Thank you to Kristi, LisaC, MAD and LisaJ.
Chapter 47 – Vegas, Baby!
BPOV
Likes clowns from a car at the circus, Rose, Emmett, EJ and I piled out of Emmett's car in the long term lot. I was amazed that the smallest member of our party was the one who had the most stuff. There was a car seat, a stroller, and a diaper bag, as well as a full-sized suitcase for the little guy. Add in a bag and a carry on for each adult, as well as Emmett's laptop case, and Rose's and my purses, and we looked like we were traveling abroad for months instead of hitting Vegas for a long weekend.
I was still coordinating my and EJ's stuff when the shuttle arrived. The driver helped me get everything settled before I finally boarded the bus. I sat down behind Rose, and she handed EJ over to me. I was making every effort to ensure that Rose and Emmett could enjoy their trip. They were paying me well for my time, and I didn't want to be accused of slacking. Not that they would. I argued with Rose just a few hours earlier when I called to ask if they needed anything last minute before I made my way over to their place.
"Bella, you are not taking a bus here with all your stuff. Emmett and I will pick you up in plenty of time."
"But it's out of your way!" I argued. "You driving all the way here, and then, heading in the opposite direction to get to the airport is a waste of time."
"Nonsense. A waste would be you lugging all your stuff on two buses and a cab. Stay put; we'll be there soon."
I wrapped my arms securely around EJ and slid over to the window. I pointed out all the interesting sights during the short drive to the terminal.
"See the plane, EJ?" I asked, pointing to a huge one flying over us after having just taken off.
"Pane! Pane!" he squealed, dropping his ls.
"That's right," I told him, "plane. We're going to fly on the plane; it's going to be so exciting!"
EJ threw his arms out and shifted back and forth in imitation of an airplane. He pursed his little lips and made raspberry sounds like a prop engine. I laughed and he giggled.
Rose and Emmett sat with their heads together conversing quietly. Rose let out a quiet laugh and laid her head on Emmett's shoulder. He snaked his arm around her back and pulled her closer. I smiled at their obvious affection.
We unloaded quickly at the terminal, and a skycap helped us sort out our things. I shouldered my own borrowed carryon and EJ's diaper bag as well as my purse. I hoisted EJ up, and then, squatted to grab the car seat. I started walking towards the departures area, balancing everything carefully.
As we approached the security line, EJ started squirming, and I felt my precarious hold on my carryon give way.
"Ant Owis! Ant Owis!" he called out, continuing to buck in my arms, attempting to get free of my embrace."
"EJ, stop!" I implored, terrified I'd drop him. I squatted again, putting down everything and loosened my grip on the little squirmer. As soon as he felt the slack, EJ bolted away from me, as fast as his little legs would carry him, right into Alice's welcoming arms.
"Hey, buddy," she greeted him.
"Ant Owis!" he squealed in obvious delight. Alice straightened up, lifting EJ, and walked over to me.
"Hey, Bella, that's quite a load you're carrying."
I laughed. "It isn't too bad, but squirmy here isn't making it easy."
"I'll carry him."
Grateful for her assistance, the two of us joined Jasper, where he stood talking to Emmett and Rose.
"Hello, Bella," Jasper greeted me when we approached.
"Hey, Jasper." I smiled at him.
"We all ready?" Emmett asked. As everyone was good, we headed towards security. Standing in line, Jasper started craning his neck.
"Where's Edward?" he asked. In the craziness of trying to get through the airport unscathed, I almost forgot him. Almost. Of course, I wasn't in any position to question his attendance, so hadn't said anything.
"He texted that he's already through and waiting at the gate," Emmett informed us.
Security was slow, but only slightly offensive. I was wearing a simple yellow sundress and matching sandals with a wedge heel. It was easy enough to pull off my shoes and step through the metal detector. Sending the car seat through x-ray was a little unwieldy, but since Alice still had EJ, I was able to manage it with only a little fuss.
Once we were all through, I gathered all the bags I was carrying. Since I was no longer holding a jumpy toddler, carrying everything was a little easier.
It only took a few minutes to reach the gate. I was slightly in front of the others, who were chatting animatedly about previous visits to Vegas, so I saw Edward first. He was seated, with his laptop open, eyes on the screen. He was slightly less casually dressed than the rest of us, opting for a sports jacket over his dark t-shirt and jeans. I drank in the sight of him before shaking myself from my Edward-induced trance.
Behind me, Emmett let out a whoop before yelling, "There's the birthday boy!" He jostled me slightly as he jogged past. Edward stood up, grinning. Emmett threw his arms around his brother. "Let's get this party started!" he called out loudly, causing other passengers to look over at us.
Rose and Alice both hugged him, offering birthday wishes. I stood back as EJ reached over for a hug from his uncle. Edward embraced his nephew and slid him from Alice's arms. EJ hugged Edward tightly around the neck. Jasper slapped Edward on the shoulder twice. I smiled when everyone else was done saying hello.
"Happy birthday, Edward."
Edward smiled broadly and stepped over to stand in front of me. I watched as his eyes took in my outfit quickly before he hugged me awkwardly.
"Thank you for coming, Bella. It means a lot to me."
"It will be fun spending time with everyone away from work," I admitted. Edward looked at me funny and seemed to be about to speak when we were interrupted by a call from the flight attendant.
"May I have your attention please? We are now boarding our Business Class passengers."
I had been doubly bothered when Rose and Emmett told me we were flying Business Class. I had offered to sit in coach anyway, but Rose wasn't willing to be separated from EJ, even just for the three and a half hours we'd be on the plane. Having EJ in Business while I flew coach defeated the purpose of me even being on this trip. But, from booking travel, I knew that Business Class tickets for a trip like this were $1000 more than coach tickets. Rose pooh-poohed my concerns, explaining that they were using their frequent flyer miles to pay for the trip anyway. That didn't make me feel better, since they could save their miles for themselves, but she was adamant.
Edward shrugged at me in apology for the interruption. I smiled back at him and reached for EJ, who came to me willingly. I shouldered the diaper bag and picked up the car seat. I was reaching for my carryon, but Edward was faster. He grabbed my carryon before slipping his laptop into its case and gesturing that I should walk before him.
Alice, Jasper, Rose and Emmett entered the jetway before us. I followed behind, watching as the attendants' eyes slid over me and EJ to rest on Edward appreciatively. I couldn't blame them. He was a sight to behold. He looked more like my Edward than he had in months. He had always seemed so guarded when he was with Kathleen. His face today was open and friendly.
We were flying on a relatively small plane. There were just twelve seats in Business Class, three rows of four seats divided by a center aisle. Rose and Emmett sat in the last two seats on the left side while Jasper and Alice sat in the last two on the right. EJ and I were assigned to sit right in front of Rose and Emmett. I struggled with the car seat, trying to properly strap it into the seat next to the window. EJ bounced on my seat while I battled with the seatbelt. I was vaguely aware of Edward sitting down across the aisle from me. Other passengers kept streaming past me as the plane continued to board.
Why was it so hard to secure this seat? Was I doing something wrong? I was completely focused on my task, so startled almost violently when Edward touched my arm gently.
"Here, let me help."
I exhaled loudly, blowing a lock of hair from in front of my eyes before nodding. I stood and started to move towards the aisle as Edward tried to slide past me. Even in Business Class there wasn't enough room to successfully complete this maneuver. I shifted so my back was to his front. My bottom grazed across his thigh as I tried again to move past him. Suddenly, he grabbed my hips while simultaneously shifting his body away from me. He facilitated our changing places by gently maneuvering me past him with just the hands he had on my hips. As soon as I was clear, he dropped his hands and bent over the car seat.
Embarrassed, I scooped up EJ and sat down in my seat while apologizing to the elderly couple seated in front of us. I would have moved into the aisle to give him more room to work, but passengers were still trooping past us on their way back to coach.
It only took Edward a minute to secure the seat. He managed to scoot out of our seats and cross the aisle without touching or looking at me.
"Thank you," I said quietly. He turned his head a fraction of an inch and nodded once in acknowledgement. Before he sat down, he removed the sports coat he was wearing. Folding it neatly, he placed it in his lap before pulling out his phone to take advantage of the few minutes of airtime he had left before we took off.
I concentrated on strapping EJ in his seat and directing his attention to the interesting things happening outside our window. I remained focused on him until loud laughter and a whiny voice drew my attention to the front of the plane. Actually, the ruckus was enough to draw everyone's attention to the front of the plane
"I don't wanna sit by myself…," one voice complained loudly. Two other loud voices shushed the first right before three stumbling twenty-somethings appeared at the entrance to Business. All three women had their tickets out and garish colored carryon luggage. They were sort of leaning into one another and seemed unsteady on their feet. I wondered how long they'd been sitting in the bar in the terminal before boarding the plane.
While everyone in Business Class stared at the three women, they stared right back, their shiny eyes flickering over everyone before settling on Edward. Identical smiles appeared on their faces.
The woman standing between and slightly behind the other two, pushed her way forward with an airy, "Never mind…" to her friends. I recognized her voice as the one complaining about having to sit alone when the three women were making their way down the jetway.
She was tall, at least 5'7". Her blonde hair hung to just below her shoulders in loose waves. She was wearing a purple, cap-sleeve minidress with a cowl neck and a slender, brown belt slung around the widest part of her hips. She was pale with glossy, pink lips. She stopped next to Edward's aisle seat and raised her arms to put her carryon in the overhead bin. The movement caused her dress to hike up alarmingly high.
She finished putting her bag away as her friends settled into the two seats in front of her.
"Excuse me," she breathed at Edward. Turning, she jutted out her rounded bottom and skootched past him before settling into the seat next to his with a little wiggle. Her friends in front of her had their heads together, and were tittering back and forth.
The flight attendant walked through the cabin greeting us each in turn and making sure we were comfortable.
"What a precious baby," she commented, waving at EJ. He waved back enthusiastically, kicking his little legs and calling out "Pane, pane!" again.
"Thank you," I replied. "He very excited."
I could hear the girl next to Edward heave an aggravated sigh as she noticed EJ for the first time, but she didn't make any comments. I saw Edward glance at her. She rolled her eyes like they were sharing an inside joke and smiled at him before he turned away.
A few moments later the captain's voice sounded over the loudspeaker, and I focused on the emergency procedures, more than I ever had in the past, since I'd never been responsible for another person before.
The flight attendants were told to sit down for takeoff, and the plane started to taxi. EJ felt the plane move and squealed. "Fly!" he giggled, throwing his arms out once more and making raspberry noises with his lips. I smiled at him before reaching over to wipe the spit from his chin with a cloth that was tucked into his diaper bag.
The plane paused before starting forward once again, picking up speed. I sat back and kept my eyes on EJ, who was staring out the window, fascinated. I felt the wheels leave the ground. The angle of ascent wasn't too steep, but I felt my ears pop and swallowed hard to help equalize the pressure. EJ lifted his hand to his ear and turned to me with a puzzled look.
"Try to swallow, baby," I told him, making exaggerated swallowing movements.
"Bewwa, ow…," he said, now covering both his ears with his hands.
"I know, baby, I know. Here…." I dug a sippy cup of diluted apple juice out of his bag and handed it to him.
"No dwink," he said, a little more loudly, pushing my hand away.
"It will help your ears," I explained, trying to hand it to him again.
"No!"
I reached into the diaper bag one more time and pulled out a sleeve of Ritz. Food wasn't as good as a drink when it came to helping pop the ears, but it was better than nothing.
"EJ, would you like a cracker?" I asked him, holding the treat in front of him.
"No cwacker, no. Ooowww." His eyes were glassy with unshed tears, as I looked at him first one then another escaped, rolling down his face. He began to sob.
I was tempted to unlatch him from his seat so I could hold him but knew that was dangerous during takeoff.
I hoisted up his diaper bag and started pawing through it. Had Rose packed something more tempting than crackers? What I wouldn't give for a bag of Oreos right now.
"Here," came Edward's soft voice from across the aisle. He held out a pack of gum towards me. "Maybe this will work."
EJ was 18 months old. Was gum even safe? Low moans were accompanying the tears now and I was afraid full wailing would come next. I hesitated. Edward shook the pack. I reached over and took a stick. Unwrapping it quickly, I tore it in half.
"Look, EJ, look," I said, to get his attention. "Gum. See?" I put the half piece in my mouth and chewed quickly. I was relieved it was some sort of fruity flavor, and not minty.
"G-gum…?" he hiccoughed.
"Do you want it?"
He nodded, his curiosity and the lure of the forbidden treat overpowering the discomfort for a moment.
"Just chew," I told him. "Don't swallow." He nodded his understanding before popping the piece in his mouth. I could feel the plane starting to level out and hoped that the problem would be over soon.
I watched EJ's face as the burst of flavor released from the gum hit his tongue. He chewed quickly and I could see his little throat constrict as he swallowed his excess saliva. His face cleared almost immediately as the pressure in his ears was eased.
"Gum," he said. "Mommy say no gum."
"I know, sweetie, I know."
"Gum," he said again, satisfied, chewing loudly.
"Thank you," I turned to Edward.
"You're welcome." He gave me a small smile.
"That was so nice of you," the girl next to him simpered, laying her hand on Edward's arm. "Who knows how long it would've been before he'd quiet down."
Edward was about to answer, but was interrupted by the service cart making its way down the aisle.
"Can I get you a drink?" the attendant asked the girl seated next to Edward.
"Rum and diet Coke."
"And for you, sir?"
"Just a Coke, thanks."
"No, way, Edward! It's your birthday! Let's get the party started!" Emmett called from behind me.
"It's your birthday?" the blonde next to him asked, excitedly. "Let's celebrate!" The girls in front of her joined the cacophony, turning around in their seats and giggling.
"Happy birthday! I'm June."
"I'm Ashley."
"And I'm Sara!" his seatmate exclaimed, touching his leg.
The attendant cocked at eyebrow at Edward and he sighed. "Gimme a beer."
In just a few moments everyone in Business, including the elderly couple in front of me, was drinking. I just took an apple juice. No one encouraged me to try something harder, since I was responsible for EJ.
The girls got more aggressive with Edward as the flight continued. In his defense he seemed more uncomfortable than interested in their antics. He shot me an alarmed look more than once. I was starting to think that he wanted me to save him from their suggestive behavior, but didn't want to assume. Perhaps he was just uncomfortable with the display happening before me. I swear June flashed him her nipple over the back of her seat and Sara followed him to the bathroom. He was back too quickly for anything to have happened. A fact confirmed by Sara's pouty expression upon her return.
I worked at keeping EJ entertained. I managed to get him to spit out the gum and eat some dry cereal and drink his juice, which I refilled from the juice I'd gotten from the attendant. About 90 minutes after we took off, he dozed off. I stood up in an effort to work out a few kinks. I noticed Rose was also napping.
"Emmett, EJ's sleeping, I'm going to run to the bathroom."
"Sure, sure," he murmured, not looking up from the magazine in his lap. The forward bathroom was occupied, so I made my way through coach to the bathroom in the back.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I was surprised to find Edward standing in the aisle.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Bella, please, you've got to help me out here."
"Help you with what?"
"Those girls," he hissed.
I chuckled. "What do you want me to do? Beat them up?"
"Could you, I mean, would you…?" Edward let out an aggravated sound. "Please, just…I can't take them anymore. Their voices are so grating and the one sitting next to me keeps touching me!"
"Oh no, not touching you," I deadpanned with mock horror. Edward got a desperate look on his face.
"Bella, please. Could you just pretend that we're together?"
Yeah, cause that's worked out so well for us in the past.
My unease must have shown on my face.
"Please, Bella."
I grimaced before agreeing. "Fine," I said shortly, "but nothing over the top."
"Thank you!" Edward's relief was palpable. He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me down the aisle. Pausing before the curtain leading to Business Class, Edward took a deep breath before holding the curtain aside and letting me step through. Before I could walk back to my seat, he was right behind me, his hand on my lower back.
Traitorous goose bumps erupted on my bare arms and shoulders. Edward gently grasped my hand again as we stepped forward. When we reached our seats, he turned me to face him. I caught a glimpse of both Emmett and Jasper's puzzled faces leaning into the aisle to better see us. Alice stood up, a look of shock on her face. Edward brought his free hand up and gently cupped my face. His thumb ran over my cheekbone lightly before he closed his eyes and leaned down to kiss my lips.
The kiss was soft. It wasn't long, but lingering. It set my pulse racing, and I could feel my face heating. Edward trailed the hand that had been holding mine up my arm. I was embarrassed, because I knew he could feel the goose bumps his proximity caused. We broke apart.
"Cold, love?" he asked, loudly enough to be heard by the three women behind him.
I nodded dumbly, not about to admit it was his innocent touches that garnered that reaction from me.
Edward grabbed his sports coat from his seat and settled it about my shoulders. He grasped my hand once more and raised it to his lips, touching my knuckles with a sweet kiss before helping me sit down.
The three girls stared with wide eyes, but were utterly silent and remained that way for the duration of the flight.
Arriving in Vegas, we were able to make short work of retrieving our luggage. EJ was still a little foggy from his nap and sat in his stroller with no complaints. The bunch of us trooped to the car rental agency. I thought we'd just take the hotel's shuttle, but no one else wanted to be at the mercy of the bus schedule, so they had rented two cars for the weekend.
In the spirit of doing nothing small this weekend Jasper had rented a yellow Porsche 911, much to Alice's delight, and Emmett rented a Hummer H1. I was surprised when Edward climbed into the back of the Hummer with me and EJ.
"No fancy car for you this weekend?" I asked, jokingly.
Edward chuckled. "I can drive the Aston Martin or Ducati whenever I want. Emmett's the family man with the sensible car looking to cut loose this weekend."
"I heard that, Mr.-I-Drive-a-Shiny-Silver-Volvo," Emmett called from the back of the car where he was trying to fit all the luggage.
Rose barked a quick laugh while I grinned. Edward smiled ruefully, realizing the truth of Emmett's comment.
I latched EJ into his seat and settled back. Edward did likewise on his side of the backseat. Rose turned in her seat to address me.
"So, Bella, what's your game?"
"I have no game, Rose," I said honestly. "I grew up near a reservation and my Native friends always told me that casinos were for suckers."
"That's true of the slots," Edward commented, "but you have better odds at the table games."
"I've never played poker or blackjack for real money," I shrugged, "just for fun."
"What about roulette or craps?" Rose asked.
"I've never played either," I said, as Emmett got in the car.
"Craps is your best bet at a casino," Edward commented.
"All the hottest chicks hang at the craps tables," Emmett interjected. I rolled my eyes. Rose shot Emmett a dirty look. I'm sure she was a little embarrassed that he forgot I would most definitely not be hanging on the casino floor since I was only here to watch EJ.
"Be sure to tell them I said, 'Hi'," I said jokingly to let him know I didn't mind.
An uncomfortable silence descended. I felt bad.
"Hey, guys, it's not a big deal. I appreciate the chance to get away from Chicago for a few days. And I get to spend some time with my favorite guy, right EJ?" I said, tweaking his chubby knee.
"Bewwa," he responded with a drooly grin. Teething sucked.
"That's right, buddy. We're going to see the sharks and go swimming, aren't we? That's going to be so much fun!"
"Spwash!" EJ called out.
"All the little preschool chicks are gonna' be digging you, little man," Emmett laughed.
"Emmett," Rose frowned.
"What? We've got a good lookin' kid."
Rose rolled her eyes and shook her head slowly. "You're too much."
"You don't usually complain," Emmett said, suggestively, waggling his eyebrows at her.
"Perv."
"You don't usually complain about that either."
"Guys!" Edward interrupted. "Please, none of us want to hear this."
Emmett laughed but stopped talking. We pulled up to the hotel, and Edward hopped out to grab a bell cart. A bellman, seeing the pricey car, hurried over to assist us as we unloaded all the bags.
"Welcome to Mandalay Bay, ladies and gentlemen," he said with a friendly smile.
"Thank you!" we chorused as Alice and Jasper joined us.
"If you'll follow me, please?" he continued as he headed into the hotel.
"I'm assuming you're here for pleasure?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," Emmett responded. "It's my little brother's thirtieth birthday," he continued, throwing an arm around Edward's shoulders. "We're gonna' take your casino by storm."
"Good luck with that, sir," he said with an indulgent smile. We approached the desk as a group.
"Good afternoon and welcome to Mandalay Bay. Let's get you all checked in," the desk clerk, a perky little thing with short brown hair and bright blue eyes said.
"Cullen," Emmett started, "Emmett."
"Yes sir, you and your wife are booked in one of our 1500 X2 suites, two bedrooms, wet bar, and I see you've requested a crib in the room. We'll certainly take care of that for you." She made a few deft keystrokes. "If I can see your credit card for any incidentals…." Emmett handed over the card. The woman entered the numbers with practiced precision before sliding the card and two room keycards back to him with a brilliant smile.
Jasper stepped up next.
"Jasper Whitlock," he stated softly.
After a few moments, the clerk offered Jasper and Alice another of her bright smiles. "Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, you are booked in one of our penthouse Sky View suites. I put you up front where you'll have a wonderful view of the strip."
"Thank you, ma'am." Jasper handed over his credit card, and then, it was Edward's turn.
"Edward Cullen."
"Mr. Cullen, you and your wife are in a Great Room suite, which includes an expanded living area and a separate spa tub. I see that it's your birthday. Please allow me to extend to you the best wishes of our staff. A complimentary bottle of champagne will be waiting for you upon your arrival."
"Thank you," Edward replied softly, completely ignoring the clerk's misunderstanding of his marital status.
"If I may have your credit card, please, for any incidentals…."
Edward slid his card across the marble counter. The black card caught my attention. It was exactly the same as the one I used to carry when I had an expense account at CE. I'd have to remind him later to use a different card when we checked out so that the room wouldn't get charged to the company.
As soon as the necessities were taken care of, our bellman was back. "Is everyone's luggage on this cart?" he asked politely.
Receiving a positive answer, he gestured that we should all precede him to the elevators. It didn't take long for everyone to be dropped off where they needed to go. I followed Emmett and Rose to their…our room.
"Bella, dinner is in two hours. Can you keep EJ occupied for the next hour or so?" Rose asked. "I want to take a bath and change, and then, I'll watch him while you get changed."
"Sure, Rose. C'mon EJ, let's go check out our room!"
I brought EJ into the other bedroom. It was a pretty room. A small crib was set up near the bed. The mattress was set low enough that I didn't think EJ could climb out of it. I settled him down with a favorite toy and began to unpack his things. His little tiny board shorts were adorable, and I couldn't wait to hit the pool tomorrow.
I turned to my things. Riley had brought me a lot of clothes to choose from for the weekend. Even with careful selection, most items were a tad racier than I had hoped. For dinner tonight, I had a choice of two different outrageous cocktail dresses, that were wholly inappropriate, or a beige top that seemed so very sedate from the front, with its high neck and short sleeves, but was scandalous from the back. I sighed and pulled the top out of the pile of clothes to help the wrinkles fall out. It was paired with a simple pair of black palazzo pants that had a slight shimmer. Very Vegas appropriate.
EJ babbled at me. I answered him as I continued to hang my clothes. There was a quiet knock on the door.
"Bella?"
"Come in."
Rose opened the door. "Wow!" I commented, "You look amazing." She really did, too in a black and purple bandage dress.
She smiled. "Thank you. We're going to go dancing after dinner. I didn't want to have to come back here and change. If you want to get dressed, I can take EJ." She bent down and picked up her son, who giggled and buried his face in his mom's sleek hair.
"Okay. I'll be out in a minute."
Rose smiled as she left the room, tapping the red block EJ still had in his hand as he talked to her about the house he was building.
It only took a minute for me to strip down. I really wanted to wash the airplane off, but dinner was in less than an hour so the shower would have to wait until EJ was asleep. I dressed quickly and pulled up my hair. I had to admit the backless top was gorgeous. I put on a little makeup and my own black shoes and was ready in less than twenty minutes.
Rose and EJ were rolling a ball back and forth while Emmett was studying his laptop when I emerged from the room I was sharing with EJ. Emmett looked up as I passed him. His whistle caught me by surprise.
I turned to face him.
"Stop that."
"You're smoking, Bella." I blushed to the roots of my hair.
"No…" I disavowed.
"Yeah. I got the hottest nanny in all of Vegas. You're a lucky kid, son," Emmett continued, switching his attention to the little boy in the room.
"Daddeeeeee!" EJ laughed, realizing his father's attention was on him. He toddled over and Emmett scooped him up.
"You be good for Bella tonight, buddy, okay?" Emmett told him, letting him slide into my arms.
"I'm just going to get him changed. We'll be right out."
"We're going to head down and grab a drink before dinner," Rose said. "We'll see you in STRIPSTEAK at seven."
" Okay." I brought EJ into our room and stood him on the bed, pulling his shirt over his head.
"Ball, Bewwa," he said, pointing back to the door.
"I'll get it. Stay right here." I knew it would be easier to change him if he had the ball in his hand. I put him on the floor and stepped out of the room.
"Don't do this, Rose," Emmett was saying quietly.
"He doesn't get it unless I do," she growled back, under her breath
"You're going to upset…" Emmett noticed my presence. "…Bella! Did you get EJ changed already?"
"No, he wants the ball," I explained, bending over to retrieve it where it had rolled near the coffee table.
Rose grabbed her purse and walked to the door. She smiled at me. "We'll see you downstairs in a few."
"Okay." Emmett escorted Rose out of the room quickly.
Strange.
I changed EJ's diaper and found a cute outfit for dinner before laying out his bathing supplies as well as pajamas so it would be easy for me to get him ready for bed when we got back later. A quick look around to make sure we had everything and we were ready. I stuck my wallet into the diaper bag and headed for the elevator.
EPOV
I walked down to the restaurant feeling really good. Casinos always had this energy about them, and it charged me up.
I had enjoyed a few quiet hours in my room. I showered and changed but was ready to see Bel…everyone again. I got to the lobby of the restaurant about ten minutes early. Bella was seated on a banquette, EJ standing on the seat next to her, talking very seriously about heaven knew what.
She hadn't seen me yet, so I took a minute to study her. She looked great. Her hair was up, and she was wearing a beige, short-sleeved top and wide bottomed pants that seemed to shimmer. She'd look outstanding on the dance floor. I couldn't wait to get her there.
Another couple came near her and EJ. Bella stood to lift the little guy off the banquette, so the newcomers would have more room. When she turned around, I let out an audible gasp. Holy crap! Her shirt had no back! Two braided ropes of material crossed the narrow expanse of her back, but otherwise, all I could see was her creamy skin down to her hips. After enjoying the look of her so conservatively dressed from the front, the sexiness of her appearance from the back was pants tightening. I shifted uncomfortably.
The woman who had sat down next to Bella was occupied with her phone and didn't notice her male companion's preoccupation with Bella's naked skin. It seemed the fact that she was with a kid was no deterrent at all. That just wasn't going to do. I strode over to where Bella was standing. Gently putting my hand on her bare lower back, I leaned over her shoulder and spoke right into her ear.
"You look fantastic."
She startled slightly at the unexpected contact, but her attention was immediately pulled to EJ as he called out my name.
"Hey, Eej," I said, holding out my fist. I was trying to teach him how to fist bump. He wound up and punched my hand with all the power his little arm could muster.
"Ow!" I complained, shaking my hand in mock pain, much to his delight.
I could see that my presence alone was no deterrent to Mr. Wandering Eyes. I stood before Bella and stared over her shoulder at him until he finally felt the weight of my eyes on him. He glanced up at me before turning away. That was better. I slid my arm around Bella's waist. I felt her stiffen slightly and was disappointed to remember that this type of contact wasn't really okay anymore.
I stepped back under the guise of moving towards the hostess stand.
"Let's wait for everyone else inside."
Bella nodded and picked up EJ. I walked next to her, glancing back at Mr. Wandering Eyes. Sure enough, he had zeroed in on Bella's naked back again. I scowled, and he averted his eyes once more.
"Good evening and welcome to STRIPSTEAK. Party of three?"
"No," I answered, we have a reservation. The name's Cullen. Should be seven people for seven o'clock."
"Yes, sir. Would you like to be seated now, or would you prefer to wait for the rest of your party?"
Before I could answer, I heard both Jasper and Emmett call out a greeting. "Looks like we're all here. We'll need a booster seat."
"Very good. If you would follow me, please."
I indicated that Bella should precede me as I shook hands with Emmett and Jasper. "Let's eat!" Emmett boomed.
Alice and Rose had their heads together and seemed to be involved in a serious discussion. Neither greeted Bella, which irritated me. We were led to a large U-shaped table. Rose latched onto Bella, pulling her to one side. Emmett slid in, followed by Rose, who settled the booster seat next to her. Bella helped EJ get seated before trying to sit herself. I attempted to pull her away to sit with me on the other side.
"Edward, I need to stay with EJ."
"Rose can take care of him while she's here."
Bella shook her head. "No, they're paying me for the whole weekend," she whispered insistently. She broke away from me and sat down at the end of the seat. I considered sitting next to her, but Alice and Jasper had already sat down leaving only the seat across from her, at the other end of the table, open. Disgruntled, I sat down. At least, I could look at Bella all night.
Rose, Emmett, Alice and Jasper chatted animatedly while Bella busied herself distracting EJ. I stared at Bella. This scene continued until a waiter arrived asking for our drink order. Emmett ordered two bottles of wine for the table. Bella requested a glass of seltzer. The conversation started up again.
The wine was delivered and our dinner orders taken. Emmett offered a toast. Bella sipped her seltzer as the rest of us drank the complicated red. It was very good. I watched as Bella showed EJ how to tap his sippy cup against her glass and then drink. He laughed at the silliness of the gesture.
The table got a little loud as our meals were delivered, as everyone oohed and aahed over the various dishes. Bella remained very quiet, however, trying to become part of the scenery. She tended to EJ with loving efficiency, helping him eat tiny bites of chicken and vegetables. I found myself pulling away from the conversation more and more to just stare at her.
"Edward…Edward…Edward!" Emmett's voice interrupted my musings.
"What?" I responded, annoyed.
"Where were you, man? I asked which lounge you wanted to hit up after dinner."
I shrugged. I'd rather just spend some time with Bella, the venue didn't matter. "What is everyone else up for?"
Jasper and Rose both preferred the House of Blues, while Alice wanted to visit the eyecandy sound lounge. Emmett didn't care one way or another.
"Bella?" I asked, interested in her opinion as well.
"Bella's not going, Edward. She's going to take EJ upstairs, get him bathed and put him down for the night," Rose interjected. I scowled at her.
"She's not your slave, Rose," I reminded her. Emmett frowned.
"She agreed to come along to watch EJ, Edward. That's what we're paying her for."
"She can come with us for a few hours," I insisted.
"Edward," Bella interrupted in her most reasonable voice, but I wasn't in the mood for reasonable.
"She's watching EJ," Rose said with finality, staring me down with flinty eyes.
I was about to retort when Alice piped up.
"So Bella, you're taking EJ to the Shark Reef Aquarium tomorrow? I bet he'll love that!"
"Yeah, after breakfast. There's something like two thousand sharks and fish and things in there. I think he'll like it. And it should keep us occupied until you all get back from your ATV adventure."
"You're not coming?" I asked. Jasper and Emmett thought it would be a fun change of pace to head out into the desert on ATVs for a few hours. It was something I couldn't do in Chicago and had been looking forward to it.
"Of course she's not," Rose answered, while Bella just shook her head, not looking at me. "You have to be at least 16 to ride those things, and the desert isn't a safe place for a child."
I opened my mouth to retort, but saw Bella's concerned expression. She was shaking her head at me. I snapped my mouth shut, but was still aggravated. I brought my fist down on the table before standing up and walking away. I went to the bar.
"What can I get you, sir?" asked the bartender. A lovely young woman obviously hired as much for her looks as her talents behind the bar.
"Scotch, Mccallan's if you've got it."
"Yessir." The bartender was gone and back in record time, the efficiency brought on by the lure of a good tip. I sat at the bar, nursing my Scotch while staring into space. It was pure luck that I looked over just in time to see Bella hurrying from the restaurant, EJ on her hip, his diaper bag thrown over her other shoulder.
Narrowing my eyes, I stood quickly intent on following her. Suddenly, my way was blocked by my brother.
"Where you heading off to, brother?"
"None of your damn business," I replied tersely, trying to step around him.
"Have a drink with me," he replied, ignoring my rude response.
"No." I tried to step past him again, but he moved into my path once more.
"Sit down, Edward."
"I don't want to fight with you, Emmett…"
"Then don't," he interrupted me. "Sit." He swung a barstool around and pointed to its leather seat before settling down in the one next to it.
"Where'd everyone go?"
"Jasper took Rose and Alice to the House of Blues. Bella took EJ upstairs to put him to bed." He turned to the bartender and indicated two drinks should be brought over.
With poor grace, I sat down glaring at my brother.
"Give it up," he said, unimpressed by my menace.
"I told you I had no interest in being the fifth wheel at my own birthday celebration. What was the point of convincing Bella to come along if you were just going to shackle her to your room anyway?"
Emmett was silent while the bartender deposited two glasses of Scotch on the bar in front of us. He nodded to the bartender, who retreated to the far side of the bar before lifting his glass and sipping the amber fluid.
"'Sgood."
I huffed with impatience and ignored my drink.
Emmett shook his head before looking over at me. "I told you to just invite her. You didn't think it was a good idea."
"I didn't think she'd accept. What was the point?"
"The point is you'd be a hell of a lot less miserable than you are right now. You are just so damn stubborn." He paused, "So is she, though…it's a match made in heaven," he muttered. He was silent for a moment before continuing. "Now you see, though. You needed to actually experience how miserable you are without her before you'd understand. Rose was right." He shook his head.
"Rose is a…."
"Watch it. I won't listen to you malign my wife. She's worked harder than anyone should have to trying to get you to see the light."
"What the hell are you talking about? All she's done is treat Bella like someone who isn't entitled to even the most basic courtesies of friendship…."
"She's treating her like an employee." Emmett shrugged.
"She's Bella's friend!" I said, incensed. Emmett turned to look me in the eye.
"This weekend she's her boss."
I shook my head. "That's fucked up, Em."
"Really?" The sarcastic and incredulous tone he used should have warned me as to what was coming next. "That's what we've been trying to tell you for months! You're crazy about this girl and anytime anyone suggested you do something about it you waved around the fact that you were her boss. You stood behind the title 'employer' like it negated the fact that you have real feelings. Rose loves Bella like a sister. It's killing her watching the two of you circle each other. She pushed you tonight, just like she did on Thanksgiving, hoping to force you into seeing the truth that's plain as day to everyone else around you."
I digested what he said before opening my mouth to respond.
"I don't want to hear it, Edward. Just listen. While Bella's down at breakfast tomorrow, Rose and EJ are going to come down with some nasty 24-hour stomach flu. We're kicking Bella out of our room so she doesn't get 'exposed.' What happens after that is up to you. I'll put her up in her own room, or you can invite her to stay with you. You won't see us again until Monday. Alice knows our plans and will make sure that you four are never in the same place as the three of us."
Emmett pushed back his chair as he stood up. He threw a few bills on the bar to cover the drinks before reaching over and taking my untouched Scotch. He downed it in one swift gulp. He put the glass back on the bar before clamping his hand down on my shoulder.
"Happy birthday."
With that, Emmett strode out of the restaurant to join his wife.
I want to thank all my reviewers for their kind words, questions and criticism throughout the past year. On December 26, I reached 7000 reviews. A new reader, Lola4dgg, reviewed chapter 18 and that was number 7000. Thank you!
So, obviously, there's more Vegas to come. Be honest, did you really want to read a 25,000 word chapter? Don't answer that.
See you in a few weeks!