Page 129 of Atone

I’m so fucked.

“She’s thought about it.” Teal grins.

“I have not.”

“You have,” Violet agrees.

Patience doesn’t say anything, but her smile has fadedinto something that holds a bit more worry than anything. She knows Alex like I know him. He’s unpredictable. And even if I know he’d never hurt me, I don’t know what a relationship with him looks like in the long run.

“Alex and I are dating, not getting married.”

“So thereisa label?” Patience is the one to ask the question.

“Yes, there’s a label. As of this morning, he’s my boyfriend, and well… I think I love him.”

IknowI love him, but saying it out loud still makes me feel vulnerable.

“I’m happy for you, Mila.” Violet’s eyes soften.

“Me too.” Teal smiles. “And I called it. Remember when I called it?”

“I remember.” I roll my eyes.

The girls get quiet, and my focus moves to Patience.

“I’m happy for you guys,” Patience says finally. “There’s no one I’d rather be with my brother. I mean that.”

“Thank you, Patience.”

I can imagine how hard it is for her to say that, especially with all I’ve learned this summer about her family. And since her parents seem to hate me, it means something to have Patience’s blessing, whether I need it or not.

Declan pops into the frame enough for me to see him whisper something in Teal’s ear, and her cheeks turn bright red.

“I should go.” Her voice squeaks at the end.

“Please do.” I laugh. “I really don’t need to see whatever he just said to you.”

“Bye, Teal.” Violet smiles.

“And bye, Declan,” I add.

He leans in enough to wave before he ends the call.

“And I thought you and Kole were bad.”

“They are.” Patience grimaces.

“Oh, come on, we try to keep it quiet when you’re in the apartment,” Violet argues. “And you’re barely here, so how would you know?”

“I know enough—too much—about my friends’ sex lives.”

“Speaking of…” The door behind them opens, and Kole strides in, wearing his signature black hoodie and jeans.

On anyone else, it would be understated, but on him, it’s a downright threat.

Violet glances over her shoulder, and when she turns to face the camera again, she’s blushing.

“I’ve got to get back to campus anyway.” Patience crosses her arms over her chest.

---