44

Just when I think it's over, that they've finally decided on something, Angela changes her mind and practically wails. "Wait! I don't think I should wear my hair up. It'll show off my neck, putting my jugular out there on display, and that's just rude."

And here I thought Alice was the dramatic twin.

"Rabbit, you said Ben is strictly a vegetarian, so I don't think that will be a problem for him," Bella assures her, sweeping her long hair up into an intricate braid in seconds. "How's this?"

"It's perfect, Angela," Alice says, placing a couple of sparkly barrettes in the strands.

They're obsessing over which shoes she would wear when the doorbell rings.

"Edward, go answer the door. We'll be down in a few," Bella instructs.

"Daddy, be nice," Angela pleads.

Instead of putting my foot in my mouth, which I've done repeatedly tonight, I just shake my head and do as I'm told. The vampire standing in front of me looks maybe eighteen or nineteen. He's wearing a faded Black Rebel Motorcycle Club shirt, jeans, and a pair of worn Doc Martens.

His whole outfit is probably older than Angela.

I kind of want to be pissed that he didn't put more effort into his appearance for this date when my kid has been getting ready for three hours.

Instead, I greet him with a firm handshake and invite him inside.

Ben seems pretty laid back, his eyes sweeping over the first floor as he probably listens to what's going on upstairs.

"Ang mentioned you work at Stanley's?"

"Yes, sir. I've applied with Volturi Consultants to work on the third floor as a phlebotomist, but there's a waitlist, and I need something to pass my time. Thank you for letting me take Angela out."

And then the man-boy smiles this stupid love-sick smile. "She's really great."

"I like to think so, too. Where do you plan on taking her?"

This is a test. I know what their plans are. But I'm a father, and I need to be cautious. I'm also paranoid, and she's my baby.

"Ang told me she enjoys action movies, so I thought we could hit the cinema and catch whatever is playing." He shrugs. "I don't know what her curfew is so if there's time I thought I'd take her to Cora's for drinks afterward."

Cora's is a popular place for humans and vampires to hang out together. They make great coffee and serve a variety of blood. It's a perfect place to break the ice. I guess the guy has put a little thought into this date.

"Her curfew is eleven. That should give you enough time for a movie and Cora's."

Ben nods.

"I'll have her home by eleven then—" His words are interrupted by a throat-clearing at the top of the stairs.