Chapter 12 : Izzy comes bearing gifts.
Izzy's/Bella's POV
After we finished shopping we headed to the Alocasia for some dinner. The Al was one of the best kept secrets of Seattle. It was frequented by VIPs and celebrity's because it was very private. No paparazzi were allowed in, and you had to have certain credentials to eat there. My credentials: I'm a bitch, a badass and no one wants to mess with me.
I met Al Ocasia two years ago after he tried to buy out Duke's for some strange reason. Carl told him to piss off, and I promptly kicked him out of the bar. Al was obviously impressed with me because he offered me a job at his restaurant. I told him he had a stupid name, and he told me I had a pretty face. I smacked him, then he tried to kiss me, and I smacked him again. He offered to take me out. I declined, but told him that I did love Italian. He chuckled, and promised me my own table because I was ballsy and didn't take any shit. And I thought it was because I was a sweetheart.
The valet took the car keys from Rose, and she glared at him
"One scratch, kid and your dead," She snarled. He nodded and fearfully got into the drivers seat. He pulled out slowly, and I laughed when he stalled it. Rose shook her head in disgust and looped her arm in mine.
"So how did you get a table here on such short notice?" Alice asked nonchalantly.
"I have a permanent table here," I answered smiling as Mark the bouncer opened the door for us. He nodded once before turning back to deny some wanker entrance. We descended down the stairs. The Al was on the basement level, adding to its privacy. The coat room was padded in brown leather with a beautiful chandelier hanging from the centre. A tall blond girl stood behind the counter, and I walked over shrugging my coat off.
"Hello Miss Izzy."
I smiled tightly and handed her my coat. She had worked here for a while, but I had never bothered getting her name. She took both Rose and Alice's coat as well, not bothering to give them a ticket since they were with me. I moved to the heavy black doors that lead into the restaurant. As I pushed them open the beautiful scent of leather, cigars and strangely enough limes enveloped us. I scanned the room quickly.
The Al had old world charm about it. No doubt Rose and Alice would feel right at home here. The low lighting and the chandeliers had a sultry effect on the restaurant. On the stage a dark woman with long braided hair sung her version of "The Sun Doesn't Like You." I snorted as I thought of the lyrics.
How appropriate.
Her voice had a beautiful timbre about it, and it was low and husky. She sung the song well, and a lot of the patrons were watching her avidly. I watched her a second longer before my eyes came to rest on the server who was concentrating on the sheet in front of her. I coughed slightly, and her head snapped up, her eyes widening to the size of saucers. She mumbled her apologies and ushered me to my table. Rose and Alice snickered.
"What?" I asked taking my seat.
"Uh, everyone is scared of you."
"Wow! Perceptive today aren't we Rose?" I teased.
"It's just funny because they don't give us a second look," Rose said with a roll of her eyes. I grabbed a bread stick and started chewing it on the ending. I looked at Rose, who was inspecting her nails.
"So are you jealous again?" Rose's eyes snapped to mine. Her lips thinned momentarily before breaking into a small smirk.
"Sort of but don't you see how ironic it is. I mean we are the most dangerous predators in here, capable of draining everyone within seconds and they are all scared of lil' ole you."
I snorted. "Rose, you don't know how dangerous I am."
Rose opened her mouth to say something when Carmen walked up. Carmen was what some would call a Latina goddess. Tonight she wore a red tank top that accentuated her curvy hips and large breasts. Her black hair hung loosely around her waist, and she wore little make up. She had a wicked sense of humour and a mean left hook. She occasionally boxed with me down at the gym, and I had been on the receiving end of that left hook on more than one occasion. Though I gave as good as I got so we were pretty evenly matched.
"Hello Izzy," She said smiling tensely at Rose and Alice.
"Hello Carmen."
"The usual?"
I nodded and reached for another breadstick.
"Where is Corey tonight?" Both Alice and Rose both snapped their eyes on me. I smiled knowing what they were thinking.
" I left Corey at home. Poor kid is exhausted from our last workout." Rose's eyes narrowed, and Alice shook her head disapprovingly. Carmen giggled and turned to Rose and Alice.
"And for you ladies?"
"Oh no thank you. Nothing for us." Alice said in a sweet voice. Carmen raised her eyebrows at me, and I sighed shaking my head. She was silently asking why I was hanging around a couple of models who ate like canaries. That was the regular cliental that serviced The Al; asshole execs with their skinny little models girlfriends who ordered salads, and then headed to the toilet afterwards.
"Don't fret Carmen. These girls love the red meat," I assured her.
Carmen smiled apologetically at Rose and Alice before turning towards the kitchen. I knew that my order would be pushed to the front and it would be ready in less then ten minutes.
"What was that about?" Alice hissed.
"Oh she thought you were a couple of bimbo models."
"Not that. Who is Corey? Your boyfriend?"
I couldn't help but laugh. People at the next table looked at me strangely, but Rose just glared at them and they quickly became interested in the table cloth.
"Corey? My boyfriend? Oh that is rich."
Alice relaxed and leaned against the chair.
"Good. Because we can't have a boyfriend ruining our game plan."
"Well you haven't actually revealed any of this plan to me yet. So care to dish?"
Alice grinned, "Nope! You'll know when you need to know."
I sighed. I knew Alice was going to take over my whole plan.
Thank god for back up plans!
Carmen came over then and placed a pineapple and vodka drink in front of me. I thanked her, and she smiled before turning to the next table.
When Carmen came out with my meal, Alice was in the process of telling me what had happened after they left Forks. Alice said that they were on the precipice of shattering, and it shocked me that such a close knitted family could dissolve because of someone's selfish decision. I truly felt sorry for what they went through because of Edward. He was such a self centred asshole.
After I finished my dinner, Carmen came to collect my plate, and I started regaling the girls with all my crazy hi jinxes. By the time I had finished with all the PG-13 ones, the girls were laughing so hard Alice needed a new chair. She had crushed the frame, and Carmen apologized profusely stating that it had never happened before.
Of course it had never happened before. How many vampires would eat here?
We got up to leave, and Rose pulled out her credit card.
"Um, Rose what are you doing?"
"I'm paying for your dinner, Izzy. That's how these things work," she mocked me.
"Ok then but I don't think they'll accept it," I said folding my arms across my chest.
Rose gave me a quizzical look and then handed her card to Carmen. Carmen looked at her confused.
"I'm sorry but what's this for?" Rose looked at Carmen like she was slow, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"For Izzy's dinner." Rose said slowly just in case Carmen didn't understand. Carmen laughed and looked at me. I smiled and shrugged.
"I tried to tell her."
" Tell me what" Rose snapped. Her patience was getting thin because her hands were on her hips and her lips were pursed.
"Izzy here owns this place."
Both Alice and Rose's jaw dropped at the same time. Carmen and I laughed at the reaction.
"What do you mean own it?"
"Well I co-own it," I explained. I then told them how Al had had a heart attack last year, and decided to give the business to his son Lukas and I. Lukas and I got on really well. I suppose him being a closet gay helped. I'm positive that Lukas swayed his father's decision to include me in the ownership as a way of thanking me for keeping his secret. It was stupid really because I would have kept it secret anyway, and I really didn't want anything to do with it. I only agreed to keep Al from stressing out. Lukas however loved the restaurant so I let him control everything. It was a good partnership.
"So why do you work at the bar?"
"Well I can't exactly start fights in here now can I? It's just easier at the bar to release some of my pent up energy."
Alice shook her head and giggled. "You are full of surprises Isabella Swan."
Carmen snickered, and I gave her a hard look. No one knew what my real name was, and I wanted to keep it that way.
"Sorry boss," she murmured looking down at her feet.
"It's ok just don't be telling anyone."
She nodded and handed Rose's card back to her.
"Alright Carmen we are outta here. Call me if there's any problems ok."
Carmen nodded, and we walked out grabbing our coats and stepping out into the cool air. As we waited for the valet to collect the car I pulled my phone from my pocket. Carmen had reminded me about Corey. I dialled his number, and on the third ring he picked up.
"Hello," a very feminine voice answered.
"And who is this?" I snarled.
"Lucy! Who is this?" she snapped.
"This is Izzy, and I want to talk to Corey. Put him on the phone. Now."
"He's in the toilet. Are you his girlfriend?" she snapped in a distinctively bitchy tone. I tapped my foot impatiently. I did not have the time to play twenty questions with Miss Slutty Mcphee so I decided to scare her off.
"He has genital warts you know."
"He does not," she said, but her tone was unsure.
"That's why we broke up!"
"What!?! Corey!!" she screamed.
"Whatever she said don't believe her," I heard Corey state. There was a large thump, and I giggled when I heard the phone connect with Corey's head.
"Ow, Luce. Wait! She's just my psychotic next door neighbour," I heard Corey pick up the phone.
"Izzy, what the fuck?"
"Hello Corey," I purred.
"You are such a bitch Izzy. I really like Luce. Why did you have to do that?"
I sighed heavily, "Corey I don't care for your dramatics. Did you get in contact with Kirk?"
"Yeah."
"And they agreed?"
"Yeah. Coops has a load tomorrow so they are doing it tonight."
"Cool. I'll text him the address."
"Good now can I go? Thanks to you I'm going to have extremely hot make up sex."
"Over share Corey. Oh and next time I call, I had better get you," I snapped.
"Jeez, Izzy don't go all cavewoman on me now."
I laughed. " Love you to, Corey."
"Mm love ya Iz."
And he hung up. The Valet brought the BMW round and we all piled in. Not before Rose took a tour of the car inspecting it for scratches that is. The valet hopped nervously from one foot to the other before Rose smiled and slipped him a hundred.
"What was that about?" Alice asked innocently.
I smiled, "Oh, you'll find out soon enough."
She frowned then crossed her arms, and slumped down in the back seat like an emo teenager. Rose and I both laughed.
"She really doesn't like not seeing things, huh?"
"No I don't and when is this going to wear off? I can't see anyone because all their decisions involve you." Alice snapped.
I smiled. "I give it a couple of months. Give or take."
Alice groaned and proceded to tell me that her not seeing anything was extremely dangerous. I rolled my eyes stating nothing bad had happened in the last six years so there was nothing to worry about. The rest of the drive home was filled with Alice moaning about how unfair her life was. Rose and I tried to tune her out, but she got incessantly louder. Rose took the liberty of turning on the radio and cranking it louder than Alice's voice. It worked, and she calmed down enough to start singing along with the song.
We got home after dark and I immediately left the girls to pack my clothes away. They agreed, but only cause they noticed how agitated I was getting. I went outside and opened my phone. I scrolled down until I found the number I wanted, and pressing the call button. I placed it to my ear.
"Hello?" A deep voice answered.
"Hey honey, it's me."
"Hey darlin'. I'm almost there. You owe me big for this."
I let out a sigh of relief. And then giggled thinking how I could win from this conversation.
"What would you like me to do?" I purred as I turned towards the house. Suddenly I heard wood snap and a very distinct Edward growl. I couldn't stop the smile spreading on my face when I heard Emmett call for Jasper.
"Iz? Are you trying to make someone jealous?"
I huffed as he laughed at me.
Damn him. He knew me too well.
"I'm coming up the drive right now."
I saw two large headlights, and I grinned
"Honk if you're horny." I said before closing my phone and sliding it into my back pocket. Suddenly a large blast exploded from the truck, and I danced on my toes, laughing at the fact he had played along for once. From behind me the door opened, and I heard all the Cullen's file out.
"What in the hell?"
"Emmett! Language please." Esme tsked him.
The bright red 18 wheeler roared up the rest of the driveway, pulling up on an angle so you could clearly see the bright yellow of my lamb from where we were all gathered.
"Alice! Did you buy more cars?" Carlisle tone was very unimpressed.
"No! I did not Carlisle. I don't know whose they are."
"Their mine." I said casually as I walked up to the massive truck that carried my babies.
The cab door opened and Kirk jumped out. I grinned as he swept me up and twirled me round. I took a deep breath and smelt tobacco, beer and the distinct scent of a woman's perfume. Obviously Kirk had decided to go a round with Cooper before driving out here.
"Dirty boy," I whispered in his ear. He chuckled and let me go. Cooper was Kirk's wife and one of my closest friends. She was a very rare breed of women that took up the road as a truckie. She was hard as nails and nothing scared her. I tried to emulate her as much as possible.
I stepped back and plunged my hands in my pockets while looking him over. He had copper colour skin, and by any one's account he was a good looking man. All six foot three of him. His muscles strained against his black shirt, and his truckie cap hid his cropped black hair. The brim of the hat was pulled lower, hiding his brown eyes. His features were straight with the exception of his nose that bent to the right. I had done that to him when he started to teach me to fight properly. It surprisingly made him look even hotter. He looked over to where the Cullen's were staring at us.
"Mmmm pretty," Kirk remarked turning his attention to my cars.
I barked a laugh as I followed him. Only Kirk would see the most beautiful family ever and think they were just pretty. I heard the passenger door slam shut, and I looked up in surprise. Cooper came up on the other side, her blond hair just visible through the bars. Where Kirk was dark, Coops was his light. She had pale skin, paler than mine, and her long lean frame resembles that of a ballerina though, really she was anything but. Her features looked delicate, but her steel blue eyes betrayed her. They were hard where her husband's were soft. I waved at her and she gave me a wide, cheesy grin.
"How's it going kid?"
"Well I ain't the one riding shotgun," I smirked.
Coops laughed and poked her tongue through her cheek. I placed my finger in my throat and made a gagging sound. She flipped me the bird and started on one of the straps that anchored the wheels of my Lamborghini to the truck. Kirk started working on the other then suddenly glanced up, looking over my shoulder. I turned and saw Emmett standing there.
"Uh, Emmett meet Kirk. Kirk, Emmett." I introduced them, flicking my hand lazily.
"S'up." Emmett said popping the p and crossing his arms. Kirk looked Emmett over and grinned slowly.
"Diggin' the whole juggernaut thing you got going on."
Emmett shrugged his shoulder.
"I am what I am."
"How very Buddha of you, Em," I laughed as Emmett offered his help to Kirk, and I ran around the truck to give Coops a hug. She laughed as I tackled her to the ground. She may look like a ballerina but she fought like a lion. She flipped me off easily, and we circled each other.
"So? You let Kirk drive the Beast," Cooper nodded then came at me with a left hook. I easily dodged it, planting my palm in the middle of her chest and pushed her away.
"How many?"
"Four!"
"Impressive."
"Oh give me a break, Sister Bertrille," She sneered. I growled. I hated when she called me that, and I lunged at her throwing all my weight into the tackle. Coops hit the ground a second before I did, and I heard the breath being pushed out of her. I rolled to my right and sat up grinning at her. She coughed twice and heaved herself up on all fours.
"Jesus Z, calm the fury down."
She stood up carefully and then held her hand out to help me up. We both started brushing the dirt off our jeans, laughing at our play fight. Just then Rose snorted, bringing our attention to the Cullen's. I motioned for Cooper to follow and led her to Carlisle and Esme.
" Carlisle. Esme. This is my partner in crime, Cooper, and that turd over there is her husband Kirk."
I saw a flicker of a frown on Esme's face before she smiled warmly at Cooper. I guessed it was because I called Kirk a turd. But in all truth sometimes he could be a total shit.
"Hello Cooper. It's nice to meet you."
Cooper nodded keeping her hands behind her back. Like me, she wasn't a very touchy feely type of person. Kirk hollered a hello from where he and Emmett were working.
"Don't worry, I've spent more time trying to keep her out of trouble than help her get in it," she assured them.
"Well we are glad some one was there for Izzy," Carlisle answered her.
Edward visibly stiffened which caught the attention of Cooper. She stared at him as he stepped forward, and politely introduced the rest of the family. I rolled my eyes, suddenly bored, and ran off to see the boys take the first car of the 18 wheeler. Rose pushed past Jasper, briefly nodding towards Cooper and followed me.
"Wow Iz. I'm impressed." She stopped as Kirk parked the lamb, and went over to start on the CCX . I made a little bow and went to show off a little. Rose sauntered around the car and let out a low whistle.
"Yeah, she's okay but I rarely take her out. Usually I'm on my bike or in the Bugatti.'
"A Bugatti Veyron?" Her head snapped to the closed version of the truck.
"Yup," I said popping my p.
We were suddenly immersed in conversation about the Bugatti's computer control system and the amount of pressure she could handle. Rose was surprised that I could keep up with her and knew all the auto lingo. Alice came up and stared lovingly at the lamb. I looked up and smiled softly. I walked around to the driver's side and retrieved the keys out of the ignition, waving them in front of Alice. Her face crunched with confusion then she broke into the biggest smile.
"No! Really, oh Izzy. I couldn't."
I tsked her. "Alice, in case you may have missed it, I only have one butt. Beside I really don't drive her much, and she needs more love than I can give her."
Alice squealed and grabbed the keys running over to Jasper.
"Look Jazz. She gave me a car. A beautiful sleek gorgeous car."
I chuckled and turned around to see Rose, her arms folded and completely pissed off.
"Oh calm down Ro, you see the one they are unloading now?"
She turned slightly and her whole persona changed in two seconds flat. I laughed as she squealed and did a very non Rose dance. She grabbed the keys off Kirk and started the engine. It purred to life, and Rose settled in the seat.
"Best present ever Izzy," she yelled at me before peeling out of the driveway.
Alice quickly ran and jumped in the lamb. She yelled at Jasper to get in, but Jazz had his eyes on my dark green Honda VTR 1000 Superhawk that Emmett had just placed next to the lamb. I met Kirk eyes, and he laughed tossing the keys Jazz's way. Jazz caught them easily and looked at him.
"I guess Izzy is feeling generous tonight," he said with a shrug of his shoulders. Jazz looked at me and I nodded at him. He grinned as he practically blurred running at the bike. The air filed with the sound of Alice and Jasper starting up engines, and they were swiftly speeding off down the drive after Rose, eager to try out their new toys. I laughed and walked over to Emmett. He was watching Kirk drive the Bugatti out.
"Don't worry kiddo, I know I'm too big for any of your toys."
I laughed and climbed up to give him a kiss on his cheeks.
"I'll take that gift over a car any day, sis!"
I smiled and leaned against him. Cooper came up placing her hand on my shoulder.
"Well that's all of them tiger."
I smiled and pushed myself off Emmett and gave her a hug. We both knew this would probably be the last time we would see each other for a long time, and we squeezed extra tight. Kirk joined in, and then surprisingly Emmett lifted all of us in one of his massive bear hugs. Cooper yelped and Kirk laughed.
"Emmett. Can't breathe," I moaned, and he put us all down. As he stepped back he grinned sheepishly. Cooper and Kirk laughed. They waved at where the rest of the Cullen's were standing before they climbed into the cab. Kirk wound down his window and leaned out.
"Behave" he said pointing at me. I laughed and told him to rack off. He rolled his eyes and started the Beast up. I stepped back and watched as he turned it around and drove it out onto the highway.
Emmett pushed me slightly and he, Carlisle and Esme headed back inside leaving Edward standing there watching me. I gave him a pointed look before walking over to the Bugatti. I hunched down, scouring it for scratches. I could hear Edward walk slowly over to me until he was standing right behind me.
"Beautiful," he murmured.
I glanced up to see him, not looking at the car but at me. I stood up slowly. Agitation crept up my spine, and I resisted the urge to deck him. It would only really hurt me in the end.
Stupid hard ass vampire.
"Yeah she is isn't she." I answered turning my attention back my car. I sighed softly and reached up to stoke the top of the 16 cylinder engine. Edward was silent for a while and I turned to see if he's still there. Again the urge to hit him sprung up, and my head started to pound. Usually I didn't deny my instincts, and this was my body's way of telling me off.
"She suits you, Bella." He said softly. I nodded silently not trusting myself to say anything. If I opened my mouth now I knew I would say something I'd regret so I moved further away from him. I walked around the drivers side and opened the door. I glanced up to see if he was still standing there. He wasn't and I slid into the seat, staring blankly at the tree line. I gripped the wheel tightly surprised to find that I actually missed him.
Dammit.