A/N: Remember that I write Bpov and Tiffany writes EPOV.

"Broken down and hungry for your love

with no way to feed it"

~Lover, You Should've Come Over, Jeff Buckley

EPOV

Three nights after the dinner at my parents' house, I'm lying on my living room couch, turning Kate's now crumpled business card over and over in my hand. Should I or shouldn't I?

On the one hand, I really need something to get my mind off of Bella for once. I need to move on with my life instead of living in this semi-Limbo in which I've existed since first meeting her. Was I right when I told my mother that I was happy alone? For the most part, yes. I'm completely content to be on my own. However, were Bella not involved with one of my best buddies, I don't think I'd rest until she was mine. So seeing how she's not available, I should stop being such a creeper and just man up and ask Kate out.

On the other hand, is it really fair to start something with Kate, knowing my obsession with Bella probably won't ease up anytime soon? I mean, there's always the off chance that she and Emmett will have a huge blow-up and never want to see each other again... But then I should still keep my feelings to myself. She's my friend, he's my friend...I wouldn't want to jeopardize either of those relationships. It's a moot point, though.

Honestly, if Bella would have me, would I really care what Emmett thought? Yes, you heel. He's been your friend since you were in diapers!

Ugh.

I drive the heel of my palm into my eye, shaking my head and trying to remember what started me along this line of thought anyway.

Oh, yeah. Kate.

Kate's classically pretty. She seems sweet. She's obviously intelligent, if a bit sheltered. And Lord knows my mother would be thrilled if I asked Kate out. I roll my eyes at that thought, but have to smile at Mom's meddling ways in spite of myself. I know it's only because she loves me and wants to see me happily paired-off like everyone else in my life. And really, what can it hurt to just call her? If nothing else, I'll have a new friend.

I grab my cell phone from the beat-up coffee table and punch in Kate's number. It rings four times before it goes to voice mail.

Hi! You've reached Kate. You know what to do...

I have to snicker at that insinuation. Do I ever really know what to do? I sigh while I wait for the beep.

"Uh, Kate? Hey, it's Edward Cullen. Um, Esme's son? I wanted to let you know that my band has a gig on Friday night. You said you might be interested in seeing us play, so....yeah..." I clear my throat and try to think quickly. "I wanted to--I mean, I was wondering...if maybe you'd like to get some coffee or---or grab some dinner beforehand? Um...sooooo give me a call sometime...and I...guess I'll talk to you soon. Okaythanksbye."

I press the "end" button and throw my phone across the couch before slapping my hands over my face. What a bumbling idiot...

Not a minute later, my phone rings. I sit up and grab it to see the number I just called on my display. Shit.

I clear my throat again before answering. "H-hello?" Hey, great time to start with the stuttering, asshat.

"Edward, hi! It's Kate. I'm sorry I didn't get to the phone in time."

"Hi, Kate. It's okay. I'm sorry your poor voice mail had to be subjected to my awkward message-leaving style..."

She giggles. It's cute, and actually puts me a bit more at ease. "It's okay," she says. "I'm not very good at leaving messages either."

There's a pause, and I guess we're each waiting for the other to speak. She's the one to break it. "I'd love to come to your show on Friday night."

"Oh, good!" I say, maybe a little too enthusiastically, as my voice goes up an octave. "Would--" Another throat clearing on my part. "Would you like to meet before then?"

"Sure! What's good for you? I'm out of school by three, so I'm pretty much free after that."

"Um... How about I pick you up at seven? We can have dinner and go to the bar from there. I mean, if you don't mind waiting for us to set up and break down and stuff... The other girls will be there. My sister Alice and her friends..." God, I'm rusty at this. Where did that cool, confident Edward go that used to drop panties with his piercing gaze and smooth ways?

"Sure," she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. Kate gives me her address, and we chat for a minute more before saying goodbye.

And after our brief conversation, I'm feeling a little better. Kate really does seem like the kind of girl that every guy wants. Maybe she can help me forget...

***************

I'm feeling really nervous Friday evening as I make my way up Kate's front walk to pick her up for dinner. I'm five minutes early. That's good, right? I mean, it shows I'm eager to spend time with her.

I knock on the door, and a guy with long blond hair answers. "Oh--do I have the right house? I'm looking for Kate..."

"Yeah, Katie lives here," the guy says, looking me up and down before asking me to come in. "She's not ready."

I step inside and turn back to the rugged-looking guy. "I'm Edward," I say, holding my hand out.

He takes it and squeezes, perhaps a bit more roughly than he should. "Garrett. I'm Katie's best friend and roomie."

"Oh, cool," I say, not really knowing what else to say. This guy's obviously protective of her.

"Garrett, cool your jets," a feminine voice comes from down a hallway. I look up to see Kate, but it isn't her. It's another girl who looks a little like her. She comes up to shake my hand too. "I'm Kate's sister, Irina." Up until I met Kate, I'd had no idea that Mom's friend Tanya had any children, let alone two pretty daughters. That little piece of information would've come in handy when I was a teenager. Come to think of it, maybe that's why I wasn't abreast of the situation...

I smile. At least the Cullen charm might work on her. "Edward," I tell her. "I'm sorry, I didn't know Kate had a sister. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise. So where are you two going?"

"We're going to grab a bite to eat, and then my band has a gig tonight."

"Oh, you're in a band! That's so cool. What band?"

"Afterthought," I tell her.

"OH! I've seen you guys play before. Pretty awesome stuff. Love the sound." Obviously, Irina is a little more into the local scene than Kate. "So, Edward," she says. "What exactly are your intentions with my sister?"

I pause, my eyes widening a bit, and then I finally hear Kate's voice and look up to see her enter the living room. "Leave Edward alone, guys. We're just going out to a friendly dinner before his show. No pressure. Right?" she says, winking at me with a smile.

"Right," I say, flashing her my trademark grin and feeling much more comfortable now.

"Ready?" she asks me.

"Yes. It was a pleasure to meet you Irina, Garrett," I tell them, shaking their hands again before Kate and I step outside.

She rolls her eyes at me. "I'm sorry about those two. They're both protective of me. The sheltered little sister, you know?" She giggles a bit, and I laugh with her.

While we walk to my car, I take a moment to look at her. She's wearing a pair of jeans that hug her soft curves, heels that accentuate her long legs, and a silky top that dips down in the back. Sort of sexy, actually. I have to smile inwardly as I think that this is the first time I've felt sexually attracted to any other girl since I met Bella. Jesus, not now. Stop thinking about her!

"You look beautiful, Kate," I tell her suddenly, before I can stop myself.

She looks at me and blushes, which again makes me think of... Shut up! my brain tells my heart.

"Thanks," she says softly, and I open the passenger door of the Volvo for her before stepping around to the driver's side.

"You're welcome," I tell her as I slide in.

I take Kate to a casual place that's a bit nicer than your basic chain restaurant. "I've never been here," she says. "I've been meaning to try it."

"I'm a local musician. Gotta support the other locals, ya know?" I wink at her.

She laughs lightly as we take our seats. "So tell me more about Edward Cullen."

I look down at my hands on the table. "There's not much to tell. I grew up in a little town not too far from here called Forks. We moved to Seattle when I was a Sophomore in high school. I graduated from UW with a degree in music, concentrating on composition and theory. I give guitar and piano lessons. I hang out with my friends and family." I shrug. "What about you?"

"Well, you already know I'm pre-med. I grew up in Alaska, which you might already know since our moms are friends..." She pauses, and I shake my head to let her know I'd had no idea. "Oh! Well, we lived in Alaska til I was sixteen."

"Wow. Is it really cold there?" I ask stupidly, berating myself internally for asking such a dumb question.

"It's not that bad," she shrugs. "Yeah, it's cold in the winter time. But the summers are warmer, just like here in Seattle. I liked it. Didn't really want to move, but once we got settled here, I found friends and started to speak to my parents again." She laughed.

"Played the part of the sullen teenager, did you?" I ask, laughing along.

She nods as she sips her water. "For a bit. Then I met Garrett, and he and I have been best friends ever since. He's sort of like a big brother, so sorry if he was a little scary back there."

"It's okay. I did the same thing to Jasper when he came to pick Alice up for their first date."

We spend the rest of dinner getting to know one another, asking questions about childhood and college and trivial things like favorite colors and hang outs. Afterwards, we make our way to the bar. None of the other guys are there yet, so we enjoy a drink and talk some more.

Ben and Ang are the first to arrive. Ben dumps his gear on the stage before they come over to the booth where Kate and I are seated.

"Hey guys. This is Kate. Kate, Ben and Angela." I grin at Angela and look at Kate. "They just got engaged."

"Oh! Nice to meet you both. And congratulations!" Kate says as they all shake hands.

Conversation flows again, and then I see Emmett and Bella making their way toward us. My back stiffens when I see her. This is the test I've been waiting for all night.

"Hey, guys," Emmett booms over the rest of the bar noise. "What uuuup?"

We bump fists, and I stand to hug Bella. No way am I passing up a chance to touch her whenever I can.

"Edward!" Bella beams up at me when I release her. I love how excited she always seems to see her friends. I like to imagine that gleam in her eye is just for me.

"Emmett and Bella, this is Kate." I gesture toward her, and I notice Bella's smile dims a bit as she shakes Kate's hand.

"It's so nice to meet you both," Kate says genially.

Bella nods. "Damn, Edward, where'd you find this hottie?" Emmett says. Kate blushes, and Bella's eyes widen.

"Heh...Uhhh...Kate's mom and my mom are good friends."

Emmett, always the charmer, takes Kate's hand and kisses it. "Pleasure to meet you." I turn to Bella and catch her rolling her eyes.

She smirks at me. "I'm going to the bar. Anyone care to join me?"

I look to Kate, who is now deep in conversation with Angela. "I'll go with you, Bella."

Her bright smile is back, and she links her arm in mine as we make our way to the long bar in the front of the big room. "How have you been?" I ask her. "I haven't seen you all week." Of course I'd seen Emmett at practices, but I couldn't care less if he was around unless Bella was with him. I mentally kick myself after thinking that, though, because Em is my friend. And because I'm here with Kate, not Bella.

"I've been okay," Bella says. "Didn't feel well earlier in the week, but I'm back to 100% now. Besides, I'd never miss a gig. I love watching you guys play."

"Yeah, that's some talented boyfriend you've got there, huh?"

Bella snorts, and I feel my face get warm at the double entendre. "I mean, he's a mean bass player."

"Yeah, but you're the real talent of the group," she says, and she's looking at me meaningfully. "I mean, your voice... I don't think half your songs would sound as profound with someone else singing them."

This is an unexpected compliment, and I smile sincerely at her while she orders her beer. "Thank you, Bella. But really, it's the whole band. If the four of us didn't find each other, we wouldn't have such a great fan base already."

"I'm glad Emmett and I moved here," Bella says as she leans her head against my bicep. My arm tingles everywhere she touches it. "If we didn't, I might never have met...any of you."

"I know," I say in a whisper before clearing my throat. "We've got a great group of friends."

Bella lifts her head to look me in the eye, and I think I see a flash of something there. Sadness? I'm not sure. "Yeah. Friends are great," she says in a low voice. A strand of hair has fallen over her left eye, and I brush it back for her. Her eyes close momentarily, and I watch her swallow hard, and my breath whooshes out all at once. What is this?

She can't possibly have the same feelings for me as I do for her. There's no way. I've seen the way she looks at Emmett. She adores him, even if he isn't half as attentive with her as he should be. You're imagining things, I tell myself.

We grab our beers and head back to our group of friends. Alice and Jasper have joined the rest. As soon as my eyes meet my sister's, she shoots me a significant look before running up to Bella and hugging her, effectively tearing her from my side. My arm mourns the loss of her touch, but I go back to Kate, handing her another cosmopolitan and smiling at her.

"We've got to go set up now. Will you be okay here with the other ladies?" I ask her.

"Of course! Good luck with your set," she says enthusiastically. As I make my way to the stage, I note how well Kate has melded into our group so far.

While we're setting up, the bar has filled up pretty significantly. Alice wasn't lying when she told Kate we had a pretty big following. All the local bars loved to have us play because of the crowds we drew. We've even played in neighboring states a couple of times.

I step up to the mic once we're ready. "Hey everybody. Thanks for coming out. We're Afterthought." A cheer goes up around the room, and I give a little embarrassed laugh. Ben starts in on the drum beat, and the rest of us join in before I close my eyes and begin the lyrics to our original song, "Off Limits." You can take a stab in the dark at who I wrote that song about.

I often wonder how Bella doesn't figure out that this song is about her. I can't help but stare at her when I'm singing it. I suppose she doesn't really notice, since her eyes are usually trained on Emmett the whole time. She always looks like she's concentrating when she watches us. I don't know what she'd need to concentrate on--maybe watching Emmett play music turns her on, and she's concentrating on not running up to the stage and tearing his clothes off. Ew. Aside from grossing me out, that thought makes my heart hurt a little.

My eyes move over to Kate while I sing. I wink at her, and she smiles back. My eyes move to Alice, who's normally watching Jasper, but now she's looking at me. She shakes her head almost imperceptibly, but I catch it, and she bites her lip. We wrap up the song and move quickly into another, happier song that I wrote while thinking of Bella's bright and beautiful smile. My eyes are trained on her for the duration of this song. After we begin the next song, my eyes move back to Kate, who's looking at me inquisitively now.

Shit, I hope she didn't just realize that I've been staring at Bella.

****************

BPOV

I haven't seen much of Emmett in the last few days. To be honest, I'm getting pretty fed up with being the only one home, the only one cooking and cleaning. I'm sick and tired of being the only one that seems to care about this relationship, but I'm not at all sure what I should do about it. Deep down, I know that I am most likely scared to do anything about it at all. I have been with Emmett for so long... Surely we can work this out.

But, then there's Edward. Always there, always on my mind. He makes me tingle in ways Emmett never has. He literally takes my breath away without even trying. I've never daydreamed about a man as much as I do him. And therein lies another problem. Not only am I unhappy with my situation with Em, but I can't stop thinking about a man I shouldn't be thinking about. It's like an addiction I can't break. How do you stop thinking about someone that makes you feel so good you could just explode? Why doesn't Emmett do that for me?

For the past few days I have tried everything to make things easier on me and my relationship with Emmett. I've tried doing everything I can to not think about a certain bronze haired boy. It's futile, because everything I do, no matter what it is, brings me back to him.

The past few days I have tried to read book after book. I've even downloaded new songs and tried to learn every word verbatim. Nothing seems to want to hold my attention long enough to not think about him.

And here I sit, reading another book in an empty house. What makes the day worse is the fact that it's my day off. Time has passed too slowly for my liking, and anything and everything I needed to do today I honestly haven't felt like doing. I have a ton of errands that need my attention. I really just can't be bothered with them.

I look over at the clock. Not even ten in the morning. I place my book next to my now cold cup of coffee as I run my fingers through my hair. Maybe I should just drag my ass out of this house. Maybe then time will go faster. Why do I want time to go faster? I should just be lazy, pamper myself and sit in front of the television all day with chocolate as my only nutrition. Chocolate makes everything go away.

Unfortunately, I am an adult and have stupid responsibilities I must take care of. My wanting to be lazy will just have to wait for another day.

"This is so not going to be a good day," I quietly mutter to myself as I grab my keys along with the grocery list.

On the drive to the store, I sing along to the songs on my iPod, bopping my head every now and then to a beat that I like. Traffic is flowing pretty well, and I get to the store quickly. I grab a cart and go about my way through the store. I grab the coffee, milk, eggs. The essentials.

I'm picking up some apples and bananas in the produce section when I feel a small hand grab my shoulder, shaking it a little.

"Earth to Bella! I have been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes! What could possibly be on your mind?"

I shake my head and turn around to find myself looking at the overly energetic person who just happens to be my best friend.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, Alice. I'm feeling so distracted lately."

"It's okay, Bells. Can I help you shop? I'm only here to pick up some basics."

I nod my head, really wanting a distraction and a friend to be around. I flash a smile and continue to grab some more produce before we make our way to the frozen section.

"Bella, you seem so out of it lately. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, Alice, I'm okay. Just been sort of stressed."

We continue our trek through the store. At the checkout line, she helps me get things onto the conveyor belt. I notice Alice looking at me and then down to the ground in quick glances.

"Okay, shorty, what's on your mind?" I sigh, crossing my arms, playfully tapping my foot.

She laughs, shaking her head as her eyes catch mine. "You're coming tonight, right? I know it's stupid to ask, but you will be there?"

"Of course, silly!"

I pay, and we depart. I put my groceries into the back of my car. On the way home I'm reminded that not only will I see my Emmett, but also Edward. I smile at the thought. I even feel my cheeks warm into a full blush. I honestly can't help it. Secretly, I don't want to.

Pulling into the driveway, I see that Emmett's Jeep is in the garage. I park and open the trunk, beginning to pull out the groceries and walk into the house. Emmett meets me halfway, grabbing the bags from my arms.

"Hey, babe," he says, kissing me on the cheek.

"Hey, how was your day?"

"Okay. Nothing special. I missed you, of course."

I smile as I grab the milk and orange juice cartons. Once we get all of the groceries inside, I put them down on the counter and let out sigh.

"C'mere, baby," Emmett says as he pulls me toward him.

I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing a chaste kiss to his jaw, and whisper into his ear. "I think you owe me after the shower the other day." I wink as I sit up on the counter top, pulling him with me.

"I am sorry about that, babe. I had to answer the phone."

I wrap my legs around his waist, holding him closer. "No, you didn't, Em. You could have easily called them back. How often do we get a shower together, much less any time together lately?"

"Baby, you know how busy I've been. I can't help it. Shit needs to get done. I'll make some serious time for us soon, I promise." He leans in to kiss me, running his tongue along my bottom lip. Our lips slowly start to move together. I begin to nibble and pull on his bottom lip, my hands running along his shoulders up to the back of his neck, pulling him as close as I can get him.

"Bella..." He sighs, pushing his forehead against mine, closing his eyes.

My fingertips ghost along his jawline, across his lips. "I don't want to stop, Em. I want you to want me." I hope my eyes convey what I cannot say. How much I need desperately to feel him, taste every inch of him.

"Bells, you know how I feel about doing this before a gig. I've gotta have my mind clear. I promise, baby, tonight. I promise."

I bow my head down in defeat. Did he really just put me off again? I bite my lip as I feel my eyes well up with tears. He seriously does not want me. I should be used to the rejection, I suppose, since it seems to happen so often. It really shouldn't even hurt me anymore. But I won't lie. Every fucking time he puts me off, it tears me apart.

"We should get ready. I really don't want to be late."

"Okay," I whisper, shaking my head as I slide off the counter top. I turn around to face him. "This is shit, Em. I don't ask for much." It's probably not the best thing to say then, but it just spills out. I don't even realize my lips have moved until I look up at Emmett. His eyes are downcast, his lips are in a tight line.

"Em, let's just get ready." I turn around to walk off, but he grabs my arm tightly, pulling me back around to face him. "Let go, Emmett."

"Bella, we seem to be having a misunderstanding here. I do want you. I'm just busy. I really wish you would realize that. Now, go get ready."

The drive to the bar is slow and quiet. I think of a million places I would rather be than here in this car. The tension is so thick I probably could cut right through it. Sitting quietly here with him after that confrontation just doesn't feel right.

As we pull up to the bar, we still haven't uttered a word to each other. The silence, I swear, is deafening. I get out, closing the door as Emmett puts his right arm around my shoulder. I'm nervous for some reason, anticipating seeing Edward. It's like I'm finally going to get that high that I've been craving all day long. I'm relieved when my eyes find him with our group of friends. My high is here.

The boys bump fists, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Why boys feel they always have to do that as a greeting is beyond me. But whatever floats their boats. I speed up, making my way toward our group of friends. After the boys bump fists, Edward engulfs me in a tight hug. It feels so warm, so right. "Edward!" I beam up at him, wishing he'd never let me go.

My eyes travel from Edward down to the rest of the group, and I notice a new person among us. "Emmett and Bella, this is Kate." So, he's brought a date. I have spent the last three days thinking of nothing but this man, and he has a girl with him. I shake her hand and try not to let the smile fall from my face.

I nod as Kate tells us how nice it is to meet us, and my eyes flicker between Edward's and Kate's. I notice Emmett making a comment about her being hot. I don't care. My eyes grow wide, not because I'm surprised Emmett said that, because it's just like him to say something like that. My eyes grow wide, because I want to be in her place. She can take my spot. I'd give anything, everything, to be the one being introduced by Edward as his date. I have no right to be jealous. Knock it off, Bella. Suck it up!

Emmett is really laying it on thick with Kate. He's always been the flirt of the group. I just roll my eyes, trying to not let it affect me, but I know it isn't working. I'm sure if Alice can read me as well as she does, I must be easily transparent to Edward.

I take a step from Emmett, locking eyes with Edward. I flash a smirk, "I'm going to the bar. Anyone care to join me?"

I'm secretly hoping that Edward will come with me, and he doesn't disappoint. Just as I start to walk away, I hear Edward's silky voice. "I'll go with you, Bella."

We trudge through the crowd up to the bar, and I'm smiling so big my cheeks hurt. I get him alone, all to myself. I shake my head and continue on, having to push my way through people who refuse to move. It's actually very annoying. All that work to get to the bar and get a moment alone with Edward. I shouldn't complain. It's so worth it.

"How have you been?" I turn at the sound of his voice, my eyes watching every movement those delicious lips of his make. "I haven't seen you all week."

"I've been okay," I say as I push yet another girl out of my way. "Didn't feel well earlier in the week, but I'm back to 100% now. Besides, I'd never miss a gig. I love watching you guys play."

"Yeah, that's some talented boyfriend you've got there, huh?"

I snort at the double entendre, thinking of how many times Emmett has pushed me away in the past week.

"I mean, he's a mean bass player."

"Yeah, but you're the real talent of the group," I say as I look at him, hoping my face and eyes convey what I cannot say. "I mean, your voice... I don't think half your songs would sound as profound with someone else singing them." I really do love his lyrics. So much emotion and feeling behind them, but his voice, his voice is what drives the words home, makes them his and his alone. His voice is my lullaby. I decide to order a beer, Blue Moon.

"Thank you, Bella. But really, it's the whole band. If the four of us didn't find each other, we wouldn't have such a great fan base already."

"I'm glad Emmett and I moved here," I say as I lean my head against Edward's arm. My face tingles like a million volts of electricity are passing through us. I can't help but wonder if maybe he feels it too. "If we didn't, I might never have met..." I trail off, wanting to tell him how lucky I am to have him in my life in whatever way I can get him. "...any of you."

"I know," he whispers. "We've got a great group of friends."

I lift my head, my eyes searching his deeply "Yeah. Friends are great," I say in a low voice as a strand of hair falls into my face. He brushes it behind my ear, and I sigh in contentment. That small gesture makes my heart flutter more than I ever thought possible.

We drink our beers, stealing sly smiles at each other every once in a while. I try to prolong the inevitable, wanting to stay here, with Edward, sipping our beer. It's my heaven for the time being.

Eventually, we have to get back to our group and let the boys get on with their set. I sit down next to Alice, resting my head on my hand as I watch the boys make their way to the stage. My mind is too busy swirling with thoughts of the brief interlude at the bar that I don't really concentrate on what my friends are saying. My eyes are glued to the stage.

The minute Edward's voice comes through the sound system, I relax. My eyes waver between Emmett and Edward. I listen to the lyrics, notice Edward look at me a few times and shyly look away. I want to believe that there's some meaning behind those looks, that those lyrics are meant for me and me alone. That's just a wish that will never come true.

After the set, I don't want to move. I'm happy, relaxed, but wishing I can talk to Edward more, have more alone time with him. The time I'd had with him earlier felt so perfect and right. Like it was meant to be, like we were only meant to be there in that moment, with each other.

The boys come back to our table. They have one last beer before we all depart for the night. I hug my girls and say good night to Kate, telling her again that it was a pleasure to meet her. I give Edward one last hug and tell him good night. It's so hard to let go of him.

I reluctantly drive Emmett and myself home. Every street light I drive under takes me further from Edward. As I pull into our driveway I notice that Emmett is asleep. So much for his promise. I nudge his arm. "Baby, we're home. Wake up." I nudge him again and finally startle him awake.

He looks over at me, frowning slightly. "Sorry, Bells."

"Let's just go to bed."

I turn the car off, and we make our way up to the house. As I get ready for bed, my mind is filled with those lyrics that Edward sang, and I feel something-- some deeper meaning or purpose. I'm not at all sure what it is. But it's something, and it's there. And I can live with that for now.

**

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