Losing Her (The Lexington Series Book 1)

by Belle Winters

  “What are you wearing?” she hissed at me looking me over.

  I pulled my arm away, “a dress… why?” I asked.

  She gave me a disgusted look, “you look terrible, go change this instant. I knew I shouldn’t have let you do this on your own. Thank god I had the foresight to get something just in case.” My mom said. I stood there in shock as she walked off. Mel and Erica waited with me. When she returned she had this plain black dress. It looked like it might be big on me and well… it looked horrible. I liked what I had on. She thrusted the dress towards me.

  I shook my head, “I don’t want to wear that, I want to wear this. I like it.” I explained.

  She sneered, but before she could say anything else Dean sidled up next to her and said, “and I like what you have on also. You look beautiful. Max will be happy to see that you’re wearing that.” He said pointing to my tiara. I smiled. “It’s about time you girls join the party… I think Nick and Landon are at their breaking point and are about to start up trouble.” Dean offered me his arm and I took it. Erica and Mel linked arms and started down the stairs. We began to follow when Dean stopped me. He looked down at me and whispered, “listen, I know there’s some strain between you and your mother. And I’ve heard some of it, and don’t think it’s much fair to you. With that being said I’ve been trying to get to the bottom of it with her. But remember tonight you look beautiful, and I’m sure Landon will be so far up your ass tonight you won’t even be able to think about her, ok?”

  I gave Dean a bright smile, “thanks Dean, for everything.” I told him. He patted my hand and led me down the stairs. When we started to descend I noticed people stopping to stare. I grew self-conscious of how I looked. Then I remembered I was with Dean, they were probably just wondering who the hell I was. With that said, I was able to keep my head held high and finish entering the party with him. When we reached the bottom, he pointed me towards where the girls had gone and I headed that way. I joined them and grabbed a glass of champagne.

  As the night progressed, I didn’t really see Nick, Max or Landon. There were a lot of introductions and compliments. I pretty much stayed with Mel and Erica. It was probably around 10 when the party was in full swing. The booze was affecting people and the party became less stiff, and the DJ started playing. At that point we decided it was ok to have a few more drinks so we did. We were standing around talking when someone came up behind me, “excuse me miss.”

  I turned around, and in front of me stood a fairly handsome guy. He didn’t look much older than me, and was wearing the hell out of his tux. He extended a hand, “I’m Victor, and I don’t believe we met.” He introduced himself.

  I smiled and gave him my hand, “I’m Lucy, and I don’t think we did. I might have remembered that.” I responded.

  He returned my smile, “so what brings you here?” he asked. Ah, he wanted to know who I was.

  “Dean is my soon to be step-father.” I told him.

  He nodded, “I saw you come downstairs with him. I thought at first you were the fiancée, but then I met her. You don’t look alike so I didn’t put it together.” He informed me.

  An older gentleman was passing by and landed a hand on his shoulder. After introducing himself to us he asked if he could borrow Victor. I nodded and he excused himself. When he left I started to scan the crowd looking for Landon. I wanted to thank him for the gifts, and I really wanted him to see me. It took about twenty minutes but I finally caught sight of him. He and Nick were standing off to the side, and there were three girls with them. One was hanging onto Landon’s arm while the other two flanked Nick. They were all chatting casually. I nudged the girls to tell them I found them and wanted to go over there. We all grabbed fresh glasses and made our way through the crowd. As we were walking up, Landon had his back to us, but Nick saw us. His eyes skimmed me, then moved over to Mel. I saw his whole demeanor change and his look should’ve set her on fire. He liked his lips and let his eyes travel all over here like he had all night. I smiled watching him, he was so into her.

  When we were within earshot, I heard the girl next to Landon. “Landon, you are saving your New Year’s kiss for me right?” she cooed.

  We walked up before he could respond. Erica spoke first, “Nancy.” She said to the girl in way of greeting.

  “Oh hello there Erica, long time no see. How are you? We must get together while you’re here.” She responded with a smile. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile so fake in my life.

  Erica shrugged, “Yea, but sorry. I’m kind of booked up for the remainder of my stay.” Was all she said.

  I turned to Landon, “Hey Landon I just wanted…” I began but got cut off.

  Nancy, put her hand on Landon’s chest and extended the other to me, “I’m Nancy and who are you?” she asked looking me up and down.

  “Lucy.” Was all I gave in reply. I felt like she was staking a claim on Landon, and the fact he hadn’t removed her made me feel she had a right.

  “You girls look beautiful.” Nick said to all of us. We all gave our thanks and returned the gesture, because I mean he did look great. I think these two are her friends trying to see who he would choose. He only had eyes for Mel.

  “Hey there sweet cheeks. Why don’t you dress like this for me every day?” he asked Mel. She blushed and rolled her eyes. Nick laughed, “now don’t be shy now girl. Don’t make me get Max over here to confirm this.” He threatened. We all laughed.

  “Where is Max? I haven’t seen him all night and it’s already after 11. He didn’t go to bed yet did he?” I asked Nick. Landon hasn’t spoken a word so I assumed he wasn’t a part of the discussion.

  “He’s over there with Dean. He’s allowed to stay up until the ball drops.” Nick told me.

  I found Dean in the crowd, and sure enough there was Max, looking bored to death. I decided to go save him. I told them I would be right back and made my way straight to him. When he saw me his eyes lit up, and he ran to me and hugged me. “Lucy! You wore the crown I got for you. You look beautiful just like a princess. I knew you were a princess.” Max told me. I laughed.

  “Hey little buddy, you want to dance with me?” I asked him. He nodded excitedly and grabbed my hand leading me away. I heard Dean’s chuckle behind me and laughed too. Me and Max danced to 3 songs before he decided he needed a break. I took him to get something to drink and delivered him back to Dean. Poor guy was definitely tired, but wanted to hang in there.

  I turned to make my way back to where I had left Erica and Mel and they weren’t in the same spot. I scanned the crowd and couldn’t find them.

  “Lucy?” I spun around to find Victor behind me. “Do you want to dance?”

  I shrugged. I had no idea where the handful of people I knew here had disappeared to, so I can dance with him until I found them. We danced to two songs, when the DJ cut the music. “Ladies and Gentleman, it is 11:58. Please move towards the backyard if you want to see the fireworks. Let the countdown begin… now! 59, 58, 57…”

  Victor guided me outside. I looked around frantically. I didn’t want to bring in the New Year with a stranger. I could find anyone, “19, 18, 17…” the counting continued. I gave up hope. There were too many people and it was dark out. “10, 9, 8…”

  That’s when I heard Nancy’s voice… “Are you ready Landon, I am so excited!” I looked to my left to see her and Landon standing with the group. She had a death grip on his arm and her body plastered to his. “3, 2, 1… HAPPY NEW YEARS!” everyone screamed. I was completely silent. I watched as she got on tiptoes took his drink and wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned down and met her lips. It wasn’t just a tap either. I saw Mel watch on with her mouth dropped open and Erica was frowning. Nick sidestepped the other two girls who have been on him the entire time and grabbed Mel. He pulled her in and kissed her. That made me happy.

  Victor leaned down and whispered “Happy New Year Lucy” into my ear. My eyes were filled with tears. All of the trouble I went through today, the wh
ole time getting ready all I could think about was Landon’s reaction. Then he got me the jewelry, and I thought … I don’t know what I thought. But he didn’t even spare me a glance. I turned to victor and asked him to help me undo the necklace and bracelet. He did with a curious look, but I shook my head as if to warn him off from asking. I removed the earrings next, and walked up to the group. They were still kissing. Mel, Erica, and Nick all saw me and looked on with different expressions ranging from anger, to sadness, to pity, to confusion. I gave them a weak smile and knew they could see the tears. I just shook my head and deposited the jewelry into his pocket and backed up quickly and disappeared into the crowd.

  The house was empty except for workers. I grabbed a bottle of unopened wine, a glass, and ran to my room. I tore the dress off and chucked it across the room followed by the shoes. I got rid of everything except the tiara which I placed carefully on the dresser. I took out all the pins from my hair and let it down. I looked in the mirror now completely naked and still didn’t feel satisfied. So I jumped in the shower to scrub off the day. When I came out I grabbed the bottle of wine and my cup and hopped on my bed and threw on the TV. I don’t know what time it was but I was almost done with the bottle and feeling wasted. Someone knocked on my door. At first I ignored it, but they persisted. I didn’t answer; I didn’t want to talk to anyone. When they knocked for a third time I screamed, “Go the fuck away,” and threw my glass at the door and it shattered. The knocking stopped after that and I drained the rest of the wine from the bottle. Fuck this.

  CHAPTER 9

  I woke up the next morning with a pounding headache. The thumping was so bad I think I could hear it. After a moment when it continued I realized it was knocking. My mouth drier than the Sahara and I couldn’t bring myself to answer. The door opened without a response.

  “Lucy?” it was Mel.

  I turned over slowly to face her. I saw her staring at the dress that was a mess on the other side of the room and then the shoes thrown around. Her eyes met mine, and she looked wary. I sighed. “Yea?” I croaked.

  “You slept in pretty late, but we’re supposed to leave in about 2 hours.” She told me.

  I nodded. “Ok” was all I said. She nodded and closed the door silently, thank the lord. After lying down for another 45 minutes I got up and showered. I started to walk out of the bathroom when I decided to straighten my hair. After that was done I pulled my bags out. I didn’t care what I looked like so I opted for one of my favorite sweats, fewer holes, and one of my baggy t-shirts. I grabbed my sunglasses and a cap and headed downstairs. They were all already there with their luggage. When I emerged I saw Erica scan me up and down and scowled. I didn’t look at anyone else; I didn’t care what they thought about what I was wearing. I grabbed my jacket and tossed it on. I pulled my iPod out of my pocket with headphones and plugged them in. then I let myself out of the house ahead of everyone.

  When we were all in the car, Erica tapped me. I took out a headphone and turned my head towards her. She held out her hand and opened it. Inside were the gold chain and bracelet Landon gave me for Christmas. “You left these in my room last night. You never take it off, I thought you might want it.” she said.

  I slid my eyes to the side and out of the corner I saw Landon watching the whole exchange through the rearview mirror. I shook my head and muttered, “keep it.” and popped back in my headphone. He scowled and I diverted my attention to a game on my phone. I didn’t say another word the rest of the trip. Not in the airport, on the plane, or on the way to the hotel. When we checked in the girls took one room while the boys took the other. As soon as I walked in I parked my suitcase by the door and plopped on the couch. I turned off my iPod noting that it was 11am.

  Erica came to the back of the couch and looked down at me. She looked cautious as she spoke, “we were all saying we should grab food, you know. Freshen up and meet downstairs in about 45 minutes an hour.”

  I shook my head, “not hungry,” Then went to sleep. When I woke up, it was 2pm and I was starving. I called up room service and took my bag into my room. We had a suite and there were 3 bedrooms in both rooms. I took out some clothes to wear and decided not to unpack. I figured I was in Paris and was letting him ruin it. I may never get a chance to come back and here I was fucking wasting it because of him. Room service came and I inhaled my food, then jumped in the shower and got dressed. We were staying at the Versailles and I knew the Eiffel Tower wasn’t far. However, I didn’t want to experience that alone if I didn’t have to. I decided to go to the Louvre Museum. After getting instructions from the front desk and a map, they got me a cab.

  I was in awe as we drove there. I looked at all the different places and scenery as we drove around. It was beautiful, and suddenly everything from the night… years before evaporated. I was here, and I was going to bask in this. I went through my pockets and bag looking for my phone to take pictures and realized I must’ve left it in my sweat pants from earlier. Oh well, there will be more time for pictures. I stayed at the museum until closing, and enjoyed every second.

  By the time I reached the hotel it was almost 8pm and I was floating. Paris is everything I hoped it would be. I paid the taxi driver, and made my way into the hotel. I heard the commotion before I saw it. Nick, Landon, Mel, and Erica were all in the lobby on phones acting frantic. I paused and watched, what the hell was going on?

  Landon’s head snapped up and he met my eyes. His eyes looked border line dangerous and you could just see the anger rolling off of him in waves. “WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU?!” he roared and all eyes snapped to me.

  I took a step back, “what? I went to the museum.” I told him. He started to stalk towards me, his strides eating up the distance. My feet were frozen in place. He came until he was standing right in front of me and bought his face down to mine.

  “Then why the hell aren’t you answering your phone? We thought you left or something. We were all here worried trying to fucking find you and you just stroll in here and say you went to the museum. You didn’t think to call anyone or say something? You just fucking disappear? We didn’t know if something happened to you or not.” he scolded me.

  “I left my phone and I didn’t realize I did until I was already on my way there.” I said in explanation. Then I let what he said roll through my brain. Oh, so now he gives a fuck? He didn’t give a shit when I went all out to impress him, he didn’t give a shit he was swallowing someone else’s tongue right in front of me. He didn’t fucking care when he acted like I didn’t exist nor did he give a fuck when I left that party hurting. He didn’t even give a shit the whole way here to ask about how bad he fucking hurt me. Come to think about it, he never said anything about the whole Delilah thing. The fucking nerve. Now I was pissed.

  “And it’s none of your fucking business. So what if I did leave? If it weren’t for the rest of them, you probably wouldn’t even notice. I can do whatever the fuck I please. We all came here together, that doesn’t mean that I have any intention of being around you or explaining myself or my whereabouts to you.” I snapped at him. At that I moved to storm away. He caught up to me and grabbed my arm.

  “Lucy, what the fuck man. What is your problem?” he asked, like I’m the one doing something to him.

  “You, now leave me the fuck alone.” I said while snatching my arm back. This time I made it to the elevator and up to my room. I closed the door behind me and plopped on my bed. “Way to fuck up a good day.” I murmured into the silent room.

  That night Mel came into my room and informed me that tomorrow was Nick’s birthday and he wanted us all to celebrate together. I acquiesced because he didn’t deserve my anger, or to be brushed off. I gave my agreement, and she said that he first wanted to do brunch and then figure out what to do with the rest of the day. I nodded in response, and she gave me a small smile before leaving the room.

  The next day while I was getting ready for brunch I realized Nick deserved my effort. So I put some thought into my outfit which came
out decent. I straightened my hair again and put it up in a ponytail. At 11 we headed down to grab food. I sat at the head of the table between Nick and Erica. Mel was on Nick’s side, while Landon was on Erica’s. We chatted and ate like things were back to normal, which they were for the most part except me ignoring Landon. He tried to talk to me twice and when I acted like I couldn’t hear him, he gave up. Good fucking riddance. Nick decided he wanted to go out clubbing that night, and everyone was down. Landon said he’ll find the place and get us hooked up. I guess pulling strings with money to make sure we can get in and drink. Whatever. When everyone went up to their rooms to charge up for tonight I went out and walked around. I took pictures, stopped in shops, and I even picked up a few things for Max I think he’d like. When I got tired of walking I headed back to the hotel and took a nap.

  Erica and Mel came into my room to wake me up with a bunch of noise and jumping on my bed. I woke up laughing. We all got ready, and I decided fuck it. I picked out a dress that Mel insisted on, saying every girl needed a little black dress. And that it was. It was tight all over and stopped a few inches below my ass. The neckline was square showcasing my cleavage and fell just above the line of indecent. I pulled out the pink heels I bought on a whim and paired it with a bag. I threw on some eyeliner and mascara, and topped the look off with red lipstick. I ruffled through the accessories I bought and found some earrings, bangles, and a necklace that went well. When I came out of my room Erica and Mel’s eyes bugged out.