Page 31 of Rise Above

and Dre to answer. Our nightly Facetime had rather quickly turned into a hyper fixation on my interaction with Walker. Dre’s face was red, words very clearly forming in her mind. Nat was quiet, staring off into space. I was just nervous. They were rarely silent.

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“You should call Davis. TJ is one of his best

friends.” Nat folded her hands and placed her chin on top of them. “Aife, do you even want a relationship right now?”

“Not right now.” I pushed hair out of my face. “I’m

not in a place mentally or professionally to give myself to a relationship. I’m open to friendship.”

Dre spoke up. “You think that’s all he’d want?”

“It’s all I’m willing to offer.”

“Nat’s right. Talk to Davis. Call or text us later,

pretty lady.” Dre smiled at me.

Hanging up the phone, I chewed on my lips some

more. Davis had made it quite clear that TJ was someone to avoid. His reaction scared me. Davis knew my history, and he wouldn’t tell me to avoid someone without a justified reason. I didn’t want to harm our friendship. Davis was important to me.

“Aife, what’s happening?” Davis sounded

surprisingly perky. “I’m surprised you aren’t chatting with the girls right now.”

“I actually got off the phone a little while ago.”

“You alright?” Concern laced his voice. “You

sound upset.”

“Um, actually, I have to tell you something.” I

gulped. “TJ gave me his number.”

“When did you even see TJ?” His voice was calm,

which could be good or bad. He already had his teacher voice down pat.

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“Him and Zeke were visiting patients on my floor

today. They also visited a few other floors.”

“Aife…” Davis trailed off, probably considering his

next few words carefully. “Look, I’m not your parent, so you can text whomever you’d like. Just promise me you won’t date him or at least won’t do it behind my back.”

“I’m not that type of woman, Davis. You should

know that. Plus, all I’m currently willing to offer is friendship.”