A/N:

I do not own Twilight that glory belongs to her Royal Highness Stephenie Meyer (((sigh))) I love that woman! But I do own a photo with the one and only Stephenie Meyer! ;)

Hey Party People:

If you're still around I want to say – THANK YOU! I won't bore you with excuses but hope to update quicker. This is an Edward POV….so enjoy!

Xoxo,

Tammy

Previously on Awakening:

Bella and Edward and the gang are in New York for a photoshoot with LAMB & Madison Square Garden performance. Meanwhile, Bella is enjoying her new found freedom and to celebrate she and Edward got matching tattoos.

Now a new episode of Awakening in progress...

Jonah wrapped my throbbing wrist in clear plastic. "Keep this on while you walk around the city; then when you get home run the warm water over it," he instructed both Bella and I. "And get some Neosporin, it'll help keep the infections at bay while it heals."

"I think I can handle that," I said. I wanted to ask how long the pain would last but I suddenly had an image of Emmett laughing at me. Instead I decided to send a text to Jasper later; he would refrain from making fun of me.

When it was time to pay, Bella grabbed my wallet and told me it was her gift and handed Jonah her cash.

"Why are you being so stubborn?" she asked.

"I'm not being stubborn," I mumbled. "I just think I should pay for….stuff."

She smirked. "So it this a male pride thing?"

I rolled my eyes. "I was brought up to take care of the woman you love. Despite my actions in the past; my parents instilled values in us," I said.

"So Esme never pays for anything?" she asked. I opened my mouth to reply and quickly closed it. I could not come up with a retort because my mother is incredibly independent. After college she started a hand-crafted furniture business which later lead to a very successful interior design business. "Yeah, I thought so. Now stop being overly macho and let me pay for this."

I heard Jonah chuckle. "Dude, don't fight it," he advised and handed Bella her change.

She shook her head. "Keep it," she replied and handed him more cash to add to his tip.

"Thank you very much. Please come back any time," he said graciously. "Remember keep the plastic on why you walk around the city, then when you get back to your hotel rinse your tattoo with warm water."

We thanked him once again and aimlessly walked around the city for a while. Before we went back to the hotel we stopped at Duane Reed, the local drug store for the items Jonah recommended. Of course Bella had to throw in her new late night favorite snacks: Peanut M&M's.

"Your sweet tooth has seriously increased recently," I chided.

"Tell me about it," she muttered. "I need to add an additional thirty minutes to my cardio."

I rolled my eyes because a few bags of candy definitely would not hurt her figure. Hell she could get up to two hundred pounds, I would still love her!

After we made our purchases, we headed back to the hotel. I was far from tired. If anything I was finally amped up; something I hadn't felt since we accepted the gig. Lately I'd been plagued with nothing but anxiety so badly I had to call my father for advice. He speculated that I associated my injury with performing. As the week wore on the pressure seemed to squeeze the life out of me. Thankfully, Bella was busy with work and whenever she asked if I was okay I blamed it on song issues. I broke down and had my father call an associate of his and prescribed me a very mild dosage of Xanax.

I planned to tell Bella about this ongoing issue during lunch and chickened out, then we went and got the tattoos and it didn't seem right to spoil the mood. Even now that we're back in the hotel room, plastic wrap removed from our wrists and freshly rinsed, I just watched her. She was relaxed and all smiles as her fingers flew over the screen of her iPhone. Since we arrived in New York, any tension seemed to have left her body. She looked like she was ready to embrace her new life and move onto the next adventure.

Bella looked up at that moment and caught me staring from the doorway. "Jake wants to see our tatts," she said, her smile contagious. I knew she had sent him text photos of me while Jonah worked on my tattoo.

I walked over and positioned our wrists side by side. "Hold still," I gently commanded as I tried to get a photo of our tattoo; and after three attempts, Bella was able to send Jake the text. Before she went back to her conversation, I stole a kiss.

It was supposed to be quick kiss but as her mouth opened and our tongues met there was no way I could let her go just yet. I heard a muted thud where her phone had fallen. When I felt her fingers in my hair, a frenzy began - a need to get closer. There are no words; something about her fingers in my hair drives me insane. I grabbed her until she was straddling my lap. My hands inched up under her sweater, and just as I reached her bra, the phone rang.

We stopped and stared at each other for a moment. "Ignore it," I muttered and kissed her again. But whoever was calling was persistent. With a heavy sigh, I released her to grab my phone from the coffee table. My stomach dropped when I saw two missed calls from Aro. Fuck!

Before I could hit redial the phone rang and I answered immediately. "Hey Aro," Bella looked up from her phone when she heard the name.

"I heard you chartered a plane with Talon Air to Paris," he said in a no nonsense voice.

"Um, yeah," I said, confused. "How did you know?" I hadn't told Bella, but I chartered a plane to Paris that was scheduled to leave the afternoon after the performance. Bella was under the impression we would stay another day and then decide where to go.

"Because something didn't check out," he replied.

I frowned. "What do you mean? I've used this company before."

"Yes, and they always double check passports to make sure there would be no issues as you usually request. And we have a red flag." When I first went to the UK a roadie was detained at the airport due to his passport being suspended for not paying child support. He figured he already had a passport and he couldn't be stopped; apparently he didn't know the California State DA office planned ahead and had him detained.

"How?" I asked still confused. "It's only me and Bella."

"Yeah I know," he muttered. "One thing we never looked into was her passport because she already had one and never used it. But when you had the charter do the check, they found out she was red flagged."

"What the fuck? How?" I roared.

"Edward what's wrong?" Bella asked worriedly.

"Aro, let me put you on speaker," I said. While I changed the settings on my phone I quickly explained the passport situation to Bella. "Okay Bella is here with me and I just got her up to speed on the situation. Now how did this happen?"

"James had Victoria place it on her passport in case she tried to leave the country. The only thing TSA would see is that she is wanted for questioning in an investigation; they would hold her until someone from Forks came for her," he explained.

"What investigation?" Bella asked confusedly.

"A man named Brady Collins, someone Victoria put behind bars, is suing the state; and since he's claimed he was framed from the time he was arrested they're actually listening," he went on to explain. "Bella does that name sound familiar to you?"

"Yeah," she said softly. "He once gave me ride to the hospital and was vocal about me getting help. But he moved not too long after that so I never heard from him again."

Aro sighed heavily. "Dammit, they were making sure you had no contact with him."

"Other than Jake and Carlisle, I didn't associate with too many people. I even stopped talking to people on the reservation."

I should have killed James when I had the chance."If Bella wasn't apart of the original investigation, why is she listed now?" I asked. I didn't realize I'd pinched the bridge of my nose until I felt Bella gently brush my hands away from my face. Her look of worry made me refocus my priorities. I took a deep breath and continued to listen.

"When the case was reopened old flags went out; it's actually common practice, but the odd part is, no one ever spoke to her. The downside for us is the fact that Collins has new counsel and they may call her in because she's listed, and was never interviewed," Aro continued on. "Thankfully, Caius is keeping me in the loop."

"Can't we just have it removed?" I asked like a bratty child.

"Not at this time."

"Aro does this affect me flying domestically as well?" Bella asked. FUCK! I hadn't thought of that. "Or will I have to go straight back to Washington?"

Shit! The family meets in Hawaii for Christmas.

Aro was quiet for a moment. "As long as you use the driver's license you obtained in California. This mess is under your married name," Aro said. During our time in Los Angeles, Bella had started the process of becoming a resident of California; which meant a new driver's license under her maiden name. She had used Mike's address as her mailing address until we could find a house.

"So this is under the name Ramsey?" I asked.

"Yes, the BOL is listed as Isabella Ramsey," Aro said distractedly. "Bella I don't want you stuck in Washington while the family is in Hawaii."

"I'll be with her," I interrupted.

"No, Edward you can't miss that time with your family," Bella countered.

"Oh please, I see those fuckers all the time. You're more important!" I practically shouted back.

"Are you two done or should this 'fucker' as my nephew has eloquently stated remain quiet?" Aro asked mockingly.

"Sorry," Bella and I said at the same time.

"You're my favorite Uncle Fucker," I said lamely.

I heard Aro sigh over the phone. "As I was saying, I don't want Bella stuck in Washington. After your show, go straight to Hawaii. Jenks is refueling at JFK tomorrow morning, so going straight to Hawaii after the show should work out just fine," he said.

"What about Jenks?" I asked.

"I don't think first class on a commercial airline will kill her," Aro said dryly.

"Where is she going next? Bella asked curiously.

"I think Chicago," he replied.

"I'll take care of any additional expenses she'll occur for this flight change," I interjected.

"Not necessary, Son," he replied. "I have to go and send a message to Jenks and the pilot about the flight change."

"Again, Thank you Aro."

"Anytime." He hung up the phone before we could say more. Bella and I sat motionless as Aro's words sunk in.

"Fuck, I need a cigarette," I muttered and grabbed my cigarettes on the coffee table and went onto the balcony for a smoke. The cold air hit me but did nothing for the rage that flowed through my body, the feeling was overwhelming. Instead of lighting a cigarette as planned my body felt as though it was choking with fury. I took a deep breath and counted to ten just as I did with Bella when she was upset.

Normally, I wouldn't try to understand James or his reasons to hold onto Bella, but if you hate someone, why would you try to keep them close? That would be like keeping crazy ass Tanya around when I knew I couldn't stand her. If Bella ran why make her return? James' words would forever haunt me – "She's dead Cullen! I can't wait until she takes her dying breath; in fact I'll videotape it for you!"I shuddered when I relived that moment in the courtroom; what does he gain from her death? Other than pleasure, what? I could practically see him taking pleasure in hurting her.

Suddenly my stomach rolled and I could feel the bile rise, I knew I wouldn't make it to the bathroom so I vomited into the plant on the balcony. Fuck! I suddenly felt something cold touch my forehead, I looked over to see Bella crouched next to me with a wash cloth.

I felt like a fucking pansy. Weak.

I can usually handle this James shit but with the show and now the latest from your friendly neighborhood in Forks, I was slowly losing it – in front of Bella. "Come on let's get you cleaned up," she murmured.

I got up too swiftly which caused the room to spin, once I caught my bearings I walked into the bathroom. I took off my shirt, went straight for the mouthwash, and then proceeded to brush my teeth. Just to ensure that vomit smell was gone I washed my face. As I dried I looked into the mirror and to my horror I realized Bella found my prescription of Xanax. "I-I can explain!" I stuttered and grabbed the bottle from her hands.

"What am I supposed to think they are?" she asked. "Because we both know it's not vitamins. Why are you taking Xanax?"

I sighed and muttered a few curses under my breathe. "During the trial I had a few minor panic attacks; but now that we've been prepping for the concert, I've been having them more and more."

She just stared at me. "Why didn't you say something?"

"I was trying to get it under control. My dad thinks it's because my brain is associating my last show with being injured and my body isn't handling it very well."

I saw the tears well up in her eyes. "This is my fault," she whispered.

"My God! No Bella! This isn't your fault!" I yelled.

"If you're panicking about going on stage and being injured it's because you were protecting me – so yes this is my fault!" she fired back.

I shook my head. "No Bella, we've been over this; if we're to blame anyone it's James, Jane and that fucking pussy Alec! And for good measure, Ms. Cokehead herself – Victoria!" I shouted. "And here's the thing Bella, I would do it all over again. I don't give a fuck if I have a few panic attacks; as long as I know you're safe, I'll deal."

She didn't respond to my words she just turned towards the sink and filled the glass housekeeping left on the counter. She then took the bottle and shook out a pill, easily broke it in half. Her movements were efficient but mechanical. "Take half otherwise tomorrow you will be sluggish and that's the last thing you need," she said.

"I've taken it before," I mumbled as I took the pill.

"Yes but you probably slept it off the next day," she said dryly and after a moment her eyes grew wide. "But this explains why you were knocked out by nine o'clock the other night."

Guilty.

"I'm sorry."

She sighed. "Oddly enough, I understand why you didn't say anything, and deep down I know you're trying to protect me," she said thoughtfully, leading me back to the bedroom. "But I'm a big girl and I can handle it. So Paris, huh?"

It took me a moment to realize she abruptly changed the subject. "Yeah, I knew you'd always wanted to go and wanted to surprise you," I said sheepishly.

She sighed and crawled to the middle of the bed, unknowingly she had me mesmerized with her ass, I watched her until she was settled into the bed. "Yeah, since I was a kid. My mom…," her voice cracked. "My mom said she wanted to take me for my sixteenth birthday….wow….I haven't thought about that plan in years. Am I a geek if I just want to hang out at the museums everyday when I'm there?"

"No! Only a woman who appreciates art like I do could own my heart," I said. "When I'm able to escape the crowds I love to hit the galleries and museums."

I had a love/hate relationship with Paris; it's a beautiful city that awakened my artistic side. And as much as I loved the art, I hated the romantic setting, especially since I was alone. Jasper was usually with Alice, Rose and Emmett always paired up even when they were on a break, they were drawn together. I resorted in inviting Jake and Leah hoping they would want to hang out but they ended up getting engaged. "So….you and I have a future date in Paris?"

"Damn straight we do," Bella replied with a mischievous grin.

I groaned when I realized I had to cancel all the plans I made. "Shit I need to contact Sandra so she can start canceling our Paris reservations," I explained.

After I spoke with Mike's assistant who said she'd take care of the cancellations, she also offered to personally contact the caretakers of the house in Hawaii to make sure everything was in order for our arrival in Oahu.

When I ended the call, I realized that heavy feeling I felt earlier was gone because I felt more relaxed and knew the medication was working. Bella had left the room while I was on the phone. Instead of finding her I laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

oOo

I awoke when the bed suddenly started shaking; I jumped up thinking it was in earthquake; then I remembered I was in New York. I looked over to see Emmett silently chuckling at my reaction to the bed shaking. Even though I've been through several small quakes when in California, it isn't a feeling one could get used to.

"That's mature," I grumbled as I got back into bed and threw the pillow over my head.

"I'm sorry but you wouldn't wake up when I tried calling your name," Emmett said as he lifted the pillow from my head. "Come on get dressed, we're all having dinner down stairs."

I shook my head. "Em, I'm really not in the mood to get drunk tonight." Since I've been taking the Xanax I've cut down on my drinking. My dad would have my ass if I mixed the alcohol when on medication.

"I swear it will be a mellow night, trust me. We all want to be rested and prepared for tomorrow night. Listen, we're not even leaving the hotel. I made the reservation for us at the restaurant down stairs and the staff promised no one will bother us," Emmett cajoled. "Besides, it's more a celebration than anything else."

Not going outside had a certain appeal, but I would never tell my brother that; at least not right away. "And what are we celebrating?"

"Well your new girlie tattoo for one thing. Seriously, a heart?" he asked distractedly.

"Fuck you! At least I don't have a rose on my hip like someone in this room!" I reminded him. A week after his breakup with Rose, he missed a touchdown which caused the Seattle Seahawks to lose the game that week; and after a night of drinking, his teammates convinced him to get a tattoo.

"Hey, I wear that tatt very well, thank you very much," he said with an unabashed smile. "Okay in all seriousness, tonight is different."

"Different how?"

"I got the part," he said quietly.

"What part?" I asked. I knew when Emmett went to Los Angeles alone after the holidays he was doing some auditioning for film work. He caught the acting bug after we guest starred on a sitcom a few years ago. Out of all of us, he was the most at ease in front of the camera. After that, he would get small roles in Indie films; usually the funny sidekick friend role. As long as it didn't interfere with touring, I encouraged it.

"Not my usual role," he said quietly suddenly looking bashful.

I frowned and sat up against the headboard. "Okay what kind of role?" I asked warily.

"It's the lead."

"Wow, Emmett that's great! Is this for the reboot of American Pie movie you were telling me about?"

He shook his head. "No, he's a well-known actor and it's his directorial debut," he explained.

"Who's directing?" I asked curiously.

"Leonardo DiCaprio."

I sat there stunned. "You're shitting me, right?"

Emmett's cheeks turned red. "No, I'm serious; he called and confirmed less than an hour ago. Hell, I haven't even told Rose yet," he explained. He went on to tell me it was a serious drama about an American soldier adapting to life after several tours in the Iraq war. I was stunned, but at the same time I could see Emmett in the role. There are many sides to my brother and I have complete faith in him, I know he will be amazing.

"You're right we do need to celebrate!" I said excitedly. "Let me take a quick shower."

I was in and out of the shower in less than twenty minutes. I threw on a pair of jeans, a grey long sleeve button down and my favorite high top Converse. I went back to the bathroom to do something to my hair; my fingers grazed the raised scar I had in the back of my head. My hair was long enough to cover it; just touching it reminded me of that night and I could feel the anxiety return.

I took a few deep calming breaths to regain control. I knew I could easily get caught up in the brooding over the situation in Washington, but I knew I could not allow it to control my relationship with Bella. I had to remind myself to man up and not let it get to me, but sometimes I simply could not get past shit. I wanted our lives to really start, even though there was always some hurdle; I refused to be that guy I was before I was before.

I was so lost in thought I didn't see Emmett leaning against the sink as he read the label on my bottle of Xanax. I held my breath as I waited for him to say something, but he remained quiet and then opened the bottle and counted the pills.

"Bella told me about the conversation with Aro," he said when he finally spoke and continued to count.

"Everything is a little fucked up, but it'll work out." It has to workout, we can't live our lives like this forever.

"Why is there a half a pill?" he asked suddenly.

I cleared my throat. "Bella suggested that so I won't be sluggish tomorrow."

"Good idea," he said quietly. "You know you could have come to me, I have them for Alice."

I sighed. "I know but I just wanted to handle it on my own. You know I don't usually have stage fright; honestly performing doesn't scare me, but I had this overwhelming fear and I don't know why…why…" I trailed off.

"You're afraid when the performance is over you have to fight for your life again," he said in a serious tone. "Sadly, we're all aware of this feeling."

I frowned. "You're aware? How?"

"Think about it, we can do this type of performance in our sleep. Hell, you've done it drunk and stoned, but you insisted on the crazy practice sessions. Considering we constantly have jam sessions at home there was no need for it. Even Jasper has been freaking out over things; making sure everything is absolutely perfect, and when Rose and Alice no longer had to worry about the shoot, they too worried about the performance. We're all on edge, we're all scared; so when you had extra security added we didn't say 'Edward you're going overboard!' because it eased our fears that something could happen."

My heart dropped. "I didn't realize you all felt like that."

Emmett went silent again and was lost in his own thoughts. "You know after I fucked up my knee and went into an… emotional tailspin, you didn't give me any platitudes like 'It's okay, it's not the end of the world.' when it technically was the end of my world. Instead, you told me to man up and deal with it. When you offered me the position as the lead guitarist, I knew you did it as your way to help as I figured things out," he said.

"That's bullshit, you're way better than you give yourself credit for," I muttered.

"I admit I've gotten better, but when you hired me I was barely above average... but that's not the point I'm trying to make," he said distractedly. "When shit hit the fan you saved my ass – bottom line. I had no football career; something I've wanted since the kids in Port Angeles Prep called me Tubba Wubba. I was in the darkest place because my real dream died before my eyes, and doctors were telling me I was lucky I could even walk and I just wanted to die."

"You would have gotten better without me," I said suddenly uncomfortable. I hated to think about Emmett at that time, he was angry at everyone, not even my parents could get through to him.

He shook his head. "No I don't think so," he said softly. "But not just me, there's Ace, Jasper and Rose; believe it or not, in some weird way, you helped us all. And how do I repay you?"

"By playing really well?" I asked questionably.

He shook his head. "No, when the shit the fan for you, I dropped the ball – again."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"When we arrived I saw Dad was trying to revive Bella in the yard; I looked around for you and I saw you take James down who was jogging back towards us. Hell, I was mentally cheering your fighting skills. I took my eyes off of you for five seconds, I swear only five seconds,and when I looked up again you were falling down," he explained, but when he looked at me I could see his eyes were glazed with unshed tears. "If I had kept my eye on you, Alec wouldn't have used your head for batting practice. I fucked up Edward. When I should have been there to help you, I wasn't. And I will never forgive myself for that."

Emmett and I had never talked about that night. I never dreamt he felt guilty about something he had no control over. "Em, you couldn't have known what the fucker was up to," I said. "If you and Dad hadn't taught me to fight, I wouldn't have been able to fight James. You're the best brother a guy could ever have. I never once thought you let me down – not once. Please believe me when I say you didn't let me down, I swear."

I saw the tears roll down his cheeks as he simply nodded.

"Listen, let's go celebrate your new accomplishment," I said encouragingly. "I'm sorry I stressed you all out over my weird fears. I honestly was trying to hide and not burden anyone. They're irrational, I know. So, let's go celebrate your new venture and our show tomorrow night."

I pulled my brother into a tight hug and walked out of the bathroom and gave him a moment to collect himself. By the time I put on my black blazer, Emmett re-emerged from the bathroom looking refreshed as if the stress of our conversation didn't seem to weigh him down. I grabbed my wallet, phone, room card and we made our way to the elevator. Emmett told me to hold off telling everyone about the movie until Mike arrived. I just nodded in agreement. Mike was the one who talked the casting director into seeing Emmett, so it was only natural to celebrate with him.

Everyone was talking amongst themselves when Emmett and I arrived to the table. I took the empty chair next to Bella. She reached over and gently squeezed my hand.

I gave her a quick peck on the cheek and then whispered in her ear, "Sorry I worried you, I'm okay."

"You always tell me not to bottle things up, so start practicing what you preach," she said with a sassie grin.

"Touché," I murmured and gave her another kiss. A moment later I see Mike is shaking hands with Emmett and he begins to greet everyone at the table, when suddenly a feminine hand covered Bella's eyes.

"Guess who?" she asked in a sing song voice.

"Jessica?" Bella replied and I looked over my shoulder to see Jessica made a surprise visit. Bella jumped out of her seat and gave Jess a big hug. This was the first time they had seen each other since we were in Los Angeles. Despite the distance, they had remained close; a friendship that had flourished during the trial. "Ohmigod, what are you doing here? I thought you were still filming!"

"We wrapped up early, which allowed me to clear up some stuff and come for the show," she explained. "Plus, I wanted to be here to support Emmett."

Bella frowned. "What are you supporting Emmett on?"

Jessica looked to where Emmett and Mike were speaking and then back at Bella. "He hasn't told you guys?" she asked.

"Told us what?" Bella asked worriedly.

"Bella, it's not what you think and Emmett will explain in a moment," I intervened.

"You know what this is about?" Bella asked.

"Yes, I just found out a moment ago."

"What's going on?" Bella asked curiously.

I shook my head. "No, this is Em's deal, you have to wait for him," I said and quickly turned to Jess. "And please don't say anything to the girls because I don't think they know either."

"Okay, my lips are sealed," Jessica said and went on to say hello to everyone.

"Fine! But you owe me cookies for this!" Bella said as she took her seat.

I threw my arms around her shoulders and brought her closer to me. "Trust me when I say you're going to want to wait for Emmett and his big reveal."

"Fine, but you still owe me."

"Why do I have the feeling you just want cookies?" I murmured in her ear.

"I want something else but the cookies will do," she retorted with an arched eyebrow. My eyes went directly to her lips, soft and pink just thinking about the color pink made my dick twitch in the worst way. I had to start counting to one hundred in order to regain control because lately I've wanted nothing more than to throw her on the table and fuck her until she forgot her name.

The rest of dinner was filled with our usual banter and plenty of laughs; especially from Jessica , who was sharing what had been going on behind the scene on the set of her last movie with George Clooney. I was feeling good and I knew it had nothing to do with the Xanax. I was with my family and most trusted friends; most of all, I was with my girl.

We were waiting for dessert when three bottles of Dom Pérignon arrived at the table. After everyone was served a glass, Emmett stood up,"I know you're all wondering why I begged you all out for dinner tonight, especially to a classy place like this," he said and gestured around the room. "After the holidays I went to Los Angeles, and it was not just to surf like I told you all; it was to audition for a movie role."

Alice frowned. "Em, you were auditioning when we were in LA last time, what's so special about this one?"

"Before the trial I had an audition and bombed," Emmett started to explain.

"And they called you back?" Jasper asked.

Emmett laughed. "Yes, but not for the role I originally wanted; in fact, it's the lead for a serious drama."

The table exploded with questions, he went on the explain the promise of the film, his new diet regimen, etc. But when he told them that Leonardo DiCaprio was the director, all the girls had this dreamy look on their faces.

"And I get to be there," Jessica said with a sly grin.

"What?" Jasper asked.

Emmett and Jessica grinned at each other. "Jessica will play my love interest," he replied.

"Ohmigod!" Bella screeched.

I stood up with my glass. "Let's raise our glasses to Em and Jessica; I can't begin to say how happy I am for you both and I know you're going to kick some ass on this project," I said. "Cheers!"

As the night went on, other performers came into the restaurant for dinner. People would stop by and say hello. Some I had seen all week, others had just arrived earlier today. Emmett and Mike decided it was a good time to make the social rounds. I decided to settle the tab even though Emmett arranged the dinner. There was no way he was going to pay for his celebratory evening. When I saw Jasper and Alice sneak off a few minutes earlier, I knew it was safe for me to make an escape. After a quick search, I found Bella at the bar talking with Jessica and Rose.

I slipped into the barstool next to Bella, she smiled when she saw me, but it was her 'I'm drunk'smile. "Having fun?" I asked.

"Yes!" she exclaimed way too loudly and threw her arms around me. "I was just showing the girls our new tattoos!"

"Oh really," I said as I tried to keep her steady.

"Let us see," Rose said reaching for my arm. Both Jessica and Rose gushed when we did a side by side.

"I love it," Jessica remarked. "I think it's great you two have bonded like that."

"Thanks," I said, I could feel a blush coming on. "I better get her upstairs."

Mike and Emmett had just returned as I was saying my goodbyes when I heard Bella gasp, then grab my arm tightly. We turned to see her staring at the entrance of the bar. "Edward, I think I've had too much to drink. Do you see a tall black man with dreads behind that woman?" she frantically asked in my ear.

I looked at the entrance again and saw Katy Perry and her fiance Russell Brand, followed by one of my ex-lovers, Rhianna, walk through the door. For once, it wasn't Rhi's long legs that held my attention, I was focused on the man behind her instead. "Yes," I answered. "Who is he?"

"Laurent."

AN:

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