Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
I plate us each up a few slices before sliding onto the stool on her other side. Most of our meals together so far have been met with little fanfare, other than her thanking us—despite being told no thanks are necessary.
But her first bite of pizza—it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The little happy squirm she does after each bite is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
In this moment, she’s pure and unbridled joy, and I’m the lucky fucker getting to bask in the glow of her smile.
“So, tell me, Nora,” Scarlet says around a mouthful of pizza, ever the lady. “What did you think of Dr. Snider?”
Nora chews and swallows before answering. “She seemed really nice.”
Scarlet swipes her tongue over her teeth and then leans a little closer. “Did you give any thought to what she asked?”
My heart slows in my chest as my entire body tenses; I’m a predator about to pounce and rip the throat out of my prey, because I know exactly what Scarlet’s asking.
But Nora beats me to it. “I’ve already made up my mind, thanks.”
“Are you sure?” Scarlet presses, never knowing when to leave well enough alone. “You have options, Nora. You don’t have to keep—”
“I know you’re coming from a good place,” Nora cuts her off, leaning back into me.
I press a hand to the small of her back in a silent display of support, letting her know I’m here for her.
“I’m sure it probably seems strange, but I love my baby, and I’m keeping it. Just like I would never judge another woman for choosing differently, I hope you can find it in you to respect me and my decision.”
Scarlet flushes but nods all the same. “Got it.”
“Thanks.” Nora twists in her stool so that she can look my way. “But I have been thinking about something…”
“What’s up?” I already know whatever she says, I’ll do my best to make it happen.
“I think I’d like to speak with someone. A professional. I-I used to see a lady named Maggie, but it’s been years.”
“Do you know her last name?” Ellis asks. He’s been so quiet, I almost forgot he was with us.
“Tyler.” She tips her head to the side. “I think.”
Ellis nods, before giving voice to what I’m already thinking. “I’ll find her.”
And we will, because if there’s one thing I know—if Nora needs it, we’ll work tirelessly to make sure she has it.
CHAPTER 18
NORA
“Ithink talking to Atlas about finding some type of online job is a great idea,” Maggie says, smiling at me through the screen. “The first step of many toward taking back your independence.”
“I do, too.” I glance away from the screen. “I just worry I’m not really qualified for anything.”
Maggie takes a sip from her mug, regarding me over the rim. “There are plenty of positions you’re qualified for, Nora. Don’t make problems where they don’t exist.”
My shoulders slump in defeat. “You’re right. I know you are. It’s just hard not to look for all the ways something can go wrong.” Especially when so much in my life already has, I add bitterly in my head.
“I know, which is why I want you to start a gratitude journal. That way, whenever life feels overwhelming or it feels like everything’s going wrong, you can look back and reflect on all that’s going right.”
“Okay, yeah. I can do that.”
“Good. We’ll talk again at the same time next week, but if you need me before then, I’m only a call away.”
“Thanks, Maggie.” I lower my eyes and scrape my teeth over my lower lip before refocusing on the screen. “I really missed you—talking to you, I mean.”
Maggie smiles, her eyes crinkling in the corner. “I missed you, too, Nora,” she says, before ending our session.
Tears blur my vision as I stare at the blank screen. Maggie kept our talk pretty surface-level, but just hearing her voice again after so long has a whole mess of emotions writhing inside of me, fighting to break free.
I’m still sitting at his desk, silently crying, when Atlas finds me.
“Shit, Pip.” He rushes into the room, scooping me into his arms. “Are you okay? Talk to me, pretty girl.”
“I just…” I shake my head, unable to give voice to thoughts swirling around in my head like a tornado.
“Shh.” Atlas pulls me closer, and I nestle my head in the crook of his neck. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
He holds me, whispering softly, as I cry out all of my hurt. By the time I pull back, his neck and shirt are damp from my tears, though if he notices, he mercifully doesn’t comment on it.
“You with me?” he asks, smoothing my hair back from my face.
“Yeah.” I try to wriggle out of his hold, but he only pulls me closer, not giving an inch. If he was anyone else, I know I would lose myself to fear, but just like I know the sun will rise each morning, I know Atlas would never hurt me. “I’m with you.”