Page 52 of Westward

“Okay, let’s get some painting done. I’m excited.” Keely bounced forward, kissed Felicity on the cheek, and then handed me a flute of sparkling wine. “And I’m so giddy that you were able to come tonight. Is Will okay?”

Everyone turned to me at her question, and I nodded, grateful that all of these women cared so much.

“Yes, he’s doing much better. Although it’s going to take a while for him to heal.”

“He’s working tonight,” Gwen put in, and as Teagan raised a brow, I winced.

“He refused to sit in Atlas’s house any longer, nor would he sit at mine. So Rune concocted a scheme where he needed him to work in the office.”

Gwen grinned. “Meaning my son is being the mother hen that he needs to be, and making sure Will feels useful, but isn’t actually doing anything.”

“I wouldn’t want to have to kick Rune’s ass,” Teagan said with a laugh.

“Honestly, I feel you could actually do that,” Keely added. “I mean, he may be tough, but you’re tougher.”

Teagan flexed her muscles. “Damn straight I am. I mean, your son’s great and all, but I could totally kick his ass.”

Gwen waved it off. “And he would deserve it. One day, he will find a nice woman to settle down with and be happy.” She looked around the room, between Keely and Teagan, and both of them nearly choked on their wine.

“Oh no, no no no no no. There’s no way I’m ever going to date your son. I mean, no.” Teagan drained the rest of her drink, looking slightly disgusted.

I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh. Those two were not a case of enemies-to-lovers. No, they were friends who stayed friends. I wasn’t sure if they had ever tried dating, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if Teagan had ever dated within our friend circle. It was a small town after all. I had been with Atlas for so long that there had never been anyone else for me when we had all been one group before breaking apart to go to college and so on.

“You two would break each other,” Gwen said dryly. I was the one who choked this time, and Gwen blushed.

“I didn’t mean that. And Keely, I love you, but we both know that my son is too much of an asshole for you.”

“Hey, I don’t mind jerks. But Rune does scare me.” She held up her free hand. “I feel like he could take over the world and no one would know until it was too late.”

“Honestly, that’s a very good explanation of who Rune is,” Teagan said dryly.

“And since you’re the exact same as him, no, no dating. I have my eye on someone to set him up with, though,” Felicity sing-songed.

“We both know if you set Rune up with anyone, he’s going to beat you up,” I teased. “Or he’s going to get Callum to spank you.” I put my hand over my mouth and realized I had just said that in front of Felicity’s mother. Who also happened to be Atlas’s mother…

“Elizabeth!” Keely exclaimed. “Really? Now?”

“I’m just glad you have a little bit of your spark back.” Gwen patted my cheek and then pointed towards the paintings. “Now let’s get going before my dear husband shows up and takes me away before I’m done being terrible at this whole painting thing.”

“Excuse me? I’ve seen the arts and crafts in your house. You’re going to blow all of us out of the water.” I wrapped my arm around her waist and squeezed.

“She’s not lying there,” Felicity said with a sigh. “It’s not fair. She’s just great at everything she does.”

“Oh, please, tell me more,” Gwen said, fluttering her eyelashes. “I just love having all of my girls here. Atlas is home, and well, I’m glad that you’re here.” There were so many emotions put in those words as she stared at me, and I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Mrs. Carter,” I began.

“Gwen. I was Gwen when he wasn’t here, and I’ll be Gwen no matter what.” The sincerity in her tone let a single tear fall down my cheek, and she reached up and gently wiped it away. “You’re stuck with me for life, girl. I just hope my boy doesn’t screw this up.”

“Gwen!” I blurted, another tear falling.

“Well, statistically speaking, if it’s going to be anyone, it’s going to be him over you,” Teagan said, and then looked down at her empty wine glass. “And apparently I’m a lightweight. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say it like that.”

I shook it off, knowing exactly what she meant. “I don’t know what’s happening with me and Atlas, other than we’re trying to figure things out. And I’m not going into detail.” I raised a brow at Atlas’s mother. “I promise.”

She set down her wine glass so she could hold up both hands in surrender.

Keely leaned forward. “So you’re dating. I have so many questions. I wasn’t here when you guys were together the first time, and well, I would love to know more, but I don’t want to know too much and then ruin the night.”