My weeks continued in much the same way, spending the days working at the McCarty's and my nights relaxing back at the cottage. Each day it felt more like home. Alice became someone that I considered a good friend here. I lucked out finding this cottage and family in my search for a home. Alice convinced me to join her at a book club, which was a good opportunity to meet more people my age. I felt myself growing up as I explored on my own.
Tonight I'm looking forward to my first ceilidh. Jasper plays fiddle in a local band so I'm once again tagging along to gain another new experience.
Arriving at the barn I begin searching for a familiar face. Alice told me she'd be here early since Jasper needed time to set up. I scan the crowd as the band starts up. It's unlike any music I listened to at home but the atmosphere is charged as the crowd quickly begins to clap along. I find a quiet place off to the side, deciding I'll wait until a break in the music to move further up front to where I assume Alice and crew are sitting.
"Are you avoiding us, Bella?" is whispered in my ear.
I spin around coming face to face with Edward. He's in a casual pair of jeans and a blue polo that make his green eyes pop even more. In the crowd his nearness seems even more intimate. I'd seen him a few times over the past weeks, but never for a lengthy conversation.
"It isn't avoiding if I didn't even know that you were here," I finally reply.
"So it's Alice you're avoiding and not me. Good to know you would've found me if you knew I was here," he smirks.
"Twisting my words again. I looked for Alice when I got here but it's more crowded than I thought. And I didn't know you were coming tonight so you hadn't even crossed my mind," I lie. No one mentioned Edward coming, but I hoped.
Edward playfully grabs his chest as if what I said hurt him.
"Not on your mind at all? I'll have to work on that," he chuckles.
Unsure how to respond, I change the topic to Jasper's playing. Edward tells me about the typical ceilidh evening, letting me know that Jasper's band has a local following and tonight is their last performance for the season. Finding Alice is no longer on my mind as I enjoy my time with him. Songs continue to be played, for a few people get up to dance along. People say hello to Edward as they come and go. I see familiar faces from town, including Emmett and Rosalie who let me know the kids are with their grandparents for the weekend.
A tall redhead approaches us during a song that has a lot of the crowd dancing along. She looks like a grown up, model version of Anne I think.
"Eddie, no dancing tonight? I haven't seen you out in a while," the redhead remarks.
"Things have been busy on the farm," Edward answers.
"Time to make up for missed opportunities then. I've missed you," she purrs.
I attempt to excuse myself from this awkward situation with an excuse of needing to find Alice. Edward seems to have other ideas as he makes a brief goodbye to the redhead, walking with me through the crowd. A few steps away Edward grumbles about leaving him to the wolves.
"The wolves? She looked awful friendly to me, Eddie," I mutter.
"Oh, is that a little jealousy I hear?"
"Just an observation. I don't want you thinking you have to babysit me for the night. I can find Alice around here."
"Trying to get rid of me already?" he taunts, guiding me along as we move through the crowd.
I sigh, confused about this whole interaction. I'm about to reply when with a shriek Alice skips up and hugs us.
"You both made it! Isn't Jazzy amazing up there? I'm kind of sad that it's the last performance for the season, but I won't miss dealing with the trash flaunting themselves at the shows. Speaking of trash, Tanya was on the prowl looking for you Edward so watch out," she babbles without a glance in our direction.
I wonder if Tanya was the redhead from earlier or if there's a whole crew of girls waiting around for him. I refuse to let those thoughts ruin my night. Sitting down in between Alice and Edward I let myself get lost in the music.