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Chapter Fifteen

Despite my protests, Carlisle suggested I ride with him and his wife to Pacific Pizza. I practically bit off all my nails on the ride over to the restaurant. Esme asked me at least five times if I was sure I liked pizza. Who doesn't, I asked rhetorically, creating laughter in the vehicle. I was too nervous to laugh along with them.

When we walked into Pacific Pizza, Carlisle asked to be seated at a table for four. That's when I knew Edward would be meeting us for lunch, and I was able to somewhat relax.

After we were seated in a booth, Esme tapped her manicured nails on the table and began telling us about the funniest thing she heard the other day.

Something, or rather someone, caught my attention in my peripheral. It was Edward, of course, and he'd walked into the restaurant, waving at a woman standing near the register.

My eyes stayed locked on him. I had no choice but to stare.

An elderly man who was leaving the restaurant stopped Edward and started up a conversation. Edward nodded and smiled and talked with his hands. He must have said something funny because the elderly man laughed so hard his dentures almost slipped out of his mouth.

I couldn't help but smile. Edward had a way with people, that was for sure.

Then his eyes suddenly snapped in my direction and he eye-crinkle smiled at me. He spoke to the elderly man but kept his gaze on me. 'Someone is waiting for me'; I read his lips.

I was the someone he spoke of. I may not have been Edward's someone, but I was someone worthy enough to be seen by him.

Edward shook his head as he strode over to the booth. "I told them not to do this." His smirk was playful as he rubbed his chin.

"Oh, you're no fun," Esme teased. Edward pecked her cheek before sitting entirely too close to me in the booth.

Not that I minded, of course. I just wasn't sure how his parents would react to me...sexually assaulting their son in public.

"Have they been torturing you?" he asked with amusement in both his eyes and tone.

"No. Not at all," I admitted. But I honestly had no idea if his parents had even asked me a single question since we took our seats. Once Edward walked in, my focus was on him.

I cautiously glanced up at Esme, who was already smiling at me. So she must have noticed me eye fucking her son. I wasn't sure if that was something I should be embarrassed about.

"It's not like we planned this, Edward," Emse chided. "It was merely a coincidence Bella showed up before your father and I left for lunch."

"Yeah, yeah. Did you order yet?"

"Not yet," Carlisle said, scanning the menu.

Edward turned his head, leaned closer to me and whispered, "Hi."

His hand snaked out of sight and under the table, lightly touching the side of my thigh.

"Hi," I managed to choke out.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes."

"Good."

"So, Bella? Edward was telling us you moved here from Portland," Esme interrupted.

"Yes."

"Are you liking Forks so far?" Carlisle spoke next. "It's a little different from Portland."

"Yeah, there are...less people," I lamely commented.

What? I'd like to see you come up with an eloquent response while Edward traces tiny circles on your thigh.

"And your mother, she's the one who found the house for lease? Are you in school? How old are you?"

"What are you-" Edward said in exasperation. "You could at least pretend to interview her."

"I'm only asking so I can get an idea of her schedule, Edward. I swear, sometimes you are exactly like your father."

"Hey! Don't bring me into this." Carlisle winked.

"It's fine," I lied as my palms began sweating and my leg bounced out of control. Edward moved his hand, letting it rest right above my knee. He gave my thigh a tiny squeeze and I was thankful for the simple gesture.

I was also thankful the waitress walked over to take our orders.

Once everyone ordered I explained that yes, my mother was the one who contacted Edward about the house. I also mentioned school, explaining that I wasn't currently attending. They didn't ask why, and I didn't tell them why not.

Esme looked thoughtful and said, "Well, since you aren't in school right now, I would love if you worked at least four days a week. If you don't mind."

"Aren't you even going to tell her what she'd be doing? Bella, I swear she isn't usually this...odd," Edward said seriously.

Right. Because his mother not explaining my job duties beforehand was odd. If that were true, I'd hate to know what his thoughts were about Renee.

"Excuse Edward. He's not usually this much of a grouch." Esme ignored his snickering. "I would just need you to answer the phone and schedule appointments for me to meet with prospective buyers, renters, that sort of thing. Maybe even accompany my daughter, Alice, to make purchases for the model homes. I'm not sure she appreciates my style choices."

I laughed, remembering Alice ranting about the silk ficus. "It all sounds great. Thank you so much. I didn't expect to find a job this soon."

Esme shushed me. "Nonsense. I should be thanking you for helping me out."

I had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time I'd thank the Cullen family.

A/N: Even elderly men with dentures are dazzled by Edward. Thanks for reading! :)

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