I figured. When Dane had it, it was vicious. Brace yourself.
Me:
Of course it was. Thanks for letting Dane hang out with him.
Matt:
As if you could keep those two apart.
His comment makes me laugh, but he’s not wrong. They’re one more incident away from being separated in class next year.
Me:
I’m going to head to bed, but I hope you took Noah out of rotation for tomorrow.
Matt:
Sure can. Is there any way I can help?
It feels like a loaded question. Matt is such a nice guy, but his eyes aren’t the ones that I see when I close my eyes.
Me:
No, but thank you. You’re sweet.
Matt:
Not that sweet. *Winky face emoji*
Me:
Goodnight, Matt. Good luck tomorrow.
Matt:
Night, Cora. See you soon.
Tossing my phone on the bed, I head to the shower and wash away the day. I check on Noah one final time and find him asleep, bucket unused next to his bed. Thank God for small favors.
Crawling into mine, I try to fall asleep. I’m beyond exhausted, but thoughts of a certain dark-haired, tattooed man linger. I let myself imagine what it would be like to have his arms wrapped around me as he tells me to go to sleep, that he’s got the first shift to check on Noah. I would attempt to argue, but he’d kiss my forehead and demand I rest.
Snorting at my ridiculous thoughts, I adjust my pillows and turn on my side.
That sort of relationship isn’t in the cards for someone like me. If my own parents couldn’t love me more than drugs and alcohol, how could I expect anyone else to? Those types of thoughts are better off in my dreams.
Chapter Ten
Atlas
Opening the door to Emma’s house, familiar smells comfort me. For as long as I’ve known her, her house has only ever smelled like two things: lemons or apple cinnamon. I swear she buys her candles and scents by the caseload. Either way, it’s a welcome scent. It’s home, or as close to home as I have.
Following the noise, I head toward the kitchen. Glancing at the photos lining the wall as I pass, I take a trip down memory lane from when we were teenagers. Emma attended all the sporting events we had, art shows, and other activities. It didn’t matter what it was, or how small, Emma was there. She cheered so loudly, we never knew we were missing anything.
Stopping to stare at one particular picture, a raft of memories hit me full force. I’d never admit it, but it’s my favorite.
It was taken about three months after I came back from stealing her car. None of us are looking at the camera except Rhett, but that’s what makes it perfect.
Kash and Seth are turned toward each other, scowls on their faces like they’re arguing, Emma next to them. Rhett is standing offto the side next to her. We’re on a bridge in front of a waterfall she made us go hiking at one summer.
