Too much luck is bad luck

-German Proverb

=10=

When I go back to work on Monday, I'm surprised to see Sam there. I'm not surprised, however, to see him sporting a black eye and busted lip.

I don't even ask, but I'm not stupid enough to think Edward had nothing to do with it. He looks at me apologetically when I walk into work, but I avert my eyes from his. It's best, moving forward, if he just keeps his distance. We work at a club, we drink and we flirt with people—if for whatever reason he can't handle that, then he needs to get another fucking job. But for now, I'll just stick with staying as far away from him as possible.

"I heard about what happened with Sam," Leah says when I tell her my drink order. I offer her nothing more than a blank stare, not sure where she's going with this. "It was a dick move—we can all tell you're not into to him, and didn't give him any sign that … you, ya know ... liked him or anything."

"Yeah, well, I guess he didn't see that."

"He was just being a dick. But …" she smiles "… nice shiner, huh?"

I can't help but giggle a little with her. "I kinda feel bad—okay not really, but that had to hurt."

"Serves him right, though."

"Yeah," I sigh. "I guess. Anyway, Jack and Coke for the weird guy."

"Oh. Is he back?"

"Yup."

She purses her lips for a second before placing the drink on my tray. "'Does he ever say anything to you when he's here?"

"Not really." I shrug. "He kinda just stares." Then I tilt my head to the side. "Now that I think about it—he mostly stares at you and Chilly." Wiggling my eyebrows I sing, "Someone's got a crush."

She snorts. "Yeah, right."

With a laugh and some more teasing, I make my way back over to him and hand him his drink. In an unexpected move, he smiles and says 'thanks'. He's normally pretty rude, so I'm caught off guard.

"Y-you're welcome." I do my best to offer him a sincere smile, instead of a confused one. "Uh … did you need anything else? Would you like a dance maybe?"

He smiles wide. It's awkward, shy and creepy all at once. All while appraising me. I roll my eyes—but at myself, in realization of what I just implied.

"I don't dance."

"Oh." He frowns. "Then, no—I'm good."

With that, I nod and make my way to the other side of the club, making sure to have Maggie check on him for the rest of the night.

About an hour before closing, Jacob approaches me and lets me know Ms. Esme is asking for me in her office.

"What does she want?" I ask, a little annoyed, not wanting to make anyone who already ordered from me wait.

He shrugs. "Just go, Bella. I'm sure it's important."

I sigh. "Fine." And set down my tray. When I get to her office door, I knock but walk right in. "You needed me?"

"Have a seat."

"Is it super important?" I hedge. "Cause the bar is backed up and there's a few people at tables wanting to make sure they get their drinks before last call, and—"

She narrows her eyes at me. "I'm sorry … did I give you the impression I was gonna repeat myself?"

Bitch.

Grumbling to myself, I flop down on the chair across from her desk.

"I heard about Sam."

"Marvelous."

"Don't be a smart ass, Bella. I'm just checking to make sure you're okay."

"Oh." I let out a breath. "I'm fine, really. I mean I don't trust him anymore, but it was just a kiss. It wouldn't have gone further than that."

"Are you sure?" she challenges. I can't answer that for sure so I stay silent. "That's what I thought. Anyway, if it was up to me—he wouldn't have a job right now. But …" she shrugs. "The decision to keep him went above my head."

I nod in understanding. "So the guys want him around?"

"For whatever fucked up reason, yes." She pauses for a second, tapping her hands on the top of the table before she leans back and crosses her arms over her chest. "Did you know I used to dance once upon a time?"

My eyebrows lift up in surprise. "No, not at all."

"Yeah. Years ago, before I met Carlisle." I adjust myself in my seat to get more comfortable, and give her a small smile to let her know I'm listening. Inhaling a deep breath, she continues. "I was eighteen when I got mixed up with the worst possible guy I could. I was young, dumb and in love and … well, I started dancing 'cause he wanted me to. We needed the money." I frown at her admission. I don't know why I initially thought this might be a nice story. "Anyway, after a couple years," she chuckles bitterly, "and yes, it took a couple years for me to wake up—I left him. His abuse, the situation, I left and never looked back. I went to school—" she smiles proudly "—got my degree in Business. For the first time, I allowed myself to dream big. But you know how things don't always go as planned, right?"

"Don't I know it." Except it's my degree in 'Hospitality Management' that's going to waste.

She tilts her head from side to side. "Yeah, I guess you do. So …" she drops her arms. "Here I am, twenty-six years old and in desperate need of money. The only thing I could think to do was go back to dancing. It was fast cash."

My eyebrows knit together. "I thought you said—"

"I never made it on the stage."

"Why's that?"

"When I came to see if they were hiring, I brought my resume. I just—" she shrugs "—a part of me needed whoever was hiring to know I was capable of more. I don't know," she looks down sadly, "I guess that makes me a hypocrite, but I did it for years. I never wanted to come back and I resented the decision."

I can't even fault her. "So then what did you do? For your interview or whatever?"

"I walked in here and told the truth. I said I don't want to be here, it's just a temporary solution, but that I need the money. He asked me what my plans and goals were, and after looking over my resume, he offered me a job part-time just to help with the office stuff."

I smile, I guess this was a sweet story after all. "And let me guess, he asked you out?"

"God, no." She grimaces. "He introduced me to his brother. Edward's the one who gave me my job."

"Oh." That was unexpected.

"He's a good guy." She gives me her signature pointed look. "I know he might seem gruff and aggressive to some, but he's loyal and protective. If I've learned anything over these past five years, it's that making sure every single girl who works here feels safe and as respected as possible are and he and Carlisle's main goal."

"Okay?"

"I'm telling you this because, personally, I almost flipped my shit that Sam wasn't fired instantly. Deep down, you might feel the same way." I shake my head, because I don't feel that way at all. I don't know Sam's situation, but I would never want someone to lose their job on account of me. "Well, then you're a better person than me. The point is, I know Edward cares about you. By default, Carlisle and the boys will, too. If Sam is here, it's for a reason. But if anything happens again, if he so much as gives you a dirty look—you tell me and he's gone. I won't give a shit what they say."

I smile at her. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good. There's one more thing."

"Which is?"

"Every business has their politics. Clubs are no exception and it's important you know that."

"I'm not sure I understand."

"When I started dating Carlisle, I had no idea what that meant. And you and Rose …" she grimaces and shakes her head. "Well, you more than her—'cause she doesn't trust anyone for shit." I snort 'cause ain't that the truth. "There's always going to be someone creeping around trying to use you to get to Edward. Or to Carlisle and the boys. Or even to Ed.

"They're the good guys," she adds firmly. "Not everyone wants to believe that. Someone's always looking for dirt they'll never find. Just be careful okay?"

"Umm … okay." I have no idea what she's talking about. But I've been in here long enough, so I try and dismiss myself. "Thanks Esme, for the talk and for the clothes as well."

She waves me off. "It wasn't a big deal."

"To me it was."

"Let's not get too choked up about it though." She smirks, then claps her hands. "Now—go make me some money."

With a laugh, I tell her thank you again before rushing out to finish the rest of my shift.

When everything is all cleaned up, I sit at the bar and play with my phone—deciding it's best to wait inside for Edward this time.

"Do you need a ride home, Bella?"

I look over and smile at Leah. It seems like the nice her is back. "No thanks, hun. Edward should be here soon."

"Want me to wait with you?"

"Sure, if you want."

She pulls down a stool from atop the bar and sets it on the floor before leaning on it. "So how's everything else? How's the apartment search and all that?"

"Oh." I blanch a little at the question, but it's more in surprise. It's only been a week and a few days—should I be looking for one already? Does Edward expect me to be? Admittedly, I haven't even thought about it. I mean . . . shit, I haven't even told Rose yet. I don't want to ruin her vacation. "Umm … I guess it's going okay." I lie.

"That's good." She hums in approval. "If you need any help, I'll be glad to go around with you. Also, I have that spare room."

"Thanks, Leah," I say sincerely. I feel I should keep this as a viable option just in case I wear out my welcome.

"So, where's your car anyway?"

I shrug. "It finally hit the shit. I'm looking for another one … but—my credit's pretty bad."

Leah cringes. "So you're kinda solely dependent on Edward right now, huh?"

"No, I'm not."

"You're living in his house and getting around when he drives you. I'm not saying it to be a bitch, I'm just pointing out the truth."

Before I can get any more defensive—even though I would have not one single argument—my phone chimes with Edward's assigned text tone. "That's Edward. He's outside," I say a little shortly.

She nods sadly. "I didn't mean to upset you, Bella."

"You didn't," I reassure her. "But you gave me some things to think about. Thanks."

We walk out in silence and I smile when I see Edward standing by his car. When he sees me his face brightens as he opens my car door for me. I don't say much on my way to the house because what Leah says leaves me reeling a little. I know she didn't mean it harshly—at least I don't think—but …

"You're quiet."

I turn my face away from staring out the window to look at him. "I'm fine, just tired."

With a cocked eyebrow, he looks over at me and laughs. "I'm old enough to know that's bullshit. But I'll let you think I believe you."

I forgo pointing out that he just contradicted himself.

The rest of the week goes by smooth, lest for one night when Edward ends up being kind of late picking me up from work. I don't spaz out because I know things happen and it's not fair to get mad at someone who's doing you a favor. But that doesn't stop me from letting him know making me wait with no preemptive phone call or text warning isn't cool. He doesn't get any that night either.

After that—I make a point to be a little more diligent in my car search. I look over apartment listings as well and call around for information, but I know I can't make any major decisions until Rose comes back. The landlord called me with some information for her but said he legally couldn't divulge it because I technically wasn't on the lease. I'm hoping it's in regards to some money from renter's insurance.

Edward doesn't say much about my car and apartment inquiries, and pretty much lets me do my thing. The only time we have a major conversation about it, is when he tries comforting me after I get turned away from one of those "Buy Here Pay Here" places. Because my check is below regular minimum wage, they decline giving me a car. Stating they can't use what I make in 'tips' as income until I do my taxes. It's the beginning of October—taxes aren't for months. They couldn't care less.

It messes with me a little bit, but I try not to let it show and accept the rides with a smile on my face.

On Sunday morning, I wake up to find Edward in the kitchen with a secretive but silly and excited grin on his face. "I made breakfast." He plops some pancakes on a plate. "And then I have a surprise for you."

"Another surprise?" I tap my ear.

His smile widens as he nods and I give him one in return.

Since I moved into Edward's room—and we actually had the girl talk—I've come home or woken up to flowers, candy, and the other day, a few tins of 'Café Bustelo'—the coffee his aunt uses. Yesterday, he nonchalantly handed me a pair of princess cut diamond earrings. I don't know if he tried playing it off like it wasn't a big deal so I wouldn't react to it, but I beamed at him. Especially when he told me the reason was he noticed I'd been spending all my money trying to buy and replace things for Rose but hadn't seen me buy any jewelry for myself. Sweet guy, and clearly perceptive, too. He got some good loving for that one.

"Is it a bracelet?" I ask later on, as he leads me to the elevator with a hand over my eyes.

"Wouldn't I give that to you in the house?"

I shrug. "Maybe you're trying to throw me off?"

"No."

"You know I don't need the wining and dining stuff, right?"

"Shush."

I giggle. "Okay, okay."

Not trusting he won't let me walk into anything, I follow along with him with my hands sticking out in the air. When we stop, my hands are still hanging in the air and I'm not touching or holding anything.

"Where are we?"

"Okay." He drops his hands, and steps behind me to place them on my shoulder. "Open."

I blink a few times and knit my eyebrows together as I try and figure it out. We're standing in the parking garage and next to his car. "Are we going somewhere?" I smile.

He shakes his head and reaches into his pocket. Then I hear the car next to his beep twice before he pulls out a car alarm and drops it into my hand. I look at it, look at him, the car and back at him.

"You got me a car," I deadpan.

"Umm … yes?" His smile falls a little.

"You bought me a car."

He gulps. "I did."

"Edward … you bought me a car!"

"I-I thought you'd—"

He's cut off by a squeal and me turning around and jumping into his arms. He stumbles a little by my sudden attack but chuckles. "Oh, my God." I flutter kisses all over his face chanting 'thank you' over and over. "You're crazy." I squeeze my arms around him. Then jump down only to scream again. "Let's go for a drive!"

With a relieved and face-splitting smile, he bounds over to the passenger side. I bounce in my seat and run my hands over the leather of the dashboard and steering wheel. When I look at the odometer, I see it has all of twelve miles on it and gulp—this is a brand spanking new car.

"It's a Ford Taurus," he starts explaining. "I honest to God wasn't sure what you were gonna say, so I figured I'd just go with a new version of what you already had."

"How much is the payment on this thing?" I ask, pulling out of the spot and starting to circle around the garage. Wow—it drives smooth.

"Payment?"

I look over and see he has his head leaning to the side with a confused look on his face. "Yeah, you know, like a car note? The amount you pay each month so the repo guy—"

"No, I got that part. Why would I give you a car with a payment?"

I slow down and pull into a random spot a few floors down to give him my full attention. "You mean you bought it outright?"

"Of course." He scoffs.

"Edward. How the heck am I supposed to pay you back?"

"Pay me back?"

So now he's a parrot. I frown. "Yeah, for the car."

"Bella—" he shakes his head slowly "—I don't understand. Why would I give you something but expect you to pay me back? That's not how gifts work."

I purse my lips. I see what he's saying but . . . "A car is different."

"How's that?"

"It's just . . . I don't know. Such a big gift—an expensive gift."

"You like those earrings, right?" He narrows his eyes. I nod my head but narrow mine as well. "Well, they cost a lot fucking more than this—" he taps the dash "—and you didn't seem to mind them."

My narrowed eyes widen a little, making him mutter, "I didn't say that. Fuck!" He scrubs his hands over his face. "Sweetheart—"

"Edward, listen," I place a hand on his arm, "I love my earrings. And I love that you got me this car. It's just—"

"No. You loved that I got you this car about five minutes ago. Now . . ." he shrugs.

That's not it at all. "Five minutes ago I kinda thought—assumed rather, you got the car to help me out."

"I did."

"No, I mean like helped me get it 'cause my credit is shit, but the rest would be on me. Kinda like an equal venture thing."

"So you like that I got you a car, just not that I bought you a car."

I cringe. He's angry and the way he's wording it, makes it sound stupid. Maybe it is, but it does partially explain how I feel. So I nod slowly. "It would make me feel like less of a moocher, yeah. I mean … I've been living with you for two weeks and known you for like two months. Already it's like I'm dependent on you and . . ." And I shut my mouth when I see the look on his face. I was wrong—he wasn't angry before, but now he is. Nostrils flaring, jaw clenching—he's got the pissed look down pat.

"Who put that shit in your head?" he asks lowly.

Leah. "No one."

"Someone better had 'cause I sure as hell haven't made you feel that way. And please, I'm not fucking stupid enough to be with a chick who was about my money. I can sniff them from a mile away. Whoever you're getting advice from—stop. 'Cause they're not helping you."

I don't have a rebuttal for his little rant. In truth, I'm fucking ecstatic about the car, who wouldn't be? I'm sure some girls would give their right tit for someone to do something like this for them. And maybe, just maybe, a guy or two out there might give their left nut.

I think back to my talk I had with Rosalie—when I thought about how I would act being put in her same situation. And I realize my initial reaction classifies me as a bit of a hypocrite, but Jesus—this is a car. That's not an everyday gift, you know. But still, good God, the look on his face has me feeling like the same ungrateful bitch I accused Rose of being. And though I still feel a little uneasy taking such an elaborate gift, I know I have to make this right because I want—no I need—to believe his heart is in the right place in giving this to me.

"I really like the color," I comment after a while. It's red—my favorite.

"Uh huh."

"And this leather." I hum, running my fingers over the space of his head rest. "I love the new car smell."

"Yup."

I purse my lips, goading him clearly isn't working here. "Edward." I sigh, and squeeze his hand. "Can you look at me please?" He does, but the pissed feral face has morphed into blankness and indifference. I almost miss the anger. "Thank you," I whisper. "For the car, for everything you've done for me the past couple weeks. It means more to me than I can explain. Really."

"Then what's the problem?"

I shrug. "Guess I'm just not used to being taken care of like this. I mean … really—a car." I smile, it's teasing but I hope he can see my gratitude behind it. "What am I supposed to get you for Christmas, when you buy me a car? It's not like I can get you a tie now." He snorts at my absurdity, but I don't care because it's followed by a smile. "Thank you," I say again.

"So you like it? For real?"

"You don't even have to ask."

"Good." He beams.

I lean over and give him a sweet kiss, repeating my thanks again. He deserves more, but it's daylight and anyone can walk by. Later though, oh it's going to be on as we christen those back seats.

"You're welcome, sweetheart." He smiles against my lips—completely unaware of my plans for him. But then he rears his head back.

"What?"

"What you said before, about not being used to getting taken care of?" He drops his smile and looks me right in the eyes. The severity behind his gaze is intense. "You better get used to it, Bella, because it's what I do best."

It's what he does best . . . *sigh* gotta thank VC-girl for that add on! :-P

So, yeah! I love gifts like the next girl, but I imagine if I ever got a car from someone I'd be in shock, too! After I shit myself of course!

Tidbit: Bella offering "weird guy" a dance... yup that's the nature of the beast and also how I made some of my bread and butter. When I knew a guy was balling outta control, I had my 'go to' chicks I would get to give him a dance before anyone could sink their claws into him... and then he would tip me AND they would tip me! Team work makes the dream work, ya'll! LOL.

Thanks for reading!

Leave me your thoughts :-)

~Lo

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