Accept

Chapter 27- Lexie

Breathless from dancing and laughing, I started towards the bar to grab a fresh drink. I weaved my way through the crowd to our cozy corner and was surprised to see Gabby in my chair. Turning to give Chris a forewarning I discovered I was alone.

"Hi," I said to Gabby while continuing to check on Chris.

"Hello, I've been watching you on the dance floor and you guys make a great couple," she calmly replied. "Chris is really happy with you."

Searching back through the crowd I spotted Chris with Brian. Terror set in as I tried to understand their conversation and wondered if this were a setup.

"Thanks, we have fun together," I replied.

"I wanted to apologize for earlier tonight," she said. "I didn't think about how uncomfortable it was for Chris with Bella around. I guess I never thought of them as a couple. Even when they were dating, they were more like siblings instead of anything else."

"Don't worry about it. Everything is fine," I reassured her.

"And you have to believe me when I say; I knew nothing about you and Brian. I would never harm Chris in that way."

"I believe you. I think the only person who was aware of the situation was Bella and it was intentional on her part."

I checked over my shoulder and saw Chris and Brian laughing while shaking hands. I couldn't imagine what they had to discuss, but they appeared to be getting along.

"Hi mom," Chris said as he reached around my waist to hug me. He seemed to be in a great mood.

"I was just apologizing to Lexie about this evening. I hope you forgive me for making it uncomfortable."

"Everything's a good mom. Just enjoy the rest of the night."

I reached for my drink on the bar and chugged the entire glass. I was curious to see what they had discussed but wanted Chris to tell me without asking. It appeared he wasn't going to bring it up with his mom around.

"I hope you are stopping by for dinner tomorrow?" Gabby asked.

"Yes, we need to bring back your car and will stay the night. Is that ok?"

I looked at Chris, surprised by his plans but excited to see his house. He didn't positively talk about his family life, so I was curious to see it first-hand.

"We would love it," she replied winking at me.

"Come on Lex," Chris said grabbing my hand. "It looks like they are handing out the hats and whistles."

The staff was handing out tiaras, top hats, and plastic blowers. It was fun to see them excited inner child in Chris as he placed a tiara on my head.

"This kind of reminds me of going to prom and giving my date a corsage," he smiled.

"It kind of looks like prom," I laughed.

"Does that mean we can leave after this and I might have a chance to get lucky tonight?"

I laughed, putting my hand on his chest. "I think it's a pretty safe bet. I think you already did in the closet upstairs."

The band started a countdown and the crowd began to chant along. Chris held me in his arms and pulled me close to him. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"

"I don't think so," I replied wrapping my arms around his neck.

"You are stunning and I love you very much. There is no one else in the world that I want to celebrate this night with."

His mouth met mine as the crowd cheered Happy New Year and Auld Lang's Synge started.

"You can do that later," the gray-haired man that had been dancing beside us said. He tore me from Chris's arms and planted his lips on mine. "Happy New Year Baby!"

Everywhere I turned people were shouting and kissing one another. It was similar to a night in the bar at home. The wealthy crowd in New York City was no different than the college crowd in Minnesota at closing time.

I turned to find my next greeter and was face to face with Brian.

"Happy New Year parking lot girl," he whispered as he kissed me. His lips were reminiscent of our times together.

"I often wondered what happened to you," he snickered. "I thought there was something familiar about you before."

I pulled away; stunned he had mentioned our night together and wondered what I had seen in him. He was very attractive but egotistical beyond anything imaginable.

"You are pathetic," I said before turning into Chris's chest directly behind me.

"I called the driver and he's waiting outside for us. Are you ready Lexie?"

"Very ready," I huffed as I grabbed his hand and walked towards the entrance. I wasn't sure what Chris had seen or heard but didn't want to argue anymore.

Just as we arrived at the door, our black sedan drove up and the driver opened the door for me. I slid into the brown leather seats while Chris slid in beside me directing the driver to head back to our hotel.

Snow had begun to fall and the skyline looked hazy as we drove into the city. Chris was quiet as I held his hand. I wanted to confess everything about Brian so I could erase him from our lives. We had promised not to keep secrets and it seemed we had both broken our promise already.

Finally, I broke the silence. "I need to tell you something," I said looking into his eyes.

"There is no need to talk about it," he said. "I can tell how he feels about it, but I watched you push him away. You couldn't help it."

"It's not that. I have to tell you something else."

"Ok, tell me," he said daunting me.

"I just found out Rocky is Brian."

"Who is Rocky?"

"Remember when I told you about the band member I was obsessed with. His stage name was Rocky." I watched his reaction at the realization of what I had said. "I was just as surprised as you."

"You mean the guy you puked on was the guy you slept with and you didn't know it?"

"I was drunk both nights and the thought never occurred to me." I buried my head in my hands.

"It's kind of funny," Chris said consoling me. "Thanks for telling me, but you didn't have to. I did a lot of things at 16 I would never admit to."

"I know, but I feel as if we are starting to keep things from each other and I don't want anything between us."

"Wait a minute. What do you mean? I'm not keeping anything from you."

"You never told me you spoke with Brian. I saw you when we walked off the dance floor. Why didn't you tell me?" I felt as if he was still hiding something from me for not wanting to admit it. I began to cry for no reason.

"I didn't tell you because it wasn't important and I didn't want to make you mad. Please don't cry," he said holding my head to his chest. "Brian apologized for making us uncomfortable. He had no idea Bella had this schemed up. At first, I was threatened by him and told him to stay away from you. But he told me I had nothing to worry about and he took advantage of you that night." Chris paused and lifted my chin to wipe my tears.

"I think I believe him. He was sincere and wished us well. If it was different circumstances, I think we could be friends."

I looked into his eyes and knew he was telling me the truth. I felt stupid for being jealous and doubting him. He kissed my tear-stained face and my lips found his. The urge deepened and my hands slipped between the buttons of his shirt, touching his chest.

"Hold that thought," he said. "We are almost at the hotel and I have to make up for my temper tantrum in the closet tonight."