Boo for the internet fail at work! But I retrieved my documents, so here's the new hotness. I don't own squat...
Friday after my shift, I broke the news to my mother that I was seeing Edward, "Yes, Renee, the Edward Cullen." And she had been ecstatic that I had moved on from Mr. Toxic. Renee liked to gossip with me. She'd always kind of been more of a best friend than a mother. Charlie was always my parental figure, even though he wasn't that great at it.
"Yeah, about that. You want to know something disturbing? Jake's staying in the hotel."
"What? You have got to be shitting me. Why?"
"He's the general contractor on Edward's new project. Building. Whatever."
"You can't be serious."
"I'm serious. It was all a big coincidence, too. I think." In the back of my mind, I was still convinced Jake had planned some sort of scheme.
"Wow, honey your luck has not changed a bit. Why don't you just move here and start over?"
"Trust me I've thought about it."
"Well you know there's always room if you want to come and stay."
"I know. Thanks Mom."
She sighed, "Well, I hope everything works out, Bells. I'll call you this weekend. Love you dear, bye."
I hung up the phone and texted Angela.
Did Ben say he'd come with us tonight?
Yeah, he agreed. He's interested to see what the inside of a club looks like.
I chuckled. Ben was so straight laced. He'd loosen up if he had a few beers, though.
Great. Will you guys meet me there at 9?
Sure thing. Wear that black dress. Edward will die when he sees it. ;)
Alice and Rosalie came and kidnapped me yesterday afternoon and took me shopping. I tried telling them we couldn't be seen together, and they assured me it would be fine. Edward had given them my address and his credit card and told them to entertain me, as he had to work late. I agreed to go shopping but did not agree to the use of Edward's card. I had my own money. Angela dropped the phone when I mentioned shopping with Alice Cullen and Rosalie Hale-Cullen, so I asked her to meet us. Once she got over the initial shock of hanging with socialites, Alice kept talking about how Angela was "so nice and genuine." They were probably used to hangers-on and social climbers.
I ended up buying two new dresses, a pair of jeans, two nice tops and a new pair of patent leather pumps. Well, I tried to buy them, anyway. I held my credit card out to the girl at the boutique, but it was quickly snatched from my grasp. Alice held my hands behind my back while Rosalie handed over the black AMEX that had EDWARD A. CULLEN printed on the front of it. Alice proceeded stacking more items onto the counter I had looked at but didn't pick up. A pair or red peeptoes, some sunglasses, and a blazer.
I winced and Angela choked when we saw the final price at the register. It was more than I made in three months. Alice or Rosalie didn't bat an eye.
When the girls dropped me off, Edward was sitting in the hall, leaned up against my door. His jacket was off and tie loosened. The sexiest thing I had ever seen was awaiting me at my threshold. He jumped up and smiled when he saw me. I wonder how long he had been waiting.
"Hey," I said and scowled at him as I dropped my bags at his feet. "I hope you enjoy your new purchases."
He smiled so wide and began to chuckle as he twirled my ponytail between his fingers.
"Oh, I will thoroughly enjoy them as long as you're wearing them," he said and pushed the door open.
I crossed my arms over my chest, "Well I still don't know how I feel about it."
"Can you ever just appreciate when someone wants to do something nice for you?"
'Edward, you could have just given me a card or something."
"Nope. Not good enough," he stated and carried my new items into my bedroom and set them down in my closet. Bags from an upscale boutique looked nice in there next to a couple of his expensive suits I had to admit. But that wasn't the point.
"Bella, you know how I feel about you, and I know what you're thinking. I'm not paying you for your services, even though I would if you demanded it," he chuckled as I playfully punched him in the chest.
"Seriously, baby. All I'm trying to do is bring you a little happiness," he said and kissed my cheek.
"But you make me happy. Not things."
"Maybe if you get over the fact that you're my girlfriend and that the reason that I'm giving you things is because I care for you, they might just bring a smile to your face." He smiled and patted the top of my head, thinking he had all the answers.
"Temporarily," I whispered.
He pulled me to him and kissed the top of my head and inhaled," See, this is one of the many reasons why I'm with you, Bella. You don't expect anything from me."
"Except your presence."
"Well you know that's not always going to be possible," he said and looked into my eyes apologetically.
"I know."
His faced dropped as well, knowing that every day he was here was another day closer to his departure. Again.
"Edward, I do appreciate the clothes. They're really nice. Thanks," I said, and forced a smile. I thought about something I could possibly give this amazing man. He had already given me so much.
"You're welcome baby," he said and kissed me sweetly.
My phone rang snapping me out of my sweet little reverie. Ah. Speak of the devil. Edward asked me, no begged me, to go to Eclipse tonight just to hang out so he could see me. Carlisle didn't like staying late, and expected he and Emmett to make sure everything was copacetic.
"Hi, Edward."
"Hi, beautiful. You're still coming tonight, right?"
"For the millionth time, yes."
He sighed," I just wanted to make sure you still wanted to, you know since..."
"Since we can't touch each other or be seen in the same general vicinity?"
"Um, it's not that we can't be seen together..."
"Just preferably with a group of people, right?"
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be silly, Edward. I still want to be around you even if I can't be your girlfriend in public."
He cut me off, "Yet."
"Exactly. I'll see you there, ok?"
"Alright. It's not going to be easy for me not to be able to touch you."
"Hmm, well I'll make sure to look extra nice if all you're going to be doing is looking."
"Bella..." he said, his tone stern," I know you aren't planning on torturing me this evening."
"Yes sir, I am."
"You're in deep trouble when I get you back home later, Isabella." His businesslike stern voice shot straight to my core and made me tingle. So definitely the black dress.
"I'll see you soon, Mr. Cullen," I whispered and hung the phone up quickly. My laugh filled the empty loft. I was going to torture the hell out of him.
I threw the cab driver some bills and got out of the taxi quickly, knowing that Edward was inside waiting for me. The dress was going to work like a charm. It had cap sleeves that hung off my shoulders, and it was sort of low cut. The girls looked great. I straightened my hair and wore it half up so it would stay out of my face, and also so the skin of my neck and shoulders could be exposed a bit more. I wore the red peep toe heels, deciding I liked the contrast better than the plain old black on black. I also wore the red lipstick tonight, to match my shoes of course. I usually didn't want to look so siren-esque, but I thought it'd be fun to watch Edward squirm a bit.
I walked up to the bouncer as he quirked an eyebrow at me. ''Name."
"Bella. Isabella Swan." I tried to look at the list, but no such luck.
"Oh, yes, miss," he said as his demeanor changed. "Please go right in."
"Thanks." Wonder what that list said.
I walked into the club, which was already pretty busy. A man that was passing looked me up and down and smiled at me," Hel-lo," he said and paused. "Bye," I replied and kept walking. The bass of the song booming through the club filled my ears as I walked up the stairs to the VIP area. Another bouncer awaited me at the top. "Name."
"Uh...Swan..."
"Bella!" I hear my name called and looked up to see Alice push past the bouncer and grabbed my hand.
"Hi!"she squeaked and pulled me into a hug,"Wow. you look great!" she laughed.
"Alice, aren't you guys supposed to be like keeping your distance so people don't suspect anything?"
"Um, no. Let them look. Besides I already kidnapped Angela and Ben, so follow me."
"Thanks, Al."
"Oh...wow and those shoes are hot. See, aren't you glad I got them for you?"
I nodded as she pulled me over to the table where Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper Ben, and Angela sat.
I waved," Hey guys!"
"Woah! Bella!" Emmett exclaimed, "Edward's gonna kill you."
Rosalie nudged him and mouthed "Sorry."
"Hey darlin' good to see you," Jasper said as I shook his hand. Alice cuddled up next to him in the booth, and it made me instantly jealous that I couldn't do that with my boy. I looked around and didn't see Edward in VIP. The DeVolturi brothers were at a table with some ladies, and I saw James Riley with Victoria and a few other people at another table. I didn't recognize the people at the other full tables who were now kind of looking over at us.
"He'll be right back," Rosalie said and smiled at me.
"I'm um, going to go get a drink." There were a couple of bottles of champagne on the table but I didn't feel much like champagne. I felt like a vodka martini.
"Bella, you don't have to go to the bar, there are waiters everywhere," Emmett replied.
"No, I want to, I kind of wanted to check out the club," I said. I really wanted to accidentally bump into Edward.
"Well Rose and I picked everything in it, down to the glasses and napkins," Alice said and winked at me.
"Wow, really?" Angela asked.
"You did a great job, guys. It's really like...trendy," I chuckled.
" That's the point, silly Bella," Rosalie chuckled.
"I'll be right back." I walked past the bouncer and back down the stairs to the main bar just to kind of scope out the scene. I ordered my usual vodka martini. The bartenders were super busy so I stood for awhile just looking around for Edward. I feel your pain, I thought as they rushed to get everyone served in a timely fashion. I handed my card to the bartender who looked at it quickly and then handed it right back to me.
"Sorry miss, I've been told to tell you that your money is no good here." I rolled my eyes and pulled a five out of my purse and tried to hand it to the bartender for a tip. He held his hands up and backed away. I'm going to kill him. When I turned around I got exactly what I was looking for. My Edward was standing on the stairs looking down at me with his mouth hanging open as he looked me up and down. I looked into his eyes and winked at him as I ate my olive off of the little plastic sword in my drink. His mouth closed abruptly and pressed into a hard line while he straightened his jacket. Oh, I am going to be in for it.
He kept staring at me biting his lip, and I him, until I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"And where have you been?" I heard the familiar voice of James Riley ask.
"What do you mean?" I turned away from Edward and looked him in the eyes and took a step back.
"I haven't seen you for the past week when I've stopped by the bar at night."
"Oh, I've been working some days, you know, change of scenery," I said dismissively.
"Oh? You aren't trying to avoid me are you?" he asked and closed the gap between us. I noticed his eyes were glossy and his eyelids were heavy. He must be drunk.
"Um, no, of course not," I said and took a large gulp of my drink. I absentmindedly looked up at Edward who had taken a few steps down and leaned up against the wall. He looked beyond pissed. James followed my gaze.
"Why is Edward Cullen looking at you like you're a piece of meat?" he asked and chuckled.
"Oh, um, I don't think he's looking at me," I said and motioned toward the bottle blonde behind me.
James looked back at Edward and shrugged, "You're right. He does have a penchant for blondes. Luckily I don't have that problem." He said and leaned against a bar stool and crossed his legs.
"So, can I get you another one of those?" he asked and pointed to my drink.
"Um." Before I had time to answer, James called the bartender over and was ordering another martini. James handed him his card and handed me the drink. Fuck. What was I supposed to do? Be rude? Flee? Give James a reason to be suspicious? No. I was going to try to be nice and not draw any more attention to Edward.
"So, Bella, I must say, you look really nice tonight," he said and smiled as he took a sip of his drink.
"Oh, thanks," I said nonchalantly, "So, where's Victoria?" I asked and raised my eyebrows.
"She's upstairs schmoozing. Not paying me any mind," he said and waved his hand dismissively. "It's apparently not like that, anyway." He looked a bit crestfallen. Huh, maybe he has feelings after all.
"Oh. Sorry to hear that."
He scoffed,"Me too."
I felt the heat of someone behind me, smelled that familiar cologne, and felt the hair stand up on my neck. I knew Edward had now joined us.
"Edward, great to see you…" James said sarcastically and gave him a sideways glance.
"James, you as well," Edward said and shook James's hand.
"Bella," he smirked and shook my hand. The way he said my name was a little breathy, I hope James didn't notice. Why couldn't he just stay away? I totally had this conversation under control.
"So, Edward, I hear I'll be seeing you and your family at the gallery tomorrow?" James asked. Gallery? He didn't tell me anything about that. I had the day and the night off and was hoping we could spend it together.
"Uh, yeah I uh…I'll be there," Edward replied and rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding my gaze. Something was off.
"Great, I'm going for the free booze," James replied sarcastically again. "So speaking of that, Bella, I have a question for you," he stated and moved closer to me.
"There's this charity function at a gallery downtown tomorrow night that I've been invited to. Since my date canceled when something she liked better agreed," James motioned to Edward, who was now looking at the floor, "I thought maybe you'd want to come with me as my guest?" I was confused. Date? She liked better? I thought I heard Edward growl behind me, but I wasn't sure.
"Oh, um, I don't know. I think I have something planned."
"Please?" he asked and flicked my hair over my shoulder. "It's being covered by the media. I need a pretty girl on my arm." He ran his hand lightly over my shoulder. Edward let out a cough, but didn't say anything. I couldn't believe he touched me like that. I flinched back from his touch a bit.
"Come on, Edward," James said and patted him on the back, "Help me convince her, man. Since you're taking Vicky, I'm left here in the lurch. Now I don't have a date to the damn thing."
"James…you know Vic and I aren't like that. We're going as friends. I had no idea she cancelled on you," Edward replied but looked at me.
"Yeah, well she'll always cancel on me for you, Eddie boy. I think you know that by now," James said and swayed a bit.
Oh. Ok. This is all very clear to me now. Fuck fucking fucker.James got canceled on by Victoria who just so happened to be infatuated with my boyfriend, who agreed to go with her. Victoria also happened to be in Carlisle's master business plan. He was doing this to make his father happy. I knew that much.
I was Edward's secret girlfriend, for now, but being seen in public with his friend Victoria would give everyone the wrong idea, and I would look like the fool. Was he not going to mention this? Was the shopping trip a guilt purchase? It took everything I had not to vocalize these accusations to Edward. Disappointment coursed through me, so I took a step back from the both of them.
I cleared my throat and looked at Edward, "So what's the charity?"
"I'm not totally sure," Edward answered. "It'll very boring, though, trust me. I'm sure you wouldn't want to waste a perfectly good Saturday evening." Huh, think again.
"Well I love art," I shrugged, "And I that sounds way more fun than what I had planned. So, what do I wear?" I asked as I looked over at James.
I saw Edward's eyes narrow as James turned to me.
James looked at me and placed his hand on my shoulder. "You'll be my date?"
I nodded my head yes. "Sure. As friends." Oh my shit, I was going to throw up on my new shoes. I could feel the anger rolling off of Edward in waves.
"Of course, of course. Really any cocktail dress will do. But anything that looks like what you have on now, will definitely do," he said and raised his eyebrows.
"Great. Got it."
"Thank you, Bella. I'll call you tomorrow with the details." He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckle. Edward gasped and shoved his hands into his pockets. James said goodbye and walked back up the stairs.
I looked at Edward and scowled.
"There is a room on the left at the end of that hall," he said quickly and pointed to the narrow hallway I'd seen before. "You better meet me there in five minutes," he whispered angrily and stalked off.
I leaned against the bar and finished the rest of my drink wondering what I had gotten myself into. All I knew is that I needed to talk to Edward about his date tomorrow evening.
Bella is a masochist, ok? And shame on Edward! Please be kind and leave a review.....