Page 98 of Rush
The concern sounds genuine but it doesn't feel genuine. It feels like she's already planning for when it doesn't.
"Thanks," I say flatly.
Rush appears beside me and Ciara's entire demeanor shifts instantly. Her smile gets brighter and her body language opens up.
"Hey Rush," she says warmly. "I was just telling Everly that if she ever needs anything, I'm here."
"That's nice of you," Rush says.
"Of course. You know I'm always here for you guys." She touches his arm briefly, her fingers lingering just a second too long. "We should grab coffee soon, catch up properly. It's been a while."
"Yeah, maybe," Rush says vaguely.
She smiles and walks away, her hips swaying slightly.
Rush doesn't seem to notice anything off. He just pulls me closer.
"You good?" he asks.
"Yeah, fine."
"You sure? You look annoyed."
"I'm not annoyed."
"You're definitely annoyed. Your jaw is tight."
I look up at him. "Ciara just gave me the 'I know him better than you' speech wrapped in friendly concern."
His brow furrows. "What?"
"She was being passive-aggressive, telling me how complicated you are and how you don't do serious and offering to be there if I need someone who 'gets it.' "
"She was probably just trying to be helpful."
"She was being territorial."
"Ciara's not like that. She's a friend. We've been friends since I moved here. She's always been solid."
I don't push it because I can see he genuinely doesn't see it.
And that's fine. I'm not going to compete for his attention or play games.
If Ciara wants to make subtle digs, let her.
I'm not insecure enough to care.
"Okay," I say.
"Okay?"
"Yeah, okay. You're probably right, she was just being helpful."
He studies me. "You don't believe that."
"Nope, but I'm not going to argue about it either."
"Why not?"
