Zayne murmured roughly the same as I sat down at the island, figuring he would announce when he wanted to start training.

“Gideon is on his way over,” Zayne said after a long moment of silence. “Says he has an update for us.”

I looked over my shoulder at the back of his head. “Did he figure out what the spikes are?”

“Don’t know. Guess we’ll find out in a few.” Zayne rose and disappeared into the bedroom without another word.

My chest squeezed. This was pretty much how every morning was now. Turning back around, I started biting my thumbnail as I stared at my phone. Jada hadn’t texted me back after I’d reached out to her from the park. I wasn’t sure what to think of that. I felt guilty, like a bad friend, because I was a bad friend. I’d been selfish, just like Misha had accused me of being, just like Zayne had reminded me I was.

Shoving my glasses on top of my head, I unlocked my phone and typed out a quick text that read I’m sorry I haven’t been around. I miss you.

I hit Send and didn’t expect a quick response, so when I saw the little bubble appear then disappear before reappearing, my stomach dropped. Within a few seconds, Jada’s response came through.

I’m sorry too.

My chest hollowed. The bubble came back. She was still typing.

I know it’s been a lot for u to deal with. I’m trying to be understanding but it’s also been a lot for all of us. I needed to talk to u. Not just abt Misha. I needed to make sure u were ok. That’s what friends do. U didn’t let me be there for u. I’m trying to not let that get to me but it has.

I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed my lips together. A burn crept up my throat. Man, I’d messed up. I’d been thinking only about what I didn’t want to do and not what Jada might need, both as someone who had grown up with Misha and someone who was my friend.

Opening my eyes, I swallowed that knot as I told myself I needed to tell her that. I couldn’t just sit here and think it. I wasn’t telepathic and she wasn’t psychic. Hands trembling, I got to typing.

You’re right. I cut you out when I shouldn’t have & I was only thinking about myself. I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry & I know that doesn’t undo that I’ve been a shitty friend. But I am sorry.

Several minutes that felt like a lifetime passed before Jada responded.