Page 105 of Meet Me at the Metro

He shakes his head at my apologyand admits, “Harvey taught me that. To help pull me out of my panic attacks. Ever since my Dad passed, I,umm—I started having them, and he helped me learn how to get control of them. Showed me that method.”

“I–I’ve never had one before. I didn’t know they felt like that.”

Like a never-ending spiral of dread—an all-consuming fear that takes over your body and mind.

Every nerve inside me is still on edge, but he brings his hand to my cheek and caresses my skin. I feel a little lighter.

“They’re fucking shit, aren’t they? You’re safe now, alright? Everything is okay.”

I shake my head at the last part of what he said because I’m not so sure everything is okay anymore. I’ve been convincing myself that all of thiswouldturn out okay, but after catching John watching us tonight, I’m not confident that’s true.

“It’s not,” I choke out. “It’s bad. It’s getting really bad.”

“What’s bad? What’s going on?”

My eyes well up with tears, and my voice wavers as I say, “Don’t be mad at me.”

“Nora, tell me what the hell is going on.”

“I–It’s John,” I cry.

“John?What do you mean?”

“H-he’s here, Theo.”

“Here?”

“In London.”

He cocks his head back in disbelief. “What do you mean he’s in London? Are you having him visitor—”

“No,” I interrupt. “He’s here because he got accepted toGildenhill.”

“You’re joking with me?”

I shake my head.

“Are you planning on working things out with him? Is that why you’re so upset?”

“No, Theo.God, no.“ I sob into my hands, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions.

I’d never see my ex again if it were up to me.

“Come here,” Theo sighs, plopping down beside me. He pulls me into his arms. “Please just tell me what’s going on. You’re worrying the shit out of me.”

“I don’t want you to be mad at me.”

“Talk to me.” He draws my chin up so I’m looking him in the eye, brushing my tears away with the pad of his thumb. “Nora, please.”

I reluctantly confess, “It was himthat night. John was the one at the train station.”

Theo’s jaw tenses tight. “You said it was nobody.”

“I know I did. I’m sorry.”

“Why wouldn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to drag you into it. I didn’t want himto even know about youbecause I don’t want to risk you getting hurt.”

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