Collision Course

Diane pov

Saturday nights weren't usually my thing.

I'd rather stay home with takeout and a movie than spend hours getting ready for a room full of strangers.

Unfortunately, Sarah had other plans.

"You are not wearing that."

I looked down at the black dress I'd just slipped on.

"What's wrong with it?"

"It screams corporate meeting."

"It is black."

"It screams funeral."

Sophie nodded from the edge of my bed.

"I hate agreeing with Sarah, but she's right."

I sighed dramatically.

"I invited you two over to help me get ready."

"You invited us over because you have terrible fashion instincts," Sarah corrected.

I threw a pillow at her.

She dodged it with an annoying laugh.

Half an hour later, thanks to the two of them, I was standing in front of the mirror wearing a deep emerald-green dress that hugged every curve without making me feel self-conscious.

I actually...liked it.

"There she is," Sarah said proudly.

"The hot CEO."

I rolled my eyes.

"You two are impossible."

"And you're welcome."

My phone buzzed.

Zephyr: Outside.

A smile spread across my face before I could stop it.

Sarah noticed immediately.

"Look at that smile."

"I always smile."

"Not like that."

Sophie grinned.

"He's definitely a keeper."

I grabbed my clutch before either of them could tease me further.

"Come on."

The gala was being held at one of the city's most exclusive hotels.

Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings while soft jazz played in the ballroom.

Executives.

Politicians.

Investors.

The kind of people who shook hands with million dollar deals.

"This place is insane," Zephyr whispered as we walked inside.

I laughed.

"I've been here twice."

"And?"

"I still feel underdressed."

His fingers intertwined with mine.

"You look incredible."

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

"You have to say that."

"I really don't."

He leaned closer.

"I genuinely can't stop looking at you."

I laughed softly.

"You flirt too much."

"I've barely started."

Sarah fake gagged behind us.

"Oh, they're disgusting."

"They're cute," Sophie argued.

"They're disgustingly cute."

The four of us wandered through the ballroom, chatting with clients and acquaintances.

For a while...

Everything felt perfect.

Until Sarah suddenly stopped walking.

"Oh..."

I frowned.

"What?"

She looked past me.

"You've got company."

A familiar voice answered before I could turn around.

"Diane."

Every muscle in my body stiffened.

I slowly looked over my shoulder.

Abe.

He stood a few feet away dressed in a charcoal tuxedo that looked like it had been tailored specifically for him.

Marcus stood beside him.

Another man I didn't recognize was with them.

Abe smiled.

It wasn't cocky.

It wasn't mocking.

It looked...hopeful.

"Didn't expect to see you here."

I forced a polite smile.

"It's a business gala."

"Fair point."

For a few seconds neither of us spoke.

The silence became uncomfortable.

Then Abe's eyes landed on Zephyr.

"So..."

He extended his hand.

"I'm Abe."

Zephyr accepted the handshake.

"Zephyr."

The handshake lasted a little longer than necessary.

Neither man looked away.

I immediately sensed where this was heading.

Marcus noticed too.

His expression practically screamed not here.

Abe finally released his hand.

"Diane's told you about me?"

Zephyr smiled politely.

"She has."

"I hope only the good parts."

The joke landed flat.

Zephyr's smile barely changed.

"Actually..."

He slipped an arm around my waist.

"...mostly the opposite."

Abe tightened jaw.

"I figured."

I squeezed Zephyr's hand.

"We were just heading to get drinks."

Abe ignored me completely.

Instead he looked directly at Zephyr.

"So..."

"How long have you two been together?"

Zephyr answered without hesitation.

"Long enough."

A small smile appeared on Abe's face.

"That's not really an answer."

"It was enough of one."

Marcus quietly rubbed his forehead.

David looked like he wished he were anywhere else.

I cleared my throat.

"Abe"

He cut me off.

"I was just making conversation."

Zephyr's smile never disappeared.

"I noticed."

The air suddenly felt heavier.

People around us continued laughing and dancing, completely oblivious to the tension building between the two men.

Abe folded his arms.

"You know..."

He looked at Zephyr casually.

"...Diane and I used to come to events like this together."

I felt my stomach drop.

"Abe."

"What?"

"I'm just reminiscing."

Zephyr's jaw flexed.

"I'm aware."

Abe continued.

"We practically grew up together."

"I know."

"We planned our entire future."

"I know."

"We thought we'd get married."

"Enough."

My voice came out sharper than intended.

Both men looked at me.

I turned toward Abe.

"Stop."

His expression faltered.

"I wasn't trying to"

"I said stop."

For a moment I thought he would listen.

Instead...

He smiled.

A sad smile.

"I guess some things are hard to replace."

Zephyr finally took a step forward.

His voice remained calm.

But I could hear the warning underneath.

"Listen carefully."

Abe met his gaze.

"I'm listening."

"I'm Diane's boyfriend."

"I know."

"I'm the man she chose."

Abe's eyes where full of anger, regret and jealousy.

"For now."

Everything happened at once.

Zephyr's patience snapped.

He closed the distance between them.

"You got something else to say?"

Marcus immediately stepped between them.

"Easy."

David grabbed Abe's arm.

"Not here."

Several nearby guests had started staring.

I stepped in front of Zephyr before things got worse.

"Zephyr."

He didn't take his eyes off Abe.

"Let's go."

"Diane"

"Please."

His shoulders slowly relaxed.

After one final look at Abe, he nodded.

Without another word, he took my hand and led me toward the exit.

I didn't look back.