Chapter Two

Bella

I grabbed my case and went to look for Alice but it was Jasper I recognised leaning against a pillar looking devastating as usual, all female eyes turning to watch him as they passed while he seemed oblivious to it all. When he saw me he straightened up and walked over taking my case and kissing my cheek in welcome.

"Alice was held up so I volunteered my services as taxi, I hope that's OK"

I nodded, I still felt a little unsure in his company, he made me uneasy, not in a dangerous kind of way but in an awkward not wanting to fall flat on my face in a puddle kind instead. I think he must have felt it because he put an arm around my shoulder as we walked out to the car, a bright yellow Porsche, Alice's no doubt. As I strapped myself in he threw the case in the back and slid in beside me.

"So Bella, how is married life treating you? I'm amazed you are still human. I thought the plan was to change you after the honeymoon, having too much fun?"

I laughed bitterly,

"Not quite. Anyway how is your course going?"

He nodded,

"OK I get it, shut your mouth and butt out Jazz."

I smiled at him and shook my head.

"I'm sorry, that was rude. Where is Alice anyway?"

"A friend rang with some kind of problem so Alice went to help, she should be back later. If not I have orders to entertain you."

"Sorry about that, I'm sure you're busy with college work."

He smiled and I was reminded again how beautiful his face was, especially when lit with enjoyment.

"Course work I can do with my eyes closed. It's not the first philosophy degree I've taken"

"Why do you do it Jazz? I understand you need to keep your mind occupied but why don't you do something different, something you've never done before?"

"That's easier said than done when you've been around as long as I have. Besides its better than just wandering round and letting my brain stagnate. What about you? What will you do with you degree?"

I shrugged,

"I haven't really thought about it. Edward doesn't want me to work but the thought of just wandering around doesn't hold a lot of appeal for me either. I guess its different for mates, just being with each other is fulfilling enough."

"Don't be so sure of that Bella, we all need stimulation, the intellectual kind I mean. But for now enough deep meaningful conversations, I have orders to take you out for dinner and then I thought you might enjoy a play."

"You really don't have to spend your time amusing me Jazz."

"I know but you will allow me I hope."

I nodded and he pulled into a small café car park. I heaved a sigh of relief and he looked at me curiously,

"What was that for? The relief?"

"I could just see you pulling into some expensive restaurant with valet parking and maître d'"

"And you wouldn't like that?"

"No."

"Then its as well I ignored the reservation Alice had made at just such an establishment"

I thanked him gratefully and he offered me his arm as we walked in. As I slipped my arm through his my mouth went dry and I felt a tingle in my chest, nerves probably although I knew I was safe with Jasper, I'd never felt anything other than. We sat in a corner booth and he passed me the menu, ordering coffee for both of us while I chose my meal. I couldn't concentrate on the words in front of me, something in my brain was screaming for attention but my conscious mind wouldn't let it out. The meal was very good and we chatted through it but when we left I had no idea what we had discussed but remembered only the honey tones of his Texas accent. He drove to an apartment building and parked underground before taking my case with one hand and my arm with the other and escorted me up to their apartment. It was on the top floor with breathtaking views over the city to the mountains in the distance,

"It's beautiful"

"I'm glad you like it, this is your room"

He opened a door into a huge bedroom with a bathroom attached.

"I hope its comfortable"

"I looked around and nodded,

"Its great thank you. I think I'll just freshen up if you don't mind"

He smiled and went out shutting the door behind him and my brain started working again, why did I always feel such a dummy in his presence? My phone went and I picked it up sighing when I saw it was Edward.

"Bella? Did your flight land on time?"

"Yes and I was picked up and taken to dinner"

"Good. Listen Carlisle and I are going on to Boston for a couple of weeks, he has an interest in some medical research and he asked me if I would be interested in becoming involved. I hope that's OK with you."

"Would it make any difference if I said no?"

"Don't be petulant Bella it doesn't suit you. If you get fed up with Alice's company then fly back, Esme will be there."

"Fine, thanks Edward"

I was hurt and angry and I cut him off, so I wasn't as important as some medical research, that put things in perspective! I went through to the bathroom and took a quick shower changing into a long skirt and jumper, suitable attire for a play unless of course we had one of the boxes. I hated it when Edward booked a box at the theatre, I felt like I was on display. When I went back through Jasper was reading, stretched out on the sofa, but he jumped up and I was relieved to see he wasn't in a dinner jacket or suit but jeans and a sweater.

"I'm ready"

"Right let's go. It's only a few blocks away so would you mind walking? Only parking is impossible in the city."

I nodded happy to get some fresh air and a chance to stretch my legs. As we walked I told him about Edwards phone call then realized he'd probably heard it all anyway.

"You are welcome to stay as long as you like Bella but I can tell you I think he's crazy leaving such a beautiful and intelligent woman alone for the sake of research. Sorry I know its none of my business, and here we are."

I looked at the theater, it was small and old-fashioned and I smiled as I saw the play that was on, The Bell, The Book, and The Candle.

"Its been years since I saw this. I went with Renee to a local dramatic group when I was young"

"Oh, we don't have to go if you've seen it. I just thought something light-hearted would be fun"

"No, I'm looking forward to it."

It was an intimate little theater and I really enjoyed the play, something I had missed since I married. Edward had offered to take me to Seattle to the theaters but after one memorable evening when dressed up like a Barbie doll I was forced to sit through a play about political rivalry in Russia or somewhere, in full view in a box I vowed never again. This was nothing like that.

When we got back there was a message on the answer phone from Alice. She'd been held up and begged my forgiveness asking Jazz to show me around until she got back,

"It might be a few days though, Carrie is very upset"

I grinned at Jazz ruefully,

"Looks like you have babysitting duties but don't worry I can take myself out. You just do what you normally do, I don't want to interfere."

"I like the ideas of showing you the sights if you don't mind. I'm not as good company as Alice but I'll do my best."

"I have a strange feeling I might enjoy it more because I think shopping will be way down on your agenda."

"Yes it's not my favorite occupation"

"So we have something in common"

"I think perhaps we have more in common than you realize but we'll see."

We sat talking till late then I excused myself and climbed into bed exhausted but happy. The happiest I'd been in a while and I felt relaxed too. I wondered what tomorrow might bring as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.