Page 78 of Blinding Lights

ATLAS: Honestly, nothing in life is certain but Henley is the one thing I am sure about. She means the world to me. I'll do everything in my power to protect her and make sure we talk through things every step of the way.

His words stab me in the chest, and I sit with them for a beat before I respond. I have to believe that Henley and I will be okay.

While the truth to what he’s saying is a lot to think about, it’s what he’s not saying that hurts the most.

If they didn’t take that risk they’d never be happy. And what kind of life is that?

Sadness overwhelms me because I’m not sure it’s that easy for me.

ME: She’s lucky to have you.

They both deserve so much happiness. And if that’s together, I’m happy for them.

ATLAS: I’m the lucky one, and I’m trying like hell to make her see that I’m worth it.

ME: I have a feeling you have nothing to worry about. Thank you for taking care of her.

ATLAS: Always.

If only I had the same confidence when it comes to Lily.

Chapter Twenty-Two

LILY

After seeing my broken expression the morning after my goodbye with Beckett, Henley offered me twenty-four hours of grace before she expected details.

It’s now been twenty-three hours and fifty-nine minutes, meaning I have⁠—

“Okay.” She pushes through the door to our office and closes it behind her. “Charley is manning the store, and as long as someone doesn’t come in asking about fated mates or another trope she’s never heard of, we’re fine.”

“What are fated mates?” I mock confusion to buy myself time, but it doesn’t work.

“Stop. We only have about thirty minutes. You need to spill.”

“Technically, I have one—” Henley emits a beep like an alarm and I wince exaggeratedly. “Okay, I get it; time is up.”

“It is. You’re lucky I’ve been so patient. It’s killing me. I even called Beckett last night but he sent me straight to voicemail, accompanied with a ‘talk soon’ text. And we both know Beckett’s ‘soon’ could be months.”

I wince again, this time because of her “we both know” comment. Because I do know him. We’ve probably only spent the equivalent of a few days together, yet I feel like I’ve known him all my life.

“Where do I start?” I ask, hoping she can guide the conversation.

Henley frowns but recovers quickly, hitting me with what I’m sure is her most burning question. “What happened between you and my brother? I want the truth but make it PG. I love you but he’s still my brother.”

“When have I ever given you a story that wasn’t PG?”

“When you had Ava.” She stares at me deadpan. “I didn’t see a thing, and yet, I can’t unsee it. You were very descriptive.”

“And I’m not sorry at all. You asked.”

“You’re right. That’s on me. And I want that honesty again this time. Without the finer details.”

Henley drops down to the couch opposite my desk, and I sink back into my chair. I’m just about to open my mouth to speak when she jumps up again. “This couch is good, right?”

“Huh?” My head tilts and her face softens.

“Never mind. I forgot who I was talking to. Go on.”