My self-control snaps. I launch my fist into his face and let him go as he crumples to the ground. Reaching down, I snatch his phone that’s fallen. Putting it in front of his face, I unlock the screen and quickly find Cora’s contact.
Hitting the button, I wait as the call connects, praying she answers. Matt is currently lying on the floor, out cold, the lock setabandoned next to him.Come on, pretty girl, pick up, I plead mentally.
“Hey, Matt.” Her cheerful voice sounds over the line.
“You’re in trouble, Firefly,” I inform her, feeling like I can finally breathe for the first time in days. “You’ve been bad.”
She doesn’t respond at first, and I think she’s hung up, but then I hear her voice. “Atlas? What are you doing with Matt’s phone? How’d you get it? Where is he?”
“Well, currently, he’s taking a nap.” I nudge his leg with my foot. “But otherwise, he seems okay.”
“You better not have hurt him.”
“Like you hurt me?” I volley back. I’m being a dick, but she didn’t even give me a chance to explain. If she had listened to me, she would know that what she heard was out of context.
“I don’t know what your problem is, but we’re done. I heard you guys, and you don’t have to worry about Noah and me. I never expected you to take care of things. If it was a problem, you should have said something.”
She still doesn’t get it. “The only problem I have is not seeing you, Firefly. Come home.”
“It’s not your home, Atlas.”
“Wherever you are is my home. You and Noah. Let me explain,” I plead, softening my voice.
“There’s nothing to explain. Just let it go, Atlas. Goodbye.”
She disconnects the call. I call back, but she sends it to voicemail. Knowing Matt is now a dead end, I drop his phone back down and head out. If she thinks I’m giving up, and that a new lock will keep me out, I’ll let her. Cora has no idea what lengths I’ll go through to keep her. Her and Noah both. She is my sunshine, my heart, and my light. I’m not giving any of that up.
Chapter Forty-Six
Cora
My hands shake as I disconnect the call and ignore the next one coming in. I don’t know that side of Atlas, but it scares me. I heard what he and the guys were saying. I know it’s not for everyone, but I deserve someone who loves both me and Noah. I can still hear Atlas’ voice in my head telling Seth he wasn’t Noah’s “fucking father.”
Pushing the thought aside, I pull my hat down over my head and try to ignore the cold that cuts through me. December is quickly approaching, and Christmas will be here soon. I’ve been doing some early shopping for Noah while he stayed with the Morgans. I’d been planning to go home, but Matt knew I wanted my locks changed. My heart still hurts and hearing his voice will mess with me.
Maybe I’m being rash. Perhaps I should have heard him out, but why bother? I want to be someone’s first choice. I don’t want someone to choose me and not want Noah, too.
I’m not a product of my parents. Their shortcomings and inability to love anyone but themselves wasn’t because ofme, no matter how much they may have said otherwise. I deserve love, and I’m a damngood person. I’ve raised Noah on my own, and I’ve made peace with the fact that it’s meant to be this way.
Hefting my bags into my trunk, I prepare for the talk I know I must have with Noah about why Atlas isn’t coming back. Up until now, I’ve been able to skirt around it, but it’s time. I know he was starting to get attached to the guys, so I guess it’s better it happened now.
Tossing the last bag in, I turn around to return my cart and almost run into a person walking behind me.
“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there,” I apologize, stepping back.
“No harm. It was my fault. I was avoiding the car leaving.”
Looking behind, I see a small car heading straight past, right up the middle of the lane. I hate it when people do that—just pick a side and drive.
“Still, I wasn’t paying attention.”
“I can take your cart if you want.”
“Are you sure?” I hesitate.
“Yeah. Not a big deal. Are you okay?”
Maybe I look as frazzled as I feel. “I’m good, just cold, ya know?” I force what I hope passes for a normal smile.
