Atone (The Disciples 2)

“Sometimes we need to remember that we do have people who care. You did that for me, David. You saved my life. Don’t make me not be able to return the favor.” I stare at him. He knows I’m a loose cannon.

He starts up the Ferrari and shuts the door. “Things get too fucked up here, you know where we are.”

I nod as he takes off, the Ferrari like a slick panther gliding across the long driveway.

Lifting my face to the sun, I let its warmth bleed into me, burn my mind into focusing on the task, not the demons that want to bring me down.

Atone. He’s right. We all need to. Reed’s people found something, and it’s time I got started.CHARLIE“Jesus.” Cindy looks up from the computer as I walk in. After David left me at the diner, I took an Uber to my apartment, so I could at least take a shower, then decided to take a little more time with hair and makeup.

I’m wearing some cute clothes today—a pink sheer shirt with a black bra and a pair of black skinny jeans. I wanted to wear heeled boots too, but the reality set in: I’ll be limping like an idiot and crying in two hours.

“Cindy, do you know if Charlize ordered more tomatoes? Or is she planning to go to the farmers market tomo—” My mom stops dead in her tracks, causing poor Raphael, our busboy, to collide with her from behind.

“So sorry, Mrs. A.,” he mumbles as he walks around her.

“I know, she’s glowing.” Cindy waves her hand in front of her mouth as if she ate something spicy.

“Oh my God. Who is he? And you have my permission to marry him.”

My mom falls right into Cindy’s dramatics and their eyes fill with tears while they scrutinize me.

“You two are crazy.” I sashay over to them as my mom grabs me for a tight hug.

“My prayers are answered.”

“Mom, you’re not religious.” I stand stiffly. They haven’t even given me a chance to put my bag down. “You’re being absurd.” I try to pull back, but her knowing blue eyes scan my face.

“I haven’t seen you look like this ever.” She grabs my arm and drags me around the counter where Cindy stands with a stupid smirk.

“Trust me, it’s nobody. I just put some makeup on and Cindy and I got our hair cut.” I toss my giant Marc Jacobs bag under the counter.

“She’s lying. Yesterday, we had girls’ day at the salon, and then we played pool. Charlie got drunk and a hot fucking biker saved her.”

My mom’s eyes were going back and forth between Cindy and me, a huge smile on her glossed-up lips until Cindy said that magic word.

“Wait… a biker?” She holds up her hands as if that can freeze time. “That’s a joke, right?”

“Um… I need to go to the ladies’ room.” Cindy literally runs away. I almost grab her arm because if I have to hear it, so should she. After all, she started it.

Sighing, I look my mom right in the eye and raise a brow. I dare her to say anything. I’m fucking twenty-six and her choices in men are so bad she can’t possibly think to lecture. I lean down to put my keys and sunglasses into my purse.

“What part about us getting our hair done or me playing pool and having a couple of cocktails is making you think it’s a joke?”

“Please God.” Mom slaps the counter. “Please tell me this is not what I think.”

She looks around the restaurant as if she’s paranoid about being heard and starts whispering, “I heard he was back in town, but I thought to myself, there is no way.” She’s becoming animated and customers sitting at the counter turn to look at us.

“Calm down. I have no idea what you’re even talking about.” My voice is low and calm, but she’s far from it and her whole chest flushes as she breathes rapidly.

“Cindy dragged me out last night to play pool. It turned out to be a little rougher place than we’re used to. So, a nice man helped us leave.”

I have to turn away and pretend that I’m engrossed in the pile of mail sitting in the corner. If I look at her, she’ll know I’m lying. It’s hard not to smirk at my “nice man” comment and I have to bite my bottom lip hard.

“Holy God.” She massages her temples. “How can this be happening? I warned you years ago he was bad. My God. How is this possible? He just got into town.” Her hands drop dramatically.

“Mom, I’m a grown woman,” I remind her, even though the things she’s upset about with David are 99 percent true.

“And… he’s my mistake to make.” I look at her. “Yes, he’s damaged and unavailable, but that makes me want him more. Deep down, he needs me.” I put my hand on my heart as she looks like she needs a glass of water, or maybe wine.