Page 103 of His to Keep
“Surely you’re not this oblivious,” Sophie says. “No offense.”
“None taken,” I deadpan before tossing back the rest of my drink.
“Oh, no,” Cara says, “she’sabsolutely that oblivious.I’veonly been trying to befriend her outside of work for two years now.”
“Agree to disagree.”
“That’s not…”Carawaves a hand in front of her face. “You know what?Never mind.”
“Yes, let’s change the subject, please.”
Cara snaps her fingers. “Oh, I know. What’s going on with your car?”
“What happened to your car?” Nora addswith wide eyes, alerting me to the fact that I never even told her about finding my car trashed at work.
“Long story short, someone slashed my tires and demolished my windshieldthis past Monday.Clint drove me home that day, butEllis herehas been my personal chauffeur since.”
“Damn straight, I have.” He pulls my hand into his lap, twining our fingers together. “Speakingof,your car should be ready to pick up Tuesday or Wednesday.”
“Oh.” I nod, and my hair falls into my face. “That’s great.”
“You know I’m happy to keep driving you, Princess.”
“Aw,” all of the ladies at the table swoon collectively.
“Enough about me.”Please, god, no more about me.“Nora, how are you doing being away from James?”
Atlas glares at me likehe’simagining feeding me to a pack of hungry wolves.
“Actually, I’m good.” She smiles brightly. “I was apprehensive at first, butSydney has checked in regularly with texts and pics. Not to mention,it’snice to have some adult conversationthat’snot with my therapist or being graded.”
“The fuck, Pip?” Atlasgasps in faux outrage. “What am I, chopped liver?”
Noragrins up at him, all moonyeyed. “You know what I mean.”
He grumbles under his breath, butit’sgood naturedly.The man might be a bear, but he most definitely has a soft spot for his fiancée.
“Y’all ready to order?” The same server who took our drink orders appears seemingly out of thin air, her pen poised over her notebook.
“Yes, please.” I rub my hands together in anticipation. “It smells so good, I’m practically drooling.”
She goes around the table, and we allputin ourorders. She reads them back to us, beforeheading for the kitchen.
“Speaking ofmy dude…” Elliscasually drapes his arm along the back of my stool. “Is he excited for his birthday party?”
Nora groans, which causes Atlas to smile.
“Is everything okay?”I ask, even though I have a sneaking suspicion of what’s upset her.
Atlas nods, but Nora says, “No!”
“Um…” Cara sends us all a pleading look. “Explain.”
“His party is thisweekend,and I’m convinced I chose the wrong theme.”
Atlas looks down at her with nothing but love in his eyes. “And I told you, hedoesn’tcare—about the theme, the presents, the cake, any ofit. Kid’sgonnabe more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes than anything else.”
Nora’s shoulders slump. “Logically, I know this…”
