"Damn, Bells, you look hot!" Jacob gave me the once over and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively
"Yeah, whatever, Jake." I said, rolling my eyes and trying not to fall down in these heels.
"No, I'm serious. You look good." He became serious for a moment and that only made me more nervous. I smoothed my dress for the hundredth time making sure I looked okay.
"Stop fidgeting, Nessie picked the perfect dress for you. You're gonna knock 'em dead." He twirled around himself, looking like James Brown in a tux and I had to laugh despite my nerves.
"Alright, alright, stop that or we're never going to get out of here." I pulled him by the arm and led him toward the door.
"Whatever you say. You got the tickets?" I dug through my purse, finding the tickets to the gala we were attending tonight. Fancy schmancy. I was so glad Jake was taking me, that guaranteed that no matter what else happened tonight, at least it would be fun.
Jake had been one of my closest friends since elementary school. He had put gum in my hair in the 3rd grade and had coincidentally taken me to my first dance. His father and my father were best friends so that meant we were always thrown together. I don't know at what point we realized we were just friends but it was pretty early on. He had recently gotten engaged to a girl named Nessie who I instantly fell in love with. She was perfect for him and thankfully she was allowing me to borrow her man for the evening. She understood how nervous I was at these types of things and had even helped me pick out a dress. It was deep blue and accentuated my figure without making me look slutty. Truth is, I think both Nessie and Jake felt a little sorry for me, knowing that I didn't have anyone to go with to the gala.
So, here I was, waltzing into a beautiful ballroom in downtown Seattle on my best friends arm, the envy of every woman in the room. Friend or no friend, Jake was quite a catch and I couldn't help feeling proud to be with him.
The gala was being held in honor of teacher's throughout Washington state who had made a difference in the classroom and in the lives of students. After graduation I had made my way back to Forks and was currently teaching high school English at Forks High. It wasn't a glamorous or lucrative gig but it kept me close to my parents and friends and allowed me to work with kids who usually wouldn't get much attention. It was enough for now until I figured out what I really wanted to be when I grew up.
It was a beautiful night and I enjoyed pretty much everything up until they made the teachers who were being honored stand up. We stood at our table when our name was called and everyone clapped in recognition. It was an honor but made me feel extremely self-conscious. I stood there, cheeks aflame while everyone clapped. I tried to sit down quickly but Jake pinched me under the table making me jump a little. He would pay for that later.
People began to mill about and mingle, the dance floor being opened up after the dinner and awards. Jake had excused himself to go to the little boys room, his words, not mine, and I was left alone for a while. Several of the committee members came over to congratulate me and make small talk but didn't linger.
"Hello, Bella." The voice sent a shiver through my body and I looked up apprehensively into striking green eyes. Edward Cullen. "I startled you again, didn't I? I just came over to congratulate you. I'm on the 's kind of my job to say hello to all the winners." My heart fell. Of course he didn't want to talk to me. They were making him.
"Well, thank you for your congratulations. I assure you they are completely unnecessary. Now that you've completed your obligation, please feel free to take your leave." Geez, can you get anymore bitter, Bella? Why was I so angry? God, it was one kiss almost two years ago. His face mirrored my feelings and he looked a little taken back by my bluntness. "Bella, I.." he stepped forward, looking ashamed.
"Hey, Bells, is this guy giving you a hard time?" Jake stepped up to my side and wrapped his arm around my waist. Edward stepped back and his face became a mask, devoid of all the emotion it showed two seconds ago.
"No, no, Jacob Black, Edward Cullen. Edward Cullen, Jacob Black." They shook hands like total Neanderthals, sizing each other up.
"Edward is on the committee that selected the winners. He came by to give his congratulations." I said that last part with a bit of anger and the next part with sadness. "He's also Alice Cullen's older brother."
"Oh...he's the one." Jacob said, giving Edward a knowing look. "Shouldn't have walked away man. Bad call." Jacob, understanding the situation now, having been told all about it before, kissed my cheek swiftly and made his departure. "I'm gonna go see what they've got at the bar. Might bring you guys something. You look like you could use it." He laughed at his own joke before turning and walking away from us.
"Boyfriend?" Edward stated, not really asking.
"No, actually. Best friend. He's getting married in a few months. I'm just borrowing him for the evening." I looked after Jake trying to find him in the crowd, wishing I was with him having a drink instead of standing here having this awkward conversation.
"Oh. I just assumed. Listen, Bella..." he began again, "I didn't mean to come off like that earlier. I was just nervous about coming over to talk to you. If you want me to leave, I will..."
"No, it's okay. I'm sorry too. It's just that I haven't seen you since,...well, you know..and...How's Alice?" I had the sudden desire to change the subject. It seemed to throw him for a moment.
"Alice?" I nodded. "Oh, she's great. She's seeing a new guy..seems serious. Bella, can I see you?" He shook off the distraction and blurted out that last sentence. "I mean, I would love to talk to you and just get things on a better footing. You're one of Alice's best friends and when we last saw each other..." He ran his hand nervously through his hair for a moment before looking me in the eye again. "I just want to set things right. Can I take you to breakfast tomorrow?"
"It's not necessary, Edward."
"I know it's not necessary, Bella, but I want to. Would you allow me to take you out?" His tone came across as almost rude but underneath sounded desperate, like it mattered very much to him.
"Okay." I relented and a huge smile came across his face making my stomach tighten. His appeal and my reaction to him had not changed since the last time I'd seen him. Damn.