At First Sight - Nicholas Sparks [64]
“But where are the dancing girls?”
“Later,” he heard another brother add. “The night’s still young. We’re just getting started.”
When Jeremy turned to Alvin, he simply shrugged. “I didn’t plan anything, but you know how some guys get when it comes to bachelor parties. You can’t hold me accountable for everything that happens tonight.”
“Sure I can.”
“Gee, you’re just a big bundle of fun tonight, aren’t you.”
Jeremy followed Alvin toward the front door; Nate and his brothers had already made their way inside, wedging their way around groups. Once inside, Jeremy found himself breathing in the atmosphere that had once felt like home. Most of the people here were stylishly dressed; a few others in suits looked as if they’d come straight from the office. He soon zeroed in on a gorgeous brunette at the far end of the bar who seemed to be drinking something tropical; in his earlier life, he would have offered to buy her a drink as an opener. Tonight, seeing her made him think of Lexie, and he fingered his cell phone, wondering if he should call just to let her know that he’d arrived okay. Maybe even apologize.
“What do you want to drink?” Alvin called out. He’d already elbowed his way to the bar and was leaning in, trying to get the attention of the bartender.
“I’m okay right now,” Jeremy shouted over the noise. Through the waves of people, he could see his brothers congregating at the other end of the bar. Nate seemed to be wobbling as he made way for another group to pass.
Alvin shook his head and ordered two gin and tonics; after paying, he handed one to Jeremy.
“No can do,” he said, handing over the drink. “It’s your bachelor party. As the best man, I’m putting my foot down here and insisting you lighten up.”
“I’m having fun,” Jeremy insisted again.
“No, you’re not. What? Did you and Lexie have another fight?”
Jeremy surveyed the bar; in the corner, he thought he saw someone he’d once dated. Jane something. Or was it Jean?
It didn’t matter, but he supposed that it was simply a way of avoiding Alvin’s question. He straightened up. “Sort of,” he admitted.
“You two fight all the time,” Alvin said. “Did you ever think that might be telling you something?”
“We don’t fight all the time.”
“What’s this latest one about?” Alvin asked, ignoring Jeremy’s comment. “Did you forget to kiss her the right way before you left for the airport?”
Jeremy frowned. “She’s not like that.”
“Well, something’s going on,” Alvin persisted. “You want to talk about it?”
“No,” Jeremy said. “Not now.”
Alvin arched an eyebrow. “Must be big, huh?”
Jeremy took a drink, feeling the burn at the back of his throat. “No,” he said.
“Whatever,” Alvin said, shaking his head. “Fine, you don’t want to talk to me, maybe you should talk to your brothers. All I’m saying is that ever since you’ve been down there, you haven’t been happy.” He paused to let that sink in. “Maybe that’s the reason you haven’t been able to write.”
“I don’t know why I’m not writing, but I can say that it has nothing to do with Lexie. And I’m not unhappy.”
“You can’t see the forest for the trees.”
“What’s gotten into you?” Jeremy said.
“I’m just trying to get you to think clearly about all this.”
“All what?” Jeremy demanded. “You sound like you don’t want me to marry her.”
“I don’t think you should marry her,” Alvin snapped. “That’s what I tried to tell you before you moved down there. You don’t even know her, and I think part of your problem is that you’re finally realizing it. It’s not too late—”
“I love her!” Jeremy said, his voice rising in exasperation. “Why are you saying this?”
“Because I don’t want you to make a mistake!” Alvin shot back. “I’m worried about you, okay? You can’t write, you’re practically broke, you don’t seem to trust Lexie, and she doesn’t trust you enough to tell you she’s been pregnant before. And now you two are fighting again for the umpteenth time. . . .”
Jeremy blinked. “What did you say?”
“I said I don’t want you to make a mistake.”
“After that!” Jeremy shouted.
“What?”
“You said that Lexie has been pregnant before.”
Alvin shook