Chapter Three

Speed Dating

EPOV

As I got out of the car a sense of dread washed over me. Not again, I thought not more people to judge me. As I walked toward the entrance of the bar, after parking the car, somewhere reasonably safe or so I hoped. I noticed just how many people there were, including a girl with long brown hair looking anxiously at her surroundings. I smile fervently and hoped that I wouldnt end up scaring her away. Perhaps, tonight mightn't be as bad as thought it would. I might even have to admit to Emmet, that not all his ideas are utterly crap.

BPOV

Great, I think as I stand at the door. It's absolutely packed and it's freezing. Just as these thoughts began to cross my mind, I turn around and notice a handsome guy around my age, with tousled bronze hair and a crooked smile, staring over at me. But before I've even had a chance to smile back, I start getting pushed forward. As the crowd is finally ushered into the warm confines of the bar.

Fortunately, not everyone in the crowd was there for the speed dates, but there were still at least twenty different guys that I would have to meet. Probably all with the exact same pretence, to get someone into bed with them that or they were a bunch of oafs.

Then, out of the corner of my eye I spot the guy who was smiling at me before. God he's gorgeous I think as he starts coming towards me. I can't believe a guy like him would even think to come on a speed date. As if he would need to " Hi, my name's Edward Cullen" he began introducing himself rather shyly. With a magnifecnt velvet voice which sounded better than i would have ever imagined.

"Hi, umm... I'm Isabella Swan, but call me Bella." My god, why am I being so formal, there is no way that it could be considered normal. He must think Im a freak.

Clearing his throat he began talking again, "They're, ah... Taking a while to get started aren't they?"

"Yeah, I guess. I've never been to one of these things before" I responded shyly.

"Me neither, this was my brother Emmet's idea, he made me come. Probably, his way of getting time with his girlfriend."

I felt my face go red as I begin to blush at his last comment, realising the undertone of his words.

Obviously taking in my bright red cheeks he began to apologise. "Oh, im sorry I guess it's not something you really needed to know was it."

"Not really, but it's fine, honestly, my friend made me come too."

He smiled in reply. Before our conversation could progress they finally began the speed dates. Breaking me and Edward out of our own little world.

"Now" said the woman who was obviously in charge," the whole aim of tonight is to get to meet new people and hopefully find a match. "Ladies, I'm going to ask you to find the table with your name on it. Just in the next room, it's to your left. And the men will be coming in soon to meet you."

As I got up to find my table Edward gently grabbed my wrist and whispered in my ear "I can't wait to get to know you better. Good luck".

After a few moments of shock, I whisper back. Something like, "me too, and good luck, I'll miss you."

..............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Once I had found my table in the other room I replayed our conversation in my mind. Realising, that I had played the ultimate fool and that by saying that I'd miss him he would think me desperate. Not noticing that the men had come and that one had seated themselves at my table. Until I heard a loud cough.

'Oh Sorry...Umm. Hi I'm Bella"

"No worries, I'm Bill"

"Bill right so ..., umm"

"I think you're meant to be asking questions" He said smirking.

"Sure... What do you want me to ask?" I questioned deciding to play dumb. Since, my mind was now well and truly stuck on one person. Edward. Who would've thought that someone I'd spent a whole five minutes with had the ability to imprint themselves on my mind possibly even my heart.

With an a last exasperated look at me, he gave up and spent the rest of the time looking at the other couples talking easily.

At last they rang the bell which signalled for the men to switch tables.

"Bye," he mumbled sulkily.

"Oh, Bye nice meeting you".

EPOV

What a disaster, speed dating! What a great idea not.

The only event of my evening that was worth thinking about was meeting Bella. Who seemed like a genuinely nice person, not to mention the fact that she was beautiful too. But right now I was stuck with some women, who had decided to become attached to me. She was practically on top of me, how embarrassing. Who would've thought five minutes with one person could seem like such a long time. I wish they'd just hurry up and ring the damn bell, already. So I can get this leech of a woman off of me. Not to mention the fact that if Bella saw what was happening, any chance of us having a civil relationship would be out the window.

BPOV

I was counting down the people, until the time when i would finally get to see Edward again. But it was as though the world had decided to slow down to an agonnizingly slow pace just to prolong the time when we would see eachother again. But having him as the last person i would meet was actually rather good, in one way. As it gave me an incentive to keep Alice's bargain, and not leave halfway through, even though at one time I wasn't sure if even Edward was worth it. As, I was practically being smothered by some guy, who was, just a little too over the top. To be honest more like a lot over the top but anyway. The fact is he scared me to death.

But thankfully in less than five minutes I would get another chance to talk to him again. As the last bell rang, I felt relieved as I said goodbye to the last guy that I was with. As I said good bye however, and saw Edward coming my way. I felt my body begin to react. Feeling rather stupid myself, as i too had trouble trying to restrain myself from smothering him.

I waited for him to take a seat, before greeting him. Where we then left off from where we began earlier, except this time there were a lot more questions and a lot more answers. But before we finish the warning bell goes telling us that we have only a few short minutes to spare. Edward asks me very politely whether or not we could grab a drink after we had finished.

"Sure, why not' I answer in haste worried he might change his mind in a matter of seconds.

Laughing at my hasty response we continued talking and discussing our other disastrous speed dates. The last bell went and we were given time to add up our scores, which i managed to do in a manner of seconds before ducking outside and ringing Alice to tell her the good news.

"Hello, Jasper speaking,"

"Hi Jasper, umm... why are you answering Alice's mobile."

"Huh, oh, umm.. right sorry we were just..."said Jasper his words becoming a blur.

"Oh, right sorry. Forget I asked, Umm... can you put Alice on, or is she still uhh... Busy" I continued trying to finish without laughing and further embarrassing Jasper. But it was just too hard to hold my laughter in. Poor Jasper, I bet that I had managed to embarrass the hell out of him.

"Sure. I'll put her on" he answered after a long pause."Bye, Bella"

"Hey Bella, What's wrong? Is everything OK?"

'Yeah, fine actually. And From what I've gathered everything's going...well there too."

"Oh, Is that why Jasper looked so red". And with this last comment there was no hope of me not laughing at the two of them. When I finally came to my senses a matter of minutes later Alice began talking again, trying hard not to laugh either at what she had said.

"So as I was saying, what's wrong? Do you want me to come pick you up early?"

"No actually, I was wondering if you could pick me up a bit later."

"Oh my god, you met someone didn't you. I told you so"

"Yeah, actually I did meet someone, he's really nice."

"Aww, I'm so happy for you, what's his name?"

"Edward, umm... Ive got to go, heaven forbid I might miss the end. Bye Alice"

"Bye, have fun and be safe."

"Yes mum," I answered back glad of her concern. But deciding I might as well make fun of her.

"Hey, I'm just looking out for you, and if I didn't then who would?"

"Sounding more and more like my mother every day" I mumbled." Bye I'm going now.'

"Fine, Bye"

After hanging up on Alice, I try as gracefully as possible as I was able to, slip back into the bar. However, someone did notice my absence as standing in the corner was Edward with a worried look on his face and wondering eyes looking to find me. Probably worried that his date had bailed. As he finally spots me he smiles and starts to make his way over towards me. "Hey, where'd you go? I was starting to think that I'd have to send out a search party."

"Sorry, I had to call my friend and ask her if she could pick me up later.""

"So, you don't drive".

"Ah, well," I began "my friend Alice the one who's idea it was for me to come. Well, she was worried I'd get drunk and crash into something. So she thought it was safer she drove."

"So, are you prone to getting drunk and crashing into things," He said on the verge of laughter.

"Well, no I'm just not coordinated."

'"When you're drunk or... "

"Not just when I'm drunk, pretty much all the time".

"I'll try to remember that," He smiled looking down at me

The woman who was in charge, began speaking over us,' I know some of you are wanting to go home. But if I can have your attention for a few more moments. All we ask is for you to leave you're cards up the front with me and if you have a match with someone we'll give you their email so they can get in contact. So I hope everyone had a good night and had fun. Feel free to go, once you've placed your score cards up the front".

'So" Edward began "where do you want to go?"

"I don't know. You can choose. Preferably away from that guy over there" I said grabbing his hand and leading him towards the door.

"Why? What happened? He didn't hurt you did he?'Edward asked worry clear in his velvet clear voice.

"Nothing, don't worry. He just scares me that's all.'

'Are you sure that's all?"He asked still worried.

"Yes, I promise. I'll feel better once we get out of here." Trying to stop his worrying and get out of the bar at the same time..

Once we get outside I begin to relax again. "So, do you know any were we should go', I ask him nonchalantly. Trying to get him to forget about my hurry to get out of the bar.

'What do you like/ Italian, Thai, Chinese you choose" still slightly hesitant

"Edward, honestly it's fine. I can tell that you're still worrying, forget about it."

'Fine I will, But if you ever want to talk to someone. I'll listen'

"Thank You, Edward. Oh and by the way I like Italian food," answering his previous question with a smile

'I Italian it is then" he said gently taking my hand and leading me towards the restaurant.

Our time in the restaurant seemed to flyby and before I knew it was almost midnight.

With a sigh looked over to see Edward staring nervously at me. Neither of us wanting tonight to end.

'I suppose I should ring Alice to come pick me up, It's getting late and I have class tomorrow.'

"If you want I can give you a lift. My cars back near the bar though if you don't mind going back up there again. Or I can bring the car down here and..."

I cut him off before he could finish,' Thanks, would it be Ok. I might just ring Alice anyway to let her know not to worry."

'Of course. Did you want to steer clear of the bar?"

"It should be fine' I answer not wanting to ruin tonight by making things into a big deal.

"Ok, If you're sure '

After calling Alice and letting her know I was I fine, we headed off towards the car hand in hand.

Continuing to ask each other questions about our favourite things.