15-05-2021-052358It-Ends-with-Us

just gave me. I pick up my first two cards when Atlas walks back into
the room.
“Hey, Atlas,” Jimmy says. “Who the hell is Cassie and how come
we’ve never heard you talk about her?”
Oh, shit.
I’m completely mortified. I tighten my grip around the cards in my
hands and try to avoid looking up at Atlas, but the room grows so
quiet, it would be more obvious if I didn’t look at him.
He’s staring at Jimmy. Jimmy is staring at him. Brad and Darin are
staring at me.
Atlas folds his lips together for a moment and then says, “There is
no Cassie.” His eyes meet mine, but only for a brief second. But in
that brief second, I can see it written all over his face.
There never was a Cassie.
He lied to me.
Atlas clears his throat and then says, “Listen, guys. I should have
cancelled tonight. This week has been kind of.. .” He rubs his hand
over his mouth and Jimmy stands up.
He squeezes Atlas on the shoulder and says, “Next week. My place.”
Atlas nods appreciatively. The three of them begin to gather their
cards and poker chips. Brad pries my cards from my fingers
apologetically because I’m unable to move as I clutch them tightly.
“It was lovely meeting you, Lily,” Brad says. I somehow find the
strength to smile and stand up. I give them all hugs goodbye and after
the front door closes behind them, it’s just me and Atlas in the room.
And no Cassie.
Cassie’s never even been in this room, because Cassie doesn’t exist.
What the hell?
Atlas hasn’t moved from his spot near the table. Neither have I.
He’s standing firm with his arms folded across his chest. His head is
slightly tilted down but his eyes are boring into me from across the
table.
Why would he lie to me?
Ryle and I weren’t even an official couple yet when I ran into Atlas
at that restaurant the first time. Hell, if Atlas had given me any reason
to believe there was a chance between us that night, I know without a