Chapter Nine
A friend to all is a friend to none
My face is warm and I can see sunlight through my closed eyelids. I open my eyes and see that I'm still lying on Edward's chest, neither of us having moved all night.
Edward stayed...all night...and we cuddled.
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop from smiling, swallowing down the butterflies that have started to flutter in my stomach. I think about checking my phone before deciding that I'm too comfortable to move. I tilt my head back slightly, taking the opportunity to properly ogle Edward.
His eyes are closed, his long eyelashes fanning over his cheeks, his hair falling into them slightly. I can see a light dusting of freckles on his nose and the faint lines from a lifetime of laughter. His mouth is in a soft pout, rosy and swollen from a night of kissing.
I drop my eyes down slightly to see his lean neck, a small mole present on the left-hand side of his collarbone. His chest is smooth and muscular. He's not ripped, but you can tell he works out. His flat stomach has a line of soft hair, blonder than the rest of him, that winds a tantalizing trail to what I know is hidden under the sheet. I bite my bottom lip at the thought of it.
I flick my eyes back up to Edward's face and piercing green ones meet my own. I feel my eyes widen and a blush creep up my cheeks from getting caught.
"You done creeping on me Swan?" Edward says, his voice rough from sleep and the emotions of last night. A signature smirk appears on his face.
"I was not creeping on you Cullen" I reply, feeling my blush deepen.
"You were so creeping on me" Edward says, tilting his head back, a knowing smile on his lips.
"Urgh...whatever" I say, moving to pull away from him. His arm tightens around my waist, thwarting my escape.
"Where do you think you're going?" He says, opening one eye to look at me.
"Moving away from you so I'm not too near your face Edward" I reply, sarcastically. Edward chuckles lowly and lightly pinches my side. He opens his mouth to say something but stops when we both hear a noise. We both freeze.
Someone is humming in the kitchen.
"Oh my god...Alice must be back already!" I whisper harshly, my wide eyes locked with Edward's. Edward stays stock still and if the situation wasn't so dire I would have laughed at his expression.
"Edward" I whisper, when he doesn't react. "What are we going to do?!"
Edward seems to snap out of it and sits up slightly, his arm remaining around my waist.
"It's fine, we'll just say that you were worried about me in my drunken state and so I stayed the night" he whispers back, shrugging but his eyes stay wide. "No big deal".
I nod, moving to get out of the bed.
That's believable...right?
"Bella" Edward whispers as I move towards the door. "You might want to put some other clothes on" He says, gesturing to my nightshirt and the nipples that are painfully obvious through it.
"Right" I say, quickly digging through my dresser to find some sweatpants and a sweater. I pull the sweatpants up my legs before popping the nightshirt over my head. I grab my bra from the floor and then throw my sweater on.
I turn to look at Edward who is now fully dressed, although a little disheveled.
"Ready?" I say to him before I open the door.
"Yeah" He says, giving me an encouraging smile.
I open the door and slowly walk out into the kitchen. Alice is standing at the counter, pouring herself a coffee. She turns when she hears me enter.
"Hey Bells...oh! Edward?!" She says, her face obviously shocked.
"Morning Al" Edward says behind me.
"What are you doing here?" She asks, placing the coffee pot down on the counter and turning to face us.
"I was worried about him last night, being in the state that he was so I suggested he stay over," I say, keeping my voice level.
Casual Bella. Just act casual.
"Oh right" she says, looking between us. "Was the couch not good enough for you Ed?" She teases at him. I glance at him, unsure how he will reply.
Edward laughs like nothing is wrong.
"We fell asleep talking" He says, shrugging like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"Aw" Alice says, turning back to stir her coffee.
"So did you have a nice night Allie?" I ask, trying to move her away from the conversation of Edward and me.
"Yeah! It was so nice. The hotel was beautiful and the room was lovely. We had a great view of the city." She says. "I wouldn't have been back so early but Jasper got a call from a colleague and had to go into work for an emergency meeting," she says, shrugging slightly.
Emergency meeting? What kind of emergency happens at a museum?
"Oh right" I say, nodding my head slightly.
"Coffee?" Alice asks the both of us. I look up at Edward, his eyes flashing to mine.
"Sure, that would be great Allie" I reply, taking a seat at the table, gesturing for Edward to take the one next to me. We both sit, sharing glances while Allie refills the machine and turns it on.
"So...what did you guys talk about all night?" Alice says, turning to look at us again.
Does she know? I feel like she knows...
It's just in your head Bella.
"Er..." I start, unable to think of anything appropriate to say.
"I don't kiss and tell" Edward says, teasing Alice.
"Ew Edward!" She says, turning back to pour the coffee. "Who would want to kiss you?!" she teases. His eyes flash to mine, giving me a sneaky wink. I bite my cheek to keep from smiling.
Alice places to cups down in front of us and thankfully starts talking about the club and how much fun she had.
"Oh Allie, I forgot!" Edward suddenly says, standing and walking over to our coat stand. "Here."
He passes Allie his birthday gift to her. Alice smiles at him.
"Aw Edward! You didn't have to get me anything" She says, turning the package in her hands, ripping the paper off and looking at her gift. "Ooo Edward! This is my favourite smell! How did you know?" she cries.
"I may have had a little help" he says, a twinkle in his eye as he catches my gaze.
Alice unpackages her gift, sticking the sticks in the diffuser and running to place it in her room.
"I still have no idea what that does" Edward says, referring to his gift to Alice, chuckling quietly.
I roll my eyes but laugh quietly with him. When Alice comes back, Edward stands saying he better head home to shower. I nod, standing with him.
"I'll walk Edward out" I say to Alice. She nods, tapping away on her phone. I walk Edward to the door, watching him turn to face me in the hallway.
"Thanks" I whisper. He nods and shrugs.
"I think she bought it" he whispers back. "Thanks too Bella, for everything last night". He says sincerely.
I nod, smiling slightly at him. He quickly leans in, giving me a kiss on the cheek before walking down the hallway backward, his eyes still on mine, a lopsided grin on his face.
I smile back, blushing slightly before closing the door.
For the rest of the weekend, Alice and I chill out at home, looking through photos from the night before and watching old movies. It's nice and exactly what I needed.
The next few weeks pass uneventfully, work is busy as we reach November and start to prepare for the run-up to Christmas. On Monday evening, I'm home alone when I receive a notification saying I've been added to a group chat.
*Sunday Night*
Hey guys. My firm is holding a charity benefit this Sunday night. Would be great if you could all come. The more people the better! - R
I smile slightly at the phone quickly typing back.
Hey Rose. Sure, I'm in if everyone else is. - B
Me too - Em
You have to come Emmett...you're my plus one *eye roll emoji* - R
Hey Rose. Allie and I can come too - J
I'm in - E
What's the dress code? - B
Fairly formal. Suits for guys, smart dresses for girls. - R
Eek! I'm so excited! We need to go shopping Bella. - A
I roll my eyes.
I'm sure I have something I can wear Alice - B
No, you should go Bella. It will be fun - E
The fucker!
Don't you get involved Edward - B
I was just saying, we all know how much you love shopping with Allie ;) - E
I smile a little, leaning back on the couch.
Yeah Bells! It will be fun! - A
Urgh...fine - B
Yaaay! - A
The group chat eventually dwindles, Allie and I agreeing to discuss outfits with Rose this coming week. I put my phone down and turn to watch the TV. A few minutes later my phone buzzes.
Hey B, how's you? - E
I smile at my phone, feeling my skin tingle.
Hey, I'm good. You? - B
He replies moments later.
Yeah, I'm good. I'm on my break at work and just wondered how my favourite member of the group was. - E
Well I was doing fine until you suggested I go shopping with Alice, fucker - B
Sorry B, couldn't resist. ;)- E
How's your night going? - B
It's ok. I saw Tommie's mom today. She came to thank me for trying to help her son. - E
I smile slightly at the phone, my heart breaking a little.
That was really sweet of her. You ok? - B
Yeah. I'm good. In some ways it helped seeing her, knowing she didn't blame me. - E
She could never blame you, Edward - B
He goes silent for a few minutes and I wonder if his break has ended but then my phone buzzes again.
You excited for the charity benefit? - E
I guess. Dressing up isn't really my thing but anything for a good cause! - B
Yeah, it will be good. Gotta dust of my suit - E
Do you have a suit? - B
I have the one I wore to graduation - E
Edward! That's almost ten years old! Does it even fit? - B
You sayin' I'm getting fat Swan? - E
No! - B
Hm...you're probably right. I'll try it on just in case - E
We continue to talk for a few more minutes before Edward says that his break is ending and that he'll see me on Sunday. I turn off the TV and stand to go to bed, eventually falling asleep to the vision of Edward in a suit dancing in my head.
Alice and I agree to go shopping with Rose for our outfits on Wednesday night before heading to dinner afterward. We meet at the mall and head up the escalator to the top floor where some of the nicer shops are.
"So what kind of thing are we going for?" I ask Rose as we enter the first store.
"Well, I've been told the ladies are expected to wear nice dresses...like a cocktail dress" Rose replies. I nod, browsing through some of the rails.
The three of us browse for a while before Alice comes over with an armful of dresses.
"Ready to go try some on?" She asks. Rose and I nod, grabbing our few selections.
Alice tries her dresses on first, eventually settling on a bright purple dress with ruffles on the skirt. Rose goes next, trying on four or five dresses before selecting a simple blue one-shoulder design with a slit up the thigh. They both look gorgeous.
Finally, I slide into a changing room with my choices. I quickly strip out of my workwear and slip the first dress over my head. It's a black shift dress, that's slightly fitted and hits just above my knee. I step out of the changing room.
"Ooo that's nice!" Alice says, Rose nodding her agreement. I turn, looking at myself in the mirror.
"Does it look a bit...boring?" I say, facing my reflection. They shrug slightly. I return to the changing room and try on my second choice, a gold dress with a slightly flared waist.
"That's really festive" says Rose as I turn in front of them.
"I dunno" I reply. "I feel a bit blingy". I return to the changing room again to try on my final selection, a blue dress with capped sleeves and a fitted skirt.
"That's really pretty" Alice says with a smile.
"I dunno guys" I moan, "Nothing seems to feel right". I push my hair out of my face, huffing slightly.
"Wait!" Alice cries. "I've seen the perfect thing! Wait here!" She runs off, disappearing from view. She returns a few moments later with a red dress on a hanger. I raise an eyebrow at her but she insists.
I slip into the changing room once more. I remove the blue dress and quickly slip the red one over my head, stepping out of the room.
"Wow" says Rose, her eyes widening slightly.
"I knew it!" Alice says, clapping her hands.
I look at my reflection. The dress is fitted, hitting just above my knee. It has thin spaghetti straps and a heart-shaped neckline. The back is scooped low, coming to rest just above the dimples at the bottom of my spine.
"You look fucking hot!" Rose says, looking at me appreciatively.
"It's not too much?" I ask, feeling my face flush slightly.
"Not at all. We're going to batting men away from you!" Alice laughs. I laugh with her, my blush deepening.
I quickly slip back into the changing room and change back into my clothes, grabbing the red dress and heading to the cashier with Alice and Rose. We pay for our purchases, heading out of the store, linking arms as we head to the restaurant.
"Table for three, ladies?" The waiter asks as we enter the building. We all nod. We're sat at a table towards the back of the room, tucking our purchases to the side of us.
"Can I get you some drinks?" The waiter asks once we're seated. We all decide to share a bottle of wine.
"So...got any gossip?" Rose asks, leaning on the table, her eyes meeting mine once we've placed our orders.
Oh god...does she know something?
"I do!" Alice pipes up.
Thank god for Alice!
We both turn to look at her.
"Jasper and I did it!" Alice says quietly, her hands holding her cheeks.
"Fucking finally!" Rose says making me laugh. Alice sticks her tongue out at us.
"So go on then" Rose replies "tell us all".
Alice tells us everything about her night with Jasper, going into great detail about what an amazing lover he is. I laugh with them both, feeling my cheeks heat up from embarrassment, this is Jasper after all! Rose and I do have to stop her though when she starts to describe his penis.
"No! I don't want to hear that Allie!" I say, covering my ears. "He's like a brother!"
She just laughs, sipping her wine. We order our food, continuing to chat about how "wonderful" Jasper is until it arrives. When my plate is placed in front of me I realise how hungry I am.
"So Bells...what about you?" Rose asks, taking a bite of her salmon.
"What about me?" I ask, swallowing my food thickly.
"Have you got any gossip?" Rose replies, her eyes burning into mine.
"Er...no not really." I reply quietly, shrugging slightly.
"You need to get yourself a man B" Alice says, smiling and winking at me. Rose glances at me with a look in her eyes that I can't place.
"Yeah...maybe" I say, smiling slightly in return.
But what if I already have one?
By the time Sunday rolls around, I'm nervous. I try to ignore the butterflies in my stomach as I get ready in my room, curling my hair and applying my make up. Alice knocks on my door telling me she's ready to go just as I'm slipping my heels on.
I make my way out of the room, seeing Allie in her purple party dress waiting in the kitchen. She looks cute. She smiles brightly at me.
"Ready to go?" she asks. I nod, slipping on my coat and walking towards the door. I follow her out into the hallway, locking up behind us. We head down to the lobby before walking out onto the street to hail a cab.
We slide into the back seat and give the driver the address. As we speed off into the night, I tap my foot anxiously.
"You ok Bells?" Alice asks, glancing over at me.
"Yeah" I reply, smoothing my skirt.
"You look beautiful" she says, squeezing my hand. I smile back, feeling my nerves ease slightly.
Soon after, we pull up and slide out of the car. We walk up the steps to the building, Alice pulling the door open. I follow her into the warm room where a man wearing a uniform asks if he can take our coats.
I remove my coat and hand it to him before following Alice into the room. It's already busy, people mingling and laughing as they sip champagne and chew on canapes.
We see Rose in the corner, Emmett to her right, Jasper on her left and Edward with his back to me. She waves us over. As we walk towards them I see Jasper's eyes find Alice, lighting up when he sees her. As I walk closer, I see Edward turn to look at me.
His eyes meet mine, blazing bright at the sight of me. His eyes rake down my body, from my curled hair to my pointed court shoes.
"Hey" I say, sounding a bit breathless. He looks gorgeous. He's wearing a deep blue suit with a crisp white shirt and red tie. I've never seen him look so handsome.
"Hey" He replies. He sounds like the air has been knocked out of him. I smile slightly.
We join the group, Edward grabbing me a glass of champagne from a tray as it goes past. I smile gratefully before taking a few sips, feeling it relaxing me.
We talk and laugh for a while and before long I'm on my second glass of champagne. I smile, accepting a couple of canapes as they go past, moaning slightly at the taste of crab on my tongue.
"Those are really good" I say to Edward, pointing at the canape tray when I realise he's staring at me. He drags his eyes away from mine and takes one, popping it into his mouth. He nods, smiling at me. I can feel my cheeks heating up under his gaze. He glances at the others, seeing them distracted by each other for a moment.
"You look amazing Bella" He says quietly, just for me to hear.
"Thank you, so do you" I say with a soft smile, feeling myself blush. Edward gives me a slightly lopsided grin.
"Rose!" I hear behind me, the spell being broken. I turn to see a beautiful woman with vibrant red curls standing behind us in a tight black strapless dress.
"Tanya" I hear Rose reply. "How are you?" She asks, pleasantly, her smile not quite meeting her eyes.
"I'm great thanks" Tanya replies. "You all look like your having a wonderful time" she says with a sickly smile. I see her eyes dart to Edward, flicking up and down his body.
"I'm Tanya" She continues, holding her hand out to Edward, ignoring the rest of us. "I work with Rose".
"Nice to meet you Tanya" Edward replies, smiling slightly, shaking her hand.
"So Edward...what do you do?" Tanya says, her eyes darting to look at me, distaste evident on her face.
"I'm a doctor" Edward replies, sipping his champagne. The others continuing their conversations around us.
"Really?" Tanya gasps. I can almost see the dollar signs fly in front of her eyes. "Well...I want to hear all about it" she practically purrs.
She squeezes between Edward and me, placing her hand on his arm and turning her back to me, making it very clear that I am not included in whatever private conversation they're now having. I sip my champagne, trying to ignore the pricks in my stomach.
"Hey Bells, you should try one of these, they're delicious" I hear Alice say next to me. She points to one of the olives on the canape plate beside her. I smile at her tightly, picking up an olive and popping it into my mouth, chewing slowly.
"Mm. They're great Alice" I reply. She smiles at me before turning back to talk to Jasper. As I tear my eyes away from her I see Rose looking at me. She gives me a soft smile.
I break my gaze and stare at the floor for a moment, before taking a deep breath and a long swig of my drink. I hear Edward laugh as Tanya continues to talk away to him, completely monopolizing his attention. I feel the pricks in my stomach turn to a full-blown stab.
I stand in the circle for a while, not speaking to anyone, just looking around myself.
Rose and Emmett look so happy...
Alice and Jasper look so in love...
And now Tanya has Edward's attention too.
Of course, she does Bella. She's interesting and funny and beautiful and confident. She's everything you're insecure about.
Just when I think I can't bear to hear Edward laugh once more at something Tanya says someone comes on a microphone and announces the auction is about to begin.
"Shall we find our table guys?" I hear Rose say "Sorry Tanya, we'll have to catch up later".
"Oh that's a shame. Edward and I were having so much fun" She replies, pouting slightly. "You'll have to come find me Edward, after the auction".
Come find me Edward.
My own voice from the other night echoes in my head. He smiles at her and nods. I swallow down the ache I feel in my throat.
It's nothing Bella. It's not like you're dating Edward. He has a right to talk to anyone he wants.
Rose walks towards the tables in the centre of the room, scanning the numbers on them before finding ours.
"Here we are!" She calls slightly, waving her hand at the rest of us as we follow. Rose sits, Emmett taking the seat next to her. Alice and Jasper follow suit, leaving me to sit next to Edward.
"Hey, you've not got a drink B" I hear Edward say beside me.
"No, I finished it" I reply quietly.
"I'll get you another" He says, smiling at me.
"Edward it's fine-" I start.
"It's fine Bells, I'll only be a minute". He stands from the table and quickly walks to the back of the room, speaking to a waitress before being handed a glass of champagne. He starts to walk back to our table, my eyes following him, but then I see something distract his attention. I look over to see Tanya at another table. She wiggles her fingers at him, waving and giving him a sultry smile. He waves back, smiling slightly before returning to our table. I tear my eyes away, not wanting him to catch me looking.
"Here we are" he says, placing the glass of champagne down next to me.
"Thanks" I reply quietly, fingering the stem of the glass. He sits back down next to me, sipping his own champagne.
"Tanya seems nice" I say, watching the auctioneer walk towards the mic on stage.
Leave it Bella.
"Yeah I guess" he replies, shrugging slightly.
"She certainly thinks you are" I reply, my voice tight.
Damn it Bella.
"What's not to like?" He says, glancing at me and giving me a wink. I feel the stab in my stomach again just as the auctioneer starts talking.
The auctioneer does a bit of a welcome speech, explaining that the money raised tonight will be donated to the children's foster home to ensure every child receives a present on Christmas Day. He then opens up the bidding.
"How have the firm got these lots Rose?" I hear Jasper ask quietly.
"They're all donated by clients or colleagues" She whispers back.
After a few lots have been sold, all for very generous amounts, the auctioneer announces the next lot, a skateboard with custom design and signed by what is obviously a famous skateboarder. I've never heard of him but from some of the whispers around the room, he must be something.
The bidding starts at $500, rising steadily until it reaches $2000. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye, I see Edward raise his hand, bidding on the item.
"Edward" I whisper, "What are you doing?"
He ignores me, continuing to bid, the price continuing to rise. Eventually, the item is sold, to Edward, for $3200. Edward holds up our table number for the auctioneer to see.
I look at him my mouth hanging open but before I can say anything I hear Rose.
"Edward what the fuck?!" She says, slightly louder than intentional.
"What?" He shrugs, sipping his champagne like nothing just happened.
"God! I always knew you were a bit of a spender Edward but christ!" Emmett says, laughing slightly. The others join in before turning back to watch the rest of the auction, shaking their heads at Edward's behaviour.
"Edward what was that?" I ask quietly.
"I bought it for Tommie's mom" He replies in a whisper. I look at him and his eyes meet mine. I'm touched by his actions.
"Edward, that's really sweet" I say, touching his arm slightly.
"Yeah well, it won't bring her son back but Tommie would have loved it and she can either keep it in his memory or sell it and maybe pay some bills. I know every little helps right now" he says.
I look at him, stunned into silence.
"That's really awesome Edward" I say, smiling at him. He smiles back at me softly.
The auction ends not long after and the others turn back to face the centre of the table, chatting.
"Edward! I didn't know you were a skateboarding fan" I hear the sickly voice of Tanya say.
"Oh...er...yeah" Edward replies, shrugging slightly.
He didn't tell her.
Part of me does a happy dance. My stomach drops when Tanya pulls up a chair, sitting as close to Edward as possible without actually being on his lap, talking away, pushing the rest of us out.
"God, why doesn't she just hump his leg?" Alice whispers, leaning over to me. I stifle a laugh but feel that stab in my stomach again.
I try my best to ignore Tanya and the occasional laughs I hear her pull from Edward, instead, focusing on having a good time with the others. After a while, we're asked if we would mind vacating our table so that room can be made for dancing. We stand, making our way over to the side of the room, Tanya practically hanging off of Edward, clinging to his arm as they walk.
Soon, a band appears and starts playing swing music. A few couples make their way over to the dance floor, swaying in time with the music. Emmett asks Rose if she'd like to dance and she agrees. Jasper and Alice follow them onto the dance floor.
"Shall we?" I hear Tanya say to Edward, pointing towards the dance floor. His eyes flash to mine.
"Er, well Bella-" He starts to say.
"Oh Bella is a big girl, she'll be fine! Right?" Tanya says, fixing me with a steely stare.
"Sure" I reply, sipping another glass of champagne, feeling the alcohol starting to take effect. Tanya smiles at me, turning back to Edward. He looks back at me once more before smiling slightly at Tanya and walking out to the floor. I watch as his hand moves to her back, the other taking her hand. He starts swaying with her to the beat, her beaming up at him.
Stop looking Bella.
I try to look away but find that my eyes keep moving back to the dance floor. I shuffle my feet, kicking the toe of my shoe into the floor slightly. Finally, the song ends but Tanya seems determined to stay out on the floor dancing, whispering in Edward's ear.
After a few more minutes, I decide I can't watch any longer. I make my way to the bathroom, making sure I don't look back. I push open the bathroom door and quickly walk into a stall, locking the door behind me.
I sit down heavily on the closed toilet, putting my face in my hands. I can feel tears stinging my eyes. I try to reason with myself, taking some deep breaths.
You knew this would happen eventually, that someone important might come along.
Yeah, I just thought it would be me, not Edward, says a tiny voice in the back of my mind.
"Bella?" I hear Rose's voice suddenly. I quickly wipe my eyes before standing, flushing the toilet for effect.
"Hey" I reply, walking out of the stall. Rose looks at me.
"Hey, you ok? I saw you rush in here" She says, her eyes flicking between mine.
"Yeah I'm fine, just too much champagne" I say, trying to laugh but it sounding strained even to my ears.
"Are you sure?" Rose asks. I look at myself in the mirror, nodding at my reflection.
"Yeah, course". I say quietly. I wash my hands, fluffing up my hair slightly.
I turn to look at Rose and she's got that funny look on her face again.
"Bella I-" she starts but suddenly the bathroom door opens and two older ladies walk in. We smile at them.
"Shall we go?" I say. Rose nods and follows me out. When we exit the bathroom, I can see that Edward and Tanya have stopped dancing. Edward's eyes meet mine as I approach. He smiles slightly.
"Hey, we lost you" He says, sounding a bit awkward.
"Sorry, I went to the bathroom. I didn't think I would be missed" I say quietly.
"Well you were" He says. My eyes flash to his quickly. He's silent for a moment. "Wanna dance Bella?" he suddenly says.
"Er..." I say.
"I know you 'don't dance' but I insist" He cuts in, taking my hand and walking me towards the dance floor. He places his hand on my waist, the other taking my hand before slowly leading me across the floor. We dance in silence for a few moments.
"Are you ok Bella?" He says quietly, his mouth near my ear.
"Yeah why wouldn't I be?" I reply, trying to ignore the way my body warms at his touch.
"I dunno. You looked a bit upset earlier" He says, pulling back to look into my eyes. I stare back for a moment.
"I'm fine Edward. I just needed to use the bathroom and I didn't think you'd notice, dancing with Tanya and everything". I say.
Edward nods slightly, dropping the subject. We continue to dance, moving in time with the music.
"You look beautiful tonight by the way" He whispers to me.
"Thanks. Alice chose the dress" I whisper back, cursing the butterflies that rise in my stomach.
"Well, she chose well." He says, pulling back and fixing me with a dark stare. I smile slightly, unable to help myself. He smiles back.
Eventually, the song finishes and we make our way back to the group. Tanya gives me a sickly smile.
"You danced that really well Bella," she says to me like I'm four years old and just performed for her.
After another hour or so, Alice stifles a yawn and Jasper suggests we make a move. The rest of us agree.
"It was so lovely to meet you Bella. You seem like such a lovely friend to Edward. I hope you weren't too lonely, all by yourself" Tanya says, acting like she's suddenly my best friend.
A lovely friend to Edward...she doesn't even know him!
"Not at all Tanya" I reply cooly.
We all head to collect our coats but not before Tanya grabs Edward's arm, holding him back for a moment, whispering in his ear. He smiles slightly before nodding. She slips a scrap of paper in his jacket pocket before kissing his cheek and walking away, swaying her hips.
I tear my eyes away just before he reaches us.
"Ready to go?" Edward asks as he makes his way over to us, taking his coat from the rack. We all nod, heading out onto the street, Edward immediately lighting up a cigarette.
We say goodbye to Rose and Emmett, Alice, Jasper, Edward and I agreeing to share a cab home. Jasper hails a cab and we all slide into the back seat. It's snug and I'm pressed tightly between Alice and Edward. I try to ignore the prickle of heat I feel on my skin from his proximity.
Soon, we arrive outside our building. We all clamber out, Jasper asking the driver to wait for a moment. I walk away from the others slightly, giving Alice and Jasper a moment alone. Edward joins me.
"So did you have a nice night?" I ask quietly.
"Yeah, it was good" Edward replies, smiling at me slightly. I nod in reply. I wait to see if he says anything about Tanya but he doesn't. Soon Alice and Jasper walk towards us and we say our goodbyes.
Alice and I walk towards our building. As the door closes, I turn back and see Edward laughing with Jasper as they climb back into the cab.
You shouldn't care Bella.
As I get in the lift, climbing the floors to our apartment I can't shake one thought.
But I do.