Page 95 of Beautiful Collide

Then I seeher.

My lips thin.

Why isshehere?

Molly. My little Hex.

The woman who has haunted my thoughts for years sits at the table, chatting animatedly with my mom. She laughs softly at something my dad says. Her entire demeanor is relaxed, so unlike when she’s with me.

I love her for this.

I hate her for this.

And, deep down, I know I’m screwed because she looks like she belongs here with them. With the people I care about most.

It’s as if we have a thread tethering us because Molly looks up and catches my eye. Our gazes tangle. It’s like a dance—almost. She doesn’t look away, and I don’t either. The space between us crackles with something unspoken, something I can’t name but feel all the same.

Her green eyes are cool and unreadable.

A million questions blur in my head.

What is she thinking?

Does she know the chaos she stirs just by being here?

Is she trying to figure me out the way I’m always trying to figure her out?

Is she as frustrated by this invisible thread between us as I am?

I force myself to walk, crossing the room to go sit with my family. Each step closer is a step closer to her orbit, where I’m sure I’ll get burned. Why the fuck can I not resist the pull?

When I arrive, I lean down and kiss my mom on the cheek.

“Hey, guys.” I pull back and look toward Molly. “Molly?”

“Oh, Molly helped us so much at the game,” my mom gushes, smiling up at me. “She showed us to our seats, got us food, and even helped us find the car. Isn’t that sweet?”

“Very.” I slowly slide into the empty seat across from Molly, staring at her as I do.

Did she know who they were when she did?

It’s as clear as day that my mom adores her. At this rate, she’ll be in the family Christmas photo by next week.

What the hell did I miss during this game?

I look back at Molly, still wondering how this all happened. It’s as surprising as me winning an award for punctuality.

She meets my stare, never flinching, and smiles brightly. “Your parents are amazing. I see where you get it.”

I hesitate, half expecting her to follow it up with a dig. Instead, she just keeps smiling at me like she means it. Weird.

Finally, I bite. “Get what?”

Molly blinks innocently at me. “Your personality and kindness.”

Oh-kay.

Not what I expected.

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