SEVEN
"Where do you want it?" Emmett snaps at Alice.
"I already told you," she yells back, "in the corner. I don't know how more specific I can fucking be."
"There are four corners in this room," Emmett glares at her while holding the dresser.
"Do you need help?" I ask smiling at Edward.
He watches his sibling argue with irritation as he holds his own end of the dresser. Today was the first time we'd seen one another since our date. His moving attire was just as sexy as his date attire. If not more. The casual jeans, t-shirt and sneakers. He was an visual treat.
"Nope just sit there and keep looking that pretty. You're the only reason I am here dealing with these two idiots," he winks at me.
"It's very easy to sit here while watching you lift that," I motion to the furniture.
His muscles were practically threatening to rip through the shirt. My own personal incredible hunk. Yum.
"Why Isabella Swan. You're not flirting, now are you?" he relaxes slightly causing his end to dip.
Emmett shoots him a death stare. It's almost enough to chill the temperature of this room.
"Stop hitting on her and hold your end, you dick," Emmett growls.
"You've changed," Edward says, "when you were getting some from Rose you were much nicer."
"Shut up," he shoves at the drawer, pushing Edward back slightly.
"You three have to stop fighting," I sigh.
Alice nudges Emmett motioning both the boys to guide the dresser into the corner of the bedroom. I'd given it to her and converted my living room into a bedroom space. It was big enough it could act sort of like a studio apartment. We still had a place to entertain and watch TV. My bed sat beneath the window, meaning I could look out at the stars at night.
"I'm going to order us some pizza," I say.
"Actually," Edward holds his arm out racing to me, grabbing my arms, "I was thinking we could go out. Together. Without them."
I glance over at Alice who is smiling at her brother.
"Emmett and I can finish up here. It's just small things now," she says, "Besides I have my own plans tonight too. Tomorrow night we can have our first official roomie wine night."
"I can't believe I have to deal with you as my neighbour," Emmett scoffs.
"Can't wait," Alice laughs.
"Where are we going?" I ask Edward smiling.
"I thought you'd like to see some more of the city. It's prettier at night," he says, "you said the other day you hadn't had the chance."
"Turns out other things came up," I shrug.
Chuckling he moves to open the coat closet pulling mine out along with a scarf. He tosses me the scarf, before holding open the coat for me to shrug on.
"You kids have fun," Emmett calls after as, "be home by curfew, Eddkins."
"He's going to crack and kill you one day," Alice warns.
"I'll use you as a shield," Emmett says.
"Any longer with them and I would have honestly left. I couldn't do that, because I wanted to be near you," He smiles at me, "oh, the sacrifices I've made."
"So romantic," I stare at our hands connected together as we walk through Central Park, sipping hot chocolate.
"Have you heard much from your family?" He asks.
"A little," I nod, "Dad's still maniac. At this point I think he should just let it go. Try to move on with whatever dignity he has left."
"And Zane?" He asks.
My heart leaps at his remembering my brother's name. He actually cared enough to remember. He listened.
"Still in a bit of shock. He needs to figure things out quick. The baby will be here soon," I say.
"How do you feel about that. I bet you'd be a fun aunt," he says.
"I'm pretty excited. I love how you say aunt," I giggle, "It has a 'u' in it, but you say it like ant. Say it less American."
"I say it just fine," he fires back, "you're the odd one not me,"
"Aunt," I mimic his accent.
Rolling his eyes, he pulls me by my waist into his body, gently tickling me as we walk. I laugh trying to keep hold of my hot drink.
"Also why don't you guys drink nice coffee," I say, "Sandy said her secret was to add more frothy milk. It was literally the same as what we do at home."
"You're not drinking the right coffee," he says, "I'll take you to the right place."
"Not Starbucks," I wrap my arm around his back, continuing to take small steps under his arm.
"God no," he shakes his head, "that aside Alice says you have your first shift on Friday night. You excited?"
"Honestly, yeah. Sandy has agreed to let me start a little later on Saturday. My first day of School is Monday so I don't want to run myself too thin," I explain.
"You'll do great. I wish I could be there to cheer you on, but I'm actually flying out of town this weekend. Business in Vegas," he says, "I'm thinking of expanding. Turning this thing into a chain or a company. I've managed to capture the interest of a casino chain. I just won't be back till mid next week the earliest."
"Woah Edward. That's incredible," I smile up at him trying to shield my disappointment, "You'll do amazing. I'm sure they'll love you."
What if he meets some hot, naked show girl? What if he forgets me? God, I've known him for ten minutes.
"I'm kind of bummed about it. I have to travel with Emmett and he's nowhere near as beautiful as you," Edward stops us turning me to face him.
"You guys will have fun. A brother trip sounds great," I smile, "I'm only a text away."
"I know," he says, "have you ever been to Vegas?"
"Nope," I shake my head, "My brother went once and got punched by a hooker."
Edward stares at me for a moment, blinking with amusement.
"Is your brother some sort of mythical legend in Australia?" he asks.
"We have a public holiday dedicated to him," I nod, "it's called moron day."
Edward bursts into a fit of laughter, his shoulders shaking, stomach. He's a marvel.
"I've gotta do it," he shakes his head, a smile of joy across his face.
"Do wha-"
I don't finish the sentence. Before the words are completely out of my mouth his hand is cupping my cheek and his lips are on mine. I melt into him. He tastes incredible, the spice I couldn't remove from my mouth since our last kiss, with a hint of sweet from the hot chocolate. I place my hand on his torso to keep myself steady. I have no doubts he'd let me fall, his arms a metal grip around me. When he lets me go I keep my hand on him to remain steady. I swear the Earth moved below me.
"That should tie me over," he says, "when I get back I want to take you on another date. Fancy, not a park with hot chocolate."
"You said I could pick," I shove him gently.
"Because I didn't care. I just wanted to spend time with you," he smiles, "after our first date I have been waiting to get to see you again. I know that sounds so weird but it's all that's been on my mind."
"I've felt the same. I mean you are a lot nicer to think about than the peril that's occurring back home," I say.
"Thank you," he flashes me a crooked grin, his head tilted with amusement as he leans in again.
"You want another?" I bit my lip, the nerves racing through my body.
"I need enough to last me the weekend," he says against my lips.
I've been living with Alice for a little over two days now. Tomorrow would be our first shift together, but if working for her was anything like living with her I'd have zero problems. She never just enters the room, she announces her entry into it. For what she lacks in height she makes up for in noise.
She thunders into the room, excited.
"I invited Rose over. I hope that's okay. With Emmett out of town she runs absolutely no risk of bumping into him tonight. It's meant to be their anniversary or something and she's feeling a little low. Especially with him in Vegas," she says, "so I thought she could come hang out."
"Of course. You don't need to check with me. It's your place too. Invite who you like around," I say, "Even Jasper. I know you said it's just seeing each other or friends with benefits or whatever. But make yourself at home."
She rolls her eyes, a light blush on her cheeks.
"I can't talk about him right now," she smiles.
"Why?" I ask slowly, grinning at her.
"He kinda told me he loved me last night after we… you know," she sits beside me folding her legs, "he's never said it before. Heck he's not even my boyfriend."
"Oh Alice," I smile taking her hand, "that's adorable. You've got to make it official. The sleeping around, friends with benefits thing is out the window."
"We're having dinner tomorrow night before work. Maybe we'll talk about it," she shrugs.
"You'll definitely talk about it," I nod.
"What about you. My brother sounds smitten," she says, "it's about time with him. He just is so blind when it comes to women. They throw themselves at him, but he just never pays them attention. Maybe it's because your beauty comes with personality."
"He's sweet," I smile, "I like him. But it's still so early. He's just easy to talk to. I know he isn't in the friendzone at all, but he was the first person to really be friendly after what happened with Dad."
"Well I'm definitely rooting for you both," she smiles.
The intercom buzzes and she races to grab it. After she lets Rose in she turns to look at me.
"In Australia rooting means to fuck," I say.
"I don't need to think about that," she scrunches her nose and closes her eyes, "he's my brother. Yuck."
"Oh Edward! What a root," I laugh.
"Stop," she opens the door just before Rose can knock.
"Stop what?" The blonde steps into the room.
I'm pretty certain every light beams off her, she is so radiant. With just two people in here she manages to captivate the room.
"Bella wants to fuck my brother," Alice takes a paper bag from Rose.
"Which one?" Rose begins to shoot me daggers.
"Edward," Alice says, "stand down, Blondie. I told you you're on an Emmett ban. We need to move you on because I'm sick of you two being toxic toward one another. You can't play nice."
"Oh, fair enough. Edward is cute. You should totally do it," she says smiling at me, "I'm Rosalie by the way."
She walks toward me as I stand from the couch.
"Bella," I smile, "it's nice to finally meet you."
"Alice has told me lots. I can't wait to have you at work with us. We need fresh meat and you're simply gorgeous," Rosalie sits down on the couch beside me, "you know we should dress her up like a sexy kangaroo or something, Alice."
"That's why you're not in charge of the show element of the club," Alice laughs.
"I'd honestly never dare try dance. I'd have you guys shut shop in a night," I shake my head.
Alice sits on the floor on the other side of the coffee table, placing three wine glasses and a bottle before us.
"It's not that hard. I think you could do it. You dance at nightclubs right? I can teach you. Plus Edward already let it slip you had lessons as a kid," Alice smiles, "so you'd have rhythm."
"I can't do what Rose did last weekend. I'd die," I say.
"You don't have to. You don't have to dance a single step, but if you want to you should. It's fun. It makes you feel sexy and liberated. Even if it's just shaking your hips on top of a bar," Rosalie smiles, taking her glass of wine from Alice.
I take mine as Alice offers it too.
"Why don't you get up now and I can show you," Alice stands, "Rose play some music from your phone. Something Beyoncé."
I shake my head. God no.
"Come on," Alice leans over taking my hands, dragging me up.
For something so tiny she's as strong as an elephant. Rosalie humours her putting single ladies by Beyoncé on. She cheers me on, clapping her hands.
"Come on, Bella," Rosalie yells, "just pretend I'm Edward drooling over you."
"That makes it harder," I say.
"That's what Edward said," she laughs loudly.
Alice stands me before her, rolling her eyes at Rosalie. She places both hands on my hips and begins to sway them for me to the music.
"That's it, Bells," Alice says joining me, "just swing them like that. I knew you had rhythm."
Knowing if I fight it she'd win, I do as I'm told. Secretly enjoying myself. I laugh as Rose sips wine like a proud dance mum directing tips to stick my ass out, to move my hands up my body.
They teach me to twerk, to slut drop, to roll my body. A repertoire of sexy moves. Before I know it I'm drunk dancing around the room, in my bra and sweatpants. Rosalie and Alice are both a similar story.
It doesn't take us long to tire out, collapsing onto my bed in a sweaty, huffing mess.
"Why can't Emmett just accept me? Why can't he be romantic and bring me flowers and stop being a baboon," Rosalie says suddenly.
"Because he's Emmett," Alice says, "he's dumb."
"You're out of his league. If he can't try with you, move on and find someone who will," I say, "he seems like he isn't over you but. Last weekend at the club he was practically turning red at the sight of other men looking at you."
"When we got here we just couldn't get our stride. The new city and business stress. I miss him," she says, "we just can't get back on track. I know he's fucked other women. I've been with other guys. But they're not him."
"Tell him that," I say, "you guys just seem to lack communication."
"What I've said for months," Alice says.
We lay in silence, listening to the sounds on the street outside.
"I've never had friends like this," I breath out quietly, "friends back home were just assholes that wanted my Dad's freebies."
"Well we like you poor," Rosalie says.
Alice smacks her.
"Don't be rude," Alice sits up.
"I'm feeling daring," Rosalie gets off the bed.
Out of the three of us she is the most drunk. She stumbles to the couch picking up her phone. We watch her dial a number before holding it to her ear.
"Who are you calling?" Alice raises an eyebrow.
"My ex. Bella said communicate," she hiccups.
Alice and I share a brief look before lunging across the room at her.
"I didn't say to do it drunk," I yell as I tackle her onto the couch.
But we don't make it - Emmett picks up.
And too add salt to our wound she's called him through FaceTime.
He's with Edward.
Thanks so much for reading.
Please review if you can!
L