“It might be,” I admit.
Wren sits up straighter. “Okay.”
I swallow. “Where are you at with Kai?”
Silence. Wren doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t pretend she doesn’t know why I’m asking. She just exhales, long and slow.
“I don’t know,” she says finally.
“Wren—”
“No, I really don’t,” she says, holding up a hand. “I’ve avoided him for years because I didn’t know what I would do if I looked at him too long.”
I swallow hard.
Wren’s mouth twists. “I’ve been on a couple dates since the breakup. Nothing serious. Just…proving that I can, you know?”
“And?” I ask softly.
“And I don’t have intentions,” she admits, voice quieter. “Not the kind you can package up and hand to someone like a plan. I’m not here to mess with him. I’m not here to…reclaim something. I’m here because my life pulled me back.” She meets my gaze. “If Kai becomes part of that, I don’t know what it means yet.”
My throat tightens because that’s the most honest answer she could’ve given. I nod once. “Okay.”
Wren’s shoulders drop, relief flickering. “Okay.”
Then she points at me like she can’t help herself. “Now, it’s your turn again.”
I blink. “My turn for what?”
“You and Grayson,” she says. “Are you inviting him for Thanksgiving, or are we pretending you don’t have feelings?”
My face heats instantly. “Wren.”
She grins. “I’m just saying. That holiday is a lot, and he seems like the kind of guy who would make it…less.”
My chest tightens because she’s right, and I hate that she’s right.
“I’ve thought about it,” I admit quietly.
Wren’s grin softens. “Then do it.”
I stare at her. And for the first time in a while, the idea of wanting something doesn’t feel like a threat. It just feels like…a possibility.
Wren stands, grabbing her tote. “Okay. I have to go. I’m meeting the manager at Rico’s, which by the way, tacos are top-notch, andhopefullygetting a job.”
I snort. “Text me later.”
“Oh, I will,” she says. Then pauses at my door, turning back with a softer look. “I’m glad you’re letting yourself have good things again.”
My throat tightens.
“Me too,” I whisper.
Wren smiles, small and real. “See you later, girl.”
“See you,” I say.
After she leaves, my room is quiet again, but not for long.
