Page 13 of Atlas
“Jolene is, I don’t know… different.”
“Different how?”
Leaning my elbows on my desk, I thought about it. “Jo isn’t used to working as a scientist. She’s conducting interviews with previous cult members at the moment, and I’ve seen some of the recordings. Sometimes the interviews seem more like a therapy session, but I guess she can’t help herself.”
“Nice try, Atlas, but I was asking about her looks for a reason. Don’t pretend you didn’t understand what I was hinting at.”
Picking up a stress ball from my table, I threw it from one hand to the other. “Are you sure you want to go there? I’m not the only single person in this room. How about we talk about you and your love life?”
“No, thank you. I prefer to stay on track and discuss yours.”
“And you think my dating an employee is a great idea? Did I imagine your rant in the lift about John and Jennifer?”
“That’s not the same. John is married, and that’s the part that bothers me the most. That, and the fact that Jennifer is screwing him to get promoted.”
“I’ve never dated an employee.”
Lumi looked thoughtful. “I just thought that since she’s a psychologist, she might be one of the few who could manage you.”
“Manage me?” I narrowed my eyes.
Lumi sighed and leaned her head back. “You know what I mean. You’ll need someone strong and smart who won’t be scared off by your history… our history.”
Squeezing the stress ball in my hand, I spoke on an exhalation. “I hired her to help me find answers. Not to fit the role as my private psychologist with benefits.”
“Now you're just obstinate. You keep distracting yourself with meaningless flings, but I want to see you in a real relationship, Atlas. Is that so wrong?”
“No.” Placing my elbows on my table again, I leaned forward and looked straight at her. “I want the same for you. So, give me an update. Did you find Mr. Right yet?”
Lumi brushed at her pants before meeting my eyes. “No.”
I gave a small laugh. “Ah, so that’s what this is about. You’re feeling the longing to be in a relationship, but you don’t want to get hurt, so you’re projecting it onto me, hoping that I’ll fall in love and get burned so that you can tell yourself, it’s better to stay single.”
Arching a brow, my sister spoke in an offended tone. “Of course not. Spare me your psychoanalysis. I would find love if men weren’t so intimidated by my success. River says that I need to make a man feel needed, but I’m not going to pretend that I’m helpless to soothe his ego.”
“I’ve told you a million times what you need.”
She rolled her eyes. “A comedian.”
“He doesn’t have to be a comedian. Just someone who can help you relax and laugh a little.”
“That’s all fine, but I lose interest in a man if he doesn’t challenge me intellectually.”
“So, find a fun professor.”
“If only it were that easy. Do you know what a professor makes a year?”
“Why? I didn’t think that was important to you.”
“It’s not! But it always ends up being an issue. I told you: men are intimidated by my success.” She shook her head. “Enough about me. My wish for you to find love is genuine, Atlas. I’m sensing a loneliness in you.”
I pumped the stress ball in my hand again. “I’m fine.”
She was silent and tilted her head as if trying to read my mind. “I’m not convinced. Why don’t you come home soon? Maybe a bit of family time would be good for you. Saffron has her sixth birthday coming up. Everyone will be at the house.”
“February eighth. Yes, I’m well aware. I spoke to her yesterday morning, and she made me promise that I’d be there.”
Lumi stood up. “Excellent. Will you walk me out?”
