Page 11 of Collide
If I’m going to a party in the city for the first time, I’m not going alone.
“Pip!” I call out as I shut the door behind me.
Chapter 3
Who’s that Chick?
Abuzzing awakens me. The distant hum of the city filters through the walls, blending with the faint scent of jasmine from last night’s bath. My body feels heavy, cocooned in the warmth of the blankets, but the persistent vibration pulls me from sleep. I reach out to the side table for my phone. The room is dim, with rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains. I answer without looking.
“Hello?”
“Elena. Mark. The team will arrive at three, the courier should have already brought over some outfits for you.”
“Thanks.”
“See you tonight,” he says, ending the call.
Well, good fucking morning to you, too, mate.
I check the clock on the nightstand as the weight of the day settles over me—anticipation, nerves, the thrill of stepping further into this new life. A deep breath steadies me, but the flutter in my chest remains, a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what lies ahead. It’s ten a.m., and right on cue, there’s a knock at the door. Philippa walks in, taking a seat on the end of my bed and crossing her arms. I smile weakly at her.
“Morning.” She beams, straightening her huge pear-cut diamond engagement ring, perfectly propped on her freshly manicured hand.
“The stylist?” I ask, running my hands through my tangled hair.
“Yes, there are clothes and shoes all over my lounge room!” she exclaims, shaking her head. Poor little neat freak.
“Thankfully, they’re all stunning, so you’re forgiven.”
“I’m sorry?” I chuckle, shrugging my shoulders.
“Thought I’d take you around to your apartment this morning, but the contractors are behind schedule, so it’s not quite ready.” She sounds annoyed.
“That’s fine. We can go another time if you want to show me once it’s all ‘perfect,’” I say, doing air quotes with my fingers.
“So, about tonight.” Her face drops. I know she’s bailing.
“No, no,” I groan, dropping my shoulders in frustration and facing her with a pout. “You suck!”
“I know I promised we would hang out, but Father drafted me to do this work engagement. He had to pull out last minute, and we need someone to be there, but…” She pauses, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“But what?” I narrow my eyes at her.
“I’ve pulled some strings and got someone even better,” she teases, clapping her hands together diabolically.
I find myself secretly wishing it’s not a blind date with one of her preppy friends.
“Who?” I hear her scream before I see her.AHHH.“Riley!”
Philippa bursts into a fit of giggles as Riley comes barreling into the room like an animal set loose, wild curly red hair and eyes full of excitement.
“Surprise, bitch!” she shouts, jumping on the bed. I wrap my arms around her in shock, nearly knocking my sister to the ground.
“What are you doing here?!”
Excitement frazzles my thoughts. A moment ago, I slept soundly, and now, I’m caught in a wild hug, a tornado of red and black hair.
Riley is my best friend from back home. I haven’t seen her in months, since she’s been backpacking around South America after graduating from art school.
