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“He texted me a little bit ago.” I try to keep my expression neutral, which is hard to do when I feel River’s eyes on me.

“He better have given you one hell of an apology if you’re talking to him again.” Lyric words it almost like a question.

“Not exactly,” I say, looking over at River, who’s watching the entire situation unfold with a...

Wait, is hesmiling?

“Char.” Lyric lets out a hard puff of air.

“It’s fine,” I reassure her.

“Is it? Dude strings you along for months and then completely ghosts you and you’re allit’s fine.”

I try not to be offended by Maisie’s poor impersonation of me.

“You don’t fully understand the situation,” I calmly try to explain.

“Clearly not, because I cannot wrap my head around why you would be talking to him after the way he did you.”

I know Maisie means well, but sometimes her delivery is a little lacking.

“Maybe he had his reasons.” River offers, and I swear I feel every ounce of color drain from my face in an instant. “I don’t know about you, Kai, but I’ve ghosted a few women in my time, none of whom deserved it.” His face tilts to the man next to his sister.

“I’ve made some mistakes I’m not proud of,” Kai agrees.

“Not you?” Maisie laughs with a dramatic eye roll at the man who’s like a second brother to her.

Given that they basically grew up together, I’m sure Maisie knows some serious dirt on Kai. Not that she’d ever out him for it. The two are practically family.

“I’m not taking this dude’s side,” River continues. “I’m just saying, maybe there’s a reason for his behavior.”

“Not an acceptable one,” Maisie fires back.

“Can we not sit here and debate my life like I’m not right here?” I offer.

“Just saying, if I were you—”

“There are plenty of things you’ve done that I would never do, and I don’t judge you for it.” I’m quick to stop her from saying whatever it is she was going to say next.

“Sounds like maybe you are,” Maisie clips.

“Are they always like this?” River asks Lyric, amusement in his voice.

“Always.” She chuckles, offering us an apologetic smile. “They’re like siblings. They bicker relentlessly, but they also love the hell out of each other.”

“I guess I love you.” Maisie softens, nudging me with her elbow.

“I guess I love you back,” I murmur with a grin.

“I just worry about you, is all.”

“I know.” I blow out a soft breath.

“So, Kai, Lyric tells me you’re studying to be a civil engineer. What does that entail, exactly?” River asks, and I’m so grateful for the conversation switch; I could kiss him right here and now, audience and all.

I wait until everyone seems to have moved on from my love life, if that’s even what you want to call it, the conversation turning from course of study to best college parties, before I type out another message.

Me: If this is the part where you tell me it was a mistake, don’t.