Page 36 of Atlas
Chapter 15
Lauren
“Icannot believe you’re going out!” Janie squeals as she bounces on my bed. Her excitement is infectious, or it would be if I wasn’t so damn nervous. It’s been three days since I got home from the hospital and agreed to go on a date with Atlas, and I’ve only thought about backing out a hundred times.
Rubbing my hand over my queasy stomach, I look over at her. “I’m going to throw up. Are you really sure you have no idea where he’s taking me?”
Janie gives me a sympathetic look. Everyone knows I hate surprises, like I detest them. I need to know exactly what is happening so I can plan accordingly, but Atlas wouldn’t budge. Only saying to dress comfortably and casually, no dresses, and no nice shoes. Atlas is very fit and enjoys sports and chasing adrenaline highs. I don’t, at all, and the last thing I want is to find out we are rock climbing and I have to tell him no.
“He didn’t tell me,” Janie shrugs while tossing me a pair of jeans. “Just wear jeans and that cute cropped hoodie.” I go to make a face but stop at the warning glare Janie is shooting me. There is no body shaming in front of Janie.
I wiggle the ripped black high waisted jeans over my hips before grabbing the thin blue hoodie. It’s November, but in southern California it’s never really “sweater weather” so a light long sleeve shirt will be comfortable. I look in the mirror, the sliver of skin showing is small, less than two inches for sure, but it may as well be my entire torso in my mind.
“You look so adorable!” Janie claps her hands as she waves me over. “Now you do your makeup and I’ll do your hair. Atlas will be back soon.”
I sayone last goodbye to Janie before heading out my door. Janie volunteered to spend most of the day at my apartment to hang out with Bruno while she works on going through applications for a body piercer and front of house manager, but not before asking me again to consider the position, which I once again declined, though I promised to help her vet the applicants once Atlas and I were back from our date.
I step into the elevator and hit the downstairs button to meet Atlas, who sent a text earlier saying he had pulled in. I rub my stomach, willing the butterflies to go away, only to have them increase at the feel of my bare flesh. God, I’m about to make a fool out of myself.
The elevator dings once it reaches the lobby and I step out, finding Atlas leaning against a pillar near the entrance, staring at his phone. He’s wearing a pair of dark wash blue jeans that hug his large thighs in averypleasing way, a reddish brown henley hugged his broad chest and large biceps and, oh shit, the wedding ring. I reach into my purse and quickly pull out myband and look back up, thankful he didn’t see. I really need to be better at wearing this damn thing.
“Hey,” I say, jerking him from whatever is causing the angry expression on his face. He looks at me, smiles, and then something weird happens. I don’t know how one can do a double take when they are still looking at the person, but he does. Atlas’ eyes widen and his mouth opens slightly. “Is– this okay?” I ask nervously. “I can go back up and change if it’s not.” I point over my shoulder at the elevator.
Atlas blinks and shakes his head. “W-what? No! You look, um, wow.” He breathes out and smirks. “Princess, you’re…fuck…you’re beautiful.” I smile softly, not quite sure how to accept the compliment. My ex’s rarely gave them and if they did, it was because they wanted something. Even though Atlas has never shied away from giving me a compliment, I have always made sure that my walls were up, deflecting those compliments. But now, I’m trying to let him in, I’m trying to allow him to see the parts of me that I never let anyone see, and it’s scary.
Atlas grabs my hand before leading me to his Tahoe that is still idling under the portes-cochères. He opens the passenger door for me and I smile awkwardly as I climb inside. The interior is freshly cleaned, I can smell the cleaning solution that must’ve been used, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy that he is trying to think of all the little details.
“So how long are we going to be gone?” I ask as we pull away from the apartments. “Because I may need to stop and get some extra snacks, I only brought–”
“I got you Princess.” Atlas smiles and taps his center console. “Open it up.” Raising a brow, I do as he says. What I find makes me want to cry. It’s a refrigerator, with snacks and juice, glucose tablets and the area next to the fridge has his own emergency kit in case I need, holy shit in case I needanything.
“That’s where I was this morning,” He smirks while merging onto the expressway. “I had someone take out my old console and put this fridge one in.”
“That must’ve been so expensive.” I whisper, unable to speak any louder for fear of sobbing.
Atlas shrugs lazily. “Doesn’t matter. Besides, part of it is in trade, I’m going to give him a half sleeve next month.”
I know what the guys’ hourly rates are. I also know how long a half sleeve generally takes. “Atlas I– this is too much, I’m not wor–”
“I dare you,” he says, his playful voice now lowered as if he’s warning me. “Tell me you’re not worth it and watch what absolutely stupid shit I do.”
I can’t help it, I burst out laughing, which causes him to laugh as well. “Atlas, this is seriously the sweetest, most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.” I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “Besides you marrying me so I could steal your health insurance, which, by the way, thanks.” I giggle and he shrugs.
“If you need it, I’ll find a way to get it for you, princess.”
The car ride is pleasant.We play the get to know you game. Atlas is a lover of puns, which I didn’t see coming, enjoys musicals–again, didn’t see coming, but the real kicker is that he is the baby of his family with an older brother and eldest sister. I knew he had siblings, but he never talks about them. His brother lives across the country with their dad, while his sister and mom live a city over. I tried to ask more but saw his souring mood and decided to push it onto the back burner for right now.
I told him about my love of books and wanting to be a narrator when I grew up. I don’t know why I did, but when I broached the subject, I couldn’t stop myself. Atlas hung onto every word, asked really important questions as if fully engrossed in the subject, and told me I should try it since nothing was stopping me. I gave him the song and dance about it’s too noisy in my apartment, equipment is expensive and most importantly, I needed to get a paying job soon because my savings were dwindling.
Staring out my window at yet another field I raise a brow when I notice Atlas turning onto a completely dirt road. I whip my head to him, he’s grinning widely as he continues to drive. “Where are we?” I ask cautiously as I look out the window again and that’s when I see them. Cows, tons of them, and as we get closer, I see their shaggy brown hair and I make a completely embarrassing squeak. I don’t care though. They are Highland cows. He’s taking me to look at freaking Highland cows.
“Oh my god!” I am vibrating as he parks and we get out of the car. “Oh my god, I get to spend the day looking at Highlands!” I bounce as I grab his hand and we head towards the farm. There is an older couple standing at the entrance. Apparently, they are waiting for us. The older woman smiles. “Mr. and Mrs. Hart?” She asks, and I can’t stop nodding. I need to see the cows.
“She’s excited.” Atlas laughs while squeezing my hand softly. The old woman’s weathered face crinkles as she smiles. “Aww, well, what a nice husband you are to let her do this. Alright sweetheart, now they are gentle, and more likely than not, you’ll end up with one in your lap if you let them. When you are ready to leave, if you can’t move them, holler out and one of us will come help you, alright?”
I stop bouncing and look from Atlas to the old woman several times.On my lap?
“I’m sorry, but what are we doing?” I look up at Atlas, who shrugs.
