A/N: OK here we go peeps… what you have all been waiting for… The night at the club…and Bella and Edward actually having a conversation… this is so much longer than my previous chapters so bear with me… I was going to cut it into 2 chapters but though you would all be super pissed at me for doing it… and I do live to please my readers… especially the ones that leave me reviews... hint hint...
I don't have links to their club outfits but for Edward you can think the details shoot pic of Rob in the white blazer… I know when I saw that pic of him I needed to take a cold shower… to clean the drool of myself and calm myself down… what can I say, he is one luscious specimen of manhood!
Bella's Song in this Chapter is FEVER by Peggy Lee. If you haven't heard it go youtube it… it's a classically campy song.
Thanks to everyone who has put the story and me on alert, you rock my world, hard! At the time I am writing this the story is still "beta-less" so please bear with the typos and grammatical issues...
To answer a few of your reviews until this point… yes, there are swears in this story, yes , I know that some people find that this detracts from the story itself… I'm sorry if you find it offensive… they really aren't acting much different than me and my friends acted at those ages… so yeah… I guess we were a bunch of vulgar bitches… LMAO…
Things I own: Enough capri sun juice pouches to last until the zombie apocalypse… and 2 broken air conditioners…
Things I don't: All things Twilight and any of the songs/lyrics you see in this story...
CHAPTER 3
BPOV
I looked up into the mirror, wiping away the condensation that had collected there from my shower and pulled the towel I had wrapped around myself tighter. I take a deep, shaky breath. I think I'm going to fucking puke. I can't do this. I can't sing in front of all those people. Oh hell, let's be honest, I can't sing in front of him. Edward. Alice's extremely handsome, extremely talented, extremely intelligent older brother. Sing in front of Alice? Ok, sure. Jake? Eh, no problem! Even Alice's brother Emmett? Why not! But Edward? I don't think so. I can't even look at him without choking on my own spit. I cant figure out why he affects me this way.
OK, I have SOME idea why. Beside the fact he was a glorified Greek god, drop dead, lusciously bangable, every time he looked at me it was as if he saw something no one else did. Like he wasn't looking at me, he was looking into me. It is really nerve wracking. We have barely spoken in the years we have known each other. Just the usual polite "hey, what's up?" in passing at his family get togethers. I honestly don't know how I'm going to sing with him sitting 3 feet away from me, looking at me with those eyes. Dear god, why am I lusting after a man I barely know? He's Alice's brother and really should be off limits. I'm going out on a blind date tonight with Rose's brother tonight. I should be nervous about that. I mean, I am nervous about that.
I push my hand through my hair pulling it away from my eyes and lean closer to the mirror. Suddenly someone is banging on the door to the bathroom, making me jump.
"Shit, what?"
"Hurry the hell up in there, I'm doing the freaking potty dance out here and Alice has been pacing a hole in your floor waiting for you to finish in there so she can make you all doable and whatnot" Jake says with a laugh.
"Doable?"
"Yeah she's got a whole arsenal of tools and product in there, and I have to say myself, the dress she picked for you is smoking hot. Honey, if I could fit into a size 6, I'd kick you in the shins and take it for myself!"
"How much product are we talking about here? You know I don't wear makeup."
"Um, well, think Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality…"
"Crap."
"You nervous about tonight?"
"Yeah."
Jake moves into the room and sits on the closed toilet pulling me to sit on his lap.
"Nervous about the singing? Or about the date?
"Yup."
"Aww Bells, it won't be that bad. You're going to look hot, and sound even hotter…"
I look into his eyes and give him a small, half hearted smile. "Thanks Jakey."
"He won't even mind that you're there on a blind date with Rose's brother"
"Jake…" I push myself off of his lap, annoyed.
"You can't pull one over on me Bells, I know longing when I see it and I saw it in your eyes when Alice mentioned Edward. Have you even thought about what you're going to say to him tonight? "
"No. I have no clue what to say to him. I don't even know if I can carry on a conversation with him at all. I look at him and my tongue swells…"
"Honey, I look at him and I swell, so that's nothing new…"
"Ew, Jake. You nasty bastard."
"Hey, he is one luscious specimen of manhood. I think I need to thank his parents when I meet them. Between Him, Alice, and Emmett someone needs to tell Dr. C that he should start selling his little swimmers. That is prime baby batter right there!"
"Still, gross." I say as I walk out of the bathroom shutting Jake inside.
I stand outside my bedroom door, hesitating before e going in, afraid of what awaits me. Alice is serious about her beauty regimen. I take a deep breath and open the door, ready to face my doom.
A few hours later sees me standing in front of the full length mirror opposite my bed staring back at someone I barely recognize. Alice has out done herself. She has plucked, waxed, painted and stuffed me into a person that I am amazed is me. My long brown hair has been brushed into gentle waves down my back, resembling one of those old Hollywood movie stars. There is a light shimmery shadow on my eyes with smoky eyeliner and My lips are painted a rich red. The dress she has chosen for me is a midnight blue silk with a draped neck line and a slit on one side that runs up my left leg to mid thigh. It is beautiful and sexy and I find myself feeling surprisingly good in it. The one part of my outfit that completely frightens me are the Midnight blue silk Christian Louboutin Peep toe heels that Alice has insisted I wear to complete my look. I guess my beat up old chucks aren't really couture enough. Alice was mortified, when I even suggested it, threatening to burn them in effigy if I even thought about wearing them with her designer dress. I take a step back and teeter slightly in my heels.
"Damn woman, you are good. I'll admit that I look pretty darn spiffy, but 4 inch heels? Really? I'm going to break my neck in these!"
"Shut it Swan! You look hot, so deal with it. I'm not letting you wear your old scuffed ballet flats with the perfection that is that dress. And I swear if you look longingly at those nasty ass converse one more time, I'm going to hold you down and force you to watch as I feed them to Mrs. Axelrod's Doberman. "
Bitch. She knows I hate that dog.
I half stumble into the living room, grumbling to myself about evil pixies and death trap shoes, to find Jacob lounging on the couch in what I can only describe as the most ostentatious suit I have ever seen. He is wearing charcoal grey slacks, but they are shiny and snug and his favorite pair of pointy toed Gucci boots. He is wearing a white button down that is pulled tight across his chest and a skinny black tie and his blazer is urple. He looks handsome and trendy, and manages to make me feel like I'm under dressed in all my fancy finery. His hair is perfect and he looks ready to hit the club. Alice comes up behind him and rests her hands on his shoulder. Even with Jake sitting down on the couch, Alice could still rest her chin on the top of his head comfortably. They look god together. Alice with her petite frame, pale skin and perfectly fashionable attire and Jake with his deep russet skin and equally fashionable self would make the more adorable babies ever. If Jake didn't gag at the mention of the vagina, that is.
As I stood there looking at my two best friends, I was overwhelmed by the need to see them happy. I know they push me, and piss me the fuck off the majority of the time, but I really did love them and it would be good to see them settled and happy. Well, it would be good to see Alice settled, anyway… Jake is way too much of a man whore to settle down.
The car ride through downtown Seattle is relatively quiet. Alice decided at the last minute that she wanted to drive but that we wouldn't all fit in her Porsche 911 so she borrowed her father's Mercedes. I was surprised he didn't make her sign something before leaving the house with it after last time.
I sit quietly in the back by myself listening to her and Jake debate the merits of personal shoppers versus stylists, and zone out. I am mentally preparing myself for tonight. I am less nervous about the singing at this point and more nervous about meeting Jasper. I normally don't have an issue meeting new people, but since this is a date, my palms are a bit sweaty. I have never really been comfortable talking about myself. I don't even know what Rosalie has told him about me. I have seen his picture and he is very good looking. I wouldn't have pegged him as a psychologist if Rose hadn't told me that he did that for a living. I can only hope I don't do something embarrassing in front of him; or Edward.
We arrived at the club just after 7, only to find that Rosalie and Jasper are not here yet. The club is called Kind of Blue, which I immediately recognize as the name of a Miles Davis song. It is on the small side with intimate booths, tucked into quiet corners and some more open tables near a small platform stage, mostly populated by a large black piano and some other instruments. The decor is done up in what else, shades of blue, in rich fabrics like velvet and satin. The overall effect is intimate, rich and subtlety sexual, at least to my eyes. I look around and notice that Rosalie and Jasper haven't arrived yet. Thank God for small favors; at least I don't have to worry about making an awkward and clumsy entrance.
There are a few large round tables toward the front with signs on them and Alice tugs me by my sweaty hand towards the one closest to the piano. The sign reads "Reserved for Cullen Party" on it and Alice's grabs the sign off the table and tucks it into her purse before forcing me into a chair. I am still feeling sweaty and nervous and at this point I look around at the people sitting at the tables realizing that I will be singing for them in an hour or so. I am glad that I haven't eaten anything today, because I could totally see myself spewing chunks all over the pristine table cloth in front of me. Jake calls out to a waitress as she passes and orders up a round of drinks, getting my dirty martini order perfect (Grey Goose, extra dirty, 5 olives), while ordering passiontinis for himself and Alice.
As we are waiting for our drinks Rosalie walks in, strutting her stuff in a tight, slinky, red dress that comes to just below her knees. She looks stunning and is garnering lots of looks from the other patrons. Next to her is Jasper. He is tall, blond, well built and impossible to look away from. He has the bluest eyes I have ever seen. They stop at the table and as I look up at him I notice he is looking past me, at Alice. She is deep in conversation with a very tall, muscled man, I immediately recognize as Emmett. It has been a few years since I have seen him and he looks much bigger than I remember. Alice doesn't notice the attention she is getting from jasper, and Rosalie speaks up introducing us"
"Bella, Jasper. Jasper, Bella" she says in a very no nonsense manner.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He says with a smooth southern drawl, as he looks into my eyes with a smile.
I blush immediately as he takes my hand and lifts it to his lips. Damn, he is good.
Our drinks arrive and the waitress, noticing jasper, asks for his drink order.
"Johnny Walker, Blue, a double on the rocks" He says.
Rosalie orders a Long Island Iced Tea and sits down next to Jake, who is sipping on his Passiontini, while glancing back and forth between me and Jasper. I turn back to Jasper to find him glancing up at the stage.
"So, Bella, Rosie tells me that you will be favoring us with a song tonight."
"Yes, that is the plan. Alice's brother Edward plays piano here so she was able to set it up."
"You look nervous. Are you?"
"Um, well, yes. I am nervous, I guess. I don't sing in front of others much. I have been known to freeze up in front of others before, and I would be very embarrassed to do so tonight."
"Is it because of my being here? The blind date?"
"Honestly? Yes, a bit. To be completely honest, I'm very surprised that I am able to even talk to you like this. I normally clam up in front of new people. Yes, the whole blind date scenario has me a bit uneasy. I don't do this much. no strike that, I don't do this at all."
"Will it make you feel better if I told you that I am uneasy as well. This is the first date, blind or otherwise I have been on in quite a while. It is completely normal to feel ill at ease in new social situations. I am glad to hear that you are finding it easy to talk to me. But I guess thats a tool of my trade. It does make me a more successful doctor, when people are able to talk to me easily." He his smiling at me, his face dimpling handsomely. I like that his smile reaches his eyes. I am pleasantly surprised that I am feeling comfortable around him already. The waitress brings his and Rosalie's drinks and he lifts his glass, holding it up to the light, and swirls it around before taking a sip. He sips slowly, seemingly savoring the flavor of the alcohol in his mouth before swallowing, and sets his glass back down. He looks at me, notices my stare and smiles.
"I don't drink often. I usually end up the resident designated driver when I'm out with colleagues."
i notice he says colleagues and not friends. I am wondering about that when Alice suddenly speaks excitedly.
"Oh look, there's Edward!"
Jasper and I both turn towards Alice and see that her gaze is pointed toward the stage. I follow her line of vision and my breath catches in my throat.
He is there, walking towards the piano with another man who seems to be whispering animatedly, waving his hands around in an overly excited manner.
"Well hellooo gorgeous!" Jake says waving one of his hands in front of his face in the universal hand signal for HOT DAMN." Holy fuck Alice, Your brother is fucking smoking hot!"
"Um, yeah, thanks for that Jake" She replies.
He is smoking hot. Standing in front of the piano with his head down talking to who looks to be one of the musicians, he is wearing a fitted baby blue dress shirt and snug black trousers that make me wish he would turn around so I could see the back of him and what I know from past experience, is the most delicious looking ass I have ever seen on a man. He has on a white dinner jacket to finish off the look. His hair is combed back off his face and under the lights of the stage is almost glowing bronze. His perfect jawline and cheeks are covered in a light dusting of hair and it makes his lips look even more plump and delicious than I thought possible. I never though five o'clock shadow was sexy before, but on Edward, it makes me think of waking up in his bed, and wanting to feel it scraping softly on my cheeks, or my breasts. I shake my head, surprised at how sexual, the tone of my thoughts about him are. Maybe my roommates are right; it has been too long since the last time I had sex.
Just then he looks up, noticing Alice. He smiles at her, his gorgeous green eyes lit with amusement. She gets up from her chair and makes her way over to him.
"So that is Alice's brother?" Jasper says thoughtfully.
"Yeah," I reply, "that's Edward."
Jasper looks at me curiously before turning toward Alice and Edward, who are speaking to each other quietly, heads bent. Edward lifts his head and looks at me, our eyes meeting, my breath catching in my throat. He looks at Alice again briefly before looking back towards me. Our eyes meet and hold. I can't breath. I can't make out the expression on his face, but now Alice is saying something to him that has him shaking his head, breaking eye contact with me again.
I look back toward Jasper who is still looking at the stage, and Alice.
"Good looking family" he says.
"Yes, they are. You should see their parents. It is a crime to have that many pretty people in one family."
He chuckles, "Alice is a fashion designer, Rosalie tells me."
"Yes, she made this dress" I tell him, smoothing my hand down my leg.
He looks me over from chest to ankle slowly. I know that I should feel self conscious, but I don't. His gaze is not sexual, it is almost clinical and I wonder suddenly if he finds me lacking.
"It is beautiful," he says softly. "you are beautiful."
"Thanks, all Alice's handiwork I assure you. I am more comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt"
"You would be just as lovely in sweats Bella. You are a very attractive woman, never doubt that." He replies, making me wonder if he is able to read my mind. He is looking at Alice again. I guess I'm not the only one lured by the supremely gorgeous Cullens tonight. This night just end well after all. For a few of us at least. I look from Alice to Jasper and back again, a plan starting to form in my head.
Alice is waving from the stage trying to get my attention. I turn to Jasper and excuse myself before getting up and starting the short walk to the stage towards Alice and Edward.
"Bella, Edward wanted to make sure that you were cool with singing tonight. He seems to think that I am forcing you to do this tonight."
I look over at him to find him gazing at me intently.
"I'm fine, really." I say, unable to look at him for more than a moment.
"I just wanted to be sure that this is what you wanted." He says quietly, forcing my eyes back to his with the sound of his voice. He sounds almost worried.
"I want to sing with you… I mean … while you play the piano... I mean..."
Alice chuckles, "He gets it Bella. See Edward? She's cool. Now can I get back to my table? Emmett just walked in and I want to say hi. Who are those women with him? They look like strippers! Ew! Emmett…"
She is already walking away leaving me standing there next to Edward.
"It's good to see you again Bella." he starts slowly.
"Oh, um, you too Edward. Alice tells me that you've been playing here regularly?"
"Well' not regularly, but I do play sometimes on Friday nights. I met Laurent, the owner, at the hospital last year, when he came in with a broken hand" He nods toward the man he was talking to earlier. "he needed someone to cover for him while he recovered and I mentioned that I played bait, so he asked me to stop by and play. I did, and ended up covering for him for the eight weeks he was recovering. Now I just play whenever I feel the urge, and he is cool with that."
This is the longest conversation I have ever had with him and I don't want it to end.
"Alice tells me that you are here on a date with Rosalie's brother"
I could fucking kill Alice. Kill her the fuck dead. Then revive her and kill her again. "Yeah, he seems like a nice guy. I think he is more interested in Alice though. He keeps staring at her." I say thoughtfully.
"His loss then." he says, then immediately tries to correct himself. "I mean, there's nothing wrong with Alice, but if I was on a date with you, I wouldn't be wasting my time staring at other women."
I look up into his eyes, biting my bottom lip, wondering how to respond to that. Just then we hear in a loud booming voice, "wuz up bitches!"
Emmett. And he is walking up to us with the women that Alice called strippers. They do kind of look like the get down with the pole a bit. The one hanging on Emmett's arm, obviously a bottle blond with big fake boobs and a too short skirt, and the other, with brown hair that has seen one to many perms in a really tight dress that leaves nothing to the imagination. Even the color of it, electric blue, screams come fuck me in the alley for 20 bucks. The one in the blue dress is looking at Edward expectantly. They aren't ugly women, just a bot obvious in their intentions. It is awkward and Imo finding it difficult to stand here, feeling like a fifth wheel.
"Hey Emmett, Lauren" he nods at bottle blond, "Jessica, how are you?" He addresses super perm. She smiles broadly, smoothing her hand over her frizzy hair.
"Hey Eddie" she says and I cringe slightly at the obviously familiar nickname, recalling the last person I heard use that name. Tanya, Edward's bitchy and snooty ex-girlfriend.
She looks at me, giving me a once over and obviously dismissing me once she's done.
Emmett speaks up. "I'm sorry ladies, this is Bella, my sister Alice's room mate and best friend. Bella this is Lauren and Jessica. Bella is going to be singing for us tonight."
"Nice to meet you both." I say.
"Well, we should get back to the table and order some drinks. Eddie, I'm looking forward to tonight. Maybe we could have a few drinks after your done here for the night." She finished and walks away, her hips swaying in an excessively sexual manner.
"Well," I start, "I think I'm going to go and finish my drink. It was great talking to you Edward. Please give me a nod when we are getting close to when you want me to sing" I start to walk away and he catches me by the elbow.
"Bella. Wait." He says, running his hands through his hair. He looks like he wants to say something to me but is holding it back. He shakes his head after a moment.
"Yes, Edward?"
"Um, I just want to let you know that you are up after my break. Ill play for a while then take a set break and then come get you after my break is through. Is that OK?"
"Yeah. That's cool" I say as I turn away, walking back toward my table.
I cant believe I though things were going well. I'm so stupid. I am obviously not the type of girl he is into, if the looks and behavior of Jessica is any indication. He must like women who are more assertive and forward. I don't know if I could ever be that way with a guy, especially Edward. I mean she was throwing herself at him. That is not me. I sit back down at the table and notice Alice is at the table next to us arguing with Emmett. I turn to Jasper and ask,
"What's going on there?" nodding towards Alice.
"I don't really know, but I think it has to do with the two ladies he showed up here with. Apparently, she knows them and is less than pleased to see them with Emmett. She has been in a fury since he walked in with them."
"Yes, well, I gathered from the introductions I received over there that they are Emmett and Edwards… um… dates for the evening."
"Hmm, interesting." He answers mysteriously.
"What?" I ask, taking the bait.
"Well, it just seems that from what I was witnessing on that stage that Edward is interested in you, not to mention the fact that my sister has been actively ignoring Emmett since he got here. I had the impression that the couplings tonight were going to end somewhat differently." He replies.
So he noticed that I was interested in Edward. Or Rather, that Edward seemed interested in me. I think he's dead wrong on that count but, two could play this game.
"I think you are mistaken about Edwards interest. And it seems to me that a certain Psychologist has had trouble keeping his eyes off a certain annoying little pixie tonight as well."
Ah, well," He Stammers, for the first time looking uncomfortable. "I'm sorry Bella."
"Don't be. She is beautiful, and most men naturally prefer her more open nature to mine."
"Don't sell yourself short Bella. You are everything a man could possibly hope to have in a woman"
"Just not you…" I say, half jokingly.
"Bella… I… "
"Jasper, take a fucking chill pill. I'm just kidding. If it makes you feel any better, I'm not feeling it here either. I mean your total hotness and a great guy, but not for me, you know?"
He looks toward the stage where Edward is now sitting at the piano, flexing his fingers, ready to start his first song. For a moment, I am lost, watching his hands as he lays them over the keys, bringing forth the most amazing music.
Jasper clears his throat, bringing my attention back to him.
"Yes, I can see that you are more attracted to the brooding artistic type. Just be careful." He says, nodding his head slightly in the direction of Emmett's table, and Jessica. "one can only hope that he appreciates the kind of woman you are. But if thats the way his tastes run, (he again looks in Jessica's direction), I don't have high hopes for him."
"You are very sweet Jasper. How would you like to get to know my room mate a little better?"
"What did you have in mind Bella?"
"Well, Jasper…" I begin as I lean in close to him whispering, "It goes a little something like this…"
I spend the next 40 minutes or so sipping my martini, and drawing both Alice and Jasper into conversation. Alice easily takes the bait, eagerly chatting up Jasper. It seems like this is going easier than I had thought it would.
Jake and Rose are huddled together, bitching about Emmett and the two skanks he showed up with. Jake is catting it up about their lack of basic fashion sense.
"I mean who wears pearls with bright blue? And ohmygod… her dress is like skin tight, talk about some serious camel toe, I didn't even think that was possible in a dress!"
Rosalie is snorting and laughing loudly while staring at the other table. Bottle blond, I mean Lauren, notices and whispers something to Jessica before getting up and heading towards the ladies room. I suddenly feel like a fifth wheel again, out of place amongst my own friends, and let my focus wander back to the man at the piano.
He is still playing. Its beautiful. Watching his face and he is lost in his music is mesmerizing and I find that I cant look away. He is finishing his song now and he is suddenly looking at me. I feel like I have just intruded on something personal. He stands and takes a quick bow telling the audience he will be back after a quick break.
His eyes never leave mine as he walks toward me.
Sooner than I would like he is met by Jessica, who pulls him off towards the bar to get a drink.
I turn back to my friends, and pick up my drink finishing it, noticing that at some point the waitress has already brought another. I pull the olive packed pick out of the glass and pop two of them into my mouth, savoring the salty, alcohol laden taste of them, chewing slowly. I take a deep pull from my drink and set the glass back down.
"Whoa lady, slow on down with that. You wont be able to walk to et stage if you keep going like that, much less sing on it." Jasper says to me with a cautious smile.
"Just need a little liquid courage is all Jasper. I'll be fine" I Reply, picking up the glass again. I notice that Jessica is back at her table and Edward is no where to be found. I take a final sip of my drink and stand, wobbling unsteadily on my very high heels. I steady myself on the table, receiving questioning looks from my friends.
"I think I'm gonna step outside for a minute and get some fresh air before it's time to sing" I say.
Jake looks at me nervously, "Bells, you want me to come with?"
"No Jacob, I'm fine. I just need a minute to collect myself before I start. Ill be back in a second" I say, walking towards the front door do the club.
I step out into the humid night. It had gotten cooler and I am regretting the fact that Alice has put me into a dress tonight that made it impossible for me to wear a bra. I cross my arms over my chest as I notice that a few people have come outside to smoke and I move away from them to get more privacy. I sit down on one of the old wooden benches in front of the club and rest my elbows on my knees, chin in my hands.
"It's gotten chilly out tonight." Someone says from directly in front of me. Edward. I see his shoes, and slowly let my gaze raise until I'm looking at his stunningly handsome face, bathed in the street light and smoke from his cigarette. I cross my arms across my chest again straightening up.
He smiles at me knowingly and takes another drag from his cigarette.
"Yeah, it is a bit nippy tonight"
"You don't have to do this you know"
I takes me a minute to realize that he is talking about singing and I answer," I want to. I need to get out of my comfort zone and do something fun for a change. Alice is always telling me that I should be more spontaneous and lively. And I cant think of anything that makes me feel more alive than singing."
He sits down next to me tossing away his smoke. I can smell the cigarettes and some kind of alcohol on his breath and find it is a much more erotic scent that I thought it would be. He leans slightly closer to me, his eyes capturing mine.
"I can think of a few things that make me feel more alive than performing…"
I blush bright red at his statement, letting my gaze fall to his mouth. I want him to lean forward and kiss me. I want to feel his lips, his tongue in my mouth stroking mine.
"I didn't really mean it like that." I reply.
"I know, but even small, seemingly unimportant conversations, such as this one, can serve to remind us the we are indeed among the living. Dont you find this…" He leans a fraction of an inch closer. The distance is noticeable to me. "… stimulating?"
I can feel his breath on my face, the heat coming off of his body, he is so close to me. Heaven help me if I don't break out in goose bumps, my nipples getting hard at his close proximity.
The martinis I drank must be making me bolder, I lean forward a little willing him to come closer, to read my mind, and kiss me.
He lifts his hand and softly strokes his finger along my jaw. I still can't speak. My heart is beating so fast as he leans in, my eyes flutter closed. His lips softly brush against mine and the feeling is electric. I raise my hand slowly to the lapel of his jacket and hold onto him, as he moves in closer, his lips molding against mine. I reach my other hand up to his chest and inch closer to him, his hands still framing my face.
"Hey bells!" I hear Jake exclaim from behind us. Edward and I jump apart like two high school kids caught necking on their parent's couch. Jake stops in his tracks and looks at me apologetically.
"Um I think I better get back in. See you in 5 Bella?" Edward says awkwardly, while roughly tugging his hand through his hair. He gets up from the bench and without looking my way again, walks toward the club.
"Shit Bella, I am so sorry. I didn't even realize he was out here with you."
"It's OK Jake. It was nothing. Just chatting."
Bella, you must be blind, that didn't look like nothing to me. He was looking at you like you were something to eat!"
Oh thank you baby Jebus, he didn't see that kiss.
"I don't think so Jake. We were just talking."
Jake looks pointedly at my chest, "Yeah, well if he saw what I'm seeing I really shouldn't be surprised by the look he was giving you. Babe, your headlights are totally on high beam right now."
I laugh and cover my breasts with my hands jokingly.
"Bells, if I ever decided t get some boobies, id totally want them to be just like yours."
"Ah, jake Rosalie's are nicer than mine" I say, swatting him in the arm.
"Bella, Rosalie no doubt has a nice pair and they are certainly big enough, but yours are perfect, I know cuz I've seen you both topless." he says nonchalantly waving his hand as he walks back into the club.
Jake always knows how to make me laugh. We walk back to my chair, noticing that my glass is still empty, Jasper must have told the waitress not to bring me another. The cool air outside has sobered me slightly and I feel the need to have another. I look around for our waitress, who is nowhere to be found. Jasper is still in conversation with Alice and I see that his glass has recently been refilled. What the hell I think as I reach over and pick up his glass, sniffing it before raising it to my lips. Jasper and Alice notice this and look up at me questioningly.
"Bella, I wouldn't if I were you.." he says, reaching for the glass.
"I'm a big girl jasper." I tip the glass back and take a healthy gulp of the amber liquid. It burns going down, but my chest is immediately warm. It tastes good. I'm surprised. I notice then that Edward is back at his piano. He adjusts the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Kind of Blue Cafe. Tonight we have a special treat. A friend of mine is going to favor us with a song. So sit back and enjoy the sultry voice of Miss Bella Swan."
Everyone is looking at me as I stand and smooth my hands down the front of my dress. There is polite applause and Rosalie wolf whistles in my direction. I focus on getting to the piano without tripping. One foot in front of the other, I make my way to the piano and am shocked that I made it there in one pice. Edward nods toward the microphone, giving me an encouraging smile.
"You ready Bella?" he asks softly.
I nod, unable to speak. I swallow and take a deep shaky breath.
"I'm going to loop through the intro, feel the music and just jump in when you feel comfortable and ready. You can do this." He says holding my gaze with his.
He begins the intro, and I find myself watching him as he plays. He is right. I can do this.
never know how much I love you
never know how much I care
when you put your arms around me
I give you fever that's so hard to bare
you give me fever
when you kiss me
fever when you hold me tight
Fever
In the morning
Fever all through the night
After the first verse I am no longer nervous. I find my self looking toward the piano and Edward, only to find him looking back at me. His expression is unreadable, watching me sing.
Sun lights up the day time
moon lights up the night
I light up when you call my name
and you know i'm gonna treat you right
I cant look away from him now. I am singing to him.
you give me fever
when you kiss me
fever when you hold me tight
Fever
In the morning
Fever all through the night
His eyes are closed and he's still playing, not missing a beat. I look away toward the audience to see my friends sitting at our table, shocked. Alice is smiling widely, giving me thumbs up. Rosalie is sitting there looking smug and Jake is looking at Edward curiously. The most hilarious look of all is from Emmett at the other table with Lauren and Jessica. He is staring at me open mouthed, while Lauren and Jessica look at each other sullenly.
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you all know
Fever isn't such a new thing
Fever start long ago
Romeo love Juliet
Juliet she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said Julie baby your my flame
Now give me fever
When were kissing
Fever with that flame in you
Fever
I'm a fire
Fever yeah I burn for you
Captain smith and pocahontas
had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said daddy oh don't you dare
The key keeps changing with each verse and I find that I'm really getting into this. My hips are swaying slightly and I walk over to where Edward is playing and sit next to him on the bench, singing the chorus directly to him, camping it up.
He gives me fever
With his kisses
fever when he holds me tight
Fever
I'm his misses
Daddy won't you treat him right
I stand up and move toward the audience, running my hand through Jake's hair as I pass him. I tug gently on Jasper's tie. He clears his throat as Alice looks on amused.
Now you listened to my story
Here's the point that I have made
Chicks were born to give you fever
Be it fair and have a sense of game
They give you fever
when you kiss them
Fever if you really learned
Fever
Till you sizzling
But what a lovely way to burn
But what a lovely way to burn
But what a lovely way to burn
But what a lovely way to burn
I finish the song, breathing heavily as I turn off the mic. Edward is staring at me again. I put the mic down on the piano and smile.
"thanks, Edward. That was fun."
"Yeah, Bella..."
Jessica is standing in front of us now, and I am a little more than slightly annoyed.
"Not bad Bella." She says politely.
"Thanks." I say. She has already dismissed me and is leaning toward Edward, giggling about going to get a drink. He smiles at her, nodding and she leaves.
"Bella…"
"Yes, Edward?"
"You did great. Amazing. You have quite the voice, although I knew that already…" he says and I'm blushing again.
"Thank you Edward."
Alice runs up to us and stands next to me bouncing on the balls of her feet.
"We are all gonna go hit another club. Edward you game?"
"Alice, I cant." He replies.
"Really? Laurent wont let you off early? Let me go talk to him"
"Alice, no. I mean that Emmett is waiting for me. We are going out after this." He answers her, looking at me almost apologetically.
Alice looks at Edward, then me, her gaze finally resting on Emmett's table. Emmett is mooning at Rose, while Lauren is trying to refocus his attention by leaning her big fake plastic boobs on his arm while whispering in his ear. Interestingly enough Rosalie notices this and scowls in his general direction. Something is going on there. Ill have to dig deeper into those two later. I pull my focus back on Alice and Edward.
"Yes, because you will have so much more fun with the skank sisters that with us. Come on Bella, tell Edward that he should come with us."
"Alice, I don't think…" I begin, interrupted by the sound of a crash, and someone shrieking loudly.
We all turn toward Emmett's table and see Lauren standing nose to nose with Rosalie, who is standing tall, with her empty drink glass in her hand. Lauren is furious and shaking, standing there covered in what I am now guessing is the remainder of Rosalie's drink. Geez, where has my attention been tonight? What the hell is going on with Emmett and Rosalie. She is usually such a calm person, what the hell did Emmett do to make her react to his date this way?
Alice is standing in between them now, trying to hold onto Rose, keeping her from starting an all out bar brawl. Emmett turns to Jessica, ordering her to take Lauren home, and she does so scowling at Rosalie as she grabs Lauren's purse and takes her by the arm, leading her toward the front door.
Hmm, well there goes Edward's date for the night. Rosalie stalks off in the direction of the back of the club into the employee lounge at Alice's urging. Emmett is standing there dumbfounded, unable to speak. Alice leans in and says something to him that has him nodding and leaving in the same direction that Rose took not a moment before.
Edward and I walk over to Jake, Alice and Jasper.
Alice says to Edward, "So you were saying? Looks like your date is suddenly unavailable, how bout that club?"
"Alice, your friend is in the back probably crying or breaking something, and your thinking about clubbing?"
"Calm down Edward, Emmett will drive Rosalie home. Jake, Jasper, Bella and I want to go out and have a few more drinks to lighten the mood…"
"Actually Alice," I begin, "I think I'd just like to head home myself"
"Oh, well… then… Edward, why don't you bring Bella home since your an even bigger party pooper than she is…"
"That's ok… I don't want to inconvenience Edward if he has other plans, ill just take a cab home."
"Nonsense Bella! I'm not gonna let you take a 35 minute drive with some random cab driver."
"Really Bella, its no big deal. Ill give you a ride home. Let me go let Laurent know I'm leaving and ill be right back." Edward says as he walks away.
"What the hell Alice?" I say as soon as he is out of ear shot.
"What? You think I'm stupid? The two of you have been looking longingly at each other all night. Listen, I know you. Just talk to him on the ride home and get to know each other. No big deal, right?"
"Alice, I'm not sure what you're trying to do here but…"
"I know you Bells, you like him. He is my brother, and you are my best friend. I just want you two to get to know each other. No pressure here, I mean it, OK?"
Edward is back now, and he has my bag in his hand.
"Are you ready Bella?"
"Yeah just let me say good night to Jsper and Jake."
I hug jasper and wish him luck with Alice at the club. He gives me a friendly smile and wishes the same for my drive home. Jake is less secretive in his thoughts. Looking at Edward and back at me before telling me and I quote" Remember kids, no glove, no love!" while winking lewdly at me. Fucking Jake.
I walk back toward Edward, who places his hand on the small of my back as we make our way toward the exit. I shiver that the feel of his hand on my back, regardless of how innocuous the gesture is.
No big deal. Yeah, right.
A/N: So kids… what did you think? What's going to happen on their ride back to Bella's place? Did Jake really not see that kiss? Stay tuned peeps…
I'm not sure if I'm going to do the next chapter in EPOV or stay with Bella for a while… Leave me some sweet sweet review love and let me know how you want it!