NOTE: Bella's mind is obviously a jumbled mess, having gone through something traumatic. Also, her chapters will be longer since we don't hear from her as often.

"Tribute"

Chapter Forty-Six

Bella POV

"Bella?" Jasper whispered, nudging my shoulder.

I turned to face him, still entangled in the blanket, still in Edward's bed. "Hey."

Last night, I knew I'd be better in the morning. After all, it wasn't like I hadn't been through shit with Jake before.

It's different this time, though.

Jasper knew of a few things . . . Edward had found me, and I told him a lot, more than I ever told anyone.

I never told anyone anything.

Embarrassed.

That's how I felt this morning, although I was still confused—my head slightly achy. My eyes felt like they were swollen from my tears. My shoulder was burning where Jake had bitten me, and my bottom lip was tight from where I was cut.

Stiff, my body was stiff.

My insides were...calm.

It was over . . .

It's all over.

From what Edward had said, I gathered Jake was dead.

Relieved.

When Edward told me, relief washed over me.

The invisible shackles Jake had placed on me disappeared.

I was free.

After Edward left, I cried until I fell back to sleep.

My tears were a mix of sorrow because he was leaving, and joy because . . .

I was free.

Free.

"How you feeling?" Jasper asked, concern etched on his face. "I got you more Tylenol—in case you still got a headache." He placed the medicine and a glass of water down next to the bed.

"I'm okay." It wasn't a lie. I was all right.

Again, I kept reminding myself that it could have been a lot worse.

And that's all over now.

"I'm staying home today—"

"Jazz—" I sat up, trying to get out of the cocoon Edward wrapped me in "—you don't have to. You can't miss school, and who's going to work at Sal's?"

He shrugged. "Doesn't matter." He placed the pills in my hand. "Take them anyway."

To humor him, I tossed the Tylenol back and washed them down with the water.

"You scared me, Bells." Seeing my big brother so sad almost had me in tears again. "You gotta…I don't know."

"It's not your fault. How many times did you tell me Jake was no good?" My stomach rolled, knotting up, but I had to be brave.

I had to get through this conversation, maybe smile a little, tell him how great I feel this morning, lie to him . . . to shield him from the truth.

Jasper couldn't know. He'd blame himself, he'd hate himself.

Knowing how that feels, I didn't want that for him, not at all.

"Exactly…And I don't say shit to be a prick. I'll always look out for you." He started to pace. "And I know you…If I would have pushed—when shit with Jake was gravy, before Eddie came back—you would have taken off with the sonofabitch."

That would have never been my choice.

If Jasper caused trouble, Jake would have taken me away from him, or hurt him...my brother.

This is what he doesn't understand.

Christ.

I just didn't know anymore, wanting to keep it all a secret, keep it from Jasper.

He'll blame himself.

"You would'a moved in with Jake, and then . . ."

I didn't say anything.

He continued. "I'm putting my foot down now, though. I do shit—say shit for your best interest."

"Thank you," I whispered. "I'm sorry...if I ever gave you a hard time."

"Can you listen to me then, from now on?" He nudged me, and I moved over so he could sit.

"Well…I don't know." I had a feeling he was gonna ask me to stay away from Edward.

He snorted. "Seriously, B . . . What happened yesterday?"

I shook my head, truly not wanting to lie. "Please?"

"But you told Edward."

I didn't reply.

If it was up to me, Edward wouldn't know either, but he found me—helped me more than he'll ever know. It felt good to a certain extent to confide in him. Now I just fear that he'll see me as dirty, used, gross.

"What's the deal with you guys anyway?"

"I don't know." I was honest. "He's—a good guy." I nodded. "A friend, I guess."

"No, he's my friend. You know what I mean." He scoffed.

"He's my friend, too . . ." I grinned. "I don't know. You wanna know if I like him? Yeah, I like him so much . . . it's weird. You know I've always crushed on him." And yesterday didn't change that. I had a feeling nothing would change that. Edward is amazing.

"I do—" he pursed his lips "—which was the reason I tried to, tried to keep you two apart. I knew there'd be trouble. But I'm gonna say this." He turned to hold my biceps. "You don't need a new boyfriend yet. You don't need another fucker breathing down your neck. Bells, you're a kid—"

"Jasper—"

"You're not even a person yet," he exclaimed, wearing a smile. "Gram babied you, and when she died…you swore you were grown—jumping into shit with Jake." He shrugged. "You have no idea what you want. Don't focus all your time on boys, partying—Edward. You want a job? Get one. In October, you'll start school. You'll even make new friends…I just—" He kept his mouth open but stopped talking while sadness filled my heart again.

And it wasn't because he brought up my grandmother.

It wasn't because he pretty much called me a baby, said I was immature.

It had nothing to do with Jake.

"Don't make me stay away from Edward." If only he knew it was likely physically impossible for me.

If I wanted Edward before, I needed him now.

"Out of everything I just said, you—"

"Please," I whispered.

Jasper sighed and then silence filled the room for a few seconds. "You won't talk to me, so I don't know how to help you," he paused, "but Edward can't…he can't be your crutch. You have shit to overcome. That needs to come from you." He poked my nose.

"I—" I didn't know how to answer him.

There was no hiding the way I felt yesterday—after what happened—from anyone. Shaken up, distraught or in shock, I didn't have a handle on my emotions.

And Edward made everything just a little bit better.

Even now, just the thought of him . . .

"Edward isn't a magician, Bella." He groaned. "What I mean is…you have to deal with what happened. Not hide behind Edward."

I nodded, mulling that over in my head.

What he said didn't change anything, not at all.

"I'll tell you the same thing I told him. Just be straight with me. Okay?" He didn't look happy about it. "Eddie's head is just as fucked as yours. He doesn't know if he's coming or going, or—"

"You think he's gonna leave?" I asked.

"I didn't say that." He shook his head.

"You think he's lost, too?" I felt that way, thinking Edward lost when he first got here. "You don't think he's gonna stay?" My teeth gnashed together, my body stiffened with a cringe, and I was suddenly nervous, but I think my body was preparing itself for the blow. The disappointing news...

"This is about you, not Edward."

"Sorry," I mumbled, my mind a jumbled mess.

He rolled his eyes. "I've been so busy…Edward and I haven't talk-talked in a few, besides speaking and worrying about you. I really don't know what's up with him," he said. "I don't think he's ready to…be in a relationship. I don't think that's what he wants."

"Oh." I couldn't help but frown, hearing that.

Having been through this before, feeling safe again, given the time to calm down—

Edward is still at the forefront of my mind.

My head is a mess, though. I agreed with Jasper there.

It was just upsetting to hear him say that Edward wouldn't be interested in a relationship.

I know I'll need time. That I do need time, but Edward makes me forget. He makes me feel better, gives me hope, and a reason to smile.

I knew what Jasper was saying . . .

Before I can make someone else happy, I have to make myself happy first?

I didn't know how to do that.

Having Edward by my side made me feel stronger.

My brother doesn't know if Edward is going to stay.

But I had to be better for the both of them—Jasper and Edward, and maybe things won't have to change?

I cringed again, hoping to relax, hoping my brother didn't notice.

Will I ever be able to pick one thought—one emotion—and stick with it?

The air was suddenly thick. It was hard to breathe, but I could breathe…taking slow yet deep breaths. I hoped my face wasn't red.

"B, what's wrong?"

I gasped. "Nothing." I shook my head, feeling the panic crawl up my neck, like it was on my skin.

"Easy." Jasper rubbed my back. "Drink some water."

I nodded, taking the glass from him before I gulped it all down.

I was winded when it was emptied.

"Feel better?"

"Yeah," I sighed, licking my lips. "You-you think Edward might leave?" I tried to think back to the last thing Jasper had said. "Um—" I didn't know if I felt better, still confused. "Uh…" I rolled my eyes, faking a smile. "What'd you say?"

Jasper kissed my temple, leaning his head on mine. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

He squeezed me to his side. "You're going to be okay."

"I know," I whispered, hoping I would be.

"Edward," Jasper sighed. "He has ties here, but not many strong ones…I don't wanna see you get hurt again." He placed his arm over my shoulders. "You don't need a boyfriend right now anyway . . . I mean, if shit does work out for you guys…good."

"Thanks," I said, glad he'd be okay if Edward and I were to get together.

"It looks like Edward's getting into other things you might not want any part of."

"You can't be mad at him." I started crying and hated myself for it.

Jazz sucked his teeth, squeezed me to him again. "Please, Bella. I can't—it hurts to see you like this. Talk to me."

I turned my whole body to face him. "Don't be mad at Edward. Promise me. He's amazing, Jasper. He—I can't explain it."

If I told Jasper about everything Edward had done for me, I'd have to get into it...tell my brother the truth behind what happened, what has happened.

And his prior reaction is the reason I can't confide in him.

"I'm not mad at Edward." He seemed frustrated with me.

"I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for?" He was exasperated.

I shrugged.

He stared at me for a moment, but relaxed some—I saw it in his shoulders when they dropped. "I love Edward—as if he was my brother. You know? But you are my sister. I'll take your side in the divorce." He wiggled his brows, suddenly playful.

I giggle-snorted, pushing him away. "Go on."

"It's late," he said. "It's ten past eleven. You should hit up the avenue. Carvel has a help wanted sign in the window . . ."

I grimaced. "Like this?" I pointed to my face, which was crap. I knew how to hide it all with makeup.

I just didn't want a job…

I didn't want to get out of bed either. I'd be content to stay here, sleep the days away until Edward came back.

It's not logical…I can't do that.

But Carvel…?

Working at the club would have been cool. It was going to be a couple of days a week, and it's a nightclub.

Truth be told, when I graduated from high school, I just didn't have any ambition or ideas as to what I wanted to do, besides hair—to be a stylist—but I didn't give a shit about the future.

Never thought I'd have one, I guess.

Regardless, it seems I'm still lacking drive.

The thought of leaving the house was almost unbearable.

Jasper grinned. "Carvel isn't that bad. You love ice cream. I dunno . . . No pressure. Take a few days, relax. You know? Get your head together. I just mentioned it—thought you could apply before they hired someone else."

"Okay."

"You also have visitors."

"What?" I glanced around. "Oh, you didn't tell Alice—"

"I didn't say a word," he whispered. "I swear. Alice and Rosalie just showed up."

I felt my lip with my fingertip and winced. "Tell them I'm sick."

"Too late, bitch!" Alice jumped into the room.

I groaned, covering my face with a pillow.

"Can you give us a sec?" Jazz asked her.

"That's what you said ten minutes ago!" Alice complained.

My brother shot up, kicking her out of the room to close the door.

"Not cool!" Alice shouted.

Jasper looked to me. "You want them gone? Just say the word."

"It's okay." I scooted off the bed.

There was no hiding what happened. If I stay holed up, they'd know . . . something was up, they'd possibly tell others.

Worst than Jasper knowing is the whole neighborhood learning I was Jake's punching bag.

I had to face Alice and Rosalie.

"Just one thing—before you go." He put his arms out, and I welcomed his embrace. "Don't scare me like that again. Okay?"

I nodded, resting my head on his chest.

"Did—did he—um—"

"No," I lied, steeling my nerves, my eyes meeting his so he'd believe me. "It wasn't like that. He got angry—hit me. That's it."

Besides trying not to think about it—at which I'm failing miserably—I still didn't want my brother to be upset, learn the truth.

Jasper nodded and he looked pissed. "Has this—"

"Never happened before. I swear." I rushed out.

Jasper stared at me.

"It's true." I kept eye contact with him, trying my hardest, willing him to believe me. "I'm not lying. Yesterday was a fluke."

He nodded. "All right…Do you need a doctor?"

"That's a waste of money."

His face fell. "It doesn't matter. If you need to go, I'll get the money."

"I'm fine," I promised. "Okay?"

He blew out a breath. "I'll be downstairs."

I grabbed his hand. "Go to Sal's. I'm cool. Keep an eye on it."

"Sure." He kissed my hair and then left the bedroom.

When the door opened, Alice and Rosalie entered.

"This is Edward's room?" Rose looked around, quirking a brow. "There's nothing in here."

Alice gasped. "My baby!" She palmed my cheeks. "Did you ice it?"

"Jasper made sure—he had me icing my face all afternoon yesterday."

She frowned. "Okay."

"Friend or not, Emmett's looking for Jake." Rosalie nodded, sitting on Edward's bed. "Em's gonna fuck him up."

"CJ, too." Alice nodded. "Where's Edward?"

"Oh…he went to see his mom." I shrugged. "Um…" It seemed they already knew something.

"What happened?" Alice asked. "Did Jake…suspect something? About you and Edward? I swear. I didn't see him when I left. If I did—Bella, I would have never let him in."

"I know." I nodded.

"What, uh, did he do?" She glanced up at me.

"Alice!" Rosalie shouted. "Maybe she doesn't wanna talk about it."

"I don't," I said, biting my cuticle. "Jake and me—we fought. That's it. There's no story to tell."

"Such an asshole," Rose muttered. "He deserves a knee to his balls. I hope I can make that happen." She gave Alice a high-five.

I grinned, hoping I looked genuine.

Alice smiled at me. "Margaritas by the pool? My mom's out shopping, but Dad's home. You know he don't care." She snorted. "Mom's a total narc with the booze, but it's okay for her to drink herself into oblivion," she rambled.

Rosalie combed through her hair with her fingers. "I'm in the mood for a mojito."

I smiled, albeit briefly. "I just wanna stay home."

"You're safe with us, chicka!" Alice placed her arm over my shoulders. "We'll be at my house, and Jake's not that stupid…to seek you there."

"But your mom and dad—possibly seeing this?" I pointed to my face, using it as an excuse again. "I'm tired…I—" Leaving my house was the last thing I wanted to do.

"You can wear sunglasses, put some cover up on." Alice waved a hand. "You can't hide."

"Leave her alone," Rose said, nudging Alice. "Maybe—"

I didn't like the way Rose looked at me. "I'm fine. More than okay…I'll meet you guys downstairs. I wanna shower quick."

Alice squeezed me before she left, and Rosalie—always a bit cold—just left.

Once they were gone, I breathed a sigh of relief, getting back into Edward's bed.

I inhaled the scent of his pillow, instantly missing him—his face—and I didn't want to leave his bed. More than that, I didn't want to leave the house, but I had to act normal, be normal.

I had to smile . . .

And I had to put everything that happened yesterday behind me.

But how…?

How do I forget?

It was weird, trying to think back to last month or last year. So much had changed within such a short period of time, and I didn't want to think about my life—a life without Edward Masino in it.

I groaned, leaving the bed.

My thoughts always seem to go back to Edward, and I hated to admit that…thinking of him was better than…dwelling on…other things.

Normal.

Smile.

Edward…He may not have been a star in many of my yesterdays, but he'll be around for plenty of tomorrows.

And that…

That was something to smile about.

I'll get through today.

I'll get through tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that—even if I have to count down the hours, the minutes, the fucking seconds—until Edward came back . . . until I could smile and mean it.

I'll get through it…like I always do.

And Edward was coming back.

After showering, I did my best to cover the bruises on my face, I gave myself another pep talk...

Nevertheless, I was dressed and ready to go within twenty minutes.

I borrowed one of Edward's t-shirts to wear, which would be a secret and silent reminder. It'll remind me of better tomorrows. A symbol of hope.

Walking downstairs, I saw Rosalie through the screen, sitting on the stoop, but I hadn't seen Alice.

That was because she was in the kitchen sucking Jasper's face.

I hid in the hall, spying on them, because . . . seeing Jasper and Alice together was odd enough.

But seeing my brother with a woman . . . I'd never seen that before, except for when he was in high school. He had a lot of girlfriends back then.

Jazz hasn't gotten much play since he became my parent . . . Then again, I always figured he got his kicks elsewhere.

"Will I see you later?" Alice asked, smiling the widest I'd ever seen.

Jasper had a straight face. "Keep an eye on Bella. If she seems off, you lemme know, and I'll go pick her up."

"She's stronger than you think," Alice crooned, getting on her toes to peck his lips. "My girl's tough. Trust. She can also knock with the best of 'em. I've seen your sister kick ass—"

"Those are cat fights." He pushed his hair back. "And yeah, she'll act tough…smile for me, you, and Rose, but—"

"Jazzy—" She held his hand. "Trust me. She'll be fine."

He nodded, looking away from her.

"Jasper?" She was getting on my brother's nerves. That much was evident. "Can we hang out later?"

"I gotta work—study later. We'll see."

"That means no." She pouted.

"It means we'll play it by ear." He pried his hand out of hers.

"I'm ready," I announced, before she could ruin the progress she'd made.

Their sharing kisses days after their hookup was a feat and a half. They'd definitely make a cute couple. Maybe she'd even lighten Jasper up a little, since he's usually so serious while she's playful.

We'd need to have a talk about her . . . eagerness, her always being available to him.

For the record, I can dish decent advice every once in a while, even if I'd done the exact opposite with Edward—throwing myself at him like some whore.

But I couldn't help it.

That was what he wanted. That was what he was looking for when he went out with Lauren and Jessica, and I was grasping at straws that night . . . until I just couldn't help myself, and I literally threw myself at him.

Though, I don't regret anything that happened between us. It was natural. It was beautiful. It was us, Edward and me. It was a night of many firsts for me. I learned what true passion felt like. I felt pleasure for the first time. I made love for the first time.

I felt so many things...I think I confused my brain with all the different sensations. My body couldn't process the foreignness? And my heart took over. And all it could do was sing a happy song.

Anyway, when it comes to my brother and Alice, I shouldn't compare them to Edward and me. Jasper's different. If he feels smothered, he'll back off completely. Alice will blow it.

That got me thinking of Edward again, since he and Jasper can be alike.

Keeping my distance wasn't an option, so I hoped I could tone…myself down a little, put things in perspective before he gets home.

"Let's go," Alice said, leaving the house.

"What was that?" I asked Jasper.

He grinned, shaking his head. "Just go—have fun. You need anything, you call me. I'll come get you."

"Thanks." I waved, trailing after my girls.

/=/=/

Alice's driver—Jeremy—drove us the two blocks to her house. As usual, there were other cars in her driveway, other people at her house, but like always, the three of us marched into the backyard to hang out—otherwise ignoring the Colleoni associates.

"Why's Emmett here?" Rose whispered.

"He's here?" I hadn't seen him, yet my stomach rolled—nervous. Rose says Emmett wants to kick Jake's ass, but I highly doubted it. Emmett's seen Jake do some shady shit to me, and he's never said anything.

Rose gasped. "You think Jake is here?"

"No," I said.

Edward told me not to worry.

Jake was dead.

The idea filled me with glee.

Edward cared that much about me.

He avenged what Jake had done, and my only worries or concerns were for Edward.

Fuck Jake.

Alice came out with a drink tray. "See? My father doesn't care."

"Is Jake here?" Rose asked her.

Alice snorted. "If he even thinks about coming around here…" She chuckled, taking a seat and grabbing a margarita. "I'd shove a nine up his ass myself. Trust." She sipped her drink. "These are good. B, have one."

"Thanks." I took one off the tray.

"Marie just showed up. She has the baby." Alice squealed.

People coming and going—family and friends alike—all day long was nothing new for the Colleoni household.

I know I'm always welcome here.

Esme's the closest thing I have to a mom, while Marie is like the older sister I never had.

Rose gave Alice a nudge. "Is CJ here, too?" As she mentioned his name, she adjusted her bikini top.

"Stay away from him. Don't even look at him."

Rose had wide eyes.

"I'm dead-ass," Alice warned.

"He's married. I don't get down like that." Rose slammed Alice, but she didn't notice.

Alice guzzled her margarita. "You guys hungry?"

I shrugged, pushing my sunglasses up on my nose.

"B, if I ordered pizza—"

"Jazz manages. He doesn't deliver unless it's on the block," I laughed.

"Shit." She snapped her fingers. "I think there's ham. Who wants a ham sandwich?"

"I could eat," I said.

"Cool." Alice left the table.

Rosalie turned to me. "You don't think CJ's—"

"No." I was honest, having literally grown up with him. I didn't see him that way at all. "And he's your cousin—"

"Second cousin by marriage," she defended. "I just think he's good-looking. That's all." She had more issues than I cared to speak about. "And isn't Edward supposed to be like a pseudo brother to you? You're on his jock…now that's sick."

"No, it's not. We're not related at all…" I trailed off when I saw Emmett enter the yard.

"My monkey man." Rose smiled, only to give Emmett the cold shoulder when he sipped her drink.

"Ladies," he greeted, turning to Rose. "How long you gonna be mad at me?"

I leaned back, trying to blend into the chair.

"How long you plan on playing the field?" Rose leaned toward him. "We're getting too old for this garbage. Don't you think? You wanna be my man, then be my man." She shrugged. "Take me or leave me." I wished I had her balls to just outright say something like that to Edward.

"We never talked about being exclusive." He grabbed her hand. "If that's what you want—"

"That's what I want," she said.

"Okay, then. We good?" He landed a few loud kisses in her neck, making her squeal. Then his eyes landed on me. "How you doin'?"

"I'm fine," I said.

"Jake's gotta be hiding out." He nodded. "We were supposed to meet up yesterday, and he never showed."

"Oh…" I studied my nail beds, wishing I had the money to get a manicure.

"If I talk to him . . . I mean, I know CJ and Jasper must be pissed—probably won't let you speak to him."

I shook my head. "I have nothing to say."

"Come on, B," he drawled, squeezing my shoulder. "My boy got upset, but you were wrong—so fucking wrong, too."

"Would'ju shut the fuck up?" Rosalie barked at him. "Did you see what he did to her?" She reached for me—my shades—and I cringed back.

It was too late, though. She tore off my disguise.

"What could she have possibly done to deserve that?" she asked.

I wondered if my makeup came off or something.

"I don't see anything." Emmett refused to look at me. "All I know is it's gonna be this huge clusterfuck. Jake'll get killed—"

"And he deserves it!" Rosalie nodded, handing me back my shades. "If he's smart, he won't come back to the neighborhood."

"She was throwing herself at another dude!" he exclaimed. "I'd fuckin' lose my mind, too. I'm sorry. Bella carried herself like—"

"Like what?" I whispered, refusing to cry. The time to be strong was now, right fucking now. Anger bubbled up inside of me, and I needed to hold onto it, go with it and stand my ground. "Um, like what? How did I act?" I swallowed my nerves, lifting my chin and sitting up, wanting to look taller when I felt so small.

Emmett clammed up.

"Answer her." Our heads whipped to CJ. He had Bianca, his daughter, in his arms, and she was crying. "Finish what you were gonna say." He sat with us.

Bianca's wails and whimpering didn't seem to bother him, but it irked me. CJ was letting her cry, too engrossed in what Emmett was going on about. He was talking about me, and all I could focus on was the baby crying.

Emmett sighed. "Bella did my boy dirty—"

"I didn't." I shook my head. Calling Jasper to come get me sounded like a good idea. Yet my attention went to Bianca again. "Don't cry…" I touched her little hand with my finger.

"Look, all I know is…you broads demand respect when you walk around…actin' like pigs, dressing like you belong on a street corner," Emmett laughed. "You think you're golden with Edward?" he asked me.

I didn't know what to say.

"He's the same way—will think the same way. Watch." Emmett nodded.

"Edward's nothing like Jake." Tears welled up in my eyes, and I pinched my thigh. I couldn't cry here.

"Watch..." Emmett sounded cryptic, still nodding his head. "Carry yourself like a ho, and men'll treat you like one."

"Oh!" CJ shouted. "Watch yourself, McCarty."

Emmett didn't reply, sipping from Rose's glass. But I understood what he was saying. It made perfect sense. If I want Edward to take me seriously, I had to change. I knew I couldn't be the mess he was with last night. I can't be...me, whatever I am.

I needed to tone myself down.

I needed to...be normal.

I needed to do something...maybe earn his respect somehow.

"My boy Ed's not here." CJ smiled. "So keep his name out ya mouth. Understand?" He turned and thrust the baby into my arms. "Make her stop crying."

I held his daughter awkwardly until I righted her, and she was this tiny little thing . . . this warm bundle of joy. Having her in my arms made me smile a real smile for the first time all day.

"But right now, Em…I need you to bounce. You're getting me heated, and I don't need it." CJ stared Emmett down.

Emmett stood up, showing us his palms. "I'm out. If I see Jake—"

"You'll do and say nothing," CJ said. "And when you see my boy Edward? You'll respect him as if he's me."

"I got no beef with him," Emmett snorted. "Later." He backed away until he was at the fence.

"You all right?" CJ asked me.

"Yeah." I cleared my throat.

"Don't listen to that asshole." He massaged my shoulder. "You're a beautiful young woman...you should be treated as such. You're not...what he said."

"Thanks." I didn't know what to say to that. I've never taken compliments well, although I was sure he only said that to make me feel better.

"You sure you're good?" CJ touched my cheek.

"Yes." I nodded. "I'm fine."

"You sure?" He smirked, pushing my hair behind my ear. "Want me to go beat his ass?"

"No." I rolled my eyes.

He thumbed my cheek. "Smile for me."

CJ was starting to annoy me, so I turned to grin in his direction. At the same time, Bianca got a good grip on my finger. That made me giggle.

"Thanks." He winked, heaving himself out of his chair.

"She's strong. Huh?" I asked.

CJ nodded. "You gonna drink this?" He went for my margarita.

"No...go 'head," I said.

Rose kicked me under the table, which made my head snap to her. She brought her shades down to stare at me wide-eyed.

"What?" I mouthed.

She sighed, sitting back in her chair.

When Bianca got fussy again, I left the chair to rock her. She quieted right away, like she always does with me. I have no idea what it is. Maybe she likes me?

And that made me feel like a million bucks.

Holding her was the highlight of my day.

"She can't be hungry—was suckin' on Marie's tit just a little while ago." He kissed her hair.

I tried not to giggle. "She's okay."

"Ugh." When I heard Marie groan, I turned to her. "You can't hold her for ten minutes?" she asked CJ.

He widened his arms. "She likes Bella—she shut right up. What you want me to do?"

Marie smiled at me. "You want me to take her?"

"I'm okay," I whispered, swaying from side to side, because Bianca was falling asleep.

"All right." Marie's voice was hushed. "Just try and stay in the shade. I'm gonna get a head start on dinner."

"How 'bout I help you wit' that?" CJ asked. "Since I'm so useless?"

"You said it." Marie snorted.

Tensions seemed high with the couple, but then they disappeared back into the house. At the same time, Alice came out with a plate of sandwiches.

"Oh, my niece-y-poo." She shot me a toothy grin. "You can eat. I'll hold her."

I paused, not wanting to give her up. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. I'm her godmother."

"Okay." I gently placed her in Alice's arms, and then Bianca started screaming.

Thank you for reading.

Are you guys still reading? LOL.

:-)