Disclaimer-I do not own characters used in this story. I merely borrowed them. If I had my way, which will never happen, my days and nights would be spent with a certain vampire.
Chapter 12-Sing a Little Tune
The week went on and guess what they stuck me in back again. I usually don't mind it, but I don't get to see Edward when they do that. He did ask for me, but I missed him each time. I was either on break, on lunch, taking out the trash, or running an errand outside the store. Just my luck. I did get a text message saying me missed seeing me at work. I wonder if it would be weird if I stopped by his work with some dinner to drop off. Hmm... that is a thought. Not sure if we are at that step yet. Today is the day of the going away party. I will have to jet home and clean up quickly and then come back down here to meet everyone at the restaurant. We plan on have dinner before heading into the back part to the bar where the singing takes place.
It is amazing how fast you can get ready when you are crunched for time. I accomplished what Rose does to me in a quarter of the time. I would not meet the level of artwork she does to me, but I am presentable. I grabbed my camera and phone and shoved them in my pocket as I headed out the door.
The restaurant had put the group in the back where they put 4 tables together. I got there just in time to order. By the sound of things and the glasses in front of everyone, the liquor is already starting to flow. Scorpion bowls were the next drink everyone had to drink. It was starting out to be a fun night. Stories about the clerk leaving were told and pictures taken. Near the end of the meal, people started call others to join in the next part at the bar. I pulled out my phone and stared at it. Do I call Edward and invite him down? I chickened out and called Alice. I already new Rose could not come tonight.
"Hello Bella."
"Hi, Alice. What are you doing?"
"Nothing much why?"
"Well a bunch of us from work are at Lotus down the street having dinner and we are heading to the back soon to join in the Karaoke. I was wondering if you would like to come down and sing with us?"
"That sounds like fun. I will get dresses and be down there ASAP. See you in a few. Bye"
The gang paid the bill and we all filtered into the bar. The bar looked like it was drawing a nice crowd tonight.
I was sitting beside Kelly sipping my drink watching Tyler and Ben sing Hotel California by the Eagles. The next thing I know I am engulfed in a hug by Alice.
"Hey Bella"
"Alice it is nice you were able to make it."
"I love to sing. I'm glad you invited me. By any chance did you call Edward to see if he was free?"
I started to blush as I sheepishly turned my head. "No I did not. I thought he would be too tired from his long week." I try to lie convincingly. I don't think I achieved it though.
"You were to afraid, right?"
"No...Well Maybe...Yes" I felt ashamed.
"It is a good thing I called him and told him to come on down." My head whipped around so fast. I then saw the self satisfying smile on her face. The all knowing smile.
"What! You did?" You can hear the nervousness in my voice.
"Yes I did. He should be here any moment." She turned toward the bar ordering us some drinks. I finished mine that was in front of me and then started the one she gave. I feel anxious all of a sudden. I want to see him. I was siking myself out for no reason.
I tried to focus back on the singers as Alice went up to look at the book and pick out a song to sing. I felt a hand touching my back and then that voice whispering in my ear.
"This is a nice surprise. I come down to meet Alice and I get to see you. I am happy I did not turn her down now."
That drink hit me and I decided to play. "Oh really. I thought you knew I was down here. I did tell you on Tuesday where I would be. Are you sure you are not stalking me?" I turned and tried one of his dazzling smiles on him. Well the best I could.
Edward just looked at me. His eyes looked like they clouded over. Maybe it did work. Score! Happy dance. He then blinked and turned the tables.
"I do remember you saying that now. There is no need to stalk when you have Alice doing the work for you." He smiled as he took my hand and pulled me away from the bar. I saw the gang off to the side. Edward noticed them waving to me so he headed towards their tables. He slid out a chair for me and then took the one beside me. Alice came over and grabbed another chair. She was so excited. She was almost bouncing. I looked over at Edward. He just smiled and shook his head.
"Do you plan on singing Bella?"
"No, I just like to watch. I can not carry a tune to save my life. Can you sing?"
"I can sing a little."
"Oh please Edward. You sing beautifully. Stop being modest." Alice looked at Edward disapprovingly.
"Edward you have to sing."
"I don't know? I will think about it."
"Edward will be singing. I already put in a request for him." Alice smile was criminal.
"Alice! Fine I guess I am singing. Only one song Alice. Do I want to know what I am singing?" Edward looked questionable at Alice. She just smiled.
"Great. I can only imagine what she chose."
Now I had to laugh. I did not have any siblings and it was fun to see them bug each other. Even if it is just Alice egging him on.
"I can't wait to hear you sing." I smiled over at him.
He reached over and dragged my chair closer and threw his arm along the back of the chair placing his hand on my bicep. He gently rub the area as he leaned in to whisper. "I have no idea what I am singing but I will be singing it for you." He then kissed my temple.
I just about melted. The tingling from the other day was back. I looked over at Alice and she winked at me. I then noticed Kelly. She was staring open mouthed in shock. I guess she recognized him from the store. Hah! I wanted to laugh at her. He is with me. I heard them call Alice's name and she ran up. She sang wonderfully. Her voice was like bells soft and angelic. She received a lot of applause. As she was heading back Edward's name was called. He looked over at me smiled and advanced towards the mic. The song started and recognized it. Alice picked a love song. Edward rolled with it and started singing Elton John's Your Song. He did have a beautiful voice. He also didn't lie. For the whole song he just looked at me. I believe my face is crimson with the amount of heat coming off of it. I had so many emotions going through me. I was embarrassed, happy, and hopeful. Those were the ones I recognize. I still had a whole slue I could not identify as quickly. I felt so drawn to him. The room at one point felt like it faded away. The crows disappeared and I could only feel Edward and I alone. I felt a burning start in my stomach. The moment ended when the crowd applauded as the song ended and the next singer was called to the stage. Edward kept his eyes on my as he crossed the room. His arm drifted back over the back of the chair as he pulled me close.
"I hope you enjoyed your serenade."
I was so caught up in his eyes that I was delayed with my response. If you could call saying aha a suitable statement. He must have because he beamed at me. Alice decided to make it known that she was there.
"Edward that was wonderful. You were better than I remembered. Maybe it was the fact you had someone to sing to this time." She then went off with some quiet giggles as she walked towards the bar for another beverage.
"I agree with Alice. I believe you even made a few fans with the applause and looks those girls were giving you. You dazzle them."
"I did not notice. I was only paying attention to one girl. Do I dazzle you?" He gave me that smile that must push some button in my brain because my mouth just opens and out pours my honest thoughts.
"Frequently." I can't believe I said it. I can't seem to not tell him the truth when he looks at me like that. Words just flow out of my mouth. Any sort of filter I have seems broken as I just put out all things I rather stay hidden.
The noise of a chair scraping brings me out of my fog. Alice places her drink down as she just starts talking away.
"You know sometimes it is nice going out without Jaz. I get to find out if I still have it. Some nice looking man at the bar just bought me this drink."
"Alice I think you will still have it for many more years. I don't think you need that as a confirmation of your beauty. Plus you look very demure compared to our most recent outing. Last time I'm surprised you did not get inquiries of your hourly rate."
Alice's giggles started mine off. We were completely lost to the world. As we finish up I look over and Edward has a bemused look on his face. I then remember his long week.
"Edward I just remembered you had a tiresome work week. I am sorry if we cut into your chance to catch up on your sleep."
"That is sweet of you to be concerned, but this is exactly what I needed after being lost in the never ending patients. Plus I get to see you. I thought I would not get a chance since are schedules are just not cooperating with us. I am lucky that this chance came up. I'll sleep in Saturday morning. I don't have plans until mid-day."
I sat back and enjoyed watching my co-workers getting pissed and singing like they are rock stars. I feel sorry for those that are actually opening tomorrow at five in the morning. Looking over I saw Alice sipping on her drink chair dancing to the music. The night wore on and I enjoyed talking to both Edward and Alice. Alice will be going on another work trip soon. She was excited about the after work activities that would entertain her. Edward talked on how working for him surpasses his expectations. The two of them are close and the respect Edward has for him makes it admirable to work with him.
I felt the shift in the night. The evening was coming to a close. The group was starting there laborious goodbyes with calls of "Good Luck" to the farewell team member. I joined in but did not feel the sentiment too much. I was not close with her. It was not because I did not like her. It was because I did not have to work one on one with her. She was a floral clerk where I was produce. We are on the same team, but separated by tasks. I was dreading more saying goodbye to Edward tonight than anyone else. Alice came up and gave me a hug and mentioned calling me Monday. She gave Edward a hug and kiss and we watched he get into her car and drive off. Edward turned towards me and he sighed. He took my hand and led me off towards my car.
"I had a wonderful time. I am glad Alice called. It was the best Karaoke night I have ever had. I hope I will be able to see you this week when I can stop by."
"I had a good time as well. You and Alice made this night a lot more enjoyable. I am glad Alice called you too."
"Bella?" Edward paused looking unsure of what he was going to say. It made me nervous. "I was wondering why you did not call me to invite me down?"
Oh no! Just looking into his eyes made me contemplate what I should say. I look away pretending to watch Kelly getting into her car. Do I tell him it was because I thought he needed the rest? I can't tell him it was because I was scared to. Better go with his long work week and I thought he would be too tired. Yes I'll go with that. I look back up at him.
"I chickened out" God I am pathetic.
"You were scared to call me?" He looked amused.
"Yes" No use denying it now.
"Bella, you should never fell scared to call me. I like when you call. In fact you are allowed to call me whenever you feel like. I don't care if it is to talk, make plans, or just to sit on the phone with no reason what so ever. Alright?"
"Alright."
"So you will call for whatever reason?"
"Yes." The smile that spread across his beautiful face stopped my heart.
"I really hate for you to leave, but you should get some rest. Can you ring me twice when you get home to let me know you are home safe?"
"I will do that."
"Thank you." He then leaned over and kissed my cheek. He leaned back and opened my car door for me while keeping eye contact. "Good night Bella. Sweet Dreams."
I was silent as I got into that car. It is amazing how a simple kiss on the check can send my hormones flying. It seems like all I do is drive away from Edward. I remember doing this before. I absolutely hate it. I will have to change that for sure.