Prompt: placid
Phrase Catch: high and dry
Obviously, a few hours equates to 17. Sorry! unbeta'd and longer than usual.
"I've been staying with a friend of mine. Emmett? Don't know if you remember me talking about him, but I've been camping out on his couch for a few days now, and I have to figure out some things about my house. But eventually," he says. "I'd—"
"Hey, Bella? Garrett's on the phone," Bree yells from the door.
"Oh!" I look at Edward and he's smiling, shaking his head. Nothing in Bree's voice implies it's an emergency. "Um, I should probably go talk to him."
We both stand. "Yeah, go. What I have to say can wait a little longer."
Edward follows me back into the building and as Bree hands me the phone over her counter-slash-desk, he moves to the end of it, waiting.
"Hey, sweetie. Everything all right?"
"Mom! Guess what happened?"
"Tell me."
"Promise you won't make fun?"
I look at Edward, smiling. "I won't make fun. Tell me."
"I have a girlfriend."
"You do? Who?"
"Mom."
"Well, I don't want to assume anything."
Garrett sighs. "Mommm. It's Kate. She's my girlfriend now. I was wondering if you could take me to the store when you get home from work so I can buy her flowers. When are you coming home?"
"Sure, we can do that. I'll be home by five, and I want you to give me all the details, okay?"
"Okay. Bye, Mom!" he says.
"Bye, sweetie." Handing the phone back to Bree, I thank her then walk toward Edward.
He lifts his eyebrows. "All is well I take it?" he says.
"My sweet baby boy has a girlfriend," I pout. He wraps his arm around my shoulders and squeezes.
"You're not going to be one of those mothers who still buys their son's underwear when they're forty, are you?" he teases.
I poke his side. "He's ten. Let me have five minutes."
To anyone around us Edward's initial gesture wouldn't seem out of the ordinary, at all. But he hasn't dropped his arm. Instead he holds me close, his hand drifting down to my waist and all I want to do is turn into him, wrap both my arms around him. If we don't step away from each other, like right now, someone's going to get suspicious.
I move and he shrugs, unapologetically. Bree's conspicuously engrossed in a magazine, and Edward nods toward the door again. Because Bree is tremendously nosy, we begin this conversation spoken only through facial expressions:
Me: She's going to gossip. We should go up to one of our offices.
Him: No, she won't. Outside.
Me: I don't know, I…
Him: It's fine. I'd like to finish what we were talking about.
Me: I know. Me too, but…
Him: Please?
Me: Okay.
We're back outside and have walked around the building. It's all brick on the first floor but full of windows on the second.
"Why didn't you want to go upstairs?"
"Too many ears," he says, scrunching his nose as he takes a step closer.
I look up. "Eyes are just as perceptive."
"I suppose, but not in this particular case."
"No?"
"No."
"If you say so," I say.
"All right." He laughs and pulls me closer to the building. "As I was saying, eventually, when you're comfortable and when I have a permanent residence, I'd like to have a long conversation with you about that thing you said to me after you hit me. I might have already mentioned it today if you're not sure what I'm referring to. I'd also like to discuss what I'd like to do about it."
My cheeks flush. "I didn't hit you."
"Tomato, tomahto."
"That thing?" I cross my arms, and if I want to stop smiling I'm going to have to bite the inside of my burning cheeks.
"You love me."
"Oh that. You'd like to do something about it?"
"I would," he says, grinning and tugs at my sweater. "Very much. I've been waiting five years to have this conversation with you."
"Five years is a long time."
"I agree."
"Talking is good," I say.
Edward leans in and presses his lips to my cheek, slow and soft. He says, "Talking is really, really good."
"Is it wrong that I'm happy? It's too fast. Is it too fast?" I ask Shelly. She's sitting across from me in my living room. Garrett's been asleep for almost an hour, and she's been chomping at the bit for details.
He chose yellow tulips for Kate, but we decided instead of taking them to school where they'd probably wilt, I'd drive him to her house so she can put them in water right away. He handed them to her, she thanked him—I think. I waited in the car—and then she went back inside. Garrett was rather smiley all night until he finally conked out.
She shakes her head. "No. Why? You've had feelings for each other for a long time. It's not as if he left her high and dry. Technically, she left him. Sure, a couple weeks might seem like he's jumping the gun to some people, but those people wouldn't know the two of you. Who cares what they think, anyway. Is that what you're worried about? What people might say?"
"Maybe a little. I'm more concerned it would be disrespectful, if that makes any sense. But mostly, I think it might be too soon for him to be in another relationship."
"Bella," she says. "Wasn't he the one who said he wants to talk about it? When 'you're comfortable'? Relax. You're in love with each other. If you can't trust his judgment now, when can you?"
It's the morning of Alice's party. Garrett is having a sleepover at Shelly's house along with her grandson, whom she arranged to visit for the weekend since I'll be gone until late tonight.
The construction crew was here yesterday, assembling, hanging, securing. The acrobatic troop is climbing the scaffolding outside, pulling and wrapping themselves in the silks inside. Landscapers are setting up potted bushes and trees on the stone patio and at the entrance. I've checked the weather for the umpteenth time, and so far so good: only a twenty percent chance of rain this evening, but the tent is ready to go should that change. Please don't change. As promised, the air conditioning has been fixed and it's almost too cold in here now, but I'll take it.
In an hour, the linens will be delivered, tables set, and the florists will bring the centerpieces. A few hours from now, the caterers will arrive and set up shop in the kitchen. Not everyone is here yet, but there's still a buzz of activity and my adrenaline rushes. I love this part: the crazy, hectic, frenzied time right before an event. How the weeks and sometimes months of planning finally come together and all your hard work is brought to life.
Angie is testing the lighting behind the artwork and Intern Eric has been assigned to Director of You Go Here and You Go There. His usually hunched form is straight and tall as he carries around his clipboard, intermittently speaking into his headpiece even though Angie and I aren't wearing ours.
Edward is coming, too. He doesn't have to be here, we don't actually need another person, but he's coming anyway, says he doesn't have anything better to do. To be honest, I'm glad he is. I want to talk to him. It's been 24 hours of furtive glances that linger a little too long to be appropriate for friends. Now, though, we don't have to pretend with each other that there's nothing between us. Obviously. I smile at the thought, like I have been since Thursday.
It's already past noon and Alice has texted only twice while she's ridden shotgun with Mr. Whitlock at the golf course. Apparently, she doesn't play but Mr. Whitlock calls her his good luck charm, so who is she to deny her husband a birdie or two? she says.
In an hour, guests will begin arriving. I've changed into a simple, sleeveless black dress that will not confuse me with those invited or the serving staff. Well, the simplicity of the dress is one thing, but the gold nametag might be a clue, too. The performers have gone back to the hotel to change into their costumes and the auction table is pretty unbelievable. There's the standard spa and golf packages, a club member's beach house that will be the winner's for a weekend, champagne and wine baskets, a diamond necklace or two, but what's really impressive is Alice's donation: five days aboard the Whitlock's sailboat.
The winning bidder will receive the all inclusive trip of their life.
The Seer is a beauty of a vessel at 50ft and is yours for five days and nights to sail on the Caribbean Seas. This trip includes crew and wait staff so all you'll need to do is soak up the sun, swim in crystal clear blue water, and sleep beneath the starry skies.
Opening bid: $25,000
"Got an extra twenty-five grand?" Angie asks, looking over my shoulder.
"Ha. Maybe we can pool our money, each spend a minute on the boat." She smiles. "Cute dress," I say.
She plucks at the skirt of her navy wrap-around. "Thanks. Maybe I'll land a millionaire."
"Maybe you will."
The party is in full swing and there's not a cloud in the sky. Success!
"Nicely done," Edward says. He just got here and holy mother of God does he look good in a suit. I've seen him dressed up before, but now I can…enjoy it. I do and his cheeks redden.
We're in the corner of the room right by the door that leads into the kitchen. He's standing a bit behind me, threads his fingers with mine and guides my hand behind my back. No one pays any attention to us. They're all focused on Aro, Caius, and Heidi on the silks.
"Thanks. It wouldn't look nearly as great as it does if it wasn't for Angie making sure the artwork was ready on time." It's true and it looks amazing. The twinkle lights are the only lights in the room save for candles on each of the tables and low spots on the performers who are in all white. They kind of blend in with the silks and you can't always tell what's human and what's fabric except when they dramatically drop from the ceiling which has earned them gasps and applause. The plastic prints are done in various shades of purple—Alice's favorite color—and silver, swirling and blending, but not quite. It's abstract, for sure, and I've decided I want one for my bedroom.
I squeeze Edward's hand and he whispers, pointing toward the window with his free hand because I'm not about to let go just yet. "Show me what you did out there." He smells so good.
"All right."
He follows me along the edge of the room, and we walk past a contortionist doing something that looks unnaturally painful. I take note of the guests, their tables, the bar, the servers…so far, so good. The Whitlocks move from table to table, person to person, and Mr. Whitlock has not once left Alice's side. He's not at all what I expected, Jasper Whitlock is placid, quiet, yet the depth of the love he has for Alice is clear to everyone. It's beyond sweet.
Alice catches my eye right before Edward and I walk out onto the patio, and she blows a kiss, mouths thank you then goes back to her guests. This is the first time I've seen Alice Whitlock at ease.
It's warm tonight, a little muggy but not bad. There are several people gathered around, watching these mysterious beings dressed in brightly colored leotards climbing, spinning, and jumping from rung to rung of the scaffolding that was built just for them. It's high, and I have to tilt my head back to see the top. Please don't fall.
A man suddenly blows fire into the air to our right, and Edward and I laugh. Out here, it's not nearly as subdued as it is inside, but no matter where you are it's a good time. I press a button on my earpiece to check in with Angie.
"Twenty minutes until dinner," she says.
"Great. Eric? How're you holding up?" I ask. We've put him on auction table duty.
"Good, good. Lots of bids coming in, especially for the sailboat. Looks like we're not going to the Caribbean…Excuse me, ma'am? What? No, I'm sorry. I'm not holding bets... Okay, then…okay."
"Ah, Eric?" I say.
"Sorry," he says lowering his voice. "Some woman thought I was a bookie."
I glance up at Edward. His eyes are on me, and I don't look away. "That would be Mr. Whitlock's cousin. Don't worry about it and just make sure that table stays stocked with bidding forms."
"Got it," Eric says.
"How much longer is this party?" Edward asks.
"Til it's over." He nods. "You don't have to stay."
"But I want to."
"You're going to get bored."
"Do you want me to go?" I shake my head. "So you want me to stay."
"Yeah," I say, grinning like an idiot.
He looks around then back at me. "When do you think we can talk?"
"Are you pressuring me?" I could flirt with Edward Cullen All. Day. Long.
"'Course not. I'd never do that. So, when?" His attempt to look serious is kind of adorable.
"Soon," I say, laughing. I back up toward the door. "Time to round up the guests for dinner."
"It's time! It's time!" Alice says into the microphone, after setting her cocktail down. "I know you've all been waiting on bated breath to find out who's going home with the fabulous donations, and I can't thank you enough for your generosity." One by one, she nods to those who've provided something, and it's taking a painstakingly long time to do so. Gotta love her, though. "I hope you've all had a lovely time this evening. I know I have," she says, looking at me. "So without further adieu…" Eric hands her a list of the winners. Angie, Edward and I have already transferred the donations to the table where Alice is. She begins reading off the names.
There are lots of applause and cheers, exasperated groans from husbands who tease their wives that they can't afford it, but it's all in good fun. Once she's finished with the names, someone yells, "What about the sailboat? Who won?"
Alice glimpses back at the list. "Huh," she says. "Seems the winner would like to remain anonymous." Of course this earns whispers from the crowd, all of them looking around the room to see if they can figure out who anonymous is. Then Alice looks my way and winks.
"Did she just wink at you?" Edward asks.
"Ah, yeah?"
"Wonder why."
"I have no idea."
My feet are killing me. I'm talking throbbing, swollen, biting pain kind of killing me. It's not until after all the guests have left do I take my shoes off, and all I can think about is going home and soaking in a tub. But it's almost midnight, and I'd probably fall asleep only to wake up a prune.
"Tired?" Edward asks. Everyone is gone and aside from all the items needing to be picked up tomorrow, a final meeting with Alice on Monday, we're done.
"I am. Aren't you?"
He shrugs. "A little, I guess. Want me to follow you home?"
"You don't have to."
"I don't, but I will. Well, I am so, come on."
We walk toward our cars. "Would you still follow me home if I said no?"
"Yep," he says, opening my door, and I climb in. "See you back at your place."
When we pull up to my house, I notice that all the lights are off next door at Shelly's. I didn't have a chance to say goodnight to Garrett earlier, but he and Shelly's grandson were probably too busy having fun anyway.
Edward follows me to the door. "Do you want to come in for a minute?" I ask, knowing that certain things could happen. I'm not ready to go all the way down that road just yet, but I don't want him to leave yet either.
He comes closer, kisses my cheek the way he did before: slow, soft and warm. "I really do, but I probably wouldn't leave if I did." Edward lingers there for a moment, my eyes are closed, and I remember what Shelly said about trusting him.
He pulls away, but I stop him, grab on to his shirt and bring him back. "Just one thing before you go." And then I kiss him.
Too soon? Next up is EPOV (probably tomorrow). Thank you so, so much for reading and reviewing. Enjoy your weekend! Or if it's tomorrow where you are, happy Monday! :)