Elena's POV
I looked at my phone and froze. It was another message from Z.
It was short. "I'm sorry."
A third apology? I didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. Honestly, as long as he's safe and happy, I'm content. He really doesn't need to keep apologizing for the years he was gone.
I didn't want him drowning in guilt over me, so I ignored the apology and pivoted to something way more exciting.
"Drop it. I've got good news! I was a total badass today. Guess what I did?"
The awkwardness from the bathroom incident faded into the back of my mind.
I sat cross-legged on the bed, thumbs flying over the screen. I wanted to tell him everything—well, everything except the part where Brooke almost assaulted me. I kept it to the satisfying parts.
I sent a rapid-fire string of texts.
"I slapp
