Page 72 of Engaging Opal

It’s early, too early to be calling someone, but Atlas is an early riser. He’s out the door for his morning run before anyone else wakes. Since winning Jo back, Atlas has been staying at her condo, and I really need to talk to her.

If I could avoid getting Atlas involved, I would. He’s Gauge’s friend first. But he’ll soon learn my wish to move out of the club when I ask for help to find a secure apartment and job. I’m kicking myself for not getting Jo’s number the night we met, but there wasn’t urgency for it. I wasn’t aware my life was going togo boots up.

“Buenos días, Opal,” Atlas answers in his baritone voice. “What’s up?”

He sounds so chipper, so unlike the serious man who carries the world on his shoulders. It must be the Jo affect. She’s doing wonders for his personality.

“Morning, Atlas. Is Jo available?”

“Pixie,” Atlas calls to Jo. “Opal’s asking for you.”

A moment later, Jo’s sing-song voice greets me. “Hi, Opal. What did you need?”

As nervous as I am asking for help, I’m determined to speak up. “I applied to a GED program.”

“Opal, that’s awesome news. I’m excited for you,” Jo says with warm encouragement.

“What’s going on? What awesome news?” Atlas whispers loudly in the background.

“Stop being nosey,” Jo scolds. “She’s talking to me. Stay in your lane.”

“Opal is my family. Therefore, my business,” he gripes. “Spill.”

“No,” Jo refuses defiantly.

I conceal my giggle with my hand. Jo is probably the only person who has ever refused Atlas.

Atlas groans in the background. “Opal, please. Tell Jo to tell me.”

I give Jo permission to fill in Atlas. He seems uneasy with the idea until I explain it’s online. As long as the crew can keep watch over me, he’s all for me continuing my education.

“I wonder, well, hope really, that I could come out to the new headquarters site to study and do my lessons. It’s crowded at the rental, and the guys are in and out. I’m afraid I’ll be too distracted to concentrate.”

“Opal, it’s a construction site. People are walking all over the place. It’s constant noise. I’m not sure it’s the best alternative to the rental,” Jo states, her voice skeptical.

“Oh.” I bite my bottom lip. How do I explain I need to be away from Gauge without actually saying the words? “I just thought with half the crew being on-site, there would be enough men to monitor me while getting out of the rental. The kitchen is a distraction and the bunnies interrupt me even with minor stuff.”

Jo is quiet on her end for a long moment. “Is this more about escaping the rental or escaping someone at the rental?”

I don’t know what to say, so I say nothing at all. Gauge’s betrayal is too fresh for me to discuss.

When I don’t respond, Jo says, “Jared—that’s my general contractor—and I have an office trailer on-site we use for more of the desk work. You’re welcome to use it anytime you want. Fair warning: my crew is in and out of there all day long.”

Relief washes over me. “Really? You don’t mind?”

“Not at all. If this is what you need to help you complete your GED, then so be it.”

A few tears squeak out of the corners of my eyes. It’s surprising I have any left after bawling my eyes out last night.

“Thank you, Jo. This means a lot to me.”

“Maybe you’d like to spend a few nights out at my place with Atlas and me. I don’t have a spare room, but I have a super plush couch you can crash on.”

“It’s amazing,” Atlas hollers in the background. “I fucking love that sofa.”

A smile breaks across my face. My heart is destroyed, but I have a silver lining. “I’d loved to crash on your couch.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

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