A/N
Happy Saturday!
—-
When I found out that this weekend's party is being held at Connor's, I groaned.
Fucking typical.
But a quick pep-talk from Rose, and I decided to let what will be, be.
Edward and I have never been one for openly communicating, so I didn't text or call him, not getting upset by his silence either.
Friends, right? Not lovers … not yet. Maybe not ever.
Baby steps.
The house is busy and chaotic when we arrive, loud music and jeering, grinding and God knows what else in full effect. We're always late and tonight is no exception.
Tyler smiles wide, raising a hand above the crowds and beckoning me over. Shit. I forgot.
The next person I see is Jessica; all flowing dark hair, bright lipstick, tight jeans, and smiles.
I'm in over my head.
I've never been in this situation before.
"Here," Angela shoves a beer into my hand. "You're gonna need this." I don't argue, because no doubt I will.
People come and go, talking to me, flirting with me. I laugh, humour them, do what I usually do, but shy away from the unwarranted touching.
Tyler makes his way over, smiling wide, so carefree in his demeanour, I'm jealous.
"Not dancing tonight?" he asks, jumping up to sit on the counter behind me.
"No." I smirk, playing along. "Not nearly drunk enough for that."
"No one to impress?"
Looking at him over my shoulder, I can't help but roll my eyes. "Not every girl dances to impress someone, Tyler. Sometimes we just like the freedom."
"Artsy." He nods. "I love it."
I can't help but snort, taking a drink of my beer to distract myself. Until I feel a burst of hot air against my ear, hot air I know hasn't come from Tyler's mouth.
"Please let me knock him out again."
My whole body hums in his presence. I smile, biting into my lip, unable to look at him. There's no way Tyler didn't hear. "Play nice," I warn, not missing the way Tyler's body stiffens beside me.
Edward hums, his mouth still close to my ear, warm peppermint breath, a hint of cigarettes.
He looks better tonight. I look up, my smile widening. Freshly shaven, eyes clear and green, hair wild and tempting. Beautiful.
It's hard to keep my hands to myself. It's even harder not to give in and lean into him. He's so close.
"You look better," I tell him.
"I feel better." The implication of his words isn't lost on either of us. Or Tyler.
"What the fuck is this?" Tyler asks, taken aback, confused. I feel bad. Edward's whole body turns rigid, the air shifting, the balance precarious.
"We … uh." I took at Tyler, pleading as I explain myself. "Came to an understanding?"
He scoffs, Edward growls. "You two?" His hand motions between Edward and I. "An understanding?" When he laughs, it's full of scorn. "Sure. I'll believe that when I see it."
"Tyler," I warn gently.
"Are you dumb, Bella?"
Now Edward's standing at his full height, almost vibrating in rage. "Say that again, I fucking dare you," he warns Tyler through clenched teeth. I don't know where to look, who to concentrate on, as my gaze moves between both of them.
"How about both of you just … fucking stop!" I've had enough, hoping the volume of my voice diverts their attention away from each other. It does. I can't even hide my surprise, unsure of what to say now I have their undivided attention.
Both of them watch me, waiting.
"Look," I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Tyler, I get why you're upset—I do." His incredulous gaze softens a little. "But … people deserve second chances—"
"Or nine," he scoffs, shaking his head. Edward stands even taller, bracing himself. "This is a fucking joke, right?"
We haven't drawn much attention to ourselves … yet. But it's only a matter of time if this continues, though I'm determined to keep this situation as calm as possible.
"Please?" I plead with Tyler once more.
"Are you forgetting this is the guy who smashed my face off a fucking wall?"
"You shouldn't have tried to kiss her," Edward growls.
Tyler turns sharply, jumping down from the counter and taking a menacing step towards Edward. Instantly, I'm standing between them both, holding them back. "You had no claim on her," Tyler spits.
"This needs to stop! Right now." I try to keep my voice low, which only results in a growl. No less aggressive than the standoff happening around me. My head whips back and forth between them both.
"So what?" Tyler asks, his shoulders slumping. "He has a claim over you now?"
I shake my head. "No. We're … friends."
Tyler laughs bitterly. Edward smirks at him. Sending a warning glance in Edward's direction, he raises his hands in surrender, but his smirk doesn't lessen.
It's Jessica who decides to unintentionally help the situation.
Sauntering, smug, she sidles up to Edward, stroking his arm as she leans in. She's so drunk and … pathetic.
He looks down at her, head hitched back, questioning. He doesn't move.
Tyler looks at me, raising a brow and nodding his head in Edward's direction, as though he's trying to prove something. Like I can't see. I'm not fucking blind.
Jealousy courses through my body, hot and heavy, bile in my throat. Edward is the possessive, angry one, but inside, I'm giving him a run for his money.
Friends.
First and foremost, we're friends, right? I can't claw Jessica's eyeballs out. I can't.
"I need to pee," I tell Tyler, leaving before I assault someone. That's not my style, it's his -hypocrite.
