Avoiding Responsibility (Avoiding #2)(88)

"to the happy couple…"

She knew Bekah and Jack cared for each other, but somehow it had never felt real. It had all been a trick. Bekah had used Lexi to get Jack. There was absolutely no way that a sane person could participate in that kind of deception and still have normal human feelings. For some reason, seeing them together actually happy, everything came in perspective.

"may they remember this time forever."

Jack was marrying Bekah. This was really happening.

"To Jack and Bekah."

The crowd echoed the final sentiment, raised their glasses in unison, and took a swig of their beverage of choice. Lexi took a tentative sip of her lemonade, sputtered when she realized that the punch was spiked, and then downed another large gulp. She would need the alcohol to get through the rest of day.

The two moved in closer to the wedding party as the remainder of the crowd dispersed. She couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his father's eye from the toast and the look of adoration on his face as he stared at his only daughter.

"Ramsey, Lexi, so nice to see you could make it," Bekah said immediately including them into the group. Though, Lexi knew too well not to expect that to have been a welcoming. It was likely more that she was pointing out that the two of them had been missing.

Ramsey's father clapped him on the back at Bekah's statement. "Good thing you got back in time, son."

"I have to apologize," Lexi said speaking up in his presence, no matter how terrifying and imposing a figure he might be, "I was just admiring your beautiful trove of weeping willows." Lexi made a pointed effort not to look at Jack the whole time.

His father beamed. "That's understandable. They're gorgeous, massive trees right there on the lake." His wife bobbed her head along with the statements. Turning his attention back to Bekah, he asked, "What kind of trouble are you ladies getting into tonight?"

Bekah ducked her chin to her chest as if she were an innocent little girl up to no trouble whatsoever. "Nothing daddy."

"Don't daddy me. I'm footin' the bill. Where are ya'll headin'?" he bellowed.

Bekah glanced from her dad to Jack and back. "You want me to say in front of the groom," she asked giggling clearly putting on a show. "Well alright, we're just going to go to a few clubs daddy. We'll be in by midnight."

"Midnight," he scoffed as if it was the most ridiculous statement he had heard.

Lexi wasn't even sure what they were referring to in the first place. And she didn't see why it mattered that she was going clubbing tonight with her friends. It didn't exactly seem like an affair her father would typically be interested in.

"Could Lexi come with us since we're down one?" Bekah asked her smile turning into a smirk at the edges. Lexi snapped to attention at the mention of her name. Where exactly was she going? Did Bekah actually just include her in something? She hadn't signed up for this. Not to mention, she wasn't exactly thrilled with filling in if they were down one…whatever that one was.

"You're my only daughter and you're only getting married once," he said that with finality. "You can take whoever you damn well want to. And anyway I insist she go along with you. Anyone who can stand Ramsey this long is someone you should be better acquainted with," he muttered a harsh laugh following the statement.

Lexi's mouth hung open slightly. She felt Ramsey stiffen at her side, but he didn't say anything. The looks she was receiving from Bekah and her friends weren't exactly comforting either. She was pretty certain that whatever they had in mind wasn't something she wanted to be involved in. "Go with you where?" she piped up.

Bekah turned to her as if she had forgotten that Lexi wasn't in the know. Except that she had done everything on purpose. Bekah was always in control…always calculating. Every move was devious and planned out beforehand. Lexi wasn't going to soon forget it. "Bachelorette party tonight doll."

Lexi knew she needed to watch herself before answering. This couldn't be happening. How was she unfortunate enough to be at the bachelor party and now she was getting corralled into a bachelorette party. "Wow I appreciate the offer…" she began her voice monotone. She obviously was not thrilled with the invite.

"Well great," their father interrupted, "it's all settled then."

Lexi had meant to finish with something all the lines of, "but I'm busy tonight." However, apparently after their father spoke everything else was final. Ramsey it seemed was the only person who ever argued with the man, and at this moment he thought it pertinent not to speak up. Lexi would have a few words with him later about that. But right now she needed to find a way out of this mess, because there was no way she was going to a bachelorette party with any of these people.

* * *

K.A. Linde

Karaoke and Cigarettes

I know he loved you a long time ago

I ain't jealous of you

Just thought you should know

You were never good enough for him

Or anything like me

So you might as well sit back cause I ain't

trying to show maturity

– Taylor Swift "Permanent Marker"

* * *

Chapter 14: March Four Months Earlier

Lexi was supremely uncertain about the situation at hand. Parker followed her and Ramsey into the beachside club where their planned outings was held. The place was in every way a tourist haven. The walls were covered in beachy slogans, coconut bras, grass skirts, and offers of margaritas, daiquiris, and other tempting beverages. The staff wore bathing suits or other sun-worn, thin clothing that could have come straight out of a surf shop. Music blasted from stereos as mobs danced on a make-shift dance floor. A side room was hosting karaoke where drunken college girls were singing their hearts out to Britney Spears.