My Best Friend's Brother

22

"You clean up nice," I joked as Axel walked into my house in an all black tuxedo, he had a silver watch on one wrist and his tattoos poked out from under the other sleeve.

I wore a long white fitted dress with a thigh high slit up the left side. I put on gold heels and I still wasn't as tall as Axel, he grabbed my hand and led me to his car. He opened the door for me and I carefully sat down as he ran around to the other side.

We were on our way to the Harris' annual Christmas banquet. I was hesitant on going but Chloe assured me Collins had stayed in Ohio for Christmas, plus I knew all the money from the banquet went to organizations that helped the community.

Axel and I pulled up to valet and handed the keys to the young man. Axel lifted his arm for me and I grabbed the inside of his elbow. We walked up the stars to the large banquet hall they always rent. We were met at the door by Mr. and Mrs. Harris who both greeted me warmly and made small talk with Axel for a few moments before Chloe came up to me and grabbed my arm; pulling Axel and I away from her parents.

"So, small problem..." She said with a worried look. "No-" I said as I realized what she meant.

"Hey guys." Collins said walking up to us and smiling, Axel's arm tightened around my hand but he still smiled tightly.

Collins was in a grey suit obviously tailored to fit his body perfectly. He held two glasses of champagne. He sipped one and smiled coldly at me, "Drink?" He offered to me and I laughed, "As if I'd accept a drink from you." I said and he genuinely smiled. "Missed you too Nadia." He joker and I smiled back, butterflies erupting in my stomach at the way he said my name.

I tore my gaze from Collins and looked at Axel who obviously wasn't pleased with the situation. The butterflies calmed and my heart slowed looking at Axel.

"Well I have to go pretend to be interested in stocks with old men, catch you guys later." Collins said as he walked away, setting the glass of champagne on a near by table.

"You could have texted me that he was here." I said bitterly to Chloe and she smiled apologetically, "But then you wouldn't have come."

She was right, if I knew my first love, the man that I gave everything to, the one who still gives me butterflies, and makes me feel like I'm on fire was at this banquet; I would not have come. Especially with my boyfriend, the man that held me when I was broken, the man that made me feel tranquil even in the midst of madness.

"Can you go get me a punch, Axel?" I asked and he released my arm, "Of course, I'll be right back." He said with a tight smile and I turned to Chloe once I was sure he was out of ear shot.

"Chloe, I don't know what to do. We really need to talk about Axel and Collins." I said almost desperately and worry grew in her eyes, "You can sleep over after the banquet, if you want." She offered and I nodded.

Axel eventually came back with our drinks and a small plate of appetizers. "Ladies," he said as he gave us both a cup of punch and offered us the plate of food. "This blows." He said honestly as we stood against the wall while old rich white people talked and drank. "Yes it does, but it raises a lot of money so we don't really have any other options other than smile and nod." Chloe joked and we chuckled.

The banquet was eventually over and Chloe and I were the first people out. Axel drove home alone after I kissed him goodbye as I climbed in the car with Chloe.

We swung by my house so I could change and grab my essentials before going back to her house. We were the first people there so we grabbed snacks and bolted to her room.

"Okay, spill." She said as she stripped out of her gown and changed into a T-shirt and shorts.

"I just don't know how I feel about them both, I think I might miss Collins." I said honestly with a sigh. She gave me a pitiful look and I sighed, "I know, I know. It's stupid because I dumped him but it was only because he was going half way across the country for college, I don't think I ever truly got over him. I mean the night I dumped him I met Axel and things have almost spiraled since then. Of course I love Axel but it's not the same; Axel is like my rock, he keeps me sane and grounded and when I look at him I feel calm but Collins is the exact opposite. He makes me crazy, my head spins when I'm around him, my skin ignites when he touches it, and my stomach erupts in butterflies at the sight of him." I ranted and she sat down beside me.

"It's going to be a long night..." Chloe said as she pulled a bottle of Tito's vodka out from under her bed.

A/N: hey guys !! I'm so sorry for my absence and my lack of chapters lately. It's been very hectic and I hope this little update can hold you guys over for a little while :) I love you all so much and thank you for reading <3