Page 25 of Cuts like a Knife
I could shift subtly away, but …
It feels too good, dammit.
Chapter Seven
I realize I can see Bex staring at me from across the room. She catches my eye, then smiles and looks down at her phone. In a second, my own vibrates with a text.
Bex: You two look cozy.
I shoot back at her immediately.
Lex: I don’t feel cozy.
Bex: Just saying … is it maybe … diversion time?
Lex: No!
I look up and see a mischievous smirk on Bex’s face.
Lex: I’m serious, Bex. No. Please no. This thing was such a mistake. I never should have let it happen. I let it go on for way too long and now he’s confused.
Bex: He doesn’t look confused.
Lex: Besides, everyone is here. Like, everyone. There is no diversion that would ever work anyway.
Bex: Wanna bet? After that whole thing with crazy Marla — who will probably try to break back in though a window next, btw, so maybe she’ll create the diversion for you — I’m sure no one would even notice if you two slipped out.
Lex: NO. We are not going to slip out.
My phone goes silent and I think she’s given up, but a second later a note comes in from her on the group chat — the group chat that includes all of our siblings, and our parents.
Oh, she’s good.
Bex: Holy crap, can we talk about what just happened with Marla?
I close my eyes. I know what she’s doing.
Everyone — every member of my immediate family besides Claire, whose phone is probably off, is now looking at their respective devices, and in no time at all, the texts are flying back and forth at warp speed.
This is how the Madisons roll.
Gray: That was unbelievable.
Di: Completely inappropriate. I am still reeling.
Bex: Did you see how Claire handled it though? So cool and collected! Nice job, sis.
Dad: Clairebear has always had poise. X, Dad
Di: Dad, I’ll remind you that you let that woman move in with you not so very long ago. Have you forgotten?
Erica: No one needs a reminder of that, young lady. Please stop this infernal messaging. We are at an EVENT for your SISTER and it is very RUDE for you people to be looking at your phones. —Erica Madison (Your Mother)
Lex: You’re looking at your phone right now, mom. You are literally participating in the rude texting yourself.
I mean, someone had to point out the hypocrisy, right? And pointing out hypocrisy is sort of my jam79.
Di: Not a bad point. Also, do I need to remind you of my age, mother? I am hardly a young lady.
