NAME CHANGE!

My penname has gone from 'Shakee It' to 'DancefkrDance'. I like change. It's still little me.

I really have no excuse for lack of update besides the fact that junior year murdered me and kicked my soul around like a soccer ball. I'm not going to bore you with some lame authors note.

Disclaimer: I wish.

Chapter 16: Long Day

Bella – POV

It's been two weeks since my first little sleepover with Edward. You know how people are always telling you that life isn't perfect, or that nothing is like a fairytale? I beg to differ. The week after I stayed after Edward's house have been nothing but pure excellence. Edward and I were together as much as we could possibly be. Of course, it wasn't as much as I wanted, but we both have jobs and he has school after all. And these past seven days have been me following Alice to every party place in New York City.

This particular week has been nothing but unpleasant weather. Despite this, every morning I walked in the chilly, muggy air to that oh so special Starbucks that resides a few blocks away from my apartment. And every day, my green eyed Adonis of a boyfriend gave me a free latte, while I gave him a three dollar tip.

Recently I've been trying my best to work on some songwriting I have been putting on the back burner in these busy weeks. However, I never seem to find the time. All this week and next week Alice has me practically booked solid with preparations for Emmett's surprise birthday extravaganza. Alice would never half-ass anything. She also explained that Emmett was the 'go big, or go home' kind of guy. Today, Alice says we are taking care of one of the most important things on the list. Food.

We arrived at Three Brother's Catering for all Occasions at precisely one o'clock. Apparently this was the type of place that only serves those by appointment only…and if you have the right connections and millions in their bank account. I never doubted that Alice didn't.

The front hall of the catering service looked more like an exquisite lobby for some fancy hotel. I can't believe I've never seen this place before. Boy, I need to get out more often. All of the employees were dressed in business suits. I have to admit, the wealthy sure does like to exaggerate. The only catering service I have ever been in was the corner deli for my mother's wedding. This beats that run down sandwich shop by a long shot.

Alice approached the front desk receptionist and confirmed our appointment. Moments later a chubby balding man gleefully strode into the lobby. You could tell he was defiantly Italian just by looking at his features. And then he would verify he was Italian by talking in his thick accent.

"Miss Alice Brandon! It is really so lovely too see you again, my dear!" He said in a booming voice that only could be matched by maybe Emmett's.

"Hello Aro, how are you?" Alice said as she shook hands with Aro. I just stood awkwardly behind Alice. It's something I've been doing all the time while we make these exciting little part planning trips to different places around the city.

"I'm fine, and I hope all is well with you."

"It is." She smiled at him. "Aro, I'd like to introduce you to my amazing personal assistant, Bella." She motioned to me with her hand. I have him a meekly little wave.

"Why hello Miss Bella, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He held out his hand, and I shook it. His hands were unpleasantly clammy. Ew.

"It's nice to meet you too." I said in a small voice.

"Well, there is work to be done, and it's not going to be accomplished by stand out here, now is it?" Aro said with a chuckle. "Come ladies, this way to my office."

Aro's office was not what I was expecting. At all. It was a large rectangular room painted a deep red-orange color. The walls were covered in abstract paintings of food and other products of grocery. In the center of the room was a large mahogany desk. What I as assuming was Aro's chair, was extremely large, cushiony, and leather. In front of the desk were three smaller leather chairs. Alice took the one in the center, and I sat down on her right.

As Aro gave Alice a sample menu, my mind drifted to all of the little things that were in the office. There was a rather large bookcase filled with recipe books and figurines of Italian pizza makers flipping dough in the air. On his desk sat a picture of Aro and two other men. The men who I assumed were brother's two and three. This place was called Three Brother's, right?

Gee Bella, way to put two and two together. Would you like a prize?

"…and then I want three pans of penne a la vodka, and three pans of chicken francese, and not too much red sauce. You know how I hate those types of things overdone." Alice's voice took me out of my own sarcastic thoughts. As Alice was speaking Aro was typing away on his laptop. I had never seen anyone type that fast before in my life.

My thoughts again drifted astray from my current position. I wonder what Edward was doing right now. I'm sure working at Starbucks are serving coffee to people is a hell of a lot more enjoyable than this. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with Alice and I love working for her. But did Emmett seriously need an ice sculpture replica of Giant's Stadium?

"And," She continued, once again taking me out of my own thoughts. "Now that we have the first course figured out. Let's move on to salads."

This was going to be a long day.

-&-&-&-

Edward – POV

"And I wanna' grande caramel frappuchino…and a low fat blueberry muffin?"

Don't girls know how ridiculous they sound when they extend their vowel sounds and make the end of sentences sound like questions? I'm not sure what this certain girl was up to, but she was currently popping her gum and twisting a lock of her obviously fake blonde hair with her index finger. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was trying to flirt. If that be true, then I'd say she's failing miserably at it. At least when Bella used to show up here, she wouldn't be trying to flaunt herself at me to get my attention.

Bella.

The week after she spent the night at my house has been utterly amazing. We went out numerous times. And each time was some of the best day's of my life. The more time I spend with her, those feelings become stronger. I'm still not one hundred percent sure if it was love, but I know it has to be something close to it.

The fake blonde in front of me popped her gum once more and took me out of my thoughts of Bella. I rang up her order.

"That'll be 8.76." I said with a slight edge of annoyance in my tone.

She leaned over the counter and stared at me creepily. "Isn't there another number you'd like to give me?"

I took at step back and looked at this girl. Honestly she looked like a half starved fifteen year old. I didn't try to hide my grimace.

"No." I stated.

Even after my rejection, she pushed herself closer to me. "Come on cutie, don't you wanna' have some fun? I can be super fun."

Oh yes, major fail.

"I think I'm going to pass." I told her sternly. I don't think I'd like to hang around someone who declares themselves as 'super fun'. She backed up and gave up with a little huff. She looked extremely annoyed.

Well, that made two of us.

I handed her coffee and muffin and she left with a dramatic exit. Slamming doors open and all.

A few moments later Emmett came inside the coffee shop. He walked behind the counter to go clock in. "Yo, I saw this chick leaving the place. She looked pretty pissed. What went down?" He asked.

"She was trying to get my number." I said flatly.

"HA! You must have dissed the bitch good!" He laughed.

"Not really. I just told her I wasn't interested."

"Whatever bro." He said before disappearing in the back to retrieve his green apron.

-&-

About an hour and a half has passed. The shop was actually very slow today. It was sort of a relief. At least I don't have to deal with any more blonde bimbo's failing at flirting.

I was in the middle of rereading over my notes from my last class while Emmett was playing his Nintendo DS when we heard the door bells chime.

"Edward!"

Upon hearing my name I glanced up from my notebook to see Seth, Jared and Sam approaching the counter.

"Hey." I greeted them. Then I noticed that one of my friend's was missing. "Where's Paul?" I asked.

"He's out with that Rachel chick he met at Tommy's last week." Jared answered.

"We think he's in love!" Seth teased.

"Paul? In love? Funny, kid." I said towards Seth.

"It's true." Sam butt in. "He doesn't talk about anything but 'Rachie this' and 'Rach that'. It's kind of freaky. It's like he doesn't care about anything else."

"Its more annoying than freaky." Jared said.

I stifled a chuckle as I let my notebook hit the floor. "So what's up?" I asked. "I doubt you guys came here to have discussion about Paul's love life."

"Yeah, actually we got some really awesome news." Seth said.

"What?" I questioned.

"We got a gig at The Pretender tomorrow night!" Sam said happily.

Woah.

The Pretender was a new night club that opened up around three months ago. For being so new, it was quite popular. Playing there would be so amazing. I could feel my cheeks extend to the sides of my face as a huge smile played onto my lips. "You guys serious?" I asked.

"The Pretender?" Emmett asked. I almost forgot he was there until he said that. "That place is supposed to be super hot right now."

"Yeah! I can't believe we actually got it." Seth said.

"Me neither." I said, still in disbelief. Then it dawned on me. "Wait, tomorrow? As in tomorrow?"

"No Edward, tomorrow as in yesterday." Emmett said while rolling his eyes.

"Ha-ha, very funny." I said dryly. "I was just pointing out that we're not that prepared."

"Well, that's the other reason why we came." Sam said. "we were wondering if you could get off early."

I looked over at Emmett. He rolled his eyes again. "Sure Eddie. I'll cover for you. As long as I get in free tomorrow night."

I was already hanging up my apron in the back as running back out to the counter. "Thanks Em." I said. "And don't call me 'Eddie'." I added before I left with my band mates.

-&-

"NO!" Sam roared. "Seth your chord change doesn't come till after Paul's mini-solo!"

"Sorry!" Seth shouted back. There was no apologetic tone in his voice. "It might have helped if Paul was actually here!"

It's been like this for the hour that we have been practicing. I stood in front of my keyboard, waiting for the argument to die down.

It wasn't happening.

"Well, don't blame me that the asshole thinks we're not as important as his new girlfriend!"

"I wasn't blaming you!"

"It sure sounded like it!"

"GUYS!" Jared shouted.

Everything become quiet.

"Okay," Jared began. "Look, we could at least try to get in a decent rehearsal. Whether or not Paul is here. Just let's try it one time through. If anyone messes up, just chill till you can jump back in."

The voice of reason. I nodded at him in approval.

We got through the song with only a few minor mistakes. An audience would never recognize our fumbles, so we were pretty solid. Sam told us to take a ten minute break.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw I had a new text message. I clicked it open.

New Text Message:

Hey you, are you busy tonight?

I smiled instantly as I saw the number of my beautiful girlfriend. I felt horrible that I haven't really thought about her all day. Usually I can't get her big brown eyes out of my mind. But today has been so hectic, I think I may lose my mind.

Busy tonight?

I know for sure I'm going to be stuck with band practice all night. I groaned. I would much rather spend the night with Bella, maybe watch a movie, and go out to dinner. Wow, that sounds so cliché. I'm turning into one of those boyfriends. The kind that are uncreative.

Hmm…

I think inviting my lovely girlfriend to my band performance would unlabel me as cliché. And of course, she may invite Alice. Tomorrow night would be a great night for everyone. I could sense it.

I ignored the 'reply' button on my cell, and hit the 'call' button instead. After the first couple of rings Bella picked up.

"Hey, I just sent you a text." She explained. I smiled at the sound of her voice.

"Yeah, I know." I said, not hiding the happiness I had when I spoke with her. "That's why I'm calling. I actually have some news."

"Good news?" She asked.

"Yes, well, I found out today that my band got booked tomorrow night for a gig at that new club, The Pretender."

"Oh, that's great Edward!" She paused. "So let me guess, you're busy for tonight?"

"Unfortunately yes." I said, honestly. "But tomorrow night I'd like you to be there and we can maybe doing something afterwards."

"That sounds great!" She said with enthusiasm. "Can Alice come too?"

"Yeah, just as long as she isn't too preoccupied with planning the big s-u-r-p-r-i-s-e." I laughed.

"Edward! You didn't slip did you? Alice will murder you."

"Don't worry, love. My lips are still locked." I assured.

"BELLA!" I heard a soprano voice scream in the background.

"As a personal assistant, I believe you are needed for some assisting." I pointed out.

"Yeah." She said flatly. "She's has been nothing but koo-koo over this whole shindig. Nothing is ever enough."

"Let her have fun. Party planning must give her such joy." I told her.

"Perhaps too much joy." She muttered. "Alright so I'm going to go. You know, if it's not to late when practice is over, give me a call."

"Sure thing, my Bella." I said. "I'll talk to you later."

"Bye."

"Bye."

We both hung up and my attention was taken by Paul entering the room.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to show up."

This was going to be a long night.

Yeah, yeah. Short and boring. I just needed this to set up for the next chapter, which I will be posting probably Monday or Tuesday. You see, I'm moving over the weekend and I'm not getting internet till Monday. Boo Comcast!

I'd like to thank EVERYONE who reviewed and I'm sorry from the deepest corners of my heart that I'm a terrible updater. Forgive me?

Please review and not too many death threats. K? Thanks. (: