Chapter 12
Break Bread
A/N
Wow! Thank you for all the awesome reviews! It really blows my mind that there are so many people interested in this story!
Let's meet the fam. Not a lot of excitement but some needed character intros.
Edward's grandma, Nonna, is a card. It took awhile to get her voice but in the end she ended up being something like my own grandma (**YIKES - I know!**) When I wrote Nonna, in my own head I hear her with a high pitched and shrill voice - now gar nish that with a Brooklyn accent, even tho this is Chicago, and you got yourself a Nonna. (**shrugs**) It just sounded funny to me that way - so give it a try. Personally, I love Nonna - she cracks me up! Hope you like her too and maybe get a chuckle or two!
XoXoXo
CoMeKiTtY
B-POV
Adrianna and I spent the better part of yesterday in the loop with Edward and a good portion of that time was spent at Macy's on State Street. I'm really not much of a shopper but if I should happen to run out for something, it's not Macy's I'm running to.
If you asked most Chicago residence what they think is most important about their city?
Most will answer: Sox, Cubs, and Marshall Field's.
NOT MACY'S!
The people of Chicago apparently are as loyal in their shopping as they are their shitty baseball teams.
I wasn't one of those people who boycotted Macy's because Field's sold out. Truth is I never shopped at Field's either. The only time I ever visited Marshall Field's was at Christmas time and it wasn't for last minute gift shopping. I loved seeing the storefront windows decorated for the holidays, particularly the animated displays in each and every window.
Macy's continues to do the displays…which I'm happy about. I didn't go the last couple of years because Adrianna was too little and it was just too cold to bring her out. Now that Adrianna is a little bit older, I was planning to take her to see them this year. Maybe we'd drop in and see Santa, too.
In my opinion boycotting Macy's was just stupid; all those people chanting 'Field's in Chicago!' and 'Macy's Go Home!' and dressing up in long dresses and mufflers, top hats and suits… they looked like they waltzed themselves right out of the movie 'A Christmas Carol'. They even created their own website and passed out flyers discouraging people from shopping there.
It may have been one of the oldest Chicago stores, but all this over a name? I think those people should just be glad it's not a vacant building. Without Macy's a lot of people would be without a job.
Edward apparently wasn't one of those who hated on Macy's either. It also seemed that he liked to shop. He left Adrianna and me to browse around the store to pick out a dress for this upcoming shindig, while he beat tracks to the men's department.
The party was for his grandmother's birthday. He said it would be casual. I'm not sure how that equals dress but I didn't give him a hard time about it. I've been enough of a crab ass lately…Edward's words not mine. Plus he seemed genuinely excited about this and I didn't want to ruin that, so Adrianna and I scouted around for a casual type dress.
We meandered through the store, looking here and looking there, bottom line was I really didn't know what to pick out and I was starting to feel dizzy from walking around in circles this whole time.
I had made zero progress and cringed when Edward returned, holding his already made purchases. He didn't seem to mind though. He helped pick out a heap of dresses and sat with Adrianna to wait while I tried each one on.
I wasn't so sure about some of the dresses he picked out, though. He had good taste that was for sure. Looking at the price tags, I'd say he also had expensive taste. I liked almost everything he picked out, just not necessarily for a family party.
Edward wanted to see each dress. At first I felt kind of funny. I'd come out, Edward would twirl his fingers in the air, I'd spin around for him, and he'd either nod or shake his head. Adrianna was easy to please; she seemed to like anything that had any kind of sparkles on it.
I was having a good time and the music they were playing put me in a fun kind of mood. I loosened up a bit, giving a little dance with each of the remaining dresses. I got strange looks from a few customers but I didn't care. I love dancing and I sure as hell wasn't doing all this for their benefit. Edward sat watching with his trademark grin, his eyes never left me. The look in his eyes told me he was enjoying the show and as long as he looked at me like that, I'd shake it for him any time. Adrianna sat in his lap giggling away and clapping.
I knew the party was coming up and I had planned on buying a dress for myself and something new for Adrianna to wear but Edward refused to let me pay. This just felt funny to me but I've also learned that Edward doesn't do the word 'no'. So he paid and managed to throw in a whole bunch of extras, despite my protests. In the end we left with five dresses, a bunch of halter tops and an assortment of new jeans. My favorite pair was by Miss Me and had clear rhinestones in the shape of crosses on each pocket. Edward seemed to adopt Adrianna's love for sparkles because any jeans with a little bling splashed across the back pockets were thrown into the 'yes' pile.
At Edward's insistence, Adrianna also got a bunch of new clothes, plus a new baby doll dressed in pink that kinda looked like her, a pink tea set and a pink stuffed dog – she named Butch.
I had to scratch my head at that one.
We walked back to the Escalade dropped off all the shopping bags and went to Navy Pier for a while.
Adrianna was having a ball! She walked between us, holding both of our hands and every couple of feet we'd swing our arms up and she'd fly up in the air and kick her little legs. She'd barely have her feet back on the ground before she'd shout, 'Again!'
After a while my arm started to hurt so Edward just put her up on his shoulders and laced the fingers of his free hand with mine. We had lunch then walked around a little more. Edward had to carry Adrianna back to the escalade and by the time we got there, she was sacked out.
The last stop was to Beagamen's Jewelers. Edward had to pick up the gift he got for his grandmother. Adrianna was still out so I waited in the car while Edward went in. When he got back I asked to see what it was he had picked out. Edward said his grandfather had given his grandmother a ruby ring when they first met. He explained that through the years the stone popped out of the setting. The ring had always meant a lot to his grandmother so he had it made into a pendant so she could wear it on a necklace. It was a huge stone and sparkled brightly when the sun hit it. It definitely wasn't something I would wear but I could appreciate it – the sentiment just the same.
I was surprised at his thoughtfulness. But I'm learning that Edward pays attention to detail and never does anything half assed.
XXXX XXXX XXXX
Today was the day.
As I finished getting myself ready for this family party, I quickly checked the time. Edward would be here soon and this whole meeting Edward's family thing hit home big time.
I was suddenly nervous. Like pants shitting nervous!
Holy shit!
I wanted to faint.
And thought I quite possibly might when I heard Edward at the door.
He knocked once then let himself in – all freshly shaven and looking like the yummy stick of hotness he was.
Mmmm…me likes.
"Hey, you ready?" Shutting the door, he stepped around the tea set currently strewn about the floor and made his way to the sorta full length mirror I had been twisting and turning in all the while shooting daggers at.
I sighed.
Totally in a daze - Half outta lust from his fresh clean smell and half because I felt like I had a cloud of impending doom hanging over me.
Am I ready? Not even a little bit…
"Yeah pretty much." I looked down at the dress I put on and had suddenly had second thoughts. Not about going, well maybe just a little – mostly I wasn't sure if this dress looked ok.
I picked the white pencil dress that had halter straps crisscrossing in the front creating a little teardrop cleavage peep. It was fitted but not necessarily clinging to every curve and the light jersey material, bare shoulders and low back design made it perfectly comfortable for this ridiculously hot weather. When I picked it out, I thought it looked great against my semi-tanned skin, but now I'm not so sure.
"Is this ok?" I asked Edward nervously.
Edward's eyes made a full sweep, trailing from the cleavage peephole to my bare thighs down my legs to my peep toe wedges, then back up to my hips and finally ending on the cleavage. "More than ok." Edward closed the distance and wrapped his arms around me, pressing his face against my neck. He inhaled deeply before placing a chaste but lingering kiss on the hollow of my collar bone. "Perfect. You look perfect." He spoke against my skin. "I'd say like an angel…"
Internally I cursed myself out for not changing out of this getup. And I felt every single one of those damned butterflies suddenly take a nose dive, assaulting my insides with dive bomb after dive bomb. Fuck fainting, I was about to find out if frozen waffles taste as good coming up as they do going down. My arms crossed my mid-section, like that was gonna stop it or something as I asked for clarification, "But?" I pulled away to look at Edward but he pulled my hips back to him, molding me into him.
I felt the vibration of Edward's groan before feeling his lips curl up against my neck. "...I know better."
After a quick lip peck, he rubbed his thumb over my glossed lips. "You're lips, they're all sticky."
"Hey! Come on…I just put that on!" I protested as his thumb made a second sweep over my top lip then my bottom one. I may have had second thoughts about this dress, but I liked my make-up today.
"You don't need that junk on your mouth." He pecked my now gloss-free lips. "I want to kiss you-" He pecked again.
Who could argue with that?
I curled myself into his solid chest and allowed myself to bask in his scent that I swear must have been made for just for me.
It's so easy for me to get lost in everything Edward. And now the butterflies were swirling and zig-zagging around for entirely different reasons.
How I managed to keep my senses with him this close to me...I couldn't say because this man is my kryptonite. No if's, and's or but's about it. He makes my brain spin circles and my legs quiver. If I wasn't leaning against him, I'm sure I'd be on the floor with a very thick cloud of lust circling my head and in desperate need of some dry panties. I can at least be thankful that I'm standing, right? Standing in a lust cloud, wet panties and all!
My arms squeezed him tight, then I turned to get Adrianna but Edward grabbed my arm and pulled me back to him. "One more." I got another sweet kiss from those lips I love so much.
Edward kept his arms around me and pressed his forehead to mine. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and held me tight to him. I love the way his body feels. My hands ran up his solid chest, over his shoulders and right into his sexy hair.
His eyes bounced between mine with an intensity that sent a rush of warm tingles through my body. I thought it looked like he might say something just then; but instead he kissed my forehead and pulled away. "We should probably get going."
Those five little words that was all it took to bring back the nose-divers and again I wondered if I shouldn't change into something else.
I twisted around in Edward's arms and tried to peak over my shoulder at what kinda junk I was packing back there. I really don't know how I let Edward talk me into this dress. "Are you sure this is okay?" I felt doubtful. "I feel like Stay Puft," I whined and tried to peak at by butt again.
Marshmallow man was being kind, really I felt like my ass looked like the broad side of a fucking barn.
"What the fuck is Stay Puff?"
"PufT." The tip of my tongue tapped that T with emphasis. "It's Stay PufT with a T. And um…" I raised my eyebrows in disbelief and made my eyes wide, "… Helllll-o? Ghost Busters?" I couldn't believe he didn't know what I was talking about. I loved that fucking movie. It's the perfect Halloween movie – not scary and way to cheesy to be anything other than funny as hell. "Do you get reception under that rock you live under?" I joked and peaked at my ass again, knowing full well that out of the two of us, I was more of the under the rock dweller. Not necessarily by choice – just the way it is. And it's cool, I suppose because it has to be.
"Not since I was three. However you should come visit this so called rock I live under. Be sure to wipe those cute little feet on the welcome mat – which, by the way, happens to say," Edward paused and drew a line in the air, emphasizing his sarcasm. "Real World" on it. Make sure you knock twice before you enter, then feel free to take a look around. I guarantee you won't find any fat marshmallow men but you will find me – in bed, waiting for you to bring that ass home."
I narrowed my eyes, playing a bit more. "I got news for you, pal…" I poked him in his chest. "you don't stand a chance with that gun of yours." I widened my arms. "What're you gonna do?" Cocking my fingers, I pretended to shoot at nothing while doing my best Edward impersonation.
I don't think anyone could exactly copy Edward's cockiness – but I tried. "You gonna just 'pop a cap' in him?" I shook my head like Edward does and gave a semi-crooked grin – thoroughly enjoying this stupid talk. "It don't work like that, sweetheart."
I loved making Edward laugh. He looked so carefree, his green eyes would get this twinkle and they had this crazy magnetic force that would keep my eyes locked in place.
I couldn't look away if I tried.
He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. "Why don't you tell me how this works then? Why don't you tell me how we roll the credits on this marshmallow, did'ju say puffy man – cuz he sounds like such a tough guy."
"It's PUFT with a T! T as in Totally unaware of cinematic classics!" I couldn't believe all the movies Edward had never seen – but then maybe I just watch entirely too much?
I blew on my smoking- finger-gun. "You put a bullet in him and two seconds later there is no hole. No entrance wound – no exit wound."
"No bullets? I'll make a note of it."
"Well on your notepad you can jot down your shopping list. You need one ghost trap and enough plasma to arm your entire fleet of footmen. If you're planning on taking out Stay PufT – with a T! It's all about the physics."
"Good to know my girlfriend's a physics nerd; I'll make a note of that too. And in the mean time when this Stay Puft jamook comes around you be sure to let me know, I'll make you my front line soldier. Hell, I'll even make you the boss of the operation. But for now, you're my girlfriend – so come on…" He tilted his head and turned me around so he could give my rear end a swat. "Let's go! Andiamo!"
Adrianna was coloring in the bedroom when I told her Edward was here and it was time to go. All morning long she had been chattering about going. I had pulled her soft blonde curls to the sides with little white ribbon barrettes and I was relieved to see that they were still intact. I was happy she kept her sundress clean too. Pastels and three year olds don't necessarily go hand in hand. She looked adorable in the voluminous dress; soft yellow with a full skirt and a large white bow tied at the back. I had to laugh when her little legs took off in the direction of Edward and I decided not to remind her to put her crayons away this time. Smiling at the sound of her animated voice going on to Edward, I just picked the crayons up myself before following Edward and Adrianna to his car.
Edward stood behind me with his arm draped over the door, waiting for me to finish buckling her in. When Adrianna was all belted in, Edward opened the front door for me and off we went.
For a birthday party it was huge!
There were so many people I'm not sure if Edward even knew who everyone was. Uncles, aunts and cousins, by the end names and faces were all a blur.
I was apprehensive at first.
Never in my whole life did we have family gatherings like this. First off, any kind of gathering we may have had was on a much smaller scale. Aside from Charlie's parents, who have since passed away and his estranged brother, maybe a few neighbors too…well that was all there was.
Holidays, birthdays, whatever… they were always ruined with Charlie and Renee's constant bickering. When I was little, I'd hide myself up in my room listening to the radio to drown out the screaming matches below. That worked to block out the yelling but you could still feel the vibrations of their heated arguments come up through the floor…feet stomping, doors slamming, random shit being tossed…it always made my stomach tie in knots and turn. Those arguments physically made me sick. Most kids look forward to their birthday and Christmas, I can honestly say that I have never looked forward to any special holiday, ever. Even after Renee took off.
Edward said his grandparents used to live in the 'Little Hell District', this would be before Cabrini Green was constructed. Edward explained that, at one time, most of the vice districts in Chicago were on the South and West sides of the city and 'Little Hell' was pretty much ignored in the city's fight against crime. 'Little Hell' was named for the pernicious criminality that prospered there and I gathered Edward's late grandfather played an active role in helping it live up to its name.
'Little Hell' was once a predominately Italian neighborhood. When Cabrini Green was built there was a surge in violent crimes and forced many original residence, like Edward's grandma, to flee the area.
Today the neighborhood no longer exists. The symbol for failed public housing, better known as Cabrini Green, no longer exists either. Now that area is a notorious ghetto.
Edward's grandmother moved to an older neighborhood off of Kedzie Ave. It was a safer area. But this part of the city was tricky. The neighborhoods changed quickly…and not for the better. You wouldn't want to venture too far past Western Avenue at night.
Edward said that stupid is what you call someone who goes into a bad neighborhood at night and gets robbed, not victim. However, he explained that attitude is a big part of safety. If you look like you know where you're going and that you know the territory, criminals will look for an easier target. That made sense to me. Edward also said that if I wandered from an area that felt safe to one that felt wrong, I should just call him.
Edward knows the city like the back of his hand. Growing up here he's got all the ins and outs down.
Me not so much.
I grew up in Melrose Park, a suburb just on the outskirts of Chicago – so basically I rely on our trusty CTA to cart my ass around.
There was a lot of traffic out today, so the drive to his grandmother's went kind of slow. The inevitable road construction didn't help either. It's like Chicago has four seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and ROAD CONSTRUCTION! I swear they spend all spring, summer and fall tearing up the same roads over and over.
Edward made one last turn onto a narrow street that was lined with cars parked asshole to asshole.
Very expensive cars.
Now, I'll be the first to admit, I know jack about cars but even I know the difference between the LS460 and a Ford.
Mercedes, Cadillac, Lexus, two more Cadillacs, BMW…on and on I watched the extravagant cars go by as we past them one by one.
It looked like a luxury dealership's entire inventory exploded onto this tiny street, leaving very little room for maneuvering and forcing the oncoming drivers to pull alongside the curb as the Escalade passed. I was glad I didn't have to navigate this big thing through here, but it didn't seem to faze Edward as he effortlessly backed into a parking space a ways down the street. Truthfully I didn't think the Escalade would fit between the two parked cars and I braced myself for the inevitable sideswipe. My hand gripped the door handle tightly and only relaxed when Edward finished backing the front end in without so much as a graze. It was tight but he did it…on one try too. I was impressed. If it was me, I'd still be driving around looking for a place big enough to pull in a semi front first…fuck parallel parking.
His grandmother's house was a typical Chicago bungalow style and as the three of us approached the small brick house, we could hear the loud bellowing voices inside, immediately my insides tensed. I took a few deep breaths before we entered and tried to remind myself that not all families were as dysfunctional as mine.
Some people were nice, welcoming even. Some…well not so much. But I can honestly say that everyone seemed curious.
Edward's mother seemed surprised to even see him. Apparently he hadn't mentioned he was coming or bringing guests. I use the word guests because I get the idea he's never mentioned me to his mother.
Standing there, holding Adrianna's hand, as his mother approached us, I felt very uncomfortable.
"Edward…" Her eyes were soft but the expression she wore on her perfectly made face was reserved. Her hazel eyes moved from Edward to me and I couldn't help but wish that the ground would open up wide and swallow me whole. She looked back to Edward, her eyes filled with questions but her smile unwavering just the same. She looked like she wanted to say something more but changed her mind at the last minute.
"Edward, we weren't expecting you." I thought that was an odd comment for his mom to make. As far as I knew Edward had planned on coming.
Edward stepped forward and greeted his mother with a kiss on her cheek. "Sorry we're late."
Esme didn't seem interested in Edward's explanation and seemed to be only half listening. Her keen eyes returned to me, scanning my expression as if she was searching for something. She took in my appearance then narrowed her eyes as she studied the closeness of our proximity and the little girl clinging to my hand and peeking out from behind Edward's leg. Edward rested his hand on the top of her little head and stroked her golden hair with his thumb. You could see the wheels turning as Esme mentally tried to put the pieces together.
There was a hint of a smile before it was replaced with a frown as she turned back to Edward. "And you brought –"
She let her sentence hang there, intending for Edward to take the lead and fill in the blank. She wasn't the only inquiring mind, I was curious to see how he'd finish that sentence too.
And a little bit disappointed when he finally did.
Esme waited with a bemused smile for Edward to make the introductions. "This is Isabella. Bella this is my mother, Esme." Esme seemed to still be trying to piece things together and when she realized Edward was finished making introductions she extended her slender hand to me. "It's very nice to meet you, Bella." She gave my hand a little extra squeeze. "I'm so glad you were able to come."
I offered a smile. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you, too."
Edward leaned down and scooped Adrianna up in his arms. "And this little one here is Adrianna."
Releasing my hand, Esme, watched, in what I could only describe as fascination, as Adrianna clung to Edward for dear life. Adrianna's bright blue eyes were like moon pies as she took in all of the boisterous people and she wasn't letting go of Edward any time soon. When Edward looked over I grimaced and mouthed a 'sorry' but he just shook his head as if it wasn't any big deal.
Esme slowly walked over to a very nervous Adrianna who looked like she'd crawl into Edward's pocket if she could. I think if I could, I'd crawl in right next to her. Her little hand clutched the material of Edward's suit and I found myself standing in awe as he gently bounced her and whispered that Esme was his mom.
I knew that Adrianna was fond of Edward, but I'm not sure when this closeness between them happened. He looked so relaxed holding her now and she seemed to be more than content to be in Edward's arms. It was a sharp contrast to his first few interactions with her, which were awkward at best. But I have to give him credit for trying.
Any anger that I felt from the last few days completely vanished. I didn't think it was possible to feel more for him than I already did. But standing here, seeing this softer side of him, I felt my heart swell.
Esme brought her arms up to take Adrianna and I could visibly see her balk and pull back into Edward. Esme stopped her approach when Edward shook his head 'no'. "Adrianna's a little shy." He looked apologetic then offered, "Maybe a little later. Let her get used to everyone first."
Earlier in the week, when I told Adrianna we were going to a birthday party she was so excited. When I told her she'd get to meet Edward's mom and dad she seemed genuinely surprised. I thought it was funny that she was so surprised that Edward had a mom and a dad. But I guess it was a little sad, too. It occurred to me how much she's missed out on. My own parents aren't a part of her life and I never really talk about them. She's never met Renee and she was too little to remember Charlie.
She didn't even have James's parents. They both died in a house fire well before I got pregnant. That was unfortunate because out of all her grandparents, James's mother would actually have been worth her having a relationship with. She really was very sweet.
Esme looked disappointed but nodded in understanding. "Hello there-" Esme cooed. "You look very pretty in your party dress."
Adrianna's big eyes left Esme's and looked to Edward for direction. I debated on stepping in but in the end I decided to let Edward lead. He pulled the finger she had been chewing on out of her mouth and wiped it dry with one stroke of his hand. With Edward's encouragement she waved to Esme with her free hand, but I noticed the other rested on Edward's shoulder and was still tightly wrapped around his jacket.
Esme stepped a little closer to Edward and tried to get Adrianna to warm up to her. Her smile was welcoming and her voice was soothing. "Adrianna is a very pretty name. How old are you?"
Adrianna turned away from Esme and buried her face into Edward's neck. He just smiled down and gave her a gentle bounce in his arms when she didn't answer. "Hey…" Edward tickled under her chin. "you know how old you are, tell Esme."
Adrianna curled against Edward, her head now resting on his chest as she turned to face Esme. Slowly, with her hand held out she showed three fingers. Edward playfully chomped down and made a show of nibbling on her fingers complete with sound effects. She giggled at Edward's antics and quickly yanked her hand away – but still remained curled up against him.
Edward chuckled then looked to his mother. "Alright, we're gonna go and say hello to everyone." I took the hand Edward held out to me and let him lead us out to the living room.
Edward continued to make introductions as he made the rounds. I smiled and shook hands and kissed cheeks with so many people I felt dizzy. I followed along with Edward until he finally made his way to his grandmother.
I heard her before I ever saw her.
That voice…eek! Like nails on a chalkboard.
She had an abrupt, raspy voice that slices like a rusty serrated saw, cutting through the silence like nobody's business.
So many times I found myself chewing my bottom lip to avoid giggling. She was really a card and could dish shit with the best of them. It was hard to believe she was eighty three years old.
"This one…I could be dying. Laying on my death bed and he wouldn't know. Mr. Important. Always too busy. He's got time for everyone else but for an old lady…" She looked away and waved her hand. "always too busy."
Edward took his grandmother's hand and leaned low to kiss her cheek. "Never too busy for you Nonna. Happy Birthday."
"Birthday?" She scoffed and waved her hand again. "Birthdays…when you get to be my age, who needs 'em? Look at all this…" She gestured to the room and all of the guests. "…for what?"
"It looks like a nice party. A lot of people came…that's good. Nonna, I want you to meet someone." Edward pulled me closer and snaked his arm around my waist, "This is Isabella and Adrianna."
"Isabella? Are you Italian?"
His grandmother was a little scary at first and I found myself leaning a little closer to Edward. He gave my hip a reassuring squeeze and I took a deep breath, "Um, part? My mother, um she's Italian."
She nodded and looked over in Esme's direction before looking back at me. "Like my daughter-in-law but part is better than none. It's something to be proud of. It's part of your roots, part of who you are. You never forget that! You can't deny your heritage…When someone asks are you Italian – you just say yes. That's enough."
"Um, ok." I quickly agreed. "Uh, Happy Birthday Mrs.-" Edward's grandma cut me right off.
"Nonna. Everyone calls me Nonna…that means grandma in Italian."
"Ok, well…everyone just calls me Bella." I thought that sounded lame so I quickly handed her the bouquet of flowers I had brought for her as a distraction. "These are for you. Happy Birthday." Calling her Nonna just didn't feel right. My mouth couldn't do it…so I just left it at that.
Edward's grandma took the flowers.
"Thank you, dear. They're lovely. Lilies, they're my favorite. Bella, that's a beautiful name. Did you know Bella means beautiful in Italian?" She looked up from her seat and smiled warmly. "Beautiful, just beautiful…but you're too skinny!" Nonna pinched my hip. Hard too. "Pretty girl but we got to put some meat on your bones. Men don't like bones…dogs don't even like bones. We gotta put some meat on you."
Nonna looked over to Edward with a scowl across her face. "Edward, are you feeding this girl?"
Edward turned away from the man I think he introduced as his uncle and looked to his grandmother. "Yeah, Nonna I'm feeding her. She eats just fine."
"And who is this pretty little girl?" Adrianna smiled around the finger that had made it back to her mouth. It's something she does when she's nervous or sometimes when she's tired. I think it comforts her. But I keep hoping she grows out of it.
Edward poked Adrianna's nose and that earned him a little giggle. "This is Adrianna. She wanted to wish you a happy birthday."
Adrianna turned away from Edward to look over at his grandma. Her soft voice was hesitant and barely carried over the loud groups of people scattered among the living room. "Happy Birfday."
Nonna's smile told me she heard her despite the noisy background bantering. "Beautiful…just like her mother." Her eyes sparkled over Adrianna before looking back to me. "Where's her father, dear?" While my attention was on Edward's grandmother, I could see him slightly stiffen with the corner of my eye. Definitely not a topic I wanted to discuss. "Um..we aren't together." I looked over at Edward to see if I answered ok, his expression was unreadable… for the most part. His lips were pursed and his teeth were working the corner of his mouth. He does this a lot…but it's usually when he's pissed about something.
"Is he dead?" She asked this so matter of factly. No hesitation, no apology… not that I would need one even if he were dead.
I could feel the tension rolling off of Edward and so very badly wanted to talk about something else. Anything else. Just not this. "Um, no."
Her dark eyes widened in shock, maybe…and her flabbergasted tone made it clear that this option was far worse than death. "Divorced?"
I cleared my throat before answering. "No. We were never married."
Nonna nodded her head in understanding. "I don't even have any great grandkids…I'm the only one. Everyone else my age, the house is full! Now she's already started and she ain't even married. No need to explain dear. Didn't you ever hear of dessert before dinner? Sometimes people do things backwards." She jerked her head over at Edward's father. "Like Carlisle…he came out ass first."
Carlisle's head snapped up from his conversation. "Ma, enough with the birth talk already!"
Nonna retorted quickly. "You know 14 hours of labor! 14 hours! If I woulda said enough, you wouldn't be here! One more hour and I wouldn't be here! You'd like that, hah?"
With Nonna busy, I chanced a peek at Edward again and was relieved to see him looking more relaxed.
"Edward, you came!" Edward and I both turned to the petite brunette when she rounded the corner. I assumed this was his sister.
Edward returned her hug. "Yeah. You did a good job. Nonna's party, it's nice."
"I'm not so sure she'd agree-" Alice smiled over at me and Edward used that opportunity to introduce us to his sister. Alice definitely had a way of making you feel welcome. Maybe it was the enthusiasm in her voice or the sparkle in her eyes when she spoke…either way she left you feeling like she was genuinely glad you were there. While Edward can be aloof and intimidating, Alice was the complete opposite. She was outgoing and very friendly.
Her husband, Jasper was the next one Edward introduced. Jasper was more reserved in his greetings and didn't offer a lot for conversation. Which was just fine with me. Jasper seemed to prefer to listen and observe. It was odd that somehow his silence was almost as loud as the family's banter. Jasper was the strong silent type and without saying a word his physical appearance made one hell of a loud statement. The slight laugh lines around his eyes painted a picture of warmth yet his posture made it clear that this was not a man you wanted to be on the wrong side of the fence with.
Alice knelt down to say hello to Arianna and I was happy and a little surprised to see her coming out of her shell a little more as she spoke to Alice. "You're pwitty." Those two little words seemed to be all it took for her to win Alice over.
Alice's eyes widened with delight as she looked over her shoulder and smiled up at Edward. "Oh, Edward! I love her!" She turned back to Adrianna and tickled her tummy. "I could just eat you up!" Adrianna giggled and crossed her arms over her tummy.
"I'm Edward's sister, Alice. Did you know he had a sister?"
Adrianna shook her head 'no' and Alice scowled over at Edward.
Adrianna's bright eyes noticed the shiny bracelets Alice was wearing…well one imparticular. "I'm 'A'!" She exclaimed to Alice proudly.
Alice looked down at the gold 'A'charm hanging from her delicate wrist by a small chain. She smiled, understanding immediately what Adrianna was saying. "Hey, I'm an 'A', too!" Alice exclaimed in mock surprise. Adrianna was in her glory and overjoyed to have something in common with Alice.
"Here dear…" Nonna handed me back the flowers. "could you put these in some water? Beautiful flowers… they're thirsty. There's a vase in the kitchen. In the cabinet over the stove. Put them in water and bring them here, dear." She gestured to the table. "They smell wonderful."
I found the cabinet and flicked it open with my fingertips. The problem was I couldn't quite reach the vase. Standing on my tippiest of toes my fingertips barely grazed the sides of the vase as I tried to work it closer to the ledge.
Just a little bit more…come on-
"Hey, you forget to bring your stilts, shortie?" My hand froze, fingers still barely grazing the vase that was there one second then whisked away in the next.
Emmett's easy going attitude always made it easy to joke around with him. "No, today I'm packing light." I figured he'd appreciate the humor in that.
Emmett let out a loud chuckle, "That a girl!" He went to the fridge and pulled out a beer as the one person I had been hoping to avoid at all costs chose then to walk in the room.
She stood so tall in her red leather heels and black and white dress. The dress was barely mid-thigh and showed off her perfectly shaped legs that seemed to go on for miles and her more than ample cleavage was squeezed and spilling right over that fitted bust line. Standing next to her I felt something like a rag doll.
Blond hair, totally fake but still gorgeous, fell around her flawless face in these loose curls and my god, the jewelry this woman owned. Bangles, necklaces, and…holy shit!... my eyes popped out at the rock she sported on her left hand.
"This is what you spend my money on?" Emmett picked up Rosalie's well-manicured hand and gestured towards the ruby red daggers that were adorned with little diamond studs. "Look at those things…could they get any bigger? It's like a fucking fish lure. You trying t'hook a 30 pound salmon, or what?"
"Fuck you! I don't hear you complaining when they're running down your back!"
"Yeah, that's because I can't speak…" Emmett lifted his chin and wiggled his fingers in front of his throat. "…you've got me all choked up-"
Rosalie shrugged. "I don't know why I bother…you used to be so romantic-"
"And I also used to be able to sleep in the same room as you and my wallet and not have to keep one eye open."
Rosalie's bitch brow was at full height now as her hand gestured out towards Emmett. "Yeah? Maybe you still could if you didn't keep your dollar bills shoved up your ass!"
"Dollar bills up my ass?" Emmett yanked Rosalie's left hand up and the huge rock that rested on her forth finger. "Did you take a look at this ring? Do you know how much that cost? You think that shit's free?"
Rosalie just shrugged indifferently and gave Emmett a sideways glance. "It depends on whose fucking finger it fell off of."
The back of Emmett's hand came up. "You and that fucking mouth-" I cringed, hoping he wouldn't really do it.
My lungs finally release the breath that had gotton stuck when Edward came in and the conversation changed.
"Hey…" Edward nodded over at Emmett then Rosalie. "Did everyone already eat? I'm starving!"
"Alright…" Emmett enthusiastically clapped his hands and rubbed them together. " Barbequtionist at your service here…whatcha want half a cow, quarter of a cow, how hungry we talking here?"
Edward stood behind me and peeked over my shoulder at my handiwork. "You found the vase. Looks nice." He kissed the top of my head. "She'll like that." His hands gripped my biceps and gave a gentle squeeze. "You hungry?" I nodded.
"Yeah, throw on a couple of steaks." Edward finally answered Emmett.
I looked up from busying myself with Nonna's flowers and both Edward and Emmett were staring at me. Emmett gestured his hand at me and raised his brow expectantly, "This is your cue, sweetheart. What part of the cow do you want? Do you want the shoulder, the ribs…the ass?"
"Um, yeah. That sounds ok. If you have a smaller steak."
Emmett sounded amused and chuckled under his breath. "Right, ok. I'll find a smaller one."
I brought Edward's grandma the flowers and set them on the white lacey thing covering the small end table before seeking out Adrianna. I was surprised to find her sitting in Alice's lap, busy trying on her many bracelets.
It was good for her to interact with other people; maybe it would help her get over some of her shyness. I waited for a bit, thinking she'd be nervous if I wasn't visible to her but whatever her and Alice were chatting about had her complete attention. She seemed content with Alice and I felt a little awkward just standing there alone so I slipped outside to see what Edward and Emmett were doing.
I got the feeling that I had interrupted something when all conversation stopped and three heads turned to look at me. My feet wanted to turn and go back inside but it was too late…I was already there in plain view.
Carlisle excused himself and curtly nodded over at me as he passed. I could feel myself shrink back, giving him plenty of room to get by. My eyes were pulled from Carlisle's stiff retreating form when Edward called me to him. I had wondered what they were talking about but neither Edward nor Emmett gave anything away.
Not that they would.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I was looking for you and thought I'd come out to see what you were doing or if I could help at all." I was rambling now. Blame it on the nerves.
"You didn't interrupt."
I still couldn't help feeling that I walked in on something private. "Still…I'm sorry."
"There was nothing to interrupt and Carlisle was about to go back inside anyway…" Edward leaned low and looked me in the eyes. "…no apology needed. Ok?"
I just nodded.
"Come with me?" Edward asked. I nervously slipped my hand into his and he led me through the gate that leads to the gangway behind the garage. He sat down on a large wooden crate and pulled me into his lap. My back was flush against his chest and he hugged me tight.
"I just wanted a few minutes with you – alone. Are you having a good time?"
"Y-yeah…" I had to clear my throat because my voice got stuck. "your grandma is-"
Edward chuckled. "She's something alright…we just haven't figured out what that something is." Edward rested his chin on my shoulder and I could feel his breath wash over my neck, to me this was calming.
"She likes you, you know. They all do. Esme and Alice especially."
"I wouldn't have guessed that your mom liked me."
"Why do you say that?"
"I don't know…just a feeling I guess."
"I think it just took Esme by surprise. I've never…this isn't something I do, bring girls home I mean." I looked back at Edward trying to figure out what he meant. There is no way he doesn't have girls jumping all over him.
"You've never-" I let my words hang there, not really sure what it is I'm asking or if I should be asking.
"No, I mean yes, there's been girls…just not like this. Like it is with you."
"Oh…" I looked down at my lap thinking about his words. "What's it like with me?"
"It's… different. I'm …I just…I want you to know that this is different. You're different – to me."
My eyes drop to my fingers as they continuously trace along his fingers and hand. The words were on the tip of my tongue but didn't want them to come out. I played them over in my head, listening to how it sounded and wondering if he'd be ok with me admitting it too. I felt nervous and excited all at once. When I finally say it out loud, my words were barely a whisper. If he didn't hear me the first time I'd chicken out for round two – no doubt. "You're different to me, too."
"Is that a good thing?" He really had to ask?
Frowning, I turned to look at Edward. "Yeah, it's good. I like being with you." I leaned back into him wondering how much I was actually supposed to admit here. Truth was I way more than liked being with Edward – in fact my feeling extended above and beyond 'like' for Edward himself.
That was kinda scary and I sure as hell wasn't spillin' this revelation.
First anyway.
I opted for a safe and simple truth. "You make me happy."
Edward gave me a tight squeeze and kissed my shoulder. "Good to know. You make me happy, too."
"You couldn't tell?" My God, the man must be blind not to see how he makes me feel. It's written all over my face – any time he's near, in bright fucking red, screaming it loud and clear for anyone!
"I had a hunch you might be into me. Still, it's nice to hear – to know, just the same."
My inner girl squealed while I forced myself to be calm – with great effort. I nodded and leaned against him, trying to hold in this tidal wave of bliss that was threatening to erupt.
We sat and chatted for a few more minutes, enjoying the time alone then joined Emmett.
Emmett set his beer aside to tend to the grill. "Hey, we got tons of shrimp here, too. You want me to throw some on?"
I felt myself cringe at the thought.
So not a fan. "No, I'm good."
"Come on, they're good. Have some."
"I don't really like 'em."
"Who doesn't like shrimp?" Emmett asks like it's a sin.
"Me for one." I scrunched up my nose and shuddered. "I just can't…."
"Based on the theory you are what you eat, I'd figure you're eating these by the pounds. I'm not sure…It's pretty close but I'm surprised there's any shrimp left swimming around between you and Alice. What you think, E?"
I scowled over at Emmett because I'm positive I'm taller than Alice. Maybe not by much…but still. "That's a funny joke…Ha, Ha, Ha…" I replied sarcastically. "You're quite the clown! What have you been eating, Circus Crackers? " Now I'm not one to usually pat my own back but even I thought my comment was pretty clever, and I guess Edward found it funny too because he threw his head back and laughed.
Edward looked to me. "Yeah, I'd say they're pretty close in size. I'm not sure the difference but I sure as hell wouldn't want to have to live off it."
I put my shoulders back and tried to stand a little taller. Really though it didn't matter, Edward had like a foot on me. "Ok, enough with the shrimp talk."
"You won't eat shrimp, yet you dip your potato chips in strawberry yogurt?" Edward pointed out.
Ruffles chips, preferably the kind with ridges and really any kind of fruity yogurt are hands down one of my top summer picks for needless grazing. It's nice and cool, perfectly crunchy and has just the right combination of salty and sweet. So yummy.
"Hey!" I mock scolded. "When you actually try it, that's when you can knock it!"
It's the perfect quick snack. I like to bust it out during movies. Edward on the other hand wouldn't have any part of it. Not even a little lick. Well, that's not so much entirely true. He did take a lick, several licks actually…just not off the chips.
Now I have a whole new reason for loving chips and yogurt and I've officially bumped the combo up to my number one favorite ever!
Edward cleared his throat. "As I recall, I did." His sparkly eyes bounced between mine. "Strawberry, remember?"
I could literally feel the heat spreading from my chest to my neck then on to my cheeks and I'm pretty sure my ears and maybe even my forehead too.
Shit! No Good! No Good! No Good!
My cheeks warmed a hundred times over as I remembered how the coolness of the yogurt and the heat of Edward's mouth felt as his tongue snaked along my heated flesh, dipping in my naval and swirling over my hardened nipples .
The mischievous twinkle in his darkened eyes and crooked little grin told me he was thinking about it too.
"Definitely a tasty treat." Edward gave me a wink before bringing his beer to his lips and tipping his head back. I watched those sexy lips wrap around that glass bottle and my thighs instinctively quivered.
The air felt a little thick all of the sudden so I was glad when Emmett moved the conversation along. "Maybe I don't want you making my sandwiches anymore. Wouldn't want to bite into a mouthful of beef lathered with Yoplait."
"That's different. This…these," I pointed to the disgusting ocean dwellers, "well, it'd be like eating a steak with the hide still on-" I shuddered at the thought. "Plus, it's like gnawing on a rubbery balloon. I just can't." Nope, gagging on a mouth full of latex is not my thing. I'm all about the crunch."
And considering that shrimp are the Roto-Rooters of the sea and whatever is in their digestive tract has ALREADY come out of at least one other bigger animal's digestive tract…yuck!
No way.
And de-veined or not...when the socially acceptable name for part of the animal to be consumed is something as unappetizing as "vein", I sure as heck don't want to eat it.
People should just call it what it is: poop-chute.
It would be like leaving the feet on a ham.
I know it won't kill me, but blech!
"Rubbery balloon? What kind of shrimp are you eating?"
"I'm not eating any kind of shrimp."
"Suit yourself. You don't know what you're missing but ok. Fine. More for me. What about you, E? Want some shrimp? I'm talking food here now, not your girl." Emmett chuckled at his stupid joke and I'm pretty sure my eye roll was an actual eye roll that time.
Waving a finger in mock scolding I replied, "Hey! Next time I won't be packing light!"
Emmett lets out a hardy laugh. "Oh yeah, the stilts! Good one, shorty!"
Smiling in amusement, Edward nodded over at Emmett. "Yeah, I'll take a pawful of shrimp."
"A pawful? Like I'm an ape or something. I'm out here sweating balls, making your dinner and you're calling me a fucking monkey!" Emmett gestured to his chest. "A little appreciation here, E…please. A little appreciation is all I'm asking."
Edward tipped back his beer, emptying it and tossed the bottle in the recycling bin before answering. "Sorry…want a kiss too?"
Edward moved back to where I was standing, "Here hold on to this." I absently grabbed the plate he was holding out to me but my attention was on the stinging itch behind my knee.
Asshole mosquitoes!
With my short nails, I was scratching, well more like clawing at the itchy bump and in no way was prepared for the eight pound steak Edward speared and slapped on to my plate! The weight of that monster tipped the whole plate and it would have ended up plastered all over the patio if Edward hadn't caught my hand. "Whoa, you got that?"
I smiled sheepishly and gripped the plate with both hands, watching as Edward filled another plate. It dawned on me then that this giant stegosaurus steak was mine. "Whoa!" With eyes as big as that steak, I pointed down to the side of charred cow I was holding. "Who's is this?"
"Yours." Edward wrapped his free arm around my waist and his long fingers squeezed my hip. "You're fucking sexy as hell but Nonna thinks I need to feed you more." Edward pulled back and pointed to my plate. "Help me out a little. Make Nonna happy, too. Eat."
I frowned as I took in the size of that whopper. "Who's gonna eat all this?" My eyes flashed over to Emmett. "I said small! Look at this-"
Emmett chuckled. "Esme has them cut special at Amici's. They cut 'em thick. Each one is nice and pink… in other words, they put out the Scarlett Johansson of steaks. That…" he gestured to my plate with his spatula. "…is the smallest there is-"
I eyed this mammoth hunk of meat weighing down my plate. "Who's their butcher? Paul Bunyon?"
"You like Italian Sausage? They got the best…hands down. People travel from all over…this one guy I know, drives in from the burbs. That's what…" Emmett looked to Edward. "like 35 miles?"
"Here." Edward threw some shrimp over this gargantuan steak before answering Emmett. "Depends. But, yeah, round about."
"No shrimp!"
"Those aren't for you." Edward took a sizzling shrimp off my plate and popped it into his mouth. "Fuck that's hot!" He fanned his mouth then pointed to my plate. "Those are for me."
Edward looked back to Emmett. "Did she get any of those eggplant roll up things?"
Emmett laughed. "If there's any left, they're in the kitchen."
Edward nodded. "Salads are in the kitchen. Drinks are probably there, too. Eat what you can…what you can't finish, it's not a big deal. I'll help you with the rest." Edward turned back to throw a bunch of shrimp on his plate then licked his thumb. "What do you want me to get the baby?"
"If all of these are for you…" I lifted my plate with both hands and stink eyed the shrimp then eye balled the plate in Edward's hands. "Who's plate is that?"
"Mine. That plate there is yours…" He pointed to my plate again. "minus the shrimp. Those are mine. They wouldn't all fit on my plate. Capesche?"
I frowned. I didn't want all those icky things on my plate. "Yeah, ok." I shrugged. "Capesche."
"What's Adrianna eating-" He asked.
I wanted to laugh; seriously this steak is almost as big as she is! "She can just share with me." I gestured down to my plate with my eyes. "This uh…king size fillet you threw on here is plenty!"
Edward furrowed his brows as he pointed down to my plate. "She can eat that?"
I shrugged. Adrianna wasn't really a picky eater. "Yeah, if I cut it for her."
"Huh, ok. Do what you want. Go on inside, I think you might have to pry Adrianna away from Alice though." I already figured as much.
I turned to leave but stopped when Edward called out to me. "Hey, check and see if there's any of those eggplant roll ups in there. Grab a couple for me. Just put 'em on the side. I'll be there in a minute."
I just nodded and headed into the kitchen. Edward polished off his steak and shrimp and then finished what Adrianna and I couldn't…which was still like a whole side of cow. I literally felt like a stuffed sausage…and swore I couldn't eat another bite yet there I was chowing down half of the eggplant roll ups I scavenged for Edward.
They were so good…my god! They were rolled around mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, sun dried tomatoes and I don't know maybe some kind of lettuce too…oh my god! I could eat these by the dozens.
I grabbed another, I just couldn't help myself and let my eyeballs roll up in ecstasy. Edward discreetly took my hand in his and casually rested it on his thigh. He leaned in closer and I could feel his warm breaths washing over my neck as he drew nearer still. His nose nuzzled my hair before he pressed his mouth against my ear to whisper. "You keep moaning like that…" He placed my hand over his very hard dick and subtly pressed himself into my palm. "…my dick is over here getting jealous."
Edward nipped at my earlobe before placing a lingering kiss over that one spot he knows gets me going. Warm tingles rippled through me sending a wave of heat right to my nether region. Although he was barely whispering his words screamed out to my body loud and fucking clear. He may as well have had those lips moving right over my girlie parts. My cheeks were burning as I swallowed hard and my eyes bugged out as I peeked around the table, thankfully everyone was too busy talking or eating to notice this little 'under the table' exchange. I was also thankful that Edward's family was a bunch of loud talkers…so no way they heard him.
Edward pulled back and cleared his throat and I chanced a peek at him just in time to see a satisfied smirk plastered across his sexy face. He knew what he was doing…what he does to me. How could he not? My God, I turn into a babbling idiot and am reduced to putty any time he's around.
I narrowed my eyes and gave him my own version of a smirk before sliding another roll up thing into my mouth and let out an exaggerated moan, just for him. Edward gave me a tight lipped smile before leaning forward and squeezing down on my thigh. He wanted me to quit. Happy to know he was as horny as I was now, I just smiled sweetly at him and turned to chat with Alice and Esme.
"She's so adorable. Let me guess? Is she in pre-school yet?"
"No, not yet. Next year."
"I remember when Edward was going to pre-school for the first time. I should go get some pictures."
"No pictures."
Esme waved Edward off then looked to me. "Alright next time. A reason we'll see ya again…I have to show you pictures. Anyways, he wasn't gone forty five minutes and Father Bruce was calling for me to come and pick him up. He pulled little Ava's pigtails and bopped TJ in the mouth."
Edward laughed at the memory. "Knocked out a tooth too!"
I could totally see this but had to ask. "Why were you going around picking fights?"
Smiling at the memory, Esme more than happily finished the story. "Ava wouldn't play with him. She wanted to play with little TJ." She looked over at Edward. "It pissed him off and he got thrown out of school on the first day."
Esme stood from the table, clearing the last of the dishes. "Nonna, you ready for cake?"
I scowled over at Edward. "You know that's not nice. I used to get my pigtails pulled."
Edward frowned and nodded his head in my direction. "By who?"
"Tony Kochek." A mean short, stocky kid with a perpetually runny nose... Blech!
"You're lucky you didn't go to my pre-school, I'da popped that kid in the mouth too." Edward chuckled then added. "And you're lucky…" He grinned and wagged his eyebrows. "…cuz nap time woulda' had a whole new meaning!"
"Yeah, well I think I'm lucky we didn't go to pre-school together too. I'da flunked out."
"Why's that?"
"I'd be too busy playing dodge balls, and never would have learned my color charts."
Edward was grinning and leaned in close. "Where'd you learn to talk like that?"
"I learned from the best…"I closed the short distance between us and put a kiss on the corner of his mouth. His hand laced through my hair, stopping me from pulling away so he could put a quick kiss on my lips.
Nonna came in from the living room and took a seat at the head of the table. She looked so tiny sitting in the tall chair. The back of the chair was so high, if you were behind Nonna you'd never even know she was there.
Long red finger-knives cupped the flames as Rosaile brought out a huge layered cake with two candles: one candle in the shape of an eight and the other in a shape of a three both amidst the pink frosted flowers.
"Good thing there's not a candle on here for every year I am old! You'd burn the house down… with me in it! You'd like that hah? And what kinda cake is this? This ain't a cake it's a doorstop!"
Rosalie cocked her hip and gestured toward the cake. "Yeah? It's the same doorstop you ate three pieces of last year and didn't bother to share with the kids!"
Nonna's eyes were wide as she spoke and her hand flew up into the air. "And after that year, I'm surprised I made it this year!"
"It's a little ungrateful, Ma. We're sitting here celebrating your birthday and you're talking about us trying to stick you on the other side of the grass. It's a little ungrateful and a little ironic too. If you don't mind me saying so."
"Well I do mind you saying so. And I'll tell you what's ironic, is your fat head popped outta me. Your fat head used my womb as a catcher's mitt….I almost died bringing you into this world. Where's the gratitude? You almost killed me then and things don't change! You woulda liked that, hah?"
"Come on, come on…the wax is getting all over, Ma. Make a wish already."
"It's my birthday and you're gonna tell me what to do? I gotta wait a whole nother year for my next birthday – to get everyone under one roof, and you want to rush me!"
Nonna eyed up everyone sitting at the table before shaking her head and blowing out the candles.
Rosalie stood from her chair. "There's a knife in the kitchen. I'll just-"
Nonna's scoff interrupted Rosalie mid-sentence. "Knife? You don't need a knife! Use those daggers you call nails."
With her hip jutted to the side, Rosalie held out both hands, the annoyance was clear in her voice. "Alright! Alright! Enough with the nails already!"
"That knife's no good." Nonna gestured to Rosalie. "How ya gonna cut with that? You wanna bring me a doorstop, at least bring me something that will cut it!" She shook her finger in the direction of the kitchen. "Go back in that kitchen and get something else-"
Everyone just kept on talking as Rosalie returned with a sickly sweet smile for Nonna and Michael Myer's weapon of choice clutched tightly in her hand. With her cool eyes trained on Nonna she glided back to the table…I have to be honest I felt a little scared for Nonna. Nobody else seemed concerned so I tried to butt in on Edward's conversation with Jasper…even still I kept one eye on Rosalie and that fucking machete she was hacking at the cake with.
Rosalie doled out the slices one by one and of course Emmett would try to crack a joke.
"This cake is just fine…a little slice of heaven's doorstop!"
Rosalie gave him a disgusted look. "You're laying it on a little thick, don't you think?"
"We'll be laying something on a little thick!" Emmett suggestively wagged his eyebrows at her.
"And what's all this smut you're talking at my table?" Nonna's flapping hand gestured toward the side of her head. "Like I can't hear! Like I don't got God's ears on my head!"
"All right, settle down over there. It's not smut. I'm a married man and I like my wife."
"Yeah? You like her cause she's trying to put me under! Am I right?"
"Yeah, okay, Nonna."
"Don't you agree with her!" Rosalie's hand pulled back and smacked Emmett's shoulder. "I brought this cake here to celebrate her birthday! How am I trying to put her under? And you can't stick up for me? You have to side with her?"
Nonna pointed her crooked index finger at Rosalie. "Hey! You don't hit my grandson! I don't remember asking you for a cake and if I did I wouldn't want a doorstop!"
The table bantering continued all through cake. And opening presents wasn't much different.
"A watch?" She looked over at Rosalie and then Emmett. "What do I need another watch for? Yeah, I know…so I can watch the seconds tick down to the end of my days - in stereo. Kids, why don't you just get me an hour glass?"
It became clear today that Carlisle was the voice of reason. "Come on, Ma. It's a nice gift. And what are you worried about? The seconds ticking…you're a spring chicken. Now come on, you got more presents to open."
"DON'T PUSH ME!" Nonna pointed to an exceptionally large box with a giant bow across the top. "Hand me that big one! Here give me that card. Who's this one from?"
"This is something Esme and I thought you'd like." Carlisle clarified.
Nonna shook her head. "What is it? A casket? Am I gonna try it on for size? Make sure I'm comfortable while you're throwing dirt on me?" She looked over at Carlisle. "You'd like that, hah? Those flowers…they smell nice. My favorites." Nonna held out her hands and wiggled her fingers. "Here, dear bring them a little closer."
"What, Nonna, they're not for your funeral?" Rosalie sneered.
Nonna shook her finger. "LISTEN TO THIS! SEE I TOLD YOU! This sweet girl over here brings me flowers! LILLIES! For my birthday!" She hooked her thumb in Rosalie's direction. "And this one's thinking about me dying…DIGGING MY HOLE WHILE I'M STILL VERTICAL! FROTHING AT THE LIPS FOR A FUNERAL!" She eyeballed Rosalie. "You'd like that, hah?"
Rosalie shot daggers across the room.
Although Edward's grandmother seemed to speak her mind to everyone, it didn't go unnoticed that she didn't seem too fond of Rosalie. While she intimidates the fuck outta me, I genuinely felt bad for her. With that in mind I took a deep breath and channeled some much needed courage before summoning her attention. "Rosalie, um I really like your dress. That's really pretty on you."
Rosalie looked down at her dress before answering. "Oh, you like this one? It's just a little something I picked out over at Nieman Marcus."
Her fingertips touched her shoulder as she launched into her story. "So here I am walking around for some little dress to pick up and who do ya' think is sitting on my shoulda'?"
Do I answer?
Rosalie keeps going. "St. Anthony, patron saint of all things unfound!" Her fingers pinch the tight material at her waist. "This dress outta nowhere is starin' at me, so I grab it and would you believe what a bargain I got it for? Originally $700! How much ya' think I paid?"
Holy shit…that's almost Jessica's rent
"Um, I…" I try to pull up some figure in my head – but I got nothin'! "I don't know."
"SIX HUNDRED AND FORTY DOLLARS! I couldn't believe it!" And neither could I! She smoothed the front of her dress over her lap before shaking her index finger at me. "See church really pays off…Saint Anthony really looked out for me!"
Emmett was all too quick to reply. "Which is why no soldiers came home from Iraq this week…Saint Anthony was too busy finding you a dress. Maybe next week he'll find you a job!"
"Yeah, yeah…but I see you lookin' at it-" Rosalie shrugs. "Money well spent. It's like an investment."
Nonna of course had to chime in. "This one and her bargains all the time! Don't let her shop for my funeral! I'll get some bargain blue light special urn that I'll end up sharing with some hobo who ended up in my oven on some two for one bargain!"
"Ma, you're not dying. You're not going anywhere."
"You're darn right I'm not going anywhere! Least of all in some oven…in some cheap urn so she can take my funeral money and buy more junk for her nails! I want a descent person's funeral. I want to be buried, like God-"
Carlisle held up his hand ending Nonna's speech. "Yeah, alright Ma, I got it. Let's see what else you got here."
Nonna ripped the shiny paper right off the huge box and leaned back to look at her gift. "What the hell is this?"
Carlisle stood and moved over to Nonna's gift. "It's a nice TV. Brand new. State of the Art. It's what everyone's got. Just think how nice Jeopardy will be…right up close."
Nonna frowned. "First I don't got ears on my head now I can't see…what's the matter with you people? How many ways are you gonna offend an old lady on her birthday? And everyone…who's everyone?"
"You don't like it? Fine, I'll take it back." Carlisle leaned low and started to slide the big box but Nonna stopped him.
She waved her hand at Carlisle in annoyance. "Na, you're not taking nothin back. How ya gonna take back my birthday present? You wanna take back my birthday too? You'd like that, hah?"
"This is a good model…it has a good picture. Jeopardy will-" Edward started to add. I scrunched up my nose and giggled at him when Nonna cut right over his attempt to talk it up. Nonna is the only person I know that would just talk right over him – and she's probably the only one he'd let that shit slide with.
"Jeopardy? Now there's a show…they give the answer before the question. What idiot does that? But that host…What is it…that Alex Trebek? Now he's got a nice tush!"
Emmett held out his hands. "Whoa! I thought we weren't talking smut here?"
Nonna just waved Emmett off. "What smut? All I'm saying is that for a non-Italian he's got a nice ass! What's wrong with noticing? I'm old, not dead!"
Nonna grabbed a smaller box. When the paper was unwrapped I recognized the small midnight blue box immediately. "What's this now?" Nonna opened the velvety box but didn't say anything at first. I watched as her hand gently went to her heart and her dark eyes glassed over. She seemed to be too choked for words – which was quite a feat for Nonna. "Edward, this is beautiful."
"So are you Nonna." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "You like it ok?"
She reached up and pulled on Edwards arm. "Come here-" He moved closer and she hugged Edward so tight. "You're gonna ask me if I like it? Its…it's just beautiful." She patted Edward's hands and whispered. "Thank you."
"I thought it should be close to your heart – where he'll always be."
"You're such a good boy. I'm so blessed."
"Let's put this around your neck where it belongs."
I never met Edward's grandpa – but it became obvious that although this man made no physical appearance to this party he had been well loved. You could almost feel his presence.
We stayed for a while longer. My mouth felt like the Mojave Desert from so much talking so I was glad when Edward decided it was time for us to hit the bricks. He slyly used getting Adrianna home to bed as an excuse. Kisses flew freely as we made our way to the door. Esme hugged me tight and promised we'd see each other soon. To her delight she even got a hug from Adrianna. Carlisle remained distant but was polite nonetheless as we said our good-byes.
Today it actually felt like I had a family – and I really didn't want it to end. Maybe Edward didn't want it to end either because he suggested we go back to his place for the night. I happily agreed – liking the idea of us going 'home' with Edward entirely too much.
All tuckered out now, Edward carried Adrianna to his spare bedroom and kissed her head before setting her on the bed and heading downstairs to make a few calls. I had packed her some play clothes that would be ok for pajamas; she let me change her, too tired to be any help. We said her nightly prayers and I had to smile as the list of people she added blessings for grew. I tucked her in while she chatted about Alice and some of the other little kids that were at the party. Funny, when we were there she wanted no part in playing with the other kids but now she had a lot to say about it. Her eyes grew heavy and finally she was out for the count. I kissed her cheek and whispered 'I love you' before heading out to find Edward.
I found him on the couch, he opened his arms wide for me and I happily curled up against him, feeling kinda tired too. He pressed his lips to my hair. "She asleep?"
"Yeah, she had a big day and she is now out like a light." I squeezed him tight and pressed my head into his side. We stayed like that for a long while; he talked about his family and I told him a little bit more about mine – not that there was much to tell.
When my own eyelids started feeling like there were lead weights attached to them, Edward scooped me up and carried me back to his bedroom. He laid me on his bed, then kneeling between my legs he picked up each foot, one at a time and placed a soft kiss on each insole. Feeling his weight come down on me, I suddenly wasn't that tired anymore and happily let Edward strip me naked.
He was different this night. His lips were soft on my skin and his hands were gentle, caressing every part of me as he took his time and moved slowly bringing me over the edge.
It was perfect.
He was perfect.
And I knew then that my heart was completely, 100% all his.
