too busy… or don’t want to, you don’t have to,” he said.

I got what he meant and gave him a small smile. “I’m not forcing myself.”

His eyes softened, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw tears.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice sincere.

I blinked, caught off guard. He was thanking me for making peace, for agreeing to see his parents. But there wasn’t much else to say. I looped my arm through Lena’s. “We need to see Grandpa Edison. Goodbye, Jace.” “Goodbye,” he murmured.

As soon as we were out of earshot, Lena turned to me, smirking. “You and your ex are getting pretty cozy these days. If Hayden doesn’t show up soon, I wouldn’t be shocked if you two rekindled things.”

I shot her a look. “Do I seem that desperate? Like I can’t survive without a guy?”