Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns everything Twilight. I'm just fan :)
This chapter made my super amazing beta Izzzyy (thanks bb, I know ur super busy and this was a mofo chapter to edit) squee so I hope it'll have the same effect on you guys. I have some important a/n below so "see" u guys there. Read and enjoy ch 17 first.
For Mwabee. This chapter is for you :) Squee and Yaaay all the way peborit, haha...
Chapter 17
I need to calm down. Unclench fist.
No, I don't. Clench fist. Grit teeth. Kill Jacob with his bare hands.
Yes, I do. Bella hates violence. He is not killing anybody.
"You'll see her in a relationship with a man named Jacob who'll sweep her off her feet and take her away."
Over my dead body! Nobody will take Bella away from me! Edward glared at Jasper. "You just used a random name, huh? There's no real Jacob, huh? What the fuck, Jasper? He looks pretty real to me!"
And pretty-real Jacob was presently hugging Bella so tightly she was raised a few inches from the floor. Her entire scantily-clad body was enveloped by the blindingly white-teethed He-Man. That did it. Edward saw red. It was one thing to let Alec's hand-squeeze-breathy-corny-line pass, but this? This was definitely unacceptable! He snarled, growled and without any hesitation pulled a Brad-Pitt-as-Achilles move on the unsuspecting Jacob.
Translation: to avoid hitting Bella, Edward jumped, zeroed in on the particular body part he'd hit then punched Jacob square in the face. Not yet satisfied with that, he then channelled Bruce Lee and karate-chopped Jacob's neck, which was open for his assault.
Complete with an impassioned "Yaaaa!"
Jacob let go of Bella with a yelp and staggered backward clutching the side of his neck with his left hand. His right hand went straight to the punched side of his face. He then hit a table and went sprawling on the floor amidst shrieks from the women who witnessed the action-packed scene, including Bella, and a chorus of "what the hell?" from the men, excluding Aro, who was so impressed with Edward he started clapping.
"Oh my God! Jake! Are you okay, honey?" A heavily-pregnant woman, who rivalled Rose in size, waddled towards the barely moving man on the floor. By some form of miracle, she was able to sit down on the floor without anyone's help. Cradling Jacob's head in her lap, Preggers Number Two looked up and glared at Edward. "You bastard! What was that for? My husband didn't do anything to you, you piece of shit!"
Edward is so fucked, Jasper thought, face palming.
What?
Bella turned to scowl at Edward. "Edward Anthony Masen Cullen! What the heck possessed you to attack Jacob? What is wrong with you? God!"
Alice, Jessica and the two Bens helped Jacob and his wife stand up. Jacob looked confused as he struggled to sit up. Wifey looked positively murderous, and her intended victim, Edward, was just a few feet away.
Bella in turn stayed beside Edward and angrily reached for his hand. "Jasper, I need an ice pack for this. Please, umm..." She was too upset to finish the sentence.
Jasper nodded in understanding and left to get it. Jessica fidgeted behind Jacob then raised her cell phone. "Should I call a doctor?"
Jacob cleared his throat. "No. I'm okay. Nothing an ice pack and a stiff drink can't fix."
"Are you sure, Jake?" Bella asked in concern. "You looked out of it for a minute there."
"Yeah, I'm sure. It was more of shock than anything, although that was some solid punch." Jacob eyed his assailant warily. "I used to have your posters on my wall. I was a huge fan. I just didn't expect our first meeting would be, well, like this."
Now I feel really bad and stupid. Edward sighed. "Um, I'm sorry man. I honestly thought..." he paused then finger combed his hair with his free hand, thoroughly embarrassed.
Jacob gave him a look, glanced at Bella and then back at him again, eyes widening a little in understanding. "Oh. No, no, no. Bella and I were childhood friends; she's three years older than me so she kinda acted more like an older sister. God knows I didn't need another one; I have two already." He paused and smiled at Bella fondly. "But we did get along well. We used to make mud pies together and played hide and seek. But that's pure friendship – there's nothing romantic between us. I'm actually married and expecting a son." He turned to gaze lovingly at the pregnant woman beside him.
"I'm his wife, Leah Black. Excuse me if I'm not as gracious as my husband tonight. You sick fu—"
"Leah," Jacob interrupted and gave his wife a look that immediately shut her up.
Jasper returned with two ice packs and gave one to Edward and the other to Jacob. An uncomfortable silence followed. Bella was too annoyed to say anything. Edward was feeling like the biggest douche bag in the world. Jacob and Leah were whispering to each other about God-knows-what. The entire work staff went back to their usual posts. The rest of the guests crowded around the bar to get fresh drinks. The three Volturi went back to their table and chatted, with Alec glancing at Bella and Edward from time to time.
"Here. Drink this to calm yourself." Tyler said giving Edward a bottle of Speights, which was his favorite beer, then turned to Bella and raised her untouched glass. "Take a sip. Come on. I'll send Jacob and Leah their drinks. Cheer up. It's your birthday, sweetie, and this is your party!"
Bella forced a smile and dutifully took a sip. Nice. She took a longer drink the second time around.
"Did I just ruin your birthday?" Fuck.
Bella glanced at Jacob and then turned to face Edward. "No."
"I'm sorry."
"I know you are."
"What can I do to make it up to you, Bella?"
She sighed. "You don't have to make it up to me. You should apologize again to Jacob and Leah. Then, promise me you will never resort to any kind of violence unless it really is necessary."
Edward nodded solemnly. "I promise."
They gazed at each other for a couple of minutes before a new distraction forced them to break the eye contact. The distraction was a vision in designer jeans, a pink sleeveless ruffled top and white jacket.
"Happy birthday, Bella."
"Gorgeous!"
Heidi smiled sheepishly at them. "I crashed your party, sorry."
"Pfft! You're always welcome!" Bella exclaimed and stood up to give Edward's ex a hug. "I really thought you were in Paris, but I'm so glad you're here."
Heidi hugged her back. "I chartered a plane. I'll fly back on Sunday. I really wanted to be here."
Bella grinned up at her. "Now, I feel extremely special. Thank you!"
The Super-Ex giggled. "Silly Bella, of course you're special! Edward here is so cra−" A large hand covered her mouth in a flash.
Both Heidi and Bella turned to look at Edward in surprise.
"Oh my God, Edward, what has gotten into you tonight? First, you assaulted my friend and now you're being rude to Heidi! Dude, please stop attacking my guests!"
Edward's face was boiling red when he removed his hand, throwing Heidi a desperate look. I am having a bad day. I should just go find a rock and crawl under it or something. "Erm, sorry."
"I think you need more beer, Edward," Tyler commented, serving him another bottle.
Edward self-consciously cleared his throat. "Are you trying to get me drunk, Ty?"
"I think you'd be more sober when you're intoxicated, if that makes any sense."
"It doesn't."
"Well, I've seen drunk Edward, and he was giggly and chatty. I'm pretty sure we prefer that version of you tonight to whatever jerk-thing you've got going on, so just freaking relax and drink your beer," Tyler persisted, pushing the bottle in front of him.
"Can I have one? I'm awfully thirsty."
Tyler turned to give the model a surprised look. "You want beer?"
"Yes."
"But...but...I can give you something else! Wine, Cosmo, Apple Martini, Vodka Cranberry...anything else but beer!"
"Nah. Beer is fine," Heidi assured the bartender with a nod.
"Why, Ty? What's wrong with Gorgeous drinking beer?" Bella asked curiously.
"Let me guess, he thinks just because I'm a model, I automatically drink something more...hmm, sophisticated."
Tyler gave Edward a look then sighed. "Your gay misconceptions rubbed off on me and have made me develop my own supermodel assumptions. Sorry, Heidi, I really thought you'd go for something different."
"It's okay. No harm done."
"Heidi!"
"Hey, Alice."
Bella gaped at the two women in surprise. "You two know each other?"
"I actually heard about this party from your cousin," Heidi replied, smiling at Alice.
"How?"
"We met last Tuesday at this party hosted by a mutual acquaintance. I was there to represent my boss, while Heidi was there as one of the esteemed guests," Alice explained then giggled. "The same esteemed guest who punched an equally esteemed guest in the face before leaving the party with my coat. So I followed her out and demanded she give it back. We ended up drinking café crème in this cute little coffee shop and we talked for hours." Bubbly turned to grin at Heidi. "I knew she dated E. Cullen and she loved my designs, so we chatted for a long, long time."
Edward gave his ex an amused look. "You punched someone?"
"Guys, what is up with all the hostility? Please stop punching people!" Bella grimaced.
Totally ignoring the glass provided by Tyler, Heidi took a swig of beer straight from the bottle and leaned on one of the stools nearest to her before answering. "He totally deserved it."
Bella gasped. "He? Gorgeous, you punched a 'he?'"
"Demetri Caius, President and CEO of Elite Models. He was the one who said 'hi' to Heidi's fist that night," Alice confirmed with another giggle. "He was this ultra smooth, ultra suave man, but the expression on his face when Heidi socked him...gosh. It was so funny!"
Heidi smirked. "As I said, the bastard deserved it."
Bella and Edward exchanged looks. Interesting.
"What did he do to you, anyway?" Edward asked.
"Nothing." Heidi said the word with such venom it raised Bella's curiosity to another level. This was the first time she'd seen Heidi angry. Demetri Caius. Hmm. Who are you, and what did you do to my friend to make her pull a Laila Ali on you?
"Oh, the food and cake are here! Excuse me guys, I have some arranging to do," Alice excitedly said, motioning Ben to come help her as she approached the delivery guys standing beside Felix.
"I need to freshen up. Be back in a minute." Heidi took a final, long gulp of beer and put the empty bottle on the bar before walking towards the bathroom.
Bella took a sip on her drink and pondered. "I wonder who Demetri Caius is."
"Someone Sugar Ray Heidi punched in the face?" Edward suggested, chuckling.
"Ha ha, I'm Edward. I amuse myself way too much." Bella rolled her eyes. "You're one to talk; you had your own Sugar Ray moment tonight, Cullen."
They both glanced at Jacob who was, at the moment, kissing his pregnant wife. He appeared to be feeling better already. Sure there was a faint bruise on his face where Edward punched him and that the ice pack was presently resting on the neck that wannabe Bruce Lee had karate-chopped, but he was also actively tongue-fucking his wife, which implied he was fine. Bella quickly looked away seeing the couple's public display of affection, while Edward continued to look on, a bit envious at how freely the couple were expressing themselves. He wistfully sighed.
"What was that for?"
"What was what for?"
"The sigh. That has got to be the most depressing sigh I've ever heard."
"I'm just tired." Tired of holding off emotions, of having unanswered questions and I'm especially tired of this entire situation. I should have what Jacob has with Leah. I should have the freedom to kiss Bella whenever I want to. To show everyone that she fucking belongs to me and only me. To claim her as mine in front of all the fuckers out there, Alec Volturi included. If Bella could only figure out everything without the time-consuming courtship...Edward stopped, feeling guilty with his impatience. It's not that Bella doesn't deserve wooing. I could still do all that stuff that the Three Hoochies suggested when we're a couple. It just feels like I'm out of time here. My gut tells me that I need to do something now. Like, right fucking now!
That's not your gut speaking, boss. That's me.
Edward exhaled loudly. I don't think it'll sit well with Bella to know that the reason for my impatience is my dick. Didn't you get the memo? Sex, off. Romance, on. What happened to mute mode, anyway?
Mute mode was not working for me. I'm way too smart and involved to keep quiet. Clearly, prick and dick must work hand in hand to solve this seemingly cursed situation, boss. I shake, you bake. Or you shake, I bake. Whatever. Us dudes need to stick together.
"Edward?"
Momentarily shoving away his internal conversation with Anthony, Edward shifted to focus on Bella. "Yep?"
"Remember this afternoon, when we were still inside your car and you wanted to talk to me about something? I even promised that I won't lose my quiddich over it, whatever it may be. You did confirm that it involved me." Bella bit her lip. "If that's what's making you all depressed and sigh-y or violent and rude, I demand to know it now so we can resolve it."
Seize the moment, boss. It's time. Besides, I don't enjoy self-imposed celibacy. I'm too potent for that.
"What about your party?"
Bella looked around and shrugged. "Alice is still fixing the food, and I'm pretty sure not everyone's here yet. Jess tends to get extremely excited when hosting a party so she over-invites people, and your staff is doing great serving the ones that are here. We have time to talk. Come on." She stood up.
"Where are we going?"
"To your office. Duh," Bella answered, reaching out to clasp his hand in hers and started pulling him toward their destination.
The people they passed either ignored them – yeah right, highly doubtful, Edward thought – or in Rose's case, gave him two-thumbs up and a smirk. But before they could enter the entryway behind the bar that would lead them to the office and the stairs (the only access to the second floor), Edward stopped walking and cleared his throat.
I totally blame Rose's smirk for this. "Excuse me!" he yelled, making everyone turn and look at him. "Attention, please! Bella and I will just be in my office. With the exception of Masen's suddenly going up in flames, we would truly appreciate it if nobody disturbs us while we're in there." He punctuated his announcement with a crooked grin.
Score! You're the man, boss. You're the man!
Behind him, Bella blushed from the tips of her hair down to her toes. I'm not sure if that's possible, really, but it sure feels like it. "Cut it out, Edward Cullen!" she hissed. "Guys," she called out in the loudest voice she could manage, "he's kissing...wait, what? No! I mean, he's kidding! K-I-D-D-I-N-G. He's kidding, you know, joking around. Gah!"
Everybody burst out laughing except Alec, who looked irritated.
"We know, Bella. W-E-K-N-O-W. We know!" Jessica yelled back, giggling.
Edward winked at the group before pulling Bella away. When they were safely inside the office, Bella let go of the hand she was holding and glared at Mr. Obnoxious. "What the heck was that about?"
"That was me claiming my Bella time."
"But did you have to be an incorrigible brat doing it?" She lifted a brow to emphasize her annoyance.
Edward pretended to think things over then smirked. "No. But seeing Alec's face when I did it was fun."
"Alec? You hate him now or something?"
"Hate is such a strong word." He shrugged. "I just don't like him."
"Why?"
Another über-casual shrug. "He likes you and looks at you as if he can't wait to take you to bed and devour you all night." Delusional fucker. As if I'd let that happen.
"No way!"
"Yes way."
Bella frowned at him. "Really?"
"Really."
"Ew. I mean, no. God, no."
That made Edward's night a whole lot better. He grinned. "Alec's not your type then?"
Bella made a face. "I never considered him in that context. Sure, he's a friend, but beyond that...no."
Anthony was passing cigars to his imaginary dick-friends.
"It's funny how we've lived together for three years and I don't know what your type is."
A fleeting image of a naked Edward flexing came to Bella's mind and she blushed.
"Whoa, you're blushing, Bella Swan. Come on, spill!"
"Shut up."
"I am one hundred percent sure a naughty thought entered your usually pure as the driven snow mind, so come off it, Bella. What made you blush?"
"Edward, we came here to talk about what was bugging you, not – I repeat, not – to aggravate me! So if there's someone who'll do some spilling, that's you!" Miss Red-faced retorted.
My name wouldn't be Anthony if I let that particular statement pass, boss. The word spilling, ooohhhh – It has so much potential. I'd like to spill something inside Marie...yeah, baby. Uh-huh. I am Anthony Cullen and I'm one mean jizz machine.
Edward mentally rolled his eyes at his perverted dick. "About the 'talk,' can I take a rain check on that? I'll tell you, I promise, but not tonight."
"Why? We have time, Edward."
Because the three hoochies are right − you deserve to be wooed. "Knowing your inclination to over think and over analyze, if I tell you now, then that's all you'd think about the entire time you're supposedly celebrating. I want you to enjoy tonight, Bella."
Bella fixed him a look then sighed. "Okay, but we will talk about this...this...whatever this is, soon, Edward. I mean it. Soon!"
"Soon." He affirmed.
"Let's go back outside then."
"In a minute. I want to give you your present first," Edward said, winking as he walked towards his table to retrieve the gift.
"Present?" Bella made an odd, protesting grunt. "Edward, you already gave me a present when you spent last night taking care of me! And let's not forget this morning: the bath and the elaborate breakfast. Then on a Friday night – Friday night! – you closed Masen's just to host an open bar party for me. I mean, God, you've done a lot already!"
"Nah." Edward shrugged; waving off Bella's protests as he took a box from one of his table's locked drawers and walked back to her. Grinning, he gave the box to her. "Happy birthday." I love you.
Grudgingly accepting it, Bella opened the box and promptly burst out laughing. "Oh my God, I love this!"
"Now we'll match," Edward said, watching her take the black Nike sneakers out of the box.
Bella looked up at him and grinned. "We'll be like twins or something."
Or a cheesy but happy couple. "There's one more gift inside."
Bella put the sneakers on the floor and went back to checking the box. Sure enough, there was one more item in there. She picked it up and chuckled at the familiar-looking shirt. "A Stoli shirt! Now I have two–"
"Nope, I'm taking back the old one," Edward corrected.
"But I've worn that a lot of times already!" Bella cringed. "I haven't even washed it for days."
My shirt with Bella's natural scent...Fuck. I'm getting that shirt ASAP. "I don't care."
"So stubborn," the brunette grumbled. "Fine, I'll return that shirt after I've washed it."
"Don't bother, I want it unwashed anyway."
Bella gaped at him. "Seriously?"
He nodded.
"Why?"
"Because."
Grr. "Because what?"
He gave her a sleazy smile. "Because wearing an unwashed shirt is a fetish of mine. Just imagine, your scent and my scent, combining..." He wiggled his brows suggestively.
"Edward! Ew."
He laughed. "I'm K-I-D-D-I-N-G! Geez." Not really.
"I don't like you so much when you're this immature," Bella coldly told him then bent to pick up the sneakers.
Booobies alert!
Edward shook his head in disgust. Do you really have to state the obvious, Anthony?
Booobies!
Anthony was definitely in another dimension/time zone/planet. Soon he'd be clicking glasses with little green men. That or he'd be skateboarding with Marty McFly. Either way, the dickhead would be nom nom nom-ing over Bella's breasts.
"Just leave the box here, Bella. I don't want the others to see it."
"Okay," Birthday girl agreed and left the box on top of Edward's table.
Together they rejoined the group and mingled, seeing that the number of people had doubled during their absence. Bella was hugged, praised –for the dress and her upswept 'do – and greeted over and over by friends from work. Edward stood patiently behind the birthday girl, so in turn, he was hugged, praised –for Masen's and his generosity tonight – and greeted hello by Bella's "peepz."
But one was far friendlier than the others.
Bella racked her brain, trying to attach a name to the stunning redhead who had been giving Edward her undivided attention, but came up with nothing. She's definitely not a member of my peepz. The brunette's eyes zeroed in on Miss Congeniality's hand as it continued to cling on Edward's right arm. Red finger nails, red hair, red lipstick, red blouse...I'm seeing red.
Bella's tummy ached.
She excused herself from the group – which Edward and Miss Red were technically a part of, but they seemed to be in their own bubble or something – and walked away. Jessica immediately joined her, and together they settled at the table designated for the celebrant.
The special table, which could seat twelve people, was strategically placed in the middle of the sunken dance floor, just a few feet away from the stage, and one could hardly miss it since it was the only table there.
"I can't believe Victoria Horne is flirting with Edward. Did she even give you a 'happy birthday?'"
Victoria Horne.
Nope. I don't know her. "Calm down, Jess. Yes, she did greet me and she seemed nice." For about five seconds, and then she completely ignored me and focused on Edward. But at least she greeted me. "Who is she? This is the first time I've seen her. Ever."
Jessica scooted closer to her. "She's Alec's latest discovery, and she writes...wait for it...erotica."
Bella couldn't speak for a full minute. She had no idea Volturi Publishing had expanded into that genre. Sure the company published children's books, cooking and recipe books, romance novels, etc. etc…but erotica?
Jessica nodded seriously. "I heard Alec convinced both his Dad and twin that there's a market for that. Honestly, I agree. The porn industry is doing so, so well. I should know; I'm one of the industry's avid supporters." She said that in complete seriousness too.
"So in short, Victoria is the newest addition to our family." And she already had her eyes set on Edward.
Jessica frowned. "Not if she keeps flirting with Edward."
"She can do whatever she wants. Edward's free as a bird." Tummy, please stop aching.
The researcher kept her mouth shut even though it was really, really hard. I know something! She mentally screamed. Jessica thanked God that Alice, Heidi, Rose, Emmett and the Blacks chose that moment to join them. If not, she definitely would have tattled Edward's secret.
"Hello everyone."
Jessica shrieked and yelled a "hello back at ya, Big Daddy James!" Beside her, Bella chuckled.
"Gee, Jess, enthused much?" Alice giggled, Rose snorted, Emmett winced, and Heidi and the Blacks were amused.
"I'm just supportive of my man." Jessica shrugged and introduced herself to Heidi before giving her attention back to her "man."
Bella also introduced Jacob and Leah to her friends. Alice glowered at Jacob when he ruffled her hair. "Jake! Don't mess with my hair!" she grumbled and self-consciously fixed it with her fingers when Jasper appeared and sat beside Emmett. Dammit. "We're no longer nine and five!"
"But look at you, Ali. You still looked like a nine-year-old," Jacob teased.
"And you still think like a five year old!" Alice retorted, glaring.
"Are they always like this?" Leah asked Bella with a smile as the two continued bickering.
Bella rolled her eyes. "Always. They rub each other the wrong way every single time."
Jacob chuckled. "Bella and I would make mud pies and Big Sister Alice would wrinkle her nose at us."
"Duh. It's mud."
"But it was fun playing with mud." Jacob mimicked the way Alice said the word.
Alice discreetly checked Jasper's reaction to this ridiculous conversation and saw him chatting with Heidi. She wasn't sure if she should be relieved or disappointed that he wasn't paying any attention to them.
"We're about to start this party, guys. Grab a chair and settle down. Tonight is for Bella. She's the heavenly gorgeous brunette over there," James joked, waving a hand at Bella's direction who – as expected – blushed when everybody hooted and whistled for her. "She's celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday and because she's special, we'll all be dedicating Bella-inspired songs to her tonight. You guys up for it?"
The entire audience hollered a bunch of "Hell yeahs" and "Fuck nos" then started egging each other on. James rolled his eyes at the group. "Such a mature crowd we have here tonight, considering you're all from Bella's group of intelligent writer and editor friends."
He got booed.
The blond, ponytail-wearing stud (according to Jessica, anyway) smirked. "Kidding! K-I-D-D-I-N-G." He winked at Bella. "Anyway, our boss, the big gorilla over there – yeah, that beanie wearing man hovering over the birthday girl? Yup, that's him. As if you people didn't know – is hosting this party for his..." James paused and pretended to think.
"Platonic wife!" Tyler yelled.
"Beard!" Emmett called out.
"Mistress!" Jessica shrieked.
"I-wish-I-could-boink-her-but-dammit-she-has-taste fantasy woman?" Alice chimed in.
"Go-to woman to post his bail?" Leah sarcastically intoned.
The group laughed and hooted.
Edward raised his hand and gave everybody the finger. Bella pulled down the arm, blushing.
"I'm hosting this party for my Bella," he coolly announced.
"Oooooh, possessive!" Rose taunted.
"I'm rethinking the open bar part of this party," Edward replied, causing everybody to boo him.
"Errrrr, on that note, I'll be officially starting open mic night with this song for our dearest Bella. Happy birthday, B," James swooped in with a grin and saluted Bella.
James and his band performed Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are." Mr. Ponytail quoted a line from the song as to why they're singing it for the Birthday girl. "Cause you're amazing, just the way you are, Bella." He added a sincere smile after saying that which made Bella teary-eyed.
Tyler immediately took the spotlight after the band and belted out The Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men,"but clarified that he'd be doing the Geri Halliwell version. He came prepared with a CD of the song − the instrumental version. Mr. Bartender told everybody that he chose the song as a reminder to Bella that there were a lot of men out there for her to enjoy.
That earned him a glare from Sullen Cullen.
Alice followed, singing Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath my Wings." She shared that Beaches had been one of her and Bella's favorite go-to movie when they wanted angst. Then she fanned herself with the printed sheet music she was holding loosely and sniffed. "She's my hero and she's everything I wish I could be. I love you, Bella. I'm so lucky to be related to you." She then handed the sheet to the band's keyboardist. Before Bubbly even reached the chorus, Bella was already crying her eyes out. Thank God for waterproof mascara.
Jessica sang Wilson Phillips' "You're in Love." She played the keyboard herself. When Jessica returned to the table, Rose asked her about Bella's connection to the song. Jessica rolled her eyes at her pregnant friend and answered "Duh. I'm sending Bella a subliminal message. And the message was, yes, she's in love and that's the way it should be!"
Rose went to the bathroom before she could cause serious bodily harm to the other blonde.
The Boss – Aro not Bruce Springsteen – sang the acoustic version of "Sweet Child of Mine," with his son Alec on guitar. He joked that the song didn't have anything to do with Bella, he just wanted to sing it in front of everybody. Yep – Bella was treated to her boss singing Guns and Roses. Rock on, Aro. Rock on. His number was well-applauded and he even enjoyed a two-minute standing ovation from the audience.
Things became a lot more interesting when Alec remained on stage even after his father was done. He cleared his throat, smiled at Bella then started strumming the guitar and sing.
She rolls the window down
And she
Talks over the sound
Of the cars that pass us by
And I don't know why
But she's changed my mind
Alec stared intensely at Bella.
Would you look at her
She looks at me
She's got me thinking about her constantly
But she don't know how I feel
And as she carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl, Yeah I'm crazy for this girl
Edward scowled. He took a peek at Bella and found her blushing and gazing back at Alec, an awed expression on her face. The hell?
She was the one to hold me
The night
The sky fell down
And what was I thinking when
The world didn't end
Why didn't I know what I know now
Would you look at her
She looks at me
She's got me thinking about her constantly
But she don't know how I feel
And as she carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl, Yeah, I'm crazy for this girl...
Right now
Face to face
All my fears
Pushed aside
And right now
I'm ready to spend the rest of my life
With you
Bella mentally cringed at how forward Alec had become. The song he was singing sounded familiar and a part of her was touched that he was doing it in front of everyone. Maybe if I date Alec, this crazy attraction I have for Edward will disappear. Maybe if I experienced another man's, erm, companionship, I wouldn't fixate on Edward anymore. She sighed.
Naaaaaw. I don't like heeeem.
Startled, Bella glanced at Jessica and Edward, the two people sitting beside her. "Did you guys say something?" Not that they sounded nasally-challenged when they talked...
Jessica shook her head. Edward didn't answer. He was too busy glaring at the man performing on stage to reply. Then he stood up, muttering about getting a drink, and left.
Bella shrugged then went back to watching Alec, who was still staring at her as he neared the end of his performance. So, should Babe A even attempt to date other babes out there? Just to see if Babe A is just having Stockholm syndrome-ish feelings for Babe B?
I waaant Anthoneeee. Onleee Anthoneee.
Bella blinked. Once. Twice. Then she gasped. Oh my God! Marie?
I down't waaaant someone else. I waaant Anthoneee.
Bella stared at her lap in shock. Holy Frankfurter, my vagina spoke! And she totally sounded like Fran Drescher!
"Bella? Are you okay? Why are you looking at your lap? Did you spill something on your dress?" Alice inquired, looking alarmed.
"Um, no. No, I didn't." She was still staring at her crotch in shock. I just officially entered the Twilight Zone.
The enthusiastic applause distracted Bella enough to take her attention away from her vagina and add her applause for Alec. But when the man moved to approach their table, eyes never leaving her, she panicked. Seeing the undeniable desire in Alec's eyes, Bella abruptly stood up, informed everyone she needed to go to the bathroom and quickly walked away.
Jessica, Alice and Rose exchanged glances. Heidi looked curious, Emmett looked hungry and Mr. and Mrs. Black were again whispering to each other. Jasper watched Edward drink beer across the room. He was about to stand up and join him when Tyler beat him to it.
Their eyes met and Tyler gave him a saucy wink.
Jasper nodded subtly and went back to lounging in his seat. Good luck, Ty.
"You owe me an apology."
Edward expelled a breath and glanced up at his bartender. "I do. I'm really sorry, Ty. I didn't mean to insult you."
Tyler nodded. "I accept the apology, but you have to do something for me. You know, to make up for being an insensitive jerk."
"If this is a ploy to get a raise, forget it. You're already one of the highest paid bartenders in town."
"Sheesh. This is not about money, Edward!" Another hair flip −even though Tyler had short hair, he loved pretending he had Lady Gaga's mane.
Mr. Suspicious narrowed his eyes at the bartender. "Then what is this about?"
"This is about you retaliating to what that man did minutes ago." He pointed to someone using his chin.
Edward sighed. "You know I don't sing." Liar.
"Tough. Its Bella's birthday, and everybody's singing. Even them." Tyler eyed the stage where five of Bella's writer friends grouped together and sang "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor, acapella-style. They attempted to blend their voices, but it literally hurt to listen. "Edward, you either sing or do some epic baton-twirling on that stage, I don't care. Just do something! For Bella!"
Boss, if I may? Why not go up the stage, unzip your pants and show me to everyone? Or do an impromptu strip tease? I'm one hundred percent irresistible. Your performance will be hailed the best among the rest! Then you can be all gloating and smug at that Alec dude.
Right.
Anthony, I am not gonna flash anybody, nor strip in front of everyone! "I'm not in competition with anyone."
Tyler smirked. "Sorry, too late. I already synched my voodoo power – FYI, all top notch Super Homos of the World have voodoo power – to James and he'll call you next."
"Really? You'll sing tonight?"
Fuck! Edward glared at Tyler and turned to see Bella standing behind him. She looked...shaken? "Hey, you okay?"
She sighed. I'm freaked out right now that Fran Drescher Junior – formerly known as Marie – just whined at me, but aside from that, I'm good. "Yeah. I just needed to splash water on my face and I didn't want to incur Alice's wrath when she sees the make-up I ruined, so I walked straight here rather than join them on our table."
"That or you're avoiding Alec," he pointed out, glancing at their table to see the man sitting in Bella's chair talking to Jessica.
She blushed. "Busted. He's way too intense and it's seriously creeping me out. You were right about him and I don't want to hurt his feelings, so I'm taking the cowardly way out." And I don't want to hear Marie whining again. I already heard an earful about wanting Anthony, and only Anthony, while I was in the bathroom. God, I miss the tingles.
Marie tingled.
Bella mentally face-palmed.
Well, Bella. You wouldn't have to listen to your vagina complain if you'd just admit the truth to yourself, once and for all.
Bella wanted to stick out her tongue and succumb to a full-fledged tantrum. Now my haughty brain has joined in. Give me a break, guys. Stop ganging up on me. Please.
"You can stay here sweetie and together we'll gush over Edward's performance," Tyler offered, pouring her another drink.
She sat down beside Edward obediently and smiled excitedly at him. "You singing up there will totally make my twenty-fifth birthday memorable. Certified!"
To punctuate Bella's cheerful words, James called Edward.
The reluctant performer stood up, frowned at the smugly grinning Tyler, and turned to walk towards the stage. Everybody cheered seeing him up there. He rolled his eyes at the elaborate introduction that James gave, reached for a guitar, motioned for a chair, waited for said chair, sat on it when it was brought up, adjusted the mic, flexed his slightly bruised hand to see if he could play, confirmed that he indeed could when it didn't hurt that much, and finally looked at the crowd.
Edward cleared his throat.
"So, I don't normally do this. But for Bella, I will." Everyone hooted. "This is for you...baby." He openly gazed at the brunette sitting on the bar, and then started playing the guitar.
Like a pro, he strummed and strummed.
Impress her with a new skill. Check. Even if it was really an old skill. Or skills.
Be spontaneously sweet. Check. He hoped the message wouldn't be lost in translation.
Reveal one personal thing she didn't know about you. Check. Pandora's Box has just been opened.
Make her feel special by doing something you don't or won't normally do, but will, just because she says so. Check, even if technically, it was Tyler who set him up and asked him to do this.
Let the courtship begin, Edward thought as he leaned closer to the mic and began singing.
The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you, yeah
I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find you and I collide
I'm quiet you know
You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know
I'm always on your mind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find you and I collide
Don't stop here
I lost my place
I'm close behind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find you and I collide
You finally find you and I collide
You finally find you and I collide
As everybody clapped and cheered after Edward's song – Jessica and Alice were actually standing, with their hands clasped and jumping up and down, Jasper had raised both his hands and was continuously clapping, Heidi was beaming, Rose was hugging Emmett, Jacob looked pleased, Leah looked impressed, albeit grudgingly, and Tyler had been shaking his bubble booty in pure, unadulterated joy – Bella remained seated on her little stool, mouth gaping open at the man up the stage, staring back at her.
The same man who never looked away. Whose piercing green eyes stayed focused on her the entire time he was singing.
The noise faded and Bella could only hear the thump thump thump-ing of her crazily and loudly beating heart.
Her brain all but melted in awe of Edward.
Marie had been tingling since the moment Edward started playing the guitar.
Her heart...her heart had been beating fast ever since Edward called her baby and fixed his eyes on her, and her alone.
No more tummy aches.
Nessie's words to her that afternoon suddenly came to mind. "I have a brain and a heart. Lucky for me, they co-exist harmoniously."
Bella put her right hand on top of her still-wildly beating heart. Her impudent brain whispered the reality of her situation. Marie agreed by tingling some more.
My brain, my heart and Marie...they're all aligned.
She blinked. She focused on Edward, who was still at the stage but no longer looking at her. He was surrounded by James and his band, and she even spotted Jasper and Emmett up there. They were goofing off, presumably teasing Edward about his hidden talent, now discovered.
He was laughing then glanced at her.
He winked.
Bella swallowed audibly. Holy Frankfurter, Babe A is...is...with Babe B!
She let out a whoosh of breath.
Oh my God, I really am frigging in love with Edward!
about time Bella, about time :)
Songs used in this chapter:
Crazy for this girl - Evan and Jaron (Alec's song for Bella)
Collide - Howie Day (Edward's song) *I love this song so effin much, right Jecks?*
Guys, BHT has been nominated at the Annual Glosp Awards. It's a first for me and I'm happy to be recognized. Yay! It's under the "Nuttiest Fic" category, haha... Voting is from Oct. 14 to 26 so please vote. Thanks guys! Here's the link:
http:/glospawards(dot)blogspot(dot)com/p/vote(dot)html
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE COVEN AND MY CHUVA LADIES ESP. ANNE FOR THE SUPPORT. ANNE IS MY PUBLICIST. I LOVE HER TO DEATH :)