Page 82 of Collide
“He’s practically family,” adds Philippa, with sweet indignation.
While they reminisce about the golden days of college, I am free to finish my food in peace without any further interruption from ‘Mr. Tall, Dark, andImpossiblyAnnoying.’
“So, there’s a reason we asked you two out to brunch today.” Andrew looks over at Philippa, the shared look between them full of quiet conspiracy.
“We’ve planned most of the major events, the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, but we’d love it if you could work together to do a combined bachelor and bachelorette party,” Philippa gushes, her eyes full of excitement.
I choke on my mimosa.
Broderick grins like it’s Christmas morning.
“Elena, I know you’re busy with your upcoming album release, but Broderick is here and you can work together on it,” she adds.
“Yeah, Elena, lean on me,” Broderick taunts, holding his hand to his chest, broad and muscular under that black shirt.
My jaw tightens.
If it were for anyone else, I would tell them to fuck off, but it’s for Philippa, and if I can repay her kindness in any way, it would be to swallow my pride and planthebest fucking bachelorette party for her.
“Pip, of course,” I say, through gritted teeth and a forced smile.
“Fantastic,” he adds smoothly. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
I scowl at Broderick, who looks like he’s won the lottery. He’s enjoying this way too much, and that smug grin makes me want to throw my mimosa at him.
I can’t wait to get out of here. The thought of shopping for Philippa’s honeymoon wardrobe doesn’t seem so bad after all.
The boutique is filledwith soft music and the scent of overpriced perfume, the kind of place where even looking at a price tag might cause spontaneous financial ruin. Philippa is in her element, meticulously sifting through racks of silk, lace, and impossibly tiny swimwear, while I trail behind her, holding an iced coffee like it’s my lifeline.
Meanwhile, I’m fighting the urge to take a nap on the floor, post-food coma.
“Elena, honestly, if you everdogo on a proper romantic vacation, at least have something like this packed,” Philippa muses, holding up a delicate white lace nightgown.
“Sex advice from my sister. Pack sexy outfits for man to tear off, check.”
She laughs. “It’s half the fun of it, you know.”
I scoff. “Pip, I barely have time to sleep, let alone jet-set on some romantic vacation. That’s if I even had someone to take me in the first place.”
Though if I’m being honest, the idea doesn’t sound too bad. A getaway, somewhere exotic, maybe, just me and Alex—no stress, no expectations.Just us. That’s something I could see myself doing.
She rolls her eyes, placing two onto her growing pile. “One for you and one for me,” she winks. “Speaking of non-existent love lives—Alex?”
I nearly choke on my coffee. “What about him?”
Philippa gives me the look. The one that says she sees right through my nonsense. “Don’t play dumb. Are you seeing him?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Oh, come on, we’re supposed to be bonding,” she sings.
I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “It’s…new. Like really new. I don’t even know what it is yet.”
“So youdolike him.” Her voice turns soft.
“Yeah, I think so,” I admit, hesitating a little.
She pauses for a moment, then tilts her head, studying me. “Okay, but what about Broderick?”
