Chapter 3 "You Don't Love Me."

A/N: I'll be quick. Franz "Fade Together" is playing, it's quite lovely. Also my friends band "Cemeteries and Seagulls" - Drugs in Vegas. "Left & Leaving"- The Weakerthans.

I need to clarify…. Facts in Aus town: it's legal to drink, vote, drive at 18. We spell 'our' in Amex 'or' words, ie. Favourite, colour, neighbour. (despite spell check's attempts to correct.)

Disclaimer: I am not smeyer. Twilight is something I play around with; Bella and Edward also.

***

Ironically, I worked in a sports store. I, being the ultimate klutz, advising people on what gear to buy when they played sports. I remember when I had broken my ankle; I'd fallen upstairs and had been on crutches for six weeks. During this time, I had somehow managed to fall over in the mud, dragging Alice and Rose down with me. They had come out, laughing hysterically, while I suffered the humiliation of a sprained wrist hence my arm was in a sling for a week. Charlie had to push me around on a wheelchair. I refused to go to school. Mortification didn't even come close.

The store was called 'Scott's." I'd been there a year and already knew, I was not cut out for a life in retail. Rose had gotten me the job, she used to work with me, until she decided she hated people and told a customer to "fucking go elsewhere then." I was allowed to work here, yes you heard correctly, 'allowed' by Charlie as long as it was less than 20 hours a week.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was confronted. Well it's more of an assault when it's Eric. He was one of the assumed 'good guys,' the kind who seems like some sort of lap dog just so you'd smile at him and it would become the biggest mistake of your life. Once you smiled, you were stuck in a continuous cycle which left you rejecting Eric on almost a weekly basis. Working with him had become my personal hell.

He pounced as I snuck in through the entrance way. "Is it true Bella?"

I snapped my greeting. "Yep, Eric…is what true?" I had no idea what he was talking about. Last week, I had walked in the door and he had wanted to know if Alice was still single, the time before that it had been questions about my coffee choices, before that it had been about stock take. Clearly Eric was an odd kettle of fish, or however the saying went, and I never knew what he was about to ask.

I was still freaking about the news of Edward and a police record. Freaking about how much he was affecting me. "I'm sorry Eric; it's been a rough morning." I smiled. Eric smiled back; he took a step closer, the creepy grin never leaving his face. Maybe I could drag Jake here on one of his days off, just so Eric would get a clue?

"That's alright Bella, I understand. I get how it is after you've had a late night….it's fine honestly…I just wanted to ask you…Did you spend last night with "The Cullen's?"His hands actually rose in quotation marks making it sound like they were rock and roll superstars. Sure, I knew they had a small following but Eric's reaction was a bit extreme.

"Oh... I hung out with two of them I guess? They had a small party there last night….so yes….Rose is dating Edward so…" I hated tacking the last bit on the end. I hated how I was still torn with the news Charlie had told me this morning. It shouldn't mean anything, should it? It just made more of a confirmation. Edward was Rose's boyfriend. He had also been arrested for drug possession. He was my friend. Nothing more. I smiled back at Eric happy that I had sorted it all out. Then it hit me. "Hang on. How do you know this?"

"It was up on their website this morning. There were photos of you and Carlisle with his soul mate. I think it was in the kitchen, there was a blender in the corner of the photo so I guess it was the kitchen, I'm not really sure though." He trailed off. I had the discreet feeling that Eric had been obsessing over the photos. I thanked god that he didn't have my mobile number.

"Yeah, it would have been…Eric; I don't remember anyone taking photos."

"It was on a camera phone. They have some pretty big fans you know…" again he trailed off. I hadn't even thought something like this could happen. I had spent a lot of time with Jake's band and there had never been any weirdo's like this.

"Oh. I'll have to keep a look out."

"You're going to see them again! What are they like? Are they nice? I recon they would be nice. Did you know I think they're rock gods, fuck…What's their house like? Did you meet their manager? I've seen them play twice… do you think you could maybe get their autograph? It would be so bloody awesome. Does this mean you will be going to their gigs all the time?" and then I heard it.

"Pina Colada anyone?" Shit. Carlisle. And here I was with Mr. fucking creepy as stalker. I felt it in my legs, they sort of buckled away. I knew Edward was with him. I glanced up to acknowledge Carlisle and hoped that at the same time I was showing him I was busy allocating jobs. The glance sent my gut into a tailspin. Edward was watching me closely. My heart rate increased. Shit.

"I don't know Eric…."I gulped. I tried to get air into my lungs. I tried to clear my head. First things first, I needed to get rid of their number one fan so I can work out why they are here. And I do NOT want them to realize how lame I am. "Umm Eric can you price the stuff in the backroom?" I unleashed by man eater smile on him. I don't know exactly why I called it that; seeing as I never seemed to have that many men, but Alice had christened it that. It seemed to distract Eric enough though and he didn't realise who had walked through the door.

"Now?" I just nodded and he skulked off. Eric was creepy on the best of days.

"Bella?" Carlisle continued. I laughed.

"Jeez, you're sounding impatient seeing as I just got rid of your number one stalker fan." I smiled at them both. Carlisle's face broke into a giddy look. "He was questioning me about photos from last night that were on your site this morning."

Carlisle's face broke into one of those smiles that were generally reserved for Christmas morning. "Seriously Bella?" I nodded. He whipped out his phone. It was plastered to his ear for a few seconds. Edward just stared at me. I busied myself with one of the refund books. Playing nervously with the papers I stood behind the front desk.

"Hello." The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. He took a step closer.

"Hey."I swallowed the fear of the police record, of the boyfriend tag. This was Edward.

"Esme said you got in fine last night." I nervously giggled.

"Yeah, I tripped home."

Suddenly a loud crashing noise entered the store. Edward's head whipped to the entrance before it snapped back. He groaned. I memorized the sound. I was a bit slower to look. I recognized his impressive body first. This guy was running into the store, a giant grin on his face. Dimples making him appear like a giant teddy bear. Recognition placed him. It was the third member of the band. I wanted to vomit. It was far too early for this. Feelings in my gut dropped away. Fuck, what away to meet the infamous Emmett Cullen.

Edward's hand rested on the service desk, right next to mine. His fingers flinched towards mine. I moved mine away. His eyes narrowed and he glared, I pretended not to notice. Edward huffed before turning towards Carlisle. I wondered if I had caused the slight edge to his tone. "Carlisle did you have to?"

Emmett grinned. Almost shouting he demanded "Where is he?!!" I laughed.

Carlisle looked just as excited. His head was snapping backwards and forwards between the backdoor and me. "He is in the back…this is Bella by the way Em." I waved.

If possible, Emmett's grin became larger; he reached over the counter and gave me a hug. I swear Edward made a growling noise but when I looked at him, his hand was drumming on the bench. "Hello Bella nice to meet you….you're awfully short there squirt…"

"Emmett is it? Nice to see you with a shirt on." A boisterous laugh came out of him.

"Oh you saw us perform…with Rose the other night?" I nodded. It was pure and simple twilight zone. He was talking about Rose in front of Edward. What the hell.

"Impressed I was." Emmett seemed antsy. His feet were jumping all over the place. Edgy, in a nervous kind of way. It took me a moment to realize he was excited.

"Oh…you're alright squirt….sooooo can I go scare him Please? Please let me scare him in the backroom. Pleeeeeease." Edward laughed. I tried not to stare.

"Go right ahead Emmett." I heard a pouting noise and glanced at Carlisle. "You can go to Cullen." He grinned.

"Just remember it's your funeral…oh and while you're at it…can you tell him I'm seeing someone so he stops asking me out?" the laughing stopped. Emmett nodded before the two of them raced back towards where Eric was. I mean they literally bounced. I watched Emmett with interest,

I wasn't thinking straight. I was left with him. Alone.

I tried to ignore the pull towards Edward that still existed. Momentarily I drifted into a daydream where it was Edward not Emmett who put Eric back in his place, who told him I was his girlfriend.

"Clearly the rest of my band members are used to pseudo celebrity status." His voice startled me back from my moment. I blushed as I turned back to him. We heard a muffled girly scream from the back room and I started laughing. Poor Eric.

"I think Eric called you rock gods if that helps."

Edward sighed and pinched his nose. "Just what Emmett needs a bigger ego?"

I opened a box of stock and fixed the pricing gun. "You seem fairly put out by Emmett."

Edward smirked. "Nah, sounds a bit like that doesn't it? Usually he's my best mate. I'm a little annoyed this morning. Plus you know, we are cousins and all that jazz."

"oh." I wondered why he was annoying him. I presumed it was band related stuff. Edward seemed like the kind of person who'd be embroiled in musician drama. Emmett not so much but I barely knew the guy.

"You see, he just happens to be in love with the girl I'm dating. It's fairly annoying."

"Oh." I didn't say anything. My heart was racing.

"Even more so when she loves him back." So he knew. He sighed. His eyes drilled into mine. I avoided his gaze. I didn't say anything. My work shirt suddenly felt very constricting. The collar seemed to scratch the back of my neck. The tag wasn't sitting right. It was like four hundred degrees in here. The back room was quite. I hoped Eric hadn't lost his cool or anything. There was a very quiet, still and awkward silence. Edward hadn't moved from his spot next to the counter. He was watching to see my reaction. I wanted him to say something else to break the mood.

He didn't.

So instead I made a wide birth, walking around from behind the counter and stood next to a stand that was advertising some new tennis ball. I figured it was a casual enough spot that I could pretend, should my boss walk past, that I was explaining to a customer the finer details of the yellow fluff balls. It also allowed me to watch the counter for customers. Though customers at this time in the morning I didn't expect much of.

Edward made a grunting noise and I turned around to watch him. He was scratching the back of his neck. His head was facing down looking at his shoes. He followed my guise and came and stood next to me. However, he faced me front on.

"So I will skip the pleasantries because well Em had been on my back all morning…. I don't really know how reliable Rose is… but we thought we'd ask you anyway…We're going to a gig tonight…we are watching…. they're locals...I don't mind some of their stuff actually….you've probably seen them…did you want to come?" the butterflies in my stomach appeared. I wondered if he realized how nervous he sounded. Clearly I was not the only one trying to maintain, though failing, this friend façade.

"I don't know what Rose said but if you're going to see 'The Wolves,' that's where I will be."

He scratched the back of his neck. "Oh. Did you already have tickets?"

"No. I am friends with the band."

He nervously laughed. "Jeez. Us and 'The Wolves.' Groupie much?"

"Clever Masen." He flashed me a crooked grin and I struggled to keep my composure.

"So did you need a lift or something? We had planned on chilling at Carlisle's…maybe have our own little party before we go." In the back of my mind I started thinking about Charlie's admission this morning and I briefly wondered, what type of party Edward expected?

"Umm no. It's fine... I usually hang out with Jake and the band before they perform." Why was this so awkward? I felt like this admission about Jake was wounding whatever Edward and I had. It felt like I was cheating on him. Yet he had a girlfriend. He was the one dating Rose. His insecurities about Emmett had nothing to do with me. Well I tried to tell myself that.

"Jake is the lead singer right?" I just nodded.

"Is he the musician you sort of, but aren't really dating."

"Yeah I guess. It's complicated."

"Always is….don't you actually have to write your own music to be classified a musician?"

I crossed my arms over my chest. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Edward but Jake and Quil do."

"So you've physically witnessed this?" I wanted to slap him for being a jerk. I knew it was jealousy but I didn't want to go down that path with him I needed to change the subject. I needed to get away from the subject of Jake. I wasn't ready to tell him how complicated it really was. Before I told him, I had been ignoring Jake's calls for the past two days because I wished it was him calling me. How I hadn't once thought of Jake when we'd almost kissed.

"You have a criminal record." Oh my god. Why the fuck did I feel the need to say that? Was there something wrong with me? I slapped my hand over my mouth. Did I like to humiliate myself in front of Edward? Edward's face became paler. Became more troubled. He hastily shoved his hair off his face. His hands slipping into his pockets. I hurried to fix the awkward silence. "My dad's a cop… he told me this morning."

"You were talking about me to your dad?" he sounded relieved. I didn't understand why.

"You came up." A smug look flashed across his face. One that I desperately wanted to wipe clean. How dare he string me along, saying cryptic things about Rose, commenting on Jake's musical ability and now get some sort of relief from my father knowing of his existence.

"How?"

"He was talking about Jake." Smile gone. Mission accomplished.

The serious Edward face came on. He seemed a little embarrassed."I got it a long time ago."

"For drug possession."

"Yeah. I was a little lost… I guess you'd call it that… for a while."

It didn't make sense. How would my father still remember it if this had happened a long time ago? "When you say a long time…you mean?"

He took a deep breath. Something flickered behind his eyes. I wanted him to calm me, to make me forget about the police record. To remind me of everything that happened last night. The honesty in his words. But his eyes told me everything I needed to know. He was lying to me.

"Ok fine, it was only last year but that's not me anymore. I don't generally go around advertising the shit I've gotten myself into, the record label wouldn't sign me if I had a problem…which I don't...and I never did! …Fuck…... I got off on the charges… there was no intent to sell. I can't explain to you why I did it but there is a very valid reason…just so you know."

"You don't have to justify it to me." Even to my own ears I sounded hollow.

He held his hand up, waving away my interjection. "But Bella, I want to. I need to make you understand."

"Understand what?"

"That's not who I am now."

"Why would you expect me to care?" His face cracked. I saw the mask slip. I saw the fear in his face. He put his hands in his pockets. His shoulders hunched forwards. God I was mesmerised. I am such an idiot.

"Don't you?" it was whispered. Vulnerable.

I heard the clock tick on the wall behind me. I heard shuffling in the backroom. My throat went dry. I struggled to swallow the truth; it still found a way to bubble to the surface. Whispering, I knew he could hear me. "I shouldn't."

The silence came back. It wasn't awkward now. It was charged. Where was Emmett or Carlisle? Where was Eric? What else was I meant to say? I just stared at Edward. He parted his lips as though he was going to say something else. I bit my own. Did I want to tell him? Did I want him to break up with Rose for me? Would he? Could I do that to her? Sure I could. The relationship was a scam anyway. They meant nothing to each other. Just sex. The jealousy tightened. Edward lent in and I didn't think I had the strength to starve off another kiss. There was no backdoor slamming shut. No interruptions. My heart thumped painfully. This was it. Edward and I were going to kiss. At work. In front of a tennis ball stand. Edward's hands touched either side of my jaw. His fingers spreading a tingling feeling along my face. My eyes closed on their own accord. As he got closer he turned my head slightly, kissing my cheek. I wanted more. I inhaled his scent. My hands instinctively grabbed onto his jacket pulling him into me.

He chuckled, "Isabella, you have a customer." I swallowed and glanced at the service desk. I wanted to scream. I wanted to kiss Edward. I wanted to slam his body into the shelving behind him. I wanted to hear him moan my name. Fuck. Focus Bella. Serve the customer and get back to it. I smiled without showing my teeth and marched over to serve the lady. When I was done I looked back to where Edward and I had been standing. He wasn't there. No one else was in the shop. I felt sick. Carlisle and Emmett appeared suddenly.

"You weren't kidding Squirt. That kid is a stalker… so we seeing you tonight?" I didn't digest his words. I couldn't focus on what he was saying.

I didn't say anything, I stood there stunned. Carlisle gave me a hug and walked out waving. Emmett stayed behind. I knew he understood. I felt tears in my eyes. This wasn't fucking fair.

"Em, I need them to break up." He smiled sadly at me.

"It will sort its self out."

"When Emmett, when?" I can't fucking wait anymore. It's too complicated. They don't like each other. Why are they still together? They are both fucking around on the other. And if Edward and my relationship is purely platonic in his eyes, I am so fucking screwed.

"When, I am not a fucking dickhead. When Rose believes me. When Edward gets over himself. When Jake is out of the picture."

"There is nothing happening with Jacob."

"Squirt don't lie to me. Eric may stalk our site but Edward spent half the morning looking at the Wolves' web page. Every single picture you're in it. In every single photo of Jake his arm is around you. Edward's doing what he does best, ignoring the problem. He just…he's acting different with you. Remember that ok…. I'll see you tonight?" I nodded and just like Edward, he kissed my cheek.

I told a near stranger more than I could process.

***

It felt wrong to be so dressed up. I twirled around in front of the mirror, my new thigh length black dress with black tights on. Alice had chosen it of course. I had put her on loud speaker and dictated the entire contents of my wardrobe to her. She had a date this evening, otherwise she would have come straight over. I think she knew something was up because she kept asking questions about Edward and Emmett. I mumbled a few answers. It felt wrong to be waiting for Jake to pick me up at six thirty. But I was. Part of me wondered if I had put so much effort into how I looked because I knew Edward was going to be there.

"Hello Bella." He pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek. I tried not to cringe at his touch. How had I ever thought this situation benefited either of us?

"Jake." I tried to smile properly and he grinned back like a Cheshire Cat.

He glanced me up and down as though appraising. "Something's different Bella." I swallowed the guilt. Fuck. Could he tell I had almost kissed another guy? Could he tell I wasn't up to playing charades anymore? I wanted to scream. I wanted to run away and hide I wanted to have my friend Jacob back, not this screwed up relationship. I wanted out. "New dress?" I nodded. He smiled and causally pulled his arm around me.

"It's the usual tonight. Claire is coming though."

"Great. It's been a while since I've seen her."

"yeah, I think she is still lying to her mother but whatever."

The usual meant we'd hang out with the band at a local bar. The boys didn't drink excessively because of the gig. They all had their own traditions, Quil liked to do shots of tequila. Embry liked to kiss one of the groupies, well I pretended it was only a kiss…and Jake liked to nurse a bourbon with playing a game of pool with their manager, Sam. Claire and I watched this all. It was very mundane boring stuff but every pre-gig get together was different. Every pre-gig get together involved different friends the boys had met, different girls they had gathered.

Claire was a girlfriend of one of the guys in the band, she was also just 16. I remember the first time her mother came marching in and busted her kissing Quil and doing shots with him. Her mother had grounded her for three months. Yes three. It was excessive and hadn't affected their relationship, well not that I could see. Together we were the only regular girls. Sam preferred what he called 'a quick female roll over.'

Claire and I were chilling in a corner booth watching the boys from a distance, watching the groupies strut their stuff. I had to laugh, half of them were the same ones I'd seen stand next to Rose at "the Cullen's," gig. They apprised me with distasteful looks. I took a sip of my drink and laughed. God I wanted to forget the politics of relationships tonight.

Claire nervously took a sip. Though Claire and Quil were so mature about their relationship, Claire was still a young kid. She was still in her early years of high school. I think she had felt weird talking to me like she talked to her closest friends, I was so much older. It was kind of like forced conversation, having said that, we were fairly close due to our frequency at the Wolves gigs. "So Bells, managed to lock Jacob down yet?"

"Nah Claire, I haven't."I hadn't expected her to raise the issue. I wanted to change the subject. Thinking about Jake made me realise how the past few days I had barely given him a thought. I wasn't like Claire. Her life and Quils revolved around each other. He worried about having late gigs because she had school the next day. She worried that he would lose interest in her because she always had to do her homework. It was phenomenal to watch. They had a real connection. The kind that they write about it movies. Jake and I were just not like that.

"You should soon, there are some groupies seriously buzzing… not that you have to worry about Jake or anything...I just meant…I j-" she tended to backtrack when she was nervous. I really wanted to change the subject. I didn't want to think about it.

"Its fine Claire…what do your parents think you're doing every time the boys have a gig?"

She giggled at me. "They think I am helping a political activist campaign…one that demands equal rights for American Indians…biggest load of bullshit. I just have to promise them I won't get arrested or protest on TV."

"So they are fine with that but not Quil?"

"Yes, that's right. It's so unfair. But it doesn't matter what they think. Once I'm 18, we're getting married and then they don't have any say."

"Married? You and Quil?" she smiled and sighed at me. I instantly felt sick, Jesus she was so young.

"Yeah. He's it Bella. I don't see anyone else…he loves me….I'm sure you know... you and Jake have been 'it' for what two years?"

"I suppose." I tried to smile. Tried to keep up the façade. "But don't you just think what if there is something else? Someone else?"

"No, I don't. My parents think I have some innocent crush on Quil and he is taking advantage of me. But they don't understand. It's not like Quil is some stranger, I have known him my entire life. He is just everything I want and need, so why continue searching. The idea is ridiculous." I realized then, Claire was feeling somewhat insulted by what I was saying.

Plus, nothing I could ever say would change her mind. "I wasn't referring to you and Quil Claire…just in general you know." She shrugged.

We sat in silence for a few minutes before she spoke up.

"Come on Bells. None of this serious grown up talk… I am after all still a minor… I think it's time we join Quil for some shots… what do you say?" I hated tequila. Too many bad memories with a bottle of Jakes trusty José curveo. Yet I nodded to Claire, keen to ignore the fear in the back of my head. What if Jake thought I was it, all he needed?

***

"You ready for this?" I nodded. Claire nodded. We grabbed each other's hands tightly. Clinked our shotties and downed number 3. Claire burst out laughing with the tequila in her mouth. I laughed openly spraying mine back at her. Salt drenched our wrists and lemon grinds sat on the bar. She pulled me onto the dance floor. It was some flashy number that I barely recognized. Claire sung it directly at Quil. He stood at the bar shaking his head.

The party had moved down to the crowded bar. The audience had filled in quite quickly, 'The Wolves' liked to mingle with the crowd, watch the other bands before they performed. They always gave Claire and I the choice, we could enjoy the show from here or go backstage and watch them prep. Knowing Edward and Emmett were coming, I'd already told Jake I'd be catching up with some friends. But that was still an hour or so away. For now, I was content to shot with Claire. Both of us were under aged but it didn't matter when we had our fakes. She pulled me back to the bar again, keen to get another drink. This one didn't even make it to my mouth, I laughed, spilling it down my front.

"And there goes your new dress Bells." Suddenly everything Jake said was hilarious. I launched onto him. Laughing like an insane women. Next to me Claire was throwing herself at Quil. He caught her and she clinked her legs around his waist. Throwing my arms around Jakes neck, I ran my hands through his jet black hair. Irritation appeared on his face.

"Don't touch my hair Bells." I laughed. He sounded like a little princess. My laughs were cut off mid air when I realized he was serious. I licked my lips hoping I had a little more tequila on them.

"No more Bells, I don't want have to clean up after you later."

"You're no fun Dad."

"Christ. Can you imagine how dead I'd be if Charlie saw you?"

Again I laughed like an insane person. He kissed away my laugher though. Kissing Jake was like kissing someone permanently on heat. It was ridiculous. Every kiss, he always tried to deepen it. None of the subtle PDA kisses just full blown, back against the wall. He told me it was because I brought out a strong side of him, but in my eyes it was Jake's way of making sure everyone in the room knew I was his, even when he hadn't claimed me fully yet. To be honest, I hated it. I felt like he was putting me on display. Jake tossed his arm around me as he ordered another beer.

Claire nudged me from my stupor then.
"And here they are…. Oh my god Bella…isn't that Rose?" I nodded in the direction she was pointing. My mouth went dry. I needed another shot. Like Jakes on mine, Edwards arm was thrown around Rose's shoulders. Rose wore one of her many man eater dresses, short, low cut and red…yet it didn't look tacky on her. She had a tight black jacket draped over her shoulders. Her long blonde hair was scuffed up enough to fuel my jealous fire. I swallowed trying to keep the tequila down. They had, had sex again. Recently. Probably on the way here. When had I become so obsessed with their sex life? The two of them were laughing whole heartedly at something, throwing their heads back in perfect syncracy. I felt my world shatter. Everything Emmett had said to me this afternoon had been a lie. They weren't going to break up, they couldn't, and they loved each other.

I closed my eyes tight. I wanted to get rid of the visual. I wanted to open my eyes and have the entire situation in front of me removed. But it didn't happen. It was irrational. Painful. Aching. Every particle in my body screamed to be her.

My eyes opened and he was still there.

With her.

And I was here. With Jake.

I felt the knife cut into my heart. It was irrational. It was painful. I wanted to scream at him. Cry. Hit something. Rose was kissing him back.

"Is she dating Edward Masen?" again I nodded. I couldn't speak.

Jake took another swig of his beer. "He's a fucking dick that guy." I sobered up and I felt anger pulse through me. It was irrational to feel the need to defend Edward but I did. It was irrational to say anything especially when he was flaunting Rose right in front of me. I couldn't see Emmett. I couldn't see Carlisle or Esme. I couldn't see any of them.

Quil interrupted my analysis of them. "I hate those guys."

"Why?" I didn't recognize my own voice. It was squeaky. I needed another shot. I needed another something, anything to drown out the unconscious Edward pull.

"They pretend we don't have this mass competition for gigs but I know for a fact their manager called up one of the places that had hired us and said we were unprofessional and volia, they got the gig."

Quil's eyes rolled back."Oh that's what happened at Hi-fi yes?"

"Yes! We had it all lined up…I bet it was their dumbarse prick of a lead's idea." Jake tacked the end on and I felt my anger rise.

"If that actually happened the way you said it did Jacob Black then I'm sure that would have been their manager's idea. Not Edwards…I know for a fact he doesn't mind your music."

"You know him?" the feelings in my gut returned. It felt wrong to be discussing Edward with Jake.

"Yeah. I know him…and Carlisle and Emmett…I think they're good guys." I grabbed Jake's beer and took a swig. I knew Jake was staring at me. Trying to get me to spill more. I ignored him. Quil was staring as well.

"So…Claire another shot?" she gave Quil a look. The two of them were conspiring. I drank more of Jake's beer. Quil and Claire moved away from me and Jake. Leaving us alone. Jake glared at me but I kept my eyes on the crowd around us. I hated when he became all defensive.

"Bella, please tell me 'The Cullen's,' aren't the 'friends' you'll be hanging out with later?" again I ignored him. He sounded so angry. So pissed, like I was keeping this from him deliberately. How was I meant to know there was some sort of band rivalry? "Bella."

I snapped. "Yes Jake they are." I took another sip. I didn't care if Jake had already asked me not to drink. I didn't care if I later ran into Edward. I just wanted to forget the sight of Rose and Edward together. "Now I need another drink." I stormed off towards the bar. I was happy that no one followed me. My legs were sluggish, it was more to do with the emotions I was feeling than to do with the alcohol. How had I been so stupid? Why was I being so cruel to Jake? Clearly Edward was happy with Rose and had no need for me. I tried to blink back the tears as I stood at the bar waiting to be served.

"Fancy seeing you here." I recognized the voice but I ignored it. It was coming from my left. I could tell it was Edward. I could feel the pull without him having spoken. "Hey Bella." This time the voice was closer, again I ignored him. He tapped me on the shoulder. I was ice queen. A barman appeared in front of me. He smiled at me and I felt queasy. What was with all the sleazes in this bar? I felt Edward move closer as though trying to scare the barmen away.

"Raspberry lemonade and a tequila shot thanks."

"Sure thing love… that's $14.50." I rummaged in my bag. Where was that free drink card Jake had given me?

Of course he had to answer while I was in bag struggletown. "I've got it."

I didn't miss the irony in what I was saying. "No thank you Edward. I can buy my own drinks thanks." I avoided eye contact, I didn't even turn my head, instead snapping at the space I knew he was standing in. I sounded so angry. I sounded like a jealous brat. I sounded like I was hurt. I through the drink card at the barmen. He stamped it and gave it back to me. "Thank you." I smiled, my man eater smile, hoping Edward would get the hint that I was pissed off at him. I lined up the lemon and salt. My wrist was sticky but I still licked it and put the salt on it. But as I reached for my shot, Edwards hand shot out and grabbed it.

"Another tequila please." The barmen narrowed his eyes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward returned the glare. I stood their patiently waiting for Edward to give my drink back to me. The barmen plunked the drink down in front of Edward. Edward paid, his hand still outstretched over my drink. I knew he was standing directly next to me now. I inhaled deeply, hoping it made me sound pissed off and secretly it allowed me to inhale his scent. Tonight it was a mix of bourbon and smokes. He wasn't wearing his leather jacket then. I mentally berated myself for knowing that without looking.

"Can I have my drink back please?" my tone had turned icy. I still didn't turn my head. I still maintained a distance.

Edward sighed. His voice didn't sound any different though. It was still low, velvety and made my skin tingle. "On the count of three we do it together alright?" I didn't say anything. I pretended I wasn't acknowledging him.

"Bella!" his tone was low. Urgent. Angry.

I avoided his glare and snapped in his general direction. I was fuming. How dare he dictate what I can drink "What Edward, why do I have to do my shot with you?"

"Because it's terribly sad if you're standing at a bar having shots on your own. Plus we're in this together, right?"

I didn't respond straight away. I stared at the wall behind the bar. I tried to think about what he was saying but all I could see was Rose's face. All I could see was that I was in this alone. I was standing at a bar, thinking about the boy next to me while he gallivanted the night away. He obviously didn't feel the same. I was alone.
"Whatever Edward."

"One…two….jealousy doesn't suit you Bells…three." I shot the tequila and spun around to face him. He was gone. I glanced up and I saw his hair disappear into the crowd. At the last second I saw his face turn to face me. He gave me a meaningful glance that promised we'd talk later. I was overcome with sadness. I swallowed the tears. I hated how I felt. I hated how he made me feel.