He's going to test me, probably try to intimidate me, maybe even threaten me.
But I'm not backing down. Not this time.
I'm working on my bike in the garage when Ciara shows up.
"Hey stranger," she says with a smile.
"Hey."
"Haven't seen much of you lately. You've been MIA."
"Just busy."
"With Everly?"
"Yeah."
She leans against the workbench, her posture casual and friendly. "That's great. I'm really happy for you guys. She seems really sweet."
"She is."
"You two getting serious?"
"Yeah."
"Wow, I didn't think I'd see the day Rush settled down." She's teasing but it's gentle. "I'm glad you finally found someone who can handle you. You're not an easy man to be with."
The comment is friendly, supportive even, but there's something underneath I can't quite place.
"She handles me fine," I say.
"I'm sure she does. Just...you know, if you ever need to escape the drama or just talk to someone who gets it, you know where to find me. Things can get intense with the VP's daughter—all that club politics."
"I appreciate that."
"Of course. That's what friends are for." She touches my arm briefly. "We should still grab coffee sometime though. I miss talking to you. It's been too long."
I think about it. Ciara's been a good friend since I moved here. She doesn't know about my past, doesn't ask questions. Just lets me be.
There's something easy about that, something uncomplicated.
"Yeah, we should catch up," I say.
"Great. How about this week? Wednesday?"
"Maybe. I'll let you know."
"Perfect." She squeezes my arm. "I'm really happy for you, Rush. You deserve good things."
"Thanks."
She walks away and I go back to work.
Ciara's solid, always has been. Always there when I need someone to talk to who doesn't know the full story.
I'm lucky to have her as a friend, someone who doesn't treat me like I'm broken or damaged. Someone who just sees me as Rush, not as the kid who shot someone.
I'm tightening a bolt when I hear a door slam somewhere in the clubhouse.