Chapter Twenty
Cora
“We’re friends, aren’t we, Cora?”
Atlas’ question repeats through my head. After giving him my address, I keep my eyes fixed out the window as he drives. I need to think.
Are we?I steal a look at him driving through the evening, taking in how the streetlights lighten his skin, flickering across parts of the tattoos that wind up his neck. He took off his beanie when we got in the car, tossing it in the back. Now his dark hair looks like there’s not a single strand in place, but somehow it fits him. He looks like a raging storm about to hit, and I’m afraid of the trajectory.
I thought we were making some progress, but maybe not. We had fun at the game. Atlas knows a lot about hockey, and I was surprised to learn that he and the guys all played. I’m not the best skater, but there’s nothing like a hockey game. The ice, the speed, and the energy are so addictive.
“I thought we were friends, but honestly, Atlas, you’re exhausting,” I admit. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think about him—exhausting. His dark eyes haunt my dreams more than I care to admit, and I daydream about him sometimes at the library when I’mshelving books or cataloging. It’s not because of his hot and cold behavior, at least not entirely. I’m exhausted trying to figure out what it is about me that seems to set him off so much, while at the same time I find myself wondering how I can make him smile more.
“I’mexhausting?” He repeats my words slowly, as if he’s confused. “What about me exhausts you?”
“I don’t know how to explain it to you.”
“Why don’t you try?” he suggests.
Huffing, I finally snap. “You know what? Fine, it’s because—” I’m cut off when my phone rings. Of course, now would be the time I get a call.
Checking the screen, I see that it’s Matt. I know Noah’s at Dane’s tonight, so maybe he finally got done with work.
“Hold on, I have to take this.”
I ignore the way Atlas shakes his head. He can be mad.
“Hey, Matt. What’s going on?”
“Hey, Cora. Just wanted to check in. Sorry I missed the game. The emergency surgery lasted longer than I thought it would.” He sighs. “Were you still able to go?”
“Are they okay?” I ignore Atlas’ questioning glance. “And yeah. I went with a… afriend,” I finish lamely.
“Yeah. He’s okay. I guess he thought the word ‘chew’ in chew toys was optional. Poor guy.”
Nodding, though he can’t see me, I agree. “Okay, well I’m glad everything is okay. I enjoyed the game.”
“Maybe we can get a raincheck?” he asks.
Chewing on my lip, I think before answering, “Sure, we can see when our schedules might line up again. Make sure you tell Noah hi for me when you see him.”
“Will do. Oh, I’ve got to go. Mom’s calling. See you later, Cora.”
I disconnect the call and stare at the screen a moment longer, admiring the picture of Noah and me as the background. It was from last Halloween—which reminds me that it’s coming up soon. I’ll have to see what he wants to do.
Adding a note to my phone, I’m shocked when Atlas interrupts my thoughts.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” he snaps.
Swinging my gaze toward his, I think something is going on outside, but there’s nothing. It’s just us. I realize I’m almost home and can’t wait to just crawl into bed.
“What?” I’m genuinely confused. “What’s wrong?”
“How do you keep them all straight? How many do I have to compete with?”
“What are you talking about?” Turning my body toward him, I stare and wave my hands. “Explain.”
“Well, first you were supposed to go out withMatt”, he sneers. “Then you got stuck with me, andSeantried to scoop you up, but of course, let’s not forget aboutNoah.”
