That landed harder than it should have.
Because she didn’t sound angry.
Just honest.
I turned slightly toward her afterward and brushed my fingers lightly against the side of her arm.
“You’re not shut out.”
“Feels like it sometimes.”
The phone vibrated again.
Jesus Christ.
Mira noticed the movement against my jeans immediately even though I didn’t pull it out this time.
“You should answer whoever that is,” she murmured.
“I already know what it is.”
That slipped out before I could stop it.
Her eyes lifted toward mine immediately afterward.
“What does that mean?”
I rubbed my jaw slowly before answering.
“It’s Vanessa.”
Mira stayed still beside me after that.
No dramatic reaction.
No jealousy either.
Just attention sharpening slightly.
“Vanessa?” she repeated calmly.
I no
