I was used to traffic and noise. I grew up with it, and only avoided it once my fear of touch got unbearable. This was a step up from what I knew, and I was torn between watching every sight and hiding from them.
This was huge for me, and the tenseness was trying to take over. All I could do was breathe through it.
“You okay?” Theo asked.
“I’m adjusting.” My voice was smaller than usual.
“My hand’s open, if you need it.”
Normally, the idea of holding hands while I was like this felt miserable, but Theo was a connection to Strawberry Springs that I needed. When I tangled my fingers through his, I felt grounded.
“Thank you,” I said. “I’m glad I have a guide. Do you come to Nashville a lot?”
“Sometimes,” he replied stiffly. “Not often.”
Theo’s voice didn’t go quiet like mine when he was stressed. It was mechanical, like every word pained him.
That’s how he sounded now.
“Are you still worried about the coffee shop?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m not worried about anything.”
“Yeah, right. What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Just thinking of someone who lives here.”
“Someone from your past?”
Theo’s lips tightened and he nodded. My heart sank. Knowing wouldn’t help my worries, but I was glad he told me.
“Who is it?”
“Do you remember that kid I told you about?”
I blinked, but then nodded. “Yeah. Is it him?”
“Yeah.”
Relief hit me like a truck. “Well, it’s not the worst thing in the world. He was someone you helped.”
“Right. He’s ... We talk sometimes. He’s invited me to a few things, but only out of politeness. I’ve almost gone, but never followed through. I even got to his door once. At least I wound up meeting Riley that day.”
“You do know you have a terrible habit of underestimating how well-liked you are, right?”
“I know, but he knew me during it all.”
“You helped him, though.”
“And he’s talking to me because of that. Trust me, our conversations are always dropped off by him.”
I could see where Theo got the idea from, but I still shook my head. “He just needs to see who you are.”
“Maybe. Or maybe it’ll be even worse in person.” He sighed, and I could see how much he’d thought about it. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I have to make it through this damn meeting first.”
“How far away are we?” I asked.
“About ten minutes.”
