to those of you who reviewed that renee wasn't a typical mother, well… my mama isn't, either. and thanks for all them reviews, man. I didn't think people would really review a short (non-filler, goddamn) chapter, so thank you for that.

oh yeah- blame patsyrobinson for this not updating sooner. she can take it. plus, it's her birthday! go tweet at her or something.

My life had become a ridiculous set of patterns since… well, my birthday. I mean, I thrive on a schedule like any other control freak who never gets laid, but it was like there was this goal I was working toward, and putting in the time until I reached that goal was tedious.

I could feel tension mounting. And I wasn't sure if it was because of some inevitable confrontation where I asked him out or if he was going to ask me out or we dissolved into some furious sex on his piano-

Or if it was just the approaching end of my piano lessons with him.

Not to mention my plan to show him up at the bar.

I'd decided to go on with that plan. Yeah, I wanted- well, I didn't know, really. Could I still date the guy while making a fool out of him at his own workplace? Did I want to date him? I couldn't possibly do anything until I'd decided what I wanted. Could I?

Now practicing piano, that I could do. So I decided to go to work. To teach kids Latin root words and how to pull out thematic elements from American short stories. To keep up my secret lessons with James.

To have private lessons with Edward.

That Friday, Esme came to see me in my classroom. I was grading essays when she strolled in with a plate of brownies.

"Hi, Bella," she said cheerfully, and I looked up with a smile, noticing that she had Masen's (and Edward's) same grin. "I haven't really seen much of you. How are the piano lessons coming along?"

"Hey, Esme. They're… progressing." I moved a stack of papers off the chair by my desk and she sat down. "I'm actually getting the hang of it."

"And Edward-?"

"He's… patient. Sometimes." She grinned again and shook her head.

"Look, I know he can be a bit of a perfectionist." I snorted before she continued, apologizing with her eyes. "He's had a rough go of it. Losing his father wasn't easy for any of us."

"He told me," I replied softly. She paused a moment, picking at an invisible thread on her sweater.

"I just- he's at a crossroads, Bella. And I feel like he needs… a steadying influence. He's always been a loner, you know? Cordial and polite, always. But he's never been interested in much beyond his music. But lately- there's been a fire lit inside of him. And I think I know why."

"Esme-" I suddenly felt uncomfortable with this. If she was going to start saying that I was the reason, that I was- what was I, exactly?

"Listen, dear. I'm not going to interfere. You're both grown-ups. Mostly. I just- you're a wonderful person, Bella. Never doubt that. Edward is, too, and I think he doubts it. He only sees the superficial in himself, but- ah, well. I just want you both to be happy. And if you find happiness with each other…" She patted my hand like- well, not like my mother, but like anyone else's. "I'm sorry, I'm being interfering. He asked me to butt out." She smiled softly. "Enjoy the brownies. They're not as good as yours, but Carlisle never complains." She left and I just sat there for a minute, blinking.

Great. They had talked about me. That'll make tomorrow's lesson just a tad awkward.

After a night of tossing and turning, I finally decided to heed Renee's advice with Esme's words of wisdom as backup. I got out of bed super early and sat there, staring dully at my bowl of Cocoa Pebbles.

He'd say yes if I asked him to dinner, right? Or maybe we should go for drinks. Wait. He works in a bar. Coffee? Coffee was nice and non-committal, right? I should make it easy on him.

Wait, he never makes things easy on me. Should I be difficult? Rosalie tells me that I'm difficult. How do I do difficult on purpose?

See, there's a reason I don't ask guys out. I finally decided to just go for it. What did I have to lose? Besides dignity, the ability to look a guy in the face ever again, normal blood pressure…

Hours later, I found myself making my way up his walkway. Onto the porch. Knocking.

"Hey," he said softly, looking ridiculously good as he swung the door open. I mean, the guy probably just rolled out of bed or something. As I walked past him, I could smell the day-old bar smell of booze and cigarette smoke. He really did just roll out of bed, and the sleaze of his work made him smell oddly delicious. Or maybe it was just my hormones, who knows.

I walked over to the piano, feeling really nervous. I went to lean on it and sort of ended up sliding along its freshly polished surface instead, but he reached out and caught me before I caused damage to myself or the wood.

"Why are you so nervous? I'm not going to yell at you today, Bella. Probably," he grinned, sitting down at the bench and patting the seat next to him. Deep breath in, Bella. Relax. You can do this.

I gave him a weak smile and sank onto the seat, my thoughts and emotions all discombobulated. You'd think that my realizing I had the hots for Edward would render me nervous, but I was more numb than anything. I simply didn't know how to act. It was high school all over again- Awkward Bella likes a boy and buries her head in a book whenever he's around, not knowing what to say or do, and saying and doing nothing.

"Bella?" His tone was questioning and I looked up, meeting his eyes, hoping they would spur me to action.

Bad idea. I think I stared too long because he got this concerned look on his face.

"Shall we- continue? I think we were working on tonality last time, let's see what you remember about-"

"You wanna go to dinner sometime?" Crap. So much for numb. I realized I was wincing, so I drew strength from whatever nerve I had and sat up straight, turning so that I faced him.

Stunned. He looked stunned. The guy had dedicated a song about pussies to me, and he had the nerve to look stunned at my dinner invite.

"You mean like a… date?" His voice cracked. It cracked! Man, I should've done this earlier. My nerve grew nerves. I smiled serenely.

"Well, yes."

"Okay." Just like that. He grinned and turned back to the keyboard. "Now, about the arch of your fingers…"

Somehow, an hour passed. No condescension, no snide remarks. On either of our parts. Just… a student and her teacher, having a nice little lesson. I really should've asked him out sooner. He was downright pleasant.

"So, pick me up at what, eight?" I had been standing to leave and I stumbled a bit.

"What, tonight?"

"Well, yeah. Unless you're rescinding that dinner invitation?"

"Of course not!" No. But I wasn't ready yet. I needed at least a week to un-numb and freak out properly, like any good date.

"Well, let's not waste any time." He got this wicked grin on his face, but it was different from his normal arsenal of sexy smiles. This one was… mischievous, and full of promise. Damn, would I ever get used to this guy? I kind of hoped not.

"But don't you have to work tonight? It's Saturday."

"They can do without me for a night or two."

"Two? Where are we going, another state?"

"State, country. Whatever you had planned. What's the plan?"

"I- I don't know. I don't have one?" Shit. I didn't have a plan. Thanks a lot, Renee.

"Bella," he said seriously, a slight furrow appearing between his eyebrows. "Am I the first guy you've asked out?" I might have worried over his expression if he didn't have a dirty little gleam in his eye.

"Okay, yeah, for your information." I wanted to die or maybe just pull an ostrich maneuver and bury my head in the shiny wood floor.

"Good. Eight it is. I'll be waiting to see what you come up with. Now get out of here, I've things to do."

He led me to the door and the next thing I knew, I was packing a week's worth of freak out into a few hour's time.

Xxxxxxx

I had resisted the urge to call in my makeover army generals and decided to dress simply. A few calming breaths that didn't work and I dove haphazardly into my closet, trying unsuccessfully to recall every style tip that Alice and Rose had ever forced on me, managing to only remember that white pants are never acceptable because that means you take it up the butt (Who decides these things, anyway?).

I finally decided to just be me- I mean, he liked me, right?- and I put on some good jeans and some fifty dollar black t-shirt that Alice made me buy ages ago. I hated to admit it, but fifty dollar tees really were better than the trusty 2-for-$10 Old Navy deals. Black cardigan ("Always wear layers"- aha! Another style tip!) to finish it off. Mascara, because it was a date. Trusty black Jack Purcells. I was ready a full three hours early.

I spent the extra time filling up my cake dome with cookies. Baking is just about the only thing I can do to take my mind off of stuff. I was pulling out batch number two when my phone rang.

"Darling," came Garrett's Madonna-fake accent.

"Oh, hey. Hold on." Of course he'd call. He probably had radar for this sort of thing. I set the pan on the counter and whipped my oven mitts off, amazed at my ability to keep my phone between my ear and shoulder. "What's up? How are you?"

Garrett sighed deeply. "Terrible, Darling. Work is going to be simply awful tonight." Uh oh.

"Oh, really?" I tried to affect nonchalance, but I doubted it was working.

"Yes. It seems our dear Edward has contracted some sort of illness."

"Oh. Gosh, that's too bad."

"Hmm, yes. We'll be short-staffed tonight."

"Mm."

"I do hear Bella-itis is going around."

"Garrett-" I could practically see him studying his fingernails as he called me out from wherever it was he lived.

"No, no. I understand. The unattainable sex-on-a-stick piano God has finally succumbed to your simple, yet considerable, charms."

"Garrett-"

"Kudos, my dear. Now, tell me. How did he ask you? Did he fix you with a sexy, penetrating stare? Did he take your hand and make you swoon? Or was it more like he played a steamy, delicious version of Beethoven's Pathetique and make sex eyes at you during your lesson? Come, give Uncle Garr-Garr the juicy details."

"I, uh." I swallowed hard. "I asked him out."

There was a moment of silence that lasted about a bajillion years.

"Garr?"

"Really." I was mildly offended that he sounded amused.

"Really really."

"My dear, that is fabulous."

I laughed at that one. "Fabulous?"

"Yes, Bella. Fabulous. I succumb to trite, overused gay terms from time to time. My, my. What a startling turn of events."

"Is it really that surprising that I'd ask him out?"

"Honestly, yes. Katie and I had a back-up plan in case he never asked you."

"I don't even want to know." I felt good, suddenly. It's ridiculous how much Garrett's approval meant, but it made me feel very, very secure.

"No, you definitely do not want to know. So. Where are we going?"

"I thought I'd keep it simple. There's this sushi place I like, and I thought-"

"Oh, so he likes it raw, hmm?"

Crap. I ignored the innuendo (because honestly, if I addressed every one, I'd be late) but then a stab of panic constricted my chest.

"I- I don't know. Oh God, I don't know!"

"Calm down. I'm sure he likes it raw."

"Stop saying that. Maybe I should… go Italian?"

"No, God no. Italian is overdone. Don't change your plan. So Isabella is in charge of the date. Hmm, I like it."

"I'm glad you approve," I said testily, calming down from my mini-hyperventilation episode and moving on to enjoyment of Garrett's reaction. I turned around and flipped the oven off. Three batches would be too much, even for me.

"Me, too. Well done, Girlie. Well, I must to be going in early. Seeing that we're down a man tonight."

"Sorry about that, Garrett. Really."

"Don't you dare apologize, Isabella. I'm very glad. Seriously," he said, his voice softening. "I think this is going to go well for you."

"I sure hope so." That constriction in my chest turned left and up, transforming into butterflies in my stomach and up my throat.

"Okay, you. Have fun. And call me with lurid details including specific measurements, techniques, and-"

"Bye, Garrett."

"Ta!" he said cheerfully, and hung up.

I grinned and stared at my phone for a sec, then set about cleaning up the kitchen.

I got to his place at exactly eight o'clock. Actually, I got there fifteen minutes early, but I drove around the block several times, not wanting to get there early and appear overeager or something equally lame.

I focused on my breath as I walked up the familiar pathway- the place seemed really different at night; more approachable, somehow. I noticed that all of the lights were on, the windows glowing and lighting the outside with an inviting warmth.

I raised my hand to knock and the door opened, my arm suspended awkwardly as I took in Edward standing there, looking... Damn. How does he make jeans and a button-up look so good? I was amazed modeling agencies weren't knocking down his door. He hadn't shaved and he was all scruffy- the kind of stubble that makes your skin tingle in anticipation of your palms rubbing up against it.

I felt a slight blush as the corner of his mouth turned up, somehow sure he could read my thoughts.

"Hey," I breathed for lack of anything better to say.

"Hey yourself. Punctual. I was sure you'd be late." His very typical Edward comment wasn't said with his typical sarcasm- he was smiling too much for it to be a true insult. With a surge of hope, I realized it might be a good night, after all.

"So, where are we headed?" We were walking to my car, he a half-step behind me as I tried to push my nerves away.

"Oh, this um. Sushi?" I hope I hope.

"Man, sushi sounds good right now."

"Right?" So far, so good.

We got to my car and I went to unlock the passenger side, opening the door and sweeping my arm out. With a bemused grin, he sat down. I closed the door for him and made my way to the driver's side, feeling a little silly, but hey. I had asked him out, right? Women's lib and all that.

"What's this?" he asked as I buckled up. I smiled, a little embarrassed.

"I, uh. Baked today. Peanut butter cookies. You aren't allergic, are you?" God, what if he was allergic?

"No, thank God. They smell amazing." He opened the Ziploc and reached in, so I smacked his hand.

"You'll spoil your dinner."

"Yes, Ma'am." I went to start the car and he reached in again, stuffing the peanut butter cup in his mouth before I could slap him again.

"Holy shit. They're still warm." I tried not to look, but really. Why bake if you can't enjoy the look of ecstasy on a guy's face when he bites down into your cookie?

And Edward certainly didn't disappoint. His eyelid were lowered as he chewed slowly, savoring the flavor. I could practically taste it with him. He licked the corners of his mouth and I watched his tongue peek out over his bottom lip.

"I mean, wow. I need another one."

"No way." I grabbed the bag and tossed it over my shoulder.

" Cookie tease."

"Shut up," I said, grinning broadly. This was a side of him I hadn't seen before. Playful in a non-"I'm trying to embarrass you with sexual innuendo" kind of way.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And stop calling me 'Ma'am'."

"Sorry. Ms. Swan."

"Ugh." Who was I kidding. I was enjoying myself. And him.

I drove the short distance to the restaurant, letting Edward take control of the radio and criticizing his choice of station and laughing at his annoyed face. Finally, we pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car. It wasn't like you see on TV- lines of people crowding to get in and us soaring on through to our table with a smart nod from the maitre d'. Not LA. The lot was kind of full and there was a wait, but I had made reservations like any paranoid planner who asked boys out would. We were seated and a cute waitress came over instantly, taking our drink orders. She wasn't hitting on Edward, but she was directing her niceties at him. I could give her that. I mean, look at the guy.

"Tea, please." She walked away and I turned to Edward, noticing an expectant look on his face.

"Tell me about your family."

It was so- unexpectedly date-like. I searched for hidden meaning and chided myself. What was a date but a way to get to know someone? So, I told him about Renee, and Charlie. Phil and baseball, Charlie's gruff-but-loveable demeanor, Renee's advice hidden in her weird hobbies and hippie outlook on life.

And he told me a little about himself. School, his father's love for music. His love for his brother. Esme and Carlisle. It was… normal. Nice.

I ordered a couple pieces of sashimi, he got some sushi. As our plates arrived, he dumped a massive amount of wasabi in the little soy dipping cup and grinned.

"I like it hot."

"I bet." I was relaxed, content. I'm at my flirty best when I stop obsessing over hidden meanings and arming myself with sarcasm. "So, the bar. Garrett called me."

"Did he, now?" Edward picked up a piece of shrimp and soaked it in soy sauce, pausing to give me an amused smirk before wrapping his lips around the food. I gulped and turned my attention to my own plate.

"Yeah. He seemed to think that you're sick."

Edward coughed weakly into his hand and I laughed.

"Bella-itis, I believe he called it." That earned a hearty laugh as he dove into his food again.

"Swollen Bella, huh? That Garrett. Such a way with words." I may have blushed, but I was genuinely enjoying myself too much to think about it.

"Yeah." I leaned in and whispered, "I think he's onto you."

He leaned in, too, returning with, "Onto both of us, you mean." We sat there for a moment, leaning and staring and grinning and stupid. Man, I've got it bad. Did he have it bad, too? I couldn't exactly tell.

"So, do you often date your students?"

"Define 'often'," he said casually, and I flipped a piece of ginger I had chopsticked at him. He plucked it off his plate with his fingers and ate it. "Most of my students are like, twelve."

"Moms, then."

"Nah." He studied his food for a moment before continuing. "I don't really date much, actually."

"Me, neither. I'm boring. What's your excuse?"

"Too picky."

"Really. You don't seem all that discerning to me." That may have come off more accusatory than I meant, so I said, "I mean, Tanya's… typical."

"Typical?"

"Yeah, you know. Tall, blonde, buxom."

"Buxom?"

"Yeah, you know. Big-breasted." Oh, God. Shut up, Bella.

"I know what 'buxom' means, Bella."

"I bet you do."

"Hey. If I wanted Chesty LaRue, I'd be out with Chesty LaRue."

"Oh, so now I have small tits?" I said that way louder than I had meant to, but hell. The look on his face was worth the stink eye I got from Judgmental Old Lady over at the table next to ours.

"No," he said quietly after gathering his wits. "Your tits are perfect."

"Um, thanks?" I said, suddenly wanting to die. Dammit, he always had to one-up me.

"No. Thank you," he said, pointing at my chest with his chopsticks. I just shook my head and chuckled.

All in all, I'd have called dinner a success.

We somehow managed to spend two hours at the restaurant, ordering our sushi piece by piece, talking about anything and nothing, covering the minutiae of our daily existences and his seriously pretentious choices in music. We decided to take a walk in the brisk night air, and I know I for one was not ready to call the date over.

"Come on, seriously? The Bee Gees? I am judging you for enjoying disco," he was saying. We were in some small area of town I'd never been in. The shops were closed yet still inviting us in with pleasant store fronts and signs proclaiming "Sale!"

"Stop it. Saturday Night Fever is classic. Andy Gibb is classic."

"Andy wasn't in the Bee Gees."

"Ah ha! Gotcha! You have Bee Gees knowledge."

"There's a lot of useless knowledge in this head, Bella. I bet you know Grease by heart."

"Hell yeah, I do. I'm female."

"That shit is just stupid."

"Edward Cullen. I am calling this date off right now if you continue to disrespect Danny Zuko."

"I always thought Kenickie was cooler."

"He was hot, too. Hey! You know Grease, you liar."

"I never said I didn't. And it's job-related."

"Uh huh. Get much call for Greased Lightning at the bar, do you?"

"Summer Lovin', mostly."

I started to sing it out loud and he stopped, looking at me. But I was feeling brave, and I kept on singing, not all that surprised when he joined me. He even totally did the thing Travolta does at the end, pointing his finger up and singing along with me on the last "ni-hiiiiiiiiight".

"I can't believe it," I laughed after trying to catch my breath. "A closet Grease fan. Don't make me mad, or I'm telling Garrett. He's desperate for you to be gay."

"Just because I know show tunes doesn't make me gay. I told you, job-related."

"That's true. But I'm telling him all the same."

"He's not my type. Too tall. I like 'em shorter than me."

"Oh yeah?" I turned and faced him, a little surprised to find him so close. "I'm way shorter than you."

"I know," he said softly, looking down into my face. And like that, he kissed me, and I kissed him back. Nothing insistent, just nice.

He pulled away. "Come on." He grabbed my hand.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see." I allowed him to bring me back to the car, stumbling behind him and laughing while trying to keep up. Most of the cars in the parking lot were gone at that point; I had no idea what time it was. He held his hand out to me. "Keys."

I held them to my chest. "Nuh uh. This is my date."

"Our date. What else did you have planned?"

Furious making out followed by sex on your piano? "I don't know yet."

"Well, I do. Hand 'em over."

"No."

"Bella," he said, exasperated. He wrapped his palms around my ribcage and tickled me. And I let out this seriously girly squeal and wriggled, giving him the opportunity to snatch the keys from my fingers.

"Ha!" He unlocked the passenger's side and swept the door open in a copy of my earlier gesture. "After you." With an irritated scowl, I got in. He pulled his phone out before getting in on the driver's side and all I heard as he stepped in was, "Okay. Thanks, man." He smiled with satisfaction and put the key in the ignition.

"What was that all about?"

"You'll see."

I got the thrilling sensation that the night was taking an unexpected twist. I was giddy with anticipation.

giddy giddy giddy

oh, and I dedicate this to jandco's brother and his angry clam.

And cathmarchr, who is bones fandom and has never read twilight, but is still kind enough to review this story and harass me about updating bones stories. :D love you longtime, lady…