Disclaimer: As always S Meyer owns all Twilight characters, I'm just borrowing them for some fun!
So….time to meet the parents…
BPOV
My hands are sweaty. Fidgeting in my seat, I try to get more comfortable. I straighten the skirt of my new dress—the one I bought specifically for this occasion—for the seventh or eighth time.
Lunch.
With his parents.
I may have been able to handle lunch at their house, but at the country club? And not just any club, of course Edward's parents are members of one of the most elite in the city, Sahalee Country Club.
Over the last two weeks, I've rarely thought about our impending lunch to meet his parents. After Edward dropped the initial bomb, he was smart enough to give me space to get used to the idea. At first, I was irritated that he chose the minutes after amazing sex to break the news—not his best idea. But I suppose I would have agreed to anything at that moment.
Just thinking of that night gives me goose bumps. There was a shift between us. I felt it, and I know he did as well. Each touch, each kiss—everything was more loving, tender. He didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes as we made love was enough. It took my breath away.
So meeting his parents today is obviously a big deal in our relationship, but that isn't why I'm flustered. I'm serious about Edward, and if things continue as they are, I definitely see a future with him. But for the first time since we've met, I'm intimidated by him—or rather, his money and his name. I'm bothered by who his parents are.
He's reassured me that his parents are down to earth, and not to let their wealth bother me. He said that they don't let it affect them, and they certainly don't expect me to have a similar background. He's even recounted the conversation he had with his mother that night and how she sounded so excited about meeting me.
I have to admit, that's one reason I'm excited about meeting her. I know Edward has a close relationship with his parents, especially with his mom, so I hope she sees how true my feelings are for him.
So here we sit.
Although our drive only took about thirty minutes, I insisted we leave an hour early. Wanting to make a good first impression, I didn't want to risk arriving late. I knew I was being overly cautious, but I couldn't help myself.
Of course if I'm honest, it's more than today's lunch that has me flustered. My stalker is still out there. And although nothing's happened in the last two weeks, I'm still constantly looking over my shoulder. I'm just waiting for something to happen. But it's almost like whoever was after me has vanished into thin air. The phone calls stopped once we changed our numbers. I'm no longer being followed—except by Edward, who shadows me to work every day.
But as great as that is, something still doesn't feel right and I don't think it's over.
Edward's hand on mine brings me back to the present. "Hey, where'd you go?" he asks.
"Sorry, just thinking." I smile and squeeze his hand.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just over thinking things again." He frowns, so I squeeze again. "Really—I'm just nervous, that's all. I'll be fine once they get here."
"Well good, because they're here now." He stands and steps away from the table, smiling at the beautiful couple walking towards us.
I've seen photos of Edward's parents before, but I'm still blown away by their perfection. Esme Cullen is a classic beauty with a grace I've only ever seen in movies. Her flawless porcelain face is framed by shoulder-length chestnut hair, with only touches of gray giving away her age. She's dressed impeccably—in a modest red knee-length dress, accented by a simple silver necklace.
Carlisle Cullen is an older version of Edward, similar in height and build—the only differences are his blond-gray hair and blue eyes. He's also dressed similar to Edward, in khakis and an oxford—probably due to the club rules. As he sees us, a bright smile graces his face.
I stand quietly next to Edward, as he greets his parents. Esme pulls him into heartfelt hug, before stepping aside for Carlisle to do the same.
After saying his hellos, Edward takes my hand, pulling me to his side. "Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Bella Swan." He looks at me with a huge smile, which I happily return. "Bella, these are my parents, Esme and Carlisle."
I offer my hand, but Esme ignores it and pulls me in for a hug. Edward chokes back a laugh and releases my other hand so I can return her embrace.
"Oh Bella, it's so nice to finally meet you." She playfully narrow's her eyes at her son and releases me. "I'm so glad you were free to have lunch with us." She smiles reassuringly, before stepping to the side to let Carlisle have his turn.
"It's very nice to meet you, Bella." More prepared this time, I step forward to hug him as well.
"It's nice to meet you both. Thank you for inviting me today." I can hear the nervousness in my voice—I hope it's not as obvious to them.
"Don't be silly, dear. Ever since Edward mentioned you we've been dying to meet you. Shall we?" Esme gestures to the table and we take our seats. As I watch Carlisle pull out Esme's seat for her, I see where Edward gets his good manners from. It's only after Esme and I are both seated that the men sit as well.
Moments later our waitress appears, handing each of us a menu and taking our drink orders. After she leaves Esme turns to me, "Bella, I would love to say that Edward has told us all about you, but since the launch of the club we've hardly seen him. Why don't you tell us about yourself?"
Nervously, I tell the Cullen's my story—including growing up in Portland and making the decision to move to Seattle for college. A choice I made, so that I was far enough away from my parents that they couldn't show up unannounced, but close enough that I never felt homesick. Both Esme and Carlisle seem happy to listen, and ask questions in all the right places so I feel like they're interested.
As lunch wears on, I feel more comfortable with his family and I'm really enjoying myself. Edward's right—his parents aren't here to judge me, they simply want to meet the girl in his life. Having been the topic of conversation so far, I'm happy when the subject changes to the club. Since they haven't seen each other in a while, there's a lot to tell. Edward beams as he describes the launch, how the last few months have gone, and upcoming projects. I see nothing but pride and love radiating from his parents. They're clearly proud and happy to see of their sons excited about their work.
Watching him talk about the club, I can't help but be in awe. Edward is amazing. He's just so passionate—his eyes, shining and wild with excitement, his hands gesturing enthusiastically, as he tells his story. His dazzling smile has me swooning, and I can't help but grin along with him.
How Lauren could ever turn her back on Edward is beyond me.
He catches me watching him intently, and under the table, takes my hand. This doesn't go unnoticed by his parents. They sneak a look at each other and smile. If Edward notices he doesn't show it, continuing to squeeze my hand in reassurance. Because of this and his parents' obvious happiness, my nerves ease further.
"Oh Edward, I'm just so happy it's working out for you. Especially after all the hard work you and Emmett put into it." Esme gushes, taking his other hand from across the table and squeezing it lovingly. She's so proud of him.
"So, Bella…" Carlisle's been quiet most of the afternoon, so I'm shocked when he speaks up. "How did you two meet? Was it at the club?"
"Umm," I clear my throat nervously. Edward and I discussed this topic before we got here, deciding that being truthful about how we met would be best. Of course, some details will be omitted. "Yes, we did actually." I smile as I remember that night. "It was opening night and I was there with some of my girlfriends."
"I had my eye on her for most of the night," he winks at me as I blush furiously. I hear Esme quietly gush about how cute we are. "But it wasn't until she fell into my arms, that I got the chance to talk to her." He laughs, causing my blush to deepen further.
His parents smile, as they enjoy us reliving the moment. "I didn't fall into your arms—I tripped and you just happened to catch me." I playfully punch his arm and he laughs even louder.
"As it turned out, she hurt her ankle. I helped her to my office where she could sit comfortably, and we just started talking."
His parents fade into the background, as my eyes meet his. Psycho ex-girlfriend aside, the last few months have been amazing and I know it's all due to this gorgeous man sitting next to me. I physically cannot stop grinning! Luckily, Edward's smile matches mine.
I'm brought back to reality by a throat being cleared behind us. I break out in goose bumps.
"Fancy seeing you here, Edward. Esme, Carlisle, it's been a while. How are you?"
Oh hell no.
EPOV
Wow—this is going great! Even though I kept assuring Bella she had nothing to worry about, she was still nervous. It's kind of endearing though. Once again, she's proving how truly different she is from Lauren. When Lauren met my parents, she was so confident—almost arrogant—assuming they would fawn all over her, giddy at my choice purely because our families ran in the same social circles. She couldn't have been more wrong. Within ten minutes of meeting her, my parents—particularly my mom—decided she wasn't the one for me. Dad was at least friendly and kept the conversation flowing, but Mom was icy and spoke only when spoken to. It was awkward to say the least. This time, with Bella, things are so much better.
Mom and Dad seem genuinely interested in her, and she appears to be enjoying herself as well. As I watch her tell her story, I see the true Bella start to emerge and her nerves give way. That's what I was hoping would happen. I just want them to see the girl I'm falling for. Mom especially seems to like her—their conversation is flowing effortlessly and there are no icy stares! I love watching their interaction. After everything I went through with Lauren, Mom's opinion of Bella is so important to me.
It's going perfectly.
Until I hear that voice.
This has to be a joke.
I turn slowly, coming face to face with Lauren and her parents, all with beaming smiles. Focusing on Lauren, I'm furious that she would even approach us! I may not have any proof that she's behind the recent antics, but deep down I know it's her. And here she stands, the picture of innocence, smiling sweetly at my family, and my girlfriend.
The silence is palpable. If the woman standing in front of me hadn't been harassing my girlfriend, it would be comical. Almost.
Lauren's parents' smiles are forced and it's clear they're uncomfortable. I'm sure it's due to the fact that we all know why our engagement was called off and this is the first time we've all seen each other since that nightmare.
My eyes remain focused on Lauren and hers on me. Her smile is fake as well, though an outsider would never know it. But to me—someone who has been manipulated by her, lied to, and god knows what else—it's clearly a front. That smile doesn't reach her calculating blue eyes. Those same eyes tell me she is Bella's stalker, she knows that we know, and she knows we can't do anything about it. And right now she's relishing that knowledge.
My hands curl into tight fists and I see red. She wants me back and she thinks she can just have me!
I think about everything she's put us through—the stress on our new relationship, forcing us to change our phone numbers, making Bella feel unsafe in her own home! I can't believe the nerve of her—coming over to our table and pretending that everything is fine?
One touch.
One simple, soothing touch and I'm brought out of my fiery haze.
Bella's hand wraps around mine, her fingers gently uncurling the fist I've unconsciously made. Soft, reassuring squeezes remind me she's here, remind me we are better than Lauren—stronger—despite what she's trying to do to us.
I turn and focus on the brunette beauty next to me. She smiles, still trying to reassure me. I see through her front though—there's no spark in her eyes. She's nervous and scared and it's all due to the psycho standing behind me. Slightly shaking her head, she silently pleads for me not to make a scene. We have no proof against Lauren and anything I do now will only make things worse.
Still, no one speaks. Bella's eyes are locked on me. Anger and fear prevent her from looking anywhere else. I glance at my parents—both are nervously eyeing us and Lauren and her parents.
I can't do this anymore.
I can't pretend that I don't completely loathe the person standing behind me and I can't—I won't—ask Bella to do it either. Whether it's been proven or not, we know Lauren is responsible. I cannot be polite for even a few minutes after the hell she's put us through! I refuse.
I'm sure my face gives away my thoughts. Lauren's parents look worried. Thankfully, my parents know me well enough to know my limits.
Dad places his hands on Mom's shoulders, probably calming himself as well as her, before greeting our guests. He smiles politely, "Paula, Jonathan it's been a while. How are you?" Turning his head slightly, he nods, "Lauren."
Her parents look relieved to have the silence broken, even if it's still unbelievably uncomfortable. "Yes, we…uh…well we weren't sure how we'd be received." Jonathan nervously clears his throat, "after, uh…everything that happened." He looks pointedly at me and I tense.
Surely he isn't blaming me? Everyone knows why we split. I made it very clear that it was her that cheated, that it was her that ruined our relationship. And I'm not about to defend myself again.
Before I can jump into this joke of a conversation, my mother beats me to it. "Yes, well if you're uncomfortable, you have your daughter to thank for that." Lauren's smile falters at my mother's words. She may normally be quiet and sweet, but she's fierce when she needs to be. And fucking over her family brings out her protective side.
"Well he clearly drove Lauren away, forcing her to seek refuge in the arms of another. And seriously, who gives up being a doctor to run a bar?" Lauren's mother sneers the last word, as if it's beneath her, as she moves to stand next to Lauren in solidarity.
"Edward pursued a career he loves. And all his hard work has paid off —the club is now very successful." Mom smiles at me, reminding me she'll always be proud, no matter what.
Paula scoffs, "Come on, Esme. Running a bar is not a career. How is he supposed to support his family?"
"Well, how Edward supports his family is no longer any of your concern…thankfully." Mom mumbles the last word, but judging by the shocked looks it was definitely heard.
I squeeze Bella's hand, which she returns. Thankfully, the fear I saw in her eyes earlier has been replaced by amusement, as she tries not to laugh.
Finally, Lauren speaks. "Thankfully?"
"Yes, Lauren—thankfully. I'm so thankful things ended between the two of you—you were never good for my boy." Mom's tone is icy, making more of an impact than if she were shouting. "Your family may be wealthy, but at the heart of it you're a gold digger. You drained Edward of happiness, pushed him to be something he didn't want to be—all because you wanted the status. You knew he would do anything for you. But you never once thought about him and what he wanted. And when he finally took a risk, instead of supporting him, you turned your back and slept with the first guy you saw." Her voice is still calm, but her eyes are fierce with fury, showing just how much she despises my ex.
We're all stunned by Mom's words—the table silent, once again. While Lauren's parents look shocked, Lauren is positively seething. I can't help but enjoy the moment. Mom held her tongue for too long and Lauren needed to be put in her place. I'm just a bit sorry it wasn't me doing it. She cheated me of time, of life, and made me doubt myself and my instincts.
Shaking my head, I rid myself of all thoughts of the past. Lauren is behind me. My future is sitting next me.
Throughout all of this, Bella has remained silent—her fingers rubbing soft circles in my hand, grounding me. Together, we can face anything Lauren throws at us. I turn my focus to Bella and pull her closer.
"Are you alright?" I murmur quietly. She nods, leaning into my hand as I caress her face.
"We'll leave soon."
Her eyes lock with mine. "Please," she whispers.
Her eyes are shining with un-shed tears. She's slipping. Cracks in her armor are starting to appear, but despite it all, she's still trying. I feel horrible that she's had to suffer through this—we should have left the minute our unwanted guests arrived. And I would rather leave now than let her face another minute here with Lauren.
Our private moment doesn't go unnoticed. While my parents gaze happily at our exchange, Lauren watches in disgust. I smile broadly as she focuses on our joined hands.
"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry to cut our lunch short but we can't stay here anymore." Keeping Bella's hand in mine, I stand, with Bella following quickly behind me. I move around the table to give Mom a hug goodbye. She nods in understanding as she squeezes me tightly.
"Don't leave on our account. I thought it was water under the bridge and we could say hello with no hard feelings, but evidently not," Lauren says, looking at the four of us, her eyes staying a little longer on Bella.
For the first time, I speak. "Water under the bridge? Really? After everything you've done, Lauren, it will never be water under the bridge. When I look at you now, I don't even know what I ever saw in you." Bella takes my hand, grounding me. "And especially after everything you've put us through." Taking a few calming breaths, I pull her to me, kissing her forehead. "Lauren, you have to realize that you and I are completely over. I've moved on and you really need to do the same."
"But she has, dear." Paula steps forward. "That's why we're here today—we've just met Lauren's new boyfriend. But unfortunately our lunch was cut short so he could leave for a work emergency."
"That's too bad—I'm sorry we missed Mike," I sneer at her, all pleasantries gone now. I just want to leave.
Lauren giggles. "Oh Edward, you're too funny. As if I could ever have been serious about Mike. He was just a bit of fun. I met my new boyfriend when I was out for cocktails with the girls at Suite 410."
Ah…if she met him there he's got something Mike doesn't.
Money.
It will always come down to that. To her, that the most important thing.
Still…why would Lauren be following Bella if she's had a boyfriend all this time? That just doesn't make any sense.
"I was hoping now that we've both moved on, we could at least be friends again." Her words sound sincere but to me they mean nothing.
"Sorry Lauren, that's never gonna happen."
I've had enough. I take my jacket from the back of my seat. "Sorry Mom." Again, she nods in understanding as we leave the table.
I keep a firm grasp on Bella's hand as we leave the club. Her touch soothes me, keeping me from going back in and doing something I know I'd regret later. She remains silent. I wrap my arms around her as we wait for our car, releasing her only when we get in. The second I'm in the driver's seat, I start the engine and pull out of the parking lot as quick as I can.
I focus on the road. My head is swimming—I don't even know what to think about what just happened. It's clear we need to discuss it, but I can't do it now. I just want to get us home safely.
Bella remains silent for most of the journey. I don't know if she realizes I need the space, or if her thoughts are just as jumbled, but I welcome the peace.
We're almost home when Bella turns to face me, "Well, that was interesting."
BPOV
Neither of us speaks as we undress for a bath. We need to talk about what happened today. I know it and he knows it. And we will. But for now, we just need to be.
Of all the scenarios that went through my head before today's lunch, what actually happened was not one of them. I envisioned me knocking over the wine, ripping my skirt, or Edward's mother deciding I wasn't good enough for him. The list goes on. But not once, did I ever imagine his psycho ex-girlfriend showing up with her parents—to not only make light of their break-up, but to blame him for it as well.
Lauren's behavior also surprised me. I was so sure that she had been behind everything. But the way she sauntered up to the table threw me—she behaved like she didn't care about Edward or that I was there with him. That pissed me off. Then I realized I was pissed at the whole situation—angry she had the nerve to show up at all, angry at the way she behaved, so confident and self-assured, and so angry that she'd obviously told her parents some sob story about their relationship so they thought the break- up was his fault!
I realize he doesn't care about her or what she thinks anymore, but I know that had to hurt.
But as angry as I was, I couldn't move. I wanted to put her in her place, to tell her what a complete and utter bitch she is. I wanted to stand up for Edward, defend him in front of his parents and their peers, to show them I am a girl worthy of him. But I was frozen in place. As much as I hate to admit it, I was still scared. Even though there was no proof linking Lauren to the break-in, and she appeared to have moved on, part of me still felt she could be behind it all.
Luckily, Edward could read me and didn't let go of my hand the whole time she was there. The second the sound of her voice registered with us, our bodies just seemed to naturally seek each other. My heart clenches at the idea that he needs my touch as much as I need his. I'd just about reached my limit with Lauren when Edward dragged me out and brought me home. I only hope his parents understand.
I clear my mind of all thoughts about lunch—we'll focus on that later. Now, I turn my attention to the man waiting for me. Once settled in the water, he holds out his hand, his eyes roaming my naked skin. My nipples pebble from the heat of his stare. Wordlessly, I take his hand and get into the bath with him, relaxing into his chest.
All of a sudden, the effects of today hit me and I'm exhausted. I sag against Edward, my eyes closing of their own accord. Silently he begins to wash my body. He knows what I need, and right now it's just him—our connection, being together. I sigh as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer, like he can't get close enough. We soak for what feels like hours, until we notice the water starting to cool.
Not wanting to get cold, Edward helps me to my feet and out the bath, wrapping large towels around us both. I quickly dry off and put on my pajamas—my favourite of Edward's t-shirts, and watch his naked body as he does the same.
He takes my hand and leads me to his bedroom. I am thoroughly exhausted and sleep is the only thought occupying my mind. Crawling under the covers, I feel Edward move in next to me so I pull him to me, desperate for contact.
"Edward—"
"Ssshhh. I know baby, we'll talk later. Go to sleep—I'll be here when you wake."
I'm asleep before I can feel his gentle lips against my temple.
I wake slowly, my body not quite ready for the day. I roll onto my side to face Edward, but I find his spot empty. My hand wanders over the sheets—they're still warm.
I glance at the alarm clock—it's almost 7. Early. Really early for us, but we went to bed so early last night we probably got close to twelve hours of sleep. Wondering where Edward is, I drag my protesting body out of bed. Wrapped in my bathrobe, I make my way to the kitchen where I hear Edward moving around.
Taking in the sight before me, I pause as I enter the kitchen. Edward is sitting at the table with a cup of steaming coffee, eating his cereal. With sleep marks still on his face, and his copper hair even messier than normal, he looks utterly adorable and sexy at the same time. Knowing that only I get to see him like this makes me smile.
Leaving my spot, I head straight for the coffee. "Morning, babe." I press a quick kiss to his cheek as I pass. He grunts in reply, his mouth full of cereal. I roll my eyes—no matter how much sleep he has, Edward is not a morning person.
I pour myself a cup of coffee and make some toast before sitting next to him at the table.
"Did you sleep okay?" Edward asks. His hand finds its place on my thigh—fingers rub soothing circles against my skin.
"Surprisingly, yes." I smile around a mouthful of toast. "I'm glad we left when we did yesterday. She was getting on my last nerve."
"Mm, you'll get no argument from me on that." He gets up and puts his dirty dishes next to the sink. Turning back to me, he leans against the counter, arms folded against his chest. "Do you want to talk about yesterday?"
I nod as I finish off my toast. "I guess I was just expecting her to be so different, you know? There was no sign of the deluded ex-girlfriend—she was confident, calm, and just so…different." I look up and see he's nodding, so I continue. "It felt like she was trying to prove a point—to make us believe she's over you and out of our lives."
"It was just an act, Bella. Her focus was on us the whole time. She's feeding her parents lies—it's all a front. Who's going to believe she's your stalker when she has a new boyfriend? No one." Pushing away from the counter, he walks over to me. "I don't believe her, Bella. Even if she has a new boyfriend, I know how she thinks—she won't stop trying."
"She still wants you back," I murmur.
"Hey, listen to me." He crouches next to me, taking both my hands in his, forcing me to face him. "I don't care what she wants. I'm with you now. I don't want her back."
I look at our joined hands with a smile. I hate that she's reduced me to this, insecure and doubting my relationship. He's right. I have no reason to doubt him. If he wanted to be with her, he would be. But he's not—he's here with me.
Looking up, my eyes meet his. "I'm with you, Bella. I want you."
"Thank you," I whisper.
He smiles and leans forward, pressing his lips to mine. I smile into the kiss. He knew exactly what I needed to hear.
I feel the familiar surge of electricity between us. That pull that happens every time we touch—I hope it never ends. As his tongue passes my bottom lip, my stomach flutters with desire. Leaning into him, I wrap my arms around his neck, my fingers finding their favorite place in the soft hair at the base of his neck. As our tongues meet, Edward moans. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulls me closer—it's like we can't get close enough.
We stay locked in our tight embrace, in our own little world where no stalkers exist, and we can just enjoy each other.
Reluctantly I pull away first, panting for breath. I laugh at the smirk on Edward's smug face, happy with my reaction to his kiss.
Standing, I take his hand in mine and lead him out of the kitchen.
"Where are we going?" he asks.
"It's still early. I think we should go back to bed."
As always thanks to everyone who reads, reviews and alerts this story! I swear I get giddy every time I see an alert in my inbox!
Thanks to my pre-reader Marika who helps spot the holes in the story! And welcome and thanks to my new pre-reader/beta Myheroin1 who is a star and helps sort out my comma issues! There girls are awesome!
Huge hugs to my good friend and beta Pattinlethr – I seriously have no words for this girl. She is amazing! Bring on September!
So…what do we think about the chapter, leave a review and let me know your thoughts!
xo