WitFit Dialogue Flex: "So far, so good."
Highline
Chapter 18
"You're the last fool I expected to see here." Edward replied to Laurent – his tone cold. "Shouldn't you still be out there trying to be a hero? If I remember right, that's more your style."
"Oh, give it a rest, brother – if we have to stay here for the night we can at least pretend to be old friends, can't we?"
"I'm not your brother." Edward murmured, much more quiet this time. The rest of our group was awkwardly silent, taking in the interior of the lodge. It was rustic, to say the least, but definitely cozy. As I had noticed from outside, a fire was roaring in a ceiling-high stone fireplace and it was surrounded by couches and seating that looked dated beyond my years.
Before Edward and Laurent were able to exchange any more insults, a tiny old man came bursting out from two swinging wooden doors that appeared to house the kitchen behind them.
"Good evening boys – so glad to see you made it safely!" the man called out, a wide smile on his face. He had a welcoming smile, deep dimples, and a head full of white hair. Edward and Emmett exchanged firm handshakes with him, while he eyed Jacob up curiously. "Jacob Black, son – is that you?" he asked, squinting in Jacob's general direction.
"Yes sir, Mr. Banner." Jacob replied.
"Well I'll be – how's your dad holding up?"
Jacob stalled before replying, "Not too bad. He has good days and bad days." I was curious about Jacob's father – it wasn't something he'd mentioned in any way before.
The elderly man nodded in understanding. "Make sure you tell him I said hello, alright?"
"I will." Jacob replied with a nod. "Thanks for asking about him"
"So you ladies must be Bella and Rose, then. I'm Bob Banner - Welcome to the Assiniboine lodge." Rose and I both shook his outstretched hand. "You girls were in good hands out there – not just anyone would be trusted to find this place after dark."
"It was quite an adventure, but they were great guides." I replied, sending a smile in Edward's direction.
"Well, I taught their father well, you know. I have high expectations of these here fellows."
"They've been very good to us." Rose added.
"I bet you kids are starving!" he startled, as if the thought just dawned on him. "Why don't you have a seat with these gentlemen, and I'll have Shelly heat you up some stew. I'm going to go radio the rangers and let them know you've all accounted for."
"That would be great, Bob." Emmett replied for all of us, calling after him. "Thank you!"
"He's nice." I said to Edward, moving closer to him in the large entryway. Nobody from our group made any motion to sit down with the others. I felt that given Edward's history with Laurent, it would be best to follow his lead.
"Very." He replied tersely. "Let's go sit – you should get your foot out of those boots for a while."
I followed Edward to an empty spot on one of the many couches and the others followed along behind us. Edward was completely wound up – I could tell by his expression and jerky movements that he was deeply bothered being in the same room with Laurent and company.
"So Bella," Laurent began as soon as I was seated, taking a sip of whatever was in his mug, "is your trip living up to your expectations?" He had an intense stare – his dark eyes seemed like they didn't even blink.
"So far, so good." I replied nervously. I figured the less I said the better.
"Since your adventure with the Cullen's will be cut short, may I invite you on one of our horseback tours? They're a specialty with our outfit. I can get you a card for when you -"
"Cut it out." Edward practically barked at him.
"I'm sorry, Edward. Is there a problem?" Laurent asked, his accent thick. I determined that he had to be French, but it wasn't a French accent I had heard before. His voice was full of sarcasm – it was clear that he was just trying to get a rise out of Edward, but I was still surprised by his nerve.
"They're our clients. We'll arrange excursions to make up for lost time when we're back."
"I can see what a professional job you do with your clients." He snorted, nodding over at Emmett and Rose. Rose was tucked into Emmett's side, sitting on the edge of an overstuffed chair, his hand resting on her knee. They both shifted away from each other once they realized what he was saying – they had settled in that way without even thinking about it.
"Hey, Laurent?" Emmett said slowly, his tone eerily calm. "Go fuck yourself."
"Easy there, big guy." James finally spoke, cracking the knuckles on one of his hands with his other. He gave me the willies – I wasn't sure if it was his overly greasy hair or his beady little eyes, but I found him particularly creepy.
"All of you – lay off." Jacob interrupted. "Banner doesn't need any bullshit here. Deal with your business at home."
"I think that's fair." Riley said with a nod. It was the first time I'd heard him speak. He was much younger than his travelling companions – I would've guessed that he was close to Jacob's age.
Edward let out a deep sigh, while Laurent shook his head with a snicker. After that, not another word was spoken until Mr. Banner arrived with a tray full of food.
"You kids must be tired!" he said giddily - completely unaware of the tension in the room - as he set his tray on the coffee table in front of the fire. It held five bowls of stew and a basket of biscuits. "Cat got your tongues?"
"We are, sir." Jacob said, "It's been a long day."
"This looks great – thank you so much." I said, diving in for a bowl. I was craving hot food like crazy.
"You're welcome, dear. As soon as you're finished, I'll have Shelly come show you girls to the showers and cabins. Emmett and Edward – your father wants you to radio back to Highline base as soon as possible."
A/N Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, and spreading the word! It really means a lot. I've noticed a lot of new story followers in the last few days – welcome! :) I've been asked how many chapters this story will be – at the moment, I'm not really sure! What I do know is that there is still a lot of adventure in store for these "kids" yet. Thanks again! xoxo