A Fated Collision

ght kept echoing in her mind. She tells herself she doesn't care, that it doesn't matter, but the curiosity gnaws at her. She paces around her living room, fiddling with a pen or tapping

s, mirroring the ch

ting her head, her expression softening as she senses Claire's preoccupation. Cla

could be someone important-maybe even Christopher, "wait, he doesn't have my number, does he?" She asks no one in particular though she

e replied awkwardly.

, I'll let

he say? What'd he want?"

he wanted to know if

hi

lled me directly," she said as she

pry her. Xavier should have called her, but he had called Claire instead

nd explain anything to her, s

ondered. Whatever that was going on, needs to stop or come to lig

mind?" Claire deflects, offering a nonchalant response that doesn't match the tension in her eyes

, raises an eyebrow, but Claire avoids the conversation, changing the subject with a forced smile. Chloe, understanding Cl

*******

he window, his expression tight as he battles with his own thoughts. He'd come so close to saying something to her, something real

car and a smooth R&B song filling the silence. He keeps his eyes on the road, trying to focus on the music and not the woman who keeps

he room as though seeking some kind of peace. His gaze lands on a photo on the wall, a framed picture of a blonde girl. His brea

the tension in his shoulders, before he turns away, the moment passing as he suppresses whatever feeling

ool in his penthouse. He needed a distraction, an

im with passion, but he knows his head is playing with him cause there isn't any sign

I do?"

ays crave," a voice said

ooke

of the pool, grabbed a towel,

to hear from you so soon; why'

long s

ry involve a g

a while but didn't say anything.

rvis asked as both of them

_____

time, wondered if Claire was thinking about Xavier, but then she re

she didn't

awled on the bed with a pen in her mouth clearly

going to have fun and drink our asses off." She

is ready after trying

have a crush on someone. I know who that someone

ing about," she said fidgeting

said nodding her

ay for the drinks," Claire asked

so we wouldn't have to pay for our own drinks, dumm

d Claire outside after

ived at

ing the bar you got wast

ll be over here, and why should we be looking for it when w

fter waiting in l

he dance floor, but she squeezed her wrist

nu

u look like my mom w

her's look-alike and pay for her drink." Chloe said l

Chloe, ' Cl

, else we'd be in bed by now," Chloe said,

oommate. Who was going to take them home if

nk was brou

dn't order t

artender replied with a wink as he pointed up

pointed but couldn't make out the pers

raised the glass cheered with the u

different, it taste

cided to go up to t

ay for her as she walked

hes, his view

She said

o, Cl

e? I thought you were s

baby sis?" The ni

we're no longer related." Claire says as she goes to hug the nice gentlem

e Claire? I didn't know

ave a lot on my mind, and my friend decided

ice frien

you doing

going to be canceled since there's no sign of him, an

e yo

******

, but she saw no sign of her; she panic

awhile ago but I don't see her anywh

can't hear you clearly; where are

nt to see you now." Chloe rambles as she staggers,

you guys?" He aske

the phone call, and dec