When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark 2)

“We can get something close to there.”

“But then you’ll have to commute,” I remind him.

He laughs. “If we get something in the city you’ll have to commute.”

I press my lips together. “I don’t even want to go back to school,” I admit. “I feel so lost there, like I don’t belong. I hate being this clueless on what I want to do.” I take a sip of coffee, irritated by how cold it already is.

“You’ll figure it out,” Xander assures me.

I sigh. “I hope so.”

It sucks not having any idea what I want to do with my life. Nothing makes me feel excited or warm and fuzzy inside. I don’t want to pick something and settle, and end up unhappy for the rest of my life. I want to do something I love and ultimately make a change in the world.

“Breakfast!” we hear yelled again.

I laugh and slide my legs to the side and off the bed. “Man, he’s determined.”

Xander shrugs and stretches his arms above his head. I might ogle his chest shamelessly as he does that, but with the show his muscles put on how can you blame me?

“He’s worried about

you,” he says, standing and oh Lord, the way his sweatpants sit low on his hips … Mmm, it’s safe to say I’m thinking all the dirty thoughts.

“Yeah, well he can just unworry,” I counter.

Xander snorts. “I don’t think unworry is a word, but nice try.”

“I like it,” I defend. “It makes it sound like there’s a switch you can flip on and off. Worry and unworry.”

He shakes his head at my antics. “I’m going to shower. Why don’t you head downstairs before your brother loses his mind?”

I sigh. “Sure thing, Captain.” He chuckles and closes the bathroom door behind him. “Come on, Prue.” I pat my hip, and she obediently jumps off the bed and follows me out of the room.

I find Cade in the family room, watching TV.

Before I can say anything, he yells, “Breakfast!” again.

I slap my hands over my ears. “Dude, chill out,” I groan. “I’m here and Xander will be down in a minute.”

Cade glances behind him, over the back of the couch, and grins sheepishly. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you come down.”

“Obviously.” I rub my ear to try to stop the ringing. “Why is this breakfast so important?” I mimic his tone.

He shrugs and I take a seat beside him, drawing my legs up criss-cross.

“I don’t know,” he answers. “After yesterday, I think we should all be together.”

“That was insane,” I agree.

“Has Xander heard from his mom or dad?” he asks.

“Huh?” My brows furrow in confusion.

“You know, since his mom was so pissed.” He looks at me like I’ve completely lost my mind for not remembering, and I guess I have. In the aftermath, it slipped my mind.

“Shit,” I mutter, shoving my fingers through my hair roughly. “I forgot.”

The look on his mom’s face, that had hurt. I completely understand where she’s coming from, but that doesn’t make it suck any less. Especially for Xander.