” I was finally starting to give up, even having thoughts that he found something better... Or someone. As my melancholy kept clinging to me, I kept... clinging to anything from him. Reluctant to leave, and dying for more.... I was out of my mind. To fill the agonizing time between my encounters with Vincent, I often read smutty romance novels to pass the time. My collection began to accumulate over the months. I made weekly trips to the book store in order to purchase these novels. Often. I was busy talking about bowling and tournaments and Helen had wandered over to where the band was taking their break to make a request and they asked her to join them. During their next break I saw Helen standing with the drummer, but I didn't think anything of it. If I thought anything it was probably that she was requesting another song.Later in the evening, Mike, the captain of one of the other teams asked me if I would like to go to the Eagles national tournament being held that year in. The idea appealed to me. When she seemed satisfied that I would keep, she turned to leave, as the bell rang again."I'll be right back. You stay put and keep quiet.", she said as she swept out of the room to see what unsuspecting fool was at the door.I relaxed when I heard the voice of my friend and ex-partner, Steve. He was trying to calm Lori. He had done that successfully many times before. He was always good at getting me into, and out of trouble."Well, let's go talk to him.", I heard him. ” I told him, chuckling at the shocked expression on his face.“You guys ready to go?” Max asked, thinking they could take their time and still get there in plenty of time.When Toby nodded, Max walked into the living room to see the girls seated together on the couch, arms around each other. Both were crying and whispering to each other.“Ready, you two?”They pulled apart, just enough to kiss lightly, then both stood up, coming over to kiss Max as well.“You okay, Thea?” he asked gently.“Okay,.