Chapter 17

[Atlas]

“Atlas?” Sydney is staring at me, her fork halfway between her plate and her mouth. “Did you hear what I just said?”

I take a moment to readjust my thoughts. I had been thinking about this morning again, and the look on Cordelia’s face right before she signed those papers. “I’m sorry, I have a lot on my mind.”

She smiles brightly, instantly forgiving me. “Of course. I was just trying to invite you over to my family’s LA home this weekend. My parents will be flying back home soon, and they wanted to have an “American-style barbeque” before heading back to Toronto.” She then pauses, taking a moment to survey my outfit before saying. “Do you have cowboy boots and a hat?”

“Why?” I wonder where this is going. Surely her parents don’t think that all Americans eat barbeque while wearing cowboy attire.

“Oh, it’s just that it’s a costume party. The theme is Wild Wild West. I thought I’d go as a…Saloon Girl,” she blushes. “I was hoping you’d come with me and be the sheriff or may