Page 97 of Rush
"Thanks for the support."
"Anytime."
Chloe laughs. "Come on, Everly, give us something. We've been watching you two circle each other for weeks."
"Fine. It's new, it's real, and I'm happy. That's all you're getting."
"For now," Gráinne says. "But we'll wear you down eventually."
I'm talking to Ailbhe about her pregnancy when Ciara appears beside me.
"Hey Everly," she says with a bright smile. "Can I steal you for a second?"
"Sure."
We walk toward the bar and she orders a drink. Her body language is friendly and open.
Too friendly.
"So, you and Rush," she says.
"Yeah."
"That's great. I'm really happy for you guys."
The words sound genuine but there's something underneath, something sharp that doesn't match her smile.
"Thanks," I say.
"I just wanted to say, you know, if you ever need anything or have questions, I'm here. I've known Rush for a while now and he can be...complicated."
"Complicated how?"
"Oh, you know, just intense. He has a hard time letting people in, and when he does he can be a bit much. He gets in his head a lot."
The comment is subtle but pointed. It implies I don't know what I'm getting into.
"I think I can handle it," I say.
"Of course, I'm sure you can. You seem really sweet." She pauses. "I'm just saying, Rush doesn't really do serious relationships. He's more of a keep-things-casual kind of guy. At least that's what I've seen."
There it is—the implication that this is temporary, that I'm not special.
"Good thing we're not casual then," I say evenly.
Her smile tightens slightly. "Right, of course. I just meant that he's been through a lot and sometimes he needs space, you know? Like when things get heavy, he tends to pull back. It's not personal; it's just how he is."
"Thanks for the warning."
"It's not a warning, just... friendly advice. From someone who cares about him."
"I'm sure he appreciates having such a good friend."
She doesn't miss the edge in my voice but she smiles anyway. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to who gets it, I'm here. It can be hard being with someone who's that closed off."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Great." She touches my arm briefly. "I really do hope it works out for you guys."
