When I returned, Edward was busily mopping the floor. It smelled of fresh lemons and orchards in the open kitchen area when I entered. Classical music was being played as he swerved everywhere, quickly cleaning everything in a matter of minutes. He looked up and smile, turned down the music and stationed the mop with his hands. His outfit - a white apron and t-shirt with sweatpants was almost comedic. I never imagined such a statuesque man to wearing such plain outfits, but like all good models, it was unbelievably handsome on him. His hair was pulled back, away from his face and in a disarray.
"So, how was the receptionist at Julliard? Heard she's quite the talkative one." He offered a seat for me as I took off my shoes. I sighed with the comfort of my feet getting its rest.
"That's an understatement. I swear that woman produces a gallon of saliva every minute. She drones on forever and doesn't seem to get tired!" Groaning, I placed my Converses' to the side and looked around for a pair of slippers, not wanting to get my feet wet.
"What are you looking for?" Edward asked, peering over my shoulder to where I crouched. The smell that radiated off him was incredible. More potent than ever before, it was freshening, masculine and yet held onto the essences of a flower...lilac, some traces of honey and the sun, and other aromas that smelled heavenly.
"Well I was hoping to find a pair of slippers. The floors are wet after all." I said, looking up at his smirk and continued to search through his shoe cupboards. It was rather empty except for two pairs of sneakers, a pair of leather shoes, some runners and sandals. Nothing I could find to wear though.
"They are? I think your eyes need to be checked..." Edward said teasingly.
"Oh... hey! Well, they were wet before, so shush." I placed a hand to my lips and scowled at him, then walked towards the kitchen for a glass of water. My throat was dry from all the hustling and bustling.
"What do you do here all day anyways?" The water from the glass jug was cool and refreshing as I drank it quickly.
"I work to please your requirements, madam. The house is clean and everything you may need is prepared." He spoke with a British accent in a serious tone, though I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Ha-ha. So are you going to tell me how you sustain yourself in this overpopulated city or what? I was too preoccupied with Julliard to remember getting a job. Any recommendations?"
He hummed a tune for awhile, expression thoughtful.
"I take up work at night. Would you like to come along? It might be of interest to you..." He spoke in a faraway look, pursing his lips for a second and then smiling at me. He put away the janitoral cleaning equipments and returned with a guitar. The d-string was hanging limp and curled, probably used too forcefully or just from too many years.
"I have a guitar, and yes, it's something you'll need when we go out tonight. Try to wear a few layers, tonight's getting unseasonably cold for spring. I'm going to take a nap for a bit, but have fun practicing." He turned around and paused for a bit, "Oh, and the string...I don't think you'll be playing a tune with that string, will you? If so, I have a spare I bought, never got the time to change it. Do you want to?"
"That would be great actually. Do you want me to get it? Where is it?" I stood up but Edward was already walking down the hall, "I'll get it, sit down," he commanded. I shuddered at the sudden cold tone of his voice but thought otherwise of it, maybe he was just grumpy from being tired.
"Here's the package. If you need tools, it's included as well...try not to kill that guitar. You did take some lessons on repairing guitars, right?" He raised an eyebrow at my intent gaze on the guitar and the package he'd handed me.
"I know how to fix and tune guitars, thank you very much. Now go nap." I was opening the package and started to loosen the knob of the broken string, when the poundings of piano keys echoed from the end room of the hallway. It sounded with the deep tones of reminiscence, lingering with despair and sadness. It rang out from the heart, causing goosebumps throughout my body as I continued to listen. Every pitch, every stroke of note was perfectly executed, beautiful in its own individuality, yet astounding as a whole. I hadn't even noticed myself mumbling lyrics to the piece, until the playing had stopped abruptly.
I resumed my work, thinking over the melody and how the words I'd sung along to would fit. I was intrigued to get my hands on a music sheet or some sort that he was playing from, especially how wondrous it sounded.
When the living room was illuminated with bright orange and yellow from the sunset, Edward came out, dressed in blue jeans and a black t-shirt, smiling. His eyes were unusually red as he analyzed my handy work with the guitar.
"I'm surprised, I'd imagined the guitar to become mangled and utterly destroyed...those slim hands of yours aren't just for looks." He said with a mocking tone. I rolled my eyes at him and stood up.
"So, do we head out now?" I asked, grabbing the guitar from him and putting it away in the case he'd just brought out.
"Yes, get dressed to impress and we can head out." He ushered me out the door after I put on my shoes and we walked side-by-side, through the winding labyrinth of brick walls to the main street and waited for a bus. I tried reading where the bus was headed, but Edward was trying to keep it a secret and blindfolded my eyes whenever I could have had an opportunity to find out.
When the bus stopped and Edward said it was our stop, he held onto my hand and kept another over my eyes. His strong, firm hand sent shockwaves throughout my body, jolting my nerves awake. It was masculine and smooth, warm and inviting. I couldn't quite grasp just how excellent it felt. He let go for some second, opening a door and pulling me. The inviting smells of coffee and cocktails bombarded me as the place's heat warmed me up fully.
"Ta-da!" He whispered into my ears, holding my shoulders and waiting for my reaction.
The club-like place was packed with all kinds of people, mostly musicians and the audience that came for local concerts. There were comfortable looking sofas spread out everywhere, all looking towards a small center stage with lights and a wide range of musical instruments arranged. It looked cozy and friendly, everyone watching intently at the man performing on the stage now. He was playing the guitar in such a way that I could never have imagined possible. It sounded great.
"Edward!" A melodic female's voice broke the silence as she walked over to us. She was tall, statuesque and beautiful. Beautiful seemed to lack substance as I watched her luscious golden hair float around her gorgeous face. She was...well, my confidence level drops to a new time low when I saw her. Her voluptuous, goddess-like figure was covered in a t-shirt and jeans, casual yet sexy. It pained for me to watch her, glorious and immorally perfect, as she greeted us.
"Rosalie! How are you?" Edward greeted, smiling and doing a quick hug with the woman. I felt...odd as she hugged him.
"I've been better. Everyone's rather rowdy, hoping to hear you play the piano." She smiled and looked towards me. "What a pleasure to meet Edward's...girlfriend, I presume?"
"Oh, no no no! Ha ha...I'm just a ..friend. My name's Bella." I said, stammering a little. I didn't know if Edward considered me a friend yet...or were we just ...landlord and attendee? I didn't want to make anything up that wasn't true.
"Well, I hope we can hear you show off some musical talent then! Edward's piano playing gets a bit boring after awhile!" Rosalie's arm gestured to the stage as I gulped.
"I don't think I can do anything worth people watching..." I was extremely nervous to be performing in front of so many people, but more intimidated to be in front of Edward...he just seemed so good on what he did, it easily overshadowed what I did.
"Nonsense! I believe you can and you will get that chance. But now, let's let Edward get ready for his performance, shall we?" Edward smirked then left and walk over to the edge of the stage just as the man who'd been playing guitar bowed and thanked the audience.
"Would you like to join me at the bar, Bella? I can make you a mean cocktail." She dragged me through the maze of sofas and sat me down at one of the stools in front of the bar. All the design at this place was simple, yet elegant. From the red velvet sofas to the black coffee tables, to the little candles on each table...everything fit so beautifully with one another. The bar was mainly black and white with monochromatic colours of reds adorning as accessories to the design.
"So what would you like? A Lusty Slushy, a Bikini waxer, or a Mud wasabi...anything sound appealing?" Rosalie chuckled, "Don't worry, I was joking. How would you just like a Shirley Temple?"
"Definitely, I lost track of the other drinks after Lusty." As Rosalie handed me a drink, the first key of a piano was struck. I recognized the notes immediately, being one of Debussy's pieces. Yet, I couldn't remember the name...it was like knowing the word to a crossword puzzle, but forgetting it just as it was about to be written down. I closed my eyes and listened to Edward's playing, surprised at how precise his fingers executed them, the soulful calling of the instrument.
"You really like his playing, don't you?" Rosalie asked, sitting next to me on one of the stools. "Not just his looks."
"Why do you say that? I thought everyone here appreciates the music." I said, eyebrows knitting together to understand what she meant. Everyone was still keeping their gaze on Edward, mesmerized.
"You'll be surprised at how many of these people, girls and guys, are here only because of Edward, not his playing. You're probably the first." Rosalie smirked and leaned back onto the counter. "Do you see that faraway look in his eyes when he's playing? He's mourning right now."
"Why?" I asked, waiting for an answer. Edward played the last note, stood up, bowed and descended down the stairs, making his was back to us. I understood what Rosalie meant as a few of the girls were moving their necks in the direction of Edward, their eyes on him. Curiosity itched every inch of my body as I wanted desperately to know why Edward would be mourning.
"Tell you later." She mouthed, walking back behind the counter and making a concoction.
"Thanks for settling that crowd, now do you think it's too much to sell some drinks to them too?" Rosalie joked around and placed a fruity cocktail for Edward.
"Did you like it? I saw one of your CD's lying around in your room and it was Debussy's so..." He took a sip and waited.
"Want a compliment or technical adjustments to your playing? I can do both. No, I'm joking, it was great. I'm surprised you came searching my room...that's a federal offense yenno!"
"Okay, next topic. So, did you wanted a job? This is a great place to build up a fanbase and, drumroll please," Edward looked at Rosalie as they both tapped the counter, "You get paid!"
"Hmm, appealing...very. Just one problem."
"What? Not big enough of a stage for you? Not good enough of a place?" Rosalie asked, scornful almost.
I laughed at that idea...I would probably faint at the idea of even performing in front of my own mirror image. Not the most confident girl around.
"Let's just say I'm shy..."
"And you think performing in front of the Julliard entrance audition professors is going to be easy? Think about it: this can help you build that confidence you need when you're auditioning." Edward reached for my hand, and with only a second's contact, the electric jolt I felt whenever we made contact, was exhilarating.
"Please?" I blanked out completely as his smoldering green eyes stared depthlessly into my soul. Piercing through every facade I'd placed to keep myself from the outside world. Was I more reserved than I gave myself credit for?
"Just give her some time, Edward. I think Bella needs some sleep, so go on and escort her home. Bye you two, see ya soon." Rosalie smiled and ushered us to leave, giving Edward eye signals the whole way. Huh? Was I missing something?
"Bye bye Rosalie, and thanks so much for letting me stay here." I smiled and waved as she nodded.
The warm atmosphere I'd been in didn't prepare me for the cold winds and drafty temperature when we stepped out. I hunched my body, trying to keep myself warm as we walked.
Edward sighed and took off his leather jacket, putting it on me, shaking his head the whole time.
"Are you insane?! It's cold! Take it back!" I tried taking it off and giving his jacket back, but he placed his arm on my shoulder. "Take it, you're a lot colder than I am." If I wasn't feeling so guilty, his arm on my shoulders would have caused quite the circumstances for myself to blush.
"Fine," I grunted. He gave me a heart-frenzy causing smile and led the way.
"Don't say I told you so." I snapped, my teeth chattered against each other as I relaxed into the warmth of his jacket.
It smelled divine, sharp and masculine, every bit wonderful like him. It was warm too, that was a bonus. He was only wearing a t-shirt but didn't seem to mind, or so I thought. His pace quickened as we approached the bus stop.
"You shouldn't offer your jacket when it's freezing cold." It was my time to shake my head as I began to take it off, reluctantly.
"I've got a better idea, hold on." He stood in front of me, crouched down for a second and lifted me up. I shrieked at the sudden jerking movements as his hand grabbed hold of my thighs and I was ravaging to keep hold of myself.
"Don't scare me like that!" I yelled, smacking him playfully on the shoulders.
He laughed at my clumsiness and began walking. I slipped my arm out of the jacket sleeves so it would cover both of us, since his jacket was just so much bigger than what I could wear alone. I wrapped it around both of us as he carried me to the bus stop.
If it weren't so unbearably cold, I would have truthfully loved the experience. My cold body clinging to his warm, well-built body was...well, I really couldn't describe it. What I did know though, was that it felt good. Real good.
I leaned my head onto his shoulder, a little bit tired. My head felt heavy and the proximity between our bodies was intoxicating for me. I wanted to be closer to him.
"Thank you." He whispered, coming to a halt in front of the bus stop.