Page 45 of Atlas
“Ren is so beautiful and sweet and kind, and she doesn’t deserve to be around that kind of destruction.”
“But you do?” I turn to stare at Josie and raise a brow.
“What?” I ask and she crosses her arms over her chest.
“She doesn’t deserve it, but you do? Tell me, what did the big bad Atlas Hart do to deserve being trapped in that hell, alone? And I’m just going to take a wild guess here and say that the addiction started way back in your childhood? Maybe even before you were born?” I wince at her words, the only acknowledgement I give to her very correct answer. “Exactly,” she states. “So don’t tell me what the big bad adult Atlas did, instead tell me what little Atlas did? What did that little boy do to deserve that hell?”
“Nothing…” I choke out. “He did… nothing.”
“Right, no one deserves to have to be in that chaos. But, you have a wife. A partner who is wanting to stand in that with you so that you aren’t alone. That’s rare, sugar, trust me. If my husband and I, hell if any of them and I had that even once in our marriages, maybe I would’ve tried to work things out. Lean on the girl some, it might calm the chaos down some.”
Josie gives my arm a squeeze before walking off to leave me with my thoughts. I stare down at the empty glass, wishing like hell that it was full, but also wishing I had never come here in the first place. Grabbing my phone, I tap Fox’s name. As I wait for him to answer, all I can think about is that look on Ren’s face and how much I hate myself for running away and leaving her.
“Jesus Christ.”Fox sighs as he walks over to the bar. “You look like shit.”
I force a small laugh. “I’ve been hearing that lately.” I slur as I slide off the barstool. “Don’t tell Ren I’m drunk, okay?” I mumble as he helps me out of the bar.
“She’s going to know when I drop your ass off.” I climb into Fox’s vehicle with some trouble and curse when I slip and hit my knee on his running board.
“You gotta take me to your place.” I grunt. “Please Fox, I can’t, she will be so disappointed.”
Fox sighs and shakes his head. “If I take you to my place, I have a tiny redhead with a massive mouth. She will tell Ren in a heartbeat.” He taps his fingers on his steering wheel while he thinks in silence before he grabs his phone out of his pocket.
“Hey man,” Fox says to whoever is on the other line. “I found him. He’s plastered, I need to take him to you to keep him away from Ren. Alright, I’ll be there with him in about fifteen.” When he hangs up the phone, he puts his vehicle in gear and starts driving. “I’m taking you to Ash.”
I groan loudly, but don’t fight him. Going to Ash is probably the best option, though going there and having to get yelled at because I interrupted his “fun time” with whatever girl he’s picked up for the evening is not something that I have the energy to deal with. But it is still better than facing Ren when I’m this drunk. Though, I should probably call her before I pass out tonight.
I goto knock on the door to what was once the apartment that Ash and I shared. But before I do, the door opens and I look down to see the tiny little raven-haired girl…woman?
“H-Hey Indy, is Ash here?” I try my best to straighten my posture even though the world is spinning.
“He is.” Ash says as he comes behind his sister and opens the door the rest of the way. “You look like shit.”
“I’ve heard.” I mutter as I walk inside and sit on the couch.
“Oh!” Indy clasps her hands together and smiles. “I know this great herbal tea that is supposed to prevent hangovers! I’ll brew some up.”
“Oh Indy no,” Ash groans as he flops in the chair next to the couch. “The last time she “brewed” herbal tea, the apartment smelled of death for three days.”
“She doesn’t have to make it on my account.” I mutter as I smash my face into a pillow and curl up on the couch. “I’m totally deserving of whatever hangover I end up with.”
“Oh, so we are nose diving into self pity, awesome. I am so glad I didn’t miss that portion of the evening.” Ash snorts out and I don’t have to look up to know he has annoyance written all over his face. Ash is a fixer. He doesn’t have time for “deep troubling feelings” -which is why he hasn’t had a relationship since I’ve known him and when asked about any exes, he shuts down until the subject changes.
“Look,” I groan as my stomach lurches while I jerk up. “Gross,” I mutter before shaking off the nausea. “You were there.You saw how my family acted in front of everyone, including Ren. And then I freak out and leave her.”
“So? Stop being a bitch and go apologize. She ain’t mad anyway. She was worried about you, but not mad. You know Ren, she’s well thought out and practical. She seems like the type that would understand your shitifyou would be an adult and talked with her.” Ash makes a good point, even if I don’t want to admit it. Ren isn’t a runner. She isn’t one to hide and cry. If she were mad, I would know. And she absolutely will be mad if I don’t let her know what is going on.
Sighing, I pull out my phone just as a rancid smell fills the room. “Tea is almost done!” Indy nearly sings and I look at Ash in pure horror before putting the phone to my ear.
“I can’t drink that.” I whisper before I hear Ren’s voice on the other end.
“Atlas? Are you okay?” My chest tightens at her voice, filled with fear and concern. I would give any amount of money to be with her right now, to hold her to my chest, to hug her in that special way that makes everything feel better.
“Hi Princess, I’m alright. I’m at Ash’s, I uhh, I had a little too much to drink.” I give an awkward laugh, unsure what to expect out of her.
“Okay,” she lets out a breath, and I hear keys jingling. “I’ll be there in about twenty to get you.”
“What? Why? Ren, just stay home. I’m drunk and not–”
