A/N. just a real quick author's note this time. thank you to everyone who read and reviewed or added the story to alerts. sorry i've been so lame in responding to reviews...I'm going to do that RIGHT NOW! Jacob/Bella stories have always made me nervous to write and I'm glad you are liking it. I know it's still early on...so onward!
Thanks to Neutron Phantom for being my beta and cheerleader on this one. *note to writers* when writing a Jacob story...get a Jacob lover to beta lol. seriously though thanks so much!
oh...yeah..the "i don't own the characters" disclaimer...there I said it.
Table for Two: Chapter Two
I woke up before my alarm on Sunday morning for one reason and one reason only—Bella. I would never have been able to drag myself out of bed at 8 a.m. after going to sleep after two the night before if it weren't for that mahogany-haired motivation. Hell, I would have never been excited about cleaning up someone else's dirty dishes and pouring their coffee, but now I was elated to be a waiter.
"Let's go man, what's taking you so long?" I screamed from the living room as Seth stumbled back and forth between his bedroom and the bathroom.
"This from the asshole that usually doesn't even know where his keys are?" To answer him I jingled them loudly in the air laughing. A few minutes later he emerged freshly showered and changed and looking a little more awake.
"Please tell me this has nothing to do with a certain waitress that you just met. Please tell me you're going to listen to me for once. And please tell me that you… You know what, forget it. I know you too well."
"Aw, come on Seth, I'm not a vulture or anything, but there's just something about her. I can't stop thinking about her; the way she smiles, the way she laughs at her own jokes, even that cute little snort she gives when she's really laughing hard."
"Dude, you're acting like a love sick fool."
"Maybe I am," I said as we walked from our apartment complex to the Rabbit. "But I know, Seth, if she'd just give me one chance…"
"Not going to happen man," Seth said as he looked at me with pity. "Not that it wouldn't be awesome. It's just not in the cards, so just don't get your hopes up okay?" I nodded at him but knew that there was no way I could step aside and pass up my opportunity to get to know Bella. Even if I had to wait and be her friend first.
~~**~~
I was sitting at one of the small tables in the employee break room eating the breakfast they made for us before my shift started when Bella walked in all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. She smiled shyly at me before making her way to the lockers to put her things away. I did my best not to stare but she was making it very difficult.
"Mind if I sit down?" she asked, motioning toward the chair opposite mine, the same chair that she was sitting in the night before.
"Not at all," I said noticing that no one else was in the break room with us and leaned over the table as she sat down to whisper to her. "Do you find it odd that we are the only ones ever in here? Think that means we're slackers?"
Bella smiled back at me, setting her travel coffee thermos down and taking off the lid. "Seth didn't tell you about the back patio yet did he?"
She laughed at me while I shook my head wondering what the hell I had missed as she flipped the lid upside down to make a cup out of it. "It's where the staff takes their breaks during the summer or when it's nice out. It's behind the tall white privacy fence next to the kitchen. The newbies never get told about it until they've proven they can pull their weight."
"Oh! I wondered where he escaped to whenever Mike said we could take a break. I just assumed he was hiding in the bathroom or some secret storage closet with another waitress," I said with a wink, causing her to blush. I yawned lightly and pushed my plate away from me.
"Tired? Late night out college boy?" I noticed as she talked she moved the lid of her coffee thermos over to my side of the table. I shook my head and put up my hands as my nose involuntarily scrunched up.
"Oh, no thanks Bella, I don't drink coffee. Stuff tastes nasty to me."
"Trust me," was all she said. And that was all she needed to say. I lifted the lid of the thermos and sniffed it a little before pushing the big thermos to Bella and raised it in a toast. She aped my actions and we both drank the coffee.
"Wow, Bella. That's – that's really good, what's in there?" I said sticking my eye down into the cup causing her to laugh again.
"It's a latte you goof, I make them at home. The key is extra milk and a shot of caramel flavoring. Takes that nasty coffee taste out of it. Plus, it really wakes you up. I had to learn how to make the coffee tolerable when I worked at…" Her smile faded slightly and I knew she felt she said too much. We sat there silently enjoying our coffee for a while I tried to think of something to say, and then something struck me.
"Bella." She 'hmm'd' in response. "Why don't you sit outside with the rest of the staff?" She furrowed her brow and looked at me to clarify. "You know, the 'secret' employee spot. Why don't you sit out there with everyone?"
"Oh," she answered turning the thermos around as it scooted across the table. "I just don't, I mean I'm not good. With. People. I don't… have friends."
"Bella. I see you, the way you are with the members, the way you joke with Seth. What do you mean? I don't understand."
"Seth is too easy to not get along with. And the members, it's my job to make them feel at home. But people… I don't get personal with people. They start to expect things from you." She lifted her head from staring at the thermos, and the sincerity and fear I saw in her eyes startled me. "You know they want to know things about you."
So, there you have it. Something or someone happened to Bella, something big to make her lose her trust in people; to make her leave whatever job it was that she almost told me about. "Well, Bella, you seem to be doing okay here, with me." I offered sincerely with a small smile.
"That's because you're just like Seth. Must be something in the water wherever you're from."
"I am nothing like Seth; he's just a kid, he hasn't had to…well, anyway. La Push is where I'm from." I tried to divert the subject because as much as Bella was afraid to trust people, I was uncomfortable explaining my life to people too. Once they found out, they pitied me, and I didn't want Bella to pity me.
"La Push huh? I live in Forks… Small world I guess," Bella added, obviously picking up on my change of subject.
"Wow, Forks, surprised we don't know each other."
Bella stood up and began to fasten her apron around her waist. "Well, I haven't lived there long and don't forget, I'm a lot older than you." I rolled my eyes at her for bringing up the age thing again.
"Seriously Bella, you're really hooked on this age thing. Are you ever going to tell me how old "older" is?"
"Let's just say my birthday is in a few weeks…and I'm almost thirty." And with that, she walked out. I, however, sat there stunned. Thirty? I mean, I knew she was older than me, but thirty? I shook my head and followed the way she went out into the dining room.
I saw her greeting members as they walked into the dining room. She didn't look thirty, and did it matter? I kept watching as she turned my way and winked at me before turning and walking toward Mike to find out what her assignment would be for the day.
~~**~~
"I thought you said Sunday Brunch was easy." Yeah, I was whining, but I didn't care. Three hours and hundreds of plates cleared and I was exhausted. But these people just kept coming in and the food, my god, no wonder rich people needed liposuction; they stuffed themselves like they were never going to eat again.
"God, stop whining, you sound like a little girl," Bella said with a giggle as I followed her back into the kitchen, both of us dumping full trays of dirty dishes on the dishwasher's sink. I mocked offense at her which turned her giggle into a full laugh, complete with snort.
"I'm used to the men's grill; a drink refill, and a burger now and then—easy as pie. This is ridiculous."
"Well, wait until you're on your own and you have a Friday night. Brunch is easy. No orders to take, no kitchen staff to deal with. You act like you've never worked before. Let's go, Mike just sat new people in our area."
I followed closely behind Bella back into the dining room. My day got endlessly better this morning when I walked out of the break room and Mike told me I would be shadowing Bella today in the main dining room. A full six hour shift with her; could I have had it any better?
"You know, you could be a little easier on the new guy, it isn't like I've…" I stopped my joking with her when she halted her steps and turned around quickly. I looked down at her and watched her mouth words to herself with her eyes closed as if she were mentally preparing herself for some big challenge.
She stopped and looked up at me. "Ready?"
"Yeah, weirdo, what's the problem? We've only done this twenty times already today."
"Yep, well, this one will be your most memorable." I looked at her like she had two heads before she turned and started toward our next table. I followed her with my eyes and instantly knew what was bothering her. I squinted my eyes in Brooks Brothers' direction and walked up to join Bella at the Cullen table.
"Bella!" a high-pitched bird-like voice chirped as a small figure bounced up from the table and hugged Bella. What the hell? Bella looked uncomfortable and awkward but of course smiled brightly and sincerely at the small woman who had her in a bear hug.
I cleared my throat hoping to get this woman to release Bella. It worked, because she immediately pulled away from Bella and looked at me. She watched me for only a few seconds but it felt like an eternity as her piercing blue eyes bore into me. I was beginning to get uncomfortable but then she smiled brightly and began bouncing.
"Belllllaaaaa," she sang, "who's the new hunky dunky?" She asked like I wasn't even standing there.
Bella blushed bright crimson and shyly answered, "Mrs. Whitlock, this is Jacob. He's new on staff and is going to be helping me today." I was about to introduce myself when she held up her hand and looked at me again before looking back at Bella. Then, as though a light bulb went off about that spiky head of hair, she gasped.
"Bella, I've asked you to call me Alice how many times?" the young woman lightly scolded Bella but then kept talking. "I know you are uncomfortable with it at work, but considering all the time we spend together at…"
"Alice!" Bella shouted, obviously attempting to keep her quiet. "I mean Mrs. Whitlock, if you don't mind; I'd rather just keep it professional here." The small woman nodded with a knowing smirk and then winked at me before sitting back down at the table behind her. Again, I repeat, what the hell?
I looked around at the table in front of me. I of course recognized Mr. and Mrs. Cullen and their spoiled son, but with them today were also two blonde women, beautiful by stereotypical standards but a little too Malibu Barbie if you ask me. Sitting between the blondes was a huge man with dark curly hair and the same blue eyes as the hobbit, who was now getting all handsy with a blonde serious-looking man.
"Good afternoon everyone," Bella started in full waitress mode while I stood there subconsciously scratching my head trying to figure out what was going on around me. "How are you all today?"
"We're great Bella, how have you been? Sorry we missed you last night, you had your hands full huh?" Mr. Cullen said, smiling warmly.
"Yes, sir." Bella turned slightly and looked expectantly at me to move forward. "This is Jacob; he'll be helping me today. Can we get you something to drink while you go through the brunch line?"
"Yes of course, Jacob, you were with Seth last night. Good to see you again." I nodded politely at Mr. Cullen as he continued, "Jacob, you remember our son Edward…this is…" but the douche bag whose hair cut probably cost more than my shoes but looked like a five year old cut it chimed in.
"It's Dr. Cullen, Jacob," he said without once looking my way. Why would he? He was too busy staring at Bella as if no one noticed. I gritted my teeth to suppress the growl that nearly escaped.
"Edward, don't be so pompous," the strawberry-blonde next to him said. "I'm Tanya Cullen, Edward's wife. Nice to meet you, Jacob. I hope we will be seeing you around more." I smiled at her and shook the hand she extended to me.
Edward began his pouting routine again but still wouldn't take his eyes off Bella as I was introduced to Emmett who I learned was Edward and Alice's' brother; Rosalie who was married to Emmett and couldn't be bothered to even speak; and Jasper Whitlock who was married to the small hyper hobbit.
"I don't see why we have to spend so much time getting to know these assholes," I whispered as Bella and I walked to the bar to get a round of Bloody Maries for the table.
"We have to," Bella lectured like I was five. "Because this is a country club, not a restaurant, you will see these people all the time, especially the Cullens. They are in at least twice a week for dinner and then there's golf and brunch."
"Snobs." I sneered with my back leaned up on the bar while Tracy, the bartender, started on our order. I looked around the room at all the people.
"Most of them," Bella turned around to lean with me while scooting so close that I could smell the floral scent of her shampoo and I think my eyes rolled back in my head. She continued on, oblivious to the affect she had on me. "But the Cullens… they are good people Jacob—most of them anyway, so please, for me. Just try."
"For you," I leaned down to whisper in her ear, "anything." I could have sworn her body shivered as my breath caressed her ear which made me smile. "What's with them anyway? So odd."
"Well, Alice, she's a ball of energy, which is hilarious considering she married the most laid back and boring man in the free world. I mean he teaches history for crying out loud. But I guess they balance each other." She chuckled lightly, "And Emmett, well he's just a teddy bear. His wife has…issues…but her standoff demeanor is just a protective cover I think."
"You really know them well," I said interrupting.
"Yeah, well, like I said, regulars."
"So you don't know them, you know, outside of this place? Alice made it seem like she and you…"
"No! I mean, yeah." She sighed placing the glasses on the tray but I quickly moved to carry it for her which made her smile. "Alice and I have met other places."
There was a sudden flash of pain in Bella's eyes and I knew I was pushing her too far. I had to remember what Seth said and take things slow with her. I already knew Bella would be something special in my life and I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize that.
The rest of our shift sped on without much excitement and before I knew it, it was three o'clock and we were finally breaking down the buffet and getting the dining room ready for those that had to stick around to work the dinner shift. I was carrying an arm full of dirty tablecloths back to the laundry bins just as a khaki-clad Edward Cullen came out of the men's grill.
"Ah, Jacob, is it?" he said expectantly.
"Yes, Dr. Cullen," I sneered out through tight lips.
"Yeah, Jacob, my wife is up in the ladies' locker room getting ready for our round of golf. I was wondering if you could tell me where Bella might be." Are you kidding me?
"No."
"Excuse me?" he asked incredulously.
"I said no, sir, I cannot tell you where Bella is, but I can tell you that your wife could be down any minute."
"Listen kid," he raised his voice and his finger, what a fucking prick. "I didn't ask you about my wife and I will remind you of your place around here before you take that tone with me again. One word from me and you'll be out on your ass."
"Jake." Edward and I both turned quickly to see Seth standing there eyeing us cautiously. "Everything okay, Dr. Cullen?"
"Of course Seth, just letting the new guy know how things work around here. Right Jacob?" He and I held our stare at each other, neither willing to back down.
"Right. Well. Jake, let's get going. We might get home in time to see the end of the baseball game," Seth said, trying to diffuse the situation. I broke my stare down with Edward and walked into the kitchen with Seth hot on my heels.
"Jake, you asshole, do you realize you almost got fired out there?"
"I don't care Seth, that guy is a prick. And I don't like the way he looks at Bella. I know she said he's harmless but I don't trust him."
"I know man, but you can't keep pushing. Bella, well she… Just trust her, okay? She needs to keep peace with the Cullens, and she has her reasons for putting up with Edward." We had dumped the laundry and were now getting our shit to clock out.
"What the hell does that even mean Seth? You're my fucking friend, and I feel like you know a lot about her that you aren't telling me."
"About whom?" We both snapped our heads to see that Bella had come in the break room without us hearing her.
"Uh... Uh." Well Seth was no help. Dumbass.
"Oh, just some girl Seth likes," I tried to cover but the smirk on Bella's face told me she didn't buy it. Thankfully she didn't call me out because I don't think I would have been able to lie to her again.
"Right, well, you guys leaving?" Bella sat down at our table with a small lunch cooler.
"Yep, you got the dinner shift huh? That sucks," Seth joshed her making fun a little.
"Yeah, well some of us have bills to pay and tuition coming up in a few weeks. We aren't all brainy enough to get scholarships," Bella teased him back making him blush. Seth knew he was smart; hell the kid was a genius, but he still felt uncomfortable with people making any sort of fuss over him.
"Whatever Hells Bells, we'll see you Tuesday right?" She nodded.
"You aren't working tomorrow?" I asked with disappointment in my voice.
"Aw, don't worry Jacob, I'll be here Tuesday. Mondays are always my day off. Try not to miss me too much." Then she winked at me for the second time before turning to dig into her lunch.
"Well, can't promise I won't, guess I'll just have to meet you in my dreams." Yeah I was laying it on thick but I couldn't let her get the leg up on me.
"I, um." She stuttered trying to find words as I laughed and patted Seth on the back signally for us to go.
there you have it. feel free to ask me any questions you may have...i hope you aren't confused yet. lol.