The Reckless Collision

Sam.

~~~

I stood frozen, trying to steady my breathing, but each inhale seemed to make my head foggier. Was I imagining this, or was she really here? The absurdity of the whole "deep breaths will calm you" mantra hit harder with every attempt. My anxiety wasn't going anywhere.

"Ray," I said, my voice trembling as I grabbed his hand.

"I'll handle this, love," he whispered, leaning in close.

His words were meant to comfort me, but I couldn't shake the unease twisting in my stomach. We lingered awkwardly between the foyer and the kitchen, unnoticed by the others. Molly, blissfully unaware of the tension, strolled confidently toward the couch, leaving me alone with Ray.

I heard Logan's voice carrying over the low hum of conversation as he introduced Molly to everyone. Molly, of course, knew bits and pieces about the guys, but this was her first time actually hanging out with them. I wanted to be the one to help her feel welcome, to make the introductions myself, but I couldn't move.

Instead, my gaze locked on her—Cortney. Tall and lean, her elegant presence filled the room in a way that made my chest tighten. Why the fuck is she here?

I didn't even register Rory until I saw him sprawled on the couch, casually chatting with Logan. Molly glanced my way, motioning for me to come join them with a tilt of her head, but I couldn't. My feet felt cemented to the floor.

Molly grabbed a glass of champagne, her laughter blending easily with the group. Cortney was holding a matching glass, the golden bubbles catching the light. I didn't know what I was supposed to do—was I expected to be civil? Friendly, even? How was I supposed to handle being face-to-face with Ray's ex?

"James, a word," Ray said suddenly, his firm voice cutting through the chatter.

I hadn't even noticed him leave my side. Now, everyone in the room turned their attention to him. I watched as James exchanged a glance with Cortney before nodding, his hand still resting on the waist of the dark-haired girl standing beside him. She was beautiful—long black hair framing her sharp features like she'd stepped out of a magazine.

Feeling abandoned, I hovered awkwardly near the stairs. The room seemed louder, more overwhelming without Ray or Molly by my side. I debated slipping back upstairs but forced myself to step forward instead. Ignorance might be my curse, but maybe it's a blessing tonight, I thought, deciding to face the music.

I headed into the living room, where Andrew greeted me with a warm smile and a gentle hug.

"Champagne?" he offered, holding up a glass.

"No, thanks," I murmured, my eyes darting toward the couch. That's when my sight landed on him.

"Rory," I blurted out, my voice higher than I intended.

He stood, his broad shoulders and casual grin catching me off guard. Before I could react, he leaned in for a hug, and I instinctively returned it. His bare bicep brushed against my arm, the unexpected contact making me stiffen. The hug was brief, but it felt forced—like he was trying to make a show of our supposed friendship. But who was it for?

Logan waved from his seat, saving me from lingering in the awkwardness. I managed a weak smile in return and turned toward the women. Molly was already laughing with them, her easy charm fitting right in.

"Hi, I'm Sam," I said as I approached the group.

"Cortney," she said, lifting her champagne flute in acknowledgment. Her green eyes narrowed as she scanned me from head to toe. Up close, she was even more stunning than I'd imagined, her perfect features making me feel painfully average.