A/N- Hello everyone! So I just finished a midterm, which gives me a little bit of time to update! Plus, it's Monday. Anyway, there are about two things I would really love right now. First, an A on my midterm. Second, some reviews! And I know you guys are awesome so you'll be reviewing… right?
Romance4ever- I love weaving everything together, it keeps me on track with staying true to the characters. Plus, I just love some of those small things in the books!
I watched as Dara attempted to clean some of the tables. She would be doing a good job and then drift off as though she was thinking about something… or someone. Then she'd realize what she was doing and get back to work. Personally, I found it amusing, but I knew James was bothering her even more now that he was gone than he did when he was here.
"You're thinking about him again." I said as I snuck up behind her. Dara growled before drying the table. "You're going to put a dent in the table and then we'll have to go look for a new one and figure out what to do with that one so we don't completely waist it."
"Whatever… we've had them long enough." Dara growled. "And I'm not thinking about anyone."
"Right…" I said. Denial… I knew it!
"If I was thinking about Mr. Rothschild then you're probably thinking about a certain Mr. Cullen." Dara shot back.
I could feel the blush rise to my cheeks. She was right though… I had been thinking about Edward ever since he left.
"So, I've talked to Justin and I think I'll go to Blythe with him tomorrow." Dara said.
"Really?" I asked.
"He said he was planning a trip and that I'd be more than welcome to go." Dara shrugged. "So now I'm going to talk to my parents to see if I can go."
"You think they'll let you?" I asked.
"I hope so… I'm actually going to take the afternoon off and go see them, if that's okay with you."
"That's fine." I said. I knew how important this trip would be for Dara and I wasn't about to stand in the way of her going. Anyway, we rarely ever had customers in the afternoon so I could easily close the inn for a bit if I need to go on some errands. "We shouldn't have any issues or guests for that matter."
"Would you mind if I left now then?" Dara asked.
"Go for it. It will give the tables a break." I laughed. Dara threw her dirty rag at me, which I barely avoided, before making her way upstairs.
I started sweeping the floor, hoping to get most of the chores out of the way so I could go see Charlie at some point. I did promise him I'd come by today and talk to him about Mike. He wasn't thrilled with Mike's behavior a few nights ago and was possibly rethinking his choice in suitors. I just needed to push him in the right direction a bit. That wouldn't be hard, especially if I brought him lunch. I put a mental list together of where I needed to go and what I needed to get. If I was going to go see Charlie then I might as well go find some fresh fruits and veggies for tonight's dinner service. Dara had a key to the inn as well so even if I did lock up, she would be able to get back in without really thinking about it.
I closed the inn as soon as I was done. I pulled my cloak around me tighter and made my way down to the sheriff's station. I'm guessing my father's probably asleep, or close to it. On his days off he spent the afternoon talking to anyone who stopped by or sleeping. Sure enough, Charlie was sitting at his desk with his feet back and his chair slightly angled. The cells were empty since the only people who ever filled them were drunks and they were usually gone by midday. Charlie always saw the headache that formed the next morning to be punishment enough.
"Hi Dad." I said. I kissed him on his cheek lightly before dropping the sandwich off in front of him.
"Hey Bells. What did you make today?" Charlie asked. He tore apart the sack in order to get into the sandwich. Instead of answering I just watched Charlie discover it for himself. "Aw, tri-tip? Lemme guess, left over's from last night?"
"Yup, but I know you love it still." I said. "Plus I grilled some onions for you."
"Aw Bells, you shouldn't have." Charlie said as he took a big mouthful. "Although I'm not complaining at all."
"Your welcome then." I said.
"So is Dara watching the Inn right now?"
"Nope, she wanted to go talk to her parents. Apparently Justin has offered to take her to the city with him tomorrow."
"Alone?" Charlie asked. I knew he saw Dara as another daughter… just like Dara's parents saw me as one of their own.
"I think so, but you know Justin. He isn't anything like Mike."
"I would hope not." Charlie grumbled in-between bites. "Bella, I've talked to Mike. He's been in here every time he's come into town practically begging for forgiveness."
"And what did you say?" I asked.
"I told him I wasn't sure. I wanted to see how he kept acting for a long period of time just to make sure there weren't anymore repeats."
I nodded, playing the edge of my cloak.
"Plus I heard one of your visitors helped you? Was there any interest in that?"
"Dad, I'd probably never see him again if there was."
"Rumor has it they paid quite a bit." Charlie said.
"The rumors are right, for once." I said. "They paid more than they should have. We'll be set for at least a month now."
"Well it's nice to know you two are being taken care of." Charlie said. "You know that's what I want for you. I just want you to be taken care of so I don't have to worry."
"You'll worry about me until you die." I said, rolling my eyes. We both knew it was true, which his probably the reason Charlie just smiled and went back to his lunch.
"Now, should I get used to hand delivered lunches?" Charlie asked.
"I thought you wanted to go on a diet. You wanted to be more fit or something like that." I said.
"When you cook like this just for lunch… I just might have to reconsider." Charlie grinned.
"I'm not sure I can do it everyday, but I'll try and bring you lunch when I can." I said. "It might not be for a few days since I have to take care of the Inn by myself if Dara is able to go to Blythe."
"She's just going to leave you behind to deal with the crowd?" Charlie asked.
"She invited me to go with her and Justin to Blythe, but you know I don't have any real desire to go. Plus we have Malory here so it won't be too bad." I said. "It will just take me longer to clean up is all. Malory can probably come in and help me with that as well."
"Alright, but if you can't handle it I want to know. I'll be over there before you can blink and I'll have the place emptied so you can lock up and relax." Charlie promised. I knew his promise was good too. I've seen the way he can get the people of the town to get out of a certain building. The people here respected him which means they actually did as he asked, or in some cases ordered.
"You'll be the first person I call for." I promised. I picked up my father's press and threw it away before getting ready to go start my errands.
"Are you headed back to the inn?" Charlie asked.
"Uh no… I have some errands to run. Why don't you come for dinner? You haven't been to the Running Horse for dinner in so long."
"I'll try Bells, but you never know who might try to act up…" Charlie said.
"You know if someone is going to try to act up then they're going to act up at the Running Horse." I said. Bella shrugged, but nodded in agreement.
"We'll see… we'll see." Charlie said.
"Alright, well I'll see you a bit later." I said.
"Be careful Bells." Charlie said. I nodded and smiled reassuringly although I know he's always going to worry, no matter what.
After leaving Charlie's office I headed to Angela's parent's store. They owned one of the larger farms and were able to sell some of what they grew. Other families also grew more to sell in town, but I liked Angela's family more than the others so I always went to them first. They also sold other things. They were a small store, but the only one that sold bottled and canned goods.
"Hi Bella!" Angela called. She was working behind the counter, putting some bottles of oil and vinegar on the wall.
"Hey Angela. How's business?" I asked even though I already knew the answer.
"Same old, same old. We sell just enough to pass." Angela said.
"I understand that." I replied. "I'll go round up everything I'll need then we'll talk some."
"Sounds good." Angela called over her shoulder.
I wandered around the store. Over the years I had become so familiar with the different isles that I barely thought where I had to go… I just went there. I started loading up a bag with different veggies. They were so green and fresh that I knew we could find something to do with them for dinner. Some of the fruits looked good, but it really wasn't fruit season so I just held off. I finished picking up some mushrooms and nuts before walking back over to Angela. She was now resting on the counter and looking out the window. I had seen that look before… it was the look Dara and I have been showcasing lately.
"How's Ben?" I asked with a smile.
"He's good. I think we're going on a picnic with our families tomorrow… if the weather holds. I hope it does. I think a picnic just sounds so romantic!" Angela said.
"They are. I'll hope for good weather for you although it's always difficult to tell this time of year." I sighed, looking out the window to the sky myself.
"Do you think he'll propose soon?" Angela asked. "We've been courting for so long and we're not getting any younger."
"Maybe it's your parents. Who will they have run the shop when you're gone?" I joked, trying to lift Angela's mood.
"Bella… you know my mother will do it. She's been wanting to get off the fields for a while now." Angela said.
"Ang, I'm sure he'll propose soon. You two were meant for each other." I said.
"I guess…" Angela sighed. "What about you? What's going on with Mike or better yet that stranger?"
"That stranger hasn't been back since his visit, as expected, and Mike… well he's apparently trying to get back into my father's good graces although it's not looking good for him."
"You sweet talking your father into breaking his agreement with Mike?"
"Of course. I'm bringing him lunch and trying to get him to come to the Inn for dinner." I said.
"Your father always was a sucker for food… especially when you cooked it." Angela laughed. "You really think he'll tell Mike to forget about it?"
"Hopefully. I guess we'll have to wait and see." I sighed.
"I say we hope that the stranger shows back up and sweeps you off your feet." Angela laughed.
"You're starting to sound like some of my books." I replied.
"Ya well… it's still nice to dream." Angela replied. She wrote up everything I was buying before giving me a price. I happily handed her the money before gathering everything in my arms. "Looks like you're leaving at the right time."
"Huh?" I looked out the window and noticed the harpies walking up. I groaned and closed my eyes briefly before sighing. "I'm going to try and escape."
"I'll see you later then."
"Tell me how tomorrow goes." I said as I made it to the door.
"Of course!" Angela smiled and waved one last time before I left.
I was able to make it outside before the harpies came in, but unfortunately I was still spotted. I turned around when one of them, I'm guessing Victories hissed my name.
"Girls." I smiled sweetly before turning back around and continuing on back to the Running Horse. I know I'm never supposed to turn my back on temperamental animals, but right now… I don't really care.
As I walked back to the inn I noticed Justin walking on the opposite side of the street. He had a large smile on his face and I could only guess that Dara had been successful in talking to her parents. When I walked into the kitchen Dara was butchering some meat she must have bought on her way home. She had a piled of bones in the trash can next to her and a small pile of fat next to her.
"How did it go with your parents?" I asked. I knew Dara hadn't notice me come in, but she barely flinched. I set my bags down and start the mundane task of putting everything away.
"It took a bit of convincing, but… they eventually agreed." Dara shrugged as though it had been the easiest thing in the world to do. "And now they're is coming for dinner."
"So that's why you bought some of the nicer cuts." I said. I took a break from putting my groceries away to look at one of the pieces of meat. I had to admit, Dara was pretty good at butchering and trimming meat. I washed my hands and went back to my job. "Have you talked to Justin?"
"Ya, we're leaving at sunrise." I said. That meant I had to talk to Malory tonight about her coming in during the day and helping me. At least she was already used to working at night.
oOoOoOo
I heard Dara's mother come in rather than see her walk through the doors. Dara's mother commanded attention every time she walked into a room, whether she wanted it or not. I smiled as they walked up the stairs. I knew the next few minutes were going to be hard for Dara, but since the dinner rush had begun I wasn't going to be able to help her this time.
"Do you have a table open?" I jumped at the voice that came from right behind me, although I immediately recognized it.
"Uh…" I looked around, noticing most of the booths around the wall were open. We never seated our diners, they usually do that themselves. I looked up at Edward finally, instantly falling into his gaze. He was also smiling a dazzling smile which didn't help anything.
"A table?" He asked again. Somehow his smooth voice broke me from the trance instead of deepening it.
"It's open seating. You can sit wherever you would like." I said, sweeping my arm over the room. That's when I noticed some of the people watching us and talking quietly. Great… more gossip with me in the center.
"Thank you." He grinned. He glided over to a far table, partially hidden in the shadows. I watched as he walked before shaking out of my stupor. I followed after him and nearly ran into the table that he was no occupying.
"Would you like anything to eat or drink?"
"Just some water." Edward said. I nodded and bit my lip sheepishly before turning around and almost running back to the bar. The last thing I needed was to trip and looked like a fool.
When I got back to his table I noticed Victoria and Lauren sitting with him. Edward nodded and smiled at something they had said, but made no move to do anything else. My stomach and smile instantly fell. I set his water down before turning and going off to another customer. I don't know why I was jealous… or hurt. It's not like we were courting. Plus as much as I hated to admit it, the harpies would make a better wife for him. They all had perfect looks… just like him. I was just Bella. I had the same brown hair and eyes as every other person out there.
"Your mother got here?" I asked Dara as I joined her walking back to the bar and kitchen.
"Ya. She's packing my suitcase right now." Dara replied.
"You left her to pack your suitcase alone?" I asked.
"Don't remind me, please." Dara groaned. "I see we have a special guest returning already."
"Uh… ya." I said. I felt my cheeks warm slightly and groaned mentally.
"And so why are you still here?" Dara asked with a smile and a wink.
I felt my blush continue to deepen, so I looked to the kitchen for my escape. I helped the chef plate some dishes before carrying them out to the tables. I had gone through and delivered most of the dinners by the time Dara showed up again.
"Will you please go save him? He's looking completely annoyed and almost ready to kill one of them. As much as I'd love to see that, I'd also enjoy seeing him come around again." Dara said as she found me again. Her eyes were full of disgust as she watched the harpies shamelessly flirt with Edward.
"Dara, we have other customers than just him." I said. She smiled at the people she had just been helping before moving on.
"Your right… and I'll take care of them while you take care of him. Now go!" Dara took my order pad before pushing me in his direction. I was going to grab a pitcher of water for an excuse, but noticed his water was barely touched. The harpies must really be chatting him up if he could even take a few sips of his water.
"Haven't you girls harassed my guest enough?" I asked when I made it to the table.
"Your guest?" Victoria sneered. "What makes him your guest? Are we all your personal guests?"
"Yes, does that mean you have to do as we ask?" Lauren added.
"That would never happen." I growled. "And last I checked, you just come in here to find your next conquest. You never order anything so no… you're not my guest, Dara's guest, or a guest of this inn."
Both of the girls were shocked. I had never really talked back to them… or to anyone for that matter. Victoria was the first to come back to reality and close her mouth. She scowled at me before shoving Lauren out of the booth and storming away. Lauren tried to say something, but gave up after a few moments and left to follow Victoria.
"That was quite impressive. I'm assuming you do not do that enough." Edward said. My head snapped over to him and bit my lip a bit embarrassed.
"Not nearly enough." I admitted. "Do you need anything to eat?"
"No thank you. My mother… she makes sure we're well fed at all times." Edward grinned.
"O… well what's the cause for your visit? Are you just passing by or should I prepare a room?"
"Unfortunately I am just passing through." Edward said.
"Your eyes… they're so unique. I've never seen that golden color before, well except with your family."
"Yes, well it just comes with being a Cullen I suppose." Edward said, down casting his eyes.
"I like it." I said. Edward looked up and I blushed slightly. Now it was my turn to turn from his gaze. "If you don't mind me asking, where are you heading? It must be important if you're willing to travel at night."
"I am going to see Mr. Rothschild again. We need to finish talking about a few things." Edward said.
"Are you sure you don't want a room? I mean it's so dangerous traveling at night. I've even heard wolves the past few nights."
"Wolves? How close? Have you seen any?" Edward asked. His eyes became slightly darker, as though they were slowly turning black.
"I've just heard them. No one travels into the forest unless they have to so no one has seen one. I can't tell how close they are, sorry."
"It's alright." Edward sighed. "You should be careful. I've seen wolves come close to towns. They'll take their victims at night and quite silently. Usually the prey won't know what hit them."
"And yet you'll be traveling alone at night?" I asked.
"I'll be fine, don't worry." Edward grinned.
"I still find myself worrying if you really will be." I said. Again I let my mouth run away from me.
"If it makes you feel better I will return to the inn on my way home tomorrow night." Edward said.
"It would make me feel better." I said. I tucked a lose strand of hair behind my ear and looked down at my hands.
"Then I will be back tomorrow night." Edward said.
"Thank you." I said. I tore my eyes away from his and looked around the dining hall. Some people had started to leave, but there were still a few milling about. All of the harpies were gone and luckily I didn't have to walk home so I knew there wouldn't be a confrontation with them tonight. "I should be getting back to work."
"I'm sorry if I've kept you from helping others."
"Trust me, I'm sure they didn't notice… ok well they probably did since you're still a stranger to them. They'll probably be talking about this for a while…" I paused and looked around once more before my eyes returned to my hands. "Are you sure you don't want anything?"
"I'm sure. I'll most likely be leaving soon as well." Edward said. "Thank you for the company. It was a pleasure speaking with you again."
"Trust me, the pleasure was mine." I whispered. Edward grinned, even though I thought he shouldn't have been able to hear me.
"Be safe." Edward said before I left his table. It was the same thing he had said before leaving the last time. I was starting to wonder if he actually cared or if he always said that. I'm assuming it's the later since this has only been our second meeting.
I returned to my tables, ignoring the questions some of the women had. I noticed one of my father's deputies and realized I would most likely be having a conversation with Charlie tomorrow. Luckily with all of the food we probably had left over there would most likely be something for me to make Charlie so he'll be too engrossed in his food than what happened tonight.
"Hey Bella, I'm going to go to bed since I have to get up early." Dara said after most of the crowd had left.
"Alright… wake me up before you leave." I said.
"Of course." Dara replied. She returned back to her parents before heading back upstairs.
Lucky for me, everyone decided to leave rather early. Of course this meant around one in the morning. I smiled and told our last guest goodnight before telling Malory she could go home. Chef had shut down a few hours ago since the patrons who had remained were mostly there for the beer.
As I sat on my bed, brushing my hair out one last time before finally going to bed, I tried to listen for the wolves. I had never put much thought into how close they really were to Forks. I hoped they weren't too close to Forks or to any of the roads. Hopefully Edward would make it to Mr. Rothschild's home safely and without incident. I guess I'd know tonight when he showed back up.
oOoOoOo
I moaned quietly and barely open my eyes. Through the haze of sleep and eye lashes I swore I saw Edward standing in the shadows of my room. My eyes shot open, my heart started to beat erratically and I stat up in bed. The spot where I thought I had seen him was empty, but I could have sworn that I had seen him. Maybe I was still dreaming? He had frequented my dreams every few nights and now that I thought about it I couldn't remember what exactly I was dreaming about. I sighed and flopped back down on my pillow. Even though I would never admit it out loud… I really did wish that Edward had been here. I wasn't sure if it was possibly to start falling for someone you had only met twice and had barely talked to for longer than twenty minutes, but I'm pretty sure I'm falling for Edward Cullen and I was quite sure how long or hard I'd fall.
