"Is grey a tacky color? I know it is! Do you think I can get away with it? I don't think I can get away with it!"
Rose is practically screaming into my ear and I try to hold back my laughter.
"Wait. Is this Rose? As in Rosalie Hale? Panicking over a dress? No, it can't be. Who is this? Confess!"
She sighs into the phone.
"I know. I don't know why. Please Bells, I need help. The only thing I need to know is if grey is tacky color or not."
"If I put you on hold right now will it count as a cliffhanger?" I tease.
"Funny. Tell me. Does the dress sound alright or not?"
"In general grey is not considered to be a tacky color, no. Look, you need to take a deep breath. It sounds like you're talking about getting away with murder, not a dress. It's only a dress."
"How come you're cool and I'm not? When did our roles get reversed?" she asks unhappily.
She's right about that.
"Should I come over? I can bring my stuff and we can get ready together. My freak-out won't happen until we're in the cab."
"At which point I will be happily drunk and will have a glass of bubbles for you ready."
"You're not allowed to hand me champagne anymore," I say dryly.
"Says who?"
"Says I. Not since the last cab ride I shared with you on our way to a ball."
"What happened then?"
"Exactly my point. It's a blur isn't it?"
"I'm kidding. Just come over here."
The dress I've decided on is something I bought some months ago but haven't worn yet. It's black and the perfect length for ball dress code. The style is sofisticated retro: a sleeveless dress with a boat neck that's slightly ruffled over the chest to give the illusion that my boobs are bigger than they actually are. To enhance the figure there's also a small almost unnoticable belt for the waist. I'm going to wear my fanciest silver neckless and a pair of black heels. My hair tastefully put up.
I am meeting Edward's parents for the first time tonight and I want to make a tidy and sofisticated impression. Not that I would've dressed much different had it only been Edward and I, but I certainly wouldn't have worn the red dress I wore for our first date.
Oh God. Thinking back on it I wonder if it was too much for a first date? Maybe if it had been a blind date and we'd never even spoken before. Then, maybe yes. Probably.
At around five I head over to Rose's place with my things. I've decided with Edward we'll meet up at the ball, as Rose has with Emmett. All to make sure we can panic in peace.
Rose opens the door already looking ready to go.
"What is the freak out about? You're making me freak out," I say getting in and closing the door behind me.
Rose has make-up on, fake lashes and red plump lips. Her hair is already styled: put up in a classy bun. She hasn't got any heels on yet and that's probably all that's left. The "tacky" grey dress is on and needless to say it's not tacky at all. It has one shoulder and is beautifully done in chiffon. The length is perfect on such a tall woman as Rose, almost all the way down to her toes.
"I look like a complete slut, don't I?"
I snort out loud.
"You look flawless. Only problem is you're early. You better not spill anything on that dress."
"I know!" she exclaims. "We need wine. Pronto."
"Like I said, don't spill anything," I repeat nervously watching her head off to the kitchen.
"It's not red!" she calls back.
I put my stuff in the hallway and then join her in the kitchen where she's placed two overdimensional wine glasses on the table, filled to the brim. Note to self: Only drink a third of that and all will be slightly better but still very real. We hop up on the barstools.
"How about that amazing stare down Jacob and Edward had yesterday?" Rose says after a first sip.
Right. When they were acting all weird. I had a feeling she was going to bring that up.
"I don't know what's going on," I say.
Rose shakes her head knowingly and point at me.
"Those boys are both out to get you, that's what's going on and you know it." She laughs. "These are the kind of things you see on soap operas."
"Are you excited for tonight?" I ask switching the subject.
She nods eagerly.
"I see what you did there," she points out. "But fine I'll bite. We'll talk about tonight. Yeah I am excited and hey don't worry. The parents are awesome people. I met their sister as well. Alice. She's adorable and you know I don't use that word for anything other than puppies, but really she is. Emmett, she and I had dinner last week."
Well that was fast.
"And when did you meet the parents?" I ask.
"A few days ago. I didn't tell you about it since you wanted to keep things separated considering we're dating bros."
"Well, you could have told me about meeting the family. Anyhow, how come you met them?"
She snorts.
"Emmett's superclose with them so it's kind of hard not to. I mean, they've only stopped by spontaneously two times. I don't think they know how much time I spend at Emmett's. It's kind of funny though. Even though he has his own place there's still a real risk of actually getting cock-blocked by his parents."
That sounds... Weird.
"Are they really around that much?" I ask.
"Usually, but Emmett said they're starting to get it, but I have to tell you about the first time I met their dad, Carlisle, and this is a true story, Bells. One night about a week ago he stopped by and told us about an incident they'd had at the hospital. You know he's a doctor right?"
I nod.
"A friend of his died unexpectedly and he had three kids like Carlisle. You know why he stopped by at Emmett's? To tell him he loved him. Seriously. It feels like a lot of people would have sent a text, if even that. He gave us a speech about how we have to appreciate life and love and always appreciate each other." She pauses frowning. "It was a pretty intense way to meet someone for the first time, but nevertheless he's such a nice person. Genuinely nice."
"He seems sweet," I say getting a sudden lump in my throat.
"He also looks like a model by the way. It doesn't hurt. Good genes run in that family."
From what I'm hearing he's the complete opposite of Charlie. Characterwise I mean, not looking wise. I guess Charlie doesn't look like a model, but he's not ugly. Ugh, what am I doing? He's my dad. I don't need to think about this.
I wonder if Carlisle stopped by Edward's as well. I haven't gotten the feeling that he sees his parents as much as Emmett does although I understand he's close with his family.
"Hey, how is everything going with that slime Royce?" I ask suddenly realizing I haven't been updated.
Rose shrugs her shoulders.
"Nothing has happened since I filed charges. Emmett has been crazy supportive. I don't feel the need to go through with it for myself but I don't want other women to run into a guy like that you know? So I have to be pushy about it anyways."
I nod.
"That's very admirable of you. So Emmett knows?"
"Yeah. He's awesome."
I smile.
"You deserve someone awesome."
She smiles widely and reaches over to squeeze my hand.
"I do and so do you."
We dash our glasses together in a toast: for deserving someone awesome.
Edward and Emmett are standing outside. Both are dressed in black tuxedos. Rose throws herself over Emmett with a squeal – yes a squeal- I'm not making this up – while Edward and I greet each other with a swift kiss. Rose and Emmett are practically making out right next to us and it feels painfully like Edward and I have never done that before, like we're on our very first date. He looks real handsome and at the same time I'm thinking about his simple yet sweet response to the MMS I sent him last night. It simply said "you're beautiful".
"You look stunning," he compliments with the crooked smile I like so much.
I feel a litte less nervous now.
"You too," I say.
"Should we head inside?"
It seems like Emmett and Rose might take a bit longer to move so I nod and Edward very gentlemanny offers me his arm. I'm itching to ask him about how things went last night and if it got real late, but tonight is not about work. I'll ask him at another time.
Once inside we head to wardrobe where I hand in my purse. As often before I'm trying to decide if I should bring my card or not. There is going to be an auction and maybe I will buy something for a good cause. The question is: where do I put my card? Edward's chatting to the clerk so I discreetly sneak it inside my dress. It's not the most comfortable solution, but it's alright.
I should've asked Edward to put it in his pocket. Sometimes I wonder why I don't do things the easiest way. Oh well. I look great though. No one can see that I've got a card pressed to be side of my boob. There are probably lots of women who've snuck their cards or cash inside shoes and dresses.
Or not.
Pretty much everyone has one of those small purses you hold in your hand. I make a mental note to buy one. Rose has one I see, when she and Emmett finally appears by the entrance.
What the...? I look around me but I can't find Edward. Where did he go? It's crowded as hell now with tons of people everywhere and while the men are all wearing pretty much the same thing I would be able to spot Edward's hair anywhere.
But I can't see it and now I've lost sight of Rose and Emmett too.
Crap.
Okay Swan. Just act cool. You've been to a few mingles before. There's nothing complicated about this. I head inside the big room where servants are running around holding trays full of glasses with Champagne. A band is playing a soft instrumental tune. I'm glad I decided to wear my hair up after all. It's more boring than having it down, but much more sofisticated and that is what these people are: sofisticated. I can tell. Air kisses and perfectly polite laughing.
"Hi honey, you look a little lost. Can I help you?" a soft melodic voice says next to me.
I look to my side and see a beautiful woman. She's middle age, has brown hair and green friendly eyes. She puts her hand casually on my arm and I wonder exactly how pathetic I look. I feel like a little kid at a party where I don't know anyone and I just want to phone my mother and go home but I'm trying to act cool but it shows anyway.
"Oh, it's fine," I answer. "I lost my date along the way."
She smiles at that.
"Who's your date? Come on. Let's try and spot him," she offers excitedly and grabs a light hold of my hand. I follow obediently as she paves way through the room.
"What does he look like?" she asks.
I feel more relaxed and not as nervous when this stranger is holding onto me and being so nice.
"Just look for the most handsome guy in the room," I say smiling.
She laughs. She has a wonderful laugh: warm and musical. I instantly like her.
"That would lead us to my husband," she answers wistfully.
"Then I need to see this man," I joke.
She giggles, yes actually giggles and I can't help but to join in. I've not even had Champagne yet.
"Look there's my husband. What do you think?" the woman asks me winking.
"Handsome," I say honestly. "You did good."
He's a blonde man moving through the room with ease and grace. That rare kind of man who exudes that old fashioned quality. Fred Astaire like grace. Edward possesses the same quality.
Speaking of...
I suddenly see him in the crowd, touching the blonde man's shoulder swiftly. The man smiles widely in response and they share a one armed hug. Edward seems to ask him something and the blonde man looks around as if he's searching for someone.
"I should introduce you to my son," the woman says excitedly. "Oh no honey, I'm sorry," she adds quickly sounding regretful. "I'm so silly. You came here with someone. We're looking for your date after all. I do apologize."
"Don't worry about it," I say lightly.
My eyes are all set on Edward. He looks over in my direction and I raise my hand in wave. He lights up in a huge smile that makes me go all weak in the knees.
"That's your date?" the woman asks sounding astonished.
"Yeah, that's him," I confirm happily as Edward is making his way over to us.
"My my," she muses.
"He's handsome right?" I beam.
"Oh yes. He's always been a good looking boy."
I can feel my jaw dropping. I don't think this woman has a knack for saying weird things. I'm suspecting she may be...
"I see you've met my mother, Bella," Edward says finally reaching us.
I feel like dying. I blush and the woman, who I now know is Esme laughs heartedly.
"No need to be ashame honey. I could've described him the same way."
I go even redder. That means I called Edward's dad hot and complimented his mom for getting him. For crying out loud: where is the Champagne? I look around me trying to spot a tray but Edward won't let me go that easily. He's looking straight at me and I'm forced to meet his eyes, smiling sheepishly.
"What did I miss?" Edward asks looking inbetween me and his mother.
"Nothing, nothing at all," I answer. "Me talking too much as usual."
"I take it you were in for a treat then?" Edward says to his mother and I actually slap him on the arm making him laugh out loud and theatrically going "ouch!". Great, not only have I made a fool out of myself infront of Edward's mom, now I've also fysically abused her son.
She seems to find this funny though, laughing loudly.
That's when I notice the handsome blonde man is here now as well. Edward's dad.
"This must be Bella," he says.
We shake hands.
"Carlisle Cullen, but please call me Carlisle."
I smile.
"Well you already know my name. I'm Bella. Nice to meet you."
He smiles.
"Likewise."
"I lost you. Where did you go?" Edward asks.
"I found her by the entrance looking for you," Esme chimes in.
"Thank you for helping me," I say.
She laughs softly.
"Just glad we ended up here. Edward so rarely brings dates."
"Ah mom," Edward says sounding slightly uncomfortable. He runs his fingers through his hair. "Don't," he adds, his eyes flicking ever so briefly to me.
She reaches up and pinches his cheek. I can't believe I'm actually witnessing this.
"I'm sorry honey. It's just that you never give me the opportunity to humiliate you in front of dates."
"Consider your mission accomplished," he says but he's smiling.
I'm smiling too. This is pure gold. It's probably the first time I've seen Edward embarrassed. He even clears his throat. Awkward, yes!
"Emmett told me you played a huge part in his and Rose's coming together," Carlisle says to me.
"Just a little one," I say.
I don't think I should tell them that Rose stalked him first and that she would've probably sooner or later stopped hiding behind the bushes in the park and approach him. With or without my help.
"She and Emmett..." Esme trails off. "They're a terrifyingly good match."
That's when we both hear a loud laugh and our heads turn in sync to follow the sound. It's Rose decorating Emmett with a pink flower from her drink. He keeps obediently still while she makes sure it stays put behind his ear.
"So pretty!" she cooes and Emmett does a few silly poses while she snaps away with her mobile phone.
Good God, we've created a monster.
"They're sweet," Esme says.
"A bit creepy," Edward adds and now it's Esme slapping him on the arm. "But sweet," he adds quickly.
I smile at that because he's right and also because Esme slapped him the same way I did.
"Oh, there she is," Esme exclaims suddenly. "Edward, darling come with me. I could use your help in talking this one into showing a bit of generosity tonight." She nods discreetly in front of us.
Edward looks at me and I nod, letting him know it's okay. They head off and start a conversation with a scary looking lady wearing tons of make-up. She looks like an Effie Trinket look a- like. I've lost Emmett and Rose and realize that it's just me and Carlisle for now. This could be interesting.
"Bella, how about a drink?" he asks.
"Sounds good," I answer and we head to the bar.
I momentarily panic when I realize I need to dig inside my dress in order to pull out my card, but then Carlisle calms me down by saying two words.
"Open bar."
"Really?" I say.
He chuckles.
"Generosity breeds generosity. It always pays off in time for the auction."
"I see."
"What do you drink?" he asks.
"Cosmo?" I suggest.
He nods approvingly.
"Two Cosmos."
Wow. I like a man who can drink a feminine drink. I can't believe I'm about to have Cosmos with Edward's dad. Also I can't believe I was brave enough to let Edward go pro-mingle but then again I'm a grown-up. I hang out with other grown-ups all the time. This should be no different. I've been to plenty of these kind of events through the years. I'm a successful architect. I'm Edward's team manager, damn it! As I reach the bar Edward's words from when he invited me to the ball echo in my head "you'll make my father happy...". Carlisle hands me a beautifully darkpink drink and then takes a sip off his own and then letting out a content sigh.
I'm about to make small-talk when my attention goes elsewhere.
A petite pixie-like woman walks up to us with the widest smile I've seen in a while. She's positively beaming and I wonder if I know her. Her appearance is familiar but I can't seem to place her. Now if I thought everyone else was dressed up this woman has taken it to a level of her own. She's wearing a pale pink dress, snug on the upper half and flowy and wide at the bottom half: a modern version of a princess dress. The straps are thin and elegant. Her black hair is very short and elegantly styled Audrey Hepburn style.
"Order me one?" she says to Carlisle gesturing to his drink.
We're standing right by the bar so she could easily turn to the bartender herself. Carlisle seems to be aware of this as he smiles and clicks his tongue, but nevertheless does as she says. It seems like he's used to taking orders from her. She turns to me.
"Hello, I'm Alice," she introduces herself.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Bella."
Her eyes widen momentarily and then just like that she embraces me tightly. She smells like candy cotton and all things nice. I think I'm falling in love a little bit.
"Wow," I let out surprised by her sudden closeness.
Carlisle chuckles.
"There there, Alice. Don't scare her away. Let the girl breathe."
She doesn't pull away at once.
"It's so nice to meet you Bella," she murmurs in my ear and her voice almost cracks.
When we stop hugging I notice she has tears in her eyes.
"I'm so glad you're dating my brother. Congratulations to you both."
"They're not getting married yet Ally," Carlisle fills in amused.
"No, not yet," she says softly and looks at me with such a warm gaze I almost blush.
Wow. So this is Edward's sister. The shopaholic who works as a personal shopper.
"Well thanks," I say somewhat awkwardly.
"Here's your Cosmo," Carlisle says handing her the drink.
"Excuse me bartender. Do you happen to have one of those umbrellas?" Alice asks.
The bartender looks confused for a second or two before he starts shuffling around behind the counter. He appears again holding a tiny pink umbrella which he hands to Alice.
"There you go, lady."
"Thank you," she says sweetly and then smiles excitedly at me. "Don't you just love tiny umbrellas? They're so cute!"
Never really given it much thought but now that she mentions it.
"They are," I agree honestly.
"Do you remember me? I mean, we haven't officially met until now but we've shared a sweaty moment if you recall," Alice says laughing.
Carlisle looks surprised and sort of like he's thinking "do I want to know?"
"I'm talking about Bikram yoga of course," she clarifies to her dad. "Bella and Rose were there for the first time. They both did such a good job."
"Oh," Carlisle says nodding.
"Yes I remember. You were the pro," I say lightly.
I wreck my brain trying to remember exactly how much Rose and I were talking and what we were saying, but I can't remember so I don't know what Alice may have overheard or not. Probably for the best. I don't feel like blushing right now.
"You did great and you were so pretty then too even without make-up and in that hot hot room. You look amazing now too. You're so beautiful," she gushes.
Maybe I will blush anyways. Jesus, she doesn't hold back does she? Carlisle looks at me smiling knowingly. It's like he can tell what I'm thinking.
"Thanks," I say. definitely sounding awkward now. "I like your dress," I add with a bit more confidence.
She laughs softly.
"This old thing. Hey if you got my hair cut with that dress you would totally look like Audrey Hepburn. Isn't that funny? We match!"
It's impossible not to feel giddy around her and I find myself grinning.
"You work as a personal shopper, right?" I say conversationally.
She nods eagerly in response.
"I love to shop for other people. Getting paid for it? Are you kidding me! What a dream job. I love it." She then turns to Carlisle pointing at him. "And you! When are we updating your wardrobe, huh? We were supposed to go last week."
"I can't seem to find the time," he says in a way that makes me think he makes sure to stay busy when Alice suggests they go shopping.
"And you're the doctor," I say. "Edward told me he wanted to be a doctor once."
He raises his eyebrows, but Alice says what he's thinking.
"He did?" she practically gasps.
"How long have you been seeing each other?" Carlisle asks politely.
"About a week and a half now," Alice answers for me.
I can't help it. I laugh and they both laugh along with me.
"Wow," I say.
She reaches over to squeeze my hand real quick.
"Sorry. I tend to get overexcited about things like this," she says. "More now than ever before. See, I'm married," she shows me her ring, which is an elegant sparkling diamond. I don't have time to compliment it though before she continues talking. "But Jasper, that's my husband, is away on business and he won't be home for a while now. I miss him so much and that makes me real sappy when it comes to all things love-related." She sighs, but it's not an unhappy kind of smile, more like she's dreaming away.
"He'll be back before you know it Ally," Carlisle says patting her back comfortingly.
She smiles at him.
"I know," she says and then turns to me. "Considering I have all this time for myself these days you should totally come by and have dinner with me. It would be so much fun!" then her eyes go all wide. "Or we could go shopping! In fact we should do both. Make a day out of it. A whole day of shopping."
"That would be fun," I say although I'm not much of a shopper.
The time Rose and I went lingerie shopping is still a trauma and I can't ever forget it because lingerie is something I wear every day. Sigh.
"And we should totally have a family dinner at the Cullen house."
"We'd love to have you," Carlisle flicks in with a smile. "You and Edward stop by any time you feel like it. Don't let Alice stress you. We understand this is all very new and we don't mean to be pushy, now do we?" he says looking at Alice.
She smiles sheepishly.
"Sorry Bella."
I smile.
"It's perfectly alright."
"Where did Edward go?" Alice asks looking around.
Right. I've been so engaged with Carlisle and Alice I haven't thought about Edward disappearing. Well he didn't disappear. He went to mingle with Esme and the Effie Trinket look-a-like.
I see Rose and Emmett making their way towards us. I wave at her feeling relieved. Even though I'm having a nice time with Carlisle and Alice, it's still good to see someone I know real well.
"Good evening Carlise, the hottest dad I know!" Rose greets loudly and I can't help but to snort at the, probably very honest comment. Carlisle laughs out loud.
"Babe, don't hit on my dad," Emmett scolds jokingly.
They're both glowing and I smile knowing that Rose has found her perfect match. Emmett has his arm around her waist. He's grinning and I get why: he knows he's with one hell of a woman.
"Let your girl speak her mind, Em," Carlisle says. "Thank you Rose for your lovely compliment. I will try not to let it get to my head. Are you kids enjoying yourselves?"
"You guys are so cute together," Alice says looking like she's about to cry again.
"Thanks Alice," Rose says.
"It's so true," she gushes.
"Waiting for the action. When will it start?" Emmett asks.
"You mean the auction, babe," Rose corrects.
"Which reminds me," Alice says. "I have to go help mom get everything ready. See you guys later okay?" she shoots me a brilliant smile and waves gracefully at all of us before leaving.
"Another half hour of mingling or so," Carlisle says. "We need to get people happy enough to actually bid."
"And by that you mean drunk," Emmett fills in.
"We should get people to dance," Rose suggests.
I look around me at the mentioning of dance. As I recall I've been promised one, but Edward's still nowhere to be seen. Rose and Emmett head off to dance in front of the liveband in an attempt to get people moving their feet and liven up the place.
"We should join them. May I have this dance, Bella?" Carlisle asks holding out his arm to me.
What?
Come on Swan. Just say no. He won't be offended. After all, you only like to dance with Edward.
Instead I find myself saying "why not?"
Shit. Carlisle smiles widely and leads the way. It's soft jazz music playing. Mellowsounding, but not so slow that the only dance appropriate is standing close and swaying side to side. Carlisle and I do this classical polite kind of dance when we don't get too close since we don't even know each other that well.
Also, you know, he's Edward's dad.
Dancing inappropriately pressed against with his dad – although a hilarious story if it would happen to anyone else but me – doesn't seem like a good idea. Although he is pretty hot. For a dad. Oh God I'm totally rambling like crazy inside my own head again. I wish I could just...
"Bella, I'm going to twirl you now," Carlisle says suddenly effectively getting me out of my head.
Wha-at?! And then like that, he twirls me expertly and for some reason, for some miracle totally unfathomable to me, I manage to stay on my own two feet and even do it with a bit of grace as Carlisle elegantly twirls me away from him.
Then suddenly we're getting an audience. What happened to Rose and Emmett? It's just me and Carlisle dancing now. What the hell?
Oh God no.
Look away people. This is not what you think. I couldn't say no. I don't want to do this. Despite the smile on my face I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm only smiling because I'm terrified and instead of dancing with Edward, I'm dancing with his dad and I desperately don't want to make a fool out of myself so if you would be so kind as to look away...
"And pose," Carlisle says and I surprise myself by throwing my arm out and smiling widely like I've been performing my whole life.
"ALRIGHT GO BEELLLS!" I hear Rose roar followed by a loud booming very Emmett "BRAVO!" And then a few very Italian sounding "Bellisssimoo!" follows, but I'm sure those are all in my head.
"You're a great dancer, Bella, "Carlisle compliments.
I smile even wider. Dear God. Help me.
"It's all in the leading," I say trying not to sound desperate.
He laughs and then we casually move in beat to the music. The show's mellowing out and I'm relieved he's not planning to twirl me insanely again or toss me in the air or something. I'm getting these crazy images of doing the "Dirty Dancing" lift with papa Carlisle and Edward looking on from the audience either clapping his hands excitedly going "That's my girl!" or looking downright pissed off like "what the fuck?! I left you to mingle for a while and now you're getting lifted by my dad?!"
Well to be fair Edward. You did want me to show your dad a good time. You never said anything about me not being allowed to incorporate some "Dirty dancing".
"How about a second Cosmo?" Carlisle says breaking my train of thought. Good thing because he was getting shirtless in the next one.
I smile.
"That sounds perfect."
When we walk off the dance floor people I haven't even said hi to are smiling at us. It's silly, but now that the dance is over, I feel like it was pretty fun. However I might need another drink before I give it another go.
Carlisle and I are back at the bar now waiting for our Cosmos. I think Carlisle is great company but I'm still wondering where the hell Edward is.
It's like he read my mind because suddenly he's right next to me, speaking in a low discreet voice that sends shivers down my spine.
"I was looking for you and then I see you on the dance floor giving quite the show," he says his voice almost purring. Then he raises his voice and speaks loud enough for Carlisle to hear. "Wonderful performance by the way," he adds nodding at his dad.
"Thanks son. Bella was a great partner," he smiles at me.
"Well you're a great leading man," I say back raising my glass.
We toast and Edward is looking equally parts surprised and amused. Maybe he didn't expect me to get along so well with his dad or maybe he's merely pleased that I am.
"Cosmos?" he guesses.
"You know it. Want one too?" Carlisle asks.
"Why not?"
Carlisle orders another one and I look at Edward amused.
"What?" he smiles. "It's a good drink."
Edward tells us about how Esme left him with the Effie Trinket look-a-like and how he tried to find us and eventually saw us at the bar but then got stopped on the way over several times and then when he finally reached the bar Carlisle and I were on the dancefloor performing like we'd rehearsed for this particular occasion for months beforehand. I watch Edward mesmerized as he talks and sips his drink. The way his lips touch the glass... Oh my. I notice he discreetly licks his lips and I suppress a shiver. I'm definitely tipsy - no question, but then again I would probably be fantasizing like this completely sober as well.
"Hey, can I steal you away for a second?" Edward asks me.
"Sure," I say.
"We'll just head outside," Edward says. "Esme is by the stage," he adds.
"I'll find her," Carlisle says. "You kids go and enjoy yourselves. The night is young and I have money I need to spend for a good cause which reminds me, try to make it back inside for the auction. It will probably start pretty soon."
"Will do," Edward says and then for the first time he takes my hand in his.
Our hands fit together perfectly but for some reason that doesn't surprise me. He leads me through the room holding my hand all the way and my heart can't seem to slow down.
Hi! This is part one of ball number two :) The chapter was getting really long so I decided to split it in two.
And darn it! I missed my deadline with two hours. Guys, thank you so much for the reviews - you have no idea how excited I am when I notice a new one: it's downright silly! Especially thanks to MaryMary123 who gave tons of feedback! I appreciate it. And miss0sunny who also posted several reviews. As happy as I am to even get one single review I have to admit I get super happy when I see many of them :D
Hey Jazz, you reviewed as guest so I'm answering your review here :) I don't think you're rude at all and I completely understand what you're saying. Truth is I'm just not very good at writing lemony sex scenes. I do try to challenge myself sometimes, but it's hard when it doesn't come natural and I don't want to embarrass myself, heh :P
So this was a craaazey update for me. I put a date for the next update just to make sure I actually do it. However I've realized now that I wasn't that realistic when I gave myself a week. As much as I wish I could spend more time on this the reality is such that I also got tooons of school work to do, but hopefully hopefully I can start updating every two weeks at least (and not every two months).
Part two of this is coming sooner though, hopefully already on Sunday :)