“Sorry about that,” Harmon says, taking his seat. “Again. What were you saying?”
I didn’t even see who came to the door or heard what they said. I was so caught up in my thoughts. And as I stare at him now, my entire body gets hot. My head feels heavy, and it looks like I’m seeing through glass.
I jump up from my seat, causing him to grow concerned.
“Sorry, I, uh… I have to go.”
“Where?”
“I forgot that Chrissy has something at school I’m supposed to be at.”
Harmon gets up and follows me. “Cassius, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly. Way too quickly. He doesn’t believe me.
“If this is too much, you can tell me,” he says gently. “We will figure something else out.”
“I—”
My heart is pounding and my head is screamingrun, run, run!
Why am I panicking?
I squeeze my eyes shut, gritting my teeth. I feel his hands on me, soft and warm. My arm, My shoulder. My neck. Jaw. I open my eyes and he’s staring at me with concern.
“What’s going on?”
“Just having a panic attack,” I mutter.
“Clearly. But why?”
“I don’t know,” I say. “Well, I do, but I don’t.”
His brows raise.
“I know it doesn’t make sense. I think I need to go home and lay down, okay?”
“You’re okay to drive?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
“I can have someone drive you.”
“Harmon, I’m fine.”
“Text me when you get home?”
I smirk, my shoulders deflating. “You’re going to worry about me now?”
“This isn’t new,” he says seriously.
“Oh. I—uh… okay,” I say, accepting it. “Okay.”
“I’m sorry if that’s weird for you, but it’s the truth.”
“I’m not used to someone worrying about me, is all.”
“I know that.” He leans in to kiss my cheek, then whispers, “Drive safe. Don’t forget to text me.”