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Wren
Thenexttwoweeks flew by in a haze of bliss and simple joy. I had managed to fight my doubt and fear of everything it might mean to love another person as much as I loved Atlas, at least for now. The two of us worked a lot, but we spent what spare time we had with each other. We were getting to know each other and even though it seemed as though we had come together in a whirlwind, we were taking our time. We were letting our relationship grow at its own pace.
As much as things were changing and growing with Atlas, my life as a whole was changing even more. I’d opened my own account at an actual bank, something I’d never had before. Atlas had helped me get my own cell phone awhile ago and I had even started saving money for a car. I still borrowed Atlas’s truck when I needed it, but I wanted something that was mine. Having these simple things for myself was empowering in a way I didn’t expect. I felt accomplished, independent—like my life couldn’t just be snatched out from under me at any moment.
I was planting roots in this small, riverside town. As much as I didn’t expect any of this, I was content. Happier than maybe I ever had been. And it wasn’t only because I had Atlas. Although, he was no insignificant part. I had real friends. I spent time with Ty and Knox and Ellie on a regular basis. Atlas and I even had a few double dates with Ellie and her busboy, Tony. This was all new and exciting and yes, also terrifying in a way.
“Can I get you ladies anything else today?” I asked the two women seated at my table as I collected their empty plates. It was lunch shift at the Riverfront Grill and the rush was just beginning to dwindle.
One of them looked up at me. Her thick, black hair fell over one of her shoulders in waves. She looked freshly tanned; stark tan lines peeked out from her off-the-shoulder top.
She eyed me up and down, as if she’d just noticed me. The two women hadn’t been that friendly, which was fine. They were more interested in gossiping animatedly about people, and I didn’t care to listen.
“Are you a new hire?” the woman asked. Her dark eyes narrowed at the check I was about to place on the table.
I shrugged and smiled. “Oh, technically I am, but it feels like I’ve been working here forever. I started a little over a month ago now.”
She pressed her shiny pink lips together. She had just finished eating but had already applied a fresh coat of lip gloss. “I see. Well, go tell Wanda that Liv is at your table. She’ll comp the bill.”
I pulled back but was careful not to let my smile drop. “Oh, of course. I’ll check with her right away.”
The woman, apparently named Liv, nodded. Then she turned back to her friend and went on pretending as though I didn’t exist.
I wasn’t going to ask her for more information about why her bill was going to be compensated in full by the restaurant. She obviously didn’t want to give me that information, but Wanda would let me know.
I spun around, ready to drop my armful of dishes in the kitchen, when someone walked through the front door of the restaurant. The old black bell above the door chimed.
My heart skipped in my chest as Atlas stepped up to the hostess podium, clad in his full police uniform. I didn’t know what it was, but something about seeing my man in a uniform turned my legs to jelly.
I sauntered over to him, hands full of dirty plates and a ridiculously happy grin on my face.
“What brings you here, Officer Ranes?” I said sweetly, in my best impression of a slow Southern accent.
Atlas’s attention snapped to me, his eyes softening with fondness. “Well, Miss Brooks, are we Southern folk rubbin’ off on you?”
I blushed at the perfect Southern drawl, exposing mine for the poor impression it was. His was like pure honey pouring out of his mouth. “Perhaps you are,” I said.
Atlas chuckled and planted a soft, chaste kiss on my cheek that sent chills across my skin. “I’m here for lunch, so I can’t stay too long. Where’s your section?”
I gestured to the block of tables behind me. “Have a seat. I can put in your order when I drop off these dishes. You want extra fries today?”
He gave me a pointed look. “Is that even a question?”
I pressed my lips together against an insanely girlish giggle. “Sorry, I should know better. Always extra fries. Coming right up.”
His body barely brushed mine as he passed, leaving me feeling electrified by his almost-touch. I wondered when that was going to stop. It was as if my blood was stirred by him every time he came near, and no matter how much time I spent with him, the feeling didn’t wane.
I never knew it could be this good or feel so right. And even though I was terrified by this thing Atlas and I had going on, I was even more amazed by it. Grateful for it. Trading in all those secrets and shame for this...was worth it.
I hurried to the kitchen in a daze of giddiness and smiles as I cleaned off the plates and put in Atlas’s food. He often came in on his lunch break now and every time he did, it made my entire day.
Wanda wasn’t in the kitchen or up at the line. I checked in the office, but she wasn’t there either. I glanced at my watch, knowing the women at my table probably wouldn’t wait for me to confirm Wanda had fully taken care of their bill before leaving. But I wanted to make certain on the off chance they were trying to dine and dash.
I turned back toward the kitchen, peeking at the line one more time and saw that Atlas’s food was up. I grabbed it, ready to drop it at his table while I continued to search for Wanda. She must be out on the floor. I walked into the hallway and was about to exit into the dining room when I saw them.
I swear my heart stopped in my chest. Pain burst from between my ribs as if they’d been broken, and I couldn’t catch my breath as my brain processed what I saw. That woman from my table, Liv, had her arms wrapped around Atlas’s waist. Her head was on his chest as his hands gripped her upper arms. It almost looked like he was kissing the top of her head from here, like he’d done to me so many times.
I stumbled back into the hallway, but I could still see them in their embrace, so I ran into the closest room. The office. My mind spun as I tried to catch my breath and slow my whirring mind. The image of Atlas with another girl…hurt.
