A/N: This is a little shorter than previous chapters. No real reason, it just didn't need to be any longer haha.
Thanks to everyone who's alerted, faved or reviewed. I hope your dance with the Cullen of your choice was enjoyable.
By the way I'm looking for a beta for this story, so if you're interested, or know of anyone who would be interested please do be letting me know.
And away we go...
DISCLAIMER: All things Twilight related belong to Stephanie Meyer. The events depicted in this story are entirely false and fictional and any similarities to real events are simply coincidental. All fictional text is owned solely by RainerNight and is not to be reproduced or redistributed without express written authorization RainerNight 2010
COFFEE MOURNINGS & COCKTAIL KNIGHTS
Cappuccinos / Virgin Margaritas
"I think something died in my mouth." Bella groaned, rolling over on the bed. Edward was perched on his elbow watching her sleep which startled her when she let her eyes flutter open to look up at him. "Why the fuck do you look so perky?"
Edward chuckled, "Because I, unlike you, didn't drink my water weight in Tequila, and I, unlike you, am not hung-over." Edward leant forward, tapping his index finger against Bella's nose making her go temporarily cross-eyed.
Bella scowled, "Yes well, I, unlike you, have feelings, and I, unlike you, am not a fucking stalker! Don't watch me sleep!" She snapped pushing at his elbow so he fell back onto the bed. Bella sat up, taking in her surroundings. And then a flash of the previous evenings events flashed across her mind like a bad re-run. "Oh gees..."
Edward reached over tapping her thigh, "Everything alright, sunshine?"
Bella smiled painfully. "Just peachy," She forced out before falling back onto the bed beside Edward. "Did you sleep in here all night?"
"No, I came back in about a half hour ago. You snore too loud." Edward poked her side.
Bella grabbed the pillow from under his head and pushed it against his face with a laugh. "I do not."
Edward moved the pillow revealing a wide grin to Bella. "Okay, maybe I snore too loud. You should be thanking me for saving you from the freight train."
"Thank you for saving me from the freight train." She deadpanned.
"You're welcome." Then in a way too quick movement that made Bella's head hurt, Edward sat up, moving to his knees. "Now, would you like to go out for breakfast or would you like me to make something?"
Bella arched an eyebrow at him, "You're too fucking perky in the morning! It's antagonizing!"
Edward shrugged, "What do you expect? I have a quick recovery time. I'm not dead for half a day like you are."
"Yeah well, there's no need brag." Bella sighed, swinging her legs over the side of the bed, moving into a sitting position. "Oh god, my head is thumping." She complained. She felt Edward move off the bed and looked over to see him hovering by the door.
"I'll get you some Tylenol and you get in the shower. We'll reconvene in the kitchen then I'm taking you out for waffles!" He winked at her then left the room.
"Fuck you, Edward." Bella flipped off his retreating figure.
"I saw that!" Edward laughed before disappearing out of view.
"Damn, I'm way too predictable."
Bella pulled herself off the bed and pottered her way into the bathroom. After a quick cold shower, to wake her up, she brushed her teeth then stumbled out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. She changed into a pair of light blue jeans; light green Dunk's and a matching green t-shirt with a Care Bear on the front. It was a Sunday; she didn't have to dress up.
"Did you bring a change of clothes?" Bella asked Edward when she finally made it to the kitchen after applying some eyeliner and Chapstick.
Edward shook his head, popping a grape into his mouth. He pushed a bottle of water and the Tylenol across the counter and grinned at her. "I'll find something of Jake's. I always do." He moved off the stool at the breakfast bar and kissed Bella's forehead before he moved down the hall.
Edward had crashed at Bella's place numerous times before. He knew where everything was almost as if it were his own home. Some guys would feel weird wearing someone else's boyfriends' clothes, but Edward had a tactic. If he dug into the back of Jacob's wardrobe he would find the light colored clothing, shirts in bold color's or prints that Jake never wore that normally still had the tags on. And seen as Jake always wore dark wash jeans or dress pants the light wash skinny jeans or cargo shorts were normally new as well.
Edward chose a deep purple t-shirt with a picture of a hand holding a sword on the front and a pair of medium blue skinny jeans. He didn't normally like wearing skinny jeans but his legs weren't too bad and they always accentuated his package which made Bella uncomfortable and that was entertaining for him.
He showered and left his hair wet, pulling his sneakers on as he headed back to the kitchen. He found Bella sitting at the breakfast bar sculling back a carton of milk. "Are you sure that's a good idea, sweetheart?" He asked, eyeing the carton.
She tilted it higher and swallowed before letting it drop back onto the counter as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "I guess we'll find out." She shrugged, pushing herself off the stool. "Are we off?"
Edward grabbed his keys and his wallet off the table, tucking them into his back pocket and grabbed his Blackberry, checking for messages "I'm ready, do you have everything?"
She nodded, patting her pocket as she headed to the door. "Ladies first," She gestured to Edward as she held the door open, smiling politely.
"Thank you, sir." Edward sauntered through the door and into the corridor, waiting for Bella to lock up the house. "How often is Angela actually here?" Edward frowned as they headed out of the apartment building.
"Uh," Bella scratched her head, her still wet hair falling into her face, "A few days a week. If Ben has to work late she'll come back here but he normally picks her up on his way through."
Edward frowned, "I don't like the idea of you being here by yourself so frequently."
Bella laughed, "I'm not a damsel in distress, Edward. I can take of myself." She felt thankful that she had someone like Edward to worry about her so much, but it was unwarranted. Bella knew how to throw a punch and she had a very effective tazer she'd got off the internet that lived in her bedside table.
"I know you're not, Bells. I just worry about you. You know, I worry." He smiled sheepishly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I just don't like the idea of you being in your apartment all alone missing Jake. It's depressing."
"Well, you live alone. I don't worry about you."
"That's because I'm a man and you know I can look after myself."
Bella snorted, "That's double standards."
"I'm an asshole, you know this." He pushed the door open for her and she rolled her eyes at him, heading out of the building. The air was crisp but the sun was warm and Bella delighted in the feel of the heat on her face. "You look beautiful when you do that, Bells."
Bella's eyes opened and she looked back over at Edward who was smirking at her. "God, don't stare at me. You're freaking me out." She pushed his chest playfully and headed up the road to the cafe on the corner a few blocks down that the pair normally frequented on a Sunday morning. "What is it with this staring thing you have going on? I mean, I guess it's okay when I'm asleep because I'm sleeping so I can't see you, but don't do it when I'm awake. It's really weird."
Edward shrugged, kicking the ground with his shoe as they walked. "I have an admiration for all things beautiful, you know that." He nudged her side as they walked and she stumbled almost hitting the wall. He laughed, reaching out to steady her. "God, you really need to work on your coordination. Or just drink less."
"This has nothing to with my drinking!" Bella said pushing Edward away. "My legs are uneven so I tend to walk more to the right anyway." She nodded matter-of-factly. Edward tried not to laugh but failed, pointing as he did so. "I hate you, Edward." She pouted, pushing him again.
"I love you too, Bella." Edward laughed, throwing his arm over her shoulder. "And trust me, your legs are even." He looked down at her jean clad limbs, "Long, but even."
She playfully smacked his chest as they entered the cafe, taking a seat outside. Edward handed Bella her menu and the two began to peruse their options in silence. The waitress, a long legged sandy blond came traipsing over, smiling flirtingly at Edward. "Can I take your order?" She asked, batting her lashes at Edward.
Bella rolled her eyes. This wasn't out of the norm for the pair. Bella had resigned herself to the fact it would just be one of those things she'd have to deal with when it came to hanging out with Edward. He was attractive, she knew that. She wasn't blind. She understood why women flocked to him like moths to a flame. He was endearing and charming. His smile was alluring and infectious and lit his entire face up with a childish aura that Bella guess enticed the opposite sex like wine would to an alcoholic.
His cheekbones were high and his jaw was chiselled like that to rival a marble statue. Bella had been swimming with Edward enough times to know that he had an amazing body so it was only natural that other women would want to rub up against him for one reason or another. And she wasn't jealous or envious of any of the woman who got to do that with him. She was very happy with Jake. It was the way the women chose to go about it, throwing themselves at him that made her uncomfortable.
Bella ordered a stack of pancakes with bacon and hash brown bits and Edward ordered waffles with a side of fruit salad and toast and they both ordered Cappuccinos. Bella watched the waitress send Edward another flirtatious glance over her shoulder before she walked away, heading inside.
"She should've just mounted you." Bella mumbled, lining her cutlery up on her napkin.
Edward frowned, his eyebrows creasing. "What are you talking about?" He asked, tilting his head to the side as he usually did when he was confused, like an inquisitive dog.
"That girl," She grimaced, "She was practically drooling on you. You should hand her a napkin next time she comes back, that shit was nasty."
Edward stared at her a moment before a grin broke out on his face. "What are you going on about Bella? She took our orders. She wasn't flirting with me!"
"Oh really? You didn't catch her hair flick or the way she only looked at you even when she was taking my order, or the little wave she gave when she walked away? No Edward, not even you are that obtuse."
"Obtuse!? I was sitting right here, I noticed nothing apart from the stink eye you were giving her like she just killed your grandmother!"
"She has no class, Edward. You can do so much better!"
Edward folded his arms, sitting back in his seat. "Are you saying she has no class because she was flirting with me? Or are you saying she has no class because she's a waitress?"
Bella mouth fell open that. "Fuck you, Edward. You of all people should know that that is not what I meant about class! I was referring to the fact that you are here with me. What if I wasn't your best friend? What if I was your girlfriend or your fiancé? She doesn't know that I'm not. What if I was? That would be classless of her to hit on you assuming you were single. If I go anywhere with Jake and a girl flirts with him he sets them straight because it doesn't make him look stupid, or me look stupid, it makes her look stupid. And cheap. And desperate."
Edward thought a moment, tapping his fingers rhythmically against his arm. "That's way too complex to even begin to fathom, Bella. You know that sounds insane right?"
"It's not insane! It's fact! When a girlfriend is put in that position by another girl flirting with their man we don't get angry at the significant other we get mad at the girl, you know why?"
"Because men are obtuse and we wouldn't know a girl was flirting with us until they're bouncing on our cocks?"
Bella cringed at Edward's crudeness which made him laugh. "No you fist full of assholes, because when other girls look cheap and nasty it makes all women look bad! That waitress batting her eyelashes at you made all women look bad."
"That's ridiculous; you haven't asked every woman for their opinion."
Bella scowled, "I'll stab you with this fork, I fucking will." She said grabbing the cutlery off the table.
"That's a spoon." Edward pointed out and Bella looked down to see he was right.
"You're a spoon!" She retaliated, throwing the spoon at Edward who caught it, smiling with his tongue between his teeth. Bella slumped back in her chair and growled, looking away from Edward.
"You're too cute when you're mad." Edward complimented.
"Go fuck a donkey!" Bella grumbled, kicking the table leg with her shoe. "God, I think I'm starting my monthly soon." She shifted in her chair. "I'm so moody all the time."
Edwards smirk then disappeared and was replaced with one of total disgust, "Oh god, Bella! Not at the breakfast table!"
Bella laughed behind her hand and watched the waitress come back to the table, delivering their coffees. She smiled politely at Edward then walked away.
"See, there was no flirting there."
"She probably heard me ranting, my voice travels you know?" Bella stated, lifting her cup to take a sip.
"Yeah, trust me. I know. I do work with you y'know."
"Hey!" She pointed her teaspoon at him. "If you want peace and quiet, get your own office!"
Edward smiled, shaking his head at her. "And leave our little sanctuary? Never!"
Bella smiled in return. "We do have it pretty good don't we?"
"We definitely do."
-_-_-_-
"So you'll definitely come to the lawyers with me tomorrow morning?" Edward asked as he unlocked the door to his apartment. That night Edward was hosting the monthly Mexican & Margarita night. The Cullen siblings and Bella all took turns once a month to host the night. It was just a little bit of fun to help battle the stress of their jobs.
"Of course, I said I'd come so I will." Bella smiled, hauling the shopping bags into the apartment, pushing past Edward to head towards the kitchen.
"You aren't going to threaten to cut Jessica's brakes like you did last time?" He asked with a smile, shutting the door behind him.
"I'll try to restrain myself." Bella shrugged, depositing the bags on the kitchen counter. "But she started that! My ass did notlook fat in those pants!"
"No it did not." Edward winked, reaching over to pat Bellas behind.
"Get out of it!" Bella giggled, pulling out the ingredients for the chicken enchiladas. "So, do you want to prepare the margaritas' or shall I?"
"You can do it. I'll start on the food. By the way, make them virgin."
"Virgin?"
Edward gave her a knowing look and she sighed. "Okay fine, no Tequila. Point taken."
Edward smiled and reached over, rubbing Bellas shoulder supportively. He pulled on his apron washed his hand and the pair began their graceful dance of preparing a meal. They'd done it countless times and it was always so natural.
"Bella, can I ask you something?" Edward asked as they set the table.
"Of course, you don't have to ask if you can ask you should just ask." Bella said following Edward around, setting out plates after he put the place mats and napkins down.
"Say ask again." Edward giggled.
"Ask," Bella said with an eye roll.
Edward's smile disappeared and he turned to face Bella, leaning against the back of one of the wooden dining chairs. "Do you think getting a divorce is the right thing for me to do? Do you think I'm making the right choice giving up on my marriage like this?"
Bella sighed and pulled a chair out, gesturing to the one beside her for Edward to sit down on which he did, turning to face her. "When you married Jessica you thought it was forever. She was everything you wanted and you loved her with your whole heart, did you not?"
Edward nodded, wringing his hands in his lap. "She was perfect for me, or at least that's what I thought."
Bella shrugged, "And then she changed. You loved the girl Jessica used to be, not the girl she is now. Love is strange like that, it can evolve and mould itself into different shapes and it's not a bad thing that that happens. You married a girl who doesn't exist anymore. And at the end of the day, if you weren't what she wanted anymore then she doesn't deserve you."
"So I'm not giving up too soon?"
Bella shook her head, "She gave up a long time ago. You didn't stop trying Edward, she stopped loving you, and then you caught up."
Edward nodded sadly and Bella's heart went out to him. He was normally such a happy guy, playful and kind, but she was one of the very few people Edward allowed to see his pain. "I'm just not used to failing." He half smiled and ran a hand through his hair.
Bella reached out, taking his hand in hers. "You haven't failed anyone, Edward. She failed you.
That's not your fault."
"I know. It's just hard."
Bella gave his hand a squeeze, "I'm here for you. You know that, right?"
"I know." He sent her a genuine smile and stood up, keeping her hand in his. He wrapped his other arm around her shoulders and bought her body against his in a tight hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Bells. You're the only thing keeping me sane."
Bella smiled against his chest, inhaling his scent. "Somebody has to." She whispered against his chest. "Now," She pushed him back, pulling her hand from his. "The others will be here soon, let's get back to it." She winked at him, heading back into the kitchen, and Edward followed after her, as he always would.
To Be Continued...
A/N: Because I don't think I say it enough, thanks to everyone who reads my stuff, it's humbling.
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