Becca stepped closer to Lexi and she realized that these two women were genuinely sorry for her loss and not being there. Lexi forgot that at one time, she’d had a wide support system and it wasn’t entirely their fault it disappeared.
“I don’t think it makes it easier even if you see it coming. Is your mom doing okay? I spend most of my day online and I have to say, your social media is seriously lacking, girl.” Becca added the last part in a teasing tone that lifted the mood again.
Lexi laughed as Becca had clearly meant for her to do. What didshe do all day? Hang out with sassy geriatrics who thought spandex was a cure-all? Spend her evenings with a woman who preferred romance books to reality?
Stories weren’t her thing but it didn’t mean she couldn’t spin one. “I work a lot. It took time to sort through my father’s business before making the decision to sell it.” She placed a hand on Will’s chest, moving into his side, looking up at him through lowered lashes. “And of course, I spend time with this guy.”
Will’s lips quirked but like a perfect date-not-date-boyfriend-turned-fiancé, he kissed her forehead and smiled at the others. He wasreallygood at playing pretend.
Argh. Forehead kisses.A definite weakness in her shield. Before anyone could ask for more details, she switched the focus. “What about you? Book deal, social media guru. I’m terrible at social media. I can’t see people wanting to know what I ate for lunch or how my cat is doing. Not that I have a cat.”Smooth. Really smooth.
“I just love seeing what other people are up to. I started out sharing my own journey of ups and downs, dating, finding clothing that suited me, getting caught in ruts, you know? After graduating with my psych degree, I wasn’t sure about doing my master’s and started playing around and voilà.” Becca laughed and lifted both hands, palms up. “I started gaining followers, sharing more specific content. I did a series of posts last year under the hashtag MakingItLookEasy. A couple of local brands asked me to be an ambassador and it snowballed. Now I write for different online outlets just as a guest contributor, doing the social media gig while working on my book. Honestly, I just love the whole vibe. All of it. I could scroll through profiles for hours,” Becca said, leaning into her boyfriend in a casual, enviable way.
“Youdoscroll for hours,” he said affectionately.
“And she makes more than me doing it,” Jackie said with a laugh.
Becca tilted her head to the side, arching her brows at Jackie. “Please. This from the woman who runs her own art gallery downtown?”
Jackie preened a little, looked up at Nigel. “Where I met this guy who was outfitting his new condo.”
They continued to share their stories, their successes, and though Lexi liked hearing that they’d all made it out okay, it was another reminder that when the chips had fallen, she’d left them there in a big pile on the floor. She’d been too busy trying to hold it together to pick them up and move forward.
“Hey, let’s get a post-high-school group shot,” Becca said, turning her phone and pulling the six of them together.
Jackie shook her head but got right in there. “Make sure you tag us all.”
Nigel and Jackie were in the middle, Darcy and Becca on one side, with Lexi and Will on the other. Will was on the end, his arm moving around Lexi’s shoulder when he leaned down a bit. “You okay?”
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Once the picture was taken, more jokes and laughter were shared, and Lexi waited for her moment to announce she needed a drink. Instead of heading toward the selection in the kitchen, she found the small bathroom down the hallway, closed herself in, and leaned on the door.
Because she was better at avoiding things than facing them, she pulled her phone out to check on her mom and saw Maisie had messaged. Opening the text, she saw the gorgeous photos her friend sent of the wedding venue she was working. Maisie Smart was an amazing photographer. And a kick-ass best friend who would give her shit for hiding in the bathroom instead of enjoying the party, the people, and the exceptionally hot and sweet guy she’d somehow ended up here with.
Maisie
This wedding is incredible. They released doves. Actual doves.
Lexi smiled, typed back:
As opposed to fake ones? Plastic ones? Those would probably fall flat.
Maisie
Hey. Home now, curled into my couch with a good book. How’s the party, funny girl?
Of course, she’d quickly updated her bestie on the events of the day.
Lexi sighed, looked up at the ceiling before answering.
Will is like a made-for-TV date. He’s perfect. My old friends are successful, happily in love, and doing great.
Maisie
I want a picture of Will.
Lexi snorted.
NO.
