“London is a wonderful city,” I say, forcing the words through a tight smile. “I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen so far.”
“But it must be hard,” he says, his voice dripping with fake concern. “Being all alone.”
I shift in my chair. “I’m not alone.”
Heraises an eyebrow, like he’s onto something. “No?”
“I have friends here. I have a team of good people around me. Please don’t pretend to care about how I’m adjusting, Matt.”
“Addison.” He leans back in his chair like he’s pleased he cracked me. “Don’t be touchy.”
“I’m done,” I say, standing.
He blinks, surprised. “What?”
“We’re done for today,” I say louder. “If you have more questions, please email them to me for approval before another session.”
I open the door without waiting for a reply. The door clicks shut behind me, and I exhale like I’ve been holding my breath the entire time I was in his office.
Oliver walks toward me from the locker room, in his street clothes, hair damp from a shower, eyes locked on me like he’s been waiting. Training was over before my interview. Everyone’s gone. He must’ve stayed late—for me.
“You alright?” he asks gently, like he already knows I’m not, but he’s trying to give me the space to say it.
“I’m fine,” I say too fast. I want to fall into him. I want to tell him everything I’m feeling. But then I remember my rules, and I swallow it all down.
I try to move, but I suddenly don’t remember how to put one foot in front of the other. Every limb just feels heavy.
“Addie,” Oliver whispers.
His hand catches mine before I can retreat, warm and steady, and my entire body tenses instinctively.
He gives it a squeeze and something shifts.
I exhale.
I let myself feel the weight of his palm over mine, the way it grounds me. Like he’s not trying to fix my problems, he’s just reminding me that I’m not alone with them.
I look up, and when our eyes meet, that’s all it takes. The panic dulls, the pressure in my chest lessens. He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t need to. I feel my fingers tightening around his and then—
Matt’s office door creaks open.
Shit.
I pull my hand away in a flash, straightening my posture like a soldier. I clear my throat and let my professional, calculated mask take over.
“I’ll get back to you with the final details of the school event,” I say, intentionally loud enough to carry.
He smiles and nods, playing along. “Right, yeah. Just let me know. I’ll be there.”
I flash the most rehearsed, professional smile I can manage and head for the elevator.
Matt is none the wiser, but my hand still tingles.
21
entering the final third
LATE NIGHT TALKING BY HARRY STYLES
