Stephenie Meyer is a genius and I LOVE all things Twilight. How many of you saw Eclipse this week? I personally went to the midnight premiere and my GOD it was so good. If you have yet to see, go, go now. No wait, read and review this chapter first, then go see it. Best one yet. Okay, enough of my useless ramblings, get on with it already.
EPOV
Thursday night, time for me to go to Eclipse, sing some shitty songs, drink some booze and flirt with some woman whose name I won't remember or even care about in the morning.
Em and Jazz called earlier to let me know they'd be coming with me again tonight. I gathered from the way they were talking that it had to do with a girl. Of course I wasn't going to tell them that the whole reason I went on Tuesdays and Thursdays is because of a girl. A certain mahogany haired girl with expressive brown eyes, a body to die for and the voice of an angel.
I had no chance with her, she saw me leaving with a different woman every time I was in there, there's no way she finds that attractive, but it's not like I had sex with all of them. There was no way for her to know that though.
Tuesday had been interesting to say the least. It was the first time in the three months that I had discovered the karaoke night at Eclipse and her that we had openly flirted with each other. She called me "big boy" and I decided to sing that song. To her, for her. There were probably other, more appropriate songs I could have sung to her, but I wanted her to know that I wanted her.
Just like you want all those other women? She probably thought you were singing that song to that blonde bimbo that was all over you.
Like I said, probably not the most appropriate things to sing to her and yeah she probably thought I was just singing that to get laid, but I meant it, when I looked into her eyes and sung those lines I was being honest with her. More honest then I had been with any woman before.
If you want to get her attention you need to sing something not so…sexually charged. Idiot!
Tonight! Tonight I will truly sing to her. I just need to find the right song.
I arrived at the bar at 9:00, Jasper and Em were already seated at my booth looking over the book. There were three beers already at the table, thank God for that. I was going to need it if I was going to sing the right kind of song for Bella.
"Edwardo! Good to see you man!" Emmett got up to give me the manly one armed hug, back pat.
"Hey Em! Good to see you too. Jazz." I nodded at my best friend and took a seat. I have to admit that I am still feeling a little pissed at Jazz for the stunt he pulled on Tuesday with Bella. How could he have kissed her? She is mine, those lips are mine, the tongue, yep, you guessed it, MINE! We had a little chat yesterday about the situation and although I didn't openly admit to liking Bella he got the idea that she was off limits. At least I hoped that message came across loud and clear.
"Edward." Jasper responded curtly. Good, looks like the message was as clear as I'd hoped. He glanced over to the stage for a fraction of a second, had I been anyone else I wouldn't have noticed, but I was me and I did notice. I shot him a glare, letting him know that I was fully aware of what he had just been doing.
"Hey everyone. Welcome to karaoke night at Eclipse. I'm Bella, your host. How's everyone feeling tonight?" The bar erupted is whistles and clapping at her question. "Good, glad to hear it. Okay, so let me tell you how this works. There are books on each table as well as pencils and slips of paper. Take a look through the book, pick some songs, write them down with that handy little pencil and bring the slip on up here." She looked out to the crowd and locked eyes at our table, making sure to take the time to look at all three of us. She smiled at Emmett, he gave a slight wave, she blushed at Jasper, fucking prick, he winked at her and when her eyes fell on me she seemed almost shy. Being the cocky bastard that I am I blew her a kiss.
"Come on guys, let's get started. Who's coming up first?" Bella asked as she scanned the crowd.
"I ain't going up there without a few more beers in me." Emmett said and Jasper nodded emphatically in agreement. We were all still looking at the song list; I was looking for the perfect song, but wasn't having any luck finding anything that said what I wanted to say to her. The first singer of the night came up and it was awful. I couldn't even tell what she was supposed to be singing; when I looked up I noticed the singer was a guy. Huh, that's funny I could have sworn that was a woman singing.
The song finally came to an end, thank Christ. I didn't know how much more my ears could take of that shit.
"Next up is Greg." Greg sauntered up and was ogling my girl, I didn't like it. Our waitress came back with a pitcher of beer and some glasses.
"Um, we didn't order this." I said. Jasper and Emmett shrugged indicating they didn't order it either.
"Oh, this is compliments of our lovely host over there." She gestured toward Bella and we looked over to her and gave a nod of thanks. The waitress walked away and Emmett went back to the book. I found the perfect song; I wrote it down on the paper and waited for the other assholes to pick theirs so I could take them all up. I don't need Jasper getting any closer to Bella than necessary.
"You guys done? I'm gonna take this up so I'll take yours if you're ready." I offered, hoping they were done.
"Nah, go ahead. I haven't decided yet." Jasper said.
"Me either. Go on ahead man. I'll take mine up in a minute." Emmett was still looking at the book, apparently having trouble finding a song.
"Alright. Be back in a minute." I got up and went to the stage area where Bella was looking through the stack of requests that accumulated. "Bella."
"Holy shit." She screeched. She turned around so fast that she almost fell over; thankfully I have pretty impressive reflexes so I caught her before she fell. "Thanks." Her face turned a lovely shade of pink.
"Sorry to have scared you." I told her. I got her back up on her feet and smirked.
"It's alright; I should have been paying attention." She looked at the slip in my hand then back up to me. "What are we singing tonight?" I just handed her the slip, not taking my eyes away from her. She's so fucking beautiful. I want to kiss her so bad right now. "Nice! I can't wait to hear that velvety voice of yours sing this."
"Velvety?" I cocked my eyebrow at her.
"Yeah, it sounds like velvet or melted chocolate." I'm fairly certain I heard her moan a little and it went straight to my cock. Down Boy!
"Do you like chocolate Bella?" I asked her in a husky tone that I hoped she thought was sexy.
"Very much." She answered. The song ended and unfortunately Bella had to get back to work so our flirty banter came to an end.
Back at the table it looked like Jasper had chosen his song. He took a gulp of beer and went up to the stage. He talked to Bella for a few minutes before coming back.
"So what song did you choose Jazz?" I asked him. I poured more beer into each of our glasses and motioned for the waitress for a refill.
"Um, nothing special, just a Van Morrison song." Van Morrison, what Van Morrison song…oh wait! Holy shit! He wouldn't.
"Brown eyed girl?" I asked with a sneer. If he chose that song I was going to beat his ass.
"Yeah, I think that's the one." His eyes moved all over the bar, not making eye contact with me. "Em, what are you singing bro?" Good deflection. I'd let it go for now.
"I'm going to do some classic Stones tonight." Emmett always loved the classic rock, so this didn't surprise me in the least. "I'm so gonna rock that shit!" He got up and went to hand in his slip.
"Let's see who's next. Ah Jessica, the bride-to-be from Tuesday. Come on up Jessica." Everyone clapped as Jessica walked up to the stage. Bella said something to her and they hugged briefly. It looked like they were friends.
The song started, it was Britney Spears. I'm not a fan, but the girl owned that song. She actually got a standing ovation when she was done and took a bow before exiting the stage.
"Edward! You're turn baby!" Baby? This was new. I'd take it though. I gave a cocky smirk to Jazz as I got out of my seat.
"So I go from Big Boy to Baby in the span of two days? I think I like Big Boy better Bella." Bella giggled when I stroked her hand, grabbing the mic from her. A glance back at Bella told me that I had her full attention. She had yet to start the song so I raised an eyebrow at her. That seemed to have brought her back down to earth and the song started.
I'm alone
Yeah, I don't know if I can face the night
I'm in tears and the cryin' that I do is for you
I want your love - Let's break the walls between us
Don't make it tough - I'll put away my pride
Enough's enough I've suffered and I've seen the lightI made sure my eyes were trained on Bella for the duration of the song.
Baby Don't know what I'm gonna do Baby You're the reason I live Baby , Baby You're my angel
You're my angel
Come and save me tonight
You're my angel
Come and make it all right
About this feeling inside
Yes it's true - Loneliness took me for a ride
Without your love - I'm nothing but a beggar
Without your love - a dog without a bone
What can I do I'm sleeping in this bed alone
You're my angel
Come and save me tonight
You're my angel
Come and make it all right
Come and save me tonight
You're the reason I die
You're the reason I give
When I break down and cry
Don't need no reason why
Baby
You're my angel
Come and save me tonight
You're my angel
Come and make it all right
Come and save me tonight
you're my angel
Come and take me allright
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight
Bella's eyes stayed on me for the entire song, she never once looked away. I laid it all out there for her with that song. I didn't hear any of the clapping or the hollers in the bar, all I saw was Bella.
BPOV
I can't believe that just happened. I mean Edward sang that song, that beautiful song and he never once took his eyes off of me. In karaoke you sing for the crowd no matter what and Edward had always done that, but not tonight. I couldn't help but think that song was meant for me.
He dropped the mic next to me then stood stone still right in front of me. His hand grabbed mine, I just stared at our connected hands and I felt it, that spark, the current running through my entire body just from a simple touch. This was what was missing earlier when I kissed Emmett.
I had to pull myself together and fast. His song ended a while ago and here I am just standing here staring at our hands like an idiot.
The mic was somehow in my hand now so I called the next person up. Tony, he was singing Home by Michale Buble.
"Bella." My name fell from his lips almost like a prayer, but I knew that I was just his latest conquest and as much as I wanted this man I had to take a step back. I wanted more than just a one night stand. I deserved to be happy after everything I've been through, I just didn't know if it was possible for me anymore. Finding someone I could trust my heart with has been nothing short of impossible. After a few recent sessions with my therapist I realized that I needed to at least try to open up to someone, it's been 5 years, but there is no way I was going to be able to do that with someone like Edward, as much as I may want him, I just couldn't risk it.
"I need to get back to work. You sang beautifully as always Edward." I tried to pull my hand back but his grip was firm and unrelenting.
"I need to talk to you Bella. Please." He sounded so sincere, but I had to think that's how he sounded to all of his girls. This is how he got them hook line and sinker. I wasn't going to allow myself to go down that road. This is how it had all started with Jamie and after what he did…God I don't even want to think about it.
"Later Edward. I really need to get back to work. The song is almost over." I tried to give him a reassuring smile, he looked in my eyes staring hard, looking for something. What I had no idea, but he seemed happy with whatever he found and let go of my hand.
"Okay Bella. Later. Promise me?" He was so unsure of himself; it wasn't something I normally saw with him.
"Yeah." I agreed. I had no intention of talking to him alone later though, that would only lead to very hot, beautiful, but very BAD things. He gave me a single nod before going back to his table.
I let out a long shaky breath. I missed the tingle from his touch almost instantly. Tony finished his song and handed the mic back to me. It was time for me to do what I got paid for.
The entire night went smoothly. Edward didn't come back up to sing anything else. He also never took his eyes off me. I saw a few girls come up to him but he sent them all away which was shocking to say the least. Maybe he wasn't the manwhore I thought he was. No, he is, I've seen him leave here every night with some big breasted bimbo, just because he isn't doing it tonight doesn't mean anything.
When Jasper came up and sang "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison I was in awe of him. It was such a sweet gesture and I knew it was for me because when he came up he whispered in my ear that this was only for me. He didn't focus on me at all throughout the song like Edward did, but I was fine with that, he told me this was for me and that's all that mattered. If I'm being honest with myself though it didn't do the things that Edward's song did to me. I needed to stop with this train of thought. Edward is no good for me. Jasper was sweet and loyal and handsome. He is the kind of guy I should date.
When Emmett's song came up I laughed. He told me earlier in the day how he was a Rolling Stones fan and that his favorite song was Beast of Burden and sure enough that's what he sang. He was so good up there, dancing around and doing all of Mick Jagger's moves and the crowd just ate it up.
I got a text from Alice during the night, I was so happy to hear from my best friend. She said that she was coming into town in three weeks and wanted to crash at my place. I of course told her that I wouldn't let her stay anywhere else. Alice being Alice called and squealed at me that she was so excited to come home and see me. She said she wanted to come to karaoke night and show everyone how it's done. I laughed at my best friend, she was very talented at most things, but singing was not one of them. She sounded like someone trying to drown a cat, it wasn't pretty.
At the end of the night I thanked everyone for coming out then started to pack up. I felt eyes on me, but continued with cleaning up. Angela, the bartender and one of my good friends since college, picked up all the books, pencils and left over sheets of paper and brought them over to me along with a Diet Coke. I thanked her for her help and we talked a little bit about the other host that works the weekends. She said that Marcel wasn't that great with the customers and they were thinking about firing him. She also mentioned that I might be able to grab those shifts if I was interested in extra hours. I told her I'd have to think about it. The extra money would be nice and I do love hosting, but my weekends are reserved for me time.
What exactly do you do on the weekends Bella? You sit around doing housework and maybe watch a movie or five while eating ice cream out of the carton.
When the packing up was finally finished I felt someone behind me. I knew who it was before turning around. That same hum was there whenever he was around. I knew I wasn't going to be able to get away from talking to him if that's what he really wanted; he seemed to be a very determined person who always got what they wanted.
Thankfully Angela came over and helped me with my things, effectively getting me away from Edward. We had the car packed rather quickly and I left before he could find me to talk. I really didn't want to have to refuse him; in fact if he gave me those eyes I wasn't sure I'd be able to. I could not go down that path with him. It would break me if he just used me for sex and I never saw him again.
With nothing to do but think on the drive back home I couldn't keep the thoughts of that kiss from two nights ago out of my head. It was an amazing tingling, toe curling experience and I wasn't even sure at this point if it had actually happened or if my imagination was just running away with me. I mean it's not like my imagination has ever been that good before, but it had to be my imagination, it just had to be.
I pulled into my parking space just as my phone chimed that I had a text message. I turned off the car and grabbed the phone from my bag. I smiled when I saw it was from Jasper.
I can't wait to see you tomorrow Bella. – Jas
With the smile still plastered on my face I hit reply and typed out my response
I'm looking forward to it Jas. I was so happy to see you at the bar tonight. Sleep well and I'll see you tomorrow. – B
I gathered my things and got out of the car to finally get into my apartment and slip into bed. My bag hit the table in the hall when my phone chimed again. It was Jasper. My phone chimed again as I was reading the message from Jasper, this message was from Emmett.
Goodnight Bella. Sleep well and dream of me, I know I'll be dreaming of you. Until tomorrow beautiful. – Jas
Holy shit. Jasper is freaking amazing, so sweet not to mention utterly beautiful. I closed the message without responding and opened Emmett's text.
You were so fucking hot tonight Bella. Your voice when you're up there on stage singing is so sexy. I look forward to our actual date next week. – Em
Ah Emmett. What else can I say about that man? I hit reply and typed out a quick message back to him.
Goodnight Em. You were hot as hell up there too. I don't think there were many women with dry panties in the bar after your performance. LOL. – B
I pressed send and headed off to my bedroom to get into my pajamas, washed my face and brushed my teeth before bed. Emmett's response came as I started brushing my teeth. I laughed and almost spit toothpaste all over the mirror at his response.
As long as your panties were wet too I'll be a happy motherfucker. ;) Night B! – Em
I finished up my nightly routine and went to bed, hoping for a clear direction after my date with Jasper tomorrow night. He really seemed like a genuinely nice guy and I could see myself with him, but I wasn't sure it would have the passion I want so badly.
Once I finally drifted off to sleep I dreamt, not of Jasper or Emmett, no I had to dream of him. The prick who did unspeakable things to me, things I never want to think about. It was all coming back at me during my dream.
Bree and I were dancing to the beat in the club. It was packed tonight, there were people everywhere, we knew we had the attention of several men around the area, what man doesn't like to see two hot girls grinding up on each other. Bree has a boyfriend, but he never seems to mind one bit whenever we do this, and we do this practically every time we go out dancing. In fact I could see him sitting at our table nursing his beer and never taking his eyes off of us.
"Riley looks like he's about to bust a nut Bree. You are so getting some hot sexin tonight girl." I whispered in her ear as she ground her ass on me.
Bree laughed and looked in the direction of her man and gave him a sexy wink. "Oh yeah. I'm definitely getting some extra special lovin tonight B. We need to find you a man." Bree turned around as we danced more seductively. I felt two large hands wrap around my waist and looked at Bree, the look on her face was one of approval. I knew I could always count on her to tell me if a guy was my type or not. She nodded at me and leaned in. "I'm going to go see Riley for a bit. Have fun B."
"What's your name gorgeous?" The man behind me said into my ear. Gorgeous huh? I can't say that's too original, but I'll let it slide.
"Bella. How about you?" I ground my ass into him and wrapped my arms back around his neck. He had longer hair than I usually liked, but it wasn't a deal breaker.
"The name is Jamie. Do you want to get outta here?" His nose skimmed my neck and I shuddered.
"Um, how about a drink first?" I moved out of his grasp and turned around, getting a good look at him. He was only slightly taller than me, tan, long blonde hair and steel blue eyes. He was cute in that surfer boy kind of way.
"Sure thing sweetheart." Sweetheart, seriously? I don't know about this guy. His hand went to the small of my back as we head to the bar. I order a beer and he gets a whiskey. We talk for a little while, order more drinks and I am feeling really drunk now. I let Jamie lead me out of the bar, Bree and Riley had already left a little while ago, so I just followed him blindly. That was my first mistake.
My alarm going off pulled me from my dreams and I hit it with my hand, effectively shutting it up and pulled the pillow over my head. I didn't have much to do today, I have my usual piano lesson at 1:00, but it's only 9 so I have time to catch a few more minutes of sleep, but the light is blinding in my room, damn, I forgot to close the drapes last night when I got home. If I get up to close them then I'll be up. I pull the covers up over my head and pray that it's enough to keep the light out of my eyes so I can go back to sleep and hopefully dream of something other than Jamie.
Twenty minutes later I was up, showered and making myself breakfast. The snipet of Jamie that I had dreamt last night was still fresh in my mind. After I ate my breakfast I sat down to write a song about the experience. I had pushed my time with Jamie to the back of my mind, trying desperately not to let it get to me, but after the dream I had last night everything came to the forefront and I knew I had to get it written down to purge the thoughts from my head. Writing was therapeutic for me, cleansing almost. My therapist told me once that I should use my talent for writing songs to work through my issues. It's something a lot of song writers do; they draw from their own experiences.
My phones alarm went off at twelve thirty alerting me that it was time to go to my piano lesson. I started taking lessons five years ago after I mastered playing the guitar. I loved learning to play new instruments and the piano is something I've been dying to learn for forever. I arrived at my instructor's house for my lesson right on time and Peter gave me a big hug, which was the norm for us. Peter's wife Charlotte is a chef and owns her own successful restaurant, she usually teaches me how to make some fabulous dishes after my piano lessons, in the last five years both my cooking and piano playing skills have developed into something that I could be proud of, too bad I had no-one to cook for so that particular skill goes mostly unused.
"Bella, how are you kid?" Peter kissed my forehead then followed my into the den where his beautiful baby grand was housed. I hoped one day that I would have something like that in my own home.
"I'm good Peter, and you?" Usually Peter served as my own personal sounding board, well one of, since I have multiple.
"Real good Bella. Charlotte has decided to open up another restaurant and I've decided to expand my business. I'm going to be opening up a storefront and hiring some other instructors to teach other instruments." He sounds so excited and proud and I can't help but feel those things for him and Charlotte as well. They are really great people; Charlotte is more like a mother to me than my own mother. Of course my own mother left my dad and I when I was 9 and I've seen her maybe 3 times since then.
"Peter, that's amazing. I guess that means you're going to start charging me more now for my lessons though, huh?" I asked him with a nudge to his shoulder and a chuckle.
"Actually Bella, that's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Uh-oh. That sounds ominous." I sat there waiting for whatever he was going to tell me. Was he stopping our lessons? I enjoyed them so much, not that I really had much need for them anymore, but I always felt like coming here every week not only helped with my piano playing, but I loved my time with Peter and Charlotte. If that time was about to go away I was going to be very sad.
"No, no, nothing like that Bella. Actually I was hoping that I could persuade you to take on a few clients once the shop was open. I know you host karaoke at the bar two nights a week, but I think this would be a really great opportunity for you. Teaching is so fulfilling Bella, I think you'll love it and I can pay you as well as getting tips from the students or their parents. I just really wanted to…"
I had to cut off his ramblings. "I think it's a great idea Peter. What would you want me to teach though?" His smile widened at my acceptance of his offer and I could see the wheels turning in his head.
"You could teach whatever you want Bella. Voice lessons, piano, guitar. Hell you could teach all three if you wanted to."
"I think I can manage that as long as it doesn't interfere with my hosting karaoke nights. Does this mean I get my piano lessons for free now?"
"I don't think you need my silly little piano lessons anymore Bella, but I know Charlotte would cut off my balls if you didn't come visit us anymore, so I think that we can arrange for you to come by for "lessons" once in a while." We both laughed because it was true, the front door opened and Charlotte walked in looking as beautiful as ever.
"Bella! Oh honey, I'm so happy you're here." She rushed into the living room; I stood from the couch to greet her. She always gave the best hugs and I wasn't about to miss out on one of them.
"Hey Charlotte." I hugged her fiercely, just as she was doing to me.
"So did Peter tell you the good news then? I assume that's why you're sitting in her talking instead of playing." She glanced over at Peter and her smile was a mile wide, her white teeth gleaming.
"He did and I am so happy for both of you." I went to sit back down, Charlotte right behind me.
"Did you offer her the teaching job Peter?"
"Of course I did sweetheart and she graciously accepted, just as you said she would." Peter kissed his wife, there was so much love between them it was hard to look away, but I felt as though I was intruding on something very intimate. It's not like they were making out or anything, it was a chaste kiss, but sweet and loving.
"That's fantastic. Oh Bella, you are going to love teaching." I smiled and nodded at her. I had no doubt that I was going to love giving music lessons. "I'm going to go do some paperwork while you two get to work then I'm going to start dinner. Bella, honey, are you staying? I could use some help in the kitchen." I blushed; she could use my help in the kitchen like I could use help falling down.
"Um, no, actually I have plans tonight." Peter raised an eyebrow at me and Charlotte just smiled at me like the Cheshire cat. "I have a date."
"Oh my god Bella. Tell me everything." Charlotte seemed more excited than I did. What, did nobody think I went on dates or something? I'm not a social leper for crying out loud, geez.
"Charlotte, Bella and I really need to start our lesson. Can the gossiping about boys wait until later?" Peter didn't like talking about this kind of stuff usually so it didn't surprise me that he was trying to get out of listening to us.
"I suppose. Bella you don't have to leave right away after your lesson do you? I need some girl talk and I want to hear all about this boy you have a date with."
"Of course, I'll make time for you before I leave so we can chat. Promise." Peter was already at the piano waiting for me so I went to sit next to him. Charlotte was giddy as she walked out of the room.
Peter had me working on a piece by Billy Joel, this is what I loved about Peter the most, he didn't just teach the classical stuff, he had sheet music for everything from ABBA to Jay-Z and everything in between. He tried getting me to play some new Lady Gaga music he just picked up, but I wasn't having any of it.
"Bella, that was perfect. I really don't feel right about charging you for lessons anymore. I think you've surpassed me. The student has now become the teacher." Rolling my eyes I cleaned up the sheet music we had been using and put it back in the bench.
"Whatever you say Peter. I guess I need to go have my girl talk with Charlotte now. I'll see you before I leave k?" I hugged him, kissing his cheek as I headed toward the kitchen.
"Have fun with that Bella. I'll call you next week with more details on teaching. I'm really so happy that you decided to do this."
"Sounds good." I found Charlotte in the kitchen prepping for dinner. "Need help?" She turned around and waved me over to her.
"Sure, chop up these carrots, will ya honey?" I set to work and soon I had chopped carrots, celery and onions. No words are spoken while we worked, the only noise coming from the knife chopping the vegetables and Charlotte peeling the potatoes. "So I've been patient, but I can't stand it any longer. Tell me about this hot date."
"Well, we're going out to dinner tonight; he's picking me up at my place. I have no idea where we're going, but it doesn't really matter. He's a nice guy." I duck my head and blush thinking about Jasper.
"What's his name?" She asks.
"Jasper. His name is Jasper." I tell her.
"Uh huh. How did you meet Jasper?" I was really making her work for this information, I wasn't usually one to gossip and girl talk wasn't necessarily my thing.
"I met him at Eclipse. He came up to sing and he kissed me on stage after I sang with him."
"Now we're getting somewhere. So how was it?" I looked at her with a brow raised. "The kiss Bella how was the kiss?"
"It was…nice."
"Nice, is that all it was…nice? That doesn't sound too exciting Bella."
"No, Charlotte, it was great, really. Jasper is just…God, I don't even know how to describe him. He's so sweet and has this beautiful southern accent that comes out when he's nervous and when he sings, it's like magic. Seriously." I tell her all about him and how he asked for my number and ultimately out for dinner when we saw each other at the grocery store. She oohed and ahhed at all the right places and her eyes got a dreamy far off look to them. I didn't tell her about Emmett or Edward, I just didn't want to get into that whole mess with her.
I made it home by five and started to get ready for my date with Jasper. I had no idea where he was taking me, but I figured a nice casual dress would be alright. Jasper knocked on my door promptly at eight. I opened my door and looked at him in all his Jasper glory. He looked damn good wearing faded blue jeans and a dark blue button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearms. He looked delicious.
"Damn Jasper, maybe I should go change, I'm going to look ridiculous standing next to you." He smirked and pulled me to him.
"You look breathtaking Bella. Don't you dare change." The chaste kiss he left on my lips left me wanting more, but he said we had reservations and we should get going so I grabbed my bag and sweater before letting him lead me to his car.
"So where are we going?" I asked once we were in the car.
"I actually thought we might try this new place I heard about. Edward said it was really good and was the perfect setting for a date." I gulped at his name. Edward had been to this place. Probably with one of his skanks. I felt the bile rise in my throat at the thought. "Hey, are you okay? You look a little green." I had to get control of myself. Edward is a manwhore and completely wrong for me. I had a really nice guy who wanted to go out with just me and I was ruining it by thinking about Edward and his many skanks. God what is wrong with me?
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry Jasper. It sounds perfect." I reached over the console to grab his hand. We talked about other things, non Edward things on the way to the restaurant and it seemed to calm my nerves.
The restaurant as it turns out was a place called Marrakesh, a Moroccan restaurant. The place was absolutely incredible. There were belly dancers all over the restaurant and to Jasper's credit his eyes never lingered on them. This is the type of place where you eat with your hands, it was all very sensual. My mind drifted off to Edward again and the thought of him doing this with some girl made me want to puke.
"So tell me about your family Bella."
"Hm, not much to tell. I'm an only child. My mom left my dad and I when I was nine and I've seen her less than a handful of times since she left. Pretty boring stuff really." I didn't particularly want to bring the mood down with the other things so I just stopped there.
"What about your dad, where's he?" He asked before taking a drink from his beer.
"He lives in Forks, it's a small town here in Washington. He's a retired cop, Police Chief actually. He's a great man." I missed my father a great deal and made a mental note to call him tomorrow. "What about you?"
"Well I had a younger sister, Caitlyn, but she passed away when she was four. She had Leukemia. I was six when she died. My mom and dad live in Texas, where I grew up. They moved into a different house, too many memories and all that. I went to school at Texas A&M where I studied psychology." Our conversation continued and I told Jasper all about how I went to the University of Washington and graduated with a Masters in Music Theory. I also told him about how on occasion I sing at Tanya's jazz club and he insisted that I tell him when I was going to be performing next so he could come in support. I didn't tell him that I would be singing on Saturday though; I didn't need him there to witness my humiliation.
After dinner we took a walk along the boardwalk, ate ice cream and talked some more. I learned that he and Edward met through Emmett, Emmett being Edward's old college roommate. Jasper met Emmett at a conference in Las Vegas for psychiatrists. Emmett it seems is a motivational speaker, something he didn't bother mentioning on our coffee date the day before. I was going to have to ask him how he got into that. I've never met a motivational speaker before, nor have I ever actually seen one at work. I in turn told him how I came about hosting karaoke at Eclipse. Angela was a good friend of mine in college. I may have, on a few drunken occasions, belted out a few songs here and there and maybe I dragged her to some karaoke bars during our four years at U Dub. She started working at Eclipse while she was working on her PhD to earn some extra money. She heard about the owner wanting to start up some karaoke nights and immediately thought of me. After a short talk with the owner he hired me on the spot. He bought the equipment and we set up a schedule. Eventually it got so popular that he extended it to 3 then 4 times per week. I also told him about the offer that Peter made me today and he thought it was a great idea. He was shocked that I could play both the piano and guitar. He promised that he would be my first student once Peter's shop was open. He really wanted to learn to play the guitar; I was more than happy to agree to his request. At the end of the night he dropped me off at my door, kissed me until I was breathless, but didn't push for more. I was left alone in my apartment with a feeling of contentment.
My date with Jasper was just perfect, besides the freak out early on over Edward and his skanks. I really needed to get off that already, so what if he brings dates there, that's none of my business. I got ready for bed and texted Tanya to let her know I was home and the date was perfect before slipping into bed. She is such a worry wart sometimes, so I always tell her when I get home if I know I'm going to be out late. She says it eases her mind, that she'll sleep better when she knows I'm home and safe. I'm pretty sure that Demetri has put her into an orgasmic coma by now, but better safe than sorry. The last thing I need right now is for her to come pounding on my damn door while I'm trying to sleep. I was going to need all I could get to prepare for my set tomorrow night.
Alright, so this just seemed like a good place to stop, so I'm stopping here. Review, review, review. Next up we have Bella's gig at Tanya's Jazz club so stay tuned, it's going to be AWESOME! Just sayin. Let me know what you thought of the EPOV, is that something you'd like more of?
