Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding 1)

"But you recognized him," Bekah pointed out. She reached forward and took a sip of the ice water that was placed before her. "I mean, right? You did recognize him."

"Well yes," she finally conceded.

"So you do know him?" Jack asked. Yep, she could definitely detect a hint of jealousy. She reveled in it for a moment

"I'm not sure why it matters whether or not I know him. He's just messing with you guys," she pointed out. Ramsey snickered. Her eyes turned fiery. "What, may I ask, is so funny?"

"I'm sorry," Ramsey said stifling another laugh. "Did you just say you guys?"

"And if I did?" Lexi snapped. She clenched her teeth. Here it goes again. She was being rude. Why was she being rude? Why was she letting this guy – Ramsey – bring out the Yankee ass**le in her when she had sworn she was going to stay in Southern hospitality mode?

"Oh nothing," he remarked glancing into Bekah's blue eyes an all-knowing look passing between them.

"What? What's wrong with that?" Lexi demanded turning her eyes from one to the other.

"Oh it's nothing," Bekah muttered at the same time as Ramsey began asking, "You... you're just not from around here, are you?" His green eyes glittered with humor.

"She's from New York," Bekah said cheerfully filling in some information for her brother.

"Oh, a Yankee in our midst."

"I'm not from New York," she quickly corrected. This girl obviously knew nothing about her. Lexi figured, at least for now, that was probably for the better.

"Yeah, she went to college down here with me," Jack interjected quickly not enjoying the fact that his girlfriend was providing details about Lexi to Ramsey...or anyone.

"So, where are you from then?" Ramsey asked his interest spiking with her annoyance.

"I'm sorry. The investigation begins later. You'll just have to wait your turn." Lexi announced abruptly. Bekah's face instantly turned a bright pink hue, and Jack, hoping to quiet Lexi, nudged her in the arm. Lexi turned towards Jack and shrugged. It's not like he had told her that her reason for being here and everything surrounding the awkward circumstances was supposed to be a big secret.

Ramsey smiled but his eyes held suspicion. "Okay. Just let me know when you are open for an investigation, and I'll be there."

Lexi rolled her eyes catching his sexual undertone. "Whatever."

"But I have one condition."

"There are no conditions."

"Well I need to know your name first."

"And I thought you said you knew it."

"I could try and remember, but I have a feeling that would take longer than the time we're allotted."

"Probably," Lexi agreed leaning back against the chair and averting her eyes.

"Okay, wow," Jack began turning his head between the two. "How did you say you know each other?"

"We don't," Lexi barked.

"No, no, we do know each other. She came here with Jennifer once," he explained turning to his sister. "I guess they went to college together or something."

"You know Jennifer?" Bekah asked Lexi perking up again.

"Wait, you know Jennifer?" Jack asked directing his question towards Bekah.

"Well yeah, we went to high school together," Bekah admitted. "How do you know Jenn, Jack?"

"Jennifer and I dormed together freshman year," Lexi told her at the same time as Jack said, "I know her through Lexi." Jack had never liked Jennifer much, and he knew Lexi thought she was one of the most annoying people on the planet. The fact that his new girlfriend not only knew her, but grew up with her was just plain weird.

"Small world!" Bekah exclaimed.

"So your name is Lexi?" Ramsey asked speaking up for the first time since the beginning of this exchange. "Hmm...I like that."

Lexi groaned inwardly glaring daggers at Jack for revealing her name. "Yep. That's me. Lexi."

After that rather uncommon introduction, conversation shifted back to normal topics of conversation. Brunch was served as the table began to discuss the upcoming golf tournament and specific techniques to be utilized. Lexi sighed taking herself out of the conversation. She had learned how to play in college, but didn't much care for the game, or at least, not enough to continue talking after that. It wasn't like New York City had many places to practice.

Lexi took this time to fully assess Ramsey for the first time she had set eyes on him. She wasn't sure what to make of him. He was pushy and forthright. For someone born and bred in this environment, his personality depicted rebellion despite his controlled appearance. He was dressed the part head-to-toe, but he appeared as if he was almost in character. He was damn persistent as hell when he wanted to be, but as soon as he had found out her name, he had done a complete one-eighty. He spoke to her only when polite conversation demanded it, and though his flattering tone and overwhelmingly charming demeanor never wavered, she could see, perhaps, underneath that there was something more. She wasn't quite sure whether more was good or not.

Jack, at least, seemed to be normal. For that, she was grateful. If this new girl had changed him, or at least if she thought she was capable of changing him, things were going to be very interesting. Seeing him speak with Bekah like he had always done with her was disconcerting to say the least. But after all, she had volunteered for this torture so she was might as well endure it with some dignity. Not that she had expected it to quite play out like this.

By the time brunch had come to a close, and the every last bit of coffee was drained from the china, Lexi was near to bursting. She was ready to run away from this place screaming and never look back. As the dishes were cleared away, Lexi began to wonder whether or not she had made a mistake in coming here.

Fine. If Bekah wanted to talk to her about Jack, she could handle that. It would take her awhile to get through the story without showing emotions, but she figured that she could probably do it. She had replayed the events enough times through her head. It couldn't be that hard to tell it to someone else. But this, sitting here right this second playing a part, was just plain torture.

Bekah's father stood and thanked everyone for attending their monthly brunch celebration. Lexi followed everyone's lead and scooted back from the table to leave. Jack moved in front of her and grabbed Bekah's hand entwining it with his. She could feel herself beginning to gag. She quickly covered her mouth so as not to draw notice.