A/N I'm sorry it took me so long to update. I've had a pretty busy time at work, with long hours, less sleep, lots of partying and houseguests.

Disclaimer: although Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and the canon characters, this storyline and any additional characters are mine entirely. Please do not copy.

25. Balls, skanks and Italian cuisine

'Bella?'

Edward's soft voice slowly broke through my daze. I didn't know how long it had been. It could have been minutes, or mere seconds.

'Baby?', he asked again.

I blinked a couple of times and focused on his eyes, which were sparkling even greener than usual.

'Hey', I said as I smiled up at him.

'Hey.'

I couldn't read his expression. He looked a little restraint, worried even.

'What's wrong?'

'I was about to ask you the same thing.'

'How come?'

'You were real quiet for a while. I was starting to worry I'd done something wrong.'

Oh. He was worried. But that was just silly. There was no need for him to be insecure about anything that had just happened.

'It's just... I never knew I could feel like this.'

He was deep in thought for a few minutes as he sat back up, pulled me onto his lap again and adjusted my dress.

'You mean... you've never...?'

I shook my head.

'Not even by yourself?'

I blushed.

'It's not really something I do.'

He was quiet.

'Is that a bad thing?'

'No. It's just... I don't know...'

Then his face broke into that crooked grin that I'd come to love.

'I guess I sort of like the idea of being the first, and hopefully the only one, to make you feel this way. You know?'

I didn't respond. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. It was all the answer he required. He hugged me close and deepened our kiss. My left hand explored the plains of his muscular torso, softly trailing down towards his chiseled abs. I could tell Edward was aroused; he was breathing harder, I felt his heartrate increase and his erection was poking my thigh. But when my fingers reached the top of his sweatpants, he grabbed my wrist.

'Bella...', he said and swallowed hard, 'No.'

'You don't want to...?'

'Believe me, I do.'

'Then why did you stop me?'

'Because I don't want you to do it just because I just... did... that... for you', he said and blushed a little.

It was kind of endearing seeing confident and sexy Edward flustered to speak the words.

'And secondly... I want right now to be about you.'

He cupped my face with his hands and gave me a tender kiss. I rested my head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Then I noticed the tray of food spilled over the carpet.

'Sorry about breakfast...', I started to apologize.

'Don't worry about it, love,' Edward interrupted me, 'Did you enjoy it, though?'

I looked up at him through my lashes, giving him a sly grin.

'Very', I said and bit my lip in a shy reflex.

It was all it took for him to attack me with a passionate kiss.

A loud banging on the door interrupted us.

'Bella!', Alice sang through the closed door, 'We need to start getting ready!'

Edward and I both groaned.

'I have to go', I said reluctantly and moved to get up.

Edward walked me to the door, unlocked and opened it and managed to quickly kiss me one last time before Alice pulled me outside and dragged me back to her room.

'Where are Ang and Jess?', I asked, glancing around.

Their bags were gone and the air matrasses had disappeared too.

'They left over an hour ago. We didn't want to interrupt you and Edward's... uhm... breakfast', Alice winked.

Oh no. Had they heard us? I had no idea how loud I had been.

'Chill, B, don't worry about it. And for the record: we didn't hear one bit. I turned up the stereo, just in case.'

Good. Talking about it was one thing, knowing someone is probably doing it, too, but having to face them after they might have actually heard it... that was a whole other thing and I wasn't sure I was ready for that yet.

'But I take it you had fun?'

And my goofy, happy, lazy grin was back.

'That's great!', she practically squealed, 'You're positively glowing! I'm so happy for you!'

Alice proceeded to shove me into her bathroom, ordering me to shower while she picked out my outfit for our date.

I was glad the guys had told Alice it would be best if we were dressed somewhat comfortably, because this meant I was spared the danger of having to walk in heels. And it turned out Alice was rather clueless when it came to dressing down. I mean, she paired our school uniform with a petticoat, a designer handbag and at least three-inch heels. So this time I had been allowed to bring my own choice of clothes. Alice had insisted, though, that I brought a variety, so she could put together the perfect outfit for today. I had to admit I was curious why they had specifically told us to dress comfortably. I sure hoped we weren't going hiking or something along those lines. I was prone to accidents, as I had already demonstrated on numerous occasions. Surely Emmett knew and wouldn't subject me to that on purpose. At least not on my first date with Edward.

But something told me I didn't have to worry about that; Alice was wearing True Religion skinny jeans, a Chanel blazer over a white top, a cashmere pashmina scarf and Manolo Blahnik stiletto pumps. Luckily the outfit she'd chosen for me was a lot more low-key – loose-fitting charcoal plat pants, a purple tank, black ballet flats and the pink v-neck hoodie I'd bought on our first shopping trip.

While working on my hair and make up, Alice gushed about Jasper and how excited she was about tonight. Apparently, Jasper was still rather shy, even though it was obvious they had been crushing on each other for years.

'And it's like, I keep telling him to just relax and let go, but then he just... doesn't. I really like him, you know? And he's the sweetest! He's texting me all the time and like, just this week, he remembered I told him what kind of Starbucks coffee I like and he brought me a cup. It's all in the details, right? So he does these things that make me melt and I'm almost putty in his hands. You have no idea what I want his hands to do... But then, when we're alone, it stays so very PG-13, it's frustrating!'

'But Ali, it's only been two weeks. Give it some time.'

'No, see, that's the thing. It's only been two weeks for you and Edward, too. And you haven't known him your whole life. Oh shit!'

'What?'

'What if that's the problem? Jasper has known me my whole life. What if this is all we get? A couple of dates and some kisses, and then it gets awkward?'

She was getting so worked up over this and she didn't even know what the real reasons were. I needed to calm her down, especially since she was holding a curling iron close to my head.

'Alice, chill, okay? You don't know that. Don't compare your progress to mine, your situation is completely different from mine. And for what it's worth, I don't think this is all you'll get. I've seen the way you look at each other. He's crazy about you! Just talk to him, okay? Let him know how you feel.'

She closed her eyes, sighed and when she opened them gave me a smile in the mirror.

After having calmed down somewhat, Alice went back to work. With the amount of time she had alotted for a casual date, I began to fear any slightly more formal event. At least this time I got off easy. She merely curled the ends of my hair and pulled a little of the front back with a pink clip. Part of me was thinking I should pay more attention when Alice was working her magic on me, so I could also do it myself. But then another part argued, convincingly, to just let her be, because she enjoyed using me as Bella Barbie way too much. Plus, she came up with combinations I never would have considered. Like using purple eyeshadow as a soft eyeliner. I never would have thought of that, but the effect in combination with my brown eyes was remarkable.

'Are you sure this is okay for tonight?', I asked her hesitantly.

I liked that I was comfortable, but I didn't want to be underdressed. Compared to Alice, I felt like I was. But then again, Alice always dressed as if she had just gotten off a runway or was on her way to some high end party, so there wasn't really a way to tell for sure. She looked me up and down and instructed me to spin around, checking to see if anything was out of place or tucked the wrong way.

'B, you look adorable! Unless we end up at a black tie event, you're good to go.'

When we entered the parking lot of the bowling alley, Alice's face scrunched up.

'Bowling?', she asked skeptically.

'Come on, Pix, it'll be fun.'

'As in, I have to wear shoes previously worn by who knows how many people with smelly feet?'

She wrinkled her nose in disgust. Luckily, Edward had anticipated this reaction and had come prepared with desinfectant and a few pairs of socks for us. At least I got why they had instructed us to dress comfortably. Trying to bowl gracefully was a challenge in itself. Adding a dress to it would only make it more difficult. I wasn't so sure about the success of the activity, though. My hand-eye coordination was about as good as my balance; non-existant. Well, we'd get a few laughs out of it, to be sure.

Alice's scowl pretty much evaporated when she caught sight of Jasper getting out of Emmett's Jeep. Suddenly, she didn't seem to mind the scheduled activity. The girl was so predictable. I bet we could get her to do anything, so long as Jasper was involved.

I didn't really object to the provided shoes – I mean, I was wearing socks – but I was glad my flared pants obscured them from view, as they were, in fact, hideous.

We were booked for one lane and we decided to team up – boys versus girls. As bowling isn't so much a game of strength as it is of aim, it didn't really matter that the other team had Emmett and his bearlike musclepower. I think we were actually having the upperhand in that his strength was matched by his goofyness, almost rivalling my own clumsiness. For instance, where most of my balls landed in the gutter, Emmett managed to miss our lane more than he hit any of it, including the gutter. At one point he actually threw the ball backwards into our booth. We were barely able to jump aside or pull our feet up, or it would have knocked at least one of us over. He did manage to bowl a strike, though. Two lanes over. All in all, it was pretty hilarious. And as a result of my brother's antics and my lack of coordination, both teams were even throughout the game.

Another good thing about bowling was that we got to ogle our boyfriends' butts when it was their turn. Which wasn't a punishment. At all. Edward's tattered and torn jeans fit him perfectly and the strategically placed tears in the fabric showed just enough skin to be mesmerizing. To be fair, I caught them staring at us with slack jaws on more than one occasion, too.

Following Edward's retreating form when he went to get us another round of drinks, however, I also caught every single girl and woman undressing him with their eyes. Even the ones who were obviously there with a date. Or with their children. Seriously, the nerve of some women! Trying to get my attention – I had been so busy looking at Edward that I nearly missed my turn – Rosalie noticed my frown.

'Don't worry about it, sweetie, we get that all the time. I'd tell you to ignore it, but I know that's easier said than done. Just remember that he's here with you.'

I smiled a little at that.

'And for the record, he doesn't even look at them. Trust me, I've seen him before, and the way he behaves since he's met you... he's only got eyes for you.'

I couldn't help the smug grin that appeared at hearing that.

'Good. Now... it's your turn.'

As I was mentally preparing for my next try, Rosalie groaned.

'What is she doing here?'

Judging by her tone, she must have seen someone she didn't like. Rosalie might come off as cold and intimidating, but I had come to know her as a very warm girl, once you'd earned her trust. She was also very honest and straightforward and didn't see much use in sugarcoating things.

Swinging back my arm for probably another gutterball I heard Alice comment, 'Yuck! And what is she wearing?'

My curiosity got the best of me and I turned around, my ball effectively landing in the gutter, following both their gazes towards a girl walking in. From afar she was rather pretty: tall, slim, proportioned... Perhaps a little tan for Washington, but maybe she just had good pigmentation. Upon closer examination I understood Alice's comment. Her outfit was rather... tacky. Leatherlook leggings and a white garment that was either a top or a dress. Regardless, it was short, tight and strapless. And... were those stripperheels? Like I said, tacky. Oh well, I figured, I didn't know her, so why waste my time. I returned my attention to the task at hand: trying to knock over some pins.

Of course, the girl in question went to occupy the only available lane, the one next to ours. I could tell Rosalie was getting aggravated, but didn't really understand why. What could be so bad about this girl to elicit such a reaction? Alice's reaction to her proximity was quite humorous. I could almost see her planning a thorough make over in her head.

'Isn't this a coincidence?', a shrill voice suddenly sounded from the now occupied booth next to us, 'Rosalie! What a surprise seeing you here! I never pictured you as the bowling type.'

Despite her obvious dislike for the girl, Rosalie managed a polite reply, after a not so subtle eyeroll at us.

'Same goes for you, Victoria.'

'Oh well, you know me,' Victoria giggled, 'I'm up for whatever.'

That answer was somehow funny to Rosalie, because she burst out laughing. Victoria was taken aback for a moment, but then composed herself.

'Anyway... So, you're here with your brother and Emmett? That's nice.'

She continued to babble on about the people she was with, before she noticed Alice and me.

'Oh, I'm sorry!'

Her tone indicated she wasn't.

'I haven't introduced myself to your little friends. How rude of me.'

Rude indeed.

I took the opportunity to give her a once-over. She wasn't slim and proportioned, rather than skin, bones and fake boobs. She obviously wasn't wearing a bra and with the way her nipples – one pierced – were pointing towards the ceiling, I doubt she needed to. Her tan looked spray-on.

Figures. No natural redhead can get that tan without a little help. Unless those flaming red curls are fake too.

She extended a manicured hand – acrylic, of course – and smiled sweetly. I noticed a jeweled stud to the left of her lower lip, which was painted bright red.

Ew.

'Hi, I'm Vicki, with an i.'

Right, her gold nameplate necklace said so too. Seriously, how many clichés could one person embody?

Alice shook Vicki/Victoria's hand.

'I'm Alice, Jasper's girlfriend. And this,' she motioned to me, 'is Bella, E...'

'Oh!', Vicki/Victoria exclaimed, 'You must be Emmett's little sister! I've heard so much about you!'

Somehow I doubted that.

'That's so nice of him, letting you tag along... Wait! Aren't you Eddie's sister?'

Her eyes glanced around the bowling alley while she pushed her chest out even more.

'Is he here too?'

'As a matter of fact,' Rosalie answered, 'he is. We're here on a triple date of sorts.'

Vicki/Victoria looked between the three of us, apparently not quite understanding. Then, as I felt two arms slide around my waist, she let out another squeal.

'Hey, Eddie! What's up?'

'Hey, gorgeous,' Edward stage-whispered to me, ignoring the tacky girl whose connection to our group still eluded me, 'Are you having fun?'

I nodded as he placed a kiss below my ear.

'Victoria,' he clipped, 'I take it you met my girlfriend?'

'G-girlfriend?', she stuttered incredulously.

Then, without so much as a second glance at her, Edward turned us around, focusing our attention back on our game.

After the game had ended in a three-point victory by the boys, but only because most of my balls ended in the gutter and Jasper had considerably better aim, we left the bowling alley to have dinner. I had learned that the date was a joint effort of all three of them. Bowling had probably been Emmett's suggestion. Now I wondered who had choses the cozy and romantic Italian restaurant we were currently entering. The host batted her lashes at Edward and Jasper, completely ignoring Alice and me, but cowered back from flirting with Emmett after a murderous stare from Rosalie, who slid her hand in Emmett's in an obvious move to stake her claim. The boys were oblivious to the girl's blatant ogling, or had the good grace to pretend not to notice.

We were seated at one of the family tables, because of our number, which wasn't as romantic as the secluded booths in the corners, but I didn't really mind. Not when Edward moved his chair closer to mine and moved his hand to my knee the moment we both sat down.

Alice and I both ordered a Coke, as did Edward and Emmett, our designated drivers. Apparently, Rosalie and Jasper didn't want to be the only ones drinking, so they followed suit. Opening the menu, I took one look at the prices and decided to just order some soup. Everything was so expensive! Edward must have noticed my eyes widening in shock, because he leaned over and asked what was wrong. When I explained to him, he chuckled softly and told me not to worry, since the boys were splitting the bill, as they were taking us girls out on a date. And that I should get used to being spoiled a little. I blushed as he tucked my hair behind my ear, kissed my temple and told me to order whatever I'd like.

I decided on the carpaccio and the ossobuco con fettuccine, while Edward ordered bruschetta, calamari and the mushroom ravioli with a salad. I for one couldn't stomach mushrooms of any kind, which was apparent in my facial expression, causing Edward to tease me a little when our food arrived.

'Who's Victoria?'

Edward's fork paused mid-air before he quietly set it back down on his plate. Emmett practically choked on his drink, Rosalie patted his back, trying to offer him some relief, and Jasper looked at us wide-eyed. The only one who didn't appear shocked by my question was Alice.

'Yeah, what's up with her? How come you guys know a skank like her?'

But before she could continue, Jasper took her hand and all but dragged her towards the restrooms.

'Baby, I need something from the car', Rosalie said.

Emmett waved his hand, indicating he had heard her, but keeping his gaze on Edward and me.

'You need to come with me.'

'Can't you get it yourself?'

'No. I need you to come to the car with me.'

My brother really couldn't take a hint.

'Emmett!'

He finally realized what Rosalie was doing, got up and followed her to the parking lot.

All the while, Edward was silent.

'I know you all know her. And that something's going on. Who is she?'

'She's not important.'

He tried to sound dismissively, but I could see how tense he had gotten. His jaw was clenched and his hands were in fists, knuckles white from strain.

'Bullshit. If she weren't, my brother wouldn't have spat his drink all over the table and Jazz wouldn't have dragged Alice away. Tell me.'

Edward sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

'She goes to U-Dub with us.'

'Edward...'

I knew there was more to the story. If she was just a girl he knew from college, he wouldn't be so hesitant in telling me and the others wouldn't have reacted the way they did. Victoria wouldn't have behaved the way she did at the bowling alley. Her actions were more than a little flirtatious, even though Edward had flaunted us in front of her. Which was another clue there was more than he was letting on.

Finally he looked at me.

'What do you want me to say?'

'The truth.'

'I'd rather not.'

'Why?'

'You're not gonna like it. And you're not gonna like me for it. And then you're gonna run away from me, screaming. Like you should.'

'I doubt it.'

'Trust me.'

'I can't if you keep stuff from me.'

He groaned. I kept looking at him, unwavering. I knew I was right and he knew it, too.

'You wanna know about my past? About my sordid ways?'

Not particularly. But there was no other way.

'Fine! I fucked her, okay? Now run along and tell your brother he was right.'

He put his head down on the table and tugged at his hair. Why was he so convinced I was going to run?

'What do you mean, tell Em he was right?'

'I'm no good for you', he stated miserably.

'Because you're not a virgin or a saint?'

That was just ridiculous. I knew he had a past and the little information I had gathered about it told me it wasn't pretty. But I also knew how he treated me. And that his past made him who he was today, good and bad.

'Because of all the fucking!', he exclaimed.

I cringed at the word.

'Edward, shut up! I knew what I was getting myself into the first weekend I stayed over.'

'What, you don't mind?'

'Of course I mind! But there's nothing either of us can do about your past, is there?'

'So Victoria...?'

'Is a skanky, slutty girl and I can't believe you actually...'

'I'm sorry I fucked her', he interrupted me.

What was I supposed to say to that? We were both quiet for a while. I was working up the courage to ask the other question that had been plaguing me since our encounter at the bowling alley.

'Is she... like... typical? I mean, did you... always...'

'Fuck?'

I cringed again, but continued my question.

'Girls like her?'

He avoided looking at me when he admitted it softly, 'Yes.'

Oh.

'Do you get... turned on... by fake tan, fake nails, fake boobs?'

'What? No!'

'But... the way she looks...'

'I meant, yes, I usually fucked girls who were easy, like her.'

Oh.

'You'd be surprised how readily a lot of girls spread their legs or go down at you at some of these frat parties I used to go to.'

Oh.

'She got the boobjob... after.'

Oh. I couldn't contain a small giggle.

'So... when did you...?'

'Over a year ago.'

'Did you... sleep with her... a lot?'

'Bella, I never slept with her. I fucked her. A few times. Mostly somewhere in a bathroom or in the back of my car...'

When he noticed my frown, he quickly added, 'The car I sold last semester. Never in the Volvo. Never at my house. No girl has ever slept in my bed. And I never stayed the night after I fucked a girl. Didn't want them to think they were more than a means to an end.'

This alleviated my worried thoughts a little bit.

'When was the last time?'

I felt the need to take advantage of how open and forthcoming he was being in regards to the subject, as well as my own boldness in calling him out on it.

'With her or in general?'

'Both.'

'I don't know the exact dates, but she happened around September last year. As for... the rest... I haven't... been with anyone since Spring Break.'

'You mean you haven't had... sex... since late March?', I questioned.

Somehow, that seemed a little... off. I mean, he was still being referred to as Sexward. Surely that wouldn't be the case if he...?

He shrugged, 'I just didn't want to. It didn't feel right. And I got over the screwing around.'

We were quiet again. Then he tentatively reached over his hand to touch mine, which was lying limply in my lap.

'I'm sorry. About everything. I'm sorry you had to meet her. I'm sorry you had to find out like this. Are you okay?'

I nodded and bit my lip, willing myself not to cry. Even though he had assured me that it was all in the past, it had still hurt to hear all of that about him, and the way he berated himself because of it.

'Bella? Are you crying?'

'No', I squeaked unconvincingly.

He pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me, trying to comfort me.

'Shhh, baby, don't cry. I'm sorry, so, so sorry', he repeated over and over.

I sniffled a little before looking up at him.

'Just... don't lie to me or keep things from me, okay?'

'I promise.'

He sealed his promise with a tender kiss. When he pulled back, he glanced around and subtly waved, signaling it was okay for the others to return to our table. They had graciously given us some privacy, but I felt a little bad that they had to abandon their food to do so. Jasper hurried to assure me that it was of no consequence. Glancing over at Alice, I noticed she had reapplied her make up a little and her eyes were glistening. Maybe they had taken the opportunity to have a little talk of their own.

After that stressful talk and a few concerned glances from Emmett to Edward and me, the remainder of dinner was pleasantly filled with comments on the delicious food and some light banter. When it was time to order dessert, Alice and I were both torn between the vanilla panna cotta and the tiramisù, so we ordered on of each and shared.

When the boys were settling the bill, I excused myself to use the restrooms. Alice came in when I was washing my hands and reapplying my lipgloss.

'Are you okay? Jazz told me about that... skank. I'm sorry, I really didn't know. I mean, I knew a little about... you know, things he did, but this... Ugh. It's disgusting! Anyway, I didn't want to ask you during dinner, but seriously, are you okay? We can...'

I put my hands up to silence her.

'Alice, it's fine. You couldn't have known, it's not your fault. Thanks for giving us some privacy, though. We talked and... I think it's okay. We'll talk when we get home, okay?'

She smiled and hugged me.

'Of course! The date isn't over yet. Are you having fun?'

I nodded and we left the restrooms, joining the others.

The last stop of our date was the observation deck of the Seattle Space Needle. I was obviously the only one in our group who had never been there, but on the elevator ride up to the deck, Edward disclosed that he had wanted to include it into my first real experience of Seattle. So that also answered the question as to who suggested the different aspects of the day. The other couples ventured out on the deck on their own while Edward pointed out the various landmarks and mountains. They were a little hard to see because of the dark, but I was also thoroughly distracted by Edward's arms around me and his breath on my neck as he whispered in my ear.

While Jasper and Alice said their goodnights quietly a little off to the side, Emmett pulled me into his signature bear hug.

'Hope you had fun today, Bells. Even though you had to have your big brother present during your first date.'

'I don't mind, really. And it was fun. Thanks, for everything.'

'About Vi... the other stuff,' he amended, 'Call me if you want to talk, about anything, okay?'

I promised him I would and we went our seperate ways. I was glad he hadn't mingled in that particular discussion earlier. It had been hard enough just talking about it with Edward. I didn't need Emmett joining in on that. He really was trying to let Edward and me be.

Upon arriving at the Cullen home, Alice hurried up to her room, claiming she desperately needed to call Jasper. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her obvious attempt at giving Edward and me a few moments of privacy.

He walked me to Alice's bedroom door, where he pulled me in a tight embrace and kissed me gently goodnight. It was almost as if he was dropping me off at home after we'd had a proper first date – with parental consent. Except that in our case, I got to see him bright and early the next morning. Which made it even better.

I floated into Alice's room, changed into my satin nightgown and crawled into her bed with the biggest smile on my face.