Authors note- So this is my very first fan-fic. I would you to leave some feedback and let me know what you think. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments.
Disclaimer: I sadly do not own Twilight or it's characters. They belong to the wonderfully talented Stephanie Meyer. I do own All of the books, Twilight the movie, a team Edward shirt, and pre-ordered tickets to New Moon.
Chapter two
"Man Bells something smells delicious in here" came Jacob's husky voice from the doorway
It's nothing special Jake, just some Chicken Alfredo." I replied not looking up from the pan. Jake's to perceptive, I know my emotions were still written on my face.
"Bella what's wrong?" How does he do that, I didn't even look at him.
"Nothing Jake." I huffed out
"Come on Bella, I know you better then that. You know you want to tell Jakey all your problems."
"Actually Jakey I don't, because there is nothing to tell." I lied. With that said I turned towards him and said "Could you please bring the plates out to the table." I might as well not have been talking, Jake was zoned in on my eyes. Dang it I thought I was under control.
"Bella seriously, what's wrong." his voice no longer having that joking quality to it.
"Jake I promise you it's nothing. Something happened today, no I don't want to talk about it, and it brought up old painful memories."
He had that look on his face that said he wasn't going to drop it. I sighed and said "Seriously Jake, it was nothing, when I am ready to talk about I will tell you, but until then drop it." It came out little harsher then I intended. Giving me a slightly hurt expression. He just nodded his head and said "Sure, sure." before grabbing the plates and walking out of the room.
"Jake" I called out after him, he didn't come back. Great I am doing awesome today. Maybe my goldfish will die and I can top this day off with a cherry. Groaning I grabbed the dish of Alfredo and headed to my dining room.
Once the food was served, the conversation started flowing. Alice was going into descriptive detail about the new shipment she got at her boutique, the only people paying attention to her was Rose and Jess. Mike was telling funny stories about his and Jess's honeymoon. Emmett was basically talking to himself about football and I was trying to desperately make eye contact with Jake to convey my apologies. He wasn't cooperating. Once dinner was finished, we all settled in to watch the movies. Some Gerard Butler later Mike and Jess called it a night promising that they would go out with us this weekend. I popped in the next movie and plopped back down on the couch to Alice. She reached out and grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. I smiled at her to let her know I was okay.
Once the movie was finished, Angela and Ben called it a night. Emmett and Rose followed shortly after. Alice helped me clean up, while the guys talked about guy things. We finished in no time, I wasn't really in the mood for a conversation, so I let her jabber on about her boutique. Once were finished Alice rounded up Jasper and headed for the door. After saying goodnight to Jake she wrapped her arms around me squeezing me tightly.
"Do you want me to stay" she said quietly so no one else would hear her.
"No go home, I'm fine really." I whispered back.
She let go of me and headed out but not before she reminded that she was coming over tomorrow. Once they were gone, I turned to Jake finding him slipping into his jacket.
"Jake" I started
"It's fine Bella." He said cutting me off "I know I get to pushy sometimes, I just don't like seeing you hurt."
"I'm okay Jake, if I've survived the last four years, I'll survive a bad day here and there."
"I know honey, just know I am here for you" he said wrapping me up in his arms, picking me up and squeezing me.
"I know that Jake." I said as he set me back down "Get home safe"
"I will" and with that he dropped a kiss on to the top of my head and left my apartment.
I shut the door and leaned back against it with a sigh. I took in my empty living room and realized how much brighter it was filled with my friends. At least there no memories of Edward here though, I moved out of the apartment he and I shared about a year and a half after he left. His piano now sits in my guest room, I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. I could have shipped it back to his parent's, Carlisle and Esme but I wanted, needed to keep something of his. Even if it was painful, it was a solid reminder that he does exist somewhere.
Pushing myself off the door I made my way through the apartment turning off lights as I went. Once I was in my bedroom I found myself doing something I hadn't done in about two years. I made my to my closet and reaching into the very back I pulled out the garment bag that hung there. Laying it on my bed, I slowly unzipped it, revealing my wedding dress. It was still the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. Alice, Rose, and I searched for it for weeks. After being drug into countless wedding shops, I found it at a hole in the wall thrift store, much to Alice's dismay. It was an ivory, strapless gown. It has a fitted bodice with hand stitched slivery flowers that started on the left breast and snaked all the way around the dress ending at the bottom of the full skirt. Throughout the flowers were tiny crystals.
Staring at the dress that would never be worn ripped my chest open and all the old hurt came back to the surface. I lay down next to the dress grabbing it and crushing it to my chest. Surprisingly no tears came. I think I had no more to shed over Edward and the what might have been. I always figured the first time I saw Edward again, it would be something elaborate. Like one of our friends weddings, or maybe even a funeral. It think it really threw me off seeing him in a very ordinary place, like a video store. Maybe that's why I'm not reacting the way I thought I would. I mean I am mad, it definitely brought up old pain and memories, but I thought it would destroy me. But it didn't. I got through a relatively ordinary night with my friends, I held myself together for the most part, minus the breakdown in the car with Alice. I know in the morning I will want to get out of bed, and I am still excited to go to the club opening on Friday with the gang. Maybe I was really finally moving on.
After an extremely long day at the office, I finally burst into my apartment feeling much more frazzled then I usually do. I dumped my purse and work satchel onto to the ground, kicking off my heels I about groaned. Who ever invented those death traps should be maimed and quartered. Flexing my feet, I headed to my bedroom to change into my comfortable sweats and tank top. I was almost there when the bedroom door opened and I screamed.
"Bella, whatever is your problem." squeaked out Alice, she was grabbing onto her chest like I was the one scaring the crap out of her.
"Alice we really need to put a bell on you" I gasped out "What are you doing here?"
"I told you I was coming over today." she answered innocently
"I know that, but I figured that meant after I was home." I said irritation in my voice
"Well I decided to take advantage of the fact I have a key to your apartment, and come pick out your outfit for Friday." she said "I mean we only have two days for me to shop if you had nothing decent."
"Alice I am perfectly capable of dressing myself you know? I have been doing it since I was five, I think twenty one years is enough experience." I huffed out
"Oh Bella, how forgetful you are, just last night you promised to three different Bella Barbie moments. Saturday is one of them." she reminded me
"How could I forget." I said pushing past her into the bedroom. I noticed she had yanked out about five different outfits out of the closet, each with their own coordinating shoes and accessories. At that moment I was glad that I remembered to put the wedding dress away. I really didn't need her thinking I was going off the deep end.
"Alice just long have you been here?" I asked after looking at the outfits.
"Oh just a few hours, things were slow today at the store, so I headed over here around noon" she said thoughtfully
"You have been here for six hours." I said laughing
"Well it takes time to work my magic." she huffed "I wouldn't have to do this if you would just let me replace your whole wardrobe you know."
"Not going to happen Alice" I laughed "So which outfit is it going to be?"
"Well I really like this red wrap dress" she said with concentration all over her face "but Rose usually goes with red, I would say it is in between the yellow dress and the purple one."
The first choice was a strap less satin bright yellow a-line dress with poofy black tulle sticking out the bottom, it also had a wide black belt that sat on the waist. She combined it with yellow, Steve Madden pumps, and chunky black jewelry. The second choice was a deep purple tunic dress, long sleeves, and a low wide collar. She chose Black pumps and a black teardrop necklace. I knew for a fact that she had snuck both outfits into my closet because I had no recollection of buying either.
"Well I am no help with this Alice, if it was up to me I would wear jeans and a t-shirt." I said grabbing my sweats from their drawer.
"That's why it's not up to you." she said "I need to ponder this for a few minutes, lets go order some Chinese take out and talk."
After our order of fried rice, orange chicken, and spring rolls arrived we settled onto the sofa to have our "talk"
"So Bella" Alice started "How are you feeling today?"
"Alice I told you yesterday I am fine." I said poking at my spring roll "I mean, was it weird and painful to see Edward, yes, but I think that I am handling it okay."
She looked at me skeptically, like she didn't believe me. Before she could dispute me I said
"I know I had that freak out in your car, it was expected to happen, I haven't seen or heard from him since the morning of, well you know. But just because that happened doesn't mean that I am going to shut down and go into auto-Bella. Those days are behind me. Last night when I was laying in bed, I realized that I wasn't as upset as I thought I would be. I'm more shocked then anything else."
"Are you sure Bella, no one would blame you for having a mini crisis over this. I mean we could find out were he lives and egg his stupid Volvo at least." she suggested
"I'll keep that in mind Alice, that's if he even has the Volvo anymore." I said
"Oh you know he does, he loved that car to much to part with It." she quipped
"Well at least he loved something enough, not to part with it." I tried to joke but failed miserably when Alice gave me her sad face.
"It was a joke Alice, I promise." I sighed "So I actually have something to ask you, but I don't want you making to big of a deal of it okay?"
"Okay" she promised "What is it?"
"Well I was thinking if it wasn't to short of notice, if maybe that guy from Jasper's firm your always trying to push on me, Riley Carter, would like to join on us on Friday." I managed to get out without turning bright red.
"Like a date" she squealed
"Yes, Alice like a date" I said
"BELLAYOURGOINGTOLETMESETYOUUPONADATE" She screamed out in one long sentence.
"Alice you promised that you were not going to make a big deal of this." I reprimanded her.
"Oh Bella, I'm sorry, I am just so excited, a real date.' she giggled out "You are definitely wearing the Yellow dress. It's fun and flirty, just like you are going to be on Friday."
" You will definitely like Riley, you guys have more in common then you know." she added mysteriously,
"Okay enough about Friday, Let's talk about something else. Like is that your huge
Wedding binder on the table?" I said pointing to the huge white and pink binder taking up a good portion of my table.
"Well I figured since my wedding is only three months away, that there was things I needed to go over with my MOH." she said.
"Your what?" I asked
"My MOH, Maid of honor, you silly" she looked at me like I was an idiot
Rolling my eye's I said "Really Alice, MOH, can't you just say the words."
"Watch Made of honor with Mcdreamy, then you'll know what I am talking about." she laughed
"Okay Alice what is it that you need to do?" I asked making a face, I hate wedding planning
"Well if this is to awkward for you, with everything that happened yesterday, when can do it another day, or I can even do it by myself." she said, she must have seen the uncomfortable look on my face.
"Alice, I have made it through three wedding's since Edward has left. Emmett and Rose's, Angela and Ben's, and Mike and Jess's. Believe me when I say I can handle yours. Plus I am your MOH I obviously need to help you right." I said to cheer her up.
"Thanks Bella." she squealed launching herself at me
It took me naming off all the wedding's to realize that almost everyone was married. It will only be just Jake and I after June. I'm sure Jake's not to far behind everyone else though, him and Vanessa have a very strong relationship, I'm sure after two years he has to be getting ready to pop the question. Then it will be just me. Just to think just a few years ago I was the butt of many jokes for being the first one headed to the alter. Now I would be the last, if ever.
After an hour of wedding planning, Alice decided that she need to get home to Jasper. She gathered all her things and my outfit for Friday stating that I was due at her house at 6 o'clock on the dot for Barbie time on Friday. She promised to call me tomorrow and let me know the verdict on Riley going with us. She thought she was so funny since Riley and Jasper are both lawyers and she said verdict. I laughed at her corny joke and then shooed her out the door. It took me exactly ten minutes after she left to be in bed and asleep.
The rest of the week passed uneventfully and thankfully with no more sightings of Edward. Alice did call the next day to tell me that Riley was stoked to finally meet the famous Bella. I woke up Friday morning with the residue of a dream floating around in my head. Edward was in my dream, we were in a darkened forest, I could barley make out the path we were on. At first we were holding hands as we walked. He would stop every few feet and pick flowers. He would hand them over to me with this look of love on his face. After a while he stopped and turned to me, with a grimace he pulled his hand free and took of running. I started chasing him but it was like running in water, no matter how fast I tried to go I could not catch him. Eventually I could go no further my legs were burning and I couldn't catch my breathe. I stopped and looked around in fear, I had no idea were in the forest I was. I realized that I was still clutching the flowers in my hand, I looked at them but instead of the beautiful bouquet of wild flowers that Edward had picked now I held a bouquet of dead weeds and thistle.
I woke up with a start, my hand clutching sheets instead of dead weeds. A feeling of dread stayed with me all day. I tried not to think about the dream or Edward but whenever I had a moment to my self, it would resurface and I would feel the panic and fear from my dream creeping up on me. I tried to immerse myself in my work but that didn't work, finally at five o'clock I decided I would get no more work done and I headed to Alice and Jasper's house. On my way there I let myself dwell on the dream and it's meaning. As I was pulling in to Alice's drive I decided that it had no real meaning, that it was probably only a mixture of old memories and fears from seeing Edward and also my anxiety of my first date since Edward. After realizing this I felt silly for spending so much of day on it.
The sense of dread I had been feeling all day had lessened considerably and I was feeling almost giddy by the time I got to Alice's door. Before I could even knock the door flew open I was being pulled towards the bathroom at a pace that left me thanking the heavens that I had wore flats, if not I would be spending the evening in the local emergency room…again.
"It is about time Isabella Marie." Alice bite out as she shoved me into the chair in her bathroom.
"Alice." I said checking my watch "It is only 5:40, you said to be here at six, technically I am twenty minutes early.
"There is no such thing is early when I need to get you ready for a date." she fussed
I decided it was better not to argue with her, when she was in this mood you just nod and smile. After an hour and half of being, shined, buffed, and polished Alice finally stood back and announced she was done. She took me to the guest bedroom and left me there to change into my outfit, first threatening me if one hair was out of place I was dead meat. After carefully pulling the yellow dress on I slipped on the heels and stood to look in the full-length mirror hanging on the back of the door. I barely recognized myself, the dress fit perfectly accenting my tiny waist and making my chest look fuller. My hair was hanging in loose shiny curls down my back. I am usually not a huge fan of makeup but I was impressed with what she had done. She gave me what she called smoky eyes, she added a soft blush to my cheeks, and a light shimmery lip-gloss. I actually felt pretty, something that I hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe it had something to do with the power panties Alice bought and insisted I wore tonight. I told her that it didn't matter what panties I was wearing no one but me was going to see them. She laughed and told me that you never know. I may be ready for a date but I am definitely not ready for that.
Making my way downstairs I could hear everyone else had arrived. I stepped out into the living room to a bunch of catcalls.
"Man Bella you are one fine piece of.." Mike started but was cut off by Jess slapping him across the head. "What Jess, I wasn't talking for me, I meant for that Riley guy." That earned him another slap across the head. Mike is so dense sometimes.
"You do look nice Bella." Jasper drawled his southern accenting coming out a bit.
"I second that." agreed Jake, Vanessa perched on his knee giving me a smile.
By this point I am sure my whole body was as red as a tomato.
"Ok Guys that's enough, I know Alice is forcing you to compliment me but enough is enough." I laughed out
"No one forced anyone." quipped Jake
I was getting ready to disagree with him when I heard Emmett coming from the kitchen. As soon as he saw me he bellowed out
"Isabella Marie Swan you get your ass up stairs and change right this insistence."
"What's wrong Emmett?" I asked looking down at my outfit trying to figure out what's wrong.
He made his way over to me and wrapped his jacket around my body.
"That outfit is wholly unacceptable." he stated
"Emmett" I groaned "It's not unacceptable, it's longer then the one Alice is wearing."
I pointed to Alice's Green dress that came mid thigh.
"I don't care you are my little sister and I can not in good conscience let you out of the house with your lady parts showing." He argued
By this point everyone in the room was trying to hide their laughter and my body was beyond a tomato red.
"Emmy poo." Rosalie purred "It's only a little cleavage and I think Bella looks lovely."
"But she's my little sister" Emmett whined like a little girl, I half expected him to stomp his foot too.
"I know baby, but she's also a grown up. It's not like we are sending her into perv's anonymous dressed like that, she's going to a public club with all her friends and you." she pointed out
I wanted to point out that I could go anywhere I want, dressed any way I want because I am 26 years old. But when I opened my mouth, Rose gave me a look that said "I know what you are going to say, keep it to yourself or we are never getting out of here" and with that I snapped my mouth shut. I slid Emmett's jacket off and handed it back to him. He and I both knew he lost this battle.
"I'm still not okay with this Isabella" he huffed using my dreaded full name "If that guy even look's at you cross eyed I am dragging you out of that club so fast"
"Okay Emmett" I agreed as the doorbell rang
"That's him" sang Alice as she skipped to the door, with more energy then should be allowed.
Okay Bella this is it game face on. Remember to smile and laugh at all the appropriate times. Do not trip, do not cuss, and please do not mention Edward. That definitely would be a date killer. Finishing up my pep talk in my head I looked up to see Alice and Riley walking into the living room. I was speechless to say the least. He was the best-looking guy I have ever seen, outside of Edward. Really Bella enough about Edward. You cannot start a date that way. Back to Riley. He is tall at least six foot two inches. He had thick black hair, in a professional but stylish cut. His eyes were a piercing blue and he had a wonderfully built body. He was wearing upon first look at plain black long sleeve button up shirt, but if you looked close enough you could see it actually also had gray pinstripes on it. He had on a pair of dark wash jeans and nice black shoe's. Well Alice will be happy, he definitely had style. His face was chiseled, and he had a strong jaw line. He smiled at something Alice was saying and I noticed that he had a dimple on one side.
"Bella" Alice said interrupting my thoughts, my head snapped towards her
"Huh" I asked a little dazed
"Where are you at? I said this is Riley." she said with a knowing look in her eyes
At this point I was bright red, I am pretty sure everyone Riley included, knew I was checking him out.
"Hi Bella, It's very nice to meet you." Riley said sticking his hand out to me his voice was a mixture of honey and husky, perfect.
"It's very nice to met you too." I said shaking his hand. I waited but there was no spark there like there always was with Edward. Oh well that probably only happens when your sixteen and you let a boy touch you for the first time. I knew I was lying to myself because it happened any time Edward was near and it was still happening when I was 22. I f I was being completely honest with my self I would also realize that I felt it in the air 4 days ago when I saw him. But since I am not thinking about Edward tonight so I didn't acknowledge it.
Letting go of his hand, I introduced him to everyone else. After he got the third degree from my brother we headed out. He and I drove alone in his car much to Emmett's dismay. He has nice car. A newer Mercedes, midnight blue. The conversation in his car flowed easily and I decided that was a good sign.
"So Bella I actually thought Jasper made you up." He said when we were about a mile from Alice's house.
"Why would you think that." I laughed "Jasper's doesn't strike me as the imaginary friend type."
"Well no, but he has been telling me about you for the last year and a half." he said "After no sightings I thought that either you were a shut in or that you didn't exist"
"Well, I am flattered that you put that much thought into me, but actually I stay pretty busy at work and up until very recently I wasn't really interested in dating." I said honestly
"What do you do for a living, Jasper told me a little but I would like to hear it in your words." He asked
"I am a senior editor at Weston Books, I work with a handful of very well known authors, I basically am there best friend slash worst enemy wrapped into one. I've been yelled at and applauded more times then I can count but I love it, there's nothing else I would rather be doing." I stated "How about you, I mean I know you work as a lawyer but do you do defense work like Jasper?"
"Well actually I do, I started out in the corporate side of things but it got really boring really fast, so after talking to some of my defense attorney friends, I decided to switch. I love it I love the chase, and the fight. Nothing feels better then winning a case that he have put your heart and soul into." he said passionately, he obviously loved his job.
"I have seen Jasper in action a few times, and it's really easy to get caught up in the emotion of it, that's for sure." I agreed
"So what about the other thing you said, you know about not being ready to date until now, if you don't mind my asking." he asked
"I don't know if this really first date material." I joked
"Probably not, but hell people talk about really weird things on first dates, so why not." He said
Dang it, I really didn't want to bring Edward up. But I really can't explain why I didn't date without explaining Edward.
"Well" I started "You asked for it, about four years I was engaged to get married, on the morning of our wedding I woke up to a note on my pillow telling me that he couldn't do it. I haven't heard from him since." I guess that was a sort of lie, but no need to tell him that I saw said ex-fiancé a few days ago. That would just complicate things.
"Wow" he finally said "I now get why Jasper kept telling me that you and I have a lot in common."
"Alice said the same thing to me the other day, but what do we have in common." I asked confused.
"Well I now understand why you didn't want to date, I had almost the same thing happen to me. I was engaged about 6 years ago to a girl named Megan, the night before the wedding she called it off because she was in love with my brother and they had been having an affair behind my back for six months." he said
"Your brother!" I exclaimed "How awful"
"Yeah well at least I had closure, it sounds like your ex left without much of an explanation." he amended
"Your right he did." I said "but it really doesn't matter anymore and this conversation has gotten a little deep don't ya think." I joked trying to lighten the mood.
"Your very right Bella" he agreed "only nice and safe topics for the rest of the night, I promise."
Well at least Edward didn't kill the date like I thought he would. I looked out the window and I realized that we were pulling up to the club. Riley pulled up to the valet parking area and got out. Coming around my side he opened the door and helped me out which I appreciated because I really didn't want to trip and show everyone my goods…again. I noticed everyone else was already there waiting. We didn't have to wait in line with what Rose called the "Commoners", we usually have VIP access to every club, new or old, because Rosalie is one of the most sought after model's in the world. She only really blew up about a year and a half ago, but sense then we all have been a little spoiled by her fame. We take advantage of it though because the tabloids usually catch one of us with her looking awful. My last time caught was when I stayed at her and Em's house, I took their trash out in my sweats, no makeup, and a wholly t-shirt, they made a huge deal about Rosalie not letting her "help" dress nice because she was afraid of them stealing her husband. We usually laugh it off and enjoy the perks while we can, we all know modeling is an age game.
We were ushered inside by one of the club's owners, he was ecstatic that Rose chose to show up at Eclipse on it's opening night. He lead us to the VIP area and told us that all of our drinks were free tonight or any night, score another perk. Once we were settled in the big cushy booth. Seriously this thing could seat all of us comfortably, Alice decided that us girl's needed a makeup check. I gave Riley an apologetic look for having to leave him with Emmett. He leaned in to me before I stood up and said "What was that look for?"
"Oh you know, I'm just trying to say sorry before hand for Emmett." I replied leaning in closer to him, he smelt very nice.
"Oh, I think I can handle my own. I do defend criminals, remember." he laughed
"I am sure that can't be as scary as Emmett." I joked
"I'll be fine really, go have your girl talk, I have Jasper to buffer us." he said confidently
"Ok" I said as Alice pulled me out of the booth.
Little did he know Jasper will probably egg Emmett on. He lived for these kind of situations. He use to do it all the time to Edward and they were best friends. I still remember when he told Emmett I lost my v card to Edward. Emmett just about…just a minute brain no more Edward what are you doing.
"So tell me everything." Alice started once we were behind the closed bathroom door. "How was the car ride here? What did you talk about? Do you like him?"
"Alice breathe." I said grabbing her shoulders "It has only been 40 minutes since we left your house."
"40 minutes is long enough to have an opinion" she stated "They say you decide within the first five minutes of meeting someone if you'll sleep with them or not"
"Alice really, who says that? Rose" I said looking at the blonde beauty who was fixing her lipstick in the mirror.
"Leave me out of this." Rose said smacking lips "Though it really wouldn't hurt you to let someone pay a little attention to your girl parts, if you know what I mean."
"Gah, really guys I am barely ready to have this first date" I said turning bright red at their suggestions "I think that it may take more then good looks and a nice conversation to get me in the sack. So I would really appreciate it if you guys would drop that line of thought right now."
"Fine" huffed Alice "but at least tell me if you like him"
"Alright Alice" I said "I think he has potential. But I am going to need more then 40 minutes to decide if I "like" him."
"Well we better get back out there before Emmett scares him off then." Rose said picking up her purse and heading for the door.
Alice grabbed my hand and squeezed it stopping me from following Rose and Jess out the door "I'm sorry if I am coming on to strong but I just don't want you to be lonely anymore" She said with a look of sadness around her eyes
"Alice, I am not that lonely and I appreciate you caring, but just let things go their natural course tonight okay, no extra Alice help." I asked
"Okay I think I can do that." she said
"Really, its that easy. I just ask and you are going to back off." I said amazed
"Yes it is, mostly because I have a good feeling about tonight and you know my feelings." She said heading out the door.
Oh yes Alice and her feelings. I would laugh about it but her feelings usually come true. I could only think of one instance that she wasn't correct about something and that was my wedding. So not everything is fool proof.
Chapter three
Once we were settled back into the booth Jared leaned into me and said "I ordered you a sex on the beach, Jasper said they are your favorite."
"They are, Thank you." I said
"So I'm glad to see Emmett didn't murder you and dispose of the body before we got back." I joked
He laughed and said "I'm pretty sure he was considering it when he asked Jasper how much he would charge a friend who was up against a murder charge."
"Oh man I am so sorry." I laughed
"I wasn't really nervous until Jasper gave him a quote." he said
"Please ignore those two; they are like an adult version of Beavis and Butthead." I joked "Seriously they are constantly stirring the pot."
"Oh it will take way more then that to scare me off, especially when there is a beautiful woman involved." he said while tucking a stray curl behind my ear
I felt the blush creep up my face at the compliment. He gave me a grin and said "That blush is probably the cutest thing I have ever seen."
My mind went blank, that statement was too close to home, to Edward. That countless times he would run his hand down the side of my face, telling me how lovely my face looked when it was in a full bloom of a blush. He would do almost naughty things sometimes to see me turn red. Divert and deflect Bella, you've done this before.
"Oh I don't think anyone looks cute bright red." I said grabbing my newly deposited drink and taking a long pull from the straw. Alice must have noticed my distress because she quickly demanded that we all hit the dance floor. Who could resist Alice or Lady Gaga. It was a thankful distraction you can't do much talking when you are getting your dance on. We were all on the dance floor laughing at Emmett trying to "get low" when it happened I saw a bronze head through the crowd, that color of hair can only belong to one person. I quickly turned from Riley and grabbed Alice's arm yanking her to me. Laughing she started wiggling her butt against me "Bella, I didn't know you had it in you" She laughed
"Alice I am not trying to get my freak on with you" I yelped into her ear
The joking look disappeared off her face "What is it?" she hissed back at me.
"Don't make a big deal please, but I think Edward is here." I whispered back as we danced together, not trying to draw any attention to our private conversation.
"Why do you think that?" she asked throwing her hands up in the air, Alice was the master at being inconspicuous.
"Well I spotted a head full of bronze hair in that direction." I pointed towards where I saw him making it look like that was part of my dance moves. By this point we were no longer fooling Rose and she was watching us with curious eyes.
"Oh my you may be right." she said here dace moves faltering for a minute. That caused Rose's look to go from curious to suspicious. "What do you want to do." She whispered
"Well I am going to get Riley back up to the VIP area ASAP." I decided "I really don't need that awkward introduction tonight."
"Ok, Jazz and I will go with you." she stated turning back to Jasper and whispering something in his ear.
"Riley" I said leaning into him a little "Let's head back to the booth"
"Okay I am getting a little thirsty" he agreed grabbing my hand and helping me through the crowd, thankfully I was behind him so I could keep an eye on Edward. We got stuck halfway up the stairs to the VIP section behind what looked to be a group of drunken sorority girls. Riley was still clutching my hand in his, I didn't pull away though, I forgot how nice it felt to have a warm male hand wrapped around mine. I diverted my eye's from Edward for a second to look at Alice behind me, when I looked back to were he was standing I realized that I had lost him. I searched the crowd frantically and when I spotted him I knew that we were caught so to speak. His eyes were intently looking at me. He had almost a lustful look on his face as he took in my appearance. I could feel the blush starting to spread up from my chest, Edward must have noticed it also because his face broke out into the crooked grin. I was transfixed on him, my heart screaming for me to run to him and wrap myself around him and never let go, but my brain was even louder telling me to give the douche bag the middle finger. But just a that moment Riley decided to make himself known again by leaning down to my ear and whispering "I have to disagree with you that blush looks absolutely beautiful on you." Which caused me to blush eve harder.
All of a sudden the look on Edwards face changed from cocky to rage as he took in Riley's frame leaning into to me, down to our entwined hands. He took two-step towards us, causing my heart to break out into a gallop, he wouldn't would he? But two things happened simultaneously the group in front of us starting moving just as Tanya, his supermodel whom I didn't notice was standing there, wrapped her hand around his bicep pulling him back to her, not taking her eyes off of the girl she was talking to. Then my heart finally agreed with my brain, screw off douche bag. Clutching tighter to Riley's hand I turned away from Edward and made my way up to the VIP section. I decided right then and there we needed to get out of here. I didn't want to have "Eddie" and "Trampy" coming up here and trying to make small talk. I looked at Alice giving her the eye. She just nodded, she knew what I was doing.
"Hey Riley, It's really loud in here and all, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to get out of here." I asked him
"Fine with me, I know an awesome place that we can go sit and talk." he said standing up to put his jacket on. I stood up to do the same.
"Alice" I yelled over the music "Will you let everyone else know we took off, and tell Emmett not to freak out I will call him when I get home."
"Sure" She yelled back "I can't promise he won't start a man hunt though" she laughed right along with Jasper "Yeah hopefully you have good health insurance man." Jasper joked with Riley as I gave Alice a hug.
"You would know." He joked right back "But Emmett has nothing to worry about I have the best intentions, believe me."
"Sure, sure" Jasper said taking a drink from his beer "Hopefully I will see you at work on Monday."
"Bye guys." I said interrupting Jasper's fun "Call me tomorrow Alice"
Riley grabbed my hand and leaned into my ear "Is this okay" he said indicating to our entwined hands.
"It's perfectly fine" I said to him giving him a smile, which he answered with a smile of his own. We made our way down the stairs, I purposely kept my eyes on Riley's back, I don't need to see him and her again tonight or ever. But I am a gluten for punishment because just as we were walking out the door I took once last look behind me and there he was about thirty feet away staring at me with a look a total defeat on his face. It didn't make any sense why would he feel defeated he won, he walked away, he has a super hot girlfriend. I am probably making to much of this, it was probably just the lighting and having to see your below average ex-fiancé. He probably was just realizing how much time he wasted with me, when he could have been with "Tram…I mean Tanya.
Once we were settled into a booth at Moe's Diner Riley took control of the conversation.
"I know this place look's a little bit like a dive but I swear they have the best cherry pie around." He promised
"Well I guess I will have the cherry pie then." I said
After he ordered us both a piece and coffee, He started asking questions about my childhood.
"So are you originally from Seattle?" He started off
"Actually I am from Forks, It's a few miles north of here." I told him
"Okay, I know were Forks is, not to big of a town huh?" He asked
"No not to big, but it was nice growing up there." I said
"Tell me about your family, do your parents still live in Forks?"
"Well my parents married right out of high school, and not very long after that they had Emmett. Then a few years later I came along. My parents are amazing, they have one of those rare relationships that just work. I have never seen two people so in love, they really balance each other out. My mom is a hippie right down to her core and my Dad is a cop, with the personality to match. They still live in the house the bought right after I was born. So yes to answer your question, my parents still live in forks." I told him
"They sound like amazing people. How about your friends, when did you meet them?" He asked.
"Well Alice and I were next door neighbors growing up, so we've been joined at the hip since birth pretty much. Rosalie joined us when were in kindergarten and made us a little threesome. It cracks me up because from the time she was about eight, she swore that she was going to marry Emmett, we all laughed her off but she knew what she was talking about though. Jasper moved here from Texas in the sixth grade and quickly feel into our group and Alice and him started dating in the ninth grade. We picked up Mike and Jess in high school and Jake is like Alice, a friend since birth." I explained "I hope I'm not boring you yet."
"Not at all, you don't meet very many people that have had the same friends since childhood, I think that it's pretty cool." he said
"I agree, they are the best people I have ever meet. So how about your childhood, where did you grow up?" I asked
"I was born and raised here in Seattle, my parents divorced when I was eleven. My Dad moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. My Mom is re-married and lives here in Seattle. I only have one brother and he is married to my Ex so we don't talk." He said without any bitterness in his voice. I was slightly jealous of how cool and collected he sounded talking about his Ex. "After High school I attended Yale and got my law degree, obviously. Once I finished with school I decided that I wanted to come home and practice so I did. How about you where did you attend?"
"Our whole gang actually moved together to Seattle after graduation, we rented this huge dump of a house, with enough of bedrooms for everyone. We had so much fun in that house, but after a year or two, people started moving out into their own apartments, I guess more for privacy sake then anything else." I explained. No need to tell him that Edward and I were the first to go. We both got sick of Emmett trying to interrupt our alone time. He tried to set the ground rule that there was no sex allowed on the third floor. Edward and my room was the only one on the third floor. "I guess I didn't answer your question though, I attended WSU."
"It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun. I'm kind of jealous right now." He said grinning at me.
"Well believe me living with my brother wasn't always fun." I joked
"So tell me, what do you do for fun." he asked taking a bite of his pie.
"Well besides hanging out with my friends, I really like reading obviously. A few years ago, I really got into photography; so on nice days I like to walk around the city and take random photos. I have albums full of pictures that I truly love. I will have to show you sometime. Once a year I take a trip all by myself, different place every time. It is such an adventure, boarding a plane and not really knowing what to expect. I can just be me without any explanations, it's very freeing." It also was nice to get away of the stigma Edward left behind. I know my friends love me, but sometimes it is nice to be in a crowd of strangers and just be. It took Alice the longest to accept me going off by myself, well besides Emmett of course. I left out that part though because I did not want him to think I was running away. "For the most part I guess I am a homebody. I love to watch movies and take walks. I try to go home and visit my parents once a month. I guess I'm not to exciting."
"Oh I think you're mistaken, I find you very refreshing. Most of the women that I meet are so wrapped up in themselves and being plastic that you never see them for they really are. It's nice to meet someone who enjoys her life and doesn't mind saying so." he grinned at me. "I took some photography classes in college, I always enjoyed being out in nature and seeing what you could capture on film."
"I know what you mean, when I have had a really stressful week I take my camera out and just shot until my brain is only focused on what I can put to film" I told him
"Maybe we could go out together sometime, show each other our favorite places to shot." He said hopefully, I knew this was coming the opening for a second date. I was surprised to find myself okay with the idea.
"That would be fun." I said taking a sip of my now lukewarm coffee.
After another hour of conversation, we decided to call it a night. We stood awkwardly at my front door for a few minutes before he asked, "I would really like to see you again"
"I would like that also." I said smiling up at him, I could not remember if a kiss on the first date was acceptable or not, it did not help that my last first date was eight years ago, and I wanted to kiss him even before then. He returned my smile; he leaned down and gently pressed his lips against mine. Pulling away, he said, "I will call you sometime this week to set something up."
"Ok" I replied still analyzing the kiss, no fireworks, but it was nice. I put my keys in the lock turning I heard the bolt release.
"Well, I will talk to you later this week then." I said opening the door.
"Yes you will." He said turning to make his way to the elevator "Oh and Bella" He called over his shoulder at me.
"Yeah"
"I had a really nice time tonight." He said as the doors closed in front of him cutting him off from my view. I blushed even though he was no longer there to witness it. I entered my apartment, sent a quick text to Emmett letting him know that I was in and safe for the night, and made my way to bed. I dreamt about Edward again.
I do not have a beta so I apologise for any grammar mistakes. If you or any one you know would like to be my beta please feel free to contact me. Now you know you want to push the little green button below and review ;)