Page 46 of Atlas
“So do you,” I state.
She smirks, applying the lipstick. “We just hook up from time to time.”
“It’s just you’re watching him like he’s yours.”
“I’m surprised is all,” she says, putting the lipstick away and turning to me. “One minute he’s asking me to be his old lady and the next he’s with you.”
“He told me you were hooking up for a year. And when it came to it, you didn’t want to commit.”
Her eyes narrow slightly. “Seems he’s quite the open book with you.”
“Look, I’m not here for any trouble. He told me you and him were done. If that’s not the case, just tell me and I’ll leave.”
The door opens and Atlas fills it; his arms folded across his chest. “Well,” he says, his eyes fixed on Anita. “Tell her the truth.”
Her smirk is back. “And what’s that, Atlas?”
“That we’re done. That you’ve moved on. That you’re not interested in anything serious with me because I’m not good enough for you.”
Her smirk soon fades. “That’s not it,” she almost whispers. “You are more than good enough.”
I step towards the door. “I’ll let you two talk.”
Atlas doesn’t budge. “No,” he says firmly. “There’s nothing left to say. Anita doesn’t want me.”
I press my lips together in a fine line. “But you want her,” I say, the words almost choking me. “I can see it in your eyes. Anyone with half a brain can see it.”
His brows furrow like he’s trying to make sense of the words. As if I’ve just told him something he doesn’t already know. And then he shakes his head. “I don’t.”
Anita scoffs but I keep my back to her, my eyes fixed on his. He gently places his hands on my shoulders. “We’re over. I don’t want her,” he adds.
Anita
I owe it to him to be honest, to tell him I love him more than I’ve ever loved anyone. But I can never be with him, not really, not if I want my son back. So, I force a smile. “He’s right,” I say, and Rue turns to look at me. Her eyes are innocent, unsuspecting, like she’ll believe whatever I say but still deep down know the real truth. “We were just sex, nothing more.” I take a step towards the door, feeling the way Atlas glares at me. I give a small laugh. “And he’s good at it.” I pat him on the shoulder, and he steps to the side so I can leave.
“When was the last time?” Rue’s question stops me.
I exchange a glance with Atlas. “Ages ago,” he says. “Way before us.” Her eyes train on me, and I shift uncomfortably. “Nita,” Atlas barks, making us both jump with fright, “fucking tell her.”
I nod in agreement. “A few weeks ago,” I admit.
I give Atlas one last lingering look before stepping out and heading back to the old ladies.
Gemma pats the empty space beside her, and I lower to the blanket. “You okay?” she asks.
I nod. “I think so.”
“And you and Atlas are . . .”
“Done,” I confirm with a nod. “He really likes her. I can see it in his eyes.”
“You did go on dates with other guys,” Tessa points out.
“I know.”
“He was gonna get sick of waiting eventually,” she continues.
“I know, Tess,” I say a little more sharply.
