A/N: All Twilight characters belong to Smeyer. No copyright infringement intended.

Bella's POV

When I woke up that morning-afternoon at 11:47 I felt like I had been through hell and back. I smelled like cigarettes.. And cigars... And alcohol...and damn cheap cologne. I hopped in the shower to remove the disgusting memories of last night. Hopefully tomorrow would be better, because if Jessica thought for one second that I was going again tonight she was crazy. I had a bet that I could get someone, not that I could be a bar-fly.

Plus, I didn't think I did that bad last night... I mean, I wasn't all over everyone but at least I talked to a few people.. Well okay, one. But still, it wasn't like I hid in the car the whole time.

I still was probably pretty boring and I hate to say it, but most guys didn't go for boring. I'd have to step it up a notch. So I planned it out.

I'd find a guy. Maybe go and wait a few nights at Tyler's so I could pick my prey. I'd pick a nice guy, an okay looking one, cause I sure as hell wasn't goin for Jim.. or Rodney... or any of those other guys from last night. Maybe one who didn't come in every night so the story would get around so fast. Yes, that's what I'd do.

I checked my phone, one text from none other than Jess.

From: Jessica

hey bella i'll be out for a while, going with lauren to the mall, drop off my car tonight? thanx byeee.

Deciding that I'd wait until after dinner to drop off her car, I spent the rest of the day catching up on work. I despised my job because it was so boring but I loved it all the same being that I only had to go in 2-3 times a week. Thank god for Angela's parents running the business and good thing they at least were staying in Seattle. But I'd probably trade my job if Angela would stay here. I had known Angela for 12 years and now after all this time she was leaving so her and Ben (her boyfriend) could be together - alone - without Angie's parents interfering in their relationship all the time. She was down to Earth. Her and Ben had been together for 3 years now and every time Angela wasn't with him I'd ask when he'd pop the question. But he never told me, because he knew as soon as he did I'd tell her, I knew it had to be soon though. Ben believe in getting married early.

I had dinner by myself as normal. I never really invited people over my place to eat, but I should have considering I made some pretty good stuff, if I do say so myself. I was lonely - yes. But I didn't like a crowded house. That's why I moved into my own home in the first place. My dad Charlie constantly had his friends over and they'd watch football, or basketball or baseball until the wee hours of the morning. Hooting and hollering the whole time. That got old fast, so I moved. And of course, my mom Renee asked me to come live with her, but she lived in Florida, and I wasn't very into the whole skin cancer thing. Just saying.

After dinner I knew I had a phone call to make, so reluctantly I picked up my phone and pressed speed dial # 4, Jessica.

She answered on the second ring.

"Hey Bella you enjoy yourself last night?"

"It was... Okay. How do you stand to smell like that every night though? It's disgusting." I told her honestly.

"You get used to it after a while, I didn't even think it was that bad last night. Only seven smokers were there. Normally there's about fifteen. Plus, I smoke myself, so it doesn't bother me."

"Yeah... Anyways, when do you want me to drop off your car?"

"Whenever you want, what we'll do is you can drop it off and then I'll drive you home, I don't want to having to walk forty five minutes to get home."

"Jess, you don't have to waist your gas, I could walk. Honestly." Did I want to walk? No. But would I? Yes.

"No no really, I don't mind, I think I'm gonna stop at Walmart anyways, get some stuff for the party me and Lauren are throwing for Angela, it's this Friday night by the way. Just a little 'going away get together' you know?" she asked.

"Okay then... I guess I'll head over there now."

"Alright see you in a bit, bye!"

She was always so happy. Even with all the "heartbreak" she went through, she was still happy. I think that's why I stayed friends with her, her aura was always "peppy" even if it was only caused by alcohol.

I left for Jessica's a little while later and got to her house around 6:30. We had chatted about Angela's party for a little bit and then I convinced her to take me home so she didn't have to come home at 11:00 from Walmart.

As she drove me home, we made plans for the following day.

"How about I pick you up at 7:30 and drive tomorrow so we don't have to do this whole charade again" I offered.

"Yeah, sounds good. There's a different kind of crowd that hangs there during the week, you'll probably like them better. They don't get as drunk." she laughed.

"Yeah..." I replied. But something was bothering me. I was - as much as I hated to say it - a virgin. And quite frankly, I didn't want my first time to be with some guy that'd I'd probably see around town. I had been contemplating this all day, and at first I just brushed it off, but you only have one life, and I didn't want to waste this. So I'd tell her. Maybe there was a different bet we could do... "Jess," I started.

"Yes?" she asked, raising her eyebrows to let me know I had her full attention even though she was watching the road.

"I... I don't want some bar-fly as my first guy, I know it sounds lame... But that's not something I just want to give up with someone I barely know and..."

But she interrupted me, "Bella! Did you think the whole time I meant fuck the guy!?"

"Yeah? What else would you mean by 'get a guy?'" I asked confused.

"I meant get him as in... just like as a boyfriend or whatever for a few days, and maybe make out with him! I would never ask you to give up your un-popped cherry!"

I glared at her. "Well, thanks." She could have dropped the last sentence for my sake.

She dropped me off at my house and I worked on paperwork again. Then I checked my email and MySpace for a whole two minutes. I didn't have anything new except for emails regarding sales and clearances that were at stores I had recently purchased from.

I went to sleep early that night, I wanted to be energize as much as possible for the next day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I could have skipped work today and just stayed home like the lazy person I had become, but a little socialization was good for me, especially if I wanted to be sociable tonight.

The office was boring. Filing papers, logging in stats, being stared at by my my co-workers son that came to work with her. The usual. Nothing exciting. Except for the fact that Jenna, a woman who worked in the cubicle next to me, went ape-shit when she found a roach in her desk . I laughed, probably more than I should have. But it was funny, in an office where nothing ever happened.

I got home, changed out of my suit, and then put on my signature t-shirt and jeans. I was just about to head out the door to pick up Jessica when I realized that my hair was a little to 'fancy' for the occasion, if you would call hanging at a bar an occasion.

Due to work, my hair was pulled back in a clip and brushed nicely. I realized the clip and shook my hair out. I felt like a dog, but it worked. Nice, casual hair.

When I got to Jessica's I expected her to have the beer again but she didn't. But of course, she still looked like a hooker. The shortest shorts I've ever seen with a red top that looked like it was glued to her. I guess I'd have to get used to it. Sadly...

"Hey Bells," she greeted me when she got into my car. She looked at my attire and grimaced.

"What? That's part of the bet." I defended.

"I know.. It's just... I don't know I would never go into a bar looking like that.. not that you look bad... just.. never mind."

"Whatever..."

When we got there, there were 2 bikers outside sipping on the long-necks. Note to self: when my husband is going through a midlife crisis, don't let him become a biker, they look ridiculous.

When I walked it, I realized Jess was right about one thing, there was definitely a different crowd in here on week days. A lot of older people but... A lot of younger people... not as scraggly as the ones from Saturday.

I sat down at my table and Jessica once again went parading around. It was pretty disgusting when I saw some of the older men greeting her with kisses and staring at her boobs. Perverted old men; the worst kind of men.

That bitchy waitress came and asked me what I wanted, and this time I got a water, and gave her a two dollar tip. For what? Walking 20 feet to the bar apparently...

I sat looking around for a while until a piano started playing. At first, I thought it was a recording, it sounded professional, but further examination made me realize that there was an old, rustic piano at the other end of the bar with a man sitting in front of it. He was pouring his soul into the jazzy piece, and could probably easily become famous with his talent... and yet he played at this run-down place. Smart man.

I was so focused on his work of art, that I didn't even notice Jessica sit down at my table. Finally she waved her hand in front of my face to get my attention.

"Earth to Bella..."

"Yeah," I asked distracted

"What are you so engrossed in?" she turned and followed my gaze, across the bar and to the Piano Man. "Oh...," she giggled, "I see you've spotted Edward."

So the Piano Man had a name, Edward.

"Don't bother Bells, I can't get him even wearing the most revealing clothes." she stated.

Finally I broke my stare, "Are you implying that I can't get him, Jessica?"

"No one can, he doesn't go for bar-flies" she admitted, sounding a little annoyed. I wonder how much time she spent pursuing him.

"I didn't think you'd go for the piano type," I told her. But he was here, meaning that she'd try to screw him anyways.

"Psh, I could give a shit less that he plays piano Bella, but have you seen is face?"

"No?"

She laughed, "Oh dearest Bella, you'll see what I mean when you take a gander at that Greek god's face."

"Mhm...." I mumbled. You know, maybe if Jessica hadn't pointed out Jim as good-looking I would have believed her, but her taste was diluted by her intoxication most of the time. I guess I'd have to be the judge of this so called "Greek god."

"You'll see," she warned as she got up and headed towards Rodney.

I wasn't just gonna go up there and stare at him, so I stayed at my table and waited for him to take a bathroom break or something.

But he kept playing... the whole night. Not that I minded, his music was beautiful, but I had to see his face.

Tyler's Tavern closed at 12 on week days and it was already 11:45; still no sign of the face.

Then his music abruptly stopped and he slid down the cover over the keys. Jessica sat down with me again, "Just watch," she told me. Like I wasn't staring at him already.

And then, he turned.

And his appearance hit me with the force of a semi truck.

Reddish, brown hair that stuck up every which way.

Jaw bones that could make a girl cry.

Muscles that showed through his thin tan shirt.

Bright, emerald eyes that I could distinctly see from all the way over at my table.

Gorgeous.

Gorgeous.

Gorgeous.

I could get him. I wouldn't even be embarrassed if people new I was with him. Ha, I'd be flaunting it all over the place. Maybe even keep him a little longer than necessary.

Hmmm....

"I'm gonna get him," I confidently told Jess.

She started laughing, "You get him and I will be thoroughly amazed."

"Don't laugh, I can so get him!" I retorted.

"Okay okay.." she replied biting back laughter.

It was nearly twelve and I wanted to get home, but just as I was getting up, Edward walked by. Our eyes locked for a whole second... and for a whole second... I didn't breathe. I couldn't.

Gorgeous.

I walked out of the bar, dazed, and looked around for him, but he was already exiting the parking lot in a silver Volvo.

He had money... so what the hell was he doing here? Not that I cared, I could stare at him forever.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I got home, I actually made it up to my room. And when I fell asleep, who did I dream of? None other than the Piano Man himself.

Edward's POV

I finally had, had it. Alice and Jasper were getting on my last nerve. I couldn't even walk into the kitchen without them basically fucking on the counter.

People have no shame these days. Disgusting.

At least today was Monday. I loved weekdays. Because from 8:15am - 12:00 am, I had piano duties in Seattle. Whenever I would leave Jazz and Alice would always give me the funniest looks, and ask the same question as always... 'Why do you even work there Edward?"

I never answered them, but I did have an answer. "To get away from the fuck buddies."

Don't get me wrong, Alice was my sister and Jazz was my best friend... but ever since I introduced them in the 10th grade they have been all over each other... It gets annoying after 6 years.

So every weeknight I'd drive the 30 minutes from Normandy Park to Seattle, just to play an old, withered piano in a run-down tavern crawling with hoes and drunk men, because I wanted to.

Rodney, the bartender was willing to pay me fifteen dollars every night I was there, but I refused. I didn't need money, I was more than okay in that particular department. So yes, I played for free. Just because I wanted to.

So, promptly at 7:30 I left for Tyler's Tavern, with the routine look from Jasper and Alice.

When I got there the place was pretty packed. We normally were on a Monday, lots of the old folks came to hear me play. That's another reason why I came here. I brought smiles to people's faces, and as cheesy as it might sound, it made me feel useful for once. Most of the time I sat around the house, working out, or watching movies, and of course practicing on my grand piano. Useless to anyone except me.

I knew basically everyone in here, maybe not by name, but by face...except... for one girl who was sitting at a corner table staring at three old men with a disgusted look on her face.

She wasn't like all the other skanks in here... not a skank at all from what it looked like. She wasn't wearing anything revealing like every other girl that spent there entire life at Tyler's. She was wearing a simple t-shirt, jeans and had long, wavy mahogany hair flowing down her shoulders. . But what did I know? Maybe she was just waiting for it to be later so she could rip of her shirt and parade around in her bra. Not like it hasn't happened before in here.

I made my way over to my piano and started to play, and immediately the place got quieter, listening to me. Useful.

I played and played, and didn't stop once. I enjoyed doing it, and time flew passed when I was at the piano, no sooner did I look at my watch and it was 11:46. I brought my piece to an end a few minutes later and covered the keys. Then headed over to the bar and said bye to the staff.

As I was exiting, I turned to see if the Brown Haired Girl was still there, and she was, sitting next to Jessica - a regular here at Tyler's, a whore - hm.. maybe she was one of them. I turned my gaze to the Brown Haired Girl again, and my eyes bore into hers. Melted Chocolate, so deep and never ending that I wanted to swim in them. She was beautiful. No makeup, no crazy amount of product in her hair... Natural. She was natural. Definitely not like the girls who came here.

I didn't want to freak her out, so I let my eyes wander away and I headed for my car. I wondered if she'd be here tomorrow. I doubted it, she didn't seem like a regular.

Damnit.

When I got home, at 12:30, I was surprised to see Jazz and Alice sleeping. Normally they were still bangin. Rough day I guess.

I fell asleep quickly, and dreamed of the Brown Haired Girl, staring back at me.

A/N:

Next chapter will finallly have them meet each other. Sorry, the plot hasn't really been exposed yet. Next chapter most likely.

Reviews make me write faster. :]

-TF1020