Page 89 of Meet Me at the Metro

“Oh, how the tables have turned! City boy can’t even stand on his own two feet.”

“I think I can handle myself just fine,” I mock, in a horrible attempt at an American accent.

“Is that what you think I sound like?” she laughs, loud and unrestrained. “Because that was just awful.”

“Oh, please. My American accent is fucking sublime.”

“You meanfucking pitiful?”

I’m starting to think I’m a bad influence on this girl. She’s getting quite the foul mouth on her.

“You’re getting it as soon as we get off this train,” I growl into her ear.

A rush of goosebumps courses along her neck, and someone near us clears their throat. My eyes follow the sound, scanning the bodies of people around us. I find two grown adult men staring at Nora, their eyes raking down her body, and my blood immediately boils.

“Fit, isn’t she?”

The man’s friend laughs and decides to gawk at her backside.“An American dream.”

Nora glances back, and there’s an awful look of discomfort on her face. I instinctively pull her to my side and block their view. “Can I fucking help you two?” I snarl.

They both look away immediately, but Nora nudges me with her elbow. “Theo, don’t.”

“What the hell was that for?”

She just returns me with a warning glare and a slight, disapproving shake of her head. I’m just about to speak to her again when my phone chimes with a text message.

Hey Theo, it’s Kim. You never got back to me the other night, so I thought I’d send you a message to see if you were still up for having dinner with us.

Fuck me.

Nora glances up at me and then at the phone in my hands. “Who is it?”

“No one,” I answer curtly, my body tensing.

Nora releases a loaded breath and turns to look out the train window. While she’s not looking, I quickly type back a response.

Been busy with school and work. What about sometime next month? I might have some free time during fall break.

If I was completely honest with myself, I could find time sooner to go and have dinner with Kim and her son, but I think I’d be morementally capable of coping with that stress once I’m free from the responsibility of school. October is only a few weeks away anyway. So, whether I truly want to or not, I can manage to squeeze in time during the term break to fulfill my stepmum’s wishes.

I owe Kim for all of her help with Nora’s schedule.

That’s perfect. I’ll message you closer to then. We’re eager to catch up with you.

I roll my eyes at the text and shove my phone back into my pocket, trying not to dwell on the tentative plans I’ve just made. I’m given a distraction when I hear another set of non-discreet whispers and chuckles across from me.

“I’ve always wondered what American food tastes like.”

“Say another vulgar thing about her,” I growl, taking an angry step toward them. They both flinch. “I fucking dare you!”

A series of beeps sounds through the carriage, and Nora bolts for the train doors. I hurry after her as she elbows through the crowds of the platform outside. When I reach her, I attempt to lace my hand in hers, but she pulls away like she’s been burned and storms up the train station stairs. She keeps up her quick, defiant pace even as we step outside onto the pavement of the bustling city street.

“Nora, wait! What’s the matter?”

She stops, pivots on her heel, and scoffs. “What’s the matter?You know exactly what the matter is.”

“I’m so confused right now?”

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