Red Flag

I woke up Friday morning with my stomach in knots. One day. One more day until I meet A.H. I should be excited. I am excited. But there's this weird anxious energy buzzing under my skin that won't go away. I try to eat breakfast Sophie made scrambled eggs and toast but I can barely get three bites down before my stomach rebels. "You need to eat something," Sophie says, sitting across from me at our tiny kitchen table. "You're going to pass out if you don't." "I can't. I'm too nervous." "About tomorrow?" "About everything." I push the plate away. "What if this is a huge mistake? What if I've built him up so much in my head that the real person can't possibly live up to it?" Sophie reaches across the table and grabs my hand. "Or what if he's exactly who you think he is? What if this is the best thing that's ever happened to you?" "You're very optimistic for someone who told me he might be a serial killer." "That was for safety purposes. But honestly, Em? I've watched you these past few m