Hmmm...so no reviews yet? Fine, fine. I'll be patient.
"I'm from a small town you've probably never even heard of."
"Try me."
"Forks, Washington?"
"Yeah, never heard of it," she replied, "But I have been to Washington recently. How do you do it, I mean, the rain and cold and all?"
"I guess when you don't know any different it's not too hard to deal with. So what about you? Where are you and your family from?" I asked as I nodded over to them.
"Well growing up we lived a lot of places, but as of right now we live in New York."
"City?"
"Yeah, silly. Where else?" she replied and smacked me in the arm playfully.
I giggled, "Well, that's definitely a long way from Forks."
"So, have you been here before?" she asked.
"Well, don't laugh, but this is actually the first time I've left the mainland US."
"Well Hawaii is definitely a great place to start. So, are you here with someone or with your family?"
Oh God, the dreaded question.
"Uh, no. Just all by my lonesome. It was kind of a last minute thing so-"
"No, I think it's great to get away by yourself. Plus, you get to meet all these great new people," she said as pointed to herself.
"Yeah, I guess I can't complain so far. What about you? Do you come here a lot?"
"Yeah. Every year, actually. We've been doing it since my brothers and I were kids."
"Oh, so she isn't your sister?" I asked and pointed to the perfect blonde bombshell serving the volleyball.
"Sister-in-law. Rosalie's my brother Emmett's wife. He's the big silly guy with dimples. The really stupid one with the crazy hair is Edward, and Jasper, the ridiculously hot one is my boyfriend."
From what I could see, this Edward was the best looking of the bunch. He was long and lean, with a body that could stop traffic. His muscles weren't too big like his brother's and you could definitely tell he took time to take care of his body. God, I've got to start working out. Even if he was stupid, like Alice said, he was definitely nice to look at.
"Oh, it must be nice having a big family. I'm the only child. My parents have been divorced since I was a kid."
"It has its up and downs…" she replied, "So do you have a boyfriend back in Forks?"
"No, I just...recently ended a relationship."
"Sorry to hear that. Hey, at least you came to the right place. There are hot men here as far as the eye can see," she said. There was only one hot guy I could see at the moment. But I didn't tell Alice that.
We just lay there for a few minutes sipping our drinks, listening to the waves when Alice spoke.
"Say, Bella?"
"Yeah, Alice?"
"Would you want to move to the bar? It's like really, really hot out here."
I laughed, "Sure." I could feel the burn even though I had re-applied my sun block. I got up, tied my sarong, stuffed my hat in my bag, threw my sunglasses on my head and followed Alice to the bar.
"God, I wish I had your figure, Bella."
"Are you crazy? You have a great body, Alice."
"But you're legs are so long. And you have nice curves but you're still thin. I have a flat ass and short squatty legs."
"You obviously need glasses."
She rolled her eyes, "No, obviously you do." She threw her hands in the air, "Oh, great. The whole fam damily's here," she said as we got closer to the bar, "so much for relaxing conversation."
I smiled as I walked behind her. Everyone from the volleyball court was there, and joining them was a middle aged couple. They must be the parents.They were also gorgeous. Geez, I was going to look seriously out of place sitting with them.
The bar was large, right on the edge of the sand. There was a huge pool behind us, with slides and a man made waterfall. The ceiling of the bar looked like it was woven together with large palm fronds. There were three fans overhead on high, and I could feel myself cooling off already.
"Everyone! This is Bella!" she yelled to her family who were laughing and horsing around with each other. Edward had his hands around Emmett's throat, pretending to choke him.
"Hi Bella…Hey Bella…Nice to meet you." They all stopped what they were doing and said hello. All I did was wave at them like an idiot.
"This is Edward, Emmett, and Jasper." I already knew this, but I'm sure Alice didn't want them thinking we'd been talking about them. I noticed Edward was far better looking up close. They all were. I was a bit intimidated.
"Bella, this is my mom, Esme, my dad Carlisle, and my sister-in-law Rosalie."
I shook hands with the three of them, noticing Rosalie purposely shook with her left hand so I'd see her rock. And what a rock it was. Yeah, yeah I know you're married to Emmett.
"Hello, Bella. Lovely to meet you," Esme said.
"Yes, lovely to meet you, Bella. Please join us," Carlisle insisted. Esme was dressed to the nines, everything manicured and not a hair out of place. She even had on some red lipstick. Carlisle was the same, minus the lipstick, of course. They were so proper.
Alice and I took seats next to the boys, and she ordered us a couple of more drinks and a round of shots for everyone.
I smelled the tequila right away, and rolled my eyes. Great.
"It's just a little tequila. It won't hurt you." She said, noticing my annoyance.
"I know…I just…I get crazy when I drink tequila. The last time I did tequila shots I ended up dancing on a bar and threatened someone with violence. Please don't make me," I begged and knew full well she was going to make me whether I liked it or not.
When everyone had their shot, including the perfectly proper Esme and Carlisle, Alice announced that she would like to propose a toast.
"To my family, you're all crazy but I love you more than you will ever know. And to my new friend Bella. May you meet a hot man and dance on a bar…Cheers!"
I laughed and everyone took their shot. It went down rough and it burned. I sucked the lime. Eww. Tequila shots are gross at first, but it's the few minutes after the shot that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I ordered two more and handed one to Alice.
After a few minutes of bullshitting with my new friend, I felt someone sitting next to me.
"Hi there," a man's voice spoke.
I turned to my right, and saw a guy with short blond hair and a smile on his face. Not really my type.
"Hi," I said back.
"I'm Mike," he said and put out his hand for me to shake.
"Bella," I said and shook his hand.
"Bella…a pretty name for a pretty girl," he replied. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I saw Alice give me a sideways glance and moved around the bar to talk to Jasper. Shit. Does she really think I'm interested in this guy?
"So uh…Bella, does a pretty girl like you have plans this evening?"
"Um, I don't know. I haven't really thought that far ahead."
"Well, I think you and I should get together tonight," he said and placed his arm on my shoulder.
"Um-," I said and flinched away.
"What do you say?" he said and looked at me," God, you are gorgeous," he said and touched my hair.
I flinched back from him again, "Listen Mike, no thanks. And if you would kindly not touch me again that would be-"
"Darling, there you are!" I heard a velvety smooth voice call out next to me. I felt a large warm hand wrap around mine. I looked up to see Edward in all his smoldering glory looking down at me. I swear, even in the heat I couldn't help but blush when I looked at him. He was smiling down at me, and this close I could see that his eyes were a deep emerald green. His hair was wonderfully disheveled and I really wanted to touch it. My eyes traveled lower, and I noticed he had put on a shirt, which was kind of disappointing.
I was feeling bold, due to the alcohol, so I took his hand and intertwined my fingers with his, "Hello sweetheart," I replied and smiled back at him. He winked at me and looked over at Mike.
"Bella, are you being harassed by this person?"
"Oh, no. Mike was just leaving," I said and looked over at the creep, "weren't you Mike?"
"Uh, uh…yeah. I didn't realize," he stuttered. He got up and began to walk away.
"Uh, Mike is it?" Edward asked as he passed.
"Yeah?"
"Don't let me see you near her again. Are we clear?"
Mike looked down, "Yeah. Loud and clear." Mike said and walked away briskly. The guy looked genuinely scared.
I giggled, and Edward kept smiling at me.
"Thanks. He was really a creep."
"No problem. I saw him acting inappropriately and you looked a bit uncomfortable, so…" he said and shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah, well thanks for rescuing me."
"Anytime," he replied.
At that moment I realized we were still holding hands, so I let go. I didn't want to, but all of a sudden I was feeling a bit nervous. I mean was that even believable? Gorgeous Edward with plain 'ole Bella?"
Edward sat down at the bar next to me.
"You're not actually drinking that crap, are you?" he asked and pointed to my nearly empty pina colada glass.
I laughed, "What? They're good."
"Yeah, good for a hangover,"he laughed,"Would you like another?"
I laughed, "Absolutely."
After the bartender delivered our drinks, Edward and I began some small talk. I told him about bad Forks sucked, about my parents, and he told me more about Alice and Emmett and how crazy they were. But I could tell he loved his family, and I was envious at how close they all were. And contrary to what Alice said, he was in no way stupid. After I was a bit more comfortable in his presence, I asked the question I wanted to know about most. Just for the hell of it.
"So where's your girlfriend? I don't think she would appreciate me taking up all your time."
He choked on his beer," Wow, you really know how to kill a mood, don't you?" he said jokingly.
I laughed, "Oh, come on, Edward. Tell me about her."
"There is no "her" to speak of, Bella. No girlfriend," he replied and smiled crookedly at me. I almost melted into a puddle on the floor. Swoon.
"Oh, sorry. I just assumed."
"And why would you assume that I have a girlfriend?"
Oh, god. I was way off base. There is no way this man is gay. Right? I mean nothing he has said has indicated that to me at all. Did I just offend him? How could he not have- Oh! He was one of those fuck 'em and chuck 'em guys. And yet he didn't seem sleazy like that. What am I talking about? I don't know this man at all.
"Oh, um…I don't know…you just seemed like the type that would have someone…sorry," I said and tried to laugh it off.
"Well, Bella, you know what they say about assuming."
"Oh God, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a sore subject or anything I just…I'm kind of an idiot…and I'm kind of buzzed…I shouldn't have asked about your personal life…"
"Do you realize you ramble when you're nervous? It's quite endearing."
Hold the phone. I'm endearing? Yeah, in a kid sister kind of way I'm sure.
"Yes, I guess it's a bad habit I have…sorry."
"Why all the apologizing? I should be the one apologizing. A beautiful girl like you should have never been left alone at this bar especially to fend for herself. It's like a meat market over here during the day. So you have nothing to be sorry for, I assure you," he said and swigged his beer.
My mouth hung open for a moment and I blushed like I've never blushed before. He called me beautiful. I looked ahead to the pool, not knowing what to say.
"I think the better question is, where is your boyfriend?" he asked.
"I don't have one."
"Now, Bella, why would a girl like you not have a boyfriend?" he asked an smiled at me.
I didn't want Edward to know the real reason I didn't have a boyfriend. I didn't want him to know what shitty things had transpired in the last month.
"Oh, um, actually I'm a lesbian," I said trying to lighten the mood.
This time he choked on his beer so hard was full on coughing. I laughed while I hit him on the back.
"Are you ok!?" I asked.
"Yep, yep. I'm ok. Just surprised is all!" he said as he recovered.
"I was joking, Edward, I like men, " I laughed as I rubbed circles on his back. He was warm and all hard muscle back there. When I realized what I was doing, I pulled my hand away. I need to stop drinking and touching Edward. Right now.
Edward sat straight up, looking like he wanted to say something, when the ball of energy came bouncing over.
"Hey, guys!" Alice squealed as she put her arms around the both of us.
"Edward, Dad wants to talk to you, and Bella, we're going to go get ready for dinner."
I put my hand up, "No, Alice. I don't want to intrude. Thanks though."
Her mouth hung open dramatically, "Are you kidding me? You can't leave me now!"
"No, it's ok. I'll just go back to my room and take a nap."
"You wouldn't be intruding. We want you to come," Edward stated like I had no other choice. God he's good. He must do this all the time.
"Yeah, Bella. Now come on. We can stop by your room and get your things, and then we can get ready in my room."
"Fine, twist my arm," I said sarcastically.
After stumbling to my hotel room, a phone call to Angela, and a short shower where I may or may not have let my mind wander to Edward, Alice and I were standing in front of my closet going through my evening wear. I brought a few dresses that I obtained after some retail therapy I did right after I broke up with Jake, and an array of sandals and stilettos.
"Ok, Alice. What should I wear?"
She flipped through a few of my dresses, pulled out the short strapless black number that I just brought for shits and giggles, and held it up to me.
"Yep. This one."
"Really? You don't think it'll be too revealing? I just don't want to look like a ho."
Jake never liked me to wear anything too revealing. He would always say I looked cheap. And he definitely thought heels were stupid.
"Bella," you're not going to look like a ho, you'll look gorgeous! Now come on, let's go to my room. I need a snack or I'm going to expire!"
I threw a towel on my head and put on some yoga pants and an old t-shirt, took my dress and accessories and followed Alice out of my room. We took the elevator down and walked to Ocean Tower # 2, the building next to mine. Alice inserted a key card and pressed the 'P' button.
The doors opened, and when we stepped out, there was a large hallway with five sets of double doors. Alice inserted the key card next to one of the sets and opened them. I took a step inside the doorway and gaped. The room I was standing in was facing the ocean, the windows were floor to ceiling glass, there was a full kitchen, and a dining room that could seat ten. Ok...so Alice is rich.
"Alice, did the 'P' in the elevator stand for Presidential Suites?"
"Uh, yeah. Now come on. We have primping to do." She said as she handed me an apple out of the huge fruit basket on the table. I followed her down a short hallway into a large, nicely furnished bedroom, and into a huge bathroom that was floor to ceiling polished marble tiles. There was a huge tub and a separate shower, all done in mosaics. It was the nicest bathroom I'd ever been in.
"Wow, nice bathroom, Alice," I said as I bit into the apple. I realized I hadn't eaten all day. How am I still standing after all that liquor?
She shrugged her shoulders, "Eh. It's alright. I've designed better."
"You're a designer?"
"Yep. That's me. Interior designer extraordinaire."
"Wow. That must be a great job. I'm sure it beats being an office manager."
She giggled, "Yeah it's pretty great," but didn't elaborate. I guess she didn't want to talk shop while on vacation. I didn't blame her. I didn't want to talk about anything back home either.
I took the towel off my head and shook out my wet curls. Alice began plugging in all kinds of contraptions. I pulled out my makeup and began applying, when I heard a woman's voice booming through the suite.
"Alice, where are you, you little witch? There's no amount of makeup you can put on that ugly face to-" I looked up and saw the buxom blonde, Rosalie, had entered the bathroom.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't know you had company. Bella, nice to see you again. I'm assuming you're joining us for dinner?"
"Uh, yeah. I didn't want to intrude but Alice kind of forced me."
"Huh. That's funny, because the way I remember it, is that you didn't agree until Edward asked you to come," Alice giggled. I could feel my face heating at the mention of his name.
"Oh, whatever," I said dismissively.
"Hmm. We'll see," she said and began flat ironing her hair.
"So you and Edward, huh?" Rosalie asked as she reapplied her deep red lipstick. The dress she was wearing was skin tight and also red, showing off all of her curves. Whoa.
"Me and Edward, what? We were just talking."
"I'm sorry but as an outsider looking in, the two of you weren't 'just talking,'" Alice said as she applied her makeup, "you guys were flirting."
"Well...maybe a little."
"Shamelessly," Rosalie added as she walked out of the bathroom. She appeared seconds later carrying three glasses of champagne. She handed one to Alice and one to me.
"It's fine, Bella. I won't give you any more shit about it as long as you can admit the two of you are attracted to each other. Who knows? Maybe you can have some fun. Lord knows Edward needs it."
"Alice, come on. There's no way…I mean…have you seen your brother?"
Rosalie's head whipped around, "I can assure you that you did not go unnoticed by any of the male species within a hundred feet of you today. Even my husband noticed you."
She didn't sound pissed which is a good thing. Rosalie was not a woman who I would want in any way mad at me, and in a way, I guess I could take her statement as a compliment.
"See Rose, this is why I like her so much. She's so modest."
"I see what you mean, Alice. Utterly clueless."
"You guys know I'm in the room, right?" I said as I sipped my champagne. They laughed.
**
I wobbled a bit in my stilettos because I hadn't worn any in two years, but Rosalie was nice enough to give me a little walking lesson in the foyer, as she was a former runway model. Of course she was.
My hair was down over my shoulders in loose waves, and Alice somehow convinced me to go braless. She said she could see the lines or whatever. But I had to admit, the dress hung off of me nicely, and I knew I wouldn't get cold here, so no jacket was needed. I took a look at myself in the mirror before we headed out. Holy shit.This was not the plain jane Bella Swan from Forks in hiking boots and jeans. This was the new and improved Bella Swan from Seattle, vacationing in Hawaii.
Alice and I spun around in the mirror, admiring each other's dresses. She looked gorgeous in a short purple number that had spaghetti straps with a bustier top.
After another flute of champagne later, we were ready to meet everyone in the lobby for dinner. I was fine until we got into the elevator. I had a major case of the butterflies, and my mouth suddenly went dry. All I could think about was seeing Edward again.
