A/N: Well, I'm pleased to announce that our vacation rental has passable wifi! Please enjoy the next chapter a bit earlier than expected…

Chapter 7

December 30, 2007-January 1, 2008

Edward and I enjoyed our evening firmly inside our bubble. I didn't have a chance to let him know what I'd agreed to until the next morning. We'd greeted each other when we awoke in what was becoming our usual way. He'd gotten up to clean himself and had just slid back under the covers when I broached the subject.

"So, I need to let you know what I had to promise in order to get off the phone with Alice yesterday afternoon," I declared. His face was buried in my shoulder, and he was playing with my hair. Our legs were tangled together. My words caused him to pull back and look into my face.

"What?" he asked looked curious and maybe a little scared.

"We have to have dinner at her place tonight. Jasper Whitlock will be there, like a double date," I told him apprehensively. I should have known better than to doubt his reaction. His face broke out into a beaming smile.

"Well, that's great," he said pushing my hair back from my face and kissing my chin. "I want to meet your friends, Bella. I know you're worried about how things will work between us, but they will. I promise. And you'll see even more when you meet my parents tomorrow night." I tensed, and he could tell given our proximity.

"Relax," he instructed, running his fingers along my jaw from ear to chin, and I had no choice but to do so, damn him. He knew how to play my body like his keyboard already.

"Edward, I don't know about your parents' party. It seems too fast," I shared my concern. He huffed dismissively. "We've only know each other a week." I tried to reason.

"Ten days," he muttered under his breath like that made a difference. His correction only made me more concerned about his maturity and ability to have a real relationship. But I was selfish, and I didn't want to be away from him. I knew our time was limited, so I didn't fight him.

"Fine," I acquiesced. "I agree, I don't have any other plans. From what you've said, it will probably be fun. I guess we'll have to leave the bubble for the next two nights."

"The bubble?" he asked curiously.

"You know, where we are just here together and don't have to worry about the outside world," I clarified. He gazed seriously into my eyes.

"The bubble's no good, Bella," he cautioned. "I want you in the real world." And he proceeded for the second time that morning to try and convince me how much he meant it.

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Edward went back to Shepherd to study that morning, but I stayed at the apartment and did my bills and picked up a little bit. I visited the apartment complex gym, and Edward visited the athletic gym on campus. I knew he was getting anxious about the upcoming season. He returned in the afternoon, and we showered together again. It was like I couldn't control myself around him, and his turn around time was ridiculously quick.

We arrived about 15 minutes late to Alice's apartment by design. I had to literally force myself not to leave early, and Edward was surprisingly helpful in that department, as I've just described. Alice lived in a large, loft-style apartment in midtown. The area had been gentrified maybe 5-6 years ago, and she bought the space when she moved back from Mississippi. It was extremely nice and well decorated since she had excellent taste. But I suspected her parents had helped with the down payment, if not the monthly mortgage payments, too.

Alice opened the door with a beaming face. She was completely overdressed in black tap pants and a frilly teal top that ended right at her natural waist, exposing a thin sliver of bare skin between the blouse and pants. Edward and I were both wearing jeans, and I smirked a little when Jasper came forward to greet us, also in jeans. She offered us drinks, and I accepted a glass of white wine, while Edward chose the ubiquitous Shiner.

Edward cast me an apprehensive glance as he drifted toward the living space and large flat screen TV. Alice herded me away toward the kitchen area, fiddling with food on the stove and in the oven.

"So, I made hot tamales. I know you love those," she began.

"Wow, thanks, Alice," I assured her. The Mississippi Delta version of tamales was quite different from the more, well known Mexican version. She usually paired it with red beans and rice, and I was pleased to see a pot of that simmering on the stove. "You made my favorite." She frowned at me.

"It's not just for you. I've never cooked for Jasper before, and I wanted to present traditional Mississippi fare," she corrected. I bowed my head, indicating I understood. "So, how are things going with the young hottie?" she demanded tactlessly. "Does he go all night? Because I could tell you some stories about Jasper…"

"Stop!" I demanded. "I will not discuss this with you. We are getting along. That's all you need to know. I don't see how it can work out long term. He's too young, and our goals are too different. So don't push it. I can't stand it," I erupted at her. She looked a bit stunned.

"Wow. You must really like him," she concluded. I shook my head at her willful misunderstanding of my outburst.

"Whatever, Alice, let's just enjoy this evening," I muttered. She looked at me sharply before turning back to put the final touches on her masterpiece.

"Bella, if you mess this up, you will regret it forever," she warned. I refilled my wine glass and walked away before I said something that would ruin the night.

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Edward and Jasper had kindled a bromance. When I returned to the living area, they were watching ESPN and arguing about some kind of video game. They had only known each other in passing during high school, but it was obvious they were renewing old acquaintances. I sat quietly next to Edward on Alice's leather couch, while Jasper gave him batting pointers. He also had a lot of advice on exercises and ways to avoid overuse injuries common to pitchers. It seemed an odd knowledge for an MBA student to have. I envied the ease with which they furthered their acquaintance into an obvious friendship, regardless of the age difference. For them, it didn't matter.

Alice announced dinner, and we sat down at her trendy dining set. A chandelier made of deer antlers hung above the table, and I felt it was at odds with the modern openness of the loft, but Alice said it was ironic. I decided to stick with the blended hand-me-down and Target theme in my own apartment, but I was still a renter so what did I know.

We all chatted easily about what the new semester would bring us all, since we were all still in education, as students for me, Edward, and Jasper and as an educator for Alice. The conversation flowed steadily, and I was surprised how well we all got along. Edward held my hand under the table, and Alice smirked at me when she noticed. We all switched to wine, even the guys, after awhile, and before we knew it, we were on the third bottle.

Jasper put on Dazed and Confused, the very movie I'd referenced before Cindy's party when I accused Alice of wanting to be Wooderson. She smirked at me as both Jasper and Edward recited lines along with the actors. It was a very classic Texas movie; I had to admit. Finally, it was getting late, and we had to go. Neither Edward nor I were in any condition to drive so we summoned a taxi.

I caught the taxi driver watching us in the rear view mirror as Edward dragged me onto his lap and sucked on the skin behind my ear. He looked away chastened, and I tried to gently push Edward away until we were safely back in my apartment, but he seemed unable to help himself.

"Edward," I chided, and he looked at me with slightly bleary eyes.

"I can't help myself," he pouted adorably.

"Act like a grown up," I hissed. His face fell, and he pulled back instantly. He slid away from me on the seat and looked out the window away form me. I felt immediate remorse, knowing I'd pushed a hot button.

"At least until we get back to the apartment, OK," I moved toward him and whispered in his ear, as I ran a hand through his hair and along his cheek. He responded by leaning into my hand and closing his eyes.

I figured I was forgiven, but he was silent for the rest of the trip. When we got back to the apartment complex, he paid the driver, ignoring my protests. He took my hand and led me up the stairs and into my bedroom. He proceeded to love me in a desperate way, almost like he wanted to devour me. We melted into each other, but there was an unspoken barrier that it seemed we couldn't cross.

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The next morning we managed to banish the melancholy from the night before and didn't speak of it any further, much to my relief. Edward seemed excited about his parents' party, but I was very nervous.

"So what do I need to wear?" I queried from the bed as he threw on a shirt and shorts, headed to my apartment complex gym. I'd meet him there once I got going. "I hope it's not too fancy. I'm not sure I have anything like that." He paused in tying the laces of his running shoes and frowned.

"Cocktail attire," he said decisively. I narrowed my eyes.

"Do you even know what that means?" I asked. "I'm nervous enough to meet your parents this soon. Don't let me look like an idiot." He rose from the floor and leaned over me. His chaste kiss on the cheek deepened as his tongue entered my mouth, and I pulled on his wrists causing him to collapse on me. We both giggled as he floundered and gained his balance.

"You could never look like an idiot," he insisted. "You're gorgeous," his bright green eyes bored into mine. "But, cocktail attire means a short, fancy, frilly dress with high heeled shoes." He looked so pleased to be able to provide such an answer that I laughed out loud.

"Is that what your mom will wear?" I asked. He nodded with a smile.

"I'll wear a suit and tie but no tux," he declared. I squinted at him.

"Will your dad wear a tux?" I questioned. He shook his head.

"No way, my dad hates tuxes. He has to go to lots of burn fundraisers, so he'd never agree to it for fun." I liked Dr. Masen already from that description. Phil would probably wear a tux in the operating room if he could get away with it. That probably explained Edward's aversion to true footwear, I decided.

"Okay," I agreed. "I have a few things that might work. You go on to the gym. I'll be over there in a while," I shooed him out and sat up, bringing the sheet with me to cover my chest. Edward leered at the bare skin below my collarbone, and I rolled my eyes and waved my fingers at him, indicating that he should get out.

I got up and donned my work out clothes and perused the back of the closet. I had a strapless tea length lace dress with a satin sash in dark navy that my mom had bought me the year before for a Texas Heart Institute fundraiser. It flared into an A-line just below the waist, and I had thought it was extremely flattering when I wore it before. I had a pewter clutch and matching high-heeled sandals that would probably go well with it. I inspected my toenails. They weren't bad, but I'd need to at least paint them if they would be on display in the fancy shoes.

Edward reluctantly admitted he needed to head back to his house after we finished our workouts. His clothes were there, and he needed to do some laundry and other things around the house. He promised to return for me by 6 pm. Hors d'oeuvres would start at 7 pm, and he wanted a chance to introduce me to his parents before the other guests arrived. My stomach flip-flopped at the thought.

Much to my discomfort, he insisted we would spend the night at their house. He promised they wouldn't mind and would have a guest room ready for me. He kissed my cheek as he left and whispered hotly about the deviant things he had planned for when he snuck into said guest room later that night. My cheeks were warm when I closed the door behind him.

He returned as planned. I opened the door to admit him, but he stood still, staring at me stunned. I was self-conscious and smoothed the skirt of my dress down and brushed off invisible lint on the bodice while I waited for him to say something. Finally, he spoke.

"You're stunning," he said simply and reached for me. He kissed me chastely, obviously trying to avoid mussing my make-up.

"Thanks," I said and stood back to admire him. He was wearing dark blue suit with a striped dark and light blue tie. But it was obviously tailored to him, and his broad chest and narrow hips were fabulously displayed. I gulped when I looked closely at him. There was no way I could navigate the evening with someone who looked like this and still make an effort to understand his parents and their guests.

He smirked at my continued silence and obvious perusal.

"Are you ready?' he asked cheekily. I took a shaky breath and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm ready. You clean up pretty well, Edward," I tried to act nonchalant.

"Bella, you have no idea," was all he could reply. I didn't totally understand, but I was so nervous about the evening that I just went with it. I grabbed my purse, and we made our way to his car. We made small talk on the ride over, but I sensed he was getting just as nervous as me, which made me even more nervous. I mean they were his parents after all.

Edward's parents lived in one of the large homes right on River Oaks Boulevard, the main street in Houston's most affluent area. He pressed a button to open a black wrought iron fence and turned into the driveway of a large brick home, painted white, with black shutters. The green lawn was impeccable, and the drive curved around toward the back from the street. Tall trees would lend shade over the beautiful yard during the day. I glanced behind us as the gate closed behind us. We passed a black van going in the other direction as we climbed the hill.

"Those are probably the valets going down to open the gate for everyone else," Edward remarked. "My parents usually make arrangements to park the cars off site." Well, well, I should have bragged to my mom and Phil about being invited to this party if it was going to be that kind of affair. They were all for the social climbing.

But the thought of admitting to my mother that I was dating Edward caused me to swallow hard and turn pale. Edward pressed another button, and one of the doors on a three-car garage slowly rose up. He pulled smoothly into the empty space.

"Your parents keep an empty garage just in case you drop by?" I asked teasingly. He gave me a lop-sided grin, and I felt a jolt of jealousy at his obviously easy relationship with his parents. He didn't answer, so I knew that was, in fact, just what this garage was for. He put the car in park and insisted that I stay seated until he came around to help me out. Then, he led me past a large black Mercedes sedan and a silver Porsche to the garage entrance to the house.

We came through a spotless but homey mudroom into the kitchen, and Edward called out as we progressed. "Mom, Dad, we're here!" The kitchen was large and bustling with catering personnel dressed in black pants and white shirts accented with a bowtie and cumberbund swarming over state of the art appliances. They didn't even spare us a glance, highlighting their professionalism. They looked sharp, and the food smelled wonderful. I'd have to get the name of the caterer for my mom.

An elegant woman in her late 40's appeared in the kitchen doorway. She was wearing a long-sleeved, knee length black dress that hugged her svelte figure in a tasteful way. She turned slightly, and I could see the back plunged suggestively to mid back. Her pale, blonde hair was piled on her head in an elegant chignon, displaying very large, obviously real diamond studs in her ears. She smiled tenderly at Edward when she saw him. I could tell from across the room that she had the same striking green eyes as her son.

"Edward, why did you drag your guest through the garage?" she scolded and turned to me expectantly. Edward chuckled lightly and placed his hand on the small of my back, urging me forward slightly.

"Mom, this is Bella Swan, my girlfriend. Bella, this is Elizabeth Masen, my mother," he made the introductions. I felt intimidated, and especially uncomfortable about the label, but fell back on all my prior etiquette training and stepped forward to offer my hand. She took it and squeezed in a friendly gesture. Her smile was welcoming, and I felt better.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. Welcome to our home. Please come through to the library, where we've set up the bar, so I can introduce you to my husband. Unless Edward wants to show you the laundry room?" With this last, she quirked her brow at her son, and I saw where he got his cheekiness. Edward just ducked his head with an embarrassed smile. We followed her through several doorways, and I made a few comments about how lovely their home was. She accepted the pleasantries gracefully.

We entered the library, which was, in fact, a beautiful room completely lined floor to ceiling with books. It was all dark wood and leather chairs, but comfortable somehow. I would have loved to curl up in one of those chairs with a book and whiled away the afternoon. Edward's father was speaking to the bartender when we approached. He broke off and gave us a welcoming smile when he saw us.

"Edward, son, so glad you made it," he greeted. "Who do we have here?" he asked giving me a friendly smile and extending his hand. I took it and gave him a firm handshake.

"Dad, this is Bella Swan," Edward introduced me. "Bella, this is my father, Edward Masen, Sr." Edward Sr was tall, just like Edward was, with dark salt and pepper hair and dark eyes. I wondered where Edward's unusual hair color had come from. I thought he had his father's stature but looked more like his mother.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Dr. Masen," I said earnestly at the end of the handshake. "Thank you for having me," I looked back and forth between Dr. and Mrs. Masen so they knew I was addressing them both. Dr. Masen chuckled.

"None of that now. It's Edward and Elizabeth," he insisted. I blushed and cast my eyes toward my feet. I'd never been very good with parents. Edward squeezed my hand, somehow intuiting my discomfort.

"Bella is a medical student at Baylor, Dad," Edward told him, stepping away from me to engage the bartender. I smiled nervously and met Edward, Sr.'s eyes. His eyebrows rose very slightly.

"Is that so?" he asked me. "What year?"

"Third year," I answered, internally cringing. The eyebrows went a bit higher.

"Well, then have you chosen a specialty?" he asked politely. I nodded with a plastered smile on my face.

"Yes, orthopedic surgery," I told him. He nodded vigorously.

"That's a great field. I hope Edward never needs your services," he quipped, and I relaxed a little. Elizabeth entered the conversation as Edward handed both of us glasses of white wine.

"How did you meet Edward?" she asked innocently. Edward retrieved a glass of beer from the bar and turned back toward us.

"She went to Rice, Mom," he interjected, cutting off the line of questioning. His lips tightened and his brow dipped slightly as he shot her a look. I wondered if he didn't want her to understand the circumstances of our meeting or if he was trying to keep her from upsetting me. I held my breath at the tension, but Elizabeth smiled, and it dissipated.

"Of course," she said graciously. "Go Owls!" Her dainty fist pump was comical, and we all laughed. Then, we were interrupted by a commotion in another room, which I'd yet to see. New voices were raised, and a woman in a similar but distinct uniform from the caterers ushered the newcomers into the room. They must have come from the formal foyer, where Elizabeth thought Edward should have brought me in.

I took in the 50ish couple that swept in the room. They were both handsome with pale hair, eyes, and complexion. Elizabeth exclaimed excitedly and rushed to greet them, hugs all around. That's when I noticed, that the couple was trailed by a young girl with equally pale coloring in a striking red halter dress. Her eyes went straight to Edward. My stomach dropped, and I knew instantly who she was. Edward stiffened next to me, as she sauntered toward us.

"Hey, again, Edward," Kate greeted him and looked at me curiously. The parents were greeting each other next to us, deep in conversation, the "kids" forgotten.

"Kate, I'd like you to meet Bella, my girlfriend," he said formally. She gave him an appraising look and then turned her attention toward me. She inspected me for a moment and then smiled. She offered her hand.

"Hi, I'm Kate," she said. "Very nice to meet you. Edward and I used to play together as kids. We just saw each other again for the first time the other night," she explained.

"Likewise," was all I could manage as I shook her offered hand. I hoped I gave her an acceptable smile, but I felt a little cold. She squeezed my hand but didn't let it go and leaned in conspiratorially.

"I think my parents were trying to set me up with Edward," she whispered but loud enough for all three of us to hear. "They obviously didn't know he had a girlfriend. It's kind of embarrassing that they think I can't take care of that myself." She made a self-deprecating face.

I hated that I couldn't hate her. She seemed lovely and honest. Edward was right about her; I did think she was unwitting. The three of us chuckled together, all relaxing a little. Edward offered to get her a drink and stepped around the parents to get to the bar.

"Edward had nice things to say about you the other night," Kate said when he was out of earshot. "I'm sorry you had to miss the dinner party." She seemed very sincere, so Edward had obviously implied that the two of us had been together longer than we had. I didn't contradict her.

"Yes, me too," I agreed and took a sip of my wine. I wasn't sure where this possessiveness was coming from, but I didn't fight it. She smiled genuinely at me.

"My parents would have loved to see me in medical school," she confided. "I think my dad considers studying education as a waste of time. Not to mention I'm at St. Thomas. I know they wished I'd gone to a bigger school."

"Well, if he really thinks that, then he couldn't be more wrong," I assured her. "My old roommate works for Teach for America and did classroom work for two years in Mississippi. I know for a fact that her job has been rewarding." Kate's face lit up.

"Really?" she asked excitedly. "I'd love to do work like that." I wanted to roll my eyes at her earnestness. It would be so much easier if she were a bitch.

"Yeah," I confirmed. "If you give me your number, then I can give it to Alice. She can contact you about things to do when you get close to graduation." I pulled my phone out of my clutch, and she grabbed it eagerly, punching in the numbers. Edward reappeared at my shoulder and passed Kate her drink.

"You guys getting along?" he asked cheerfully, but I thought I caught a hint of wariness. I nodded, but Kate confirmed it more effusively. Edward looked relieved. I noticed the room had filled up in the interim, and servers were moving around the room with passed hors d'oeuvres. We were definitely the only young people.

"Will there be any more people your age?" I asked Edward. He frowned at my choice of words, but Kate didn't seem to notice.

"Well, I invited Sam, but he's hanging out with his girlfriend away from the rager at our house, and my best friend from high school is in Tallahassee with his college buddies tonight. So, we make up the younger crowd. Sorry," Edward shrugged but gave me hard look.

"Okay with me," I chirped smiling widely at both of them. Edward relaxed a little and then smiled mischievously.

"Allow me," he said mysteriously and motioned for us to follow him. We passed the bar, and Edward snagged two bottles of wine from the chill bucket. He snaked his hand around the bartender and came away with a church key. He waved it in front of himself wordlessly, wiggling his eyebrows ridiculously. Kate and I both giggled. He gestured for us to follow him.

We ended up on an outdoor patio. It was dark, and a little chilly, and it was obviously closed to party guests. As my eyes adjusted, I realized we were on the pool deck. The Texas sky opened above us. Edward sank onto a pool lounger and gestured for me to sit next to him. He directed Kate to the lounger across from ours. Once the two of us were comfortable, he got up and disappeared under the eaves of a smaller building beyond the pool, likely the pool house. He returned with beach towels and dropped them at the foot of the loungers and gestured to us. If we were cold, we could wrap up in the towels.

So the three of us huddled together and worked our way through those two bottles of wine. Kate was great company. She never pouted or seemed sorry to be a third wheel, and although, she was nowhere near as intelligent as Edward, she made interesting conversation. I knew Alice would love her, and I resolved to introduce the two soon.

We were giggling about something or other when Kate suddenly asked what time it was. Edward pulled out his phone, and we were all surprised to see that it was 11:55. Kate nodded solemnly and stood.

"It's time for me to go in. My parents will want to go soon," she declared. Edward and I both made discouraging sounds, but I kind of wanted her to go and allow me to spend the New Year moment with Edward alone. We may have been on the same page because Edward didn't argue with her much.

"Happy New Year, you guys," she said with a smile as she stepped back inside. We were left in silence and turned to face each other. He finally spoke.

"Bella, I'm so glad I met you, and I can't wait to see how the year plays out," he told me seriously. "I know you're still not sure, but I hope I can convince you." I swallowed a lump in my throat. I wanted to tell him the year would be great, and we would make it, but I knew the odds were against us. He wasn't realistic about me. But again, I was selfish, and I wanted him as long as I could have him.

"Edward," I breathed and that was all I could say. I pressed my lips to his. He took no time in engaging me further. Our mouths opened and our tongues tangled. Edward turned me and laid me out on the pool lounger, climbing on top of me. His tongue dipped lower, tracing my bodice where it met my chest. His hands slid up my thighs under my lace skirt.

We were interrupted by a bright flash and explosion. We froze, and Edward rolled off to crowd me on the lounger. We stared up at the sky and watched the fireworks show that unfolded. I felt safe and hopeful in that moment. We stayed silent for the duration of the spectacle. When it was over, Edward twisted slightly to whisper in my ear.

"Happy New Year, Bella," he said. "I'm in love with you."

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A/N: Thanks for continuing to read and support. If you feel strongly about what you see, then feel free to drop me a review. Based on the number of recent follows, it seems that a very low percentage are doing so. Pretty please

Until next week! EG