Read Online Atonement by J. H. Cardwell - Free Book Online

her to make it go away…for it to not be true.
    Suddenly my body reacted to her demand, and I was breathing again. My vision focused, and I began to cry. To wail actually, that’s what I started doing. I felt sorry for Elle suddenly. She had to witness this heartbreaking change in me.
    Hugging me hard she was speaking soft, encouraging words in my ear. I relished the feeling of being comforted at this moment. I was sure this friendship and prayer was what I needed more than anything right now. Prayer that I could make it day by day, until my heart slowly healed. Although right now, I could scarcely see that ever happening.
    I’m not sure why, but my first response was to call John. I know, I obviously wasn’t thinking clearly. But, I knew in my gut, that Tate and I were officially over. He had quickly moved on. Actually, I guess he had already moved on to Lauren, I just had yet to accept the truth until now. So I think I selfishly needed to know that John was still wanting my affection, still wanting…me.
    “Reese. I can’t believe you called. Are you okay?” John had answered on the first ring, and didn’t even allow me a hello yet.
    “Hi John.” I sounded stuffy. I felt sure he would know I had been crying. “Um, I’m okay…”
    John quickly interrupted. “No you’re not Reese. I hear it in your voice. Is this about the newspaper? I saw it today. I know you might not believe this, but I am SO sorry Reese. I hate to think you’re hurting right now.”
    “Yes,” I was crying now, “I’m sorry, I…it’s just so new for me, this information, I haven’t really had time for it to sink inyet. I guess I know now, that Tate and I are over. I shouldn’t have called you…”
    “Of course you should’ve called me Reese. Are you kidding? Please know that I’m glad you called…ecstatic actually.” I heard him cover the receiver and say something. Was he at work? “Can I come see you? Please Reese. I want to be there for you,” pleaded John.
    “I would love to see you John, but I’m…leaving tomorrow to fly to La Jolla in California with the girls for Spring break. Maybe when I get back in a week? Would that be okay?” I really did want to see John.
    “Ah Reese, you’re not going to believe this, but I actually have my ship docked in a slip in the Gaslamp district in downtown San Diego. It’s just a short driving distance from La Jolla. I was planning to go there the week after next, but if you’d be okay with it, I might just move my plans up a week.” John said with huge enthusiasm.
    “Seriously, you could be in California this week? You’re right; I can’t believe the coincidence of you being in the same area as me, all the way across the country?” Wow, it really was a lot to take in. My heart was suddenly fluttering at the prospect of seeing John on a vacation again. Déjà vu for sure. This time though, I didn’t see it ending the same at all. I was sure there would be no rescue from Tate. As bad as I missed him, his touch, and his protection, I didn’t want to be his leftovers. He had moved on to Lauren. I guess I could move on to John. After all, a small piece of my heart already belonged to him. The other part had just died. It’s a shame we can’t grow new hearts.
    “Reese, I think it would be fantastic. Please say you’ll let me wine and dine you this week. I’ll bring along the guys too. I think Maura and Harrison would be more than happy, and of course Brett would die to spend more time with Chloe. Hell,
I
miss Chloe and her mouth. She’s a lot of fun.” That she was, I couldn’t wait to see both Chloe and Maura tomorrow. My excitement was bubbling now. It felt strange to have a happy emotion again.
    “I would love it John. I’m not sure about the yacht though. I’m not quite sure how I would feel about being back on there again. My panic mode might set in given what happened…well, you know.” I was skeptical, to say the least, about going back to where Sam had