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

I have a really good feeling about that man.
I smile and turn toward my car, but throw a hand up to my chest
and gasp when I see him.
Atlas is standing at the rear of my car.
“Sorry. Wasn’t trying to scare you.”
I blow out a breath. “Well, you did.” I lean against the car and Atlas
stays where he is, three feet away from me. He looks out at the street.
“So? Who’s the lucky guy?”
“He’s.. .” My voice falters. This is all so weird. My chest is still
constricted and my stomach is flipping, and I can’t tell if it’s leftover
nerves from kissing Ryle or if it’s the presence of Atlas. “His name is
Ryle. We met about a year ago.”
I instantly regret saying we met that long ago. It makes it sound like
Ryle and I have been dating that long and we aren’t even officially
dating. “What about you? Married? Have a girlfriend?”
I’m not sure if I’m asking to extend the conversation he started, or
if I’m genuinely curious.
“I do, actually. Her name is Cassie. We’ve been together almost a
year now.”
Heartburn. I think I have heartburn. A year? I place my hand on my
chest and nod. “That’s good. You seem happy.”
Does he seem happy? I have no idea.
“Yeah. Well... I’m really glad I got to see you, Lily.” He turns
around to walk away, but then spins and faces me again, his hands
shoved in his back pockets. “I will say... I kind of wish this could
have happened a year ago.”
I wince at his words, trying not to let them penetrate. He turns and
walks back toward the restaurant.
I fumble with my keys and hit the button to unlock the car. I slide
in and pull the door shut, gripping the steering wheel. For whatever
reason, a huge tear falls down my cheek. A huge, pathetic, what-the-
hell-is-this-wetness tear. I swipe at it and push the button to start my
car.
I didn’t expect to feel this much hurt after seeing him.
But it’s good. This happened for a reason. My heart needed
closure so I can give it to Ryle, but maybe I couldn’t do that until this
happened.