SPOV
I spent most of the next day thinking about Eric and Bill. I was back on the evening shift, so I had a chance to top up my tan in the afternoon
I had a new romance novel from the library. It was a typical story – should the heroine go for the dangerous and thrilling rogue even though she didn't know if she could trust him or for the safe choice of the guy next door. It reminded me of my own situation. The only difference was that in the book the rogue was the dark and handsome one, the boy next door was a clean shaven blond.
Would it be too forward to call Eric, after all I did have his cell number. Part of me wanted to see him again, but the other part didn't feel comfortable. Truthfully, I felt intimidated by the differences between us. I felt so much more comfortable with Bill Compton. Although he was a vampire, he was from Bon Temps originally, and by vampire standards he wasn't that old, and he was American. He reminded me a lot of the characters in the black and white movies my Gran loved to watch on TCM.
I thought back to the first time I had kissed Bill. At the time it seemed so exciting, but now I supposed that was because it was really my first ever proper let go kiss. No having to worry about shields, no suddenly catching unpleasant thoughts when I relaxed too much. With Eric just being physically near to him had the same effect on me as kissing Bill. The kiss we had shared last night on the porch was the most erotic experience of my life.
I felt like a fifteen year old. I knew what I wanted and didn't at the same time. I was excited and terrified. I had never felt so inexperienced or unsophisticated. I was so tempted to ask Tara or Arlene their opinion. Between them they had plenty of experience with men, but neither was very keen on Vampires. I was even tempted to ask Lafayette, but then I thought of some of the images which I picked up when I got too close to him, they were seriously X-rated and I didn't think that his advice would be of any help.
EPOV
"Treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen" Pam informed me that this was a useful motto for dating humans. I came back from my evening drive with Sookie feeling so good that I was on the verge of calling my now friendly florist for more flowers when Pam stopped me.
You don't want to seem over eager, let her sweat a bit, worry whether you really like her. I hoped Pam was right, she did spend an awful lot of time studying the behaviour of human women. She found it so amusing. She had wanted to know every detail of my evening with Sookie, quite the voyeur.
I found myself reluctant to share my suspicions of Sookie's fae blood. I wanted to be sure. It was not that I didn't trust Pam but this was such a rare occurrence, and in such an unlikely location.
"What about Compton though" Pam's interruption brought me back to earth with a jolt.
"Surely my child you cannot believe that she would prefer him to me"
"No master" she said in her most supercilious tone of voice. "but what if he were to force himself on her. He might, if he suspects that you have captured her interest"
"Speak to the shifter for me, find out when her next free evening is. I shall take her dancing"
"Ooh a proper date, how exciting" Pam exclaimed, sarcastically.
"Just do it and shut up"
Pam confirmed that Sookie was free on Friday, I called her home number. I didn't expect her to be there but there were things I needed to know from her Grandmother. Adele Stackhouse answered the phone, confirming that Sookie was working late and would not be back until after one am. "I do have some questions for you" I said trying very hard not to sound threatening. "About Sookie's heritage. It interests me very much" I heard Adele swallow hard. "I don't know what you mean"
"Please Mrs Stackhouse. I have tried to treat you with respect and courtesy, you could show me some in return"
She apologised, I had to admire her good manners. She agreed to meet with me on Friday evening before my date with Sookie.
Sookie returned my call at one thirty. I could tell she was a little breathless. It excited me no end, I felt myself harden at the sound of her voice. "Thank you for returning my call Sookie" deliberately using my most seductive tone of voice, the one I usually saved for glamouring women after I had my way with them. "I was wondering if you would care to go out dancing with me. I believe you are free on Friday evening."
I had to stifle a laugh as she tried her best to play it cool, claiming she would have to check her diary. "Sookie, we both know you are free, so please just decide, do you want to go on a date with me or not"
I arrived early on Friday evening. Adele Stackhouse was waiting for me, sitting on her porch swing. "I know I should tell Sookie who her family really is, she deserves the truth, but I am so afraid that she will judge me and think badly of me. I loved my husband, I couldn't bear her to think I was unfaithful" I tried to reassure her, and to convince her that it was in Sookie's best interests if she was to be protected. Finally the story came out, how she could not have children with her husband, and how the Fairy Fintan had become her lover and the father of her children. Just as she was finishing Sookie appeared at the door.
"Eric, I didn't hear you arrive, I hope I haven't kept you waiting."
"Of course not, I have all the time in the world you know. You look wonderful"
SPOV
I must have tried on five different outfits. I had no idea where we were going. I didn't really know what Eric would be expecting. I certainly hoped he didn't go for the Goth look sported by the patrons at his bar – black did nothing for my complexion. In the end I decided on a knee length skirt, teamed with a sleeveless white blouse that tied just above my waist. My stomach was flat and tanned, so why not show it off a little.
We drove to an area of Shreveport which I didn't really know. There was hardly anyone around, and I began to feel a little nervous. Dates with Eric seemed to have that effect on me, which I didn't think was a good sign. I couldn't see any indication that there was a nightclub and I was surprised when Eric approached a secluded door in a little back alley. It was a little like a scene from a gangster movie, he gave what was obviously the secret knock. I couldn't stop myself from laughing out loud, but he silenced me with a look.
Nothing could have prepared me for the interior. It was positively lavish. There was a large dancefloor of polished wood. The bar was covered in brass, and had a mirrored display for the drinks. I recognised some of the brands – all premium quality. The walls had a large flower patterned wallpaper in brown and purple. I'm no expert in interior design but it looked pretty sophisticated to me.
We took our seats in a comfortable booth, It had high sides for privacy and was upholstered in real leather. A waitress was at our side immediately. Eric ordered me a gin and tonic. I was pleased that he remembered my drink, although a little put out at his high-handed manner. While we waited for her return I scanned the room. I could see there were a few Vampires, but there also seemed to be plenty of humans. I noticed quite a few gay couples, and some women dancing together. There were mixed race couples, which even in the twenty first century sometimes raises an eyebrow in northern Louisiana.
Eric noticed my interest in the clientele. He explained that membership was by invitation only, but although exclusive, it wasn't expensive. It catered for people who might not feel comfortable in a more mainstream establishment. I liked it. The atmosphere was welcoming, accepting. I was pleased that the dress code was relaxed. There were some truly glamorous dressers, but plenty of others wearing jeans. I did notice that there was an attractiveness code though. Clearly only the beautiful people were welcome here.
I was keen to dance, and Eric was only too happy to oblige. The music was varied, a lot of things I didn't recognise. I knew it wasn't the kind of place where the Country music I liked would be played – it was much too mainstream. Everything was great to dance to though and I took full advantage. Towards the end they played a few slow records. I have to confess that was the part I enjoyed the most. Eric held me close and we glided around the dance floor. I felt wonderful. I never wanted it to end.
I could still feel a little glow of happiness when I woke the next morning. It stayed with me while I washed and dressed. As soon as I saw Gran though, it began to fade. She was unfailingly polite, asking about my evening, but there was something about the look on her face.
"That nice Mr Compton was here last night. We've arranged a date for his talk. I am so looking forward to it. He is such a gentleman you know, so polite and respectful"
"Did he ask after me?"
"Why of course dear, you know he is interested in you. I told him you were out dancing with Mr Northman"
"and"
"Well you know my dear, he did get me thinking. Apparently your friend Eric is a very well known ladies man. He is regarded as quite a catch you know. He has dated some quite well known women"
Part of me was furious with Bill, I just knew he had done this deliberately, turning my Gran against Eric. But another part of me knew he was probably right. After all I had thought from the first time I met him that Eric just wasn't right for me. I was reminded of those dances at High School where a boy would ask you for a dance for a dare or a joke and then run off laughing with his friends when you said yes. I'd been the victim of that unpleasant prank a few times on account of my reputation for being a little crazy. When I thought about it the humiliation still burned deep inside.
I had noticed last night some of the looks Eric was getting. Once or twice my shields slipped, I heard people wonder what he was doing with me, when he could have any woman there. At the time I was enjoying myself so much, and he was being so attentive that I just shrugged it off, but now the thoughts wormed their way back into my brain.
"Gran, it was only a date, I was having some fun, that's all. I'm sure he's not intending to get serious. You don't have to worry about me, I'm not going to let him upset me"
Darn right, I thought. I wouldn't let him upset me. Sure I'd enjoyed spending time with him. I couldn't deny that I'd lain awake in bed for more than few hours over the last week imagining what it would be like if he was there with me, going a little further than just kissing. But I knew I was a strong person. I'd had to cope with a lot in my life, I had character. I shouldn't just crumple the first time a handsome man, well handsome creature took an interest in me.
He probably wouldn't call again but if he did I would turn him down. And I'd be prepared with my answer this time. I had my pride at least.
Besides, it wasn't as if I didn't have a choice. I thought about all Bill Compton's good points, he was handsome, polite, local, Gran liked him. Sometimes I thought he could almost pass for human, which would be useful in a little town like Bon Temps. Perhaps with him I could have the sort of relationship I had dreamt of as a little girl. Of course marriage was out of the question now, but it was a bit early to be thinking about that anyway. The way things were changing it would quite likely be legal soon. I felt comfortable with him, he always treated me with respect. I could keep my job at Sam's. We could do at least some of the things that normal couples do – go to the movies, watch TV together, talk about how our days had been, share the local gossip.
I'd made up my mind, and I sat down to enjoy my Sunday morning coffee.
