Page 43 of Atlas
“How come you haven’t drunk?”
“I will when we get back. Day drinking isn’t for me. My hangover comes early and I end up in bed before the party’s really begun, so I thought I’d pace myself.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“Do you want to come back for a bit?”
I nod, stifling a yawn. I haven’t seen Atlas all week, and it would be good to try and clear the air.
Minutes later, we turn into the club’s car park. Off to the left, there’s a group of bikers sat around a fire. Atlas isn’t one of them, and I fight the urge to ask Tessa if he’s even here.
I follow her over to where some of the old ladies are sitting, and they get up to greet me with hugs. It feels good to be back here, I’ve missed it.
I’m handed a drink before I even sit down, and someone tucks a throw blanket over my legs like I’m visiting royalty. It’s warm, comforting. Familiar in a way I forgot I needed.
“So, how was yourotherparty?” Luna asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Stuffy,” I say, then lower my voice with a little smirk. “I forgot how much I hate those things. It’s like a male pissing contest, strutting around trying to impress one another.”
The women laugh, and I sip the drink, letting the taste of something sweet and spiced take the edge off my mood.
I don’t mean to look for him, but my eyes wander anyway, skimming past leather jackets and laughter, searching for a shadow I’ve missed more than I’ll admit. And then I see him.
Atlas.
He’s across the firepit, standing near the bar setup, holding a beer. He looks good, too good, and I ache to rush over and tell him how much I miss him. His sleeves are pushed up, ink on show, flexing as he gestures to someone beside him. His head tilts slightly, that crooked grin forming on his face, and something sharp twists in my gut.
I take another sip. A bigger one this time. Then my gaze shifts to the girl he’s smiling at.
Petite. Pretty. Cute in that art-student-who-doesn’t-know-she’s-hot kind of way. She laughs at something he says and nudges his arm with hers. They look comfortable together.
My stomach drops.
“Oh,” I say, the word barely audible.
Tessa leans in. “What?”
I blink, trying to school my features into something neutral. “Nothing. Just spotted Atlas.”
She follows my gaze, and I can tell the second she sees Rue too. She goes unnaturally still.
I turn to her slowly. “He’s bringing her to the club barbeque,” I say, like it’s a stray thought, but there’s a hint of pain in my tone. If she’s here, he’s serious.
She hesitates. “Maybe Kasey asked her to come.”
Something tightens inside me. “Kasey?” I repeat, not dragging my eyes from the pair.
“They’re sisters. Kasey is the one the club’s helping, and the woman talking to Atlas is Rue.”
It clicks then. “Oh, I met Kasey at the garage.”
“Yeah, she loves it there. Apparently, she’s picking up some stuff from the guys and she’s really good at it.”
“And Rue is the one you told me about. The one he took out?”
“Yeah,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “I’m sorry, Nita. I didn’t realise she was here.”
Atlas is laughing now, and the girl, Rue, tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, looking up at him like he’s the only one here.
