(28) Bliss
Where was here exactly? I glanced around through the tinted windows and saw streetlights. Wow, was this for real? I saw the historic sign declaring the Beverly Hills Hotel scrawled in pallid colors. This was one hotel I did know about! Renee and I use to watch old episodes of I Love Lucy on Nick at Nite. There was an episode where the Ricardo's went to Hollywood and stayed at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I was obsessed with staying in the infamous bungalows where Lucy and Ethel planned one of their famous shenanigans. I remember trying to persuade Charlie to reserve a room here when he would take me on vacation but he balked when he found out the prices. I guessed being a small town sheriff did not pay enough to allow him to spend the money frivolously.
I turned happily towards Edward and grinned. He smiled back and her lithe body moved closer to me. He put his hand on my cheek. "Do you approve?"
"Of course, I approve. I am so excited!" I gasped and chuckled from his shocked expression. It took a lot to unnerve Edward Cullen and I was glad that he was at a loss for words.
He turned his eyes towards Carlisle and nodded. Carlisle turned around from the driver's seat. "I must confess, it's one of my favorite hotels in the whole world."
"It's beautiful." Alice said agreeing with Carlisle. Her bright eyes scanned the lush landscape.
"It's a hotel that is designed for possibilities creating dreams and housing famous celebrities." Carlisle murmured and turned around to face me. I smiled again and Edward moved me closer to him snuggling his freezing skin against mine.
"I wonder if it has a gym?" Emmett pondered and Rosalie laughed.
"It has everything." Carlisle bragged and turned through the vine arches towards the circular driveway.
"Well, let's go procure a room then shall we?" Edward opened the door and hopped out. The valet opened the door for Esmee and Carlisle turned the keys over to another man. I got out while Edward steadied my good arm. The valet brought a luggage carrier and we loaded our clothes and various items on it. The valet gawked at Rosalie until Emmett put his arm around her and gave him a dirty look.
A uniformed man opened the double-wide doors to the hotel. I looked around the spacious room wanting to commit every detail to memory. I failed miserably. There was too much to take in at once. I looked down and stared at the marbled peach floor that glittered in the lights. I saw the high arched ceilings with a soft wooden paneling and deep crevices. The room was designed with a modern architecture feel but still maintained the beloved old-fashioned furniture.
"Alice was wrong." I mumbled shaking my head to cement my point.
"Explain that?" Edward asked softly leaning closer to me.
"Alice said the hotel was beautiful but she was wrong. It is perfect. I love the flawless design because it's old and not really contemporary like other hotels." The front desk was hidden from view tucked in a corner not breaking the symmetry of the furniture. A young woman stood behind the desk composed and startled by her guests. Her face held the same expression I had when I first saw the Cullen's.
"Welcome to the Beverly Hills Hotel. May I help you?" She snapped out of her stupor and tapped a few commands into the computer.
"We'd like two suites preferably with a city view not pool side." Carlisle said politely.
"Most certainly. Let me check the availability." She tapped on the keyboard. The tiny noises were unsettling in the quiet room. "The rooms are available would you like to book, sir?"
I wandered away from the conversation and sat by a small fountain. Emmett and Rosalie were sitting on the white couch looking still and perfect among the immobile objects. They blended in well almost like well place store mannequins.
I ran my hands in the water and Edward appeared beside me. He put his hand on my back. "How are you feeling?" He asked gently.
"Tired but okay. Nervous and excited." I admitted.
"Nervous about what?" Edward inquired and kissed my good hand.
"Well, about your surprise. I don't know what you're going to do. It makes me nervous when I have to wait for a gift." I inhaled deeply. "Oh, you know me. Surprises just make me fidgety."
"Yes, I can see that. What are you excited about then?" He asked smiling with his eyes.
"I am excited because I'm actually going to be spending the night at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I would call Renee and boast but she'd never believe it." I mused and stared at the water trickling over my fingers. The water felt good it was even room temperature. It felt lovely gliding over my hand.
"I did remember hearing a few of your I Love Lucy stories." Edward chuckled and I saw his face dissolving into a glow.
"Is this it?" I gaped at him.
"Is this what?" Edward asked seriously.
"My surprise!"
"Bella, this is just a room. I would have booked at the Regent Beverly Wilshire but they are renovating their penthouses. The suites there are acceptable but if your going to stay at the Regent Beverly Wilshire it has to be in the penthouse, it's the best." Edward justified stealing a line from Pretty Woman another movie I yakked on about. He stroked my arm.
"Time to go." Carlisle announced walking towards us. We gathered in a huddle and Carlisle gave one key to Esmee and kept one for himself. Esmee clutched the key and we all walked down a long corridor. The light pink walls blended in nicely with the mute lighting. A perfect match.
We reached the men's suite and Carlisle opened the door. I peeked inside and saw the spacious living room. A small chimney was set off to the side and two couches kiddy cornered the wall. The carpet was plush and impossibly white.
"Let's go, Bella. We don't have much time." Alice insisted and pulled me away from the doorway.
I waved to Edward and saw him wink at me. I followed Alice as she guided us to our room. It was set up exactly the same as the other suite. I plopped on the couch and watched Alice flitter around the room organizing the bags. I sat amazed at her endless energy. I couldn't even lift a finger I was so tired.
"Are you hungry?" Esmee asked with concern as she leaned over me.
Not really, I said to myself. But I didn't want to hurt her feelings. "Sure, I could eat. A sandwich with a Coke." I suggested.
Esmee nodded and dutifully went to the phone. Alice still moved like a lightening bolt. I closed my eyes feeling the grainy sand that was invisible but prying my eyes shut. I specifically ordered a Coke to get some caffeine into my system. I wanted to be alert tonight.
Rosalie went into the bedroom and I heard the Television click on. Alice laid out the dresses and shoes. She contemplated for a second and brought a huge make-up case from the bag.
"Where did that come from?" I asked suspiciously.
"When we were buying dresses, I bought some make-up." Alice shrugged.
"I didn't notice that you bought make-up." I said reinstating my point.
"Well, Bella that is because you were sulking about having to wear a dress." Alice implied happily and the make-up case folded out into a three tiered. That is a lot of make-up.
"Alright up you go." Alice demanded. I slouched further into the couch enjoying the feel of the cushions. It was like sitting in a cloud.
"But Esmee is getting me something to eat." I whined pointing towards Esmee who was fidgeting with her hair in front of the mirror.
"Isabella Swan come over here right now!" Alice commanded.
"If I don't eat I won't have any energy." I reasoned and closed my eyes. I was drifting off to sleep. I felt a slight bounce and then cold hands sweeping across my face.
"What are you doing?" I asked. I opened my eyes and saw Alice's face inches from mine. It was so unnerving. I could see into her odd colored eyes and they looked cat like. Her face was flawless from my angle, which made me even more grouchy.
"You don't have to move. I'll put the make-up on you right here." Alice patted my cheeks. Ugh, whatever just let me get some rest? I huffed and closed my eyes again.
I couldn't get any real sleep. I kept hearing the channel changes from Rosalie's room. Esmee puttered around the room finally taking her clothes to change. I could hear Alice's even breathing as she carefully applied make-up to my face. It was distracting. Then I heard the knocks on the door and Esmee opening the door. I heard the cart wheel into the room. Sleeping was not possible!
Esmee set the plate in front of me. I saw the delicately placed sandwiches on the dish. It looked like a work of art. Maybe the chef use to work on the Food Network? I was afraid to destroy the beautiful picture arranged on the china.
"I know I don't eat but that food looks delicious!" Alice complimented. I nodded my head in agreement. "Want some?" I teased. Alice pursed her lips and went back to work.
I picked up a piece and the sandwich stayed intact. Usually I had the contents slopping out of the sides as soon as I picked up a sandwich. This was a miracle sandwich. The first bite and I tasted heaven.
"How is it?" Alice wondered and rubbed something on my eyelids.
"It's superb. The best sandwich I ever had." I ate the whole sandwich and downed the Coke. I was filling better already. It gave my blood sugar a boost and Alice was finally done with my make-up. She got up and went to the bag.
"Ta da!" She held a mirror out to me. I took it and stared at my reflection. She was excellent. I looked like me except a little more colorful. My eyes were highlighted in shimmery browns and light mascara draped my eyelashes. My lips were pale pink and my cheeks blushed with rouge.
I changed into the dress and shoes. Alice appraised me and gave me a thumbs-up. Esmee sat on the couch in her violet dress while Rosalie played with a game on her cell phone. We were ready to go. Now I was definitely nervous!
Author's Note: Dedicated to my cousin Mo! We were both extremely disappointed in the casting change of Victoria!
