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Chapter Thirty-One

They're just people. They're just nice, normal people and there's no reason to have a meltdown.

Hell, I had already met most of Edward's family and spent four days with his mother in her office. I wasn't sure where this anxiety was stemming from, but I tried not to dwell on it.

Don't dwell on it.

I repeated that to myself in the mirror after having blow dried my hair straight and adding a bit of mascara to my lashes. It didn't change much, but I couldn't let myself focus on the obvious. I was plain and that would never change.

In between the grueling task of messing with my hair and my silent meltdown, I did find time to bake a little something for Emmett's birthday. I certainly didn't know him well enough, but I figured it didn't hurt to wish him happy birthday in the form of brownies.

Besides, everyone loves chocolate, caramel, and pecans. And if they don't, well, they are not someone I want to associate myself with.

Edward had called around five to let me know, if it was all right with me, he would pick me up around eight. Of course I obliged and held back from asking him what I should wear. No doubt he would find something charming to say about it not mattering.

It mattered to me.

After the brownies completely cooled, I cut them into reasonable size squares and secured them safely into our nicest Tupperware.

For some reason, Renee had locked herself in her bedroom after our chat earlier. Part of me wanted to check on her, but the other part was frightened she'd find some way to get me to stay home. So I anxiously waited the arrival of Edward and hoped she would keep herself locked away until after I left.

Half past seven, there was a knock on the door and I was grateful Edward had opted against using the doorbell.

"Hey." Edward smiled, standing in front of me with button fly jeans and a black long sleeved v-neck shirt.

Really, the man was walking sex. There was no other way to put it.

I took a second to collect myself, giving my ovaries time to recover. The hand that ran through his hair was not helping. Neither was his smirk.

"Am I overdressed?" I questioned, glancing down at my graphite colored strapless dress.

"Not at all. You look great," Edward said softly. "Although, you might get chilly later."

"I'll be okay." I wouldn't dwell on it. "Let me grab something and I'll meet you in the car."

His eyes lingered on my exposed skin before giving me an easy smile and walking towards the street.

I grabbed what I needed and locked the door behind me. As I approached the car, Edward leaned over the console and opened my door from the inside.

"What is that?" He eyed the container in my lap before starting the car.

I buckled my seat belt. "Brownies."

"Hm."

"For Emmett," I finished, swatting his hand away.

"Come on. I'm starving. He won't even notice one or four missing."

"Four? Get your own brownies," I teased, my death grip clutching the container.

"I don't remember having the conversation where I said you were allowed to bake for other guys," Edward hummed to himself, focusing on the road.

His lips were trying hard not to twitch as I said, "Funny. I don't remember having the conversation stating that I couldn't."

"I'll stop teasing once you give me a brownie."

"Fine." I gave in, opened the container and handed him a brownie.

"Pecans, too? Shit, are you trying to kill me?"

"Why? Are you allergic to nuts?"

Edward groaned as he ate the brownie in one bite, gathering crumbs in his lap. "I think I might love you."

I ignored his words. Brownie-induced-love was not entirely unheard of.

Eight minutes later, we had parked in the back lot of Black's and were making our way inside. Alice was on the phone standing near the door when we walked in.

She hung up immediately and waved us over.

"Edward? I thought this was family only?" Alice asked as if I didn't have ears. As if I weren't standing four feet away from her.

I refused to look down and hoped my cheeks weren't burning.

"Since when have bar celebrations been family only?" Edward shot back and leaned closer to me.

Alice sighed and pulled him into a hug before focusing on me. "Nice to see you again."

"You too," I said confidently, trying to ignore that completely awkward moment.

"What do you have there?" Alice questioned, quirking an eyebrow as she motioned toward the Tupperware in my hands.

"Oh. Just some brownies for Emmett," I replied, looking over her shoulder.

"You baked brownies," Alice deadpanned. "And you brought them to the bar. How cute is that?"

I had a feeling Alice's definition of the word "cute" was different than my own.

"Uh. Did I hear the word brownies?" Emmett asked, popping his head over Alice's shoulder. "Portland! Glad you could make it!"

I gave him a smile as he practically pushed Alice out of the way to grab my shoulders for a hug.

"Don't break her, jeez." Edward shook his head. "I'm going to get us some drinks. Vodka?" he whispered in my ear and I nodded, less because I wanted vodka and more because he had me paralyzed with the proximity of his mouth.

He chuckled and walked away, leaving me to fend for myself.

"Look, Emmett. Bella made you brownies," Alice said from somewhere behind him.

"No shit!" Emmett beamed as I handed him the container. "None of that gluten and sugar free crap, right? Edward told me you baked him some stuff last week."

"All of the good things are still intact," I assured him with a laugh.

Edward slipped behind me, touching the small of my back to catch my attention. My nerves thanked him for the drink.

"Be careful with those," Edward said, pointing to the brownies Emmett was shoving in his mouth. In the middle of the bar. "I may or may not have confessed deep feelings for Bella after eating one."

"What!" Emmett's yell was muffled, bits of brownie flying out of his mouth. "Portland. You gave him one of my brownies?"

Alice walked off, apparently not finding any of this amusing. Edward bumped my shoulder and smiled down at me.

"Well. He's very persuasive," I nodded, sipping my drink.

Too persuasive for his own good.

A/N: I tend to fall in love with my food rather than the people who make it. I swear it's not as weird as it sounds. Thanks for reading! One more update later.