Page 81 of Steadfast

Oakleigh sat on the bed, letting out a long sigh as she noticed it was Shayna’s most recent post.

Mia tappedplay.

“Hey Shayn-Gang.”

“Why are you even subscribed to this?” Oakleigh hadn’t meant to criticize Mia, but her tone was loaded with judgment.

Mia’s eyebrow shot up skeptically, “Don’t act like you’renotsubscribed to it, Oaks.“ She had a point, as she usually did. “Keep watching,” Mia said with a sly smile. “You’ll appreciate it.”

Oakleigh forced herself to look at the screen while Shayna went on.

“I’m not above accountability,” Shayna began, with a noticeable quiver marking her usually smug tone. “I want to thank all of my fans and followers who have held my feet to the fire because, well—” Shayna ran her hands through her hair as if she were choosing her next words carefully.

“I should have never threatened Maeve Callaway.”

Oakleigh’s mouth dropped open as she whipped around to give Mia a dramatic, wide eyed look. She had been an influencer long enough to recognize the effects of the scathing turn of public opinion.

Shayna was learning a hard lesson from the fans. She had free reign to pick apart and defame practically anyone.

Anyoneexcept for Maeve Callaway.

Shayna was now feeling the burn of beingcanceled.

With forced humility, Shayna continued. “Along with letting me know how far I overstepped on the issue of Maeve, you also made it clear that Oakleigh and Crew are also off limits. I know now that my latest video was a blatant and inappropriate attack on the bonds of a relationship that is loved and cherished by each and every one of you.”

“The internet sleuths have debunked my claims, and they were right to do so. An innocent picture with fans was blown out of proportion and twisted into something salacious. I want to offer my sincere apology to both Oakleigh Davenport and Crew Beckett.”

Mia tappedpause.

“What do you think?”

“Vindicated,” Oakleigh responded, though she knew she shouldn’t relish in Shayna’s downfall, even if she deserved it. “I think it explains a lot, but not everything,” Oakleigh said quietly, gathering her nerve and praying Mia wouldn’t get upset. “Why’d you do it, Mia? Why were you partying after I lost everything.”

“I never thought I’d see you again, Oaks,” Mia said, shamefully avoiding her friend’s eyes. “Life just went on without you. I’m sorry.”

Oakleigh took a deep breath, preparing to accept Mia’s humble apology.

“What I’m not going to do, though—” Mia spoke up, completely ignoring Oakleigh’s look of surprise. “I’m not going to apologize for living my life, and I’m not going to be sorry for having a good relationship with my mom. It’s not perfect, but she’s my mom. You’ll see photos of us shopping, and Harper will probably be there too sometimes. She’s a part of our life, Oaks, and you have to accept it.”

Oakleigh knew what needed to happen next.

Mia deserved a big apology.

“I shouldn’t have lashed out at you,” Oakleigh acknowledged. “You’re my best friend, and you didn’t deserve that.”

Mia dashed a tear from her eye as she sat up and grabbed Oakleigh in a tight hug, wincing slightly at the pain it causedher injured ankle. “This is a remarkable life you’re creating, and you’ll find where you fit in Oaks. I know you will.”

Oakleigh swallowed hard. She knew she didn’t deserve Mia’s friendship, in fact, she hadn’t deserved many of the blessings she had received.

When she left Mia to rest, she made her way back downstairs. Much to her dismay, Paisley’s steps creaked behind her, followed closely by the clacking of Harper’s designer shoes.

“You have a competition in Hawaii in two weeks,” Harper badgered. “You’ve missed enough practice, not to mention press junkets. To think!” she exclaimed. “Taking off halfway around the country without consideration for anyone but yourself. Really, Paisley, it’s like you’re turning into Oakleigh.”

“Donotcompare me to her,“ Paisley snapped, whipping around to face her mother. “I’m not Oakleigh.”

Harper’s eyes flashed with annoyance as her voice lowered to a threatening tone as she spoke through clenched teeth. “You’re right. You’ll never be Oakleigh—or what she could have been if she hadn’t thrown her whole life away.”

Oakleigh had heard enough.

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