Throwing her keys in a dish by the front door, Sofia kicks off her shoes and flops onto the sofa with a heavy sigh. She sort of felt like a jerk and realized partway through the drive home that she hadn't properly thanked Cassius for finding her passed out on her grandpa's grave and bringing her home. He really has been nothing but helpful in most of their brief interactions, if a little teasing at the bakery which she secretly found attractive. Especially with the way those distracting lips tilt up into a devilish smile.

A ring suddenly fills the quiet room and Sofia clumsily searches around for her phone and instantly answers when she sees who is calling. "How do you always just know when I need someone to talk to? I'm starting to think you're some kind of mind reader."

"When it comes to you, I just might be. Or, I've just spent way too long around you and now we have a freaky link that lets me know when you're beating yourself up over something. I have news but it can wait until after you tell me what has you all twisted up...besides the obvious, of course," Zoya says the last part softly with sadness in her voice. Sofia's best friend is still gutted that she couldn't be there for the funeral.

"I just...I don't know. I'm trying to keep it together but along with everything there is also this thing with Cassius. I'm probably nowhere near the right place to start untangling all the weird shit I feel when he's around." Sofia tries to explain but even she doesn't fully get what is going on.

"Wait. Cassius? Like, the hot guy that lives in the big mansion with Javier and Hiari? He has to be getting up there in age by now. Oooh, does he have a whole sugar daddy vibe? I would totally jump on that if he's interested" Zoya jokes and Sofia smiles while rolling her eyes. Trust Zo to bring her out of a funk.

"No one is getting a sugar daddy and, honestly, he looks exactly the same" Sofia frowns at the realization that he is yet another person her grandfather knew that seemingly never ages. She quickly puts the thought aside for later before continuing "Even if I was going to date, it probably shouldn't be him. Is he gorgeous and charming and makes my brain melt a little? Yeah. But, there is also something mysterious about him and I feel so overwhelmed when I see him. I should just stick to nice safe guys."

Zoya scoffs so hard that Sofia's throat hurts in sympathy. "That is such bullshit! Feeling that way is a sign that you should go for it. It doesn't have to be now, girl. You have so much on your mind and weighing on your heart, it makes sense that you would take time to grieve and heal. But eventually? You damn well better nab that man. Actually, strike that. I have to suss him out first. Make sure he's on the up and up. Thankfully, I'll be there soon" there is a smile in her voice, and Sofia sits up, now paying full attention.

"Zo, are you coming here? But you have school! I couldn't ask you to do that" she protests but it is halfhearted at best. Truth is, she has missed her best friend so damn bad and could really use someone close while uprooting her entire life.

"You didn't ask, I'm offering. Actually no, I'm telling you I'm coming. I'll be handing in my final project then be free and I plan to spend that time with you. I'm packing up anything you could want from our place and having it shipped to you before I get there. I also talked to your professors and you almost have all of your credits so they are willing to work something out for you to finish without having to come back. Everything will work out. Just, hold on until I can get there. You know I've always got you."

Sofia covers her mouth with her hand, emotions bubbling up. The fact that her friend would go to such lengths to support her even from afar is insane and she has to take a breath before she starts sobbing. With a trembling voice, Sofia asks what Zoya and their friends have been up to. Zo knows how grateful Sofia is and Sofia is certain Zoya knows exactly what she is feeling. Words aren't necessary to convey it. Instead, they chat and catch up. By the end of it, Sofia feels lighter than she has in ages.