Colliding with You

Chapter 2-3

Cori watched her sister’s mouth moving, but her thoughts drifted back to the moment she and Mariah arrived at the church. She hadn’t missed the way Jesse took in every inch of her or the fact that he picked up on the innuendo within her question. His response had been perfect.

She’d lost count of how many times Mariah mentioned him looking their way. Each time, she swore he was staring at Cori. For all she knew, he was looking at both of them.

Cori could recall several occasions when Theo mentioned how women surrounded Jesse and Allen whenever they were on the road. It became so chaotic that they had to find alternate exits everywhere they went.

Despite how much she enjoyed spending time with a sexy guy like Jesse, Cori wouldn’t do it in the company of other women. She was too selfish to share. If this is what Jesse was interested in . . .

“No, thanks.”

“What was that, Cori?”

Realizing she’d said the words aloud, she met her sister’s gaze and pressed her lips together. How could she explain what she said? It would help if she knew what Cassie was talking about. Instead of listening to her sister, she let her mind run off with Jesse Woods.

It would be the only thing he ran away with.

“Sorry, Cass. I think I misunderstood what you were saying. Could you repeat it, please?”

Her big sister’s brow shot up as she pursed her lips. A moment later, her hand went to her belly. “Oh, the baby kicked.” Excitement grew in her voice. “Feel this.”

She tugged Cori’s hand as she placed it on her belly. Ally, Nora, and Mariah joined in, each waiting patiently to feel what she had. It didn’t seem like it would happen, but a moment later, it felt as though something rolled under Cori’s palm. Her mouth opened, and for the first time in a long time, her eyes moistened.

“That’s amazing, Cass. I can’t wait to meet this little guy or girl. I can’t believe you and Theo opted not to reveal the gender.”

Cassie patted her cheek before resting her hand on Cori’s shoulder. “Life doesn’t give us many surprises. When you’re gifted one, enjoy it for what it is. A gift.”

Since when had her sister become so wise? It seemed just a few months ago they were hanging out at Cassie’s house, eating pizza, watching scary movies, and sharing secrets about some of the stupid things they’d done. There was never a moment of seriousness in any of it. Now, Cassie was a responsible adult, a soon-to-be-married woman, and a mommy. Cori was proud of her. At the same time, she was jealous of what she was losing—her sister.

“You okay?”

Cori was so transfixed on Cassie that she hadn’t noticed Ally, Nora, or Mariah step away. Once she lowered her hand to her side, she took a few steps back.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Why do ask?”

Tilting her head to the side, Cassie examined her face. “You don’t seem like yourself today. Something’s on your mind.”

Her sisterly intuition was spot on, but Cori couldn’t tell her the truth. She felt guilty for thinking about anything besides Cassie’s wedding, especially when that something was her soon-to-be brother-in-law’s friend.

Thinking of it like that made Jesse sound so much older when there were only three years between them. Still, he was part of her sister’s crowd—the older crowd. They were all seniors the last time they were together, and she’d been a bashful freshman.

It felt like ages ago.

Feeling her sister’s eyes weighing on her, she finally responded to her question. “I’m fine. I swear it. Just a little tired. I spent the morning looking for a new job. I need a way to pay for my classes.”

“So you’re still going without Mom or Dad’s knowledge?”

Nodding at Cassie, she gazed down at the hardwood floor. “I’ve tried to bring it up, but Dad just cuts me off before I begin. I don’t know why he hates me dancing so much. He’s the one who paid for my classes when I was younger.”

“He said it was to keep you busy and off the streets. He didn’t want you getting involved with the wrong people. You know that.”

“But I’m an adult now.”

“I know, which is why I commend you for looking for a job. Still, you need to tell Mom and Dad the truth. I can help, if you want. I’ll be your moderator.”

Resentment filled Cori. It wasn’t fair how their parents said nothing when Cassie chased after her dream. She went to college, graduated, then went to work for the recording studio. She wanted to be near music, and she got what she wanted.

Not one time did their parents stop providing financial assistance or kick her out of the house. They never made the threats to Cassie the way they had to her.

Cori’s dreams were no different. Much like her big sister, she wanted to be near music. A professional dancer needed music to perform. While she wouldn’t mind being a professional choreographer, she’d be happier in her own dance studio. Whichever one she chose would provide her a great life.

She enjoyed working with kids and wanted to pass on her love of dancing to others. There were many other plans she had, ones that would help those in their community. Unfortunately, her father never gave her the opportunity to discuss the positives. All he could focus on was negatives, and still, Cori didn’t understand what those could be.

There was no use in stressing over it now. This weekend wasn’t about her. It was about her sister. She’d almost screwed up their relationship when she went after Theo. It never would have happened if she knew Cassie was interested in him, but that was beside the point. She’d messed up. It was time to be a good sister, and that meant being a good bridesmaid for the next couple of days.

“Let’s worry about this some other time. Today is about you. I’m ready to do this rehearsal. The quicker we do, the sooner we can kidnap you from your soon-to-be husband. You guys may have put the cart before the horse,” she paused as she patted Cassie’s belly again, “but we’re still doing things the old-fashioned way. That means not seeing the groom before the wedding.”

Cassie rolled her eyes and looked as though she would argue. Ally and Mariah overheard them and quickly came to Cori’s defense. When Nora sided with them too, all Cori could do was grin at her sister.

After a moment of silence, Cassie finally conceded. “All right. We’ll do this the old-fashioned way.”

The door to the sanctuary opened as Cori noticed their mom walk out. The frown on her face was proof that their raised voices had filtered into the church. Ally filled her in on what was happening as Cassie shook her head and glanced at Cori.

“Just so you know, I had every intention of not seeing Theo before the wedding. I just like keeping those three on their toes.”

As she winked, Cori stifled her laughter. “I’m glad you excluded me.”

“It’s easier to push their buttons.” Cassie snickered as she motioned behind her to the door where their friends stood. “Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention who will be escorting you up the aisle. I figured you’d be more comfortable with someone you knew, so I chose Jesse.”

It took a moment to process what Cassie said. When reality crashed around Cori, the wicked gleam in her sister’s eye had her face filling with fire. Guess Cassie had played her all along.

She knew how to push Cori’s buttons too.