Chapter 45

Makenna sat behind Atlas on his motorbike and held onto his shoulders tighter than she had the last time. She had the urge to take her helmet off and feel the wind in her hair, but she knew safety was more important than that. However, that didn't stop her from popping open the visor to feel the wind on her face. She closed her eyes and inhaled the cool air basking in the luxury of the moment.

Atlas glanced at his side mirror for a moment and smiled when he saw the peaceful look on her face. He glanced again, this time a little longer than the first time. He needed to engrave that look on her face to his memory.

Not too long later, Atlas pulled up outside Miller's store. He felt Makenna get off his bike and immediately missed her touch and nearness. He popped open his visor and watched her take off her helmet.

Makenna latched the chin strap after she'd taken it off and handed the helmet to Atlas. He reached for it and their hands touched. They looked at each other at the same time having felt the same thing - a zing.

Makenna let go of the helmet when it got uncomfortable for her,

"Thanks for dropping me off,"

"Anytime." Atlas didn't let his smile show, "See you later."

"See you." Makenna walked backwards a couple of steps before she turned around and headed towards the store,

Atlas watched her enter the store before he closed his visor and rode off.

The overhead doorbell rang as Makenna walked into the store and Tim turned her way. His smile made her nervous for some reason, but that didn't stop her from heading towards the check-out counter where he sat.

"You're beaming."

Makenna leaned against the counter with a frown,

"What do you mean?"

Tim gave her a look that said she needn't act clueless,

"I may be old, but I'm not blind."

"You? Old?" Makenna ignored whatever he was trying to tell her, "You don't look a day over 30."

Makenna could've sworn Tim blushed.

"You sure know how to make an old man feel beautiful."

Makenna chuckled.

"But don't think I don't know what you just did." He slid the keys to the storeroom,

Makenna grabbed the keys,

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Hm hmm," Tim said without looking her way,

Makenna headed to the storeroom and took off her backpack. She fished out her phone and headphones and then placed her bag in a corner. She wasted no time queueing up her playlist and got started on sorting the inventory, checking the items off a clipboard. She promised herself that she would get Tim to automate his inventory tracking before the end of the year. For her sake, she hoped it would be sooner.

Almost an hour went by that Makenna barely noticed. She was caught up with the music playing and the lightness she felt within her. She felt like she was walking on clouds. Although it was a weird feeling for her, she didn't want it to end.

When she was done, she returned the restocking cart to the storeroom, grabbed her bag and locked up the storeroom on her way out.

As she turned towards the check-out counter, Makenna looked up and almost tripped on her feet.

What the heck?

That was the only thought that crossed her mind as she watched Tim and Atlas in deep conversation that they didn't notice her.

Atlas knew she was standing nearby. How? Well, he had the greatest urge to turn in her direction. Not to mention, his sixth sense had gone haywire. But he was so invested in his conversation with Tim that he didn't want to miss anything he said.

"...and I know from experience that all that's meant for you will find its way to you."

"Does that include all the horrible things?"

Tim smiled and leaned in to get closer to Atlas,

"The horrible things that happen to us are because we live in a broken world."

"Including death?"

Tim's smile wavered,

"Death is inevitable for everyone. But you have to be able to see past it."

"Past death?" Atlas frowned, "What do you mean?"

Tim smiled,

"It's not the end. It's the beginning."

Atlas opened his mouth but nothing came out.

"Here you go, Tim." Makenna joined them, standing beside him,

"Oh, thank you, Makenna. I really do appreciate you helping out," Tim took the key she handed him,

"Tim, you need to stop saying that every time I hand you the keys." Makenna smiled, "We have a deal."

Tim nodded, saying nothing. Makenna looked at Atlas to find him looking at Tim, but not really looking at him. He seemed to have zoned out.

"Hey,"

Atlas snapped out of his reverie and turned to look at Makenna,

"Hey," He leaned away from the counter and stood tall,

Makenna waited for an answer to her unvoiced question.

"What are you doing back here?" She asked after a moment when he said nothing,

"Oh, I got to my place and realised I needed a few things."

"Hmm,"

"Really." Atlas pointed to the bag on the counter,

"You already got them," Makenna frowned, wondering how she didn't see him while restocking the shelves, "I didn't see you."

Atlas smiled, mostly to himself,

"You seemed occupied."

Makenna blinked.

Atlas grabbed the bag from the counter and looked back at her,

"How do you feel about dinner?"

"Pretty good." Makenna moved her weight to one leg, "I'm looking forward to having one tonight. By myself."

"If that's an invitation, you need to do better," Tim said as he scanned the paper he'd been reading since she walked in,

"I was getting to it," Atlas hid his smile as he looked from Tim to Makenna who stared stoically at him, "Mac, would you like to have dinner with me?"

"Just dinner?" Mac needed to confirm. She didn't want to play another guessing game in her head,

Atlas smiled and nodded,

"Just dinner."

Makenna waited for a beat before she nodded,

"Ok."

"Also, I'd love it if you chose the place."

"Perfect. Duke's it is."

"That's one way to do it," Tim said,

"Thanks for the talk, Tim."

"I'll be seeing more of you."

"Goodnight, Tim." Makenna said,

"You young ones have a good night." Tim looked up from his paper as they headed out of the store,

"You too," Atlas and Makenna called as they headed towards the door,

Atlas held the door open for Makenna. As she walked past him, he leaned in and whispered,

"Nice dance moves, by the way."

Makenna snapped her gaze to him, wide-eyed in horror at what he was insinuating.

He'd seen her dancing while restocking the shelves.

Makenna looked away from his smug face and stepped out of the store without a word. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction he was looking for.