Disclaimer: All rights belong to S.M.
Nobody guessed correctly who it was that called out Edward and Bella's name, so no shoutouts will be given in this chapter. I will apologize in advance for any spelling or grammar mistakes that are found. In my haste to get this chapter out to you all, I may have overlooked a few my mistake. So please don't flame me on that, I try really hard to make sure those things are corrected before submitting new chapters.
"Like A Star" by Corinne Bailey Rae
Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands,
Honour to love you
Still I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind,
You've got this look I can't describe,
You make me feel like I'm alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you're on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can't find the words to write this song,
Oh...
Your love...
Previously on Storm Before the Calm…
As we made our way through the collection of table and chairs, to the front of the club…we had just located a table when I heard our names being called out.
Edward and I both turned around at the sound of our names and we did a double take as we located the source.
"What are they doing here," we both asked each other at the same time.
We altered our previous route and detoured over to the table of the couple that had called out our names.
"Bella, Edward, it's so good to see you guys. It's been too long," Nessa said in greeting as she gave us both hugs.
"How did you guys know about this place? Have you been here before," Jacob asked as he shook my hand and gave Bella a hug.
"No this is our first time coming here. I've heard great things about this place and I found out that one of my favorite artists was performing here tonight so I thought that it had to be fate for us to be here at this time. I couldn't miss out on this opportunity to bring my Bella here to hear Jacob Stickney play," Edward admitted.
"You look amazing Nessa! I would never have thought that you were just pregnant a few months ago. I know women would kill to be able to get their bodies to look like yours after giving birth," I told her.
"Thanks Bella…that really means a lot coming from another female. Jacob tells me all the time that I don't look fat or unattractive…but I think he's biased of course," she told me.
"It's so awesome that you guys are here. My dad co-owns this place and we were in town visiting him and my mom, when he told me my favorite group would be performing tonight. I'm a big fan of Blue Moon Daughter and I missed them the last time they performed here because we were living in Phoenix at the time," Nessa said.
"You guys should sit with us, that is if you didn't have other plans," Jacob said a bit sheepishly.
"Oh no don't feel obligated to sit with us. You guys probably want to be alone and have some private time," Nessa said while gently swatting Jacob on the shoulder in disbelief.
I couldn't help but to chuckle because they are just so darn cute together. I hadn't seen them since I went to Nessa's baby shower on the reservation right before she gave birth to their beautiful baby boy Landon William Black. After we had ran into them in Port Angeles at the festival, we kept in contact and became good friends. Since having Landon, she hasn't really had time for get a together or anything of that nature. So it was a pleasant surprise to see both her and Jake here.
Edward and I assured them that we didn't mind sitting with them to watch the show. We hadn't been seated that long before a tall statuesque woman came over to take our orders. Edward, Nessa and I ordered the Wild Salmon and sodas, while Jacob ordered the Lamb Rib Chops and a Pabst Blue Ribbon. He was willing to vouch for Edward and I to get an alcoholic beverage but we both declined.
We chatted some while we ate our meals, waiting for the entertainment to start up. The club quickly filled up to where there was standing room only. Not long after we finished eating, the lights dimmed and the same statuesque woman who took our drink and food order stepped into the spotlight that was on the stage.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Egan's Ballard Jam House. Tonight we have a treat for you. Normally we only have one entertainer booked in a night…but tonight we have two for the price of one. Originally it was only suppose to be Blue Moon Daughter performing in house tonight, but Jacob Stickney was traveling through town and stopped by to show you some love as well. Without further ado, I give you…Blue Moon Daughter!"
The crowd was on their feet clapping and giving out wolf whistles as the band took to the stage. Their set was really awesome. Their music was mellow and you could relate to it easily. My favorite song by far was "Something," and Edward said he really liked "A Love That Will Last." I knew we would be looking both those songs up on Itunes and downloading them on our Ipods.
In the middle of the Blue Moon Daughter performance, Nessa disappeared for a little bit, stating that she needed to speak to her aunt who was working the bar tonight. When she returned to our table, she had a big cheesy grin our her face…but didn't say anything to us so I just shrugged it off as being an inside thing between her and her aunt.
We gave the band a standing ovation as they left the stage. There was a fifteen-minute break in between sets so Nessa joined me in the ladies room while I freshened up some.
"So Bella…has Edward ever performed live for an audience," she asked me.
"Um, he's played for our school for our big end of the year concert. He wrote all the songs and performed just about all of them himself. He's brilliant on the piano. Why do you ask," I said to her.
"Oh no reason, just curious. I know we had talked about both you and his piano experience this evening and I wondered if he played for crowds. That's all," she stated evasively.
I knew that there was more to her reason for asking me that question, but I let it go for the time being. Nessa was up to something and I think it involved Edward. In what capacity…I wasn't sure. I have no problems ending my friendship with her and opening up a can of whip ass on her if she thinks I'm going to sit idly by and let her move in on my man. I didn't think of Nessa as being that kind of girl, but you never know. After all the bullshit had to endure with Tanya, I wasn't going to put up with nothing from any other female when it comes to MY Edward. I would just keep my eyes open and be on guard where Nessa is concerned.
We made it back to our table just in time for Jacob Stickney and his quartet. They had just taken the stage and were starting up. They played a few sets before Jacob stepped up to the microphone and asked if there was an Edward Cullen in the house. I about fell out of my chair when he called Edward's name. Edward was quite stunned himself, because he was staring at the stage looking at Jacob as if he was talking in a different language. It wasn't until Nessa and Jacob nudged him to get up that he snapped out of his trance like state.
He made his way up to the stage and stood beside Jacob Stickney. He looked so nervous, but still just as gorgeous as ever. I couldn't take my eyes off of him, as my heart begin to beat fast and I started biting my bottom lip getting all hot and bothered by just looking at my man.
"Well Edward, it's very nice to meet you," Jacob said to him as he shook his hand.
Edward mumbled something in response that I didn't quite catch, but the crowd began to laugh…which in turn caused Edward to become embarrassed and blush. Yes, my man blushes at times…just another thing we have in common.
"So Edward, a little birdie told me that you are a big fan of this kind of music we play and I was wondering if you would care to join us on our next set," he asked him.
I was completely dumbfounded. Who would do this for Edward? Who would go out of their way to do something so selfless and special for the man that I love? I turned and looked at Jacob and Nessa and then it dawned on me. Nessa going to the bar to talk to her aunt, Nessa asking me about Edward playing in front of crowds, Nessa asking Edward what his favorite Jacob Stickney song was and if he could play to it. It was all Nessa setting this up for Edward and here I was thinking that she was trying to move in on him. I feel like such a bad friend for thinking those horrible things about her.
I moved over to Nessa and gave her a big hug and a felt a few tears leave the confines of my eyes. I didn't even have to tell her why I was showing her this kind of affection…she already knew that I was thanking her for doing this for Edward.
"I would love to play along with you and your quartet…Edward said eloquently, finally finding his words. However, I only know how to play along with the piano and I don't see one here," he stated sadly to Jacob Stickney.
"Now you seriously think that I would have called you up here if I didn't have the proper equipment for you? That would just be mean of me," he said to him with a big smile.
Edward had a big smile plastered on his face as he took in Jacob's words. All of a sudden a light off to the side of the stage lit up and there sitting pretty and sparkling was a white baby grand piano. Jacob motioned for Edward to take a seat and then introduced the next song that they would be performing.
"I was told that Edward's favorite song of ours is "The Still Point" so that is what we will be performing for you as our last song. Edward will be starting us off and then we will all join in on the downbeat. Here we go on my count…1, 2, 3!"
Edward was flawless as he ran his long fingers across the keys of the piano. The addition of the piano to the normal horn and percussion tune was beautiful. Not only did they get a standing ovation, but also there were calls of an encore from many people in the crowd. The band did not disappoint either, they gave the crowd what they asked for.
After the set was done, Jacob asked Edward if he could talk to him for a moment. Edward followed Jacob off the stage towards the back of the club where they talked for a good twenty minutes before Jacob shook Edward's hand and then he joined us back at our table.
I gave him a big juicy kiss and a hug before praising his performance. Jacob and Nessa gave their praises as well. Edward thanked Nessa profusely for doing that and told her that he could never repay her for that experience. He then proceeded to tell us what Jacob had talked to him about at the bar.
He offered him a chance to play with his quartet at some of their shows that they have scheduled in Seattle this summer. He would have to go there and practice with the band twice a week and arrive three hours prior to the start of the shows he would perform at.
I asked him if he had accepted Jacob's offer and he said that he told him he would need to speak to his parents and me about it first but that he should hear from him no later than the end of the week. I was stunned that he didn't immediately jump at the chance to play with him. I mean Edward is 18 so he is technically an adult and can make those kinds of decisions on his own without his parent's consent. But being the respectful young man he is, he would never do anything as rash as that without consulting his parents beforehand. It also touched me how he said that he needed to speak to me about his decision before agreeing to do the performances as well. That shows that he values my opinion and that I mean just as much to him as he means to me.
We walked out into the cool night air with Jacob and Nessa, making plans to meet up on Wednesday at he reservation for dinner and a movie at their house. After hugging them both, Edward and I got in his car and drove back to the bed and breakfast.
I felt sticky from being in the confines of the club and in the mist of the crowd of people, so I told Edward I was going to take a shower. He told me that he would start us a fire and wait for me to get done.
I showered quickly making sure to was my body thoroughly and wash my hair with my strawberry herbal essence shampoo that Edward loves so much. When I was done with my shower and I had brushed my teeth and dressed myself in the cami and boyshorts pajama set I bough, I decided to braid my hair in one long braid down my back.
When I made it back inside of the room, Edward was waiting for me on the loveseat. He had a fire going and he had placed a blanket on the loveseat for us to keep warm. We were going to watch a movie before we turned in for the night and I allowed him to select which movie we would watch. He chose "Wanted" with Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. I'm not a big Angelina fan, but I know Edward thinks she's sexy and has beautiful lips…gag me please! Anyway, I got to choose the last movie we saw, so it's only fair he gets to see movies he like as well.
I know that he'll never have Angelina, because Brad won't step aside for one and two I'd beat the bitch till she's black and blue, before I relinquish Edward over to her home-wrecking ass. Okay so you can say I have some moral issues when it comes to Angelina, but lets not get into that.
Edward sat down first and I sat in between his legs and we cuddled up with the blanket to enjoy the movie. I don't remember seeing any parts of the movie when I woke up the next morning nestled comfortably in Edward's arms. He had moved us to the bed at some point and my body was grateful for that, otherwise I'm sure we both would have woke up a bit sore this morning.
I untangled myself from the comforts of his arms so I could have a human moment, before coming back to bed in hopes of making love to Edward before we got up to start our day. Unfortunately that wouldn't be the case, because when I stepped back into our room…Edward was no where to be found. I knew he didn't go far, but I still felt abandoned and put out. I refused to wallow in self-pity so I went to the closet to pick something out to wear today. Edward chose that moment to come back inside of the room.
"Hey there love. How did you sleep," he asked as he kissed the top of my head before moving over to the loveseat and sitting down.
"I slept good, but I was a little disappointed to find you gone when I came out of the bathroom. I wasn't even in there that long and you were missing when I came back hoping to spend some more time with you in the bed before we started our day," I said with a pout.
"I'm sorry love," he said rising to walk over to me. "I just needed to secure our appointments for massages this morning at the spa. I know that this is our last day here in this beautiful inn and I just wanted to make sure we had the best time. I promise you that after we have our massages…you can plan the rest of our activities for the remainder of the day. How does that sound," he asked me as he took me into his arms.
"I like the sounds of that," I admitted before kissing him on the lips.
"So where do we have to go for the massages," I asked him.
"I'm taking you to Absolute Serenity here in Port Angeles. Nessa recommended it to me last night while you were talking with Jacob and wasn't paying attention to what we were talking about. She said you would love it there. Jacob took her there during her last month of her pregnancy for pregnancy massages and spa treatments. She did nothing but praise their service and technique. I knew it would be the perfect way to spend our morning together. Are you okay with her recommending it for you," he asked me.
I would never divulge to Edward that I almost accused Nessa of having a crush on him and moving on my turf, before finding out what she had done for him at the club last night. He would probably think I was too possessive or something and that's not the case at all.
"No, not at all. I'm glad that you were able to get some good recommendations for things for us to do here. I'll have to be sure to thank her when we go over there on Wednesday," I told him.
An hour later Edward and I were lying on individual masseuse tables getting a full body massage. I've never had a full body massage by a professional and I've truly missed out on this deliciously magnificent indulgence.
Edward was being massaged by a tall athletic looking brunette named Yasmeen, but I think she went both ways because she was eyeing Edward and I up like we were something to eat.
My masseuse was a tall muscular tanned golden haired gray-eyed beauty, named Dominic and his hands felt absolutely divine on my body. If I were single and horny, I would definitely allow Dominic to give me a 'happy ending'.
After our massages we enjoyed a mud bath and body wrap, as well as a manicure and pedicure. Yes, I convinced Edward to get his hands and feet done…but only with a clear coat of polish. When we left the spa, we were both truly relaxed.
We stopped at a deli on the way back to the inn and had turkey wraps for lunch. I wasn't in the mood to really do any exploring or sight seeing after such a relaxing morning. It was beginning to rain anyway and I just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day wrapped up in Edward. Maybe we could watch a few movies and play some board games or something. As long as I'm with him, I don't need any other entertainment.
A.N. Sorry if it seems weird leaving it there, I just felt like it was a fitting place to stop. Please leave a review and let me know what you thought of this chapter. I'd like to once again apologize for the delay due to me feeling under the weather. I just really did not have any strength to write.
Story recommendation for this week is "Steamy Dreams" by Rosalynn. If you want some hot, steamy, smutty, lemony goodness between Edward and Bella, you definitely want to check out this story!
The next chapter will be a filler chapter, to lead us into the start of a new plot. I'm not going to dwell on summer vacation, I'm pretty much going to jump right ahead into senior year because that's where some interesting things begin to happen. Before you ask, I promise you that Edward or Bella WILL NOT cheat on one another…nor will they have a threesome, foursome, or orgy of any kind.