Inconsolable by Amanda Lanclos Read Free Book Online Page A

know that poor man has to be living in hell with Brooklyn for a baby momma.” I put my hands on my hips and glare at both of them.
    “Oh I wouldn’t doubt that.  That is one crazy girl.  Reminds me of that song by Miranda Lambert,” Diane says and sips the rest of her coffee.  “The only good thing that came from that relationship was Trinity.” 
    “Okay, quit gossiping you two.  Didn’t your momma teach you if you didn’t have something nice to say, to not say anything at all?” 
    Diane lets out a snort and Barb cackles.  “Girl, my momma was the one teaching me to gossip.” 
    “That doesn’t surprise me.  You two are incorrigible,” I retort and grab the broom to sweep up the hair from Garrett’s haircut.  Looks like today is going to be a great day. 
    ~~~~~~~~~~
    A month later and finally Mary-Beth calls me. I walk into Penny’s to order a vanilla iced coffee while I listen to Mary-Beth yell and scream about how Jameson is coming home in just a few short days. She can’t wait and I really can’t either. Jameson annoys me, but it’s really in that brother you never had kind of way. He can act like he doesn’t like me, but I know if something happened to me he would defend me in a heartbeat.
    I go over to the town house and make sure all of Mary-Beth’s stuff is in order since she’s been spending all of her time at the hospital with Jameson.  I make sure Maggie is fed.  She is growing like a weed.  I wonder if maybe I shouldn’t drop her off at the groomers while I’m at it.  Jameson loves that dog, so I think I should do something for her.  I am sure she is missing him just as much as he is missing her. 
    I walk into the townhouse to see Mary-Beth’s clothing strewn all over the place.  How in the hell does this girl live like this?  How in the world is Jameson going to live like this.  OCD Marine doesn’t even begin to describe him.  Maggie comes running and wags her tail.  So I reach over, grab a treat out of the jar and pat her head. 
    “I know girl, but your parents will be home soon.  Come on, want to help me clean up?”  Now I know I have lost my mind.  Maggie lets out a whimper and runs to hide.  Of course you would.  No one wants to clean the debris left in the place of hurricane Mary-Beth.  I start by putting all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and then tackle all the clothing that is placed everywhere.  I put it all in the dirty clothes hamper, start the clothes in the dryer and re-wash the ones in the washing machine because I’m sure they have been there for a few days. 
    Three hours later and Mary-Beth’s house is completely clean.  I hope when Jameson comes home in a week or so that this will stay clean.  I couldn’t imagine going through everything Jameson has and having to worry about a messy house, as well.  I grab Mags, put her leash on her and decide I will take her to the dog park.  I haven’t gone to the hospital to see Jameson yet because I figure he doesn’t want company.  It has to be hard going from a walking man to not having anything at all.  Mary-Beth claims he’s trying to be positive, but I really think that it’s him putting on a front for her.  I have known him a lot longer than she has and Jameson is very good at masking his feelings. 
    Maggie and I walk to the dog park and she is jumping with excitement from getting to play.  I let out a small chuckle and unhook her leash from the collar as soon as we get in the gate.  She takes off running, playing, and sniffing all the other dogs in the park.  I go, sit on a park bench and pull out my Kindle.  It’s a beautiful day out.  I look up at the sky and say a silent prayer that the day stays that way.   
     

I grab my Nike’s and slide a T-shirt over my chest. I walk out of the front door of my apartment and light up one of the cigarettes from the pack I bought on my way home from Janice’s house last night. Janice, wow. I don’t know what I was thinking