DESIDERATA
Things I own: A 15YO son who is embarrassed as all get out that his mom is such a Twilight freak (he doesn't even know I write FF; that would be akin to death by mortification).
Things I don't own: Anything Twilight, it all belongs to Ms. Meyer.
CHAPTER NINE: TRANSITIONS, PT. II
"When two great forces collide, the victory will go to the one who knows how to yield."
– Ancient Taoist saying
RPOV
I've been doing my best all morning to keep on top of things. If you let one thing slide for more than a couple of hours, it all turns to hell in a hand basket faster than you can say "Fuck me gently with a chainsaw." I've gotten enough fires doused for the time being that I can eke out a hole in my schedule to meet with that stupid Neanderthal from the Wonderland Café. When I see Emmett Brandon round the corner, though, he isn't what I expected him to be. I hate to admit to myself that he is damn fuckhot! He is tall and sturdy, with muscles literally on top of his muscles. Just the way I like it. His shirt fits him snugly but not tight, so you can see the muscle definition. His dark, curly hair is cropped close, like he is trying to keep it under control. There's just enough hair on top for me to lace my fingers in and pull it tightly. His flat front pants display his package perfectly, and I'm almost tempted to walk straight over to him and wrap my hands around his junk. I realize I've been standing here ogling Emmett for longer than is politely allowed. Jesus, what is wrong with me? I don't think I've ever done that before.
Emmett Brandon has a shit-eating grin on his face. He walks straight over to me and grabs my hand, shaking it roughly.
"You must be Rosalie Hale. It is so nice to meet you. I had no idea what you would look like, but your voice was sexy as hell on the phone."
I still haven't said anything to him. When he mentions the word "phone," I remember our conversation, and what a fucking caveman he was. As much as I love to hear my phone voice is sexy, this asswipe needs to be put into his place. No one gets away with calling me Sweetcakes. This man is a walking litigator's dream. Putting a muzzle on him is the only way he'll ever dig himself out from his grave.
"Mr. Brandon, I will have you know that it is extremely inappropriate for you to imply my phone voice is 'sexy.' The only way I will go back to your office is if I have a guarantee that you will restrict your conversation to cover the sole topic of our contract with the Wonderland Café. Have I made myself clear?" I'm employing my Ice Queen voice; this guy needs to get the message delivered with zero ambiguity. Something tells me that I may even need to club him over the head in order to drive the point home.
"Oh, you're crystal clear, baby. Crystal clear."
I just shake my head and sigh. Might as well get this over with, because this r-tard will never get it. Never. Simply not possible.
"Well, lead me to your office then, buddy."
As I take a seat in Emmett's office, I situate the chair as far away from him as possible. He doesn't take the hint, and pulls his chair right next to mine. Can anyone seriously be this dense? Does he not understand non-verbal communication?
"Hey, Brandon—have you ever heard of the term, 'personal space'?"
"Yes, Rosalie, I have. Why do you ask?"
No. He did not just say that. Jesus, just shoot me now and put me out of my misery.
"You're in my personal space, and I don't like it one bit. Get. Away. Now."
"Aw, you don't need to be like that! I just wanted to go through all the details of the contract with you. I can't do that from over there, can I?"
I have to admit, his smile is killer. Although I pride myself on my cold, dead heart, his smile made it melt just a little bit.
"Okay, whatever. Let's just get this over with."
As we discuss the finer points of the agreement, I notice that Emmett keeps nudging his chair closer to mine. I didn't think he could physically get any closer, but he is sure as hell trying. He leans over on his arm, so that it touches mine. His face is so close to mine, I can hear his breathing pick up. I hear him swallow, hard, and watch his huge Adam's apple bob up and down. I think about how hot it would be to run my tongue over that spot. I start to wonder what kind of noise I could get out of him if I do that. I look into his bright blue eyes as he looks into mine. Neither one of us says a word, but we don't need to. The air is suddenly thick with sexual tension. Before I know it, I dive into Emmett's lips and he picks me up to slam me against his door. It feels like we're two piranhas locked in a death match. I'd never been kissed like this before. This guy is fucking sex on a stick. My entire body is instantly on fire, and the epicenter is located right in my pussy.
I push Emmett away from me long enough to rip his shirt off. Literally. Buttons fly across his office. I am rewarded with a view of the most sculpted chest on the planet. I greedily bend over and flick my tongue across his right nipple, while pinching the left one. Hard. An urgent hiss escapes from his mouth, which is my indication to keep the steamroller going. With the momentum we've created, there is no stopping what has already been unleashed. We both instinctively recognize that we're in this coupling until its conclusion; there is no turning back.
I want him like I've never wanted anything in my life. I seriously believe I will die if I don't have him inside me within 30 seconds. I know I've never felt like this about any other human being—the need to get him inside me is like an acute ache. One look into Emmett's clouded eyes is all the reassurance I need. We're both fumbling with the other's clothes at the same time, which only delays our getting naked even further. I quickly put my palm on his chest as a signal for him to stop. He looks at me with indignation, until he realizes that it is just so that I can get his fucking belt undone and his pants off, STAT. I quickly whip my panties off and throw them wherever they land. Then I get down to business and pull his pants down urgently, forcing me to gasp. That earns me the most beautifully wicked smile on the planet. Jesus, his cock is absolutely huge, and he is commando. This man was made for me in every imaginable way. I drop to my knees like I'm practicing my fire safety instructions from first grade: "Stop, drop, and roll." I sure as hell am not going to stop, and we'll get to the rolling in a minute. I grab the base of his hard cock with force and sink it into my mouth. The groan this earns me is the sexiest sound I've ever heard. As if I'm not already about to come, he starts talking dirty to me. Oh, fuck me. My panties are going to explode. Oh, wait a minute—they already did!
"Fuck, Rose, you have no idea how fucking hot it is to see your lips wrapped around my cock like that! I've never gotten better head, baby!"
I look up into his eyes as he's talking to me, and all I can think of is that I want him to fuck me silly. I release his rod with an audible "pop" and stand up to wrap my leg around his hip. He grabs my ass and he slides into me. He is so thick and hard, he fills me up instantly.
"Fuck, Emmett! Fuck me as hard as you can!"
"Don't need to tell me twice, baby. Hang on!"
With every thrust into me, there is a loud bang on the door. It sounds like someone is knocking to get in; I don't even care how loud it is or who can hear it. I just want to fuck the brains out of this hot man.
Emmett shifts his grip on me from my ass to my thighs, so that the angle of his thrusts changes. He starts hitting m G-spot repeatedly, and I'm ready to climax before I know it.
"Fuck…Em…I'm, I'm…coming!" I scream as I clench around him. It only takes him a few more thrusts to catch up to me. My entire body goes limp as the throbbing of his cock dies down. It isn't until he softens and slides out of me, gently setting my feet back on the ground, that I realize we didn't use protection.
"Oh my god! Fuck! Protection!" is all I can manage to say.
"Are you on the pill by any chance?" Emmett says reservedly.
"Yes, but what about STDs? Are you clean?"
Emmett laughs out loud. "Rosalie, this is Forks, Washington. How often do you think I screw around?"
"Well, it only takes once. How am I supposed to know you don't do this with every girl you meet?"
Emmett kisses me softly on the cheek. "Rose, I haven't been laid in forever. I'm clean—you don't have any worries with me. You?"
"When do you think I have time to have sex? My rabbit vibrator is my best friend, let me tell you!"
Emmett looks me directly in the eye. "What was that, anyhow? I've never done something like that before!" He's using his hand to gesture back and forth between us.
"Believe me, neither have I. But it was so fucking hot!"
"No kidding, babe, no kidding. So, you ready for us to sign that agreement?" We both laugh breathily.
Just then, there is a light tap on the door. "Emmett? Are you okay in there?" It's Alice.
My face must have turned white, because Emmett looks sick to his stomach.
"Yep, Alice, we're all good. Just finishing up a few details on the agreement."
"Okay. If you say so." I hear her walk away.
Emmett and I both let go of the breath we've been holding, not even aware that we're doing it. I giggle over the ridiculousness of the situation, and it dawns on me. I cannot even remember the last time I've laughed like that. Emmett gives me a huge, self-satisfied grin, and I think to myself, Filming in Forks, Washington may just be the best thing that's ever happened to me!
APOV
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, such a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Could you be my? Would you be my?
Yes, indeedy, welcome to Alice's neighborhood. Meet my newest neighbor of all, Mr. Jasper Whitlock. And what, Mr. Beautiful-Young-Charming-Intelligent-All around-Fuckawesome-Whitlock, are you doing this fine day?
Why, Miss Alice, I do believe I've taken a shining to your lovely little café establishment here. I'm just standing 'round watching you do your sexy little thang. That fine ass of yours is heavenly to watch, I must admit.
"Hey, peanut! You out there?"
Bella's voice breaks through my blatant ogling of Jasper Whitlock. "Hmm, Bella? What? Wait, which shirt are you wearing? Oh yeah, the dark side one. You can come up front."
"Alice, I don't know what the hell is going on in your brother's office, but it sounds like Regan MacNeil is having a hissy fit in there!"
"Who? Uh, what? Bella?"
I hear a loud knocking sound coming from the back room. I excuse myself from Jasper and start to head towards the door, when I feel Jasper's hand grab my arm.
"Hey, darlin', do you think I could come with you? It is my sister who's back there, too, after all…"
"Oh, Jasper, of course! I totally forgot. I hope they aren't beating each other up!" I say, only half-kiddingly. Jasper chortles over that one, and the sound sends chills down my spine.
Jasper and I arrive together in front of Emmett's office, and, sure enough, the door is knocking, and looks like it might even break through the hinges. We all look back and forth at each other, knowing exactly what is causing the commotion, and it isn't Regan MacNeil. We also leave unspoken the thought that none of us wants to go there. That much is clear in our masks of horror.
All of a sudden, the knocking stops. I can hear Emmett breathing deeply, and my eyes go even wider. Since no one else seems capable of intervening, I decide to knock on the door. It's a classic move of mine—I'm five feet tall, why am I always the one who leaps into the unknown? Like I'm going to be able to fend off anything that is making Emmett breathe hard? I've always been extremely impulsive, however, and those thoughts don't occur to me until I'm already in motion. Damn, why can't I ever slow down long enough to think things through first?
I knock lightly on the door a few times.
"Emmett? Are you okay in there?"
I hear Emmett take a deep breath before responding. "Yep, Alice, we're all good. Just finishing up a few details on the agreement."
"Okay. If you say so." I use my arms to scoot Jasper and Bella away from the door and motion with my head that we should all go out front.
The minute we get out front, I scream and start to giggle.
"Oh. My. God. You guys, we totally just caught Emmett and Rose doing the deed!" Jasper has the funniest look on his face I've ever seen. It's half amusement, half revulsion.
"Is that possible? Didn't it seem like Rose was ready to rip his throat out before they went back there? I didn't think she had it in her!"
"Even though it's pretty squicky to think of my brother being back there doing that while we have customers in the building, I'm completely blown away. Emmett hasn't hooked up with anyone for years, at least that I'm aware of…"
I look over at Bella to see what she makes of all this, and her arms are crossed over her chest. "Alice, I can't possibly bake anything under these conditions! Who knows when that will start up again!"
"Calm down, Bella! You know you're almost done for the day. So Em got himself a little afternoon nookie—you should be happy for him!! Just put on your ear buds and crank up your iPod. That never seems to be difficult for you to do under normal circumstances."
"Gross. I don't even think the Smashing Pumpkins could drown them out, Alice. You're the one who has to remind him to wash his hands when he comes out of there!"
Jasper is just laughing his head off, like he hasn't been this amused in years. I've been standing here, chit chatting away with him for over an hour, and I have to admit, he is one of the nicest and friendliest guys I've ever met. I feel instantly at ease with him, like we've known each other forever. I can't believe he is just standing here, talking to me. I mean, he's like a major movie star. Are they allowed to mingle with commoners? They are the closest thing we have to royalty here in America, after all.
Our insulated bubble is suddenly shattered, as if an opera diva hit a high C. Instead of hearing a lovely aria, however, we are greeted with the shrill squeals of Jessica and Lauren. I instantly determine that they've discovered Jasper Whitlock.
Jessica is jumping up and down, saying something that sounds like, "ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod! Lauuuuuurrrren! It's Jasper! Jasper Whitlock!"
Lauren is a bit more restrained than Jessica, but that isn't saying much. When added together, those two create enough energy to fuel their own power station.
"Jasper, Jasper, can we pleeeease get a pic with you?"
Jasper, being the complete gentleman that he is, poses for the photos: One with Jessica, and one with Lauren. They have the audacity to ask me for a pen and paper for autographs. If they're going to be celebrity whores, they may as well come prepared. I give them my best frown and hand over two of my business cards and a pen. That way, at least Jasper's name will be associated with mine whenever they look back at his autograph.
I'm shocked when Jasper excuses himself from the company of Jessica and Lauren, and turns his attention back to me.
"You know, little Miss Alice, I'm probably monopolizing your time a bit too much here. I've never met anyone like you before; I think they broke the mold when they made you."
"I certainly hope so, because the mold was defective. I think all future versions of Alice came out a little taller than me."
"Alice, you're such a petite little thing, but that's what makes you who you are. It wouldn't fit at all if you were bigger. Character, temperament, and shape all have to fit together to make someone like you. I can't imagine you any other way."
I stand there for a minute, shocked. If I didn't know any better, I would say that Mr. Jasper Whitlock is standing right in front of me, giving me compliments. It's a good thing I named this the Wonderland Café, because I definitely fell down the rabbit hole this morning to end up in a world where Jasper Whitlock is worried about monopolizing my time and telling me that I'm special. I don't think I want to try to find my way back home; I really like it here.
"Thank you so much, Jasper. No one has ever said anything that nice to me before."
"Well, it's about time you hear that music more often, don't you agree?"
"Mmhmmm. Oh! Music! Tonight is karaoke night at Mill Creek Bar & Grill. Since Rose and Emmett seem to have gotten off to a good start, maybe you guys should come out with us tonight! It would be a chance to get to know us a little bit better, since we won't be at work anymore."
"I think that's an excellent idea, Alice. I'll just text Edward, so he and Esme can meet us when they are done with their meeting."
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EPOV
Watching my mother in action is like watching a finely tuned Volvo. Engineering precision, perfectly shifts from one gear to the next, and positively flawless in beauty. I think my mom is one of the most beautiful, talented women alive. If I end up with someone half as amazing as she is, I will consider myself truly fortunate. Her only flaw appears to be a completely biased and overly inflated opinion of her son's merits.
"Sue, Sam, it has been an honor to meet with you today to discuss working together on our film. As I mentioned, our main objective is to pay tribute to the Quileute tribe and Native Americans. I assure you our intent is to treat your culture with dignity and respect, and to honestly represent some of the injustices that your people have experienced. We understand your position on waiting to sign a contract until you have spoken with your council. Should we simply shake on our verbal agreements and find a time to meet tomorrow to finalize everything?"
"Esme, we'll take your words into careful consideration in front of our entire council tonight. We cannot guarantee an outcome. But I feel that our ancestors will guide us to make the right decision. I'll call you tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, Sue. That's all I can ask of you. I truly appreciate your efforts to make this work."
My mom always knows what to say. I'm amazed at how gifted she is in the art of communication. It must stem from her innate love of all people; she isn't someone who harbors regrets or resentments.
We shake hands and make our way back to the town car. I open the door for Esme and step in behind her.
"Mom, you are a true professional. I think I just saw you cast a magic spell back there. How do you do that?" I ask her, smiling.
"Edward, I just treat people with the respect they deserve. Unless they prove to me otherwise, I simply believe in the inherent worth and dignity of the individual."
"I can honestly say I am extremely proud that you are my mom. You're an amazing human being."
Esme lifts her hand and places it lovingly on my cheek. "Well, that sentiment goes both ways, sweetheart. I will forever be grateful that from all the genetic possibilities out there, you are the son I was given. I feel very lucky to have both you and Carlisle. I guess the universe decided I'm the one who got to win the family lottery. I simply could not ask for more than I have."
I just smile back at her—what could I possibly say to top that?
As I settle down into my seat, both Esme and I pull out our phones and check messages. What the hell did I do before the iPhone was created? I simply cannot remember. I may as well have it soldered onto my palm since it is permanently attached there anyhow. But then I wouldn't have a free hand for beating off. Seriously, my mind is in the gutter approximately every three seconds. Have I always been this obsessed with sex? I'm as horny as the next guy, but I feel like my hormones have been in complete overdrive this week. My ongoing, epic shower wanks have done nothing to stem the tide; if anything, it has only intensified my need for relief. I begin to wonder if it is possible to become addicted to beating off. I decide it is best to shelf this topic before my cock reaches the blue balls stage of hardness. I'm sitting next to my mother, for christ's sake.
I notice a text from Jasper. Before I have time to open it, my internal threat level of worry returns.
Dood karaoke 2nite? Girlz r goin. Let's dew eet. J
I'm instantly at the internal threat level of worry, code RED. This is for two separate and distinct reasons:
Karaoke means: A) Singing, B) Singing in front of strangers, C) Copious amounts of alcohol. All bad things, in my book. I don't sing. I certainly don't sing in public. And if I drink, I will likely engage in A, B, and C. Not good.
Singing, copious amounts of alcohol, and girls means that Jasper is going to boink Alice. Again, not good.
J-long mtg, want to stay in. u can go. – E
Before I can even set my phone down, it buzzes with another text.
E- u r a puss. Yes, u r goin. No choice. Meet us at WC. Thatz n order. - J
I furrow my brow and madly text back to Jasper.
WTF is WC?
Alice's. Rtard.
ETA WC 15 min. Talk then. – E
I turn my phone onto mute and shove it in my pocket. I have the very unpleasant feeling that things are suddenly out of my control.
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BPOV
My ear buds are in, Billy Corgan and James Iha are screaming guitars at me, and I still can't get the door knocking out of my head. Just thinking about Emmett having sex in the office has made my brain all kinds of crazy, and I'm not exactly sure why that is. I fully own up to my inner pervert; I have acknowledged to myself that I am the world's horniest virgin. So what is it about Emmett getting some that has me so wigged out?
I can't fault him for hitting that piece of ass, because Rosalie Hale is stunningly gorgeous and hot. So, yeah, way to go Em. I can't be pissed that he had sex in his office, because I would probably do the same thing, given motive and opportunity. I don't want to envision Em having sex, because that is just wrong; he is practically my brother, so I don't even go there.
All of a sudden, from out of nowhere, an image pops into my head—in an instant, I picture myself being pounded into the door, and the one doing the pounding? None other than Mr. Edward Asshat Cullen. Fuck! That's what has me so bothered—I'm imaging myself having sex with the world's #1 Independent Films Douche of the Universe. No wonder I'm all bothered; I will not, however, admit to being hot. My subconscious mind is apparently a bit of a jokester, popping those images of the Asshat into my conscious mind when I least suspect it. I'm really starting to get annoyed—my subconscious and conscious minds need to talk and formulate a strategy, because they are both driving me to distraction.
Fortunately, Alice comes to save me from myself. She dances back to my workstation, but this time I see her, so she doesn't scare the crap out of me like she usually does. Before speaking, she pulls my ear buds out so I can hear her; she's very thoughtful like that.
"Hey, Bells, Jasper and I just came up with the best idea!" She is getting close to doing the jumping bean thing again, but damn if that doesn't make her totally irresistible. "We're all going over to the Mill for karaoke tonight!"
"Define the meaning of 'we're all.'"
"Well, the Masen people and you, me, and Em."
"Ah, no, Alice. I'm not going. I just have to get up at 3 to come back here, and I don't feel like baking with a hangover tomorrow. Besides, if I'm not there, that will just mean you have no one to talk to except Jasper, so bonus points for that."
"Belllllla," she says in the most conniving voice imaginable. "I can't have any fun if you aren't there. I need your yin to yang me and keep me in check. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of them. And I need your snark to protect me against Lauren and Jessica, because you know those skanks will be there."
"Alice, there is no way you need any help from me. I don't call you Mighty Mouse for nothing!"
"I just cannot possibly enjoy myself unless you are there. Please, Bella, it would mean so much to me! Just come for one drink."
"Alice, you know one drink always turns into an infinite number. We've discussed this concept before. It never works."
"I'm so glad you said yes, Bella! Thank you!"
"Oh, so that's how it's going to be? You're doing the ignoring tactic, and pretending in that sweet little brain of yours that your evil plan is set in motion?" I sigh. I know better than to resist when she gets like this. "Okay, munchkin. One drink. One. No karaoke."
She clasps her little body to mine and her energy literally ricochets around the room. Dammit, she is such a cute little bugger. That's why I love her.
"Just let me put this last load into the dishwasher and I'll meet you out front."
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Before I even know where I am and how I got there, I realize that I'm sitting at a table at the Mill with our newly formed, loosely cobbled together sort of Justice League. Except that I'm totally out of my league, but that goes without saying. Somehow, we all floated from the café to the Mill…it reminds me of the dust cloud that follows Pig Pen in the Peanuts cartoon. Except our Pig Pen is Alice, and she's very clean, but we still follow her because we can't help ourselves. To say that the girl is charismatic is an understatement. Wherever she leads, we are all inclined to follow.
I peruse my surroundings, and notice that Jasper is sitting next to Alice who is sitting next to Emmett who is sitting next to Rosalie who is sitting next to Esme who is sitting next to me. And between Jasper and me? Yep, Cullen. It's like the fucker did it just to spite me. I cross my arms and pretend he isn't there. Plus, as an added bonus, I'm next to Esme Cullen, and I'm determined to chat her up. She's bound to be extremely compelling. Plus, she isn't Edward. I can't go wrong.
I turn to talk to Esme, but before any words leave my mouth, the waitress arrives and sets a plastic cup in front of each of us. I groan. Someone ordered kamikaze shots for the table. Well, I did promise myself one drink, so it will just be a potent one. I can handle one. I'm not that much of a lightweight. Alice grabs her cup and hoists it high above her head, shouting out "CHEERS!" Everyone else at the table follows suit, and we slam the shots. Even Esme, which is cooler than cool.
"So, Ms. Cullen, how did things go today?" The minute the words leave my mouth, I regret it. They probably can't talk about that stuff, they're probably industry secrets or something. I quickly clamp my hand over my mouth.
"Bella, first of all, if you all me Ms. Cullen, I'll have to resort to calling you Ms. Swan. I don't want to do that, so it's Esme, all right?" I nod my head in response. "And second, why did you put your hand over your mouth? You didn't say anything wrong."
"Well, I just figured I was prying, or you didn't want to have details get out to the general public or something like that. I don't really know anything about Hollywood life, so I'm not sure what are acceptable topics of conversation, and what's taboo. I just assumed I put my foot in it like I always do. No verbal filter, apparently."
"Bella, now if I was worried about you saying something to the tabloids, perhaps I would be more reserved. I don't think I have anything to worry about with you."
"Wow, thanks. That was very cool, the way you just handled that."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Bella. So tell me, I'm very curious, how does one get to become a baker with infamous buns in Forks, Washington?"
"How do you know about my buns?"
"My son and I were looking at your website this morning during our flight."
"You were?"
"Why do you sound so surprised by that?"
"Well, um, you're famous. You're coming into my town for one of your film projects. I can't imagine what kind of alternate universe exists where Esme Cullen would be looking at our website. It's just weird."
"Bella, I'm hardly famous. Edward and Jasper are the ones who gain most of the attention around here."
Suddenly, I remember that Edward is sitting next to me. I feel his gaze in my general direction, but choose to continue ignoring it.
"You never answered my question, Bella. How did you become a baker?"
"Well, it's a long story, but the synopsis is basically that I can't afford to go to college, my best friend and I wanted to do something together, and I've been baking cookies and treats for as long as I can remember. It was kind of my hobby to take recipes and combine them, or change them, and create something entirely new. When Emmett and Alice came up with the idea for the café, I was in like Flynn. That's the story."
"That's exactly what we do with our films. Take a story, add our own flair to it, and create something entirely new," I hear a smooth, velvety blanket coat my ears as Edward speaks. If I were standing up right now, my knees would have just buckled.
Hang on a tick, I don't remember inviting anyone to join my private conversation with Esme Cullen!
"Mr. Cullen, it isn't like baking and filmmaking are even remotely connected. For example, I've never once walked down the red carpet because I created a stellar new tart recipe. My 'buns' are never splayed in the tabloids. Our lives and experiences have no relevance to one another's."
"Well, Bella, I think you aren't giving yourself enough credit for what you do. While the two activities may not be in similar hemispheres, you have to admit the pursuits and the goals are similar," Esme interjects.
"Would you care to admit that you create your art with a healthy dose of care and love?" Edward says, trying to squeeze back into the conversation. I look over at him, and his gaze is fixed, intense, and a little intimidating.
Okay, I think. I can take you on, Mr. Asshat.
"No, I wouldn't care to admit that. What I do isn't art. I love it, it is fun, it is extremely labor intensive, but it's just baking. It isn't like I'm giving birth to my progeny or anything like that."
"I think that could be construed as an artistic endeavor, Bella," Esme adds. "And if you love what you do, then you clearly care deeply about the product you are trying to create. That sounds like the same thing we try to do at Masen."
Before I can stop myself, I blurt out the truth. "No, if I have to be honest, writing is my preferred art form, and in writing I truly synthesize something new and unique. That's what I truly love."
Shit. I didn't mean to get on about my writing. This is going to be fail, I just know it.
They both have startled looks on their faces. I feel compelled to explain.
"Um, what I mean to say is, uh, oh hell! My real aspiration in life is to be a writer. There. I said it. And don't think that I said it just because you two are here and I expect to join forces with you or anything like that! It's just a stupid dream that I have. It doesn't mean anything!"
"On the contrary, Bella, I find that very interesting. I have the sense that there is more than meets the eye with you. I'm seldom wrong in my intuition about people," Esme says with the gentlest, most inviting look that I've ever seen. I wish I knew what it is about her that makes me feel so comfortable.
Our conversation is interrupted by another round of kamikazes. Typically, I would give mine to someone else, but in light of my most recent admission, I desperately need the liquid courage. Alice leads us all in another round of, "CHEERS!"
Esme and I continue talking about Masen, how she got into her line of work, and then veer off into topics regarding life in general. She is by far the most interesting person I've ever met, and I know I love her. I wonder if this is because my own mom is such a miserable failure, that I'm glomming onto Esme, who happens to be the epitome of everything that is good and wise and nurturing. I'm hoping that my reaction is simply because she is a kickass individual and nothing more than that.
As I ponder that, I see Alice pulling Jasper up onto the stage to start off the karaoke. Jasper is a brave, brave soul—you wouldn't get me up there, even if you pulled out all my teeth sans Novocain. They start signing one of the cheesy duets from High School Musical. Wow, Jasper must actually like Alice—I can't imagine a grown man putting up with this level of shame otherwise. I officially love Jasper Whitlock now. Not in love love, but love his character and the fact that he is smitten with Alice. That much is very obvious. I happen to glance in Edward Cullen's general direction and he is glaring. What's up his ass this time? I wonder.
Another round of kamikazes hit us, another chorus of "CHEERS!" and then it's Rosalie and Emmett's turn on stage. Emmett sings about as well as an out of tune piano, but he gives it all his heart. Rosalie has a beautiful singing voice, of course, since she is the epitome of female perfection. They are both drunk and smiley and appear to be having the time of their lives. I wonder if someone like Rosalie ever lets her hair down. I doubt it.
Rose and Em are followed onstage by Jessica and Lauren, who dedicate their song to Jasper. Alice looks like she is going to bite their heads off. Jasper looks like he is going to puke, and I'm pretty certain it isn't because he has drunk too much. He shakes his head and turns to make conversation with Edward, who has been sitting with his arms crossed, brows furrowed, and a permanent scowl on his face. The music is loud, but not at a level that drowns out Jasper's words.
"Edward, dude, lighten up. You should at least try to pretend as if you're enjoying yourself. You do need to worry about PR."
"Jasper, you know better than anyone on this earth how impossible it is for me to pretend to feel something which I do not. I hate feeling like I have to say something polite for conversational purposes. I'll leave that to you, and just observe rather than participate. Besides, the only woman of substance in this town has been on your arm all night."
"She is stunning, isn't she? I was immediately drawn to her. Her friend is pretty hot, too."
"I suppose she's all right, but she's been sitting by herself all night! I'm certainly not going to attempt a conversation that I have no desire of conducting with a woman who hasn't spoken to another man all evening. It isn't my job to make her feel attractive, and you're wasting your time trying to convince me otherwise."
I clearly overhear Edward and sit there staring at him. I can feel the heat of my blush on my cheeks. Although I didn't think it was possible, my opinion of him just sunk to a new record low. He may as well be the NYSE, that's about how highly I think of him. I do my best to hold back my tears, because I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing how badly his words hurt me. That would give him a level of power over me I don't want him to have.
"Well, Edward, as usual, your narrow vision limits your options. I guess you really don't care about being single."
I stand up, deciding that now is my time to depart, before my ego can suffer any additional blows.
"Alice, I think I'm going to head out—it looks as though I've been officially snubbed." I turn and glare at Edward. "I'll see you tomorrow. At least one of these guys is amiable."
Jasper looks at me sadly and murmurs, "Touché."
"Thanks."
Esme stands up to leave with me. "I think I'm ready to go, too, Bella. Why don't I give you a ride home in our car?" She puts her arm around me, and I feel just a little bit better. As we turn to leave, she leans over to Edward.
"I raised you to be a gentleman, Edward Anthony Cullen, and you disappoint me. That was very badly done, buster. Very badly done!"
She turns her back on her son and puts her hand in the middle of my back. I can feel the tears starting to fall, and I just let it happen. I don't care who sees it anymore.
A/N: I promised myself I would never beg, borrow, or steal for reviews, or resort to cheap tricks. I lied. I'm breaking down to offer teasers for every review. I'm a review whore; I admit it!