Page 68 of Collide
“There goes the neighborhood,” I laugh.
Philippa follows, much more composed, but holding a small bag from the trendy new Filipino bakery nearby.
“I assume you haven’t eaten,” she says, setting it down.
“Not since breakfast,” I admit, popping the cork off the champagne.
Three glasses clink together.
“To new beginnings,” Philippa toasts. “And no longer crashing at my place.”
“To independence!” Riley adds, taking a big gulp.
“To…everything,” I smile as the bubbles tingle against my lips.
I turn to Philippa, feeling a swell of emotion rise in my chest.
“Pip,” I utter, and she raises an eyebrow at the unexpected sentimentality in my tone.
“Thank you. For all of this.” I gesture around the apartment. “For making me feel welcome here in New York, for lookingout for me when I probably didn’t deserve it, and for putting so much effort into making this place perfect.”
Philippa’s expression softens, and for a moment, I see the warmth beneath her usually polished exterior.
“You’re my sister, Elena. Of course, I was going to make sure you had everything you needed.” She smirks. “And besides, you deserve your own space. Plus, a fully stocked fridge—I’ve seen you take down an entire charcuterie board solo. Can’t let you get hangry.”
I laugh, shaking my head, but the lump in my throat remains. “Still, it means a lot. More than I can probably explain.”
Philippa smiles, squeezing my hand briefly before letting go. “Then that’s all that matters.”
“Aww, you guys,” Riley sings, watching the exchange between us. “I love this.” She gestures between the two of us.
We all laugh.
“Group hug!” Riley bellows, pulling my sister and me into an embrace.
One drink turns into two. Then three. Then, a very questionable shot of tequila that Riley convinces us to take.
Philippa, ever the responsible one, cuts herself off early.
“I should go before you two get messy,” she announces, swiping her purse off the armchair. “Elena, try not to let her burn the place down. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she adds, reminding me of the brunch we have scheduled.
“No promises,” Riley says with a grin as Philippa rolls her eyes and makes her exit.
The second she’s gone, Riley turns to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Now, how many drinks will it take to get you to spill about your first date with Alex?”
I feign innocence.
“A lady never tells.”
“You? A lady?” she exclaims. “Come on, I’ve been dying to know, and you held out on me the other day! So don’t skimp on the juicy details.”
My face goes warm all at once, but I can’t stop the smile that takes over my face.
“Fine…It was…” I sigh, searching for the right words. “Insanely good. He planned this epic day: coffee, laser tag, food trucks, and, um…” My voice trails off, remembering the mind-blowing orgasm he gave me, blushing at the thought.
Riley gasps, cutting me off.
