Bruised

Chapter 27

"What was that about?" Vanessa asked Atlas,

"What?" Atlas asked,

"Asking him to surprise you," Vanessa scrunched her face and Makenna smiled, "What if he brings something you don't like,"

"What if he brings something I never thought to order but I end up loving?"

"Ah, so you love taking your chance,"

"Just in some instances," Atlas glanced at Makenna and turned away before she could catch him, but Vanessa and Will did,

"Mac," Will was on a mission to get her to talk, "What do you do for fun?"

"I go to the gym,"

Will looked at Atlas,
"That's why you're always there,"

Vanessa snickered and Makenna glanced from Will to Atlas and back,
"I...we don't...He doesn't even show up anymore,"

That caught Atlas' attention and he looked at her,
"You've been checking on me,"

And Makenna knew she'd thrown herself under the bus,
"You are pretty hard to miss."

Atlas' smile grew as his eyes bore into hers. Makenna quickly shifted her gaze and it landed on Vanessa who had a smile on her face. But the second Vanessa saw the look in Makenna's eyes, her smile dropped and she leaned away from her seat.

"You guys are graduating in a couple of months, how does that feel?"

Makenna took a deep breath grateful to Vanessa for changing the topic. She found it amazing that Vanessa understood her need to be saved.

Will looked at Atlas and back at Vanessa,
"I'll be done sometime in May, maybe June. Atlas' date varies."

"Why is that?" Makenna looked at Atlas,

"My transfer set me back a few months," Atlas looked at her, "But I met with my Dean and tried to get it cut short."

"How short a'we talking?"

"Normally, I'd have an extra six months. But once this term is over, I can get reading materials for all the courses I have left, then sit for the exam when I'm ready."

"So it depends on you," Vanessa said,

Atlas nodded,
"Exactly,"

"That's great," Vanessa smiled,

"It is," Atlas looked at Makenna and smiled,

"Drink's here," Will said as the waiter arrived with a tray,

"Your food's going to be a while longer," The waiter served their drinks leaving Atlas' for last,

They all snickered, including the waiter, as Atlas stared at his drink,
"It's...pink."

Will looked at the waiter with a huge smile on his face,
"Thank you,"

"Try it," Makenna smiled to herself,

Atlas didn't hesitate when he saw the expectant look in Makenna's eyes. He took a sip and actually loved it.

"That is...really good. What is it?"

"It's a pink lady punch."

Atlas smiled,
"Thanks, mate,"

The waiter left them to their conversation.

"You may have just found your signature drink," Will said,

"Just maybe,"

"You know, Will," Makenna started, "A lot of men are afraid a lady's drink will make them feel less...masculine,"