CHOICES
A/N: I got a couple of questions about the Pfeffernusse (Fef'-er–noos-uh, literally 'peppernut') cookies Bella got for Jake. They are a type of German spice cookie, rather like a thick gingersnap, coated in a thin sugar glaze. They are usually found in American groceries only during the holiday season.
I am in awe, once again, (I should be used to it by now) of my Uberbeta, the 2-time Indie TwiFic Award-winning DeviKalika. Go read her fabulous story, "Oh, Inverted World." Do it. Now. Then come back & see what these crazy kids get up to on their evening out.
Translation services were provided by FakerParis, Queen of the RobPics on Twitter. I heart you hard.
Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I own a pair of dove grey doe-skin gloves that are older than me. Don't hate.
The Nearness of You- Steve March Torme' 'The Essence of Love'
Chapter 10
BPOV
At 5:48, Bella sat in her kitchen, clutching a glass of wine. The closer the clock moved to 6:00, the more anxious she became.
'Why am I so nervous? We had a great time today; well, I did. I think he did. I hope he did. Of course he did, or he wouldn't have asked me to dinner. Dammit, this is stupid!'She smoothed a loose lock of hair back behind her ear, and tipped the rest of the bottle into her glass.
'Bang. Dead soldier.' Moving to the recycle can, she dropped the bottle in. It clanked cozily with the others already inside. Bella winced. Maybe she would get the boxed wine next time. It took longer to go through and was easier to recycle, not to mention the package wouldn't make those accusing noises when she disposed of it.
She had been drinking a bit more than usual. She stopped on her way home Friday to pick up two bottles after she bought the Masen CD, and had gotten three more Saturday when she found the Pfeffernusse cookies. There was only one bottle left. Ever since Wednesday, though, her world had become surreal. It still was, today even more so, but at least it was pleasant now. Maybe the nightmares would stop.
At 5:59, there was a knock on her door. Even expecting it, Bella flinched. She put her glass down and rolled to the door. Taking a last deep breath, she opened it.
Edward stood there smiling, and the smile grew the longer he looked at her, until his eyes crinkled at the corners. He held a nosegay of violets in his gloved hand and made a small bow as he presented them to her.
"Good evening, Bella."
A thrill shot through her at the sound of her name on his lips. Her cheeks glowed and she smiled, moving away from the door so he could come in. She thanked him, taking the bouquet and going into the kitchen to find a vase.
"Where did you find violets? They're beautiful."
"I have my sources." Edward's eyes twinkled at her as he removed his coat, draping it over his arm. "They remind me of you. First, the bunch on my top hat this afternoon and now… this." He gestured to her and she blushed harder. "You look beautiful, Bella. Thank you."
She hadn't thought she could blush so much without combusting, but apparently, she could. Bella looked down at the deep blue dress she had found in the consignment shop. It had reminded her of the violets on his hat as well, and she had felt how special it was the moment she tried it on. The soft jersey knit fell in a cowl from her shoulders, draping across her bust. Fitted sleeves ended at her wrist in a long row of tiny buttons. The skirt was long enough to cover most of her legs while in the chair, yet allowing her black ballet flats to peek out. She had put her hair up in a low chignon at the suggestion of the saleswoman, but a few tendrils had escaped.
"Thank you," she said shyly, her eyes taking in his dark suit and tie. The navy pinstriped vest against his crisp, white dress shirt did funny things to her stomach. "You look very nice yourself." She gazed at his tie, working up the nerve to look at his face. She slowly raised her eyes and met his deep golden ones. He was smiling.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" she offered. Edward shook his head.
"No, thank you. Our reservations are for 6:30, so we should go."
"Of course. Let me get my wrap." Bella went to her bedroom and returned with a black cloak and a small black clutch purse. Edward held the cloak as she settled it around her, and then put his own coat back on.
"Are you ready for another adventure?" he grinned mischievously at her. She cut her eyes at him, a smirk on her face.
"If you are involved, how could it be anything but an adventure?" she teased.
Edward chuckled. "Good. I hope you have recovered sufficiently from your swoon this afternoon, as I foresee more French in your immediate future." He seemed very pleased with himself.
"You're a fortune teller now, are you?" Bella laughed. "Pray good sir, what does my future hold this night?" She batted her lashes at him. Her inner adult groaned. Edward's eyes darkened slightly and he bent forward.
"I predict that you will be singing before the night is out." His lips twisted into a lop-sided smile. Bella gasped and laughed.
"If you are laying odds on that, I'll take them, because I don't sing." She shook her head, then stilled as he moved a little closer.
"In public." His voice caressed her and his eyes sparkled, making her shiver.
"Okay, now you're just talking crazy," she sputtered. He chuckled and straightened up, reaching to open the door. A few moments later, they were through the lobby and on the cold street. A smile played on his lips as he watched her react to the Town car and the driver.
"Edward, what is all this?" Bella was confused. He grinned and moved to her side.
"Your carriage, milady," he murmured. Bella was stunned by the big black car and liveried driver. This was so expensive and unnecessary. They could have taken her truck, or a cab.
"Bella?" She looked up at him, about to chastise him for the extravagance, but his expression melted her heart. His hand was in his hair and his eyes were concerned. "How would you like to proceed?" he asked cautiously. She realized he wasn't sure how to get her into the car from her chair. She looked at the back seat. It was high - not as high as her truck, but close. She wouldn't be able to pivot herself.
"I… may need a little help here," she said softly, embarrassed. She hated having to be dependent on people.
"Please, tell me what you need and I'll do it," Edward encouraged.
"It's just… high," Bella said with a frown. Edward stepped closer.
"If you would permit me…?" He held out his arms. Bella blushed and fidgeted, then nodded. Her heart pounded and she cringed. Edward took a deep breath, and then leaned down, carefully sliding his right arm beneath her knees and his left around her back. She wrapped both of her arms cautiously around his neck and he smiled. Gently, he lifted her from the chair and placed her in the back seat.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his glorious face, filled with concern, was only inches from hers. Bella held her breath as she gazed into his eyes. She nodded and he smiled. "You can let go now."
"Oh, God! Of course." She pulled her arms back quickly, embarrassed, her cheeks flaming red. "Sorry," she murmured. He chuckled as he closed the door. The driver folded her chair and placed it in the back of the car.
'Stupid! Hanging on him like that! But, wow, he's so strong, and he smells so good…'she thought as she fumbled with her seatbelt. Edward got in the car from the other side, a smile still on his lips. She could feel him watching her and her cheeks burned. She cleared her throat as the car pulled into traffic.
"I'm sorry," she said, her eyes on her hands. "I don't like feeling helpless. I don't … I don't know how to let people help me."
"I understand. I don't like feeling helpless, either," Edward said. "But sometimes, you just can't do everything yourself. Please Bella, let me know when you need help. I don't want to over-step any boundaries."
Bella nodded. They were silent for a few minutes as the car moved through town. She smiled to herself and raised her eyes. He was looking at her.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
She smirked and bit her lower lip. "I was just trying to imagine you, 'helpless'. I'm sorry, I just can't picture it."
Edward's mouth twisted into a grin and he shrugged. "It happens, far more often than I'd like."
Bella raised her eyebrows. "As strong as you are? I don't think so." She shook her head. Edward leaned toward her, his eyes twinkling.
"It's true. Secretly…" he tapped his chest with one slender finger. Bella's eyes followed his hand. "…I'm a total weakling." Bella's gaze flashed back to his face.
"No way. It would probably take Kryptonite to make you weak!" she laughed. The door opened and she realized they had stopped. The driver had her chair open and waiting for her. Edward came around to her side, again gently lifting her and placing her in the wheelchair. This time, Bella managed to let go of his neck, but Edward remained bent over, his left arm across her shoulders. His right hand reached for hers and his fingers smoothed over her knuckles. His amber eyes smoldered and Bella felt dizzy.
"Kryptonite doesn't make me weak, Bella. But violets do," he breathed and let go of her hand.
Somehow, they were inside, past the hostess, and installed at a table in a quiet corner before Bella could quite focus again. She took several steadying breaths as she watched him remove his coat and gloves. He placed them in the chair next to him as he sat down.
'Damn, he's good.'Bella's thoughts were jumbled as she stared out the restaurant's picture windows. The view of Puget Sound and the mountains in the distance was spectacular.'Looks, too much money, and killer charm - this guy could be dangerous, Bella-girl. You watch yourself. Get your answers and get on with it. He'll be out of your life Wednesday anyhow; no need to make things complicated.'
She stole a look at him. He was watching her hands as she nervously twisted her ring on her finger, a contemplative look on his face. 'Then again, when have I had this much fun, especially in one day? The heck with it. So I live a little dangerously. It's not like he's going to bite me or anything. And he'll be gone soon. I might as well enjoy this.' She pulled her hands into her lap and his eyes met hers. A waiter materialized at their table.
"Bonsoir! Bienvenue au Restaurant Maximilien. I am Henri. Here are your menus and our wine list. What may I bring you to begin, s'il-vous-plait?" Edward glanced at the menu before studying the wine list. He looked over the top of it at Bella and smiled.
"Is there anything in particular that you would like?" he asked. Bella looked up from her menu with a bewildered expression on her face.
"I'm not very familiar with French cuisine." A small grin lit her eyes. "Perhaps you could 'help me' with ordering?"
Edward smiled back, his eyes bright. "I would be delighted." He turned to the waiter who was gazing raptly at him. Bella covered her mouth with her hand, hiding a grin. "Henri, nous commencerons avec le Duo de Foie Gras et d'Escargots a la Bourguignonne. Aussi je pense que nous aurons le Tournedos de Boeuf. Bella, how do you prefer your beef?" he asked.
"Oh, medium-well, please," she said breathlessly, impressed with his fluency once again.
"Medium-well for the lady and I would like mine rare, thank you. To drink, I think the Dom Brut will suffice." Edward took Bella's menu and placed it with his.
"Bon!" Henri dotted an 'i' on his notepad with a flourish and bowed. "Oui, monsieur," he gushed, taking the menus and disappearing. Edward chuckled at Bella's expression.
"Are you all right? I realize that French makes you giddy, but I purposely left my jabot at home this evening," he teased. Bella blinked at him and blushed.
"No, really I'm fine. You just speak it so beautifully. Have you been to France?" she asked.
"Yes, several times. It's quite lovely in the country and even dirty, old Paris has a charm of her own," he smiled. "Have you?"
"I've never been east of Albequerque, actually. My mother lives in Florida with her husband. They've asked me to visit several times, but it's never really been convenient," she said, her eyes on the spoon she was twitching in her fingers. She glanced up. Edward was leaning back in his chair, elbows on the armrests, fingers steepled together, watching her with a smile.
"Travel is rarely convenient. That's one of its many pleasures. Convenience doesn't leave much room for adventures."
Bella smiled, leaning in towards him. "You do seem rather fond of 'adventures'," she teased.
His eyes sparkled as he sat forward. "I am. I haven't had many lately and was beginning to despair. Then you came along…"
Henri was suddenly placing dishes and glasses on the table between them, forcing them both to sit back. Another waiter busily worked on a wine bottle in a tableside cooler. Bella looked down at the plates in front of her. There were two preparations of foie gras, cured and seared, accompanied by an onion marmalade and butter brioche. On another dish, six snails in their shells reposed in a pool of butter sauce. A 'pop' close by made her start. She watched as the sommelier poured bubbling nectar into a crystal flute. Edward handed her the glass. She held the stem carefully until Edward had his own and they were alone again. He raised his glass and tapped it lightly to hers.
"To adventure," he toasted.
She smiled. "Yes, to adventure!" She sipped the champagne. The bubbles did the tickling thing they always did, but something was different. This wasn't the grocery store champagne she bought every New Year. It was slightly spicy and delicious.
"Have you ever had escargots before, Bella?" Edward asked. She shook her head through a small bite of foie gras and brioche. When she swallowed, she picked up the extra fork Henri had brought and gave the plate of escargots a glare. Edward laughed. "What's the matter?"
"I've seen 'Pretty Woman'. I don't want to pull a Julia Roberts and shoot one of these suckers across the room," she snorted.
He laughed. "Richard Gere should have been more considerate. May I show you the simplest way to remove them from the shell?"
"Oh, please," Bella sighed, relaxing a bit. She watched his hands deftly spear the snail and twist it free. She looked up to find his eyes on her face, an unreadable expression in them.
"What?" she asked. Instead of answering, he raised the fork and brought it within inches of her mouth. She couldn't tear her eyes from his face. His topaz eyes were on her mouth, his own lips slightly parted. Bella swallowed thickly and blushed, then leaned forward, opening her mouth. Edward slid the escargot between her lips and pulled the empty fork back out.
'There is a snail. In my mouth.' Bella sat for a second, mentally cursing the enormous flock of butterflies which had taken up residence in her stomach the moment he had first spoken to her in French. She had hoped all day that they would settle down and play checkers or something, but no. They insisted on fluttering wildly and making her feel slightly queasy.
'It's just different. People eat these all the time.'Her pep talk wasn't working until she caught Edward's eye. 'He likes adventure? Fine. I can be adventurous, too.'She bit down and chewed.
"Oh. Oh, my." Her eyes grew wide and she swallowed. "Edward, that was delicious. I had no idea escargots would be so good." He smiled and held out another on the fork.
"I'm glad you like them. They aren't for everyone," he sounded pleased, his eyes glowing.
"I can imagine. The texture is interesting, but it's not as bad as I expected. And this butter sauce is to die for. There's enough garlic in it to choke a vampire." She leaned in to take the bite he offered and then sat back, chewing. She looked at him as she picked up her glass. He had an odd expression on his face.
"What's wrong? Don't you like garlic?" asked Bella, her champagne flute in her hand. He exhaled and also reached for his glass. He tipped it to his lips and then set it down. His eyes were deep topaz and his mouth wore a wicked little smile.
"That's the second time today you have mentioned vampires," he said, amusement in his voice. Bella put more foie gras on her brioche.
"I know, it's silly." She leaned conspiratorially toward him. "Violets may be your weakness; mine is vampires. They're my secret vice." She grinned at him and bit into the brioche. Edward's eyes darkened as he leaned forward.
"What do you mean, your 'vice'?" he asked quietly.
"I'm a little obsessed with vampire movies and books," she said after she swallowed. "I teach Classical Romance all day, but my guilty pleasure reading is vampire stories. I keep a couple in my desk at school. They help me stay awake while I'm giving exams, like tomorrow. Vampires mix romance with some horror and bring it to a new level. Besides, they're damn sexy." Edward narrowed his eyes at her and tilted his head.
"How can you find a monster attractive? When you know what he is, what he's capable of doing… that's neither romantic nor sexy." He played with the escargot fork, spearing another snail on the tines.
"But vampires are beautiful. Well, not Nosferatu. He was kind of gross. But most vampires are very attractive so their victims will submit more willingly," Bella said, eying the escargot on Edward's fork. He grinned crookedly and held it out to her. She bit it off of the fork and licked a small drop of garlic butter sauce from her lower lip.
Edward frowned. "A monster is a monster, Bella, even if he doesn't look like one."
"Maybe. But vampires can't help who they are. Most of them are turned against their will, anyway. They don't ask to be blood drinkers; it's just their nature. They aren't inherently evil." Bella sipped her wine.
"They don't try to do anything good, though, do they? They don't attempt to change. Even when Dracula found Mina and tried to make her his bride, he never considered doing anything to be worthy of her. He was only concerned with getting her away from Harker and Van Helsing, and turning her against her will. Monsters have no honor." Bella looked at him over the rim of her champagne flute. His eyes were honey dark and he was stabbing at another escargot, the shell in splinters.
"That's rather a blanket statement. You can't deny the stories are romantic, though," she said.
Edward looked up in surprise. "Romantic? Killing people, or turning someone else into a fiend, is romantic?"
Bella shook her head. "That's not what I mean. Vampires need blood to survive. It's what they eat. They have no choice in that. So they are hunted down once the villagers figure out who's been killing their livestock and women of questionable morals." Edward's eyebrows rose but he said nothing. "That's what's classically romantic- they always die at the end. They never get the girl, never get to go off and live happily forever after. You would think some girl, in some vampire story somewhere, could actually fall for the guy and want to join him. Now that would really be romantic," Bella tilted her glass and drained it. "Good champagne," she said.
Henri arrived with their entrees. They sat silently as he removed the debris from the appetizers.
"So what you're saying is you feel sorry for the vampire?" Edward asked the moment they were alone. "He's still a monster, even if through no fault of his own, yet you think there could be something left in him, some small spark of goodness or humanity… whatever. Something that the ingénue could find worthy of encouraging, worthy enough to give up her own mortality and soul?"
Bella thought a moment as she savored the dish of mushrooms and beef.
"There could be something, no question. And I don't think I agree with you about the soul. I don't think it's necessarily lost when one becomes a vampire."
Edward ran his hand through his hair, staring at her. "Bella, vampires kill people. They are murderers. If they are destroyed in turn, they are damned." His voice was quiet.
"Maybe not," Bella countered. "What if they only kill bad people? That could redeem them."
"I think that's doubtful. What about your girl? She wants to be a vampire. She would willingly give herself to the change, perhaps unlike her suitor who wasn't given the choice." Edward shook his head.
"She wouldn't necessarily lose her soul, either. She's become a vampire for love, which is the highest power after all. And what's to stop her from just feeding on animals? Maybe she never kills anybody." Bella took another bite of beef.
Edward had the oddest look on his face, and then the crinkles came back. He laughed and poured Bella another glass of champagne. Her eyes widened as he re-wrapped the cloth around the bottle and she saw part of the label before he put it back in the ice.
'Dom Peri… Holy cow, he didn't!'She slowly twirled the champagne flute in her fingers, watching the bubbles. She sipped it. 'He did. This is definitely 'good champagne'!'
"That's an interesting theory, Bella. I hope for her sake your girl gets to have a 'happily forever after' with her vampire." Edward reached for a roll in the bread basket. "I'm afraid I'm too pessimistic for those stories. And you're right; it is sad that the monster never gets the girl. I felt especially sorry for the Creature from the Black Lagoon." He smirked as he pulled the bread to pieces with his fingers.
"Erik came close, but I never really think of him as a monster." Bella prodded a green bean on her plate.
"Erik, who?" Edward looked confused.
"The Phantom of the Opera. He had convinced Christine to stay with him in order to save Raoul, but she cried over him and kissed him, changing his heart. She even wore his ring until he died, so she must have loved him a little. But Erik wasn't a monster. He was just sad and crazy." She looked up from toying with her food to see Edward staring at her again. "What?"
"You're kind of fascinating," he said with a smile.
"Me?" Bella gasped. "How?"
"I've never met anyone like you. You don't think like other people. I like that, although it does make it difficult to figure you out." He leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand.
"What's to figure out? I'm just me," Bella laughed at him.
'Plain, old me. What's he talking about – fascinating? There's that dangerous charm stuff again. Damn, he's gorgeous! And how many glasses of Dom P. have I had? Maybe I'd better back off a bit.'She put down the glass and pushed it away slightly.
"That you are," Edward said. He watched her hand drop from her glass to her lap. "Are you ready to go?"
"Whenever you are," she replied. She glanced at the table as Edward motioned to Henri and signed the bill.
'He didn't eat very much. I ate more than I expected, what with the butterflies and all. It was so good. Still, there's a lot left.'She looked up as Edward held out her cloak.
"Shall we?" he said as she wrapped it around herself. She nodded and they moved toward the door. Henri twinkled at them as he passed on his way to another table, bidding them 'adieu'.
'Apparently, he's consistently a good tipper,'Bella smiled to herself. 'I like that.'
Once outside, the chilly damp of the night didn't encourage a leisurely stroll, but the Town car was nowhere in sight. Edward started to walk down the street and Bella wheeled alongside him, wondering where they were headed.
"Thank you for the lovely dinner. It was delicious," she said softly.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did as well." Edward grinned at her. "The conversation was …enlightening."
"Oh, stop! It's your own fault. You had to keep me talking about vampires. We could have changed the subject," Bella laughed.
Edward leaned down as he walked and spoke quietly to her. "I know how you feel about vampires now. What is your opinion of the 'wee folk'?" His eyes and voice were mischievous, and a grin twisted his lips.
"Don't get me started on fairies! When I was a kid, you couldn't have paid me to walk through a fairy ring. I still go around them when I see one on campus," Bella laughed, her eyes sparkling. She knew he was teasing her, but he was so open about discussing such silly things. She wondered if her belief in Santa Claus would be questioned next.
"Good. I like your attitude. Let's go see if we can find some." Edward was in front of her on the sidewalk, walking backwards, somehow avoiding running into other people.
"Find some fairies? What are you talking about?" Bella briefly wondered just how much champagne Edward had consumed.
"Maybe not fairies, exactly, but what about leprechauns?" Edward's eyes were dancing and Bella could see he was leading her somewhere as they left the street and entered an alley full of shops and cafés. He had something planned.
"Hmm. And just where do you expect to find said leprechauns in Seattle?"Bella smiled, playing along.
"At a céilí, of course," Edward laughed.
"A 'kaylee'? What's that?" She was enchanted with his laugh. She wasn't sure which she preferred, the full out laugh she'd only heard a few times which was accompanied by those adorable crinkly eyes, or the low chuckle that sent shivers down her spine. Maybe she needed to do more research…
"It's an Irish dance party. All the best céilís have leprechauns in attendance," he stated.
"You're taking me to a dance? Seriously?" Bella looked at him and shook her head, but she was laughing. Edward ran his hand through his hair and gave her a sheepish crooked grin. He stopped and came back to stand next to her.
"I suppose I am." He cocked his head and the glow from the streetlamp behind him gave him a golden halo.
"Were I to ask, would ye go, lassie?" The lilt in his voice made her head swim. Or was that the champagne? Bella closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing.
"If you thought I had a reaction to French, you had better not talk to me with an Irish accent," she warned. She opened her eyes and looked at him. The Irish bar was not much further down the alley. She could hear the music and laughter spilling from the open doorway. Edward's amber eyes were shining, his messy hair glistening auburn in the damp night air. Bella felt the blood drain from her cheeks and then rush back again. His velvet voice was low.
"Ye dinna answer me. Would ye go?" His brogue was thick and natural. Had she not heard him speak all day, she would have sworn he just arrived from Dublin. Bella swallowed and her voice was a whisper.
"Yes, I would go." His beautiful eyes crinkled and that heart-stopping crooked smile blinded her momentarily.
"Ah knew ye were game, lass! C'mon, then!" He chuckled and led her on to Kell's.
Inside, Edward stopped for a word with the bartender who flagged down a waitress. She flashed a big smile and wiggled her hips in Edward's direction but he didn't seem to notice. Bella narrowed her eyes as the girl turned to lead them to a table near the front by the band.
'She's actually sashaying. That's disgusting,' Bella thought. 'Wish I could do that. I wonder…' She looked quickly at Edward who was behind her, but he wasn't watching the waitress. Instead he was trying to run interference between her wheelchair and the closely packed tables. 'He's too cute,' she mused.
In a few moments, they were through the crush of patrons. Once settled at the table, Edward ordered two Irish coffees and the waitress left, still wiggling.
"You needed something to warm you up," Edward said when she teased that he was trying to get her drunk. The room was so loud that he had to put his lips next to her ear for Bella to hear him. She shivered as his breath tickled her. "See, you are cold."
"Maybe a little. This cloak isn't as warm as I thought it would be." Edward picked his trench coat up from the chair next to him, offering it to her. "No, really, I'll be fine in a minute. Actually…" Bella craned her head to scan the room. She spotted the restroom on the other side of the stage. "If you would excuse me for a moment, while I powder my nose…" Edward smiled gently.
"Of course," he said and stood up as she maneuvered away from the table. She hugged the edge of the stage as she crossed the dance floor, trying to avoid the crowd.
The Ladies' was a good deal warmer than the table area. Bella had to wait a few minutes until the wheelchair accessible stall was free. The girl who came out looked embarrassed to have been inside, but Bella smiled at her. There was a line, after all. It took only a few moments to empty her catheter bag into the toilet.
Bella looked at herself in the mirror as she washed her hands. 'Look at me, out on the town in a new - well, new-to-me - dress that is anamazingblue. I am with easily the most gorgeous, witty, charming, smart, gorgeous (you said that- I know, it bears repeating- fine) man in Seattle - who didn't even look twice at the wiggly waitress - who speaks French, and does an Irish accent that would make my toes curl if they could.'She took out a lipstick and considered using it for a moment before putting it back in her purse. She closed her eyes and sighed, then looked in the mirror again.
'How's it really going, Bella? Having a good time? That's nice. What about those questions you had? You haven't forgotten all the months of waking up screaming from dreams starring His Hotness out there, have you? She nervously twisted loose tendrils of hair back behind her ears. Consciences were so over-rated.
'When are you going to stop playing princess and get back to reality? He's perfect, so there's obviously something wrong with him. Oh, yeah, he hated you in high school. He left and took his family with him. Because ofyou. And you still don't know why, because you can't get past his looks and smooth moves. Shallow, much?'
She bit her bottom lip. Another woman was waiting for the sink but she moved to a different one when she caught Bella's expression in the mirror.
'Oh, sure, crying might work. Maybe he'll ask why, and you can say you were just thinking about when he gave you murderous glares back in Biology. Do you suppose he even remembers?'Bella's eyes were bright, but that thought had not occurred to her before. The unshed tears dried in her eyes.
'Of course he remembers. He stared at me on Wednesday. He recognized me, too. Could all of this, today, be just an apology then? Or is it less than that? Is it just a game, something for him to pass the time until his car is ready?'Bella shook her head. 'No, that can't be true. People don't drop fifty dollars for a pair of old, used gloves, or buy Dom Perignon on a Sunday night if it's just a game. Not even if they have lots of money and nothing better to do.'
"Excuse me? Are you Bella?" A slim, blonde girl spoke to her. Bella looked up at her.
"Yes, I am," she said as a sudden fear chilled her. He'd gotten tired of waiting and had sent this girl to tell her to forget it.
"Okay, this guy outside? He wanted to make sure you were okay? So he asked me to check? Are you okay?" Bella stared, wondering if this girl was for real.
"I'm fine, thank you," she said slowly, her nerves beginning to calm.
"Okay. I'll tell him." The girl nodded and started for the door, then turned back, a hopeful look in her eyes. "He's your brother, right?"
"No, he's … not my brother," she answered, suddenly anxious again. What was he? A date? A friend? The girl looked crestfallen as she left. Bella straightened her shoulders and gave herself one last glare in the mirror.
'There is a perfectly lovely man outside who brought you here, and you are spending the whole time in the Ladies' arguing with yourself. Go have fun, dammit!'
He was leaning against the wall outside of the restrooms when she came out. Bella blushed.
"I'm sorry for taking so long," she said, wondering how long it had really been.
"Don't be. It's fine. I just got a little worried that I did something wrong and you weren't coming back," he joked. Bella was startled; his words were too close to the subject of her mental conversation. She raised her eyebrows and looked up at him. He ducked his head, grinning sheepishly.
'My God, he's adorable. As ifI'dleavehim.I'll never be able to ask him, but I have to know; I need the answers. Good grief, all those years, dreaming of chasing him down, now here I have his undivided attention and I just can't ask.' Bella smiled back and followed Edward into the main room.
They made it back to the table where their Irish coffees waited. Bella stuck her tongue into the pile of whipped cream on top of hers and caught Edward staring at her. She made a face at him and laughed. He grinned and shook his head, stirring the cream into his coffee.
The band had been taking a short break and now returned to the stage. They announced a reel and patrons took the floor, lining up in pairs. The music was infectious and the dancers were having a great time. Bella was enchanted. She had not experienced much folk dancing, other than some tribal ceremonies she had attended in La Push with Jake. This was very different, almost square dancing, but freer and without the fancy dresses. All were welcome to join in, regulars enthusiastically teaching the steps to newcomers.
Bella hadn't been much of a dancer. She took ballet as a child but it did nothing to make her graceful. For the first time in a very long while, she consciously wished she could use her legs. She would have been dangerous to the other dancers, but with Edward for a partner, she probably could have gotten through without breaking anything.
Between the reels and jigs, the band pulled out drinking songs and some of the infamously sad Irish laments. 'Whiskey in the Jar' had Bella clapping along, and her eyes were misty during 'Green Fields of France' and 'Carrickfergus'. Edward started laughing during 'The Wild Rover' and she couldn't figure out why.
His eyes were bright gold as he leaned in to point out,"You're singing, Bella. In public!" She stared at him a moment, then joined in the laughter.
"All right! I'll trust your predictions from now on," she giggled. He smirked and ordered her another Irish coffee.
Sunday night was flirting hard with Monday morning when they left the bar. Edward had already called for the Town car and it was waiting when they came out. The streets were wet and cold, the air threatening sleet. Bella slid her arms around Edward's neck as he picked her up, grasping tighter as he suddenly spun her in a circle in his arms before putting her down in the car. She gasped and giggled at the mischievous grin on his face. He kept her laughing all the way back to her apartment. He walked her to her door, but she couldn't bring herself to let it be over just yet.
"Come in for a minute," she urged. He smiled that crooked smile and followed her through the door. "Make yourself at home. I'll just be a second," she said.
Bella went down the hall to her room and dropped her cloak and purse on the bed. Just as she came back to the living room, Edward pushed PLAY on her stereo system. The beautiful strains of Anthony Masen's piano concerto in D minor filled the room. Edward stared at the player. He turned to Bella with a bemused look on his face.
'Oh, God, I'm so busted…or maybe not. I mean, I bought it; it's not as though I stole his copy. I just didn't know about it until I saw it in his car.'These thoughts flew through Bella's mind as she smiled at him, her face flushed.
"I love Anthony Masen," she said, trying to cover her dismay. "He's my favorite modern composer. Do you know his work?" she asked innocently. Edward smiled and his eyes glittered.
"Which piece is your favorite?" he asked softly.
"Oh, it's hard to pick just one concerto, but I do have a friend who played the harp and oboe duet when we were in college. It was unforgettable."
Surprise lit his face. "Really? That's not one I've heard performed very often. It is rather unusual. Was your friend the harp or the oboe?" he asked.
"Harp," Bella chuckled. "She's Irish. She would have loved Kell's tonight."
An electronic chirp cut through the piano music. Edward looked at the caller ID and frowned, then apologized. "Excuse me. I need to take this. It should only take a moment."
"Take your time," she called as he stepped into the hall outside of her door.
'That was close, but I think I got away with it,'Bella thought, taking a deep breath. When he'd heard the music, he almost seemed to know she had been in his car looking through his CDs. There was no way he could have known, unless they were out of order, but he still couldn't know it was her.
The music was beginning to settle her nerves slightly when there was a knock on the door and Edward re-entered the apartment. Something was wrong. His expression was controlled and his attitude more formal. His calm, carefree air was gone and his hair looked wilder than before.
"Is everything all right?" Bella asked, afraid she would sound nosy. What if there really was a girlfriend?
"Everything is fine, thank you," he said, but the velvet was clipped. "It has been a long day and I need to get back to my hotel. Besides, didn't you say you had to give exams tomorrow? It wouldn't do for you to nod off over your book while your students are testing." A shadow of a smile crept across one side of his mouth, his perfect lips fighting the urge to curl upward.
"No, I suppose not," Bella agreed as she glanced distractedly around the room, not knowing quite how to let go of the day, and him.
"Bella." The velvet was back, deep and thick. She looked up at him. His amber eyes were warm and the smile had won out. "May I have your phone number? I would like to call you tomorrow, if I may."
"I'd like that very much," she smiled, her heart pounding, pleased that she hadn't simply squealed at him. She went to her desk and wrote it down, placing the note paper in his gloved hand. He glanced at it and slipped it into his jacket pocket.
"Thank you. When would be an acceptable time to call? After your classes, I mean," Edward asked.
"I'll be through by one. Anytime after that would be fine," she replied. "We're winding down the semester now and I'll only have two more exams to give, both on Wednesday." She bit her bottom lip at the thought of Wednesday.
"That's nice to know," he said and reached to take her hand in his. The adorable crooked smile graced his features. "Thank you for a delightful day and a memorable evening."
"I had a wonderful time, too," Bella spoke, her voice shaking slightly. "Thank you for lunch and dinner. And Kell's! It seems we went around the world today, didn't we? China, France, Ireland…"she smiled.
"I couldn't have asked for a more charming travelling companion." Edward's eyes twinkled as his fingers caressed the back of her hand. Bella blushed, lost in his gaze.
"Oh," she said, her mind casting about for anything to say that might keep him here a few more moments. "Thank you again for the gloves and the violets." She turned her head to look at the bouquet where she had placed it on the coffee table. "They really are lovely, Edward." She looked back into his eyes. "I feel positively spoiled," she said with a small smile.
"It was my pleasure," he said, eyes glowing. He leaned down and brought her hand up. "Good night, Bella," he murmured and bent over her hand. She felt his cool lips barely brush her skin. She gasped at the sudden tingle, like a surge of electricity where he touched her. She looked up, dazed, but he was gone and the door was closed. She shook her head and wheeled to the window, watching his dark figure emerge from the building and go to the waiting car. Before he got in, he turned and looked for her window. Bella pulled back behind the curtain, but not before she saw his eyes gleam and a smile dash across his handsome face. When she glanced out again, the car was gone.
'Whatwasthat?' She gingerly touched her hand where he had kissed it. Her head was whirling with the events of the day and the unfamiliar feelings that were now tumbling her senses. She moved to the coffee table and touched one finger to a violet petal.
'So beautiful. He is so beautiful. So much we said and did, and it still wasn't enough; I never wanted today to end.'She hiccupped. 'I must be tipsy. He did keep buying me Irish coffees. I don't suppose I'll need a glass of wine to relax. I can't imagine having trouble sleeping tonight!'Bella giggled.
'No more nightmares now, I'll bet. I've finally met the elusive Edward Cullen, no longer a mysterious name and face. I know so much more about him now.'Bella smiled and went to the stereo. 'We can even discuss Masen, since he heard my CD playing.'
She restarted the music and picked up the case, pulling out the liner notes. She idly scanned the concise biography of Anthony Masen, followed by a listing of his better known works.
'I wonder which is his favorite?' Her eye caught a notation, buried in fine print at the bottom of the inside cover of the liner: 'Piano – Edward Cullen.' She flipped the paper over to read the back. 'Recorded for Solitary Records, 1986.'
'I think I'm going to need that glass of wine after all.'
A/N: Oh, Bella! That man is driving you to drink, no matter what he does. Reviews, please!
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