A/N: I wanted to do something really flirty with this chapter. I shuffled around my ipod and found some writing gold, Corinne Bailey Rae. I especially like listening to her song "Closer" during the bakery scenes. I hope you guys have as much fun reading this as I did writing it!
Chapter 6 :I Must Know Everyone in Town by Now
"Okay so explain to me again why your son has two different color socks on. I'm just not catching on." Dad rolls down the hallway into the living room.
I take a deep breath, "Is it really that serious? I told him to put some socks on so we can leave, and he couldn't find a match to either one so here we are." I look down a Kenny's red and purple sock. I need to do better. I'm starting to slip up.
"So you left it up to a five year old boy to dress himself.", disapproval clear across my dad's face. He looks down at Kenny who is sitting next to him with his toy transformer. I roll my eyes and head to the kitchen for another slice of chocolate cake. I love chocolate cake. I wish a had a woman to make me chocolate cake. I need to get laid. Ugh what's next, crying after the next bite?
"You know, sweets ruin your appetite." I turn around to see Sue taking a roast out of the oven.
"Hey Sue,having a good day?" I skip over her remark. She seems really happy with my dad. I've never seen her smile so much.
"Yeah, today is a great day. What about you?" I don't know how to answer that. Does she know my family is falling apart.
"Things have been better." It's best to just leave it at that. I refuse to give away my son. I don't care how loving and knowledgeable Sue is. Jessica already abandoned him and I refuse to do the same.
"Well, have you heard from you know who?", she whispers as she comes a little closer to the kitchen table. Why is it that everytime we talk, the focus is on me. I'm starting to think that they have nothing else to do but talk about me.
I take a deep breath, truthfully answering, "No, not lately. She only calls when she's drunk or broke and it's always from a blocked number." I divert my eyes back to my chocolate cake and take another bite. Should I get another slice? "Man, who made this cake? It's the most delicious thing ever." It wasn't that the cake was so good. I already knew the answer.
"Oh, Seth made it! He said he couldn't come today, but he dropped off this cake. I told him he works too hard over there at that bakery of his but he doesn't listen. I swear all he does is stay in the back of that shop baking day in and day out. You know he still does not have a girlfriend. I can't believe he's twenty three already. He is starting to look more and more like Harry. You know Leah is supposed to be coming by with her new friend that she works with. Her and Sam are back together. I don't know how much longer they're gonna do this on again off again business..."
And mission accomplished. Sue should continue rambling for another ten to fifteen minutes and I should be home free. She probably won't even remember why we started talking in the first place.
*Ding Dong!*
I love this place. The booths are so cozy and comfy. I breathe in the smell of freshly made banana nut bread, and feel at home. Maybe this is why I stay in this crappy town, the orgasmic treats at the Little Sheep Bakery. I look closely at the display case and think of all the possibilities. I am definitely going to bring home a box of fruit tarts, I bite my lip in indecision. Or maybe lemon squares and croissants, but their cupcakes are so good. I can see someone staring at me from behind the display.
"I see you've come to see me. I told you I could make all your dreams come true." With that amount of mirth, I know it has to be my favorite baker in the whole wide world. My eyes slowly look up to see a smiling Seth.
"Hi Seth. You know I couldn't resist seeing you. I can never stay away for too long." The smile playing at my lips was a dead giveaway. We always have this playful banter before I order the whole damn menu.
He feigns a hurt expression, "I get the feeling you're using me. How come I only see you every blue moon?" Maybe I should date him. None of my good for nothing exes did anything for me, at least he can bake.
I give him a mock reproach, "You know If I came in here as much as I wanted, I would be too fat to walk."
"Thats okay, you'd still be as beautiful as the first day I saw you. Besides I like my women curvy." He tries to keep it light, but I can see the seriousness in his eyes. I get so flush, I have to look away. "What would you like today, Bella?" he finally asks.
"I can't decide." I bite my lip as a little moan slips out between my abused lips. "Um, I'll have a lemon bar, a croissant, and tea with cream and sugar." The delight that spreads across my face is undeniable. I think I'm in love. I rub my knees together just thinking about the lemon zest.
Seth clears his throat, "Okay, I'll bring it to you. I think your favorite booth is available." Before he turns away he adds, "Oh, do you know what you're bringing home today?"
"I'm not sure. Everything looks so good!"
"No worries. Just come into the kitchen when you're ready. We can pick them together." Did he just invite me into his kitchen? I think I'm dreaming. Seth has always been sexy. He keeps his hair long and his body is so muscular. Almost as muscular as Jacob. Maybe I should have a little fun with Seth.
"O-okay. I'm meeting a parent from the school, so it will probably be in an hour or so."
"No problem. You can have any and as much as you want today. Take your time." I think I just came. Does he know what he's doing to me? I will never count calories again. I would go on a year long soup diet for him.
I take a seat at my favorite booth in the back and wait for Dr. Edward Cullen. And speak of the devil, he walks in a pair of scrubs with luscious, tossed sex hair and a pager attached to his hip. His green eyes catch my waving hand as he saunters further into the bakery.
He has a seat across from me. "I hope you weren't waiting too long, one of my surgeries went behind schedule. I have an hour or so to hang out." He gives me a crooked smile.
"No, no you're fine. I just sat down like a few minutes ago." I take a deep breath and try to relax.
"So, how has your day been so for?" He looks down at the table, eyeing my croissant.
"Um, uneventful to be honest. I planned out the weekly activities and looked into some field trips." I follow his eyes and see the warm buttered croissant. "So how has your day been?" I say pushing the plate towards him with a smile.
"Well, I saved someone's life today." He grabs the croissant and takes a large bite. "His damn heart stopped for fifteen seconds. I tell people: you should eat to live, not live to eat. You need to monitor your food for sugar intake, gluten, and don't forget about antioxidants. Some people just don't care and I'm like, if you don't care then why should I? I should have gone into pediatric cardiology. At least when their heart stops, I know they didn't do it to themselves. I hate wasting my time on people who don't deserve it…" He goes on and on talking about his job and how he saves useless lives.
What a prick.
My eyes wander around the bakery and land on a frustrated Seth. He's staring at Edward while placing a batch of macaroons in the display case. We catch eyes and he makes a funny face. I place my knuckles tightly over my lips to hide my amusement and look away. Is he serious? Sometimes I think Seth never grew out of his childish behavior. Another reason why I think he's too young for me. I try to fight another peep, but my inner child gets the best of me. Resting his elbows on the counter, he places his chin in both hands and crosses his eyes at me. I turn back towards a vexed Edward who has caught me gazing at Seth. I blush and whisper "Sorry", biting my bottom lip.
"Do you know him or something?" Oh god, now he's upset that my eyes weren't focused on his pompous ass.
"Um, yeah. He's the owner and I come here a lot. He has the best bakery in town." I give him my best smile and take a look at my watch.
"Well you shouldn't come here too much. I was thinking about asking you to be my date to the hospital's charity ball. Of course I would like to buy you something nice to wear but what good is that going to be if you don't watch your figure." He leans slightly over the table and looks me up and down. Son of a bitch! Way to make me feel like a fat whore. seems more and more like Mike the more I sit here. I really don't need another guy ruining my self worth.
I fidget in my seat, slightly uncomfortable. Am I getting fat? I haven't been working out lately. Maybe I should skip the doggy bag today.
His attention is diverted when his pager lights up. He holds up the vibrating badge of honor and slides out of the booth. "Times up. I have to get back to work. I have like three more surgeries today, so I'll talk to you later." He doesn't wait for me to respond as he saunters out of sight.
Wow, that was excruciating. And this is what I get for going on a date with a student's parent. I can't believe I agreed to meet with him. I always make horrible choices when it comes to men.
I look over towards the sweets for comfort and find Seth leaning over the counter. When our eyes meet, he motions his head towards the back. I grab my purse and head to the back. I yelp as he picks me up and places me on the counter. He goes into the fridge and sits a chocolate surprise next to me.
He wiggles his eyebrows and cuts me a slice of triple chocolate forest cake. His eyebrows lift in question, "So how was it?"
"How was what?" I ask with as much innocence as I can muster. I'm a horrible liar but I try it anyway.
"Your date with the hot shot doctor," he says with a little mirth.
"I told you, it wasn't a date. It was a meeting with one of the parents from the school."
"Uh huh, right." He's so onto me, but I'm not willing to let him know I had a lapse of judgement. I like his hair but not as much as I like Jacob's lips.
Picking up my fork, I take a bite of chocolate paradise. I realise my eyes were closed and looked up to see Seth staring at my mouth. I give a nervous laugh and blush. I give in and ask, "Do you want some?"
"Uh, yeah." He looks a little nervous as I pick up a piece of cake with my fork and put it to his lips. Maybe I can settle for his smile. I look into his eyes and they scream sex. My thighs rub together as I bite my bottom lip. Maybe that's what he wants from me, sex. He comes closer and steps in between thighs. My lips fall lax for a moment as I feel the heated wetness pool in my panties.
He picks up a piece of cake with his index finger and thumb, then leans in closer. I take the piece into my mouth and graze his thumb with my teeth. I give it a little nip and he shivers. Moving closer to run his nose along my neck, he places a line of wet kisses. "Remind me why we never dated," he breathes into my skin.
I pull back and grin,"Because I'm four years older than you, and don't forget, your sister is my friend. I'm starting to think she's my only friend. And you still haven't explained to me why you're not coming to the dinner today?"
He picks up another piece of cake and puts it to my lips. His index finger lingers and I suck it into my mouth. My God does he remind me of Jake. I close my eyes and let a whine slip out of my lips.
"Is it good?" he whispers in a husky voice. I close my eyes and imagine Jake between my legs, taking what he wants. At the sound of his voice, my toes start to curl. I let out a moan in agreeance.
His hands slide up my shirt, fingertips grazing my bra. "Who needs friends when you can have me." My eyes fly open as I am slammed back to reality. He grips at my ribs and licks his lips. "Besides age is just a number, and we are only three and a half years apart." He never answers my question. I wish he was as tall as Jake.
I giggle and roll my eyes. "Seth please, you're still sucking on your mom's tit." That oughta scare him off.
I am not ready for what comes next. "Naw, but I'd love to suck on your tits." He firmly grips my hips, as he grinds his excitement into my center. I'm sure my eyes bug out, but I play it off, running my hands through his thick, long hair.
"So baby Sethy is a big boy now, huh?" I whine into his ear. I lightly claw at his chest, wrapping my legs around his hips. Oh poor Seth is not ready for a girl like me. I push on his pecs and he takes a step back. I hop off of the counter and grab my purse. "See you later, kid."
He takes my hand and pulls me toward the fridge. "We should be more than friends, Bella." He looks down into my eyes with a serious look. He hands me two large shopping bags of bakery goods and smiles.
"I'll think about it." I place a small peck on his lips and run out of the kitchen. I left him standing there in shock as I walked out of the bakery. I love to tease baby Seth, but I'm not that desperate; at least not yet.
" You little hooker! Did you bone my brother?" she asks as she gingerly snoops through my Little Lamb shopping bags.
I thought about it, but being friends with you stopped me from taking your brother's innocence. "Put that back in the fridge," I demanded. "And no, oh my gosh. Why would I tell you if I did?" I'm about as red as the glazed strawberry she takes a bite of.
"Uh, I don't know. Maybe because he gave you bags full of orgasms for free. Oh God, did you suck his dick?" She exclaims as she opens the lid and takes a bite of my fruit tart and puts it back in the fridge.
"Lets go! Aren't we supposed to meet up with Sam and some of his friends?" I'm getting a little irritated with her eating all my stuff. But then again, why get fat alone?
"Yeah, um my mom is going to be there, too. I think you should totally introduce yourself, since, you know, she's going to be your mother-in-law soon. I can't wait to tell her you're fucking her baby boy Seth." She laughs with her mouth open.
"For the last time, Leah, I am not fucking your brother. I mean you accuse me of it so much maybe I should just do it. Maybe that will shut you up."
She calls my bluff. Squinting her eyes, she challenges, " Fine, I'll call him right now to set it up. You should totally screw him. Then he can stop bugging me about getting you to date him." She snatches my phone off the kitchen counter and starts to dial Seth's number.
"Oh my God. Leah stop! Seriously, are you trying to ruin me?" I jump up and down trying to reach my phone that she's holding over my head. "Jesus Christ, Leah!"
"Hey guys what's up?" Quil, Embry, and Paul come into the kitchen, taking a seat at the kitchen table.
"So I heard little Kenny got in trouble for being a cry baby at school," Quil blurts out as he leans back in his chair. "You know, my Claire bear never cries at school." He crosses his arms over his chest and gives me a provoking smirk.
I roll my eyes and take a deep breath and explain, "Dude, your seven year old daughter, should not be crying at school. And he wasn't crying," I try not to divert my eyes. "He was just whining about some issues, a misunderstanding."
"Wait, what misunderstanding?" Embry asks, raising his eyebrows.
"He- he calls his teacher mommy," I relent, taking another bite of cake. It would be nice to see her smile everyday. It would be nice to have someone hold me for a change. I sound like a desperate cat lady.
"Mommy?" They all ask in unison.
"No shit? You better watch out man. That will manifest into something far worse. Hell, next thing you know, he'll start dating older women," Paul says in between laughs.
"Forget about her! I don't know what to do about my son. All he talks about is having a damn mommy and-" I'm cut off my the doorbell. Embry stands up and walks toward the door. We can hear Leah's loud mouth and Embry's laugh, so we all decide to see what the commotion is about.
"Hey Jake, you've met Bella, right?" Leah says with a knowing smirk.
"Uh, Yeah. Ms. Swan is my son's teacher." I don't dare make eye contact with Leah or Bella. I really don't have time for this. Now she's coming into my father's house? This could really be the last straw. If people really knew what was going on they would swear I was an unfit parent.
"Oh please, call me Bella!" How dare she smile at me with those plump lips. Now she's just teasing me. She knew what she was doing, coming in here with that low cut shirt. Nothing is just for me.
"Well hello there, beautiful! I'm Embry, and it's so nice to meet you." She gives him a little giggle as he winks at her. He's such a cheese bastard. He steps toward her when she sticks her hand out. "Oh come here Bella! We don't shake hands where we come from. We give hugs." He pulls her in and she stumbles into his tight hug.
"Oh well, this is nice," she bubbles. Embry then has the nerve to mouth a thank you to me as his hands slide down her back. I start to see red as his palms start to inch closer and closer to her ass. My hands tighten into fist ready to take my first punch when she pulls away and looks toward Quil.
"And you must be-" she looks toward Leah for help.
"Um, uh sorry. I'm Quil." While he's having a hard time forming a complete sentence, he nearly gives Bella a heart attack. She's starting to look kind of green.
"Hi Quil, nice to meet you," she lightly utters, as if she's short of breath.
He pulls her in for a hug and turns his head toward hers. "Have we met before?"
She abruptly pulls away from him. "No, I don't think we have."
"Are you sure because-"
"Well, maybe we met at the school," she suggest.
"No, that's not it." Quil shakes it head. "Your voice is so familiar."
"Well maybe it was the Little Lamb Bakery. I hang out with Leah and her brother sometimes," Bella panics. Her knees start to get wobbly.
I didn't know I was holding my breath until he makes a loud snap with his fingers. "That's it. I knew it was you. Lexi?"
"Oh shit. Are you fucking kidding me?" Paul holds his stomach laughing so hard. I try to look away and my eyes land on Leah whose hands are covering her mouth.
And If i thought it couldn't get any worse, Sam shows up with little punk Seth trailing behind him.
"Hey, Bella!" Sam and Seth both say at the same time. They look toward each other and laugh.
"You know Bella?" he asks Seth with his eyebrows raised.
"Apparently everybody does." I couldn't stop the angry word vomit. Everyone looks at me with a suspicious stare. And Seth gives me a- I don't know, territorial look?
Seth's stare turns dirty as he goes on saying, "Uh, yeah. I know her. She comes to the bakery all the time. I would say we know each other very well." He wraps his body around Bella and kisses her neck.
"Seth!" Bella yelps and nervously makes eye contact with me. She blushes and gives me an ashamed look before diverting her eyes. How can she be so filthy?
"I knew it! I knew you two were fucking!" Leah yells and she shakes her head at Bella.
I'm so disgusted with Bella at this point, I turn away and walk toward the living room. Quil follows behind me with a confused look on his face.
"Dude, she told me her name was Megan," he hisses, plopping down on the couch next to me.
"Shut up, Quil." I'm so not in the mood to talk about this. I cross my arms as I try to process what just happened. The others pour in shortly after.
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" Damn it to hell. Kenny runs up to Bella and jumps into her arms.
"Mommy?" Seth asks looking at Bella like she's grown three heads.
"Son, is there something you need to tell me?" My dad is looking at me as a smile spreads across his face.
"Yeah did you hear? Bella is Jacob's new baby momma." Paul says as he pats my dad on the back. I swear my head is spinning and I Just can't take it anymore.
"No, no, no, no , and no!" I just fucking lose it. "No she's not with me."
"Dinner is ready!" Sue peeks into the living room with a half smile and a knife in her right hand. This is going to be a long night.
Kenny gingerly picks up his whole chicken breast with his fork and takes a bite out of the side, spilling dijon sauce all over the place. I look over to Jacob and he's not even paying any attention to his son. What the hell is wrong with him! He needs to teach Kenny how to eat without getting food everywhere.
"Baby, hold on a second. We don't want to get sauce everywhere. Let me cut that for you. I take the knife in my hand and wait for him to hand me his fork. I cut the chicken into bite size pieces. "Here you go sweetheart." I hand him the fork and watch him take an easy bite.
Kenny looks up at me and gives me the brightest smile. "Thank you, mommy." He's such a sweet boy. Those dimples could save the world.
Why does he insist on calling me mommy? Does he know I melt inside everytime? I look up and find everyone staring at me. "What?"
"We're just a little confused . Jacob says you two aren't together but my grandson calls you mommy. Are you two involved or were you guys together and broke up? It just seems like you two are, I don't know, something."
"No, Bella is too busy making money. She's not fit to be anybodys parent," Jacob sneers and angles Kenny's seat toward him.
"What do you mean too busy making money? The new age working mother is the craze now. Not every mother is your mother Jacob. Maybe once you guys get married, you can talk about her being a housewife."
"I don't think we should have this conversation right now, father, maybe in a more private setting." His teeth are clenched in warning.
"Well, son, you brought it up. Ms. Bella seems very nice, and I just want to know what your problem is. We treat all of our guests with respect, you know that." He takes a bite of chicken and chews slowly.
"Well, why don't you ask her what her second job is." Jacob drops his fork with a loud clang. Is he serious? He wants his dad to know about me?
"Dude that's a low blow. Don't go there." The flirty guy named Embry tries to spare my humiliation.
"No, no it's fine. I work in customer service." I pull my lip from in between my teeth and try to give an inviting smile. I have nothing to hide.
"Oh, that's what they call it now? Huh, customer service?" Jake shakes his head because I'm just so disgusting. Vindictive son of a bitch thinks he's better than me? Did he forget that he calls me for sex? That when he calls, I always sigh his name into the phone so he can finish. It's a double edged sword, Jay.
I take a sip of my wine and get ready for the show down. A little liquid courage never hurt. "Yes, does your father know you enjoy my customer service, Jay? Does he know you call almost every night?" All of a sudden Jacob can't take his eyes off of the wooden table. It looks like those jaws are sunken in. Poor Jacob looks a little flustered. His friends seem to be a little amused. I catch Quil and Paul snorting at each other. I turn my attention back to Jacob's father.
" , I service men on a hotline during the night to offset my bills. Your son calls my number on a regular basis and pays for my service like every other man that calls. And frankly, I'm tired of being ashamed of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have to cut my time here short. Thank you so much for the meal. You have a lovely home and I hope none of this ruined your appetite." I stand up and leave the silent table. If I'd known this was Jake's family shindig I wouldn't have come.
