Five
The next few weeks passed by quickly and were uneventful. Edward was gone, in Chicago handling business according to Carlisle. Whatever it was, he was gone for about a month now, which pleased me and at the same time frustrated me to no end. Edward had clawed himself into my skin like a rash, a itch too big that I desperately wanted to scratch. He consumed my thoughts everyday. I worked like hell, keeping myself busy with the ball to distract myself. Angela also helped me keep my mind occupied ever since she arrived two weeks ago to get the plans underway on the event. I was in desperate need of girl time and we enjoyed our time together shopping, going out to eat and nights on the town when we weren't busy with work. She was taking a red eye later on tonight to head back to Seattle.
"I wish you didn't have to leave, Ang," I whined. I was going to miss her terribly.
"I wish I didn't either, but I miss Ben and my buttercup," she giggled. We were sitting inside a restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park where she was staying.
"I know. Make sure you give them kisses for me when you get back home."
"I promise I will. When are you coming back Washington?" She asked. "We would love to have you stay with us and I'm sure you're dad would be very happy you to see you, too."
"I plan on heading out west next month. I'm gonna take some personal time off, especially after all the hard work I've helped put into this damn event." It was for a good cause but I was mentally exhausted and I needed some time away.
"Well in that case, make sure you let me know when your heading out that way so I can make sure to be available for a few days."
"Thanks Angela, for everything. You really helped everything come together."
"No problem hon. I loved working with you and Alice. I really had a fabulous time out here and I'm going to miss you," she said smiling as she grasped my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. I placed my hand over hers and repeated the gesture.
"I have to go and get ready for tonight. I'll see you later."
"Ok see you later, Bells," she confirmed. I rose up from the table, pulling out a few bills and took one more sip of sweet tea. I leaned over, kissing Angela on her cheek before hailing a cab back home.
The limo picked me up promptly at 8:30. I glanced at myself once more in the mirror, making sure I looked immaculate. My hair was styled in a elegant french twist and I wore a natural smokey eye and nude lipstick. I wore a strapless midnight blue evening gown with a sweeping train. Nude pigalle Louboutin pumps and diamond jewelry completed the look. I grabbed my clutch and carefully walked down the steps, lifting up the bottom of my dress so I wouldn't trip and hurt myself. The driver graciously helped me into the limo, securing the train of my gown before closing the door and hopping inside to head midtown.
When I arrived to MoMA, it was flooded with press, cameras flashing everywhere on the red carpet. I spotted Angela, Alice and Jasper talking animatedly. I kissed each of them on the cheek and told them how great they all looked. We posed together and took a few pics with Carlisle and Esme before heading inside for cocktails. Carlisle made a speech thanking all the attendees and business associates for coming out and supporting this years cause for charity, which was for impoverished families. After he made a toast we all clinked our classes and went to the courtyard. Angela really put the space to great use, the courtyard was draped in gold, red and cream tastefully. Dining tables were lit with candles, casting a romantic glow on each setting. A orchestra played music softly on a makeshift stage. Simply, everything was absolutely perfect.
Shortly after dinner, Angela had to leave to catch her flight. She promised to contact me when she landed and said goodbye to everyone. All of the couples decided to go dance, leaving me alone with my thoughts. It was before midnight and there was still no sight of Edward. I got up, smoothing my dress down, in search for another glass of champagne.
"Hello Bella." I froze instantly, my body tense as I heard the voice of someone I haven't laid eyes on in five years. I turned around slowly facing the man who broke my heart. "Jacob," I replied formally. I looked at the face I once adored, still youthful yet aged with time. He was still handsome, even more so than he was when we first met and his long hair was now cropped short. His russet brown skin was a tad bit darker most likely due to him being outdoors. He always had a thing for nature.
"How have you been? I still see that you are very beautiful," he spoke fondly.
"What are you doing here Jacob?" I didn't waste anytime with pleasantries. I got straight to the point.
"I'm here with a few business associates. I was actually hoping to see you. It's been a long time."
"Five years." I said nonchalantly. "What do you want Jacob?" I wanted this conversation to be over as quickly as possible.
"I wanted to talk to you." He sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Listen Bella, I know we left off on the wrong foot and—"
"Look Jacob. I don't really want to do this with you. What you did to us. . .what you did to me. It broke me and you obviously didn't care because you fucked a girl in our bed. We were engaged to be married for fuck's sake!" I snarled. I looked around quickly to make sure no one could hear our conversation before turning my attention back to him.
"Look Bells—"
"Don't call me that. You lost that privilege when you betrayed me."
"Look, I'm sorry Bella. I know I fucked up royally back then. I was young and stupid and scared to commit. I really loved you Bella and I never lied about my feelings for you," he said sympathetically. I didn't want his sympathy nor did I want anything from him. Ever.
"You should've thought about that before you put a damn ring on my finger and had me leave my home for you," I responded coldly. He went to say something else before he paused, looking at someone beside me.
"Here's the drink you asked for, beautiful." Edward handed me a glass of champagne, looking absolutely enticing in a classic tux. I took champagne flute from him, staring into his eyes in a trace like state.
"Who's your friend, Bella?" I heard Jacob speak, breaking the spell. I looked to see him eyeing Edward, sizing him up. Jacob had a few inches over him, but Edward wasn't phased. I went to respond but Edward beat me to the punch.
"Edward," he said coolly as he outstretched his hand. Jacob took his hand in a firm grip, never taking his eyes of the man beside me. They were obviously measuring each dicks and I rolled my eyes. Men and their damn egos. "Jacob," he said, finally letting go. "So how do you two know each other?" Jacob was jealous and it made me want to smile but I kept it tucked away.
"That's none of your damn business, Jacob," I sneered.
"I'm just asking a simple question. No need to get so testy."
"Like I said—"
"I'm her boyfriend." I whipped my head around in disbelief. I gave him a 'what the fuck?' look only to be met with a devious smile.
"Is that so?" Jacob said, sounding displeased.
"Yes." Edward casually wrapped his right arm around my waist, bringing me closer to his side. I decided to play along.
"Do you wanna dance, handsome?" I said playfully.
Edward flashed me his signature smile before looping my arm around his. "I would love to, beautiful. Oh, it was nice meeting you, Jacob," he tossed over his shoulder cockily. I heard Jacob respond but I didn't care what he said, already long forgotten. My attention was focused solely on Edward as he led me across the dancefloor. He placed my hand on his shoulder, grasping the other in his hand as he placed a hand on my hip. He pulled me close so that my body was flush against him as we swayed to the music.
"Thank you for that," I murmured.
"No problem. I looked like you needed some assistance and from the looks of it, he evidently pissed you off."
"Yeah, he did."
"What did he do? Never mind, don't answer that. It's none of my business."
"He cheated on me while we were engaged to be married."
He stopped moving , surprised that I opened up to him. "I'm sorry Bella."
"Don't be," I reassured him, "it wasn't your fault, it was so long ago and I moved on from it." He began moving, regaining our steps.
"It sounds like you're still harboring some feelings about it," he said intuitively. I chose to ignore his assessment, no longer interested talking about my past.
"When did you get back?" I asked changing the topic. I didn't want to talk about my past anymore.
Edward quickly caught on my to reluctance about discussing anything more about Jacob, respectively ending it. "I got back about two hours ago. Why, did you miss me?" He was back to goading me again.
"Get over yourself, Cullen," I scoffed.
He laughed heartily, the sound pleasing to my ears. "If you thought about me Bella, it's fine. I know I thought about you a lot when I was away."
My heart sped up at his words, thrilled that I was on his mind like he was on mine. "What about me were you thinking about?" I was curious, famished for his words.
"I thought about how beautiful you are, how much I couldn't wait to lay my eyes on you when I got back. You intrigue me, Miss Swan, and I desperately want you. I also wondered when you were finally going to tell me you want me, too." He said everything with such conviction and I knew that I was going to lose this game. My defenses were down and it was impervious for me to resist him.
"I thought about you, too," I said honestly. "I do want you Edward." He looked at me shocked, once again stopping our dance.
"Come home with me, Bella." He didn't ask and there was no need to. I knew what I wanted.
"Yes." I accepted willingly, without any further thought.
"Meet me out front in five minutes," he said before walking away from me. I watched his retreating form for a moment before I went grab to grab my clutch. I made sure no one saw me when I made my exit. When I walked out front, Edward was perched against his car with his hands stuffed into his pockets. Once he saw me, he opened the passenger door and I walked forward. I took the hand he offered as he guided me into his Aston Martin, making sure my dress was inside. I watched as he walked around the car to get in, never taking my eyes off him.
"Are you sure about this, Bella?" He looked uncertain, like I would back out. The was no way in hell I was backing out now.
" Yes." And I meant it. He nodded his head and shifted into gear, speeding off into the night.