18. Chapter 18

RAPHAEL

The little ball of sunshine that is Atlas has been the highlight of my day. The strange little texts and tidbits of information that Atlas sends over during the day make me smile. His anxiety hasn’t hit the same highs that it used to and I miss the little outbursts but am glad that he feels comfortable with me at his side. Karla has asked me more than once what I’m chuckling about and showing her only has her giggling with me. The past few days have been the happiest of my life. And today, knowing that we’ll finally have our first real date outside of this building has a wild smile pressed on my lips.

We haven’t discussed where we go from here but I hope that he’ll be open to moving in, not because I want to overwhelm him but because I want him safe and healthy. It’s the least I can do and if he wants to pay rent, I won’t stop him. But that money will be saved for a rainy day for the two of us. I want Atlas to enjoy the life ahead of him and while I respect his need to struggle, sometimes a little relief is a good thing.

He wouldn’t let me buy him a new car and I understand why. Money truly would cheapen the hard work he had done to get to that point. However, I hope Atlas will at least enjoy the small surprise that I have for him today when I pick him up this afternoon. There’s mere minutes left in the day and I have been waiting to call or text my boyfriend. I didn’t want to disturb his concentration but he should have finished by now.

Unable to help myself, I pull out my phone.

Finished?

Stop rushing me. ^^

I snort at the stupid emoji he attaches.

You didn’t answer the question.

Because I’m not done.

Stop being a brat, little one.

I’m not. I just haven’t finished.

And you’re texting during an exam? What kind of college do you attend?

I never said I was taking my exam. Just that I wasn’t done.

I frown because the last we talked, his exam was just after 2 pm. It’s barely 4 so unless he sped through it, he should still be in the exam room. I dial his number, a giggle filtering through. A woman’s giggle. “Where is Atlas?”

“Right here.” I recognize the voice as Tracey’s, one of Atlas’ coworkers. “He’s a little busy.”

“Give me the phone!” Atlas whisper-yells. “Sorry, she was looking at my phone and grabbed it when you called. No! You can’t call him Daddy Raphael. Fuck. Sorry.”

I can’t help but laugh at how awkward my lover is. He’s adorable when he’s flustered and even more so when he’s embarrassed. I love his relationship with Tracey and how he can share this part of his life with someone else. “Atlas, your exam is over, right?”

“Yeah, we went for ice cream as a stress relief. You said you had meetings so I was just waiting.”

“I’ll be there in 20. We have a date if I remember correctly.”

“We do,” he purrs in my ear.

“Just one question, Atlas. You did pass that final, right? I’d like to celebrate but…” I’m teasing, knowing how hard Atlas studied the past few days. I get a mumbled yes before Tracey starts giggling again and then Atlas rushes a goodbye, telling me he loves me. I just hope he’ll still love me after I show up in the present I’m bringing.