“That he could be born on a day for monsters, to monsters, and be the sweetest kid.”
A strange look passes over Atlas’ face, and I feel like I’ve said something wrong. I hope he doesn’t think I meant that he was a monster. Before I can explain, a young mother and her son come up to check out books. Switching into work mode, I offer him an apologetic look. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah. Later, and with dinner.” He holds up the book for me to see. I quickly scan the books for the mom and hand them back, wishing her a good rest of the day.
I glance at the exit to Atlas’ retreating form. A part of me wants to rush over and apologize. I didn’t mean anything by my comment.As if sensing my gaze, right before he heads down the stairs, he turns to look in my direction. I wave and mouthSorry.
Shaking his head, he moves his lips, and I freeze. If I didn’t know any better, it looked like he just said, ‘Love you, baby,’ but there’s no way that’s right.Right?
Giving me one last grin, he heads down the stairs and out of view, leaving me to wonder if I’m in over my head or if I care.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Atlas
Last night was one of the best nights of my life. Dinner went really well, and dessert was fucking phenomenal. The sounds Cora made, and her face when she came, are burned into my memory forever. I’ll be seventy-five and dying, and it’ll be her face I see. Deciding I couldn’t wait until tonight, I stopped at the library. I knew she was at work, but she’s still recovering, and I needed her to know I was thinking of her. Why bother with a text when an in-person visit is better?
Sitting at my kitchen table, I thumb through the cookbook she gave me. She’s quite a clever girl. Our kids will be so smart. She hasn’t mentioned being allergic to anything, but I steer clear of seafood anyway. I have a few hours until I have to be at the shop. Plenty of time to make a masterpiece.
After spending a solid twenty minutes looking at recipes, I settle on a chicken and gnocchi dish. Emma taught all of us to cook. “Relationships are a partnership. One person can’t do all the cooking and cleaning,” she told us.
After discovering I have a minor seafood allergy, Emma banned itentirely from the house. It worked out okay because none of the guys really cared for it. I hope Cora’s not a fan of sushi.
Grabbing the spices and olive oil, I get to work on the chicken. After trimming and dicing it, I let it cook. I stopped by the twins’ shop on the way home for a loaf of sourdough. There’s nothing better than fresh bread to go with a warm dinner.
Finishing up the chicken, I transfer it to a plate and grab the heavy cream and parmesan to make a sauce. Waiting until I get the right consistency, I toss the chicken back in along with the gnocchi and a bit of spinach. My girl needs the nutrients.
Taking the pan off the heat, I transfer its contents to a few containers and let them cool. Skimming through the cookbook a bit longer, I look for other things I can make for her in the future.
The desire to take care of her is consuming, but not in a bad way. It makes me feel good to know that she’s eating food I made, and that she’s starting to see that I’m not going anywhere. Noah seems to be okay with me being around, and that makes me doubly happy because I know how important he is to her. He’s a cool kid.
I’m beyond curious about her, but she won’t give me the answers I want. I briefly think of anyone I know who can look into her, but then immediately dismiss the idea. I want to know about her, but I wantherto tell me.
Pulling my sketch book out, I go back to working on the design I’m making specifically for her. She doesn’t realize it yet, but she’s going to be getting some artwork soon.
Finishing up with my client, I look at the clock. Cora’s late. That’s not like her. After reminding him to apply the right lotion to it, I pull out my phone, ready to call her.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” Rhett greets me.
“Not now. Cora isn’t here.” I wave him away, typing out a message instead.
“I know. She said she can’t make it tonight.”
My head rears up.Why didn’t she call me?“What do you mean?”
“Apparently, she had to get Noah from school. Got in trouble or some shit. Did you know she had a brother?”
“Yeah. He’s seven. Plays soccer, likes superheroes and stuff.”
“Right…” Rhett gives me a look. “Anyway, weirdo. Said he got in trouble, and she had to take off today and tomorrow because she didn’t have a sitter.”
Why didn’t she ask me?I would have gone for him. Although, why is he in trouble? Noah strikes me as a good kid. I mean, hell, he has Cora raising him.
“Hey, man.” He waves his hand in front of my face. “You good?”
“Yeah.” I nod, formulating a plan. Looking at the clock, I don’t have an appointment for an hour or so—that’s plenty of time. “I’ll be back.” Grabbing my keys, I nod in his direction.
“Wait. Where are you going?” He looks confused.
