Another short-ish chapter, but they're getting longer.
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Chapter 2 – Nachos, Skee-Ball and Girl Talk
APOV
I was bouncing in anticipation for Bella to get home. Not only was I excited about the evening I planned, but I couldn't wait to see Bella in the new outfit I put out for her. That girl looked GORGEOUS in any sort of deep, rich colors, and royal purple was my second favorite on her, only eclipsed by midnight blue. Her skin tone was so creamy it was like she was made to wear dark colors. I just wish she'd let me get my hands on the rest of her wardrobe. She needs to be broken of her flip-flop habit. She'd made great strides since we met, but she still needed a little work.
I heard her car pull into our driveway and I calmed a little bit.
"I know I'm late! I'm sorry! I lost track of time editing and then Emmett was talking to Rose – she's coming tomorrow by the way – and please forgive me! I'll be ready in a jiff!" She called, making her way to her "wing" of the house as quickly as possible.
One of the things I loved about our house, aside from the fact that I got to use my design skills to decorate the place, was the layout. There were two hallways that went off the main living area. We each had a wing to ourselves.
When she re-emerged a few minutes later, I instantly knew I was right. The purple was an excellent choice. She looked amazing; I just wished she would see it. Ever since James she had a serious self-esteem problem. It made me wish Emmett hadn't restrained me that night.
"Do I pass inspection, mi lady?" She grinned at me turning in a circle.
"You look perfect. I knew that shirt would be perfect for you," I replied
"It is nice. That's what they pay you the big bucks for. Now let's go. I'm starving and you know how I get if I don't eat".
We drove to the restaurant talking amiably about our days. It was so nice to have some Alice and Bella time. I'd been so busy at work, getting every thing ready for the summer lines to come in, and Bella was in overdrive trying to wrap her latest issue of Sundry. I loved this time of the season, but I also missed my best friend.
"Please, please, please, can we get the nachos as an appetizer? I don't know what goes better with roommate bonding time than nachos," Bella pleaded.
"Pssh, I know you're just trying to weight the odds in your favor when we face off in Skee Ball later. You know how oily their chips are. It'll be hard to keep hold of the balls," I teased. We hardly ever came here when we didn't get nachos. It was tradition.
"Like I need a reason to weight the odds. I'm on fire. My winning streak will continue uninterrupted," Bella played back. We both knew it didn't matter who won when we played, but the pre-game trash talk was all part of the fun.
"How long do you think it'll be until Emmett asks Rose to move in with him?" I asked while we ate our food.
"Oh, I don't know. They spend every night together as it is, but you know Em, he's got a façade to maintain. We'll see how things go when Rose's lease expires." Bella replied, playing with her straw.
"I think they're going to surprise us. I know Emmett tries to be a big, tough guy, but I have a feeling that's going to crack soon. Especially since Rose has him wrapped around her pinky. Just wait, I think they'll be living together by the end of the summer," I'd had a feeling about them for a while and it was only getting stronger.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, his brother is moving back to Seattle next week. He got a residency here. By the way Em was talking, Esme's thrilled to have them both back here."
"I bet she is," Esme was Bella's and my surrogate mother, since mine had passed away and Bella's lived in Florida with her step dad. "What about Em? How does he feel about the whole thing?"
"He's excited, but he's trying to hide it. I think he's going to try to introduce him to us, so he knows some people in the area"
"What do you think he's like? You've never met him have you?"
"I haven't met him, but knowing Em and his parents he can't be too bad a guy. Unless he's the black sheep of the family, but judging from the stories Em has told me, that's not the case. From the way he talks, Edward doesn't get out much, since he works so much. He also kind of idolizes his older brother."
"Oh! I just had the greatest idea! We should have a game night in a couple weeks. You could work your magic in the kitchen and we could all get acquainted with dear Edward,"
I had ulterior motives for this plan, of course. Edward and Bella were going to hit it off beautifully, but I didn't feel like telling her that just yet. She was much more comfortable when she was oblivious to the male species. It also had the bonus of adding to her appeal to guys.
"That's a good idea. We'll be done with this issue by then. It'll be nice to unwind. I'll talk to Emmett next week. Any requests on the menu?"
"Those brownies with the peanut butter topping, naturally. But I'll have to get back with you on the rest. I'm sure Em'll have some requests, too." My mouth was already watering over the Sex on a Brownie dessert Bella makes.
"Alright, you ready to get your ass kicked in Skee Ball?" Bella stood up holding her hand out to me.
"Bring it. You're going down, Swan." I replied, trying to sound tough. Bella just laughed while we made our way to get tokens for the Skee Ball machines.
We hardly kept score while we played. After a few rounds, we collected our tickets, paid our bill and made our way back to my car. Bella stopped a little girl on our way out and gave her our tickets. The little girl looked like she just won the lottery.
"You know, I have a feeling things are going to change soon," I told her on the way home.
"Oh yeah? Another one of Alice Brandon's famous premonitions?" Bella asked skeptically. That girl should know by now that you never bet against me. And I did know things were going to change. I didn't quite have all the specifics, but I knew more than anything that it all seemed to be linked to Emmett's brother. Edward was going to breathe new life into our little group.
***
"Belllllllla! Can you get the door? Rose is here!" I called from the kitchen, where I was very absorbed in blending up the perfect margaritas for our girl's night.
"Got it!" Bella jumped up and ran to answer the door, a few seconds later I heard the two making their way to the kitchen.
"Fondue? You girls spoil me!" Rose cooed when she noticed the spread Bella and I had put together.
"Well, what's a girls night without chocolate and tequila? Speaking of which Alice's World Famous Super Spectacular Margaritas are ready!" I proclaimed triumphantly. Bella may be our resident chef, but I could hold my own when it came to the bartending.
"I don't think you used enough adjectives there, Alice," Bella teased playfully.
"You know you love it. Now, come on! There is bonding to be done!" I grabbed the pitcher and some glass while Bella and Rose took care of the food.
We settled ourselves and popped in a movie and set about the purpose of the night: drinking, chocolate and girl talk.
"So, Rose, how are things with Em?" I asked, dunking a strawberry in the fondue.
Rose flushed. "They're really good. He continues to surprise me. I've been dropping hints about moving in together since my lease expires soon, but he's completely oblivious. He'll figure out soon enough that he can't live without me, though."
"See, I told you Bella! We were just talking about that last night. I have a feeling it's going to be soon."
"Yes, and we'd all be insane to bet against Alice, right?" Bella rolled her eyes at me.
"Damn skippy you would be!" I knew she was being flippant, but I felt the need to defend myself.
"What about you, Alice? Any prospects?" Rose asked before taking a sip of her Super Spectacular Margarita.
"Hmmm, not right now, but soon. Really soon, I think," I replied. My soul mate was getting closer and closer every day. I didn't know the specifics, but I knew he would be tall and blonde. People always wondered why I never got bent out of shape about my past relationships not making it. They were really just stopgaps until my MG (Mystery Guy) made his appearance. Almost like dress rehearsals for the real thing.
"I wish I could have your confidence, Al," Bella replied, almost sadly.
"Whatever Bella. You're just looking at the wrong guys. And he'll…"
"He'll show up when I least expect it, yeah. Everybody says that. Well, everybody except you, Al. Nothing ever takes you by surprise."
"Well, I most certainly didn't expect Em. I went to that car show expecting to be ogled by the drunken assholes that usually show up at those things, not be swept off my feet." Rose interjected.
Bella and I looked at each other and made mimed gagging. Rose hurled a throw pillow at us and we all broke down laughing.
"I do have to give you props. These are indeed some Super Fantastic Margaritas." Rose said once she caught her breath. "I'm already pretty buzzed. Emmett is going to be happy when I get home tonight."
"Oh is he now?" I asked, wagging my eyebrows at her suggestively.
"Definitely. Not that we need any help, but the alcohol really helps speed things along. I swear, I've never had this much sex in my life. We just can't get enough of each other,"
"Yeah, I know. I have to work with him. Some days he just won't shut up about it. Some days I feel like I'm the one dating you," Bella teased, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. She looked sad for some reason.
"Hey, we have to live vicariously through her for the time being. It's not like either one of us are getting any" I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"And it sounds like they're getting it on enough for all three of us."
"Hey, I can't help it we have a healthy sexual appetite, can I? Not all of us can endure long stretches of self-imposed celibacy, Bella."
"It's not exactly self-imposed. I'm just tired of meaningless sex. And anyway, it's not like I have guys lining up at the door to take me out."
Poor, clueless, blind Bella. She never sees herself clearly. I saw at least three guys at the restaurant last night checking her out, but she was so oblivious she had no idea.
"That's all going to change soon, like I said last night. Just you wait." I announced prophetically, tapping my temple.
We fell into another fit of giggles and spent the rest of the night in amiable conversation.
