Jason Cole stood beside him, phone already in his hand. Maya stopped. Students moved around her. Tyler smiled. Look who finally showed up.
I have class here. I heard you've been telling people I'm harassing you. I haven't been telling people anything. That's supposed to make you better than everybody. Maya started down the steps.
Tyler moved into her path. Jason lifted the phone higher. Maya noticed the red recording indicator. Good. Tyler noticed her looking.
Smile. Maya said nothing. He stepped closer. You think ignoring me makes you tough? No. Then what does?
Maya looked directly at him. Nothing I'm interested in proving to you. A few students slowed. Tyler's smile disappeared. There it was again.
That thing he could not tolerate. She would not give him fear. She would not give him anger. And somehow, every time she refused, he seemed to need more. He reached out and caught the strap of her backpack.
Maya stopped. Jason's phone remained pointed at them. Let go, she said. Tyler tightened his grip. What if I don't?
Maya's heartbeat remained steady. She could see his balance. Too much weight forward. Right shoulder high. Left foot planted badly.
Seven years of training turned the details into instinctive information. She could break the grip before he understood she had moved. She could put him on the pavement without throwing a punch. Instead, Maya looked at his hand, then into his eyes. You still have time to walk away.
Tyler laughed. Several students did not. Something in Maya's voice had changed the air, not a threat, certainty. Jason shifted behind the phone. For the first time, even he looked uncomfortable.
Tyler released the backpack strap with a dismissive shove. That's what I thought, he said, but his voice lacked its usual confidence. Maya adjusted the strap. Then think harder. She walked past him.
Tyler turned after her. Saturday, he called. You coming to the donor reception? Maya stopped only because she knew her work schedule. She had been assigned to catering that evening.
Tyler grinned when he saw the answer in her face. Good, Maya continued walking. Behind her, Jason lowered his phone. Man, he said quietly. Maybe leave her alone.
Tyler looked at him. What? Nothing. No, say it. Jason glanced at the recording on his screen.