Twenty/Twenty

I'm not going to lie, the luxury stretch Hummer experience is pretty epic. The glowing party lights. The champagne on ice. The good looking chauffeur who is treating us like we are superstars as we enter and exit the vehicle. I wouldn't have thought I had enough girlfriends to make it a worthwhile expense but as it turns out my circle has widened more than I realized. When Daphne and Jax's sister, Chloe, put together the guest list for this evening I was surprised they came up with seven names of people I actually wanted to spend time with and enjoy the fun of being a future bride. I'm sure most people think of that as a small number but for someone who has always kept to myself it's huge. There are a few co- workers that Daphne has quietly absorbed into our world. I swear, she's like a friendship ninja. Sneaking her way past my defenses then covertly bringing others along with her. There's also a few relatives. Including Cece. She's going for the gold in the category of being the best mother-in-law to ever exist.

One person who is absent is Avery. Thank goodness. Since she's family I was scared her name would come up. I knew as long as Daphne had a say in the attendees that I wouldn't have to deal with her but, surprisingly, she was never mentioned. I'm more than thrilled to have an evening without her lingering in the background making me wonder what she's going to say, or do, next.

We've hit several venues so far. One place for appetizers. Somewhere else for the main course. Yet another place for dessert. And now we're enjoying a local band that's on the verge of going big. Thanks to Tik Tok. I've been a fan for a while and it's been so neat to watch them grow an audience that appreciates their musical style and incredible harmonies. Daphne and Chloe nailed it. I couldn't have asked for a better evening. It's been perfect. Full of so many of my favorite things.

Then my phone rings. It's Jax. I keep trying to say hello but I can't hear anything so I excuse myself to try to find a quiet spot in the building. Finally, huddled in a corner in a hallway I realize this call is an accident. I can hear various voices and I can't believe they can't hear me. What's going on? It seems to be a group of guys discussing what they're going to do next. Which makes sense since he is having his bachelor party tonight as well. Then I hear her voice.

"Cocktails and cabaret for the win! I knew that would be a great burlesque show! That was my suggestion for the night. You guys can thank me later by buying me some more drinks. I know you got a lot of enjoyment looking at all of those gorgeous women moving their bodies so skillfully.  Now it's up to you to decide where we go from here."

I can physically feel my heart start to race and face begin to flush. Two things stand out to me. I try to process them one at a time.

First of all, Avery is included in his evening? The lone girl with a group of guys? No wonder her name never came up regarding my guest list. She was otherwise engaged for the evening. I never asked about who he was going to be with for this experience. It never crossed my mind that she would be involved. If you're paying to read this story, it's been stolen from the original author, BlueGranite. You can find it for free on 抖阴社区. Which is my own stupidity on display. Looking back I can't believe I didn't think to ask. Of course, she would want to be included. There doesn't seem to be an area of his life where she doesn't want to insert herself. And where he doesn't prevent her presence.

Second of all, a burlesque show? We had specifically had a conversation about strippers being a part of the night. I just knew that his one friend, Zack, was going to try to make it happen. Either through going to a club or hiring one to come to them. I let Jax know it made me uncomfortable and he had assured me nothing like that would happen. Who needs to worry about a Zack when they have an Avery in the mix? I know burlesque and stripping are not exactly the same. But I would bet my entire wedding dress, with the veil and shoes included, that she knows about the conversation I had with him about strippers and she chose this option to get as close to the line as possible. Just to make me uncomfortable. It burns that Jax was willing to follow her lead. That he doesn't see her intent.

My bachelorette party is no longer free of the specter of Avery.

Their conversation is still flowing from the device in my hand but I've been so caught in my thoughts that I haven't been paying attention. That changes when I finally hear Jax's voice.

"You all can do what you want. Daphne told me their plans for Tally this evening. They were ending the night at a cool little club with great music. I happen to like the band that's playing there myself. So I want to close out the evening with her."

I hear Zack say, "Good music. Good booze. I'm in. Jax, do you think Tally brought her work friend along? Daphne. Isn't that her name? I wouldn't mind getting to know her."

I'm surprised at his interest in Daphne. Not that she's not amazing but because I remember his last girlfriend. The exact opposite of my dear friend in every single way possible. However, I don't have time to follow that train of thought because Avery starts talking again.

"Seriously, Jax? You see her all of the time. This is a night for enjoying your friends. To have a good time with people who share a lot of history with you. To celebrate being single before you get bound to one person for the rest of your life."

Bound? She makes me sound like a prison sentence!

But no one seems to be on her side. The guys all express the desire to join us and Jax has the final say.

"Tally is also my friend. My best friend. I will enjoy being with her. And I'm not single. So there's no need to celebrate that status. I'm engaged."

The connection crackles then cuts off. It's seems to be settled. They are coming here.

And I'm torn. He is saying the right things. The fact that he's choosing to come here to close out the night with me means he is also doing the right things. Kind of. Why is Avery also coming? Why is she a part of this at all? Why is she suggesting things that push the limits? Why is he allowing her to do so?

I look up to see Chloe walking towards me.

"Just checking on you. You've been gone for a bit and we wanted to make sure you're okay."

"I'm fine."

Then I pause.

"Maybe I'm not fine. Jax is on his way here with his friends. Including Avery. I'm not entirely sure why she's a part of his bachelor party."

There's another pause before I decide to go a bit further.

"What can you tell me about their relationship?"

"I know it may seem to be a bit weird to have one girl in a group of guys but you need to understand how much Avery meant to him throughout his teen years. They were the best of friends. Always together. She'd get a boyfriend and drift away for a few weeks and poor Jax would drag around. He didn't know how to act without his sidekick. But it never lasted long. Then she'd be back beside Jax. The two of them. Thick as thieves. If you're paying to read this story, it's been stolen from the original author, BlueGranite. You can find it for free on 抖阴社区. They might not be quite as close now but their connection has extended into adulthood. She's always gotten along better with guys than girls. I know she has some sharp edges but she's been through some rough things. She's played a really big role in his life so it makes sense that she would also be included in some way in a big milestone moment like his marriage. Honestly, I'm surprised she isn't standing up with him at the wedding."

The very idea makes me shudder. Our wedding party is small. Just two attendants on each side. I'm so grateful Jax never brought her up as an option. 

The pattern. It niggles away in my mind. Her pulling and pushing Jax away based on her relationships with other guys. Does that mean anything?

Apparently, I'm the only one who views her as a threat in any way. Why is that?

My perspective must be skewed. I always keep coming back to this line of thought. This has to just be a me thing.