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This was a terrible idea. I wasn’t even sure why I agreed to this meeting. What if Atlas hated me? What if he took one look at my face and decided that he wanted nothing to do with me? It wasn’t like I expected him to want a relationship with me. I was twenty-one years old and had two amazing dads who had given me everything. Why did I need to ruin it by bringing a stranger into the mix?
Leo had spoken with Atlas after the paternity test came back, confirming that I was, in fact, his son. I was so fucked up over it that I couldn’t answer my phone when he called, and so Leo had taken the lead. He had been cautious yet cheerful, and when he told me that Atlas wanted to meet, I agreed. And right now, I was regretting that decision.
“Hon?” Leo whispered. “Do you want to leave? We can go. Atlas said he wasn’t going to force you into doing something you weren’t comfortable with. He would understand.”
I stared down at him, taking in his baby blue eyes and the way they seemed to pop out at me. Leo was wearing makeup again today. “As long as you’re here...” I felt my knees begin to give out, and I quickly sat down on the bench outside the restaurant we were meeting Atlas at.
“Breathe, hon, breathe.” Leo’s fingers combed through my hair. “Tell me three things you can see.”
I had no choice but to open my eyes. “You, that tree with the pink flowers, and the restaurant.”
“Good, baby. Now three things you can hear.”
“Your voice, that motorcycle that just drove by, and the sound of my heart.”
Leo nodded. “And now three things you can smell.”
“You.” I pushed my face against his neck. “That sweet cinnamon smell that drives me crazy. The laundry detergent you always use, and whatever they’re cooking at the restaurant. It smells like a steak.”
Leo forced me to look at him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” I whispered, then slid my lips over his. “Thank you.”
His brows shot up. “For what?”
“Helping me relax, coming with me. I’m scared out of my mind.”
“I would do anything for you, Andy.”
My heart thumped against my chest. “I’m terrified that he’s not going to like me.” The confession slipped easily from my lips.
“He’s going to love you., Leo assured me. He straightened the collar of my shirt and then smoothed his hand down the front, his glittery blue nails sparkling in the sun.
I gave a tight smile. “I don’t know about that.”
“Please, you’re amazing.” Leo kissed me. “Talented.” Another kiss. “Smart.” Kiss. “Mine.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “I don’t think you have to worry about Atlas like that, Ricky.” I threaded our fingers together and took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
“Yeah?” Leo beamed happily. “Come on, come on, let’s go. I’m excited to meettheAtlas Connors. He’s so hot. Like Daddy hot.”
I grunted. “You’re only here for him, aren’t you?” I stood up and helped Leo to his feet. “That’s what this is, right? You’re going to dump me for Atlas the minute you see him.”
“Duh.” Leo giggled and rose to his toes. “There is no one else I want in this world more than you, Andy Olson.”
I yanked him against me. “Damn right.”
I slanted my mouth over his and felt the way Leo relaxed against me, his body melting against mine. Things between us had been amazing. No more secrets. No more lies or hidden truths. Sometimes I went with him for the weekend for a race, and other times I stayed home. I worked on a few songs with the twins, and even Lucas. Now that he had graduated, he was eager to join the band.
I continued my therapy sessions with Harrison and had started on a medication that was helping. I wasn’t a hundred percent, but I felt better than I had in a long time. And as for my mother. Well, she had been arrested. Turns out she was wanted on multiple accounts, including larceny, child abuse, extortion, and soliciting a police officer. She was going away for a long, long time, and I didn’t even feel bad about it. In fact, with the help of my dads and Killian, I had a restraining order put in place, and she couldn’t even reach out to me anymore without getting into even trouble.
As we stepped inside the restaurant, I spotted Atlas right away. He was sitting in a booth, his head down as he scrolled through his phone and a glass of water before him. But when he looked up, our eyes locked, and I saw myself in twenty years. The hazel eyes, the dirty-blond hair; there was no way this man wasn’t my father. He quickly climbed from the booth as his face broke into a smile, one that lit up his entire face.
“Andy.” Atlas clasped a hand on my shoulder. “I’m so glad that you agreed to meet me. And, Leo,” His gaze darted to my fiancé. “I’m thrilled to meet you both.”
Leo giggled nervously. “The pleasure is all mine.”
“Do you two want to sit down?” Atlas gestured toward the booth, but I surprised myself when I wrapped my arms around him in a hug.
