Atonement Read Online Free PDF Page B

thing I thought I would never question again was his loyalty, after his confession of what happened between him and Lisa.”
    “Reese, maybe it’s time you two took a break. I think every couple needs time every now and then,” said Elle, scrunching up her eyebrows and reaching for my hand.
    Just that thought alone made me burst out crying. “You and Finn don’t need a break Elle. Why can’t we be more like the two of you?” I asked in between sobs. I had wonderedabout this a lot more lately. Their relationship just seemed SO much easier than ours.
    “You and Tate are just so…intense. You take everything so passionately,” said Elle.
    “So you don’t think I should be upset that he held this from me?” I asked with a confused look on my face.
    “I didn’t say that…I think he deserves your anger and resentment for keeping you in the dark. I mean we are talking about Lauren here. He should have at least told you. More importantly, he should have run the other way, not worked with her!” Elle said. She was getting more worked up the longer she talked.
    That’s exactly what I thought. I had never felt so betrayed. While I hoped he hadn’t physically cheated on me by sleeping with her. I felt like he had belittled me and what we have. I mean…had. Oh God, the water works were coming again.
    “Okay, we’re SO getting drunk tonight my friend,” said Elle. “Waiter…two shots of Patron with lime and salt please” yelled Elle to the cute little waiter watching our every move. They never carded here. All college students took advantage of that fact too. “They’ll bring the individual sealed shots of Patron, Reese, so no worries.” She knew this still bothered me, not always knowing if my drink had been spiked. Even though we now knew for sure it had been Carter who had spiked my drink when he date raped me.
    “But, I don’t think I can Elle,” I said and really meaning it. “I have class tomorrow morning, and…”
    Elle cut me off “Well, tough. You are Reese, and it’s not like you have missed any classes up until now…no excuses.You’re a blubbering mess.” She was right. I was useless like this anyhow.
    The shots arrived, and before we even had time to take them, Elle ordered two more. What the hell! Like a magnet, the tequila drew the guys. They must think the old saying ‘tequila makes your clothes fall off ’, to be true, but not with us!
    “Okay, here we go. Follow my lead Reese,” said Elle. She grabbed the lime and salt shaker motioning for me to do the same. I took it reluctantly. “Now, lick here between your thumb and finger, pour the salt, and on the count of three, lick the salt, throw back the shot and suck the lime….One. Two. Three.” We did and ahhh if it didn’t burn all the way down.
    “Whew!” I dropped my head down, and scooted my chair back. Then the other shot had arrived.
    “I can’t do another one Elle”, I said, looking as sincere as possible. “Please, that one was plenty.”
    “Too bad Reese. We’re going to. You would make me if I were in this position, but let’s grab a bite to eat first.” Elle was playing my caretaker for the evening, and trying her best to make me feel better.
    We ordered a spicy tuna roll, ahi tuna, edamame and a side of rice (more to soak the alcohol up with). In between the first and second sushi roll, we took the second shot. A group of guys had pulled up chairs talking with us as we ate. They bought us another round. I know we shouldn’t have let them, but I was SO upset, I absolutely wasn’t thinking clearly. They flirted with us for hours. One of the taller guys said “Hey, aren’t you Tate Justice’s girlfriend?” The rest of the guys looked at him like he was crazy.
    “No questions tonight boys,” Elle jumped in. “She’s just here having a good time,” that of course raised several eyebrows. I was suddenly sad by the mention of his name and the biggest likelihood that the word ‘girlfriend’ would forever