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Moonshine

Chapter 3

-Carnival-

I hadn't expected this. I hadn't expected Edward to turn out to be a gangster. I hadn't expected to actually step foot in a speakeasy that had just been a dream two minutes ago.

But this dream, this dream was real.

I ran my fingers down the counter of the bar in amazement, staring at all the different liquors. I turned my attention to the billiards tables, looking at each and every cue stick. I went from the billiards table to the poker table, and from the poker table to all the couches. There were soft and squishy and worn, like they had been sat on many times. The stage attracted my attention the most. I climbed the few steps, stroking the piano softly, as if I touched anything too rough, it would vanish into thin air. Backstage I could see a couple vanities, and I figured that must be where the flappers got ready for their show. I walked out to the middle of the stage and turned to face Edward. He was staring at me, smiling softly.

"This isn't real." I took a deep breath, and made my way back down the stairs, towards him.

"Well believe it."

As I got closer he pulled out a chair for me, "You must be hungry. Should I call for something?"

My stomach growled at the sound of food, and I nodded shyly. He laughed before turning to walk behind the bar, a swagger in his step. He picked up the telephone and dialed. I took the free time to really look at him. He had big hands that looked worn, but soft, with long fingers that were definitely suited for the piano. The suit he was wearing fit well, well enough to see the strength he had. He was just all around… swell.

He glanced up at me and caught my eye, as an automatic reaction I blushed. He laughed and hung up the phone before sauntering over to me.

"I hope you like ravioli and Caesar salad."

He grinned that perfect grin of his. I just about melted.

Backstage

"I wonder what they're doing down there." Rosalie, for the sixth time, turned her head to the door Edward and the girl disappeared into.

"I wonder why he was crazy enough to go through that door in the daylight." Emmett growled.

"Oh please Emmett he knew what he was doing." I rolled my eyes and patted my hair down.

"He's right Alice." Jasper leaned back in his chair, "It doesn't matter what time of day it is, and we agreed never to use that door in business hours. Heck, he's the one who told us he is upping security."

I stood up from the table, "Well I don't care about any of that. I'm going down there to see that gal, you coming Rose?"

She stood quickly, "Of course. You men stay here and grovel."

We stepped out of the booth and weaved our way to the back of the restaurant. We decided to be safe and took the exit that led out into the back alley. A few steps down the back wall was the entrance to the joint. I went towards the door first and tried the lock without any luck.

"It's locked Rosie!"

"Didn't you expect that?" I looked back to see her pull a key out of her bra, "I snagged this from Emmett when he was going through his stupid rant." she smiled.

I took the key from her hand with a smile before turning to the door, "Did I ever tell you how much I love you?"

Show-time

"Favorite childhood memory?" I asked.

She chewed slowly, leaning back in her chair, before answering.

"When I was, I don't know I had to be only eight years old, my dad took a day off from work and took me and my mom out to Pyramid Lake. My mom packed a picnic basket, and we spent the entire day there. That's one of the only times I remember my family actually happy together." she peeked up at me, "But times have changed."

She quickly looked back down. In the past hour, I had learned that she prefers white wine to red wine, and rain rather than sunshine. She loved jazz, and dancing, and singers. Her favorite color depended on her mood. She really missed her mother, and had no idea where to find her. Her father cared, but never knew how to show it. She never really had any girlfriends to talk to, and she had already learned that money and fame are what brings the fakes around.

"I've never really been an open book," she said.

I spiked a ravioli with my fork, dragging it around in the sauce.

"Well, what about you? When is it my turn to ask you questions?" She smiled.

"I don't think that would be the best idea."

"Why not?"

"Edward! I'm offended. You bring home a girl and don't even let me know!"

I knew that voice. Bella and I turned to face the east entrance, and sure enough Alice was standing there, hands on her hips, a fake pout on her lips. I was surprised to see Rosalie standing around behind her, trying to get a better look at Bella.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "What do you want Alice?"

"I want to get to know this gal." she walked closer, a grin wide on her face. Rosalie followed close behind. Bella blushed a little and sank back in her seat.

"Now come on, I just met Bella, I don't want to lose her to you already."

"Bella- that Italian?" Rose asked.

"Um, I think so." Bella stammered. Alice took the seat to her right, Rose to her left.

"Now, now. We're not going to hurt you. Bella, I love that name. Suits a doll like you." Alice made herself comfortable, "Why don't you go on up to the restaurant Edward, us girls can talk down here."

I hated to leave Bella to the vultures so early, but I knew this as going to come sooner or later. I stood from the table, grabbed the jacket that I hung on my chair, and walked around to Bella's side.

"Don't worry about them, be yourself, they'll love you." I whispered. She nodded shyly in acknowledgment and I turned away to the door.

"Try to be somewhat charming." I called back. A lemon that had been lying on the table flew past my head; I took that as my cue to get out.

Opening Act; Walking The Tightrope

It felt as if Edward had left me with a major test, and if I failed, I was out.

The tiny girl, Alice, had a lot of energy. She was practically bouncing in her seat. She was beautiful in her own way, and with her short bob hairstyle and stylish clothes I knew that she took fashion very seriously.
The other girl, I hadn't learned her name yet, was stunning. She had long blonde hair, full lips, and a body that looked great in the dress she was wearing. She hadn't spoken as much as Alice had, and I felt like a monkey in a zoo cage under her glare. Together, the both of them were very intimidating.

"He likes you." Alice blurted.

"What?"

"Edward. He likes you." Her eyes twinkled with delight at my reaction.

"Well, I like him too, he's been a very good friend to me."

Alice and the blonde shared a look. She held out her hand for me to shake, "Hi, I'm Alice. This here is Rosalie."

I blushed, "Hello."

"You don't seem like his type." Rosalie leaned back in her chair, her gaze never faltered.

"I'm sure I'm not."

"Oh nonsense!" Alice gave Rosalie a stern look, "Just tell us, how did you two meet?"

I remembered earlier, when Edward had lied about our relationship. Somehow I thought this situation was different. These two seemed like his family, and I wanted to stay on their good side. They already expected something more out of Edward and my relationship, if we could even call it that. I had to cross this line if I wanted to stay. The both of them looked at me expectedly.

"Earlier today, I had wondered off from my dad. We were in town on... business. I was walking around, lost, when I asked a bunch of men for some help, turns out they were looking for..." I paused and looked down at my plate of now cold food, "they were looking for something else. I ran into Edward when I was running away from them. He scared them off, asked me if I was hungry, and that's how we ended up here."

The place was silent for a while. A hand rested over mine. I looked up, surprised to see Rosalie's face instead of Alice's. Her gaze was softer, more welcoming. I couldn't tell if it was out of pity or concern.

"I think your going to make a fine member on this team doll." Alice smiled softly.

I blushed and mumbled a thank you.

"So, what do you think about clubs?" Rosalie asked as the mood lightened.

"I've always wanted to see what they're like."

"Well you're in luck. Only about an hour until we open her up." she smiled.

"Oh Bella you just have to dance with Rosie and me!" Alice squealed.

I laughed, "I'm not the best dancer."

Alice shook her head, "I can fix that."

I thought for a moment- and decided, "Ok Alice I will try, I promise you that."

Her excitement was almost overwhelming, "Oh Bella, tell me you love shopping and that's it, I'm in love with ya!"

I smiled; did that mean I had made it to the other side?

Act 2; Juggling Clowns

When I sat down at the booth no one even bothered to look at me. Both Jasper and Emmett kept on eating as if I wasn't even there. The silence lasted for about five minutes before I had had enough.

"What are ya, a bunch of Ethel's? I don't need the cold shoulder."

Emmett turned to me, "You ever think that someone would see a regular fella like you walking into what is supposed to be a closet!" He smacked the back of my head.

"Ow!'

"Edward- you said it yourself. We can't go walking around unguarded."

"I knew what I was doing!" I snapped, "Look around. The only person in here is Mr. Withers- and he's a regular at the juice joint!"

"It's not about who is in here and who is not ya dumb dora. The point is you could have let it slip." Emmett growled.

"I wouldn't jeopardize the club I've worked so hard to have."

We all resorted back to silence.

"Is she cute?" Emmett asked.

I sighed, "Cute enough that I'll take the crap I got from you two without a fight."

"You stuck on her already Edward?" Jasper laughed, "It's a miracle."

"That's what I said when you met Alice." I leaned back into my chair and got more comfortable. It was back to just us guys.

Emmett laughed loudly, "Ha! For weeks all you could talk about was how unreal she is!" Ha slammed a hand on the table, Mr. Withers turned to glare at us.

"If I can remember correctly, when you met Rose all you could talk about was the stilts she got on her. Look how tight she is Jazz, ain't she gorgeous Jazz?" Jasper laughed, the look on Emmett's face was priceless.

"When he met Rose? Hell he still says that!" I laughed, even Emmett cracked a smile.

"Well now that you got yourself a gal Eddie, do I have to show you what necking looks like? Wouldn't want her to run away because she's afraid of ya." Emmett leaned back in his chair and let out a breath, "You could learn from the pro."

I groaned. Emmett and Rosalie were known for public affection. It was almost sickening how they couldn't keep their hands to themselves. It was bad enough Emmett was an open book, and wasn't afraid to go into detail about his sex life. "I think I'm good Em."

"Alright" he held his hands in a compromising gesture, "You don't know what you're missing."

"I think he does, that's why he passed in the first place." Jazz laughed.

I lifted the sleeve of my suit to check my watch, "It's almost ten boys, and I'm going to open up at ten-thirty today."

"Ten-thirty! Why so early?" Jasper pulled on his fedora.

"Well, Bella hasn't ever been to a club before and I…"

"It always goes back to the girl!" Emmett bellowed, "Eddie wants to impress her. I can respect that." He slugged me on the arm. I winced.

"Her name is Bella. Cute." Jasper stood from the table, Emmett and I followed.

"I can't imagine how she can stand to look at you, let alone talk to ya."

Emmet grinned, I punched him in the gut, and Jasper pushed the both of us.

Everything was back to normal.

Finale; Taming The Lion

We decided to go out the back way to get to the juice joint, after giving a waitress, Sarah, the task of shutting down the restaurant promptly at ten. We could hear the giggling and cackling of the gals before we even opened the door.

"Honey!" Emmett bellowed as soon as we stepped in the door. The girls all turned to look at us, and all their faces lit up into a smile. I couldn't help but be proud that Bella was glad to see me. I quickly made my way over to her, "Still alive?" I asked.

"And kicking." she giggled.

"Oh boys you'll never guess what I'm about to tell you. Bella promised to be in the show with Rose and me!" Alice bounced over to us, "We were thinking of doing a sweetheart show, I have a wonderful white dress that would fit you perfectly my dear."

I frowned, "Take it easy Alice, Bella's new to this. Shouldn't you wait a little?"

Jasper wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "He's right Alice, let her settle in."

Alice pouted, "Fine. But she also promised me that we would go shopping so I can better her wardrobe. I'm not waiting until next week for that."

I frowned deeper and was about to say something but Bella put her hand on my shoulder to stop me, "Sure thing Alice."

I took a step back so I was standing right next to Bella.

"Okay," she said, "I know Edward, Alice, Rosalie-"

"Call me Rose" Rose smiled, Bella smiled back.

"Rose," she corrected herself, "But I don't know you two."

Emmett grinned, "The names Emmett!" He took a step forward and swooped her up into a hug, she laughed in surprise, "I'm the most badass gangster you're ever going to meet doll."

"Oh please," Rose rolled her eyes, "This guy is a teddy bear"

Alice giggled before turning her attention to Bella, "And this here southern gentleman is Jasper Whitlock." He held out his hand for her to shake.

"Why don't you two get all dolled-up for the show." Emmett suggested. Rose grabbed his tie and whispered something in his ear. He smiled deviously and followed her backstage. Alice turned to Jasper and pulled him away, murmuring something about no class.

Bella turned to me, "I may not be dancing up there but I want to do something Cullen." she said sternly.

I raised an eyebrow, and she blushed. "Fine Swan. How about you work at the bar tonight."

I grabbed one of her hands and pulled her towards me. I began guiding her over to the swinging bar door.

"I- I don't know how to make drinks or anything..." Her hands were lightly shaking.

I grabbed her other hand and pulled her closer, "That's alright. You can call out drinks to me, and I will make them. Sound like a plan?"

She gulped, "Sure partner."

About an hour and a half later, the club was starting to fill up. The jazz band was playing, people were dancing, and about four poker games had been played. Bella had been amazed that everyone had to get in by saying a secret password to Mike, one of our bouncers. She didn't know half of the alcoholic drinks I made were even drinkable. The best part of it all was that she turned to me whenever something really new happened.

"Martini on the rocks Edward!" I turned to see where she had stationed herself. She was sitting on the counter, a bunch of men sitting at the bar surrounding her. She laughed at some joke one of the guys had told her.

"You're not going to go out there and say anything?"

I jumped at the sound of Emmett's voice. "What is there to say?"

"If some other man was talking to Rose like that, I would beat him to a pulp. Claim your territory!" Emmett slammed a fist on the table in dramatics.

"She's not a dog Emmett." I mumbled. He gave me a pointed look, patted my back, and walked away. I toped off the martini with an olive and walked over to where Bella was. I put the martini on the table in front of a man, snaked my arms around her waist, and pulled her back a little so that I could whisper to her. I felt more than heard her gasp in surprise.

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Oh Edward," she turned her head towards mine, "This is all so surreal." Her face was redder than a tomato.

I reached a hand up and stroked her cheek, igniting another blush. "That blush of yours is real cute."

She looked down in embarrassment.

"Why don't you go on backstage, Alice and Rose can introduce you to all the other girls."

She nodded, and I released my grip. She hopped off the table and looked at me once more before hurrying off backstage.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Emmett, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, bellowed, "You scared off all those guys. Now they know she's yours."

I rolled my eyes, "Move ya big oaf."

"Just admit you love the whole idea of staking a claim."

I really did.

Round Of Applause

"You all look gorgeous, no matter what you wear Alice."

I had spent the last fifteen minutes going over costume ideas with Alice. I was never the expert when it came to fashion, so I really had no idea what to pick. It didn't help that I was still woozy from being with Edward. He had surprised me, that's for sure.

"I think I'll wear the white one. What do you think Jess?" Alice turned to the couch where all the other flappers were waiting.

"Just pick a damn necklace Alice."

I had learned that the loud, outspoken, fake blonde was Jessica. She seemed nice enough, just not my type of friend. The soft brunette was named Angela. She was more quiet, like myself, we shared more common interests. Angela was definitely somebody I wanted to be friends with in the future. There was a girl with long, dark hair, and an attitude to match. Jane, I think her name was. I didn't care for her at all. The last flapper was a girl named Victoria. She was the newest to the group, and had a doll-like profile. Her hair was a light strawberry blonde, and her eyes were a stark green. Nowhere near as green or as striking as Edward's, but they fit her face nicely. She seemed nice enough, but there was something about her that seemed a little... off to me. Rose was sitting next to me, filing her nails.

I turned my attention to her, "Rose. Is there something... weird about Victoria?"

She stopped filing and turned to look at me, "Victoria?"

I nodded.

"I can't be to sure, seeing as she is so new. But your right there's something... In the time I've known her, she's been a real vampwhenever the boys are around. She's real curious too. I keep thinking that maybe she has a sugar daddy, who might not let her get out much unless she's coming here. She sure acts like she's never seen the world."

"Places girls!" Someone called backstage.

"Oh damn, I've got to go Bella. Go find Edward ok, I'm sure he's saving a seat for you out there." Rose rushed to grab her feather fans; a flurry of activity was all around me. I found my way to the backstage door and walked out. Edward was sitting at a table in the front, when he saw me he waved me over. Many people where standing on the dance floor, waiting for the band to start playing. An assortment of other people were either seated at tables or playing a game of billiards.

"Hey Bella." He smiled a lazy smile and stood to pull out my chair for me, "Did you meet the girls?"

"I did. I can't say I like all of them though"

Edward laughed loudly and took his seat next to me. He pushed a glass of water towards me, "I didn't expect you to."

I looked at him, "When is it my turn to ask you questions?"

His smile disappeared some, but was still there, "How about I make a deal with you. You stay with me, and I will answer any question you have."

My eyes lit up in surprise, but I hesitated. I hadn't ever stayed at anyone's house, let alone a boy's. But there is something about Edward that was captivating. "Deal."

Jasper announced the number the girls would be dancing to, and the curtain opened, the show began. I picked up my water and took a long slow drink.

I hadn't told Edward I was planning on staying long.

Take A Bow

"What's new doll?"

"Well boss, Edward got a girl."

I turned in my chair, my face was hard as stone, "Who is she?"

"I don't know. Some upstage girl from out of town."

"Scratch whatever plan was in place. I'm going to let dolly here snoop around for a while. Get to know this new gal ok, make friends. I want to know just how deep Edward is with her. If all goes well, we can use this girl to our advantage. This is turning out to be easier than I thought."

"What's in it for me boss?"

I turned to her; a smirk was evident on her face.

"Baby, whatever you want."

"Don't feed me the line if your not going to come through."

...

By the mid 1920s the typical American town was in full sexual bloom. The change came with erotic fashions, literature and movies, and an unsuspected sexual aid, the automobile.
-John Leo