Page 140 of Rush
I don't answer, just keep working on the carburetor.
"How are things with Everly?" she asks.
"Good."
"Really? Because I've been worried about you two."
Something in her tone makes me look up. "Why?"
"I just mean it's a lot of pressure, right? Her dad's the VP, everyone's watching. She's so young and sweet, I'm not sure she really understands how complicated things can get."
The words land wrong. They imply Everly's naive, that she doesn't know what she's doing.
"Everly knows exactly what she's getting into," I say sharply.
Ciara's eyes widen. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Then how did you mean it?"
"I just worry about you, Rush. Her dad’s not going to be happy that she’s dating you and I don't want to see you get hurt. Or Everly."
"Everly's not naive and she's not using me, if that's what you're implying."
"I would never imply that." Her voice cracks slightly. "I'm just trying to be a friend."
"By questioning Everly's intentions?"
"No, by being concerned about both of you. Rush, I care about you and I hate seeing you under this much pressure."
I set down the wrench and take a breath. My hands are shaking with anger.
The edge is there, humming under my skin.
I snapped at her harder than I meant to and now she looks hurt.
"I'm sorry," I say. "I shouldn't have gone at you like that."
"It's okay. I know you're stressed."
"That's not an excuse."
"You're dealing with a lot right now. It's understandable."
Tears well up in her eyes and guilt hits me hard.
"Ciara—"
"No, it's fine. I shouldn't have said anything. I was just worried about you."
"I know you were. I'm just on edge."
"Is everything okay?" She wipes at her eyes and I feel like an asshole for making her cry.
"I didn't mean to snap at you," I say, changing the subject.
"I know. It's okay. I should go, let you work."
She walks away and I stand there feeling like shit.
