Bella woke up the next morning feeling refreshed from a long night's sleep. Lounging in bed, she pondered what to make for breakfast. Hmm…French toast with fresh fruit and a nice cup of tea sounds good. Maybe some sausage for Charlie. Decision made, she sprang from the bed.
Thirty minutes later she was showered, dressed, and dancing around the kitchen to the soft music playing from the small 1970's radio. The open windows allowed a gentle breeze to blow through the room, carrying the sounds and smells of the kitchen to other parts of the house.
Following his nose and ears, it was to this scene Charlie walked into. He hesitated in the doorway to watch, a small smile on his face at the youthful side of his daughter making its appearance. "Go ahead and take a seat Charlie. Breakfast is almost ready." Bella paused in her singing to tell him.
He shuffled to the coffee pot to pour a cup before sitting down at the round table. Within seconds, Bella was placing a large stack of French toast in the middle of it. A heaping bowl of fruit along with a platter of steaming sausage followed. Her own tea mug in hand, she seated herself across from him. The two devoured the fare without a word; classic rock playing softly in the background.
When the last piece was gone, Charlie sat back. "That was wonderful Bells." He gave a glance around before standing up to refill his coffee cup. "What are your plans for the day?"
"For most of it, I planned to work on the new album. Then this evening I, along with Jaz and Em, are going to meet up with some of my new friends from school for dinner and dancing in Seattle followed up by a girls only slumber party at Alice's." She sipped her tea.
He nodded his head. "Were you able to get those numbers for me in case of an emergency?"
She bobbed her head and pointed to the refrigerator. Tacked to the side by a couple of cute ladybug magnets was a list of phone numbers and a calendar. "The numbers are self-explanatory. The calendar is a just a rough estimate of how I plan on spending my time this month between my different priorities."
Squinting he took a look at the itty bitty writing. "Do you think you could maybe print another one out with larger font? My eyes aren't as young as they used to be Bells."
She gave a small giggle. "I'll see what I can do old man. How about you? Any plans for the day?"
Charlie began to carry the dirty plates to the sink. "Nothing set in stone. There is a small possibility I might do a bit of fishing later with Harry and Billy. Afterwards I'll probably eat some second rate order in pizza and watch some college football."
"Sounds relaxing." Bella helped dry as he washed. Before long the kitchen was clean and the two separated to go about their day.
Bella slowed to a stop behind Jaz's GTO. Grabbing her bag, she jumped out and raced to the door only to discover it was locked. Somebody's learned from his mistake! She gave a small knock before ringing the door bell.
A couple of minutes passed as she waited for the telltale sign of a key turning in the lock. Finally the door opened to reveal a sleepy looking Jasper with a serious case of bed head. "Mornin' B. Come in." He shuffled out of the way, swinging the door open wider.
"Late night again? Who won this round?" She inquired as she entered the house.
"Me," was the mumbled response as he shut and locked the door. Grabbing her arm, he towed her through the home towards his room. He gestured to the bed and chair. "Make yourself comfy while I wake up." Jaz then began to open up drawers, pulling out a change of clothes. He disappeared into the bathroom.
Bella blinked as she heard the shower start up through the open door. Since when does Jaz leave the door open when he showers?! She decided to be a pal and get some coffee made for the bleary eyed guy. Silently she ducked into the bathroom only to stop with an open mouth. Jaz was definitely in the shower; a shower that sported an entirely transparent glass wall and door. Watching as he washed the suds from his hair, she reveled in the glorious view. She wiped the drool from her mouth before stepping back out hoping she didn't get caught peeping. "Hey Jaz?"
"Mmhmm?"
"I'm going to head to the kitchen and get some coffee and tea made. That alright with you?"
"Marvelous. Best words I've heard all mornin' darlin'" The silky Texas drawl gave Bella goose bumps as she picked up her bag and left.
Fifteen minutes later, Bella was standing at the kitchen sink cupping her mug pondering her new found attraction to her manager slash best friend. Without any warning a pair of warm hands slid around her waist as a large masculine body pressed against her back. Soft lips caressed her ear. "See something you like this morning?"
Instantly she blushed. Hard. "What are you talking about?"
He continued to nuzzle her neck, his hands tightening their grip. "You were staring offly hard outside at the forest. Thought you might have seen something that sparked your interest." He gave her waist a small squeeze. Releasing her, he turned his attention to the coffee pot. The black and orange mug he normally used sat waiting beside the appliance. Full coffee cup in hand, he focused back on Bella. "You're here mighty early this morning."
She gave a small pensive nod. "I thought we could start on the new album. Finalize the rest of the details and get the invites put into motion."
Jaz agreed and beckoned her to follow. As they walked to the new recording room, Bella continued to wonder about the new direction her relationship with Jaz was going. Being so caught up in her career, she had never had the time for any type of social life. She had no experience when it came to men, flirting, and dating much less anything more intimate.
"Take a seat and I'll get the file."
Bella jerked at the sound of Jaz's voice. Looking around she noticed they had arrived in the room. Seeing the leather couch, Bella collapsed on it.
Jaz snorted. "Graceful." He returned to the small coffee table and couch, seating himself in the center next to Bella.
For the next couple of hours, the pair worked diligently fine tuning the new project. It was the growling of Bella's stomach that drew them from their work.
"Hungry much?" Jaz teased.
"Just a tad bit. What'ya got to eat around here?"
He gave her a predatory look. "The kitchen is fully stocked so we can cook. Or, we can order in. You're choice."
Bella sat back. "Let's cook. It can be like old times."
Jaz jumped up, shuffling the paperwork into a neat pile. He placed the stack back into the file folder and returned it to the cabinet. Hand out, he helped Bella up from the couch.
The pair walked back to the kitchen discussing lunch as they went.
"How about soup and sandwiches?" Jaz asked.
"Tomato basil?" The thought alone caused Bella's mouth to water.
Seeing the dazed look on her face, Jaz began to chuckle. "Yes we can make tomato basil but I request grilled cheeses to go with."
Once again the radio played as the pair worked side by side creating lunch. Finally it was done and they were seated and eating.
Looking up from her soup, Bella brought up the plans for the evening. "Do you and Em have any plans for the evening?"
"Not at the moment but by the look on your face, I'm guessing that you've made plans for the both of us. Am I right?" He continued dipping his sandwich in the soup before eating it.
"You can always say no." She growled at him.
He shrugged. "What'cha got?"
Silently she glared at him. "A few of my new friends wanted to go to Seattle this evening for sushi and clubbing. I thought Em and you might want to check out the local scene."
Jasper continued to scrutinize her. "What aren't you telling me Bells?"
She blushed. "Well, I wanted to hook up Em with Rosalie. I think they would be perfect for each other." This statement was met with loud guffaws from the cowboy.
"What would I do without you Bells? I am so in just to see that!"
It was around four in the afternoon when Bella's cell rang.
"Good afternoon Alice." Bella answered.
"Bella! Where are you?" the pixie screeched.
"What do you mean 'where am I?'"
"We need to get ready for this evening!"
Silently Bella rolled her eyes at Jasper. The pair had been lounging around while they waited on Emmett. "I thought we weren't meeting until seven."
"Yes, but we have to get ready!" The screeching was loud enough for Jasper to hear.
Bella huffed. "Fine, I will be over there at five-thirty Alice and not a minute earlier. Oh, and I'll be bringing my friends with me."
High pitched squealing was the only sound coming from the small cellular. Sighing, Bella hung up. She turned to Jasper. "I'm going to head home and get my stuff for this evening. Want to wait for Em and meet at my house around five-fifteen?"
"Sure. I'll walk you out."
At exactly five-thirty, the trio stood on the front porch of Alice's house. They were silent as they waited for someone to answer the door. Finally the door swung open to reveal Edward.
"Hey Bella. Why don't you all come in?" Retreating back into the foyer, Edward swung the door open.
The three entered and waited patiently while Edward shut and locked the door.
"Edward I'd like to introduce you to Jasper Whitlock and Emmett McCarty. Guys, this is Edward Cullen." Bella swiftly made the introductions. As the guys took turns shaking hands, she casually looked around.
"The girls are upstairs in Alice's room. Third door on the right." Edward informed Bella. "Emmett, Jasper if you'd like to follow me, I was playing video games in the game room." He motioned to a side door.
"Hell yea!" Emmett cheered.
Bella shook her head as she gave them one last look. "Play nice Em!" She warned before heading upstairs.
***Upstairs in Alice's Room**
"Bella! You're finally here!" the blond pixie screamed.
Dodging the vice like hug, Bella threw her bag into a corner and scrambled onto the bed by Rosalie. "Help!" She begged.
Rose just laughed. "Leave her alone Alice." She turned to Bella. "She gets a bit excited about going out."
"That's a bit excited? I'm scared to ask how she gets about when it comes to truly exhilarating things." Bella shuddered in fright.
Rosalie collapsed in a fit of laughter. Standing at the foot of the bed, Alice just gave them the evil eye before stomping back into the closet. "Phoey on you two!"
The pair on the bed just continued to giggle and laugh at the little sprite. They lounged around for several more minutes before giving into Alice's demands spilling from the doorway.
"So Bella, tell us about the guys you brought with you." Alice prompted as she carefully applied mascara to her lashes.
Bella gave Alice a small grin. "First there's Jasper. He was born and raised in southeast Texas on a large cattle ranch. He is a bonafide cowboy but don't be deceived; he fast tracked through university with a degree in liberal arts and graphic design. Then there's Emmett. Born in the slums of Houston, Emmett used his brawn to make a name for himself in Texas football. Don't stereotype him as the typical jock though. He graduated in the top of his class before accepting a full ride to college. He played four years and graduated with a degree in marketing."
Both Rose and Alice perked up at her words. These were not just guys, these were MEN! Mature, respectable, college educated MEN!
"How exactly did you meet them Bella? They must be what…five years older?" Rose questioned.
"Well, having attended the same college, they were already buds. Some mutual acquaintances introduced us at a festival in downtown Houston. The three of us just clicked and we've been inseparable ever since." Bella inwardly grinned as she hedged the truth. While they had met at a festival, it had been mainly for business purposes. She was performing but needed a few extra hands. The boys were such a huge help that Bella continued to contract them for other events and before long the temporary arrangement became permanent.
Putting down the straightener, she turned to other two. "Are you two ready?"
"Hell yea!" was the only response. The trio trooped down the stairs. Alice paused as she reached the bottom.
"Video games." Bella supplied.
"Ah! Of course." Alice sighed. Motioning for Rose and Bella to follow, she quickly turned down a corridor towards the game room. "Boys will be boys."
At the doorway, the trio of girls stopped to take in the sight of the three good looking male specimens acting their shoe size. Both Rosalie's and Alice's eyes doubled in size at the sight of Jasper and Emmett before Bella rudely nudged them in the ribs.
"Are we ready guys?" Bella asked, making all three guys jump in surprise.
"Damn it Bella!" Emmett bellowed, searching for the game controller he launched across the room in surprise.
Each of the females had a hand firmly gripping the doorframe as they doubled over in laughter at the sight.
Wiping tears from her eyes, she turned to introduce them. "Alice and Rosalie, I'd like you to meet Emmett and Jasper."
Quickly the two stepped forward and shook the other's hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you ladies," responded both Emmett and Jasper together.
"Let's get this party started!" Emmett urged the group from the room and towards the front of the house. "What is the game plan for tonight?"
Alice was quick to respond. "First its sushi in Seattle at this trendy new place before heading off to Ensnared, a dance club for some late night partying." She turned to survey the group. "How exactly do we want to get there?"
"What are the options?" Bella asked thoughtfully.
"We can squeeze into one car and go together or take two cars?"
Looking at both, Jasper and Bella, Emmett suggested the use of one car as none of them knew where exactly they were going and it would be easier to keep the group together that way. Outside the house, it was quickly decided that Alice would drive since they were taking her small SUV. Edward would ride shotgun with Rosalie and Emmett in the captain's seats leaving Bella and Jasper in the final row. It was a tight fit but they would survive.
