I came here every Friday and Saturday night, sitting alone at the bar. Usually I only drank one or two glasses of wine, anything stronger and I became a walking disaster, I was clumsy enough when sober. Not that I minded, I didn't come here for the drink after all.
I waited and suddenly there he was. The marble Adonis, who played the piano with such fluidity and beauty, bowed gracefully and settled himself before his elegant instrument. Slowly the rich velvet notes of a slow waltz filled the bar. I closed my eyes and just listened as the music swelled and transformed into a light-hearted piece. As it finished my eyes opened, only to find him watching me intently as he played. Naturally, being me I blushed furiously and looked away. Out of the corner of my eye however I spotted amusement dancing across his face, as he changes the song smoothly, becoming slower, notes weaving to form hints of a lullaby. When his performance came to an end, applauding with the rest, I rose, ready now to leave. But as I reached the door, I felt a cool hand on my arm, drawing me into a corner of the bar.
Turning, I saw it was the musician, and colour flooded my cheeks once more. He led me gently to a table in the corner, out of the way. Pulling out my chair as I sat, he offered me a drink. Panicking slightly I refused, but he insisted, and so reluctantly I accepted another glass of wine.
"You like the music?" he asked.
"Yes, you play beautifully; the last piece was particularly breathtaking. Who composed it?"
"I did. I've been working on it for a while, since I first saw you in the crowd."
He recognised the puzzlement on my face and hastened to explain.
"You inspired my lullaby, after I noticed you here night after night, always leaving when my performance was over. I'm intrigued by you. Normally I'm good at reading people, but you, no, you're a closed book."
"Strange. Most people read me easily – my mother always calls me her open book."
He smiled at that, then became serious and sombre as he seemed to realise something.
"Forgive me; I've invited you for a drink without even telling you my name. I'm Edward Cullen"
"Isabella Swan. But I prefer Bella."
"Mmm. Bella." When he said my name I felt a thrill run down my spine, however I soon forgot this as he began to question me: my favourite singer, favourite films, favourite colour. Finally after forcing me to admit that after killing 4 goldfish in a row, I now tended to steer clear of animals in general, he looked at his watch and started as he realised how late it was. I stood, slightly unsteadily, and started to say goodbye. But as I moved I stumbled and incredibly his icy hands were at my waist in a flash, steadying me. "Thanks. I'm sorry, I'm just so clumsy, not that wine helps."
"You're not going anywhere alone in your state. Come on. I'll take you home."
"I don't know, I don't make a habit of going home with strange men in the middle of the night."
"I wouldn't want you to" and he gently guided me out of the bar and to his car. I groaned when I saw it. It looked fast. I should've known. I could never cope with fast cars.
He held open the passenger door for me, then got in beside me. As he started the car and I put on my seatbelt, he turned to me. "Where do you live?" He nodded to himself as I gave him the address of my apartment block.
We sat in companionable silence, but all too soon he pulled up. "Well thanks for the ride. Maybe I'll see you again soon."
"You don't get off that easy. I don't want you to fall over, perhaps I should see you to your apartment."
It was a good thing too. He had to catch me several times on the way to my door. Then, stroking my cheek briefly, he said goodbye and was half way down the corridor before I closed the door.
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The next afternoon I was still recovering from the wine I had drunk the previous night. Hearing a tap on the door, I groaned, having not bothered to change out of the ratty old sweats I had worn to bed. But I dutifully went to answer it and found myself staring at muscular chest clad in a form fitting tan sweater. Looking up I gasped as I saw Edward's perfect face looking down at me, his gorgeous golden eyes seeming to melt, making me weak at the knees. He smiled crookedly and enquired whether I would let him in. My face growing hot I stood aside and allowed him into my lounge come kitchen.
"God I feel so awkward, I look like such a mess."
"I don't think you look like a mess."
"What are you Doing here anyway, didn't I scare you off last night? I probably told you all my most embarrassing secrets."
"Like I said before you intrigue me. I feel drawn to you and I can't seem to stay away. However it might be safer for you if you stay away from me. Just say the word and I'll leave you be. If you're smart that's what you'll do."
"What if I'm not and I like the idea of having you around."
"Then would you like to come out for dinner with me tonight?"
"I'd love to."
"I'll leave you to get ready then and I'll pick you up at 6?"
"Sounds great" and I bounced past him to the door. As I opened it the draught ruffled my tangled hair, sending my scent towards him. I saw his eyes tighten and the muscles around his jaw lock. Quickly he said his goodbyes, promised to pick me up and turned away, as if he was eager to go.
Sighing I closed the door and dived into the shower. Realising how tense I was I let the hot water flow over me, relaxing the taut muscles in my neck and shoulders.
When I was done I stood contemplating my wardrobe gloomily. I had no idea what to wear. I didn't have any experience with dating. I hadn't even had a date for my senior prom. After experimenting for an hour, I settled on my only skirt, a soft floaty blue affair, with a black top and silver flats. Grasping the fact that my hair was still unmanageable, I pulled it back into a barrette and sat down to wait for Edward.