Title: Dance with Me
Rating: T
Summary: A major league baseball player with a bad rep needs to clean his image. He signs on to do a reality dance show. Will he clean his image and have the right kind of chemistry with his partner?
Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars.

Thank you, Candy!

I'm getting back on track with this story. Sorry for the super long wait. Please enjoy this chapter. :)

May 15th 2008

Bella POV

We made it. To the freaking semi-finals! I almost couldn't believe it.

Edward's parents wanted to take us out to dinner to celebrate. So after we did the press interviews, we bolted out of the studio to get changed for dinner. It was only going to be us four- Edward, me, Carlisle, and Esme. The rest of Edward's family was hanging out at Alice and Jasper's house.

I was a little nervous about dinner. The last time I'd seen Edward's parents I was with the whole family. It was easier for me to get along with them because there were so many people taking the pressure off of me. It's wasn't that I disliked Edward's parents, but tonight had a very "meet the parents" feel.

I wanted his parents to like me. I knew how close Edward was with his family, and having his parents "blessing" would really take a load off my mind.

After I changed into a black dress, I met Edward outside.

"You ready?"

"I guess so."

He held my hand and squeezed. "You like Japanese?"

"Yeah," I said distractedly.

"We're going to Katsuya," he said. "My parents heard a lot about it, and they wanted to see if it lived up to the hype."

"Oh, that's cool."

"Bella?"

"Hmm?"

"You okay?"

I sighed. He knows. That shouldn't surprise me.

"I guess I'm nervous."

"Why?"

"They're you're parents!"

"So?"

"I hope they like me," I mumbled.

"Hey," he said as he stopped walking. He stood in front of me and smiled gently. "They like you. Trust me on that. We're going out with them because they're proud of us, and want to celebrate with us. You don't have to be so shy and timid; otherwise they'll think that you don't like them."

I gaped. "Of course I like them!"

Edward chuckled. "Good, now let's go so we can eat."

Katsuya was located across the street from Staples Center. It was also next door to the ESPN Sports Zone and Nokia Theatre.

Carlisle and Esme were already waiting for us when we arrived. I was hyper aware that Edward and I were far away from our show-bubble. We were out in the open and anyone could see us if they'd paid close enough attention. I was almost expecting some photographers to jump out at us they way they did yesterday night.

"Bella," Esme said affectionately. She gave me a warm hug that I reciprocated.

Once we were seated, Edward's parents praised me for my work. I couldn't believe it! I thought they'd be so happy for Edward, but they were gushing about me. It was nice to see them so pleased, and when I glanced at Edward, he just smiled good naturedly to me. He knew I was getting a little flustered by his parents' praise, but it was okay.

After we put in our order, Edward announced he had two major offers he was considering. He'd spoken to me before, but I had a feeling he was about to tell me something big.

"It's between Anaheim and Seattle."

Those were interesting choices. I knew Edward's family was from the east coast, so I wondered why he wasn't considering going back to his roots. Maybe he didn't get any offers? Maybe he didn't want to go back. I supposed Anaheim was a good place for him since it was very close. He wouldn't have to move.

I wondered about Seattle. Why was he even considering it? He didn't know anyone from there. Okay, I was from there. Kind of. But I still couldn't understand why he'd want to go there. Maybe he really wanted to be a Mariner. I don't know.

"You should go wherever you want to," Carlisle replied supportively.

Esme frowned. "You have to think carefully, Edward. Where you go could affect everyone's lives."

It wasn't lost on me that she was referring to me.

I didn't want Edward to look out for me. I wasn't his responsibility. Sure, we were together, but he had to go wherever was best for his career. We may have both agreed that we're in this relationship for the long haul, and that meant we still had to remember what was important. Our careers were our life. We could be together no matter what. I hoped so anyway.

"Bella dear," Esme said bringing me out of my reverie. "What do you think?"

"I'm sorry, I must have spaced out," I said apologetically. "What are you talking about?"

Esme smiled. "I'm talking about where Edward should go. Don't you think Anaheim would be a nice team for him?"

Before I could answer, Edward spoke, "Mom, don't guilt Bella into anything. I haven't decided on anything yet, I'm just informing you guys."

Esme looked from me to Edward and back again.

"I see," she said in a clipped tone. "You and Bella are not going to discuss where you'll go? I thought you two were seeing each other now?"

"What does our relationship have to do with where I'll be playing?"

"It is important to prepare yourselves, Edward. Where you go will affect the both of you. I don't pretend to know the nature of your relationship, but I am advising you to let Bella in on some of these decisions."

Whoa! I thought. Esme was totally scolding Edward! She basically told him to talk to me more. I wasn't sure if I should hug her or glare at her.

"Mom," Edward said warningly. "I've got things under control, thank you."

It was clear Edward didn't want to discuss his career options anymore. Things were getting a little too serious for both of us.

"I apologize," she said sadly. "I just worry for you, Edward."

Esme glanced at me, and I knew she was worrying for me too. And to be honest, I was a little worried. Esme was right. Wherever Edward went, I'd want to follow. My rational side was telling me to finish my contract here, and then go after Edward. But maybe I didn't need to go after him. If he was staying here, then there would be no need to move and chase each other. But if he moved….

I placed my hand on Edward's. "We're taking things one step at a time. Our main focus is the show and finishing it up. After that, we'll think about the summer and our career goals. Edward and I have every intention on spending as much time together as we can, we just need to be smart about it."

Wow. Where did that confidence come from? Did I really just say all that? Huh. I guess I did.

"Bella," Edward sighed in admiration. "You're amazing, you know that?"

I smiled, "I know."

Carlisle and Esme laughed. "I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable, Bella. I just recognize a good thing when I see it. You're too good for my son, and I'm so very grateful that he has you now."

"Hey!" Edward said in mock protest. "Yeah, she's right. You are too good for me, Bella."

"Stop it," I insisted. "You heard the judges, we're a perfect pair."

Edward squeezed me hand. "I think they're right."

"So do I."

Our dinner arrived, and for the rest of the evening we had a great time. I always knew Edward was close to his family. He talked about them often enough, and being with him and his family for the past few days really made me happy. It was oddly nice to have so many people to talk to and to just hang out. All of his family members were very supportive and genuine. I really liked being a part of them, and that was how I they truly made me feel. I wasn't some outsider, they all welcomed me and I felt like I belonged.

Edward and I said goodbye to his parents. They were going back to their hotel room for the night, and Edward and I were going home. We had a full day of rehearsal tomorrow. We'd need all the rest we could get.

***

May 16th 2008

When Edward got in the studio, he was talking on his cell phone. I was about to tell him to wrap it up when he handed me the phone.

"It's my mom. She wants to say bye to you."

A big smile spread across my face. That was very sweet. I was touched that Esme would want to say 'goodbye' to me. I took the phone from Edward and said, "Hello, Esme!"

"Good morning, Bella. I know you and Edward are busy, but I just wanted to say goodbye and that we will see you again in a week or two."

"Okay, sounds good."

"Take care of my son for me please."

"I'll do my best," I promised.

"Thank you. See you later, dear."

"Bye, I'll see you soon."

I handed Edward the phone and went back to stretching. I knew he was curious about what I talked to Esme about. He sat down next to me and started putting on his shoes. It took him about two minute's tops for him to ask me.

"Your mother told me that they're coming back for the finale."

"That's it?"

"Yes, that's it. She told me to take care of you. I promised I'd do my best," I said winking at him.

"You do take good care of me," he muttered.

Smiling, I got up and popped in our Foxtrot music. I was pleasantly surprised with our music. It was another contemporary piece; Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours." I heard it before since it was a new release to mainstream media music, and I liked it. It was sweet, heartfelt, and very nice. I was anxious to get started, but as of late, I was having a choreography block. A lot of people don't understand how difficult it is to come up with fresh new choreography every single week. As a dancer, I not only have to choreograph to the music, but I have utilize and show of my partner.

I told Edward I was going to listen to the music a few times before we get started. I usually did this anyway, so he just sat down on the floor and scrolled through his phone. While Edward kept himself occupied, I started moving and doing a series of basic steps to get myself more into my choreographing zone.

It was frustrating at first. I was drawing a blank, and I absolutely hated it. I tried to remember what our first Foxtrot looked like, but without looking at the youtube video I couldn't be sure. I needed to see how Edward danced back then so I could choreograph something different, but something that would make him comfortable. I made a mental note to run home during lunch to get my laptop.

After listening to the song two or three times, I beckoned Edward with my fingers. He scrambled up and met me in the middle of the floor. I started with positioning his stance and fiddling around with his posture. I needed him to mold his body in the ballroom posture, and after I had him standing tall and refined, I moved his arms and positioned myself so that we were in hold. I redirected his steps, and we moved around the floor. It was good for us to move around during hold. It made him get reacquainted with the position, and it gave me more ideas for choreography.

We took a break, and I put the cd on repeat. Edward was stretching again, and the camera crew arrived. It took us some time to put our mic packs on, but when we finally were ready to start filming, I led Edward to the front of the mirror and showed him some more steps.

The mirror usually worked with us. Edward picked up the steps and technique a lot faster when we did them side by side in front of the mirror. I could always show him the steps, but he seemed to be more comfortable with actually doing them and watching me do the same. Hey, whatever works, right?

For the first hour or so we went over technique and basics. We laughed, teased, and had an overall excellent practice.

We went out to get some tacos for lunch. While I ate my chicken soft taco in the car, Edward talked to Alice and Jasper. Since we were in the semi-finals, we had a couple of last minute media stops. Access Hollywood wanted to stop by for our morning practice tomorrow and Edward was scheduled to be on ET. The extra interviews were cutting into our practice time, but I was used to the hectic schedule. There wasn't anything I could do about it.

By the time we arrived at the studio, I had polished of two tacos and Edward still had yet to dig in to his.

"How the hell do you do that?" he asked in disbelief.

"Do what?" I answered innocently.

"Eat so damn much, but never gain a pound!"

"Dance," I said simply.

He sat on the floor and pulled out his taco. I let him eat quietly for a few minutes, and then I asked about his plans for the night.

"I'll probably just go home," he said.

Well that was predictable. I wasn't sure why I even asked since I knew he'd say that. The thing was I wanted us to spend time together. I know that sounded stupid, since we virtually spend the whole day together, but I wanted it to be us-Edward and Bella; I didn't want it to be like Edward the celebrity contestant and Bella the professional dance partner.

Edward must have guessed my reasoning because he added, "we can get take out and watch a movie tonight if you want."

Yes, I wanted that very much.

I kissed his cheek and smiled at him. "That sounds perfect."

The rest of the practice came along. We accomplished some major choreography in the Foxtrot. I went over the Salsa again, and then decided to leave our practice on a high note with our Foxtrot routine fully choreographed.

We went our separate ways, so that we could shower and change. By the time I got to Edward's place it was ten o'clock. Our rehearsal started early at nine a. m. the next morning. Access Hollywood was coming and we needed to be ready to show a teaser of our routine.

Even though we were having a late night date, we knew we still had to remain focused on the show. Keeping a balance was proving to be difficult sometimes, but I thought we managed pretty well.

Edward ordered in Thai food. We made ourselves comfortable on his couch and watched Disturbia.

I was munching on some Pad Thai noodles, when Edward got a call from Jasper. He glanced at me, and then excused himself to talk in private.

For the past week or tow Edward has been preoccupied with his own career choices. I know his main priority is going back to playing, but I can't help but feel shut out sometimes. He said he care for me, and that the show and I was his number one for now, but I knew better.

I wasn't mad at him. I knew it was going to be like this for a long time. He had other goals to reach, and so did I. Sometimes the balance between us and our careers were very hard to tread. We were crazy for each other, but there was a lot of baggage surrounding us.

Edward was gone for about ten minutes. By the time he came back, I was working my way through a bowl of coconut ice cream.

Edward plopped down on the couch and kissed my cheek.

I glanced curiously at him and arched my eyebrow at him.

"What was that for?"

He frowned, but said resignedly, "I've made my decision."

"You have?" I cried excitedly. "Where will you go? Are you sure? Isn't it still a bit early to decide? The season isn't even over yet!"

"Oh no, not about that," he said laughing. "I want you to know that no matter where we are in the world, we'll always talk and find a way to be together. I know it sounds sappy, but things are about to get very hectic for us. I don't know where I'm going to be next fall let alone next year. I need to know that no matter what you'll always be honest with me and that you'll talk to me."

"What are you talking about?" I asked. I set my ice cream down and looked at him. He sounded a tab bit desperate; it was unusual to hear him like this. I didn't like it.

Before he could explain himself I went on, "You're talking as if you know something big will happen. What is it? What's going on?"

"Nothing," he sighed. "I don't know anything. It's just… The show is almost over, whether or not we win is beside the point. After the show wraps I'm not under contract with the network or studio or the show. I can tour with you for a little but I don't know if it'll be enough."

"Enough of…?"

"I just think you'll grow tired of me. You'll figure out that I can't offer you a normal life and you'll walk away from me."

What the hell, I thought? He wasn't making any sense.

"Why would you think that you aren't enough for me?" I questioned. "Have I given you any indication that I'm unhappy?"

"No," he answered. "But you know it's been a long time since I've done the relationship thing. I care for you, Bella, but I still kind of think you'll realize that you could so much better than me. I'm out of practice in this relationship thing and it scares the shit out of me."

"Okay," I said sounding slightly mad. "That sounds like a load of bullshit. I don't care if it's been a long time since you've been with someone. It doesn't matter to me if you had five hundred ex-girlfriends or none. It's just you and me now, okay?"

"Bella, we're in this little bubble now. We're scheduled to be together for the next few weeks, but what happens after that?"

"I don't know, Edward," I answered. "I guess anything you want could happen. What do you want?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "I think things are happening too fast between us. But I also don't want us to be strangers when this is done."

I was hurt. He thought things were going to fast?

Okay, in a way I could see why he would think so. We only knew each other through the show, and we've only known each other for a little over two months. Didn't he know our working partnership played into our progression of an actual relationship? Things like this happened in the dance sport world.

Was this goodbye? Was this his idea of 'taking a break?'

"So, is this your way of saying its over?" I asked.

"No," he replied hurriedly. "It's not over. I'm just being realistic here, Bella. I feel very strongly for you, but I just hope you don't leave. A part of me thinks you'll get up and leave me because one day you will realize I'm not enough for you. I can't give you want you want. I can't commit. I can't do certain things."

And then it all made sense.

"Because of your job?"

He grimaced. "Yes."

"Is that why…."

"I have never had a serious girlfriend before," he explained. "I was never 'tied down' to anyone. I had no expectations. Now, with you, I'm afraid you'll get jealous. Maybe you'll think I love my job more than I love you."

Many things were racing in my head. Edward thought I would leave him. He was scared of the intensity of our relationship and he may have just said 'I love you.'

Did you like the dinner w/the parents?

Edward still doesn't know where he's going because I still don't know lol! You can comment or suggest: Anaheim or Seattle?

If you are confused about Edward's sudden mood swing then you'll have to wait for the next chapter. It is EPOV.

Till next time.

Tina