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I’ve done the same with men in my past, but I’ve never been in love before.
“You know it needs to be done.” She reaches across the table to pat my hand. “I’ll go along with you for backup if needed.”
I manage a weak smile. “I can handle it.”
“I know you can.” She glances at the approaching waitress. “Can you handle half a grilled cheese sandwich and fries? I think that’s what we should share.”
“Sure,” I say without giving it a second thought.
As she orders that and two soft drinks, I pick up my phone and read his message again.
Penny’s right. I don’t want to live in limbo forever.
I know Gaines is busy with work, but I thought he’d make time for us, even just a few minutes via text to catch up.
I jump a little when another text lights up my screen.
Astrid: Why don’t you and Pen come by for dinner later? We can celebrate Pen’s new job.
I glance at Penny. “Do you want to go to Astrid’s for dinner tonight to celebrate your new job?”
“Hell, yes.” Her face beams with a smile. “I’m going to be making twice what I make at my insurance job.”
I smile too. “Good. I’ll tell here we’re in.”
“Saylor is still in town.” She sighs. “They’re heading home in two days, but I know she’d love to see Stevie and the Robinsons could use a date night.”
“Let me check to see if she’ll be around.”
Eloise: Should Pen bring Saylor or does Stevie have big plans with her dad tonight?
Astrid’s reply is swift, but it’s not what I expected.
Astrid: Yes, please! Stevie will be home. Gaines invited Berk out for dinner, so it will be just us girls.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Gaines
I dropmy gaze to my phone’s screen but this time I’m not reading an update on a patient or my upcoming office schedule. I’m staring at the only picture of Eloise that I’ve taken.
She was asleep in my bed when I snapped it.
The covers were pulled up to her chin and her hair was a halo on the pillow beneath her. She looks like an angel.
I should be with her tonight, and every night forever, but before I can do that I have to cleanse my soul. I need to unburden myself. It starts tonight when I confess my sins to my cousin. I need his advice on how to tell Eloise about my past.
I asked Berk to meet me for dinner. I suggested a diner near my apartment. He insisted we eat here, so I told him to make the reservation and he did.
Atlas 22 has played a pivotal role in my life over the course of the last couple of months. In some twisted way, it’s fitting that I’m taking the first steps to leave my past behind here.
“Dr. Morgan?” Tony, the manager, comes at my full speed. “You’re sitting down for a meal tonight?”
I laugh that off. “It’s a rare occurrence, but I am.”
“Will a beautiful woman be joining you?”
I shake my head. “My cousin. He’s not nearly as good-looking as I am.”
