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Chapter 15 – Dinner for Five
BPOV
"Bella, so glad you could come, my dear. Please, have a seat." J.J. pulled out the chair next to him for me to sit down.
"Thank you, J.J." I settled down and glanced across the table.
"Nice to see you again, Jasper." I found Jasper to be a little intimidating, but felt it best to try to be friendly. After all, he and Edward were close.
"Evenin', Bella." I hadn't noticed that bit of a Southern accent in his steady voice before. I wondered at that.
Emmett and Edward sat down right before the waiter approached our table.
"Good evening, everyone, welcome to Markethouse. I'd like to tell you a bit about tonight's specials. For starters we are featuring our toasted faro and cavolo nero porcini soup made with pancetta and pumpkin seed oil, our special entrée tonight is butternut squash risotto with chanterelle mushrooms, sage, arugula and brown butter. And might I recommend the Dolcetto Gorgonzola and Green Hill Camambert for your cheese course. May I start you with something to drink?"
"Water for the table," J.J. announced.
"Still or sparkling?" the waiter inquired.
"Still, none of that bubbly crap, and straight from the tap is fine, no need to charge us for a bunch of plastic bottles. I'll also have Scotch, top shelf stuff, Dalmore if you have it."
"Certainly sir," the waiter paused before turning to me, "Madame?"
"A glass of white wine please. Thank you."
"You need to be more specific than that, Bella, or they'll serve you whatever swill is just lying around. She'll have a glass of 2007 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc."
I smiled apologetically at the server. It honestly didn't matter what wine he brought me, it wasn't likely that I'd know the difference.
He moved on to Edward, who seemed distracted. "And you, sir?"
Edward didn't answer at first and the waiter prompted him again, "Sir?"
"Hm? Oh, a glass of white wine."
I noticed J.J. roll his eyes at Edward's order, but inwardly I felt somewhat vindicated. Emmett and Jasper requested some imported beer and the waiter left to fill the order.
"The NY Strip is excellent here, Bella, you should try it," J.J. began, "though I am partial to the grilled Black Angus burger."
"Sounds delicious, but I really think I'd like to try the risotto he mentioned. I haven't had chanterelles in years."
Jasper and Emmett were talking quietly with one another, but I noticed that Edward was watching J.J. and me. I smiled at him, and one side of his mouth came up in a crooked grin. Again I marveled at how handsome he was when he smiled.
The waiter returned with our drinks and I sipped the wine. I was right, I couldn't tell the difference between this and the wine I'd had at the lounge down the street a little while ago.
"So, J.J.," Emmett interrupted my musings, "a bunch of us were talking about the win over ProLog. Quite an accomplishment for Edward, here, wouldn't you say?"
I turned to see J.J.'s reaction and was surprised to see him scowl. I remembered the department heads from the cocktail party had also discussed this with Edward.
"Bunch of clowns over there at ProLog. We could have gone in with any half-assed plan and we would have been the clear choice."
"That's hardly true," Jasper interrupted. "ProLog was the favored vendor in all the trades. The fact that Edward was able to pull this off was quite a success for him." Jasper raised his glass in Edward's direction and Emmett followed suit. I quickly reached for my glass and raised it with the others in salute to Edward's accomplishment.
"Thank you," he said, softly.
"Yes, well, be that as it may, it isn't anything less than what the board expects," J.J. groused. I decided I didn't like him.
The table seemed to share my opinion. Jasper turned his head away, but Emmett gave J.J. what my mother would call "the hairy eyeball." Edward stared down at his glass of wine.
The waiter returned. He addressed me, "Have you chosen an appetizer or salad?"
"I'll have the pork belly," J.J. said loudly. I was starting to wonder if he was drunk. No one was this rude sober.
The waiter had turned to J.J., when he'd spoken so abruptly, and turned back to me, apologetically.
"I'd like the porcini soup," I told him.
Edward ordered a salad and Emmett and Jasper both chose the mac and cheese gratin.
"I'll put in your selections and be right back for your entrees. Can I refill that for you, sir?" the waiter asked politely, pointing at J.J.'s empty glass. He indicated that the server should bring him another drink before turning to me.
"So, Bella, I never did find out why you were at our little gathering last week."
I panicked at his inquiry. He hadn't questioned my presence at the cocktail party and I had assumed that Edward told him who I was at some point. I shot a frightened glance at Edward, but he was looking at me calmly. He was sure I could handle this and that gave me the confidence I needed to answer.
"I've recently started doing some work for Edward. His secretary is retiring soon and is focused on training her replacement. I'm picking up some extra duties they don't have time for right now."
I thought my explanation was benign enough, so was nonplussed when J.J. reacted.
"Seriously, Edward? Three assistants? In this economy? And why was an assistant invited to the party, anyway? It was supposed to be for management only."
Jasper cleared his throat significantly but Emmett was wide-eyed with shock at J.J.'s complete lack of tact. Edward sighed.
"She agreed to accompany me as Tanya was not available. Besides that, I was able to introduce her to many of the people she'll be working with during her tenure at Cullen. And, as an independent contractor, she doesn't fall under the category of 'assistant.' There were several contractors in attendance that evening."
J.J. grunted. I was mortified. Edward trusted me to handle J.J. and I'd completely blown it and forced him to cover for me. My leg started bouncing under the table—a nervous habit I'd had since I was a child. Suddenly, I felt Edward's warm hand on the top of my thigh. He stilled my nervous bouncing as he had at the lounge earlier tonight.
I turned to silently apologize but he was talking quietly with Emmett and Jasper. His hand remained on my leg a few moments more before he slid it down to my knee and gently squeezed before removing it altogether. I was significantly calmer now, but made a mental note to apologize to Edward when we left.
The waiter approached us again. "Have you decided on your entrées?"
"Yes, yes," J.J. declared. "The lady will have the NY Strip, rare, and I'll have the Black Angus burger, also rare, none of those roasted peppers on it."
I was shocked by his audacity, but still cowed from my earlier failure. I wasn't about to argue with him when I heard Edward quietly say, "I believe Bella indicated she'd like to try the risotto."
The waiter turned to me to in confusion. "Yes, I'd like the risotto, please." He nodded and moved on to Edward.
"Sir?"
"Which is better tonight, the sea scallops or the rainbow trout?"
"Honestly, sir, the kitchen has been turning out fish and chips just this side of magic, tonight. If you're in the mood for seafood, that's what I recommend."
"I always trust the server, fish and chips it is."
"Another drink?" the waiter asked, indicating Edward's empty wine glass.
"I'll switch to beer, since I'm having fish and chips."
The waiter nodded.
Emmett ordered the meatloaf and Jasper the baby back ribs before the waiter retreated. Edward excused himself and followed the waiter through the dining room.
"Tell me about yourself, Bella." J.J. was persistent.
"Well, I grew up in Phoenix and Washington. I came to Chicago for college and have lived here ever since."
"Which school?"
"University of Chicago. I graduated a year and a half ago."
J.J. continued to ask me questions and I answered. Jasper and Emmett talked with one another and I wondered where Edward had gone.
EPOV
Fuck!
I slammed open the stall door in the Men's Room and locked it behind me. I stood for a second before smacking my forehead on the wall. What the hell was wrong with me?
When J.J. got aggressive about Bella working for me, she got nervous and her leg started bouncing again. I didn't want J.J. to sense her unease, so I reached over to still her leg, as I had at the lounge. Trying to be discreet I didn't look at her, and ended up placing my hand higher on her thigh than I had intended. As soon as I touched her, I could feel the straps from her garter through the material of her skirt, and the sensation went straight to my dick.
I reached down and adjusted myself to relive some of the pressure.
Then, when he got all domineering, ordering her a meal she didn't want, my inner Neanderthal came out and I barely reined myself in enough to correct her order before needing to leave the table. At this stage of our "relationship" I didn't even have the excuse of being her fake boyfriend to explain my reactions tonight. I was almost thirty, for fuck's sake, what's with the lack of control?
Taking a deep breath, I exhaled and looked up at the ceiling, willing my erection to go away. I focused on J.J. and that sped the process along. When the bulge in my pants wasn't so obvious, I exited the stall and walked over to the sink. I splashed a little cold water on my face and wiped it dry with a towel handed to me by the attendant. Dropping a couple of dollars in the dish I walked back into the dining room just in time to see our appetizers being served.
Bella had been served first, and was patiently waiting for the rest of the dishes to be placed on the table. J.J. dove right into his pork belly while the rest of us were served. I noticed that Bella had another full glass of wine in front of her. What had she said about not being much of a drinker? Oh yes, Alice advised she not do the Macarena on the table. How many drinks was this for her tonight? Two? No, three. She'd had a glass of wine at the lounge earlier when we met my brother.
Once all the dishes were on the table, Bella raised her spoon and the four of us proceeded to eat. I could hear Bella's quiet exclamation of delight when she tasted her soup. The soft, "Mmmm," she let out went right to my dick again and, in a matter of seconds, I was as hard as I had been before I went to the bathroom. I mentally rolled my eyes and accepted that I'd be uncomfortable for the foreseeable future. I couldn't even drink my dick into submission. I needed to drive Bella back tonight.
In an effort to distract myself, I turned to Jasper while J.J. struck up a conversation about the food with Bella.
"What did you and Charlotte decide about the reunion?"
He sighed. "We never discussed it. We didn't talk much this weekend."
"Alright!" Emmett exclaimed, grinning at Jasper and holding out his fist for a bump.
Jasper shook his head with an embarrassed glance at Bella. She seemed to be engrossed in an effort to not be forced to try J.J.'s pork belly. I forced myself to look back at Jasper.
"No, man, it wasn't like that. I didn't even see her this weekend. Her boss…this project…he's really working her hard."
I'm not the most intuitive guy but something didn't sound right to me.
"Jasper, when's the last time you actually saw Charlotte?"
"Um, Tuesday? No Wednesday, when she told me she couldn't come to the Fortune party."
I saw Emmett frown. If I'm not the most intuitive guy, Emmett is a brick wall. If he could sense something was wrong then something was really wrong. Jasper was usually the sensitive one.
"Anyway, she's coming to my place tonight, after dinner. We'll talk then and I'll let you know about the reunion."
I nodded and let the subject drop. Everyone was finished. It seems that Bella was successful in fending off J.J.'s attempts to introduce her to the wonder that is pork belly.
The waiter reappeared. "Your entrées will be out in a few moments. Have you considered choices for the cheese course?"
I didn't care, but I could see the tightening in Bella's eyes. She reached for her drink and took a gulp. This was probably something foreign to her. Who the hell serves a cheese course at home? Well, besides my mother, but that's another story.
"The cheddar, the Bleu and, I believe you have a nice Sunset Bay Goat?" I said before J.J. could jump in and make her try some acquired-taste artesian.
"Yes, sir. Thank you."
I turned to Bella.
"Enjoying the wine?" I was hoping to bring her attention to the fact that she was on her third glass. Tipsy Bella wouldn't bother me, but I didn't want her to feel embarrassed should she get silly in front of J.J.
"Yes, it's very good." J.J. smiled like he was the only one who could pick a wine.
"If you like that I have an amazing Cheval Blanc you'd enjoy," I told her. I rolled my eyes at myself again. At this rate I'd be inviting her up to see my etchings any time now.
Emmett snorted while Jasper rolled his eyes. Bella smiled but J.J. scowled. I grinned at his annoyance. This wasn't bad, actually.
The waiter returned with our dinners. He and another server quickly had our plates in front of us.
"Can I get you anything else?"
"Another round for the table," J.J. answered. I frowned. I didn't think that Bella should have another drink, but couldn't very well say that out loud.
"No more for me," I stated, hoping that Bella would speak up, too.
"I'll just have water," Bella said, following suit. Good girl.
We began our main courses. The waiter had been right, the fish and chips was so far above the average offering that it was barely recognizable. J.J. didn't seem to be paying any attention to the food he was eating, deeply engrossed in a conversation about stock prices with Jasper. Emmett always ate with gusto and Bella seemed to be enjoying her dinner, as well.
"This is so good!" she commented. "You have to try this." Surprisingly, this was directed at me. She scooped up a forkful and leaned towards me. I responded automatically, leaning in. I glanced down at the offered fork and was treated to an amazing view her of décolletage.
And there he goes again.
She was right, though, the risotto was amazing. We both leaned back. Bella continued her meal, but Jasper caught my eye. His brows were raised in question, while Emmett was just looking at me in disbelief. Shit, what was I thinking? All three of us shot a look at J.J., but he seemed focused on his meal. He tended to be wholly self-absorbed. He probably didn't even notice our little moment.
Why had there even been a moment, though? Before I could analyze what had just happened, the waiter arrived to clear our plates. I watched as Jasper pulled out his phone. It hadn't rung, so I assumed he'd gotten a text.
I opened my mouth to speak when there was a sudden bang and the table shuddered.
"Dammit!" All four of us looked up at Jasper and froze. He was holding his phone in one hand and the other was clenched in a fist. He hit the table again. "No! Not again!"
Emmett and I sprang into action. We each grabbed one of Jasper's arms and led him quickly away from the table. I glanced back once to see J.J. and Bella starting after us. I tried to give Bella a signal that I'd be right back, but Jasper started struggling in an effort to free his arms from our grips.
"Jazz," I hissed, "calm down. You're making a scene."
Emmett and I continued to lead him out of the dining room and over to the hallway that lead to the men's room. Emmett opened the door and I half pushed Jazz into the room, closing the door firmly behind me.
BPOV
I sat frozen at the table as I watched Edward and his brother half lead, half drag Jasper from the dining room. I didn't know what the outburst was about, but I got the impression that it wasn't typical of Jasper.
I was pulled from my reverie by J.J. tutting next to me.
"Kids," he was muttering, "I have fucking children running my company." He was shaking his head.
"I'm sure Jasper had a very good reason for his outburst, J.J.," I defended.
"That's not the point, my dear. Nothing can take the place of maturity and experience. That's true in all aspects of life, not just business."
J.J. was looking at me intently. I got the impression he wasn't talking about business at all. The waiter walked over with our cheese plate.
"Two glasses of tawny port," J.J. ordered.
I didn't have the courage to decline when Edward wasn't here. I reached for the cheese, but J.J. intercepted my hand, holding it in both of his.
"Wait for the wine, my dear." He patted my hand gently, but didn't let go until I pulled away.
I no longer felt comfortable at the table and glanced furtively at the door to the dining room, hoping Edward would return. Instead, the waiter approached the table bearing the two requested glasses of wine. He set them down in front of us and walked away.
"Here now," J.J. said quietly, handing me a glass, "hold this. Now, taste this." He held a piece of the cheese to my mouth, entreating me to take it from his hand. Panicking once again, I leaned forward slightly and he slipped the cheese between my lips. I chewed and swallowed.
"Now drink," he said, raising his own glass for a sip. Obediently, I sipped at my wine, letting the drink wash the remaining cheese from my tongue. J.J.'s eyes never left my mouth. I was definitely getting creeped out, but didn't know what else to do.
"Here," J.J. continued, plucking a grape from the stem included on the tray. "This will cleanse your palate and let you enjoy the next combination more fully." He handed me the grape and his pudgy finger brushed against my palm. I quickly ate the grape before shooting another glance at the door through which Edward, Emmett and Jasper had exited.
"Now the goat cheese and the wine." J.J. once again held the cheese to my mouth. This time, when I took it, he brushed my bottom lip lightly with his finger. I cringed away and quickly gulped the wine sucking my lip into my mouth and swishing the alcohol over the spot where he touched me. I stood up.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom." J.J. hadn't budged so I walked as quickly as I could to the ladies' room. After using the toilet and washing my hands, I sat on one of the tufted ottomans in the lounge area and pulled out my phone. I contemplated texting Edward, but didn't want to disturb him if Jasper was still upset. I watched the minutes tick by on my phone. When five had passed I stood up and returned to the dining room, praying that Edward and the others had also come back. I stopped near the door to the dining room and peeked in.
Shit!
No Edward, Emmett or Jasper, but J.J.'s eyes had been trained on the entrance. He saw me as soon as I stuck my head in and smiled. It wasn't a kind smile. If I had to describe it, I'd call it predatory. Squaring my shoulders, I walked back to the table. When I got there I realized that J.J. had slid my chair closer to his. I sat back down and realized we were practically side by side. I felt his arm go around the back of my seat. Looking at the table I realized that my glass of port had been refreshed. I was determined not to have another sip of alcohol tonight. Reaching past my wine glass I grasped my water glass firmly and brought it to my lips. Taking a drink I forced the cool liquid past the lump in my throat. J.J. leaned forward.
"You know, Bella," he said quietly in my right ear, his lips brushing the lobe, "there was no need for you to go running off. It's fine to be a little…aroused by a fine meal. Food and sex are basic needs; it makes sense that one makes you want the other." His hand trailed across the bottom of my neck and shoulder.
That's it! I might not be confident talking about business with rich and powerful men, but unwelcome advances were something I'd had experience with in college. I was about to jump out of my seat and let J.J. have it, great job be damned, when I heard the voice I'd been longing to hear for the last 20 minutes.
"Is something wrong, Bella?"
Relief flooded through me and I looked up to see Edward standing near his chair. He, however, wasn't looking at me. He was looking at J.J. I wanted to jump up and go to him, but managed to remain seated.
"No," I replied. And it was true; everything was okay now.
"Emmett and Jasper left. I took the liberty of getting your trench from the coat check, unless you want to stay for dessert?" He finally looked at me and cocked his eyebrow as he mentioned dessert.
Now I did stand. "No, no, I couldn't eat another bite. Thank you for dinner, J.J."
"My pleasure, Bella. I look forward to continuing our conversation."
I stiffened, but took a few steps towards Edward before turning to allow him to help me on with my coat. I didn't look back at J.J., but heard Edward bid him goodnight. He placed his hand on the top of my back and led me from the dining room. We were quiet as we walked to the car. He held open the door for me and I slid in quickly.
He walked around the car and got in, started it up and pulled away. I settled back.
"Is Jasper okay?"
"Yes. Well, no, but he will be."
Silence.
"What was happening in the restaurant, Bella?" I could tell that he had a pretty good idea of what had been happening. I suddenly wanted to tell him everything and the words gushed out of me.
"He ordered more wine and fed me cheese. He touched my hand and my mouth. I went to the restroom hoping you'd be back when I returned, but you weren't. He saw me and I had to go back to the table. He had pulled my chair close to his. He touched my back and…." I stopped.
"And…?" he prompted.
"He—he insinuated that I'd left the table because I was attracted to him. That I—I wanted him. He told me not to be ashamed. That it was natural…" my voice had faded out as I repeated what J.J. had said to me, but I knew Edward could hear me in the silence of the car. I honestly felt violated.
He didn't respond so I looked over at him. His jaw was tense and set. I could see his knuckles white again the steering wheel. He was incensed.
"Edward…?"
He didn't answer.
"Edward, are you okay?"
"No," he said curtly, and his tone was livid. I sat in silence, watching his face while his blazing eyes stared straight ahead.
"Bella?" he asked, his voice tight, controlled.
"Yes?"
"Are you all right?" He still didn't look at me, but the fury was plain on his face.
"Yes," I answered softly as we pulled up to a red light.
He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger before exhaling softly. The anger seemed to flow out of him. The light turned green and he pulled away.
"Are you okay now, Edward?"
"Not really." He pushed his head back against the rest, his eyes on the road. "But it wouldn't be helpful for me to turn around and confront him now. At least, that's what I'm trying to convince myself."
"Oh." The syllable seemed inadequate, but I couldn't think of a better response.
I realized we weren't driving back to the office, but stayed quiet until I recognized my neighborhood.
"How did you know where…?" I began, but then I just shook my head.
"I got your address from HR. I needed to know where to send the car on Saturday to pick you up. I should have just asked you, I'm sorry."
"It's okay." I undid my seat belt and was about to get out when Edward put his hand on my arm and stopped me. I looked at his face.
"Remember what I told you?"
I nodded and he managed a small smile before getting out and walking around the car to open my door. He held his hand down to me and I took it before stepping out of the car.
I stood before him and studied his face in the darkness. He seemed calmer. He raised his hands and slid them around my neck. My breath caught until I realized what he was doing. I felt the weight of the heavy gold necklace slide off my neck. He gathered the necklace in one hand and slipped it into his pocket.
"Are you still planning on spending time with Ms. Brandon tomorrow?"
I nodded.
"I'll have your laptop and the garment bag sent to her studio. Ms. Weber will gather your other things and I'll send them over as well.
"Thank you."
"Goodnight, Bella."
I took a half step backwards, "Goodnight, Edward." Turning, I stepped into the vestibule of my building before opening the door and heading inside.
- - - - -
If you recognize the end of this chapter it's because I took it right from the source. How many of you still recognize canon Twilight?
I sent out a teaser for this chapter to some reviewers. I'm sorry if you didn't get it. I wonder how many people who did get it hate me now? It was deliberately edited so you wouldn't know who was feeding Bella. Am I cruel? Do you forgive me? Review this chapter and let me know.
My awesome beta, Kristi, has been kind enough to give me a thread where teasers can be posted, questions can be asked and general nonsense can occur. Stop by and say hi!
www (dot) twilighted (dot) net / forum / viewtopic (dot) php ? f=44&t=7258
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