So why don’t I get the same butterfly feeling in my stomach that I did with the guys?

“Maybe I’m subconsciously stalking you. God, that would be embarrassing.” He shakes his head, grimacing as we head toward the stairs together.

“If that’s the case, may I suggest therapy?”

Lance chuckles. “I would probably skip over therapy and check myself into a psych ward.”

“Good call—Oh!” The stairwell spins, causing me to miss a step. As I start to fall, a large hand grabs my elbow and keeps me upright.

“Are you alright?”

Heat flares up into my cheeks as I straighten. Politely, I pull my arm away from Lance when he doesn’t let go right away, and I give him a sheepish smile.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I haven’t eaten all day; it’s starting to catch up with me.”

He gives me an incredulous look. “You haven’t eaten? Please don’t tell me you’re trying to lose weight or some nonsense like that.”

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