I should have know better, guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. If there's a secret to meeting women that aren't just interested in my last name and what that means. I worked hard to get where I am and what I have. I refuse to touch my trust fund, for now anyway. As a pediatric surgeon I make enough to not have to worry about depending on the trust to support myself. Mom and Dad did a fantastic job with all of us, me and my twin brothers Jasper and Emmett. We all worked hard thru school and made sure we made something of ourselves and became more than just rich pretty boys that live off of old money. Mom and Dad have done well for themselves as well and were able to put all three of us thru college and then law and medical schools without having to dip into the trust fund as well. Not only that but they also instilled in us a strong work ethic, morals and values. And of course Mom made sure we knew how to treat a lady as such. Mom always said chivalry was dead but she was bringing it back to life. She would have our heads if she ever caught us not opening doors or pulling out chairs. I just wish she would have shown us how to find a special lady that isn't just after the Cullen name or money. I shouldn't have to pretend to be someone I'm not just to meet an honest woman that isn't so materialistic. That wouldn't be very honest of me, so I don't hide who I am but I do put them thru a test of sorts.

Take today's date for example. That's right, I said today, as in day time. For a first date I don't try to get romantic, I want to get to know the person. Don't get me wrong, when the right girl comes a long I will do my damnedest to woo her, pulling out all the stops, nothing will be off limits. But until I find her, I need to know she's with me for me, not my bank account. Often times I will take my dates to D.C. to walk thru the zoo or thru some of the museums, it gives us plenty opportunity to talk and get to know each other. Which is exactly what dating is supposed to be about, getting to know each other.

There have been a few times when my brothers and I have all taken dates to a baseball game together. Those are always interesting. For being twins, Jasper and Emmett couldn't be more different. While their physical traits aren't far off from each other, their personalities are quite different. Jasper and Emmett are both tall and naturally well built like myself. They both have dark blond, somewhat curly hair, Emmett keeps his short while Jazz likes his a bit longer. Emmett has blue eyes, Jazz has hazel eyes and I sport green ones.

Emmett is quite outspoken and can be down right crude at times, but we all love him and his dopey ways regardless. Hard to believe he is a family law attorney. Jasper on the other hand is quiet and reserved but still has a sense of humor that makes him fun. If a date can't handle being around my brothers, especially Emmett, she has to be able to give return his verbal assault with good humor, then she's not going to last.

But for today's date I decided to pack a lunch and we went into D.C. for a picnic in front of the Washington Monument and had plans to walk around the city just taking in the history and beautiful spring day. Jasper would be proud of me. Emmett prefers to hear about the dates I take to the zoo and their reactions when we stop by the monkeys. He's a big monkey himself so he will spend all day by the monkey exhibit talking to what we call his other brothers. You can tell a lot about a person by how they respond to the monkeys, that's for sure.

So we found a nice spot by the monument and I lay out the blanket and start taking out the food I had prepared. And almost immediately she starts complaining. Then asking what we are doing after lunch. Apparently she thought I was taking her shopping today. Every time I tried to ask her about herself she would avoid the question and tell me about all the things we could be doing instead. Finally I couldn't take it anymore, and once we were done lunch, which I seemed to have eaten all by myself, which was a bit uncomfortable, I decided that it would be best to just take her back to her place. What a waste of a beautiful spring May day. I'm still a gentleman so I still open the doors for her and walk her to her door, but politely decline her invitation to stay for a bit. I make no promises to call again and return to my car and head home. I'm sure the guys are just going to love this one.

On the way home I decide that we need a night out, as long as they don't have other plans of course. It's been a while since I've picked up my guitar or sat down to my piano so Open Mic Night at Breaking Dawn is out. If they see me in there they will expect me to take the stage and it's just been to long without practice to attempt that one. Plus I need to learn a couple new songs before I go back in there, and lately I just haven't been motivated to do so. But man is it a great stress relief, especially after I've had a long or bad day at the hospital. I've heard some good things about a place called Eclipse, maybe we'll try there tonight. I need a change of scenery anyway.

I walk in the door of the house I share with my brothers. As soon as they look at me I just shake and hang my head, the universal sign for "that didn't go well." To which they laugh at my expense. They did try to warn me.

"We tried to warn you man," Emmett tells me.

"Yeah, I know. Maybe someday I'll learn. Why is it that you guys pick up on these things that I just don't notice?" I ask.

Jasper still silently laughing at me and shaking his head.

"Why don't we do a guys night tonight and Jazz and I will try to help you with a list of things to look for and try to avoid or at least take as a warning," he offers.

"I was going to suggest a guys night myself. Dinner at Famous Dave's and then drinks at Eclipse?" The agree with a nod.

I head to my room to relax then shower and wash off another bad date. I hate dating, why is it so difficult to find a quality woman? Is it too much to ask for some one to love, a wife to hold tight at night and a couple kids to jump on our bed on Saturday mornings to wake us to make breakfast? One day I'll find her.

We get to Famous Dave's, get seated, order our dinner and the lesson begins. It doesn't escape me that we have the attention of quite a few ladies from many of the tables surrounding us. Usually it doesn't bother me, but when it's someone that is with a date or boyfriend or husband, or even worse the teenage girl out with her parents, I get very uncomfortable. Therefore, I try to ignore all the eyes and focus on Jasper and Emmett and their 'lesson in ladies' that they are trying to give me.

"Look man, I met her in a grocery store. It wasn't like the others that I've met at charity functions or one of Mom and Dad's high society balls or banquets. I thought she would be different." I try to explain.

Emmett just laughs, "we tried to warn you. We saw when you walked out of the store with her and exchanged numbers. We knew right away that it may have been your Cullen good looks that got her attention, but it was your Armani suit that kept it. Am I right Jasper?"

Jasper nods, "that girl was branded more than a herd of cattle. And it wasn't just that she was dressed in top notch designer from head to toe, but she made sure everyone knew it by having the brands all show. Head to toe Gucci with the exception only of her sunglasses and hand bag, which were Coach, by the way." He shakes his head. "I've heard enough girl talk from my last girlfriend to know that's what they call a brand-whore." He chuckles.

At that I had to laugh back, "you know, when I asked her where she went to school, her answer included what stores were close by. I don't think she even knows the name of the school where she got her degree. Although, I'm not a hundred percent sure that she received a degree. Unless they give degrees in shopping."

They both laugh when they see the frustration on my face. "Oh no, that's not even the best part. I packed a nice lunch for our picnic. I spread out the blanket, in the grass mind you, she comments about how soft the blanket and then looks disappointed when she asks if it's Ralph Lauren and I tell her no." I rub my face thinking back to the disaster. "And as I'm taking out the food she starts telling me why she can't eat the things I've packed. 'fried chicken is too fattening,'" I mimic her high pitched voice as best I can, "I even made it myself this morning, you would think she would understand the sentiment of having someone cook for her. I don't know what the girl eats, because she had a reason not to eat grapes, strawberries, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, apples or macaroni or potato salad." I said shaking my head, the guys just laughing.

"Man, she probably stuffed her face with twinkies before you picked her up just so she wouldn't 'look like a pig' when she ate in front of you today," Emmett says trying to hold back his laughter and still shaking his head. "Why do girls think we'll think bad of them if they eat an adult sized meal? Eating is like farting …. Everybody does it!"

At that I cough, almost choking on my pulled bbq chicken. Emmett sure does have a way of saying things with flavor. Jasper just nods and chuckles. "Such a shame not everyone can enjoy your graceful way of saying things, Em." he says between bites of his ribs that are smothered in sauce.

"Alright guys, lets finish up and head to Eclipse, I need some drinks," I let them know that I am in fact ready to relax and unwind and forget about today's disaster. I don't even think it could be considered a date. "I've had some bad dates before, but this one really topped the charts when it comes to the worst." I say shaking my head. "Maybe Mom can find me a nice girl," I say under my breath thinking they wouldn't hear me.

I was wrong, obviously as they start laughing and coughing "mama's boy" at me. To which I just roll my eyes and ignore their comments. I love my Mama, nothing shameful about that.

We pull up to Eclipse, parking Emmett's Hummer under a street light because he thinks it's safer there. What a goofball, if someone wants to mess with it, a street light isn't going to stop them. But that's his baby. I think that beast gets more baths then Emmett himself.

We walk in and head straight to the bar and get two beers a piece. It's packed in here and it may get difficult to get the bartenders attention when we're ready for our second round. I let the guys know that tonight is on me and have them start a tab. Just as they hand me my beers I hear the most angelic sound I've ever heard.

Oh and I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
He's such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Lord, would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster

I start walking towards the stage, admiring the beauty on stage. I stop just to the side and don't bother hiding my admiration. She has her eyes closed but I can feel her pain thru her words. Someone that beautiful should never know that kind of pain. Just before she sings the chorus for the third and final time, a tear slides down her cheek which she wipes away, still not opening her eyes.

She finishes the song, slowly opens her eyes as if in acceptance of the pain she feels and replaces the microphone. As she looks up towards who I assume to be her friends, she doesn't see me on the other side of the room, but I see a depth to her eyes that I've never seen before. She looks so full of life and hope, but also pain. I want to take her pain away.

I watch her walk to a table and welcomed into the arms of a pretty blond. She turns to the table and her eyes go wide seeing a drink on the table. She doesn't hesitate, she drops the shot glass in the larger glass and drinks the entire thing at once. "Wow," I mutter to myself.

I continue watching, not able to yet move my feet. I notice her friends pointing out my brothers. They raise their glasses as the guys raise their beers and drink to each other from across the room. I shake my head and smile, I guess my brothers have found someone to occupy their time with this evening. I finally find my feet again and start walking back towards the guys. Not confident that I can make it the thirty feet to my brothers and look towards the girls at the same time, I keep my eyes on my brothers, who keep their eyes on the girls. Well, at least they won't get lost, I laugh to myself.

A group of girls took the stage doing an awful performance of Like A Virgin. They are giggling and falling all over each other, quite obvious that they started their evening of drinking early, or maybe they just can't handle their drinks. Which ever, it's really not attractive.

"Did you hear her?" I ask in awe.

"Dude, she was pretty good." Emmett says before taking a drink, still not taking his eyes off the girls.

"Pretty good? She has the voice of an angel." I state as if it's law. "But she looks so hurt," I say quietly as more of an observation to myself than to them. I notice that they have yet to blink, let alone look a way from the girls. I grin and nudge Emmett seeing my chance to get a rise out of him. "Did you see that blond hug her when she got back to the table? I bet their lesbians." I state trying to get more than an "uh-huh" from them. I most certainly do not think they are lesbians, but I'm waiting for both Emmett and Jasper's tongues to start hanging out of their mouths. Could they make it any more obvious? I start laughing as they turn and glare at me. "Sorry," I say raising my hands in surrender, "they most certainly are not laying carpet." I can't help but laugh at the fools.

Emmett looks at me, finally tearing his eyes off the ladies, and grins, "hey, that was a good one their Eddie."

I growl at him "don't call me Eddie, Emmie"

"Alright, alright I'll stop!"

Jazz finally turns to us "we need to take those girls home to Mom."

Huh, who's the mama's boy now?

"Jasper, we go out and come across, admittedly the most gorgeous women I've ever seen, and your first thoughts are about your Mom? That's gross." I say teasing Jasper while punching his shoulder.

I hear the djay announce "Bella and her Coven" and simultaneously Jasper and Emmett are both tapping me to get my attention back to the stage. The djay winks at the girls and I see the beautiful brunette from a few minutes ago with deep soulful eyes give the djay a dirty look and a short verbal exchange. That must be Bella.

I find it hard to look away from these beauties myself, although really only one in particular. The tall blond and the shortest pixie like brunette are nudging the others, nodding in our direction. Well, we must have their attention as well, good to know.

There seems to be a lot of annoying giggling and hair flipping going on next to us so we step a few steps away so that we can concentrate on the beauties on stage.

They are looking right at us, direct eye contact. The cymbols start out the song, and my Lord, all four of them grab a mic and start to shimmy and then they sing or should I say, they start their seduction.

Are you gonna live your life wondering,
Standing in the back,
Looking around?

It's like they are singing directly to us. Almost as a challenge to still being in the back of the bar when they have let us know with their extended eye contact that they are interested. With a wink to each of us they continue.

Are you gonna waste your time thinking,
How you've grown up,
Or how you missed out?

Things are never gonna be the way you want.
Where's it gonna get you acting serious?
Things are never gonna be quite what you want,
Or even at 25,
You gotta start sometime.

Then all the sudden, they turn and start singing to each other, and dancing together. Shaking and shimmying, and just looking so damn sexy. And not once looking back at us. They finish out the song with grace and the girl I know as Bella stands out from the rest. Her voice rising above the others and filling my soul.

I'm on my feet I'm on the floor I'm good to go.
So come on Davey sing me something that I know.
I wanna always feel like part of this,
Was, Mine.
I wanna fall in love tonight,
Here tonight.
I wanna fall in love tonight,
Here tonight.
I wanna always feel like part of this,
Was, Mine.
I wanna fall in love tonight.
I wanna fall in love tonight.
I wanna fall in love tonight....

I think I just fell in love tonight!

We clap and cheer for the ladies as they take in their praise from the crowd. They walk back to their table and flag down the waitress. Two of the ladies are back to staring down my brothers. The djay announces that he's going to play some dance music and the girls all jump in excitement. I'm pretty excited about watching them out on the dance floor myself.

Suddenly, Bella and one of the other ladies get up from the table and start walking towards us. For some reason I can't take my eyes off of her. The place is packed so they have to squeeze between people. Slowly they make their way towards us.

She places her hand upon my chest while saying "excuse me" and slipping by, all while looking me in the eyes and winking. I swear I felt an electrical current pass from her to me as she laid her hand on my chest, and there wasn't even any skin on skin contact. She lets her hand ever so slightly rub across my chest as she moves to get by and I feel an emptiness as she removes her hand from my body.

As she passes Jasper and Emmett she places her hand on their arms and continues to excuse her self to get by but they receive no wink. Her friend follows her lead and does the same, making sure to place a hand on each of our arms and gently squeezing. They continue on and it looks as they are going to the ladies room.

I look at the guys who are sporting extra large smiles right about now, I turn back toward the ladies table and take notice of the reason. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to catch my breath. The remaining ladies at the table are leaning together whispering to each other but still looking our way.

"Alright guys, are we just going to stand here all night or are we going to introduce ourselves to those incredible women? Looks like they have room at their table. And from the looks between you all, I'm pretty sure they will welcome us to join them." I ask the guys as they nods their heads in agreement. I start to walk towards the table only to spot the waitress for the table we are headed to. I stop her and let her know that anything ordered at that table tonight is to go on my tab. She nods in agreement while looking me up and down. "It's under the name Cullen," I tell her.

"Sure thing Mr. Cullen," she says while rubbing my arm "and if there's anything else I can help you with, you just let me know." Her voice laced with innuendo.

"That's all for now, thank you." I'm not one to point out that it's Dr. Cullen, I don't like throwing my education around like that. I'm proud of my accomplishments but I don't throw it in people's faces.

I notice that Jasper and Emmett continued on toward the table and introduced themselves and like I thought, were welcomed to the table. All they needed was a little push from their baby brother. I arrived at the table, the guys already having introduced themselves.

"And this here is our little brother, Eddie," says Emmett.

I glare at him then turn towards the women, offering my hand to shake. "It's Edward, and it's a pleasure. May I?" I motion towards the empty chair.

"Oh, please do," the blond says, "I'm Rosalie and this is my little sister Alice. Our sister Bella and friend Leah should be right back."

My brothers are openly staring at the girls looking like they are at a loss for words. I guess that leaves me to start a conversation. "So Rosalie and Alice, not to sound cliché, but do you ladies come here often?" I ask with a chuckle, knowing exactly how it sounds. Luckily for me the ladies laugh and find the humor in it.

Alice speaks up, still not taking her eyes off of Jasper, "it's been a few weeks but we actually come here all the time."

Hmm, good to know,

"Well," Alice the first to speak up, " I own a small clothing boutique in downtown Baltimore. I went to school and got a degree in business management and then spent two years studying fashion and decided to open my own place. I love the fact that I don't have to follow someone else's direction. I get to make all the decisions and when I'm not sure of something, I have my sisters to go to for help." She finishes with a grin while reaching over and sweeping a lock of hair out of Jasper's face.

Next Rosalie speaks up, "and I own a garage just outside the city. Owner and head mechanic actually. I don't do too well being bossed around by someone else, so opening my own place was the only logical option. I prefer high end vehicles, the faster the better, but I also help out single mothers who get referred to me thru a local organization that helps single mothers in need."

"And what about your sister and friend?" I ask, not wanting to leave anyone out and wanting the conversation to continue. Quite honestly, the four of them are making me a little uncomfortable with all the non blinking eye contact.

Rose answers, "our sister Bella is editor-in-chief of the Baltimore sun and Leah works at the organization that helps mothers in need. She's actually the reason I got involved. She's a single mother, but Bella's boyfriend, Jake, does all of her car maintenance. But her and I worked together to make sure other single mothers had access to reasonably priced automotive work. I make sure they don't pay a dime over cost, most of the time even less thanks to contributions from our local community."

And with that, my heart drops. She has a boyfriend. Okay, I can handle this. After the way my day has gone, it figures that she would have a boyfriend. I mean, why wouldn't she, she's drop dead gorgeous. I don't know how these two are single. Not that they have said that they are single and available, but they sure seem to make it look that way.

I look off toward the back of the bar and notice Bella and Leah making their way back to the table as the djay finally starts up the dance music. I think I hear Jasper whisper to Alice "would it be to forward of me to say that I think I'm in love with you and want to take you to meet my mother?" She giggles.

Mean while I hear Em, "you are a goddess, absolutely perfect, let's get married. You can meet Mom and Dad later, I know they'll love you too."

Rose replies, "let's give it a month, then we can get married. After I meet the parents and you meet mine," with a wink.

Well that's just great, both of my brothers seemed to have met the women of their dreams, instantly ready to settle into forever, while it looks like the woman of my desire is already taken. Figures.

Just as Bella and Leah approach the table, Rosalie and Alice turn to them. It looks like Bella has been crying but she has a smile on her face that doesn't quite reach her eyes. After what seems to be a silent exchange between the sisters, Bella shrugs, reaches for her glass taking a sip. The beat kicks in, her hips start moving, she tilts her head toward the dance floor while looking at Rosalie and Alice. Then she looks to me while slowly walking backwards toward the dance floor and pulling Leah with her. Still looking at me, she starts lip syncing the words to the song I'm a, I'm a, I'm a, I'm a flirt. Soon as I see you walk up in the club I'm a flirt. Then she turns away and continues dancing with Leah, and quite sexily at that. They must be close because they don't seem to have any problem rubbing up against each other. I'm quite enjoying the little show. Every once in a while Bella looks my way, or maybe she's just looking to see if the other two are going to join them on the dance floor any time soon. I'm sure that's it, she's not looking at me, not when she has a boyfriend at home.

Just before the next song starts Rosalie and Alice leave us to join the others on the dance floor. The four of them dance among themselves, together and individually. Always looking back to make sure we are still watching. This has got to be one of the sexiest things I have ever witnessed. Now, I know we have been given shows like this in the past, but never has it ever been such a turn on.

The next song starts, Shots, how ironic, and Jessica stops back by our table with a tray full of ice water. Setting the glasses down for the girls and a few extra for us, she checks on our drinks. "Are you still doing ok Mr. Cullen? Is there anything I can get for you?"

Now that the eyes aren't in such close proximity to the girls they have found the use of their mouths again. "Hey, Jessica is it?" looking at her name tag, Emmett grabs her attention, "he's Dr. Cullen," he looks at me when I growl. "What, you earned it! Anyway, I think we could all use another round and bring the ladies another of whatever they are drinking."

Jessica looks to me to make sure I'm agreeing to a round of drinks for all seven of us. I nod to let her know that it is in fact okay to bring another round to the table. She quickly turns to retrieve our drinks, just before the song ends and the ladies return to the table.

All of them look quite worked up and very thankful for the ice water sitting on the table. It's good to see that they came out to have a good time and not necessarily to get wasted. They each take a seat, Bella and Leah make it to their chairs while Alice lands in Jasper's lap and Rosalie in Emmett's. All grabbing their waters at the same time and drinking up. Each setting down their glasses as they finished and letting a moan of gratification slip thru their lips. I think I felt a twitch when Bella closed her eyes, moaned and licked her lips. Each looking quite satisfied. Wow, all from a glass of ice water.

When Bella opened her eyes Rosalie started the introductions, "Bella, Leah, this is Edward."

I immediately extend my hand towards them, first to Leah, "hi Leah, it's a pleasure." Then on to Bella, "hello Bella, there are no words," I say as I grasp her hand and look into her eyes, feeling the current surge once again, stronger this time now that there is no cloth barrier between us. Not wanting to break the connection of our hands, but not wanting to be the creepy guy since I know she has a boyfriend, I release her hand but maintain eye contact. "Please allow me to introduce my brothers," seeing my opportunity to seek a bit of revenge for Emmett's 'Eddie' comments from earlier, "these are the Tweedle Twins, Dee, also known as Jasper, and Dum, also known as Emmett."

"Oooh, Eddie boy's got jokes today," Emmett says, "you are on a roll like butter tonight aren't cha? Jazz, can I get some help here?" Emmett and I playfully glare at each other.

"No way, Em. I'm staying out of this one as much as possible. Besides, if given the option, I much rather be Tweedle Dee. This is between the two of you. Maybe one day you'll learn to stop calling him anything other than Edward." Jasper smiles and returns his attention back to Alice. That's the most he's said since we've gotten here. What is with these two tonight?

The djay announces this is the last song before they start the karaoke back up, and the beat of Carry Out start. The girls each start a bit of chair dancing and singing along. Emmett and Jasper look like they are getting a bit excited and try to hold the girl on their laps still with very little success.

Jessica returns with the round of drinks to which Bella looks at her questioningly. Jessica just nods in my direction to let her know that we ordered them. Bella smiles at me and raises her glass to me in thanks and takes a sip. Leah excuses herself to call and check on her son.

"So," Bella says looking at me while placing her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand, "did you say your brothers are twins?"