34. Layne

Chapter thirty-four

Layne

D riving myself to work today in our new truck was a new experience for me. I know I complained about needing a car to stay on time and not spending the money on ride shares, but fuck, I didn’t realize how shitty it was driving in the city. Don’t even get me started on parking. Luckily, there is some parking behind the shop. I texted Kris to make sure it was okay for me to park back there, to which she said it was fine.

Atlas ran out when he heard the truck pull, and the look on his face was priceless.

“La La, that’s a lot of truck for a small girl like you,” he laughs, checking it out from every angle.

“You’re telling me! Wes had me practice driving it around the property before he left for work. He’s paranoid that I’m going to hurt someone.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked him.” Atlas nods his head, then smirks at me before bursting into laughter. “Come on, woman. We have a shit ton of orders to pack up.”

“Wait, so you mean to tell me, you finally opened up to someone other than me about that sleazeball who abused you as a kid?” Atlas’s mouth hangs open as I tell him about opening up to Wes. “How did Wes handle it? He kinda gives off, ‘Touch my wife and die’ vibes.”

Oh, Atlas…you do not know how scary accurate that is.

“You have no idea. He… is still processing it.” It’s not a lie, per se.

Atlas chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “Well, I guess I can’t be mad at him for that. You deserve all the protection and love in the world, La La. Now, enough heavy stuff, let’s get to work!”

We both dive into the task at hand, putting our energy into packing up book orders and focusing on the present moment. We work together in tandem. Atlas and I have a comfortable rhythm, effortlessly moving around the shop and efficiently packing up orders. The sound of tape being ripped and boxes being sealed fills the air, accompanied by our occasional laughter and banter.

I can’t help but feel grateful for Atlas’s presence in my life. He’s been my rock, my confidant, and the one person who has seen me through my darkest moments. Opening up to Wes about my past was a gigantic step for me, and having Atlas’s support means the world.

After we finish up with the orders, Atlas looks at me with a mischievous grin. “Hey La La, you up for a little adventure after work? There is a great spot where we can grab some burgers and chill.”

I smile, feeling a sense of excitement. “Sure, why not? After all, we deserve a break after all this hard work.”

We close up the shop and hop into the truck, ready for a small escape from the city chaos. As we drive, the wind blowing through the open windows, I can’t help but appreciate the freedom and sense of liberation that comes with being behind the wheel .

Atlas turns on the radio, and one of our favorite songs plays, “Downfall” by Trust Company. We both sing along, completely immersed in the moment. It’s moments like these that remind me of the simple joys in life and the importance of surrounding myself with people who genuinely care.

Arriving at the burger joint, we find a cozy corner booth and indulge in some delicious food. I pull out my phone and send a quick text to Wes, letting him know I would be home a little late. The atmosphere is lively, and the laughter and chatter of other patrons fill the air. It’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

Savoring the last bites of our food, Atlas leans back in his seat, a contented smile on his face. “You know, La La, life may throw us curveballs, but as long as we have the ones we love and moments like these, we’ll be just fine.”

“Oh, you’re some kind of philosopher now, are you?” I laugh, throwing a French fry at him.

“Hey, for all you know, I could be the next Voltaire.”

“So,” I say, kicking out my foot to hit his under the table. “What’s up with you and Sky?”

Atlas rolls his eyes. “He’s going to some work conference in LA and he asked me to go with him. Said we could stay a little longer and turn it into a little before Christmas vacation. I haven’t said yes.”

“Yet.” I say with a grin.

“Christmas is soon,” he says, cleaning up the trash from the table. Atlas gets up and chucks it in the trash bin. “What do you guys have planned?”

“No clue. I assume we are going to stay home and watch movies. Hey do you think you and Sky would go with me to Berkeley tomorrow so I can try to find something for Wes for Christmas?”

Atlas pulls out his phone and sends off a text. His phone immediately chirps back at him. “Yep, we’ll go with you. Do you want to drive or I can have Sky pick us both up? ”

I consider Atlas’s offer for a moment before responding, “I can drive us. It’ll be nice to have some more practice on the road in the beast.” Atlas nods in agreement and sends a quick text to Sky, letting him know the plan. We finish up our meal and make our way back to the truck, ready to head back to the city.

The drive back into the city reminds me why I love it so much. City lights illuminate the night sky, casting a magical glow over the streets. The conversation flows effortlessly between us, as we discuss everything from shows we want to see this summer and plans. Atlas opens up about his uncertainties with Sky, expressing his fear of commitment and the unknown. I listen attentively, offering support and understanding.

I drop Atlas off at his house. His mom is outside grabbing the mail, so I hop out and run to give her a quick hug before heading home. It’s a twenty-five minute drive from Atlas’s house to our place. I pull up the drive and punch in the gate code. It’s swings shut and clicks, so I pull forward and park right next to Wes’s car.

Making my way up the stairs, I look up and see my sexy as fuck husband sitting on the couch, glasses on and book in hand. I drop my keys on the mail table and set my bag down. “Whatcha reading, Wessy?”

Wes sets his book aside and delicately removes his glasses, holding them in his hand as he brings them to his lips. “Return of the King.”

I should have known.

“How many times have you read those books? You know I work in a bookstore. I can bring you home so many books. Even fantasy if that’s what you want.” I roll my eyes, hoping he didn’t catch it.

“I’ve read the complete series probably twenty times. And I’ll continue to read them, and one day, when we have little hobbits of our own, I will read them the books.”

He just referred to our future children as little hobbits.

“Come here, Ma Petite Mort ,“ holding out his hand to me .

I kick my shoes off and walk over to him. I snuggle in between his legs as he wraps his arms around me. “Read to me, please?”

“Mmm, talk dirty to me, baby.” He pulls me up for a tender kiss, pulls back and slides his glasses back up his face.

I lay in his arms while he reads to me from one of his favorite books. I end up falling asleep in his arms to the sound of his voice.

The next morning, as I get ready to head out to pick up Atlas and Sky, I can’t help but feel a little excited. I dress in comfortable jeans and one of Wes’s sweatshirts, ready for a day of shopping. Both Atlas and Sky have the day off, so I pick them up at Atlas’s house. We all pile into the truck, ready for our day of shopping.

Laughter, music, and vibrant conversations fill the truck as we drive to Berkeley. We arrive at our destination, Telegraph Ave. is a street lined with quaint shops and boutiques. We explore the stores, searching for the perfect gift for Wes. Atlas and Sky offer their opinions and suggestions, making this even more enjoyable. Sky offers practical gift ideas, like a Metallica vinyl, or even some new books. Atlas, holds up a copy of the Kama Sutra, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Keepin’ it spicy. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.” Atlas shoves the book in my arms.

“I don’t think we will be needing this, Atlas.” I thumb through the pages, giggling because Wes definitely doesn’t need to get his hands on something like this.

We’d never leave the bed.

After a few hours of shopping and having not found anything, we decide to take a break and grab a bite to eat at the best pizza place in Berkeley. We sit at a table near the front of the shop, sipping our sodas. The conversation turns to holiday plans and you can feel the tension between Atlas and Sky. Atlas shares his uncertainty about going to LA with Sky, expressing his fears and doubts once again. Sky listens patiently, offering reassurance and understanding.

“It’s just a conference, Atty. If you don’t want to stay down there, we can come right back home when it’s finished.” Sky reaches over and steals the crust from Atlas’s plate.

“First off.” he snatches the crust back from Sky’s hand. “And second, it’s fine. We’ll stay and relax, okay? A vacation.”

With our bellies full and our spirits lifted, we continue our shopping spree, finding the perfect gift for Wes in a secondhand shop that specializes in carrying merch from bands. Happy with my purchase, we make our way back to the truck, arms laden with shopping bags, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment.

Heading back across the bridge into the city, the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The radio plays low in the background. I glance over at Atlas and Sky, smiling at the love that they so clearly share. Atlas is asleep against Sky’s shoulder.

“He loves you, you know?” I offer, as we cross over the Bay Bridge back into the city.

Sky kisses Atlas’s forehead. “I know. I love him too.”