Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Wild 95.5, or Blue Martini.
BPOV
I stood there in my underwear, fresh out of the shower, engaged in a staring contest with… my clothes. Rosalie had come over earlier to help "put me together". I took in the length, or lack thereof, of the black shorts, and the missing sleeve of the navy blue tunic top.
"How the *beep* am I supposed to pull this off?" I mumbled to myself. Yes, I radio-edit myself from time to time.
Taking a deep breath, I slid the shorts up my freshly waxed legs. The thought made me giggle. Today's Morning Show stunt was one for the record books.
XXXXXXX
"I'm going to pull on 3, ok? Bella hold his arms." Rosalie had covered a good portion of Emmett's "bikini line" in hot wax and a pull strip.
Emmett squirmed on the table, "I got this, I got this, I got this. OW! That stuff burns!"
Bella checked to position of the microphone above Emmett's head and then gripped his wrist to pin them to the table.
"Well, yeah Emmet… that's why they call it HOT wax!" was Bella's retort. She and Rosalie had twin shit-eating grins on their faces.
"Whatever, this can't be as bad as you say it is, little sis."
"Uh huh, Em I was buffed, stripped, whipped, and waxed within an inch of my life yesterday… I think I have a more accurate position of opinion than you!" Bella was trying not to laugh prematurely.
"Ok," Rose was getting down to business. She smoothed the strip down on the wax again and then gripped the edge, "Ready? 1… 2…"
*SSSCCCCCRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIPPPP*
"HOLY *BEEP* WHAT THE… OW OW OW OW OW OW ! YOU SAID ON THREE!"
The studio was filled with howls: Emmet's of pain, the girls' in laughter.
"My BALLS! You tore my balls off! Ohmigod, ohmigod. Oh oh oh oh ohhhhhhhh that hurts! It hurts! It hurts! It's burning, why is it still burning? The taint, you put it on the taint! Whyyyyy, woman? I thought you loved me!"
By this time both Rose and Bella were on the floor rolling with laughter and Emmet was cupping his manhood.
Slowly Emmett lifted the heels of his palms and looked down, "Holy *beep beep beep* It's bleeding!"
XXXXX
In all fairness, Rosalie and I warned him. He shouldn't have made fun of me for whining about how painful it was.
I pulled my shirt on and went to into the bathroom. After blow drying my hair with the diffuser for big soft curls, I parted my auburn hair to the side and pulled it into a side ponytail at the nape of my neck over my left shoulder; which consequently is bare due to the missing sleeve. I stuck with just some mineral foundation, mascara, and pink tinted lip gloss. No sense is putting on much more, in the Florida heat my face would just melt off. I fingered the earrings that Emmett had gotten me for my High School graduation, crystal music note drop earrings, and put them in. I had toyed with the idea of majoring in music before going in to broadcast journalism. I picked up the black fedora hat off the dresser on my way out to the living room and put it on my head, tipped to the side. With my navy chuck taylor's on, I picked up my guitar case and headed for the door.
When I opened the door I almost dropped the guitar case. Edward was standing in front of me with his hand raised in the air ready to knock. His hair was in total disarray and I just knew he had been running his hands through it; he was wearing a light blue button up shirt with dusty blue loose khaki pants and black and white sneakers.
"Hey Bella!" He seemed surprised that I'd be on the other side of the door.
"Edward, hi…" I stopped talking when I noticed his eyes raking over my body and seemed to grow darker in color, to a deep emerald. I felt my body reacting to his perusal, my skin prickled and heat flooded my most intimate places… and my face.
"You play? Are you playing tonight?" His eyes lit up as they landed on my guitar case, surprise evident in his voice.
"A guy from Blue Martini and I sometimes strum a bit before the crowds get heavy so I always bring it just in case. I was actually just heading that way now, did you need something?"
"Oh, uh… Yeah I know Rosalie said that you head down there around this time. I was wondering, uh, maybe you'd like to ride with me?" The tips of his ears held a trace of red on them. Oh, he's so cute!
"Yeah, I'd like that. But, um, it can get pretty late and I have to stay to help breakdown the equipment, I wouldn't want you to suffer from sleep deprivation because you had to wait for me." I bit my lip hoping he wouldn't rescind his offer.
"I don't mind. I think Alice and Jasper were planning to stay the whole time, too. You made quite the impression on my sister the other day. She really likes you." He smiled kindly.
I locked up my door and headed down the hallway with Edward by my side.
"Well, if you're sure you don't mind… and your sister is really sweet. I get a contact high being around her, though. She's got quite a bit of energy," I laughed lightly, recalling the way Alice talked a mile per minute and vibrated with excitement.
"You look very nice tonight, Bella. That shade of blue looks lovely with your skin." I flushed at his compliment. "So does that shade of red," His voice was a bit husky and it sent a wave of lust over my body.
"Thank you, Edward," I murmured quietly as we stepped into the elevator, "The hue in Blue Martini is, well, blue. So the staff usually tries to wear something along those lines. You look very nice, too."
He smiled and nodded. "Do you play any other instruments, or just guitar?"
"Just guitar, I've been playing since I was about 12. I had been fooling around with my dad's old guitar for about a year and on my 13th birthday I got this." I gestured to the case and smiled at the memory. "Do you play anything?"
"I do. I play piano and even a bit of guitar. Though not much on the six string, I must admit, only the basic chords."
"You play piano? That's such a romantic instrument to play. Did you start when you were young?"
"Yes, my mother plays and I would always lay under the piano to listen to her. One day she told me to hop up on the bench and the rest is history. I was about 4 years old."
When we got to the garage he led me over to his car.
"A Volvo? Nice, best safety rating in its class," I stated matter of factly. He looked as though he was swaying between being impressed or amused at my knowing that.
He politely opened the door and offered his hand to assist me into the front seat, taking my guitar case and placed it in the backseat.
We traded tidbits of information and stories about ourselves back and forth on our way to Blue Martini. It was nice to get to know Edward beyond the face. He talked about his schooling and his family. He had ambitions to be a general surgeon just like his father, Carlisle. His mother, Esme, stayed at home to raise them, but upon both he and Alice moving out she had started a small Interior Design company. He and his sister moved here from a small town in Washington named Forks, where their parent still resided. "We wanted to be as far away from that place as possible!" He jested.
I told him about life in South Florida, born and raised. Emmett and I went to a small private school about 45 minutes north of Palm Beach, our father, Charlie, was killed in the line of duty during a drug bust when I was 10, and our mother, Renee, lived 30 minutes away in Stuart. "I also have an unhealthy obsession with Disney World." That got a cheeky smile out of him, along with a "Me, too."
"Tell me something nobody knows about you, or a hidden talent." I prompted, looking over to him with a small smile.
"Hmm. Well, now don't laugh but, I took origami classes during summer camp when I was 14 and I still make some things from time to time," he chuckled then glanced at me, "What about you? "
"Uh, I don't know. I'm not really that exciting," I stammered.
"Come on! There's something, I know it. I can see all sorts of secrets floating around in your eyes."
"Well now, Dr. Cullen, you'll have to work harder for my secrets, however I will divulge to you that one of my hidden talents is that I can unwrap a Starburst in my mouth in less than 30 seconds," I announced proudly.
Instantly Edward started to dig around in the center console at a frantic pace and I was immensely thankful that we were stopped at a red light. He was tossing things on the floor and I was a little alarmed because his car is actually spotless, so I'm sure this isn't normal behavior for him. He was mumbling something under his breath that sounded like "Oh please, oh please, oh please"
"AHA!" His eyes reflected excitement and victory as he looked at the palm of his hand.
Starburst.
He had a pack of Starburst, in the palm of his victorious hand.
And he was looking at me expectantly.
*HOOOOOONK*
…And we're driving.
The atmosphere was a little tense and I wasn't one hundred percent sure as to why.
After we parked in the overpriced garage, Edward hopped out of the car and sauntered to assist me. He opened the back door and pulled out my guitar but pulled it away when I reached for it. I looked up at his face and froze.
He had a small smirk on his lips and his green orbs were a portal to his thoughts and were dancing with a dozen emotions, one of which being mischief. He held out his hand and, uncurling his long fingers, revealed one pink Starburst. I questioned him with my eyes and in reply he cocked an eyebrow in challenge.
Well, McHottie, challenge accepted. I swiped the succulent candy from his hand and held it to my lips. My voice came out more rasp than I expected it to.
"Time me."
His eyes lit up and darken at the same time as he held his watch up. "Go."
I placed the confection on my tongue and brought it into my mouth, closing my lips. As I am using my tongue to lift the folds of the wrapper I watched Edwards lips part and his breathing pick up. His eyes were completely transfixed on my mouth.
Once I unwrapped the candy and had the wrapper flat, I slowly pulled the waxed paper through my slightly pursed lips and held it up with a soft smile. After I consumed the sweet morsel I wiped the corner of my mouth delicately with my ring finger and hummed in appreciation.
"Mmm, strawberry has always been my favorite."
With that I took the guitar from his unresponsive hand and walked towards the bar. I looked at him over my shoulder when I heard him chuckle lowly and saw him gazing after me, smirk still in place, and shaking his head. He glanced at his watch and called out so softly I could barely hear him over the bustle of the crowds.
"24 seconds."
XXXXXXX
Edward was finally able to regain composure and for the next hour, helped me set up for the broadcast. He wasn't able to do much since he had no clue what to do, and I had already had a routine from setting up so many times. At around 7:00pm Alice and Jasper showed up to have dinner with Edward, Alice catching my eye with an excited wave. She was stunning in a black tube dress that had a sweetheart neckline, she accessorized with black peep toe pumps, a feathered clutch, and beautiful black diamond earrings. Standing next to her was a man I knew had to be Jasper. He was tall with shaggy brown hair, clean shaven, and very handsome. Jasper was dressed just as well as Alice in a black pinstripe dress shirt with a white undershirt and black slacks. Alice skipped over to where Edward and I were standing by the DJ tables, dragging Jasper behind her. Jasper had a cool demeanor and a polite smile while Alice introduced us.
"Bella! You look amazing!" Alice was beaming, "This is my fiancé, Jasper Whitlock. Jasper, this is Bella Swan!"
Jasper took my extended hand and shook it firmly but briefly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. It's nice to be able to put a face to the name I've been hearing nonstop of for the past week," He said with a grin.
Alice had a sheepish smile on her face, but otherwise was anything but remorseful.
"I'm pleased to meet you as well, Jasper," I smiled at him.
Alice was vibrating in place. "This place is so nice! We should have come here before now! I am absolutely starving! Are you ready to eat, Edward?"
Edward peeked over at me, "Yeah, Alice, I'll meet you over in the dining room." After she and Jasper walked away with promises to meet up during the broadcast Edward turned to me.
"Would you care to join us?" He asked shyly.
"Oh, I wish I could but I still have some things to take care of. Um, I should be done in about an hour though, I could join you then?"
"I'd like that. Any recommendation from the menu?" He asked, picking one up from one of the tables next to us.
"The Seared Tuna is amazing; I get it every time I come here. The Lobster Taco is good, too, or the Steak Sandwich Martini if you're not in to seafood. Alice would probably really love the Caprese Salad"
He smiled a crooked smile, tapped the back of my hand with his finger tips and wandered towards the dining room saying, "See you later, B."
I quickly got to work, hoping that if I worked my ass off I'd be able to spend more time with Edward. Rose and Emmet showed up about 30 minutes later. Rose was dressed in a corset top that was the same blue as mine, and a pair of pants that were as tight as Sandy's in Grease, and stiletto heels. Emmett went casual with loose jeans, a black button up shirt, and doc martens.
We finished setting up the microphones, speakers, soundboards, and other equipment a little after 8pm. I saw a familiar form over by the "stage" area and told Rose and Emmett to go ahead into the dining area, and that I'd meet them in a minute. Rose shot me a curious look but saw who was approaching me and gave me a smug smile before following Emmett over to the others.
"Bella, baby! How's it going?" the masculine voice came from my left.
"Hey Jake, I'm doing pretty well. How are you?" I returned his thousand watt smile with one of my own.
Jake is a manager here at Blue Martini, in his early 20's. He and I have to work closely together when the station broadcasts here. Jake is almost as big as Emmett, with sleek black hair that he keeps cropped short. His skin tone is agreeable to the South Florida sun and is very tan, unlike me who is very pale and quite literally has to bath in sunscreen every day.
"I'm better now that you're here!" Jake, shameless flirt, "I see you have your guitar. Feel up to a little number before you kick things off?"
"Actually yeah, I was hoping we could do that duet we learned a few weeks ago?"
"Sounds great, I'll go set up." With that he was off in to the dining room to set up some chairs for us. I grabbed a few mic stands and microphones, an amp and set them up behind the chairs. I ran cables over to the speakers, plugged them in, and powered everything on. I noticed that we could see the table where my friends were sitting clearly from my chair. Rose and Emmett saw me and identical smiles bloomed on their faces. That caught the attention of Alice, Jasper, and Edward and they all turned towards me. I gave them a shy smile and a wave as I got settled in my seat. When I pulled out my black and purple Les Paul, Alice, Jasper, and Edward's faces matched Rose and Em's. Jake came to sit next to me with his black acoustic Gibson and I saw something flash over Edward's eyes, but it was gone before I could place the meaning. Though I could tell by Edward's slightly narrowed eyes that he was questioning who the man was next to me. Rose, also seeing what I saw, leaned over and explained to them what I assume is Jake's place in the whole ordeal. Pacified, Edward's grin returned and he sat back in his seat looking straight at me.
"Let's do this," Jake said to me.
I pulled the mic to my lips and spoke softly, this still makes me nervous.
"Hey guys, how are you all tonight?" I got murmurs of well doings.
"My buddy Jacob here and I are going to warm you all up for the night with a little, uh, amateur playing" I chuckled.
I heard Emmett shout "Shut up Bells, you're great!" and got a round of laughs.
I rolled my eyes and looked to Jake with a nod and we started the opening chords to Tristan Prettyman's, Shy That Way.
After the intro, with my eyes cast downwards, I started to sing:
You know you're stunning
You're absolutely stunning
And I'm running always running
And now I'm crying
It's only cause I'm caring
And if you were more daring
Maybe you'd stop staring
And come over and talk to me
Tell me 'bout how you've been waiting so patiently
And how you tried but I just turned away
And I'll say yeah well you know,
I'm shy that way
I lifted my eyes to meet Edward's as I sang the last few lines of the first verse.
Shy that way
Maybe I'm shy that way
Jake started in on the second verse, crooning huskily into the mic.
Ohh you know you're stunning
You're absolutely stunning
But you're always runnin
But I'll catch up to you
The way you keep your distance is
Keeping my interest
So I'll keep it persistent
Ohh maybe someday
Someway, somehow in some town
We'll get together and
We'll break it down
And I'll ask why you've been
so shy, gotta be that way
Maybe baby, oh love, I like it that way
Shy that way
You know I love you so shy,
Shy that way
I sang the bridge
So keep it comin comin comin comin
Shy that way
The song broke in to a light dueling guitar rift where Jake and I traded off melodies. Upon re-entry I sang stronger when I noticed Edward's sparkling eyes taking me in.
There's always too much talking
And I wanna just keep walking
But I keep staring baby
Keep staring
Though I may not know the right things to say
I'll get it out to you one day
For the ending, Jacob and I traded off lines: (Bella, Jacob)*
I'm shy that way
You're shy that way
Do you like it
Do you like it?
When I'm shy this way?
Yes I like it
Yes I like it
When you're shy
(Together:)
Shy that way
I like it
I like it shy
You know it's alright, it's ok
Cause we're
Shy that way…
The whole restaurant broke in to boisterous applause, but none louder than my friends at our table. I barely contained my smile, and I'm sure you could see Edward's from space.
I said my 'thank you' to the crowd and my goodbye to Jacob and very nearly bounced ala Alice to my friends. I was still riding my performance high as I took my seat between Edward and Rosalie. I received compliments from all at the table, but it was Alice who spoke first at a rapid pace.
"Ohmigod Bella, that was amazing! I didn't you could sing and play! Did you know, Edward? Wasn't that fantastic? Did you know that Edward plays, too? Not as well as you but- oh, don't look at me like that Edward, you know its true- you should totally play with him!"
"Oh I'm sure she'd love that!" Emmett, the traitor, guffawed, causing the whole table minus two, to break in to uncontrollable giggles.
I blushed furiously and glared at Emmett before ducking my chin to my chest in embarrassment. I felt the air stir beside my ear and heard Edward whisper.
"I'd really love that, too." I shyly smiled a half smile in appreciation.
The waitress placed a plate of the Seared Tuna and a glass of water in front of me. I furrowed my brows and look at Rose, thinking that she had ordered me something. Again I heard Edward speak.
"I knew you hadn't eaten so I ordered something for you, I hope you don't mind."
"That was very sweet of you, Edward, thank you," I said earnestly. I was impressed that he remembered that I said I ordered the Tuna every time.
His answering smile made my heart skip a beat, and when he tentatively placed his arm on the back of my chair my heart made up for the skip and started beating double time, Rose and Alice both had mini fan girl moments.
Conversation flowed freely and playfully around the table as everyone sipped their drinks and finished their meals. It was nice to see everyone getting along so well. It was as though we all had known each other for years rather than days. Jasper was a new teacher, teaching High School AP American History but since it was the end of June and school was out for the summer, he was working at a summer camp and was having a great time with the kids. Nine o'clock eventually came up and Rose, Emmett, and I excused ourselves to go start the broadcast.
Emmett is a natural at getting crowds riled up for a fun night, but Rose had this group in the palm of her hand. Blue Martini isn't like a night club, but there is a small dance floor out on the patio, and other patrons of City Place dance outside the fencing. People just sort of drift in and out and enjoy the music and atmosphere. All we did here was take request, and broadcast what a slammin' time everyone was having, enticing more people to join. After I got Rose and Em all settled in there wasn't much left for me to do until the end of the night, so I stepped over to where Edward was sitting. Since finishing dinner, he, Alice, and Jasper had relocated to a smaller table on the patio next to the DJ tables. I sat down with them and once again squeed on the inside when Edward draped his arm over the back of my chair. His finger lightly grazed my shoulder, effectively lighting my body on fire. After a bit Alice pulled Jasper to the dance floor, leaving me and Edward alone.
"So…" Edward trailed off.
"So… Are you having a nice time?"
"Yes, I am. My favorite part of the evening, aside from gaining a new appreciation for wrapped candies, was by far your performance. I really enjoyed that. You're very good. I'd love for you to play something else for me sometime."
"Yeah, ok. Maybe we can orchestrate a little jam session or something," I replied awkwardly. I am so over my fucking head here.
Changing the subject, Edward asked me a little bit more about my job. "Do you have to do many off site broadcast like this one?"
"No too many. Since we're a morning show and have to be up early in the morning it doesn't make sense for us to be up late at night unless it's on the weekend, like tonight, or a special event. The Morning Show will have a booth at 4th on Flagler next weekend, so I'll have to work for a little while for that. From time to time I help a few of the other DJ's as well. What about you? Do you have crazy hours being in Med School?"
"Not yet. Next semester I will, when I start my internship at the hospital. Actually I have a pretty open schedule now that classes have recessed for the summer. It'll be nice to get out and see the sights. I haven't really been able to do that since I moved here. Hey, maybe since I have a new friend who has lived here all their life, I can have a personal guide?" He said jokingly, but there was a serious undertone to his request, his eyes imploring me.
"I think I could show you the ropes."
Rosalie called me over at that moment, signaling that our time was over and the house DJ would be taking it from here. I excused myself from Edward just as Alice and Jasper came back from the dance floor, so I didn't feel bad leaving him with no one to talk to.
Rose and I packed up the cables and small things while Emmett and Jeff, another intern, handled the heavy stuff. Rose took the opportunity to drill for information, stating first that Edward seems very eager to start something with me.
"Yeah, it seems that way, but doesn't it feel a little fast? I mean as of last week we hardly spoke to each other and now he's, welcomingly, all up in my grill!" I pointed out.
"Well," Rose began, "from what I gather from Alice, Edward has noticed you since you moved in but didn't want to make a move because of Tanya. He knew that Tanya would have sabotaged any potential relationship he could have with you while she was staying with him, so knowing that she was on her way out he just waited for you. Now that everyone's ducks are in a row, he isn't wasting any time. I say just go for it. Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and jump."
He waited for me? How fucking sweet is that? He saw a potential problem in Tanya and protected me from it before he even really knew me. A satisfied grin made its way to my face, the perfect counterpart to the smile on Rose's.
When everything was packed up and Jeff took the van back to the station, we met back up with the others outside the restaurant.
"So, Rose, Bella, and I usually take the boat out on Sunday's to Peanut Island. We bring stuff to cook out and stuff, and we go tubing. It's a lot of fun; we'd love for you all to join us if you aren't busy." Emmett had bought a boat a few years ago stating that is was absolutely essential to have a watercraft in the Sunshine State.
"That would be so awesome!" Alice remarked, "Count me and Jasper in!"
All eyes went to Edward.
"Definitely," Edward said, "Alice, you and Jasper can meet me at my place and we can ride over together?" Alice and Jasper nodded in agreement.
At that, inspiration struck me.
"Hey, um, if you'd like, you guys could drive to the marina with me. Would 12 o'clock be alright?" I looked between the three of them, my eyes resting on Edward, who looked as though he was waiting for me to make the suggestion.
"That'd be perfect."
We made final arrangements, divvying up who would bring what and all headed our separate ways in *squee* couples, with Alice mouthing for me to call her tomorrow.
By the time Edward and I made our way back to the parking garage and were on our way back to the apartments, it was 1:00 am.
"Thank you for driving me Edward. I hope you weren't too bored."
"Anytime. I enjoy being around you Bella, I wasn't bored at all. If I may be so bold, I hope to spend even more time with you in the future," His tone was unsure. As if I would say no!
"I'd like that. Very much."
When we had made it upstairs and in front of my door, things got awkward. Is he going to kiss me? Should I kiss him?
"Well, goodnight, Bella. I'll see you Sunday at noon, if not before." He was standing before me with his hands in his pockets, looking at his feet shuffling on the carpet.
"Thank you, again, for driving." I looked up at him shyly with my hands clasped behind my back.
Edward reached forward and tucked a piece of hair that had come undone from my ponytail behind my ear. His hand brushed my cheek and traveled over the curve of my shoulder and down my arm. I let my arms hang to my side and his hand drifted to my hand. He brought it up to his face and gently brushed his lips across my knuckles, gazing intently into my eyes.
"Goodnight, Bella, "he whispered.
"Goodnight." We turned to our respective doors, unlocking them, opening them, and then looking at each other over our shoulders. With one last smile we entered our apartments.
After I closed my door I leaned against it and let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. I went about my nightly routine, showering and getting ready for bed. As I lay in between my soft sheets I thought of the handsome man across the hall and drifted to sleep.
That night my dreams were filled with heated touches, strawberry Starburst, and disarming green eyes.
A/N
Hi kids! I hope you liked this chapter! Reviews are sweeter than Starburst!