Chapter Ten

Bella

Joe and I had our usual Sunday lunch at a nearby Diner and he sat with a big smile on his face as the waitress brought over his treat, a huge Ice Cream Sundae. While he demolished it I went to settle the bill with her, she knew us only too well from our ritual.
"All paid" she smiled
"Sorry?"
"All paid for"
"Who's paid my bill?"
She smiled even wider,
"Your mystery man"
"Who?"
"He said to tell you he'll see you tomorrow."
"He was here?"
"Yes before you and Joe arrived. He paid your bill up front."

So he'd been watching me, following me for a while. Why hadn't I seen him? He was distinctive enough.
"Nice looking guy. Hot!" she said with a smile.
"Hot? You think so?"
"I love the tousled look"

"He had tousled hair? Did he have a tattoo?"
She laughed,
"No. He looked like a college student with a gorgeous smile."
"Was there anything odd about him?"
"Odd? Not really. I guess his eyes were an unusual colour but I'd forgive him those."

I walked back to the apartment arm in arm with Joe deep in thought.
"What's up Claire? You're very quiet."
"Nothing Joe I'm just thinking about the past"
"Don't do that Claire it makes you sad."
"I'm fine Joe, promise."
We spent the evening watching movie's on TV, Joe loved the comedies and I was happy because he was. As he flicked between channels he passed a horror film and I saw a red-eyed vampire.
"That's silly, they're not red"
He looked at me
"What's not red?"
"Vampires eyes, at least some."
He looked confused,

"All the ones I saw on TV are."
I looked at him, "Yes you're right. I have no idea why I said that Joe. Sorry."

He laughed and gave me a hug.

"I like you Claire. You make me laugh"
"Yeah, I've heard that before Joe"
"Who told you that first?"
As I thought about it I could hear Emmett laughing at my antics but I didn't want to see his face,
"It doesn't matter Joe, anyway I'm going to bed."

In my room as I stripped for a shower I wondered where Emmett was now, abroad according to Jake the last time I'd ever spoken to him. Now there were two strangers after me as well as Edward Cullen. The person who paid our bill wasn't the guy from the concert but I realised it could possibly have been Edward. What the hell was going on? Was I going to have to run again? That night I had a terrible nightmare and Joe came dashing in and held me until I stopped shaking,

"Don't see that man again Claire, he upsets you. Just forget the past."
"I can't Joe."
"Why? You're OK now, you were happy before you got that letter."
"I can't just ignore it Joe. Thanks for the cuddle"
He smiled

"I' always cuddle you Claire if you need it."
"I know"

I kissed his cheek then dragged my still weary body to the bathroom. I was more careful about what I wore as I had a lunch date, well working lunch sounded better I guess.

Beth looked at me when I got into the office and raised an eyebrow with its piercings,
"Making an effort are we? Shame your face looks like you didn't sleep."
"I didn't" and I told her what I'd learned at the Diner.
"Two guys Claire? That's just plain greedy. Don't forget I'll be waiting impatiently to hear what happens at lunchtime."

I walked slowly to Starbucks, unsure I should be doing this, my mouth was dry and my mind whirling with thoughts I'd had yesterday as well as the other mystery man. My tattooed friend was waiting in a booth as I walked in. He looked so pale yet his skin was smooth as if there was no make up involved. His black hair was messy and again I itched to run my fingers through it, so I pushed them firmly into my pockets. As I slid in I saw he'd already got my usual, a grande latte and cinnamon rolls. He smiled as he saw my brow crease. "Sorry Bella but I thought it would save time."

"Its Claire here"

"Sorry, Claire"
I picked up the coffee and took a sip, Wow! He'd even got the hazelnut syrup I liked.
"So I guess I'll listen and you talk" I said,

He nodded and sighed, his long fingers drumming against the table top, so he was nervous too!
"Bella, sorry Claire, do you remember what happened in Forks?"

"Yes its crystal clear. I fell in love with an unsuitable guy who dumped me in the cruellest possible way. Is that good enough for you?"

"Wow blunt or what! OK but you know he still thinks he loves you?"

"Yes he told me. I told him to shove it. Have you come from him?"

"No. I'm here to warn you he's traced you"

"You're too late. I already know."

"So what are you going to do about it? You know he's not going to give up"

"I have no idea. Why, do you have a suggestion?"

"I might have. Would you be willing to hear a proposition?"

I laughed,

"Well I've heard it called some things before, but talk about blunt. Go on then"

"It wasn't meant to sound like that, Sorry. I represent a friend who wants to help."

"Why?"

"My friend feels they owe you"

"Why?"

"Can't tell you that"

"Why?"

"I don't know, that's why. Jeez stop with the questions for a second. I'm not your enemy"

"Well you aren't a friend"

"No not yet, but I could be"

"No thanks I have enough."
"Then this is going to be very difficult because I've been instructed to watch out for you. We can do this the easy or the hard way but its gonna get done."

"Who's the other guy looking out for me?"

"What other guy?"

"The good looking one"

Seeing his expression I added.

"According to the waitress who took his money"

"I'm not with you"

"He paid for my meal on Sunday and the guy I was with"

"No idea but I'll find out for you, if you like"

"Yeah why don't you do that and leave me alone. Good idea"

"I can see this is going to be a really interesting job"

"Job?"

"Yeah"

"Who pays your wages?"

"No one, I do it for a friend"

"Not my friend"

"They could be if you'd let them"

"I think I'll pass on the offer. Now I have to get back to work so was there anything else?"

"Don't you think Charlie would want you looked after?"

"You knew Charlie?"

"No my friend did"

"Well Charlie looked after me and I'm pretty sure he'd be telling me to stay away from strange men, so if that's all"

"Are you always this friendly?"

"No,usually I'm worse"

"Now why don't I find that hard to believe. Look can we talk somewhere more private?"

I thought furiously before answering,

"OK, my place tomorrow night, I have to work late and then I have an engagement tonight"

"OK about 7? Yes Joe will be there then"

"See you"