Disclaimer: All Twilight names, places and characteristics belong to the talented Stephenie Meyer. I just play with her toys.

Authors note: A short, gap filler chapter this time, I thought everyone could use something a little light hearted after the drama of the last few chapters. Enjoy!

"Oh, Bella Boo! I'm so proud!"

Eric was clapping gleefully and bouncing his legs causing the table to rock, he only stopped when he realised he was spilling his cocktail everywhere.

Edward was squeezing my hand as he relayed my tales of how I 'stood up to Marcus' and resolved our issues. Eric squealed continuously, Edward hardly stopped for breath while he spoke proudly of me.

"This calls for cosmos!" Eric giggled, finally stopping his applause.

"I'm more of a beer man," Edward chuckled.

I smiled at Eric's happiness, he was waving around for a waiter to come and take an order. He raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at a Spanish looking guy. He managed to get the waiters attention and he turned to me and winked.

"Marcus, Schmarcus, Bella Boo,"

He clearly didn't want to mourn his failed holiday romance any longer.

Eric had great fun making eyes at his wannabe Spanish lover, though I suspected that he wasn't gay. As long as Eric was smiling, I didn't care.

Edward's hand found my denim clad thigh and he squeezed gently, his lips lingering by my ear.

"Together, we'll make this a memorable trip for you, Bella. For all the right reasons," He whispered, "I want you to go home with good memories, actually I don't want you to go at all but..."

Edward's voice quickly trailed off so he could order a pint of something called Fosters, I was back listening in my hazy bubble while Eric ordered a cosmopolitan and then they both stared at me.

"Oh, um, I'll have a cosmo too," I nodded.

"That's my girl!" squealed Eric.

-BS-

The afternoon passed quite pleasantly. The drinks flowed, Eric took countless photographs on his cell of the Spanish dude and even I was laughing.

I sent Eric up to the bar for another round of drinks, just wanting a couple of moments alone with Edward.

As soon as Eric's back was turned, I'd shifted into Edward's lap. Me, drunk Bella, began to gently nip along Edward's perfectly chiselled jawline.

"You're in a better mood," Edward chuckled.

"That's because, I've been drinking," I grinned innocently, planting a firm kiss on his lips.

I pulled away and opened my eyes just in time to see his tongue lick across his lips. I couldn't help but fidget in his lap at the sight.

"Mmm, you taste like cranberries... and vodka," He almost moaned as he said the words.

It was my favourite sound.

A stupidly girlish giggle escaped me and I hushed myself by kissing Edward again. My lips completely running away with themselves as I suddenly craved more, feeling as if each kiss could be the last.

Maybe I was actually drunk.

It didn't matter, Edward seemed just as keen. His hands skimmed my sides until he reached his shoulders when they switched their location quicker than I could notice and he tangled his fingers into my hair, twisting it around his fingers, pulling my body impossibly closer to him.

The combination of steamy kisses and alcohol was making my head dizzy. I had to come up for air. I looked over Edward's shoulder to see Eric smiling at us fondly.

I bounced off Edward's lap and joined by long time friend at the bar.

"You two look good, B," He teased, bumping my hip with his.

"It's just a little bit of fun," I insisted with a laugh. Eric laughed along for my own amusement and became serious.

"You know it isn't, Boo, you just can't admit it to anyone or even yourself. Seeing you guys together just then, I'm glad you didn't go on camera,"

"You are?" I asked, surprised.

"That Englishman loves you, Bella. I can imagine it would have been heartbreaking for him to see you with his own flesh and blood,"

I nodded, unsure of how to respond. Eric then went from serious to camp in the space of thirty seconds.

"You have to give him the wildest night of his life tomorrow, Bella," He cackled and sipped his fresh cocktail.

Eric's comment landed back on planet Earth with a bump and it hurt. I looked over my shoulder, Edward quickly turned away with a light blush to his cheeks, he'd been watching me. Eric stopped cackling and I piped up, faking my confidence.

"I need some killer lingerie for tomorrow, Eric. Can you help me?"

My friend flashed a toothy grin and nodded excitedly.

"Girl, you know you're in good hands, I'll fix you up good and you and Edward will have a night he'll never forget,"

Never forget? Oh if only.

Until next time

x