Once we’ve arrived, our tech takes us and gets us settled in our spots, right next to each other. Atlas was always eccentric with her nails, but settles for something tame this time.
“Are you nervous?” she asks, not taking her eyes off of her nails, watching the tech file them.
“No,” I tell her with a smile. “If we’re being honest, I’ve been waiting seventeen years for a date with Harley.”
Atlas laughs, I’m sure remembering we shared a room around that same time, and I used to be a whiny, lovesick girl. “God, don’t I know it.”
“He makes me feel safe.” I look over at her, our eyes meeting and she gives me a genuine smile. “God knows, a man hasn’t made me feel safe in a really long time.”
“I can tell he’s devoted to you, and to your safety,” she tells me, grinning. We sit for a while, silently, finishing up our nails.
While I sit next to Atlas, Rawley pops into my head. “Hey, the lawn boy,” I ask her, not entirely sure I want to tell her about my gut feeling. “How long has he lived there?” I ask against my better judgement.
“Oh, The Carter family was already there when we moved into the house,” she tells me as the nail tech massages her hand with lotion.
At least I got his last name. Maybe I can try Googling him? I feel like such a stalker.
“Do you guys know much about him?” I tread a little farther. “You know, other than his lawn careexpertise.”
Atlas looks at me with a twitch in her eyebrow. “What’s with the questions, Em?”
“Nothing, Atlas. He just kind of looked familiar, just didn't know where I would know him from.” I try to keep my answer cool and calm. I want to do my own research before cluing her in. I know Atlas, and I know she would react first, probably fire the kid, and then it would wind up not even being who I think it could be.
Atlas finishes up with her nails. “I’m gonna run and pee, and then we can head to the mall.”
I smile. I have plenty of clothes at home, but knowing this is an important date to me, and wanting to get out with my sister to take her mind off of Asher leaving, it feels right. And who doesn’t love shopping with their little sister?
Scanning over my nails, I’m happy with the outcome. I went with a long, black tip, stiletto-shaped full set. Something simple to match anything I end up in. I have no idea what I want to wear, because I also have no idea what Harley has planned for us tonight.
I’m not nervous, but I also can’t stop the flutters in my belly that take flight when I think about a romantic evening with him. I pull out my phone, checking to see if Harley has messaged me since he left this morning. Nothing.
Atlas and I head to the mall, starting with our favorite stores first. Browsing through the racks, I try to feel Atlas out.
“How are you doing?” She glances over at me quickly, going back to mindlessly filtering through the dresses and sweaters on the rack.
“I’m okay, Ember. Just stressed and tired.” She blows out her breath. I can believe that. She does look really tired.
“I know the idea was for me to help when Asher is gone, but I can help now,” I remind her. I know she knows it, but maybe she needsto actually hear it out loud. I feel my phone go off in my pocket, and immediately go to grab it, hoping it's my man.
I smile when I see Harley’s name on my screen.
HARLEY:
Wear something warm.
Well there goes the dress idea. I shoot him back an answer, and when I look up and see Atlas wiping her eyes quickly, my heart breaks for her.
The phone vibrates in my hand.
HARLEY
I can’t wait to see you, pretty girl.
I leave him onread, chewing on my bottom lip and focusing on Atlas. I want to help, but if it’s my idea, Atlas will never go for it.
My phone lights up, and Harley’s face fills the screen. I press the green answer button.
“I would love to chew on that bottom lip,” he says, his voice low and raspy.
