Colliding with You

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

Chaotic didn’t describe the state of Cassie’s house when Cori woke the next morning or the last few hours everyone spent on final wedding preparations. There was barely time to get coffee before her sister and Ally whisked her and Nora away to the salon. After four partial updos and forty French manicured nails, they’d returned to the church.

She never understood why people made such a big fuss about their appearance in a wedding. As long as the bride was the most beautiful one, it didn’t matter how everyone else looked. Cassie had this one in the bag. She woke up looking gorgeous.

It’s not like she opposed getting pampered. It was the reason she was receiving the treatment and what it entailed. As much as she loved her sister and knew she was with her true half, part of Cori still cared about her soon-to-be brother-in-law.

Theo was the first guy she’d ever crushed on. Those innocent thoughts she had at twelve turned into some of the dirtiest fantasies before he left Savannah—even after. They’d almost come to fruition. Then Theo, in the heat of the moment, revealed his true feelings. He called her Cassie.

None of it would have happened if he’d recognized her, not that it mattered now.

She glanced around the room of the church, taking in her sister and the rest of the bridal party. Cassie was clasping Ally’s necklace while Ally helped Nora with hers.

Cori couldn’t resist feeling for the one around her neck. The teardrop diamond was beautiful. It seemed too extravagant for a bridesmaid’s gift, but no one refused it. Cassie wouldn’t have let them if they’d tried.

Stubbornness ran in the family.

The sound of a car door shutting gained Cori’s attention. The others were so busy chatting that no one seemed to notice. Cori wished she hadn’t. The moment she gazed out the window, Jesse stepped around his car.

He looked as good in a tux as he did in the jeans he wore last night.

This was going to be the longest day of her life. Whatever was happening between them the night before was noticeable. Then again, maybe Mariah just knew her better than anyone. She knew when a guy had Cori’s attention. It hadn’t taken her long after the rehearsal to seek out Cori and tell her that the tension between her and Jesse wasn’t just noticeable. It was palpable.

Cori didn’t deny it. Jesse didn’t say much during the rehearsal, nothing like he had the few minutes they spent talking before she went inside the church. Where words failed, chemistry prevailed. She couldn’t ignore that she was attracted to him, but it didn’t mean it needed to go any further than flirting.

“Hey, little sis.”

Startled by the sound of Cassie’s voice, she spun and greeted her sister. “God, Cass, don’t do that.” She kept her voice firm but not too harsh. It was partially her fault she’d been caught off guard. Had she not been focused on Jesse, she would have heard Cassie approaching.

“I thought you heard me walk up. Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. I was looking outside when I noticed the guys pull up.”

Cassie regarded the clock on the wall. “Good. Jesse kept his promise. He said he’d make sure Theo made it on time.”

Nodding was the only response Cori could muster. She needed to change the subject. “Was there something you wanted to say to me?”

“Actually, yes, but I didn’t want to bring it up in front Ally or Nora. I sorta bought you another gift.”

She raised her hand toward Cori and offered her a small package.

“Why did you get me another gift?”

Cassie’s eyes lit up. “You’re my sister. I know we’ve had minor problems in the past, but you’ve always been someone I can count on, Cori. I just want you to know how much you mean to me.”

Cori didn’t argue. She tucked her finger underneath the pastel pink paper and loosened the tape. Once she discarded it, she stared at the brown box in her hands.

“Open it.”

There was anticipation in Cassie’s voice. It made Cori just as excited. She wasted no time pulling the tape and opening the flaps on the box. When she peeked inside, her breath caught.

“What the—?”

She worked the item from the box, discarding it to a nearby chair. As she stared at the jewel-encrusted box, her eyes watered. The moment she flipped the lid and heard Beethoven’s Für Elise playing, she concentrated on her sister.

“Cass, I—I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you got me this. You remembered.”

“What, that you used to drive me crazy with the little ballerina one you had when you were a kid? Or are you referring to the time that we were fighting over it, and it broke in half?”

Feeling at a loss for words, Cori stammered for an answer. “I loved that box. I think it was more the ballerina and the music than anything. Guess I’ve always wanted to be a dancer.”

“I never forgave myself for making you cry like that. I’d put my feelings before yours and ended up causing you pain. I swore I never would again and I wouldn’t allow anyone else to do it either.”

“I remember.” Cori’s throat felt scratchy as she fought back her emotions. Damn weddings. They got the best of people. She was no different.

“Cor, I’m sorry you got hurt in the process of Theo and I getting together. Neither of us—”

“Stop, Cassie.” She waved off her older sister and the words she was about to say. There was no need. It was over. Dredging it up only made her feel worse. “Let’s not go down this road again. I made a mistake, and I take the blame for what happened. Now it’s time for you and Theo to be happy. I want you to be happy, Cass.”

She didn’t say anything else. She couldn’t. Cassie had her in an embrace that was so tight, Cori could barely breathe. “Easy, sis. You’re stealing my oxygen and squishing my niece or nephew.”

“Oh, sorry.”

Cori drew in a deep breath but chuckled at her sister’s worried face. “I’m fine. No worries.”

“Do you like it?”

Cori studied the outside, taking in the fine craftsmanship of the box. “Yes,” she answered. “It’s beautiful.”

“I was going to get one similar to the box we destroyed but decided to get this one instead. You’re a grown woman, Cori. You deserve a gift that reflects that.”

The wall greeted Cori’s back as she leaned against it. “It’s so pretty. I can’t thank you enough, Sis.

“I’m glad you like it. I knew it was the right one from the moment I saw it on the shelf. It’s an antique too.”

“An antique? I hope it didn’t cost too much.”

“Don’t worry about the price. It wasn’t as bad as you think. I kinda know the lady who owns the place. She cut me a deal.”

It didn’t surprise Cori. Cassie was frugal when she needed to be. She just didn’t make that choice too often. At least she didn’t buy anything to put herself in debt, unlike Cori.

“So where did you get this?”

“A little shop downtown called Mystique Antiques.”

Goosebumps spread over Cori’s body. She wasn’t sure why, but something about the box pulled at her. It was the perfect gift.

Hopefully, her sister’s day would be just as perfect.