Metamorphoses III
When I closed the door to my room, I quickly stripped down to my boxers. The evening had been a roaring success when you considered our original goals but I was strangely unsatisfied. It was easy to understand why. I called up the image of a pair of brown eyes so deep I felt myself drowning.
I spent a good part of the end of the evening covertly staring at Bella Swan. Jacob would occasionally drape an arm carelessly over her shoulder. Once, when the prodigious amount of liquor he was consuming seemed to finally effect him, he leaned down and kissed Bella. She didn't seem to mind, but I could tell she wasn't thrilled with his drunken attentions. They danced but for the most part Jacob treated her like an accessory. She was a piece of jewelry on his arm – there for show.
At least I hoped so.
Our plan for tomorrow was to skip out as early as possible. The hotel was hosting an after the reunion breakfast, but we planned to just get something on the road. I wondered if my friends would mind if I dined in, instead. I sat on the bed and set the alarm clock on the nightstand. It was after midnight now, and breakfast was from 7 – 9. I set the alarm for 6. One thing I learned in the last ten years was how much time it took to make it look like you spent no time on your appearance. After making sure the alarm was set I texted Alice and Rosalie.
I wasn't expecting answers, so wasn't disappointed when I didn't get them. However, my friends wouldn't have to search for me while they got ready in the morning. They could either wait until I finished eating or join me downstairs if they were inclined. I lay back with a sigh and flipped off the light. Considering how keyed up I felt it was surprising that I fell asleep so quickly.
The squealing alarm woke me suddenly. I stared stupidly at the filmy grey light shining tentatively through the window as my brain slowly kicked into gear. Waking up early was never my favorite activity, but I dealt with it. Essentially, I was a creature of the night, but little business was conducted after dark so I bowed to the necessity. I threw off the blanket and got out of bed. As I shuffled to the bathroom I considered the events that led me to my current lofty position on the Board of Directors at the pharmaceutical company that employed me right out of college.
I started as a grunt in the lab – an appropriate entry level position. I quickly rose through the ranks, however. I'm smart, but years of being the underdog gave me a good dose of humility. I assumed that everyone at the lab knew more than I did and they all appreciated an attentive learner. I was partnering in a study in less than a year and running my own two short years later. When the results from that study led the company in a promising new direction I caught the attention of the higher ups and was invited to breakfast with the board. I found a few kindred spirits among the older gentlemen. One, in particular, took me under his wing. He was impressed with my ability to be so effective at work while attending a Master's program.
One thing led to another and when a position opened up on the board my benefactor made a strong case for me citing 'new blood' as the most compelling reason.
While I know some of the board members had their doubts, they all respected my mentor and felt they owed him, so I was installed. My day to day duties were drastically different, and though I missed my test tubes and beakers I found the world of business equally as fascinating.
I showered while I reminisced. I stepped out of the stall and took a quick look in the mirror. I decided to skip shaving as the light five o'clock shadow looked pretty good. I dried off, brushed my teeth and then messed with my hair a bit. I opened my overnight bag and pulled out a pair of dark wash jeans and a brown v-neck sweater. I dressed quickly and shot a look at the clock. 6:58. Perfect.
I stuffed my wallet and cell phone into my jeans and tied my Vans. As I left the room I stopped to grab the complimentary newspaper lying outside my room and headed to the elevator.
I had the elevator to myself as I went downstairs. It was probably too early to see anybody, but I wasn't taking the chance of missing Bella if she decided to come down.
No one else was in the grand lobby where the buffet was set up. I noticed a baby grand piano tucked into the corner and walked over. I struck a few keys and was surprised it was in tune. I wasn't hungry yet, anyway, so I sat down and picked out a few bars of Debussey's Clair de Lune. The piano was a good one for being in such a public space. I cleared my throat and closed my eyes. I took a deep breath to settle myself and launched into the piece in earnest.
Clair de Lune was one of my favorites and I always got a kick out of hearing it when it was used commercially. It was in one of my favorite movies, Frankie and Johnny, as well as that remake of Ocean's 11. It was even used in that inane Ren & Stimpy show. I continued to play, now with my mind on long brown hair and deep chocolate eyes.
As the piece came to a close I opened my eyes. It was if my imagination had conjured her from the ether. There, leaning against the buffet looking at me, was Bella Swan. When I saw her I could feel the smile spring to my face. She smiled at me and applauded politely. I bowed extravagantly and stepped away from the piano.
"Bravo," she said, her voice low, as I approached her.
I chuckled. "Sorry about that. There was no one here earlier and I didn't hear you come in."
"Don't apologize, that was wonderful. You're very talented."
I smiled, embarrassed. I didn't usually play for an audience, just my mother and sister, but I did enjoy it. I decided to change the subject.
"So, did you come down for breakfast?" Smooth Cullen. What else would she be doing in the lobby at 6:10?
"Yes," she replied. "I'm hungry, but Jake's still asleep – he's down for the count, I'm sure. That was some party last night."
Had the party gotten wild? I hadn't noticed. Well, Jake could sleep forever as far as I was concerned.
"Where's Rosalie?"
I was momentarily confused. Why was she asking about Emmett's wi-? Oh, yeah.
"Ummmm, she's sleeping, too. Rose isn't a morning person."
"Well, since our better halves aren't gracing us with their presences this morning would you like to eat with me?"
Jacob was her better half? Blech.
"Sure." This was better than I could have ever dreamed. Bella had seemed quiet, almost shy last night, but today she was comfortable asking me to eat with her while her boyfriend slept off his drunk in their room.
We grabbed plates and headed to the end of the buffet. The food looked good. As we checked over the selections more people came in. I recognized a few from last night and nodded politely when greeted.
I usually started the day by skipping breakfast, but I was suddenly hungry. I scooped some scrambled eggs onto my plate and speared a couple of slices of bacon. The hash browns looked good so I helped myself to some of them as well. A toaster was set up on the end and I made myself two pieces of whole wheat toast. I glanced back at Bella who was still making her selections.
"Coffee?" I called over to her as I approached the drink station.
"Just orange juice, please," she answered.
I poured myself a cup of coffee, it smelled decent for mass produced, and a small glass of orange juice for Bella. I was wondering how I was going to juggle everything on my way to a table when Bella appeared at my side.
"Thanks for the juice," she said, taking the small glass from my hand. We walked over to a four top and sat down across from each other. Her eyes flicked down to my plate and she looked at me with an amused smile.
"Hungry?" she asked.
I glanced down at my plate. It did seem like a lot of food, all of a sudden, especially when I looked at her breakfast. Bella had chosen a plate smaller than mine and had artfully arranged fresh fruit on it, topping everything with a blob of vanilla yogurt.
"What can I say? I'm a growing boy."
She chuckled and started eating. After a few bites she looked at the newspaper I had placed on the table.
"Catching up with the local news?" she asked.
"I didn't know if anyone would be down here so I brought it just in case."
"How did the Redskins do yesterday?"
That was the game I had been watching yesterday afternoon, but I hadn't seen the end because I was getting dressed. I opened the paper and glanced through it.
"Says they lost 21 -17."
"Too bad." Bella looked down at the paper.
"Oh, that's an advertisement for the company I work for."
I looked at the ad. The square box at the bottom the middle of the page was for a national beauty supply wholesaler. I recognized the name. My company has a division that produces OTC medications and beauty supply products. She worked for the competition.
"What do you do?"
"I'm a regional rep. It's basically sales."
"Not a great market right now."
"That's true," she paused, "but most of my customers are well established. I've been doing this long enough that there's not much cold calling anymore."
"Do you enjoy it?"
"Honestly? I enjoy the work, but the pay has kinda' reached its peak. My region is pretty big, but I've reached out as far as I can. Like you said, the market isn't great right now so there's little chance of a new client emerging or my existing clients expanding." She sighed.
"Hey, let me give you my card." I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet. My card was simple – it didn't allude to my position within the corporation, but did list my direct line as well as my cell phone.
"If you're ever serious about a change give me a call. Maybe I can help."
"Do you work in HR?"
"Something like that. Hold onto it," I said, indicating the card, "who knows."
She looked at the card and I could see the recognition in her eyes. I guess working for a faceless multinational had its perks.
"Thanks, Edward, I just might take you up on that."
We were interrupted just then by Jasper and Alice. I quickly checked my watch and realized it was already after 8.
"Hey, you two," Alice chirped, "how's the food?
"Good." Bella and I had answered simultaneously. For some reason we both found this hilarious and started cracking up. Jasper rolled his eyes.
"Edward," Alice said, "would you go get me and Jazz some coffee, while we browse the buffet?"
"Sure," I said, still smiling. "Refill, Bella?"
"Thanks!"
I stood up and saw Bella look back down at the paper. Alice followed me towards the buffet and started hissing at me. Another woman who could speak without moving her lips!
"What the hell are you doing, Edward?"
"Huh?" To say I was confused would be an understatement.
"Why are you down here on a date with Jacob Black's girlfriend while Rose and Emmett stew upstairs starving?"
"We're not on a date and I didn't know that Rose and Emmett were even up."
"Well, Rose came down and saw you playing for her earlier. She snuck right back upstairs and called me. Jazz and I got ready as soon as we could and came down. We promised to scope out the situation and bring them some breakfast if the coast wasn't clear."
"They're probably pissed," I realized.
"No," Alice sighed, "not really. You could have left a better message when you texted last night."
"It was late, I was tired."
"Yeah, well, Rose says, and I quote, 'Go for it, Edward!'"
That sounded exactly like something Rosalie would say. Alice veered off to the buffet and I walked over to the drink station. I snagged a convenient tray and poured two cups of coffee for Alice and Jasper. I refilled Bella's drink and poured myself a glass of orange juice, too. The juice had become a lot more appealing once I saw Bella drink it.
I returned to the table to find that Alice had taken my seat forcing me to sit next to Bella. Bella looked at the drinks in surprise.
"Juice?" she asked me.
"Yeah," I laughed, "you're a bad influence."
"If you think the juice is bad, you should try this." She speared a piece of honeydew on her fork and held it out to me. I saw Alice shoot Jasper a look as I leaned forward to eat the piece of fruit. I smiled my thanks as I chewed and swallowed.
She smiled back at me. I swear it was like watching the sun rise.
I leaned back as Alice started to work her magic. She chatted with Bella about the most inconsequential things and I learned so much about her. She was 27 and lived most of her life with her mother in Phoenix. She worked for the same wholesaler down in Phoenix and decided to move to the Seattle area when a promotion became available three years ago. Her father, Charlie, lived up here. She had met Jacob at a barbeque this past summer at her father's friend's house. Billy and Charlie had been friends for years.
I did a quick calculation. Bella had been with Jake no more than six months and possibly as little as four. That certainly wasn't insurmountable. I noticed the busboys heading to the buffet and rose quickly to fill up plates for Rose and Emmett. Bella joined me to fix a plate for Jacob. The plate she fixed for Jake looked a lot like the plate I had made myself for breakfast. I piled fruit and yogurt on one plate and eggs, bacon and potatoes on another. I figured there was enough of everything for two. Alice and Jasper approached me and offered to take Rose's breakfast upstairs. They called farewell to Bella and left the lobby before she could notice that I'd piled so much food on the plates.
"Your friends are nice," Bella said.
"Actually, Alice is my twin. Jasper is her fiancé. But you're right. They are nice."
Bella had finished filling Jake's plate and turned to face me.
"Edward, it was really nice meeting you this weekend. I hope we'll see each other again some time." Bella was getting ready to walk out of my life forever. A small surge of panic washed over me. Think, Cullen, think!
"It was nice meeting you, too, Bella. Remember to give me a call if you're ever looking to change companies." Christ, was that the best I could do?
"I will… Well, so long." She seemed hesitant, like she wanted to prolong our time together as well, but what else was there to say?
She turned on her heel and left the lobby. My mind was screaming at me as I watched her walk away.
"Bella!" I called, "Wait."
She had reached the elevators and the door had just slid open. I dashed to her side as she stepped on. The hotel was only six stories tall so I had to talk fast before she got off.
"Can I have your cell number? You know, in case something interesting opens up at work. I'll keep you posted."
"That's very thoughtful of you, but I don't want to be a pest."
"You aren't, really. I know we can use good people in the field and you… well, you're good people. I can tell."
"Thanks, Edward."
She repeated her phone number to me and I called her immediately to make sure I had the number right. When the phone on her hip started to vibrate she said, "This must be you." A quick glance at the screen confirmed that we both had the correct digits.
The elevator door dinged and Bella stepped out.
"Well, bye again," she said and I gave her a small wave as she walked down the hallway. The elevator continued up to my floor and I got off. There were more people in the corridor now. I waved to a few who I recognized from the reunion and went to Rose and Ememtt's door. I knocked and Rose opened the door.
"There you are," she spoke loudly, for the benefit of those within hearing distance. "I missed you." She pulled me into the room and closed the door behind her. I looked to the table where the remains of the breakfast I had prepared lay.
"How was breakfast?" I asked.
"It was good, I was starving!"
"About that, Rose, I'm sorry. I should have been more considerate. I really didn't think that you'd mind missing breakfast since we had originally planned to eat on the road."
"It's OK, Edward, besides, anything to spike Jacob Black's wheel is good, right?"
I laughed and hugged her when I suddenly felt a big hand grab the back of my sweater. A big, angry hand.
"OK, Edward, enough. You can keep your hands off my wife now," Emmett growled.
I turned hesitantly to look at him. The look of menace on his face was mostly forced. Mostly. I laughed a bit nervously.
"Thanks again, Emmett. I appreciate your… understanding."
He sighed. Then he smiled. Seems it was all good again.
"You ready to split this two bit town?" he asked.
"Yep. I just need to pick up my bag. Meet you downstairs in a few."
It took me longer to pack then I thought it would. I had to hang my suit in its garment bag and gather the toiletries I'd strewn all over the bathroom. Still, it was only about 20 minutes later that I was out the door.
It stood on line patiently waiting to check out. It looked like the whole graduating class was in the lobby saying their goodbyes. There were tears and hugging going on all over the place. I rolled my eyes and sighed with boredom. Alice waved to me from the entrance. I could see Jasper pulling up outside the door. I indicated the line and she danced over. Grabbing my overnight bag, she hoisted the garment bag over her shoulder and maneuvered her way through the crowd.
"Next."
I moved to the counter and proceeded to check out. After assuring the overly bright associate behind the counter that I'd had a lovely stay I grabbed the plastic key card she slid back to me after it'd been deactivated.
"Please visit us again soon!" she enthused as I headed for the door.
I stuffed the keycard into my back pocket and walked outside.
"Where are Rose and Emmett?" I asked quietly.
"They took the rental back to mom and dad's. If you drive we should be able to catch up with them in no time."
Jasper had gotten out of the car. I slid into the driver's seat of my father's Mercedes. I loved this car. Alice hopped into backseat and Jasper joined her more sedately. I groaned.
"What's wrong, Edward?" Alice asked.
"I feel like a chauffer with the two of you in the back. C'mon, Alice, let Jasper ride up front."
"Nope, sorry, brother." And then she had to say it. "Home, James."
"It's Edward, I growled at her."
I'm thinking that the next chapter should be from Bella's point of view. What do you think?