This is bad.
This is exactly what Pyro warned me about.
But I can't seem to stop.
Friday, I'm outside Trinity again. I tell myself it's just a routine check, nothing more.
Everly comes out at three with the same blonde friend from before. They're talking and laughing as they walk toward the bus stop.
I'm about to leave, when a guy runs up behind them. He's not threatening, just some classmate, but he grabs Everly's arm to get her attention.
I'm off my bike before I think about it.
I cross the street in long strides, and the guy sees me coming. His hand drops from her arm and his eyes go wide.
"Everything okay?" I ask. My voice is calm, my body language isn't.
Everly turns, and when she sees me her expression shifts from surprised to annoyed. "What are you doing here?"
"Making sure you're safe."
"I'm on campus in broad daylight. I'm pretty safe."
The guy who grabbed her arm looks between us. "Uh, I was just asking about the assignment."
"It's fine, Aaron," Everly says without looking at him. "I'll text you later."
Aaron takes the hint and leaves fast.
Everly crosses her arms and stares at me. "Are you following me?"
"No."
"Really? Because this is the second time I've seen you near campus this week."
"Coincidence."
"Bullshit." She steps closer and lowers her voice. "What's going on, Rush?"
"Nothing. I'm just doing my job."
"Your job is to follow me around Dublin?"
"My job is to keep you safe."
"From what? Classmates asking about assignments?"
She's got a point, but I don't back down. "Just being cautious."
"No, you're being weird." She turns to walk away, then she stops and looks back. "If my dad put you up to this, tell him I'm fine."
"He didn't."
"Then why are you here?"
I don't have an answer, not one I can give her anyway.
She waits for a few seconds, and when I don't respond she shakes her head. "Yeah, that's what I thought."