Page 78 of Rush

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"Running again?"

"I'm being smart."

"You're being a coward."

His jaw tightens. "Don't."

"Why not? It's true. My dad calls and suddenly you're backing off."

"Your dad called and reminded me why this is a bad idea."

"Everything's a bad idea if you're too scared to try."

"I'm not scared."

"Yes, you are. You're terrified that my dad won't approve, that I'll get hurt, that you'll fuck it up. So instead of trying, you're running."

"I'm protecting you."

"From what?"

"From me, from this, from all the shit that's going to happen if we keep doing this."

I laugh but there's no humor in it. "You know what, fine. Run. I'm done chasing you anyway."

I walk to my car and slide in. My hands are shaking with anger.

Rush follows me. "Everly?—"

"No, you made your choice. My dad called and you folded, so we're done."

"That's not fair."

"Life's not fair. Get used to it."

I start my car and pull away. I don't look back to see if he's watching.

The ride home is quiet. My eyes are stinging but I refuse to cry.

I'm so angry I can barely see straight. Angry at my dad for calling, angry at Rush for backing off, angry at myself for caring.

This is why I don't chase guys. This is exactly why.

Because the second things get hard, they run and I'm left feeling like an idiot.

I get home and I'm still furious. I pour wine and drink it too fast.

My phone buzzes. It's my dad.

I ignore it.

It buzzes again.

Dad: We need to talk.

Me: No, we don't.

Dad: Don't be childish.

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