Kristen: I Will Never Be Friends With Tom or Ariana

Bravotv.com: Are you surprised Jax gave in and said James could go with the group to Hawaii?

Kristen Doute: I've seen a lot of growth in Jax lately and I attribute a lot of that to him dating Brittany. Whether or not I could go to Hawaii, I know Jax didn't want James on his birthday trip. Jax should have been allowed a veto if Sandoval was, but Jax also knew throwing a fit about it wasn't going to get him anywhere. It's not that he gave in, he just knew it wasn't worth being an issue and letting it bother him.

Bravotv.com: You and Katie are working on your friendship. How does it feel to be getting closer to her again?

KD: That was the first time I had been to Katie's apartment in almost two years. I was so anxious and excited that she, literally, opened up her door for me. I believe that timing is everything and although it was devastating in the past to lose my best friend, there is no time like the present to have a fresh start. I didn't want back what I had with Katie -- I wanted something new and even better. 

Bravotv.com: Do you wish you could have been there for Katie's engagement?

KD: The night that Katie got engaged, a friend sent me a text instructing me to look at my social media. It was a roller coaster of emotions. I cried because I was ecstatic for her and I cried because I wasn't there like I had always thought I would be. It was a moment in time that could never be recreated. I try to look at it as optimistically as possible -- I still have a bachelorette party and wedding to help plan! 

Jax Wanted Kristen to Go to Hawaii

Bravotv.com: Did you understand why Tom and Ariana didn't want you to join the group in Hawaii? Did you think there was any chance they would be okay with you going?

KD: Obviously I wanted to go to Hawaii with all of my friends. I wanted to celebrate Jax's birthday and TomKat's engagement. Once I spoke to Tom face to face, I was able to put myself in his shoes and really accept not going. I do, however, think after this much time that has passed, he and Ariana need to get over this grudge they have with me. 

Bravotv.com: You tried talking to Tom during Jax's birthday lunch and clearing the air. Do you think you, Tom and Ariana will ever get to a point where you can all hang out with each other without any tension?

KD: I will never be friends with Tom or Ariana and I prefer it that way. I want to be clear that it has nothing to do with the animosity I used to hold regarding the demise of my relationship and the start of theirs. They're just not my kind of people. I would like group settings to be easier for OUR friends. I have found a new sense of peace and I don't entertain the idea of bad blood when I'm not emotionally affected by it. I suggest the same to Tom and Ariana: If I don't "have power" over them anymore, let it go.