Chapter Two #2
“And, uh, we’re happy to have you as part of the family,” I added.
Atlas smiled even wider. “That means a lot to me.”
I nodded and extended the veggie tray out to him like it was some sort of peace offering. “I brought the veggie tray.”
“Come on, we’ll get this on ice and I’ll introduce you to some people,” Atlas said.
He grabbed my sister’s hand and I followed them inside the cottage.
It had been our nana’s house, and after she passed, she left it to my father.
When I moved out, I had to find my own place to live, but when Tegan was old enough to move out?
The cottage was ready and waiting for her—even if it was outdated.
That didn’t seem to be the case these days.
The wall separating the living room from the kitchen had been removed, making the space bright and open. There were new cabinets, appliances, and countertops, but it still had that rustic cottage appeal in the fixtures and finishes.
Very on-brand for my sister.
“House looks nice,” I told them.
“Doesn’t it?” Tegan said, beaming at her mate. “Atlas has been doing some renovations.”
“Just a few things here and there when I have time on the weekends,” Atlas said, obviously trying to downplay things. “The en suite was the first big project, and the kitchen was the second. I had to rush to get everything finished up for the engagement party.”
Shit. All the times my sister and mother had asked for my help with projects, and I’d shrugged them off. Now this guy was stepping in to fill in all the gaps.
It stung a little bit.
“Uh, you did a great job,” I admitted. It was a hell of a lot better than anything I could have done. Maybe it was for the best that they didn’t leave it to me.
“Thanks,” Atlas said, his muzzle wrinkling with another wide grin. “My parents own a hardware store, so I grew up doing a lot of home improvements.”
Well, that was unexpected. Given his meathead looks, golden retriever personality, and the fact that he used to own a mansion in Briar Glenn’s most affluent neighborhood, I figured he came from money.
The three of us stood there for a second just staring at one another, obviously unsure of where to take the conversation next. Social cues weren’t really my thing, and I wasn’t sure if I should apologize or if I should just carry on like everything was cool.
“Uh, where can I find a drink?” I asked when I couldn’t handle the awkward silence anymore.
“Oh! The cooler’s on the deck,” Atlas said.
“Thanks.” I tipped my head and exited through the slider that led to the back deck.
A giant tent was set up in the backyard, and lawn games were spread out over the grass.
With the summer heat, it seemed that most of the guests were trying to keep cool in the shade.
From a distance, I could make out a few familiar faces.
The mayor and his wife were talking with Tegan’s centaur neighbors, and the local mechanic was playing lawn darts with one of the girls who worked at the diner.
It might have been a hot day, but the town had really shown up to support Atlas and Tegan.
I bent over to dig around in one of the coolers when a voice chimed in from behind me.
“Are my eyes deceiving me or is that Reece Rollins’s fine ass gracing our presence?”
Fuck.
I’d been here a whole two minutes, and he’d already found me.
I plucked a bottle of water from the cooler and turned around to face my sister’s other best friend, Declan. He was the owner of Dale’s Diner, one of the only restaurants in Briar Glenn. Usually, he was dressed in mismatched clothes splattered with grease, but today he’d made himself presentable.
I shook the water bottle in his direction, sprinkling him with little drops of condensation. “What did I say about talking about my ass like that? I’ve known you since we were kids. It’s weird.”
Declan shrugged. “It’s only weird if you make it weird. I didn’t know you were going to grow up to be hot.”
I leaned against the railing and puffed out a breath. “Is Javi here yet?” When we weren’t at work, I tried to call Jimenez by his first name.
“He is. I think he’s chatting with your mom under the tent.”
I hummed and took a sip of my water.
“Honestly, I’m surprised you showed up,” Dec continued. “After all the shit you’ve been pulling.”
“Fuck, Dec. I don’t need a lecture from you.”
He put his hands on his hips and stared me down. It reminded me of how his dad would scold us when we were kids. “Apparently you do. This has really been bothering Tegan.”
“I know,” I said quietly. “It’s really been bothering me, too.”
“So quit your shit, then,” Dec huffed. He wiped a bead of sweat off his temple. “I have got to get out of this sun. Enjoy the party.” He gave me a little wave and walked off toward the tent.
I was about to follow Declan when the sliding door opened and Atlas joined me on the deck.
“Find something to drink?” he asked.
“Yep.” I held up my water bottle.
“Javier told me you’re training for a triathlon. How’s that going?”
Fucking Jimenez and his big mouth. I knew he was trying to be helpful, but I could figure out how to improve my swim time on my own.
“I’m having a hard time with the swimming portion.”
“You should come to the gym and train in the pool,” Atlas offered.
“I couldn’t do that.”
“Well, the offer’s there if you change your mind. Why don’t you come with me, and I’ll introduce you to some of my friends?” he suggested.
I had to give it to him. He was really making an effort to break the ice between us, and if I could get in with him, working things out with Tegan would be much easier.
“Uh, sure,” I said, and followed him out into the yard.