Page 87 of Hot Girl Summer

“Sophia, wait.” Chrissy rises from her chair. “Please. I just want to talk.”

My mind immediately thinks the worst, that something has happened to Ryan, but when my eyes meet Stefan’s, I know that’s not the reason she’s here.

“I have nothing to say to you. Not now. Not ever.”

“Do you have to be so childish?”

Hearing Danny’s words again is a punch to the gut.

“Funny you should mention it, actually. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve heard that today.”

“Always with the sarcasm. You know, I came here to say I’m sorry. But I’m not sure you deserve my apology.”

“You mean, you’ve actually climbed off your high horse and regard me as a person now? Whatever did I do to deserve your kindness?”

I roll my eyes and continue to walk up the stairs. I’ve waited twelve years to have this out with Chrissy, but the timing is so off, I haven’t the strength to argue.

“Just hear her out,” Stefan says.

“Why should I?” My heart races and my head spins. With shaking hands, I clutch the banister.

“What the hell is your problem?” Chrissy spits.

“My problem? With you?” I throw my head back and laugh. “How much time do you have?”

The hurt conveyed in Chrissy’s eyes is fleeting, but it’s clear and genuine. Maybe there’s more to her than I think. Maybe Queen Bees have hearts, after all.

“Look. I know I’ve been a bitch. But can we just talk like adults? Please.”

I throw my hands up. “Fine.”

I make myself a warm tea to soothe the ache in my chest, and we each sit on separate couches, while Stefan busies himself in the kitchen.

“Look. I don’t expect us to be best friends. I never have,” Chrissy starts. “But I want us to get along for Ryan’s sake.”

“So that’s why you’re here. Because he asked you to?”

“He misses you guys.”

“Does he? That’s nice. But I’m done with toxic behaviours, and that’s Ryan to a T. Even the way he treated you; we might not get along, but no one deserves to be treated like he’s treated you.”

Chrissy shakes her head, eyes downcast. “No, you're right.”

Moments pass in silence, her eyes turn glassy, and a tear falls down her perfectly contoured cheek. I want to tell her my reasons for protecting myself, but I can't trust her enough to open up to her, and I'm still not sure that she deserves my honesty.

“But no matter how much he cheats and lies; I can’t let him go," she says, finally.

I can’t decide which is worse, the fact that I feel sorry for her, or the fact that despite everything Ryan has put her through, Chrissy will never stop loving him. I realise that everyone is powerless in their own way. But she’s owning her shit, and I respect the hell out of that.

“Only you can decide what to do with your own life. I’m not trying to dictate at all. All I’m saying is our friendship doesn’t fit anymore.”

“I’m sorry,” Chrissy says.

“For what?”

I know exactly what she’s apologising for, but I want to hear her say it.

“For being so mean.”

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