Page 125 of Collide

“Oh, here we go,” I mutter.

“You need someone steady. Someone grounded, especially with your career.” Her eyes soften. “Broderick’s caring, steady, and accomplished.”

Riley scoffs. “Steady?Boring. No matter how stunning the packaging.”

Philippa’s gaze sharpens. “Because he doesn’t bring chaos? Broderick is real, Riley. Not a fantasy.”

“God forbid Elena has some fun for once,” Riley snaps. “Just because you like the safe option doesn’t mean she should.”

Philippa narrows her eyes. “And just because you run through men like it’s a sprint, doesn’t mean she should.”

The room goes still.

Riley’s eyes are wide, hurt flashing across her face. “Wow. Okay. That was low, even for you.”

“Both of you, stop,” I say, rubbing my temples. “This isn’t some reality show, and I’m not a prize.”

Riley crosses her arms. “On this season ofThe Bachelorette, Elena’s search for love continues.”

Philippa and Riley laugh. I shoot them a glare.

She sighs. “Fine. But it’s a big deal—this hasneverhappened before. And come on, you have to admit the contestants are delicious. But seriously, babe, you need to figure out whatyouwant. Not whatwewant for you.”

Philippa, voice softer now, adds, “On that, I agree. Just don’t lose yourself in the excitement. Think about what kind of love lasts.”

I exhale, staring at the deep red liquid in my glass. And then, before I can stop myself, the words spill out.

“I don’t know what I want, Pip. How could I?” I gesture vaguely with my glass. “I’m twenty-two years old. I was practically raised in a bubble. Before I met Alex, I’d been kissed, felt up, and left high and dry. That’s about it. And now? Now I have two men making me question everything, and I don’t even know what the hell I’m doing.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Philippa’s expression softens, but Riley—Riley nearly chokes on her wine.

“Wait,what?Are you telling me—hold on, hold on.” She sets her glass down like she needs both hands to process this. “Are you telling me you’restilla virgin?”

My face flames. “Jesus, Riley, shout it louder. I don’t think the people across the street heard you.”

Her eyes are huge. “But you and Alex—I thought you?—”

“Riley, please, I don’t really want to hear about my sister’ssexcapades.” Philippa raises her hand.

“We haven’t,” I admit, gripping my glass tighter. “And it’s not like I planned it this way, okay? I’ve spent so much of my life not thinking about romance, not really dating, and now I’m here, and it’s…” I sigh. “It’s a lot.”

Philippa reaches out, squeezing my hand. “Elena, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Riley, still wide-eyed, lets out a low whistle. “Damn, you have Alexander Fucking Westerberg, Heartthrob King of Sin and Orgasm-Giver, and Broderick, CEO of I Would Climb That Like a Tree, Heal The World Hot Hottie,bothlusting for you.”

I groan. “When you say it like that…”

“You want my honest opinion?” Riley asks, teasing.

“Do I have a choice?”

She smirks. “Nope. Screw ‘em both.”

I nearly spit out my wine, and Philippa chokes on hers beside me.

“Separately. But together would be fun.” Riley winks.