As everyone parts ways for the evening, I help Barfred gather the dishes. It’s not in my job description, but ever since I learnedthathewas the one to bring me back to life, I’ve felt strangely indebted to him.
I follow him into the kitchen, placing the plates in my arms into the sink. As I turn to help him with the rest, Barfred sighs aggressively, blocking my exit with his hip pressed to the island.
“You don’t need to help me,” he states.
“I know.” Shrugging, I give him a smile. “I just want to. You saved my—”
“Listen,” he interrupts. “I didn’t give you CPR because I’m a morally correct, god-fearing man. I did it because I know how much you mean to Atlas. You don’t have to waddle behind me like a baby chick, doing whatever you can to appease me. You don’t owe me shit.”
I take in his annoyed glare and his pursed lips, the way his posture screamsI don’t trust you.
“Do you… Do you dislike me or something?” I ask him, cocking my head just slightly.
“What?” His cat-like eyes widen at my words, and he takes a step back.
“It’s just that you’re being kind of rude, and all I was trying to do was thank you for literally reviving me from the dead.”
Barfred watches me for a moment longer before he cracks, sighing as he rubs at the back of his neck.
“Sorry. I’m not trying to be a dick. Just… stop hovering, will you?” His voice sounds dejected, exhausted. As if he’s had enough.
“Sure, I’ll stop helping if it bothers you so much,” I tell him. “But can I ask you a question?”
Barfred rolls his eyes, leaning back against the island again. “Alright.”
“Have you heard from Landon lately?”
This seems to startle him. His posture straightens, and his fists tighten around the ledge of the counter. Those eyes narrow in on me, and he frowns.
“Why would I have any contact withhim?”He spits the word out like it’s venomous.
“Because I can’t get in contact with him, and Susie hardly sees him. Plus, she said she saw you two together at a club in Cali a few months ago.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I regret them.
I should have left well enough alone. My life is going so well; I have a good job, a gorgeous boyfriend, and I live in a beautiful estate. Why am I sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong?
But Landon has been my best friend for years, and something isdefinitelygoing on here.
Barfred leans forward, so close his nose nearly brushes mine as he hisses out, “Mind your fucking business, Julian. Stop keeping tabs on me. I don’t know where your little friend is, and even if I did, he’s notyoursto monitor, is he?”
“No,” I agree, staring back at him. “He’s not.”
I’m not scared of Barfred; I don’t believe he’d hit me. But he’s also notwrong. Landon is not my boyfriend or my family. He doesn’t have to update me on his whereabouts, and he comes around enough to show Susie he’s physically safe. That’s all we can ask for, really.
I take a step to the side, creating some distance between us. “Well, thanks again for bringing me back to life. I do appreciate it, whatever the reason. I’ll leave you be now.”
And with that, I leave the room.
I desperately want to know why Barfred was in California with Landon, and why Landon has suddenly shifted gears with Susie and me, but it’s not my business in the end. If he doesn’t want to tell, I can’t force him to.
In the main foyer, I call Landon’s phone one last time. As it reaches his voicemail, I end the call and accept my fate. I guess I’m just not meant to know.
Now I can get Atlas alone. Alone and naked.
Suddenly reenergized, I head up the main staircase.
Tonightwillbe a good night. With Atlas, it always is.
“Julie,” Atlas whines, his hands grasping for purchase at my wrists.
