"There was nothing to bring up," I interrupted her. "Whatever you're thinking of never happened. I was just uncomfortable because, y'know, she started... being unfair." I chose my words carefully again.

Taylor smiled. "Yeah," she mumbled, mostly to herself. Eventually, we arrived at my place. "I, uh... yeah, sorry again."

I felt another surge of adrenaline bolt through me for whatever reason. "If it's hard to fit me into your regular lifestyle, that's okay, I'll accept that. I don't want you to feel as though I have to work with your friends and if I don't it's your fault. I mean, this is just tutoring. Right?"

Taylor's bashful smile faded....