Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Beta'd by HollettLA.
POVs flip in this chap :-) It's basically a setup chapter/fluff, to introduce ch19, which is LONG, LONG, LONG. LOL. But I think you'll enjoy it. I'll post ch19 on Sunday. See ya then!
Enjoy!
"Riders on the Storm"
Chapter Eighteen: Charm
Bella POV
With sadness in my heart, I didn't even get dressed today—taking Kylie's old spot on the couch.
So many realities have come to the surface.
Sonny and Katie are miserable, and that's filled my heart with . . . dread.
Kylie will be leaving soon, although I'm doing my best not to think about it. I know she has to go, and I'm extremely happy that she is. I'll just miss her. Besides those times when she was a baby—when I had to be away from her—I've never been away from Kylie for more than a week.
Edward and I are still a bit awkward—as much as we try to act normal. This always happens after we have shouting matches and he loses his temper. When we got home from Sonny's, my husband whisked me into the bedroom.
Alas, I just wasn't in the mood. But I faked enthusiasm, and to my surprise . . . he didn't notice, or he was pretending not to for a nut, and I haven't been down to fuck since.
It's not like it matters. He's been busy this week. We always have two guys outside. Vito has taken the backseat, and Salvatore has been driving Kylie around. I haven't gone anywhere, yet Vinny—Edward's new bodyguard—was to be at my beck and call, instead of my husband's.
Something was going on. It could minor or big. You never know with Edward. It could be extra precautions, but if we were in danger, he would have notified me by now. I'd know.
I stuck to my guns as far as Kylie was concerned, although I suspect Edward is giving her money on the low. Deep in my bones, I felt we were creating another Esme—another shop-a-holic with a chip on her shoulder, another diva who believes the world owes her everything.
At the moment, she's not in school. She's working, and yet still has everything handed to her.
Aro's janitorial company is still going strong, and I let go of the maid we had—the one who would intricately clean the salon top to bottom—a few times a week. That's Kylie's duty now.
And the look on her face when I handed her the disinfectant . . . to clean the toilet.
That shit was priceless.
She's taking it all in stride, although I did let her hire Maggie part-time. I've taken a bigger role at the salon—to make sure they ALL work and don't loaf around—waiting for Nancy to do everything.
Edward has taken her out driving twice, and she's doing well—has a new appreciation for that hooptie. He takes her to the shopping mall at night, so she can do donuts in the empty parking lot. I hear they have a lot of fun, and I loved it—that they were getting to spend some time together, doing something of substance.
But today . . . while Edward is out and Kylie's at the salon, Ben and Jerry are keeping me company, along with Steve Wilkos. There's nothing better than seeing people worse off than you are when you're feeling down.
I was taking advantage of this time.
As soon as Edward comes home, I'll have to get ready—don a skimpy dress and put on a happy face.
Tonight was the Halloween party.
My husband refused to wear what I came up with. We're going as ourselves.
Our daughter tried to pull a fast one on Maggie's parents, but I spoke to Mrs. Sullivan myself. She was fine with her daughter tagging along—as long as Edward and I were to be there—and I'll never know why kids, my children, try to lie their way to get their way.
Of course, Maggie won't be allowed to drink. But since I know how strict the Sullivans are, I'll look the other way if Maggie just so happens to have a cocktail in her hand—same with Kylie. She's spending the night anyway.
Along with giving her more responsibility, I want her to have more freedom. My biggest fear is her running away—because we've always kept her on a short leash. Once she gets to Texas, she might love being away from us and never come back.
That was Edward's argument, actually. Spoil her, so she doesn't bitch about being on lockdown most times.
It made sense, yet I still hated that my sweetheart was turning into something I didn't like. She needs more of a work ethic.
Sonny and Katie . . . forget about it. That shit just breaks my heart.
Nowadays, Damion and Amelia are doing just fine on their own.
I hear she's going as a ladybug—likely a slutty ladybug—and Damion plans to wear a suit and carry a net.
My husband was 100% correct in his thinking—the one night a year slut-wear is acceptable.
Kylie and Maggie are going as water nymphs—whatever the fuck they are. And I've seen their costumes . . . They're basically wearing lingerie with wings. Edward doesn't like it, but I was able to talk him down. No one will be dumb enough to give Kylie a second glance.
Again, although I want Kylie to work, I also want her to live . . .
When I heard the front door close, I was startled. But I heard giggling . . . It was Kylie and Maggie, and they're always giggling. I wondered why there were here this early.
"Hey, Momma." Kylie had shopping bags from Century 21 with her.
"Kylie…" I threw my spoon into the ice cream carton. "Are you serious with this shit? I asked you to cool it and save your money. What could you have possibly needed?"
"Mom…" Her eyes widened, turning back to her friend.
"Shouldn't you be in school until three?" I asked Maggie.
"Um…I skipped last period. It's a study hall period," she whispered, but I was sure—given the time of day—she'd ditched two periods.
"Does your mother know?"
"What's with the 'tude?" Kylie gestured to me. "And you look like crap."
Maggie gasped.
I grinned. "I guess you don't talk to your mother like that, do you?" I asked her.
"No, ma'am." She shook her head.
"Mommy…!" Kylie whined, crawling into my lap, and she kept going 'E.E.E.E' to draw out my name—Mommmyyyyyy.
I wasn't in the mood, especially since her knee dug into my thigh. "Kylie, please…go upstairs with your friend—"
She wrapped her arms around my neck. "I love you."
"What do you want?"
"Nothing—honest." She leaned away, pushing her messy hair out of her face.
"You need a haircut." Truthfully, it really wasn't like her to walk around this unkempt. But who was I to talk? I haven't shaved my legs or anything in a week, haven't washed my own hair in like three days . . . I have been showering, though.
"I wanna let it grow out. Bangs are last season," she sighed into my neck.
I snuggled her close, because, sometimes, Kylie just does this. "Does your mom treat you like a big baby?" I asked Maggie.
She giggled, shaking her head. "If I'm upset…"
"Right." I smiled at her. "Of course."
"Love on me—my God." Kylie tried to get me to hug her tighter.
She made me laugh, and I squeezed her as tight as I could. "Happy?"
"Yeah…" She backed up. "Now you can have your gift."
"Kylie…you don't need to waste your money on me—"
"I didn't." She pushed the bag into me.
"Oh." I nodded.
"Daddy did. He gave me money and said to get you a costume."
"Oh, geez." I was suddenly afraid to look into the bag. It was probably a barnyard animal—something to keep me covered from head-to-toe.
"It's not bad. I picked them out. Daddy has no idea." Kylie gave me an Eskimo kiss.
"I love you," I whispered. "I just—I got the blues, I guess."
"That happens . . . Love ya, too!" She left my lap, dragging Maggie away. But then she was back. "Dad's bag—his costume is upstairs." She wiggled her brows.
"Really?" Now I was genuinely smiling. It was the gesture—Edward willing to dress up when he never had before.
"Yup." She nodded. "But what are we having for dinner? Can we have pasta? Maybe if I fill up, I won't puke this time."
"I can do that…" I trailed off, really wanting to look into the bag. "But just pace yourself, and you know Dad's gonna be watching. Oh—" I frowned.
"What?" Her face matched mine.
"Your cousin is coming. Since you and Maggie were allowed to go—regardless of age—and you know…because he's a boy, Eddie will be there, and he'll likely tag along with you guys." I gestured to them.
The V.I.P. area is only supposed to be open to our large group—not all the top-ranking guys. We'd have our own bar, a view of the stage, and a small dance floor. They never hired an act, just some really famous DJ that I'd never heard of. Kylie was okay with that. I caught her and her friend trying to dance along with the "Thriller" video the other day. That was probably the highlight of my week.
Kylie narrowed her eyes, waving her finger at me, like I was going to get a good, stern talking-to. "You know…that's genius." She looked back to her friend.
"What?" Maggie asked.
"My cousin. He's harmless—gonna be sixteen in a month or two?" She turned back to me.
I nodded. "December 16th." For some reason, I remember everyone's birthday, especially his since it's so close to Sonny's. "What are you up to?"
"Dame's a dickhead, Ma—"
"Kylie!"
"It's true . . . He started all that trouble—"
"But you listened to him," I said. "You went along with it, and I always told you to think for yourself. You know your brothers can be asses . . . If it doesn't sound legit, don't do it."
"I never thought my brother would-would lead me astray." She started with the theatrics, holding her heart. "And Sonny would never do that to me." She turned to Maggie. "You used to stalk him from your bus stop, and you met Sonny that one time…He's really, really handsome. We look alike because we look like my sexy momma. Damion looks just like my dad." She gagged on her finger.
I rolled my eyes. "How could Damion predict the outcome of a thing…between your father and me? An argument no less?"
"For some reason, he was mad at Dad. That's why he did it—persuaded me…Because he knew… and it had nothing to do with me. He knew that playing me would make you guys fight—that Dad would lose his temper, that you'd be pissed at Dad." She tapped her temple.
"Seriously?" I snorted. "Get real. He was trying to help you—"
"No, Mommy." She was dead-ass serious. "I know—I feel it." She held her stomach, which made me wonder what was going on with Edward and Damion. Our son hasn't been around lately . . . although, I figured it was due to Dame keeping Amelia to himself, or the other way around.
I tried to laugh it off, so Kylie wouldn't think too long on it. "Go grab some cat shit—"
"No. We're gonna make him jealous tonight." She nodded, matter-of-factly.
I giggled. "How are you—his sister—going to make him jealous?"
Kylie pointed to Maggie, sticking out her tongue. "She is."
"He'll be with Amelia." I didn't have the heart to say that Damion likely wouldn't give a shit—not while Maggie was in front of me. But then I remembered something. "Who's at the salon?"
"Nancy came back from her trip last night . . . She's there, and I even got her candy to hand out to the kiddos. We switched. I'm covering for her on Sunday, she's working this afternoon for me—"
"I thought the new deal—with hiring Maggie—was so there's always at least two of youse there to pick up the slack in the afternoons?" I raised a brow. "When it's the busiest?"
"I can't take time off to celebrate? It's Halloween—"
"You're an adult. You can't drop obligations just to put on a costume . . . and it's not really a holiday," I said. "School's still open. The bank's still open. The mail still comes—"
"Yeah, but it's still a holiday—"
"Actually, it's a Pagan holiday," Maggie whispered, "to honor the dead—something like that."
"Are you going to church tomorrow for All Saint's Day?" I asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Make sure you take Kylie with you." I winked at them.
"Would you shut up with your 'yes, ma'am' garbage. You're making me look bad." Kylie pushed her.
"You do that all on your own," Maggie said.
Kylie gasped. "I love her. Don't you love her?" She attack-hugged Maggie, and I shook my head—actually loving how silly they were being.
"Oh…so, how does Eddie fit into your plans?" I turned off the sound on the TV, knowing whatever Kylie said would be better.
Kylie smirked, facing Maggie. "He grew a lot over the summer. He's really tall. It's not like he looks like a real kid anymore, but he is . . . He still has braces but they're the clear kind. He skipped a grade because he's a smarty-pants nerd."
"Hey." Now she was being a little mean.
She ignored me. "You might even know him. He has the same name as my dad—well, close. Edward Carlisle Cullen?"
"I don't know him, but okay." Maggie nodded along.
"And you're going to be all over him—"
"Kylie!" I slapped my thigh.
"What? Give the poor kid a thrill. She's hot." My daughter poked Maggie's tit. "Mom," she turned to me again, "there's gonna be only men—actual men—there. And Maggie's scared of the peen." She whispered that last bit behind her hand.
"No…apprehensive. I've never seen one before." And Maggie just straight up told me that, but she couldn't do it without blushing furiously.
"See? She's scared. She's never seen a penis before, and yet . . . Maggie loves peen," Kylie teased.
"I don't have to bite the donut to know it's sweet," she replied.
"Right-the-fuck-on!" Kylie gave her friend a high-five.
"Apprehensive . . . as you should be," I agreed. "Kylie how 'bout you and Maggie just focus on having fun tonight? Dance, laugh, get tipsy—"
"She wants to grab Dame's attention, too."
When I looked to Maggie, she actually just shrugged her shoulders like she didn't care.
My daughter continued. "And I'm sure Eddie or . . . I don't know. Someone will whip out a peen tonight."
"Kylie Marie!" I had a hard time keeping a straight face.
"I'm just saying. I don't know. It's possible . . . if she asked." Kylie rocked back on her heels. "I'd say she'd be safe to hit on Anthony, but that's pointless . . . Dame knows all of Ant's secrets."
"Who's Anthony?" Maggie asked.
Kylie waved a hand. "My gay cousin—you'll love him, but it's a secret so don't say anything about—" She made a fist, like she was blowing the air, making a croak-y sound with her throat. And this girl was unbelievable. I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing.
Maggie nodded.
"Talk to Sonny," I blurted, and I couldn't believe I was helping them either.
"Huh?"
"Sonny doesn't have a date tonight." I grabbed Ben & Jerry, heaving my ass off the couch. "Using Eddie won't work . . . He's still a kid, no matter how tall or clear his face is," I laughed. "Damion won't care if…his competition isn't competition."
Because even if Damion isn't the slightest bit interested in Maggie anymore—if he ever was—seeing her with Sonny would sting.
Damion has always been jealous of Sonny, no matter what.
Then I felt bad.
"That's genius!" Kylie's eyes were huge.
"What's genius?" Edward announced.
"Daddy!" Kylie hugged him. "Mom suggested that Sonny could be Maggie's date . . . We were thinking about Eddie, but Sonny's better."
"Oh, Kylie…leave your brother alone." He kissed her head.
"No!"
"It's petty," he said. "And pretty little girls shouldn't be throwing themselves to . . . the wolves—" He moved his arm with a flourish, giving Maggie a look. She blushed, covering her face, and I thought that was adorable.
"Funny you should say that." Kylie waved a finger. "We'll be upstairs . . . and I am calling Sonny." She stuck her tongue out at Edward. "Come on, Mag."
They left and I was finally able to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"Them," I sighed.
Edward took my hand, twirling me into his arms. "I've been busy this week."
"I know," I spoke to his chest.
"I've missed you."
"I missed you, too." I wove my fingers into his hair.
He closed his eyes, while I massaged his scalp. "I know you've been blah lately," he opened his eyes to place soft kisses on my nose, "love this thing." Then he bit it, and I giggled. "There's my Bebella."
My face crumbled, but I didn't cry. "It's not you, or us, or that stupid fight we had . . . It's just . . . Sonny's hurting so bad, and I can't do anything." I knew I probably sounded ridiculous, but I had to confess—tell Edward that.
He leaned his forehead to mine. "Sonny's okay . . . He's come to terms with things the best he can—"
"But he shouldn't have to. I know I was mad at her . . . It's Sonny and Katie."
"Like Edward and Bella?" He raised a brow. "They just go together."
I nodded. "I always thought they'd make it work, live happily ever after. I never thought she'd get married, but she went through with it. Then they had this second chance...They fucked up...yet I thought the baby being Sonny's was a blessing, something to push them back together. Only, it turned out to be this disaster."
"They're friends…they still care for each other, and what's to say they won't work it out? I think this was good for them." He nodded. "Yeah. Katie needed to be away from Raul, come clean about the baby . . . They have issues that can't be ironed out flat, but I think they need to stop overthinking everything—be friends, get to know each other again before they just jump into it. Once this baby's born…She's going to be healthy and beautiful, just like Nanny Bella, and she'll bring so much joy into all our lives."
I hummed, his words sounding wonderful, but . . . "If Katie's this selfish, nasty person now . . . I don't know. I don't want her dragging Sonny down. Meanwhile, just as recently as the summertime, we'd meet up often enough. We'd go to lunch, church...We even went to the beach. Now, ever since she got back with Sonny . . . She's miserable, he's miserable, but them being together is what's making them miserable."
"And you want them together so badly," he laughed.
"I don't know what I'm saying," I grumbled, puffing my cheeks. "I just want Sonny to be happy, and if he stays with Katie, and Katie stays the way she is . . . it's a recipe for disaster. Because . . . Sonny won't leave her. He'll stay and do the right thing, sacrifice his own happiness and that's horrible."
"We all want them to be happy, but Sonny will get by . . . If they don't get back together? Either way, Sonny still has a new leading lady in his life...coming into his life."
I smiled brightly. "Very true."
"He'll be fine, my love."
I hugged him tightly. "I love it when you do this—you just, just help me see, and you make me feel better."
He kissed my hair, his hands trailing down to my ass. "You do that for me, too."
I smirked, leaning away—knowing I had a lot of shaving to do. I also knew Edward wouldn't give a fuck, but I would. "I wonder what costume Kylie picked out . . ."
His eyes widened. "I forgot all about that."
"Thank you." I slapped his ass.
He grunted, biting his lip, and grabbing a handful of my ass. "You're giving it up tonight."
"Gladly," I said.
"You're gonna do some ol' kinky shit."
"Whatever—you—want." I poked his chest.
"Word?" he asked. "'Cause we don't hafta go to this stupid party—"
"We do." I nodded.
He sighed, rolling his eyes. "Let's see this costume."
I went back for the couch, taking the bags. "Two bags . . . And Kylie says yours is upstairs." I pulled out a red cape, raising a brow, and looking up to Edward.
"What else is in here?" He took out a red corset—that I hoped would fit me.
"Shit."
"Kylie thinks you're wearing this tonight?" He threw his head back and laughed. "My wife is going to wear this outside, in front of people, in public? Is our daughter on fucking drugs—" He looked around himself. "Where is she? I mean, what are you supposed to be? Satan?"
"Satan?" I laughed.
"The Devil." He shrugged.
"There's a cape . . ." I pulled out the skirt that went with the top. "You can't figure it out?"
"Wolves . . ." He trailed off.
My hips swayed and I grabbed his hands. "Guess you're the big, bad wolf."
Edward growled. "Aren't I always?"
"Yeah." I placed my arms around him. "And I will rock the shit out of this tonight."
"Bella—" Now he had a straight face, taking my arms from around him.
"I'm a grown-ass woman, Edward . . . Seriously."
"You testing me right now?" He advanced toward me. "Trying to pick a fight?"
"No." I shook my head. "I like my costume, and I plan to wear it . . . for you, only you. But I'll say this . . . there is a cape, and it looks pretty big, so you need to calm the fuck down." I placed my hand on his chest.
He slumped his shoulders. "Can't we be something cute? We can go back to the store . . . You can be," he gasped. "We can be the Super Mario Brothers. I'll be Luigi."
"Fuck no." I backed away from him. "Deal with it."
"Fine, but then I don't wanna hear shit when I gotta pistol-whip a motherfucker."
Damn.
Now he got all sexy . . .
"I won't say a word," I whispered.
He shook his head. "I mean . . . Carlisle and Alex are going to be Dorothy and Straw Guy—"
"The Scarecrow."
"Whatever." He shrugged, still a little pissy. "I bet they win best costume—"
"What's the prize? Is that why you agreed to wear one? You got some bet with Carlisle?"
He looked away from me. "Poor Eddie's gonna be a Lollipop Kid, or whatever the fuck along with Blaze and Ronnie. They're going trick or treating beforehand. Karen's gonna be the witch . . . " He sucked his teeth. "I feel bad for that kid, though. Carlisle said he couldn't go to the club unless he wore it."
I snorted. "What's Sonny gonna be?"
"He refuses to dress up . . . bought fangs from the dollar store. I'm guessing vampire. Katie's obviously not coming."
"She's hugely pregnant. Teens at a nightclub, I can see. You know...? The teeth and a suit, though. That'll work."
"What's Dame, a beekeeper?" He scrunched his nose. "That'd make sense if Shorty was a bumblebee, but she's a ladybug?"
"I dunno." I shrugged. "Something—bug. You think we should tell Damion about Kylie's plans?"
Edward shook his head. "Let the girls have their fun, but I don't think Dame's gonna care. He acted like she didn't even exist that one Saturday."
"True," I said. "But…" I paused, thinking, "why is he avoiding this house now?"
Edward shrugged, shutting down.
"Edward?"
"We're giving away a fifty inch plasma for first prize." He smiled.
"All the TVs we have." I waved a hand. "And you care?"
"It's . . . it's all in good fun, but my wife will look hotter than Carlisle's. I already won."
I grinned, gazing up at him, but he was so full of shit. He wants that TV just to have it; meanwhile, he owns the club. IF he's going through the trouble of dressing up, he's just gotta win. "What about Aro and Lisa?" I asked.
Edward grimaced. "Mark Antony and Cleopatra."
"Fuck." I snapped my fingers. "We should have thought about this."
"See?" He pointed at me.
"Shut up," I muttered. "You didn't wanna be Bonnie and Clyde."
"Ant and AJ are going as old-time gangsters from Boardwalk Empire or some shit—got these little Tommy Guns . . . I have a red tie . . . I'll wear my black Armani pinstripe suit and the mask." He pursed his lips. "What are Kylie and Maggie again?" Edward sat on the couch. "While I was passing 86th Street, I saw the cutest shit . . . Thing One and Thing Two. That'd be adorable for them."
I sat next to him. "They'd never go for it."
"Yeah, but they could win," he said.
I cuddled into his side. "I'll get you a new TV for Christmas."
"That's not the point."
"I know." I twirled my fingers into his hair. "Jasper's not dressing up, but Alice is going to be like a pirate beer wench or something."
He scrunched his nose. "Every year, everyone talks about their costumes, and the year I decide to dress up—"
I sighed. "Just stop . . . Go to the store and get a different costume."
He moved my legs off his lap and left the couch. "If I do, we're matching. I'll go right now—Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore? Or we'll be Thing One and Thing Two?"
"Forget it." Now I had something to prove. "I'm Little Red Riding Hood."
/=/=/=/=/
KYLIE
/=/=/=/=/
Maggie looked hot in her costume. The dark blue corset—which let's face, is lingerie—showed off her hourglass figure and pushed her tits out. The bottom, which is like a tutu, flares out a bit, and the wings—we were saving those for last. I'm sure I looked the same as her in green, but it wasn't about me tonight.
Sure, I want to have fun and hang with everyone.
And it wasn't even really about getting back at Dame anymore. I wasn't sure if it was even going to work.
I guess . . . I just wanted Maggie to feel like a princess, sexy and beautiful. We got along amazingly well—the nun and the bratty rich slut. Well, that's what she assumed I was before she got to know me, just like I'd made assumptions about her.
We weren't really wrong . . . but I'm not a slut and Maggie isn't as innocent as she looks. She writes erotica, and she's never even kissed a boy before.
And I wanted to help her before I went away. It wasn't about turning her into a whore-bag. It was about getting Maggie comfortable within her . . . womanhood? Self?
"I don't know if I can wear these." She had wobbly legs, standing from the chair in stilettos. Her hair was the most time-consuming to do. I left mine down and wavy, but hers was down in medium-sized ring curls. They were perfect.
"You have to . . . they complete the outfit." She looked like sex on legs. "I'd totally do you."
She giggled. "You look…wow. Really good, too." She gestured to me.
I turned to look in the mirror, my belly protruding a little bit from that pasta . . . We're all supposed to go out to eat, but I wanted my food digested before I drank. Maggie thought the same. We ate already. Nevertheless, I sucked it in. "We'll be dancing and standing—" I heard voices. "They're here. You stay . . . I'll go get him."
She shook her head. "This is just weird. We shouldn't—"
"It's not weird. I won't be looking. I don't wanna see it, but you should." I left the room, smoothing my bodice down.
My aunt, uncle, and cousin stood in the foyer with my father, making small talk as they trailed into the house. Eddie's eyes found me first, and I ignored him. "Hey, guys!"
"Wow!" Alex exclaimed. "Look at you." She was dressed like a milkmaid or something with braided pigtails.
"I know, right?" I rolled my eyes.
"Carlisle, doesn't she look nice?" Alex elbowed my uncle.
He nodded, looking to my father.
"I don't wanna talk about it," Dad said.
"You said you weren't going to be bitchy!" I shouted, which made my uncle laugh.
"I said you could wear it. I never promised to like it—you and your mother . . ." He grumbled shit under his breath, storming away.
"Men are going to look at you, and they'll be thinking—"
"About sex." I nodded.
"Exactly." Uncle Carlisle finished. "And you don't care?"
I shook my head. "I like the attention. I mean, I have a boyfriend…wish he could see me for real." I could never tell Gio, or even show him this costume. He'd flip his shit. I knew what Dad and Uncle Carlisle's deals were. They're protective. I get it, but…
"It's her body," Alex said.
Uncle Carlisle gave her this look. "You're lucky I didn't make you be the Scarecrow." He stared down at her legs.
She gasped and playfully slapped his bicep.
"I'll be in the den with Ed." He pecked her lips.
My head whipped to my cousin, but he was referring to my father. "Hey." I waved to him.
He waved back.
"Mom's in her room getting ready." I had to get rid of Alex somehow.
She nodded. "I'll go see if she needs any help."
"My friend Maggie is here," I told Eddie.
"See?" Alex nudged him.
"She goes to your school."
Alex's eyes threatened to pop out of her head. "That's fantastic. Go—mingle." She pushed him off the settee. Eddie's on the quiet side, doesn't have a lot of friends . . . and I don't know why. He just doesn't. He hangs with these two kids. When I was at their house, they'd play video games for hours, or he was studying by himself. But last year, when we were in high school together, he was a loner. He doesn't have the best social skills. I'm glad he has the few friends he does now, though.
"I think you look beautiful," Alex said, giving my hand a squeeze.
"Thank you." I watched her walk away, and then my gaze landed on my cousin. "What are you supposed to be? A Keebler Elf?" I cracked myself up and tried not to laugh. "Snap, Crackle, or Pop?" He could have been either with that...weird hat-thing and the shorts. "Oh, you're one of the Seven Dwarves, right? Bitchy?"
"What are you supposed to be? A whore?" He dug into his pocket. "How much?"
"Hey!" I pushed his shoulder. "I'm a water nymph—"
"A nympho? Nice." He nodded. "That was my second guess."
"Listen, fuck-o—" I waved my fist.
He shook his head. "It's bad enough . . . I'm the picture of humiliation—a fucking Lollipop Kid."
"A what?"
"The Wizard of Oz . . . and a water nymph. That's like a fairy, right?" "
"Right." I tapped my chin. "You wanna raid Damion's closet? He's got some nice suits . . . He's got fucking costumes too!" I hit myself on the head. "He was always in those school plays and crap."
"My dad said I couldn't go . . . but I don't even wanna go if I have to wear this." He crossed his arms over his chest.
I nodded. "Come…come meet my friend."
I knew he was following me back into my bedroom. I felt his eyes on me. What I didn't expect was to stop short and have him bump into me. "Easy," I said. "You've been around girls before. Haven't you?"
He gulped. "All the time." He was lying.
I opened my door, gesturing for him to go inside.
"Wow." His jaw almost hit the floor when he saw her.
I giggled behind him. "Go—mingle." I pushed him inside, closed the door, and then went into Dame's room. I knew which costume I was looking for as soon as I tore through his closet. Mom used to have to make them for whichever production he was in. And if I'm not mistaken, he was Romeo when he was a sophomore. But then I found a Luke Skywalker costume, and thought, fuck it. Mom didn't make this one. It was in a bag, hanging from the bar with the picture on it. It was truly one of Dame's old Halloween costumes; that goober always dressed up.
When I entered my bedroom—and I don't know what I was expecting to see—Maggie was sitting in my desk chair, and Eddie was on my bed—neither saying a word. "Go put this on."
"Awesome!" His eyes lit up. "Do you have a lightsaber?"
"I might have some gum…in my purse." I pointed.
"No, dipshit. A lightsaber," Eddie said.
I pushed him. "I don't know. Don't call me that."
He didn't say anything—turning to leave my room.
"Wait." I grabbed his forearm. "Maggie, um—"
"Kylie…Please, don't." Maggie was cradling her head, which made me giggle.
"She's never seen a peen before, like a real one…?"
His eyes widened. "What do you want me to do about it?"
"Um, duh…I'll turn around." I chuckled.
He trailed his hand through his hair. "You're serious?"
"What's the big deal?" I asked, "Unless you're not a big deal." I gestured to his manly area, wincing. "I get it, bro."
"Well, right now I don't have much to show her . . ." He trailed off. "Don't you know the mechanics—I thought you were with Andino? He hasn't hit it yet?" I never knew Eddie to be so damn pervy. It's better than him being all quiet, though.
"He's…done plenty hitting. I'm going to leave again." I pointed to the door. "You…show her."
"I will . . . When you kiss her."
"What?" Maggie and I shouted in unison.
Eddie put his hands up, laughing his ass off. "I'm gonna go change. This was fun, but if you wanna see my dick—you two better get to kissing."
"Get out, freak!" I pushed him out of my bedroom, and he bumped right into my father.
"You all right?" Dad asked him.
Eddie looked like he was about to keel over and die.
"Deal with that!" I slammed the door, bristling. "He's weird, right?"
Maggie grinned. "I don't know."
I gasped. "Oh my God…you like him."
"He's handsome…but no. I don't like him." She didn't blush or anything. So, no, she doesn't like him.
I shrugged. "You're eighteen. It'd be illegal if you two—" I bumped my hands together.
"Why do you assume I wanna have sex with all these people?" she asked. "Just because I think a guy's cute, doesn't mean—"
"You don't think about it?" I checked on my glittery makeup and my lip gloss in the mirror. "Just—like you see some hot guy in the street and wonder…I don't know."
"Do you?"
I nodded. "Lots of times."
"And you don't feel bad, about your boyfriend?"
I snorted. "Petty fantasies are just that." I pointed to my temple. "Cheating is a whole different ballgame. You know? Just because someone is committed doesn't mean they can't find others attractive."
"Did you see Eddie's face, though? He wouldn't stop staring at me. And he didn't even say a word while you were gone."
"I know! He totally wanted you," I said.
She squealed. "Do I really look okay? Like, sexy?"
"You look amazing!" I promised her. "And you totally still wanna fuck Dame, don't you?" I shuddered.
"I wouldn't go that far . . ."
"Maggie?" I raised a brow.
"Yes, I still find him attractive. That doesn't mean I want to...or I'm going to—you know." She stared up at the ceiling. "I doubt I'd be able to go through with it, even if I had the chance. I'd be so nervous."
"Baiting the hook and reeling it back without a catch would make you a cocktease . . ." I sighed.
"What?" she laughed. "I didn't understand that."
I thought over my words, to see if they made sense, but then I just shrugged. "He has a girlfriend…we're just screwing with him. You realize that, right?" I've truly grown to adore Amelia, and if Dame goes for Maggie, he's just an idiot . . .
"Yeah." Her lips drew a tight line.
"Don't be sad!" I warned.
"I'm not . . . I wouldn't want to be with someone who would cheat on their girlfriend anyway. That's not cool."
"It's not." I smiled at her, at how sweet and genuine she truly is. It's not an act. "This is just my scheme . . . Sonny is better anyway, and he's…well, he's single. But not someone you date. He'd be someone you could have your first kiss with. He's the type of guy you embrace and then let go." I widened my arms. "He's one of those guys who are good for one thing, and one thing only?" I wondered if she got that meaning. "That's what I've heard..." It's true; I've heard about my brother's prowess from a few customers at the salon, and how women like to use him for sex. They know he won't or can't commit.
"He's like ten years older than me. Not to mention, he's just...Santino. What would he want with—"
"He screwed Bianca, who's my age." I pointed to myself. "And we're technically the same age now." I waved a finger. "Both eighteen. Penises do not see morals or ethics or religion. When the brain knows the poon is legal, all systems point to go!" I nodded, pursing my lips. "Men are disgusting, and he's nine years older than you. But a kiss is nothing…once you get over that hurdle…I mean, it's the other stuff you wanna save for a boyfriend."
"My first kiss—I want it to mean something."
I grinned. "Right. Well, I can hook you up, but I can't perform any magic tricks."
"Maybe we should just…" She paused, blowing out a breath. "Like, listen to your mom? She's really cool. I just—I wanna help you get back at Damion, but—I don't know." She shrugged. "I'm afraid to see him again." She rubbed her stomach. "He ignored me last time . . . like I didn't even exist, and that sucked—even if I keep telling my brain not to care. Why's this so confusing?"
"Because you like him, and I don't know why. But even if you didn't like him, being ignored—feeling invisible still sucks—" My phone dinged and I dove for it—hoping it was Sonny.
/=/=/=/=/
SONNY
/=/=/=/=/
Leaning my head directly onto my desk, I hoped to waste some time—fall asleep. I still had hours until I had to be at Midnight Sun—show my face and then go home. There was no point in me going to Brooklyn, only to come back.
Katie doesn't give a fuck about what I do. At this point, we're strictly friends, and I'm slowly getting used to it—getting accustomed to her not caring. It's like it was before, only with no Raul.
Our daughter, who I've been pushing to be named Isabella, still has two months to go. But I couldn't wait for her to get here.
Regardless of wasting time at the moment, I wished there was a way I could snap my fingers and it would be Christmas time already.
I tried it . . . concentrating and snapping my fingers under my desk.
It didn't work.
But then there was a knock, and I lifted my head. "Come in!" I shouted out loud, hoping whoever would hear me.
It was Misty. She sauntered in, half-naked and wearing a pink wig.
"Who are you supposed to be?" I asked.
She shrugged. "No one. I wanted to wear this today." She ran her fingers through it. "Listen," she leaned toward me, "I need Monday off."
I pointed. "Layla's on the floor. She can help you out."
She folded her arms across her chest. "She's a joke—"
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Because we all know you run things." She smiled. "She's mousy, and this place was already eating her up," she laughed. "But seriously…I'd ask her, and then she'd come and ask you anyway."
"Why do you need the day off?"
"I have court, and it might be an all-day thing—"
I grabbed the weekly schedule. "You don't work until nine on Monday. Courts are closed by then."
"Yeah, but when would I sleep?" She raised a brow. "I make more money Sunday nights, although you have more girls on."
"Just—yeah, whatever." I knew she'd keep going—feeding me excuse after excuse until I just gave in. "We're interviewing a few new girls…it shouldn't be a problem, having time off in the future…" I threw that out there.
"Judge might put me in rehab anyway. It's my second DUI."
I nodded, pursing my lips. "I wish you the best of luck."
She slapped my back. "Thanks, Cullen."
And after she left, I went into snooze mode again. But then I received a text from my cousin. AJ, Dame, Amelia, and he were all having dinner at La Bella Italia—a late dinner before we'd all head to the club. It sounded good and I agreed, said I'd be there with my vampire teeth.
I think I picked up the wrong ones. They're like slightly green. They might glow in the dark.
"Fuck." I flicked a Post-it football across the room—wondering if Misty was still here, wondering if Misty had some blow or would blow me.
Bored as fuck, I walked out onto the floor. It was still early and not many people were here, but the dancers were prowling . . .
"Do you need a drink?" Layla asked.
"You're not a waitress," I said.
"I'm just…just being nice." She ducked her head.
I picked her chin up. "Don't look down. Always stare straight ahead."
She nodded. "Okay."
"Yes," I said.
"Yes," she whispered.
"Hey…" I poked her shoulder. "Walk with me."
She grabbed her clipboard, hugging it to her chest and following close behind.
"Just hold it in your hand." I pushed that shit away. "Keep your head up and always have your eyes open . . . this is your floor." I gestured, moving my arm. "In order to run the club—"
"I have to be the club…know what's going on." She listened to me.
"Exactly . . ." I peeped Paula stretching in the changing room.
"She's beautiful," Layla said, "right?"
I shrugged. "Yeah . . . Who else is working tonight?" It'd be weird if I brought a stripper with me as a date tonight, but stranger things have happened. I just didn't want to go to this dinner alone. I'd be fine at the club . . . Midnight Sun. Everyone at La Bella Italia was going to be coupled up. AJ sent me a text earlier; his sister wasn't coming—didn't want to—and I knew that shit already. Maybe he was just throwing that in my face again because he's a douchebag. Anthony is bringing his "friend" Eric, and we all can't wait to meet him. I'm sure he'll be at the club, too.
"Are you lonely…looking for something? An escort? Because you know who's working."
"Who?" I asked.
"Pepsi . . . You always come out when she does her routine."
It's true, lately I have. Again, I don't know Pepsi from anywhere, but I like what I see. She's on the new side, too, only having worked here a few months—this hot Philippine chick with double Ds. Her ass was okay, too.
And she swings from the pole by her fucking legs.
And wearing clothes, she'd look nice on my arm.
"You said you were leaving early . . .?" I turned to Layla.
"I'm taking Jason trick or treating—just in our building," she giggled. "He doesn't really know what's going on, but I'll only be gone an hour."
"Mike'll be here until eleven."
"Yeah," she sighed.
"You okay?"
She nodded, keeping her eyes on the floor. "Do you think we can change the music up?"
"Yeah, do what you want."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
"Yeah, really." I smiled. "It's just music."
"Well, we have a diverse crowd…your father's people, they might like something from their era, or even some simple classic rock . . . The girls can get down to that, too."
"I like it."
"Awesome." She grinned, pulling her suit jacket down. "It's itchy with no shirt underneath." Yeah, it was my idea to have her wear it like that—a red bra and just the one button done on the black jacket. It shows off her cleavage, just a bit of her stomach, and the rest of her body was covered—her brown hair flowing down her back and the red heels on her feet.
When I took her shopping, I wasn't much help. I don't know a lot about women's fashion. I just know what I like—what's classy. And I was slowly getting used to seeing Layla without her bleached-blond wig.
"You look great, though."
She winced. "As long as I fit in . . . is it weird that it feels weird to be wearing this much clothing here?" she laughed.
"I dunno . . . I'm always wearing a suit. You'd have to wear like polo Ts at Friday's . . . "
"Oh no! I wasn't saying—I didn't mean to sound ungrateful or anything."
"Jesus. Relax," I laughed, placing my hands on her shoulders. "Look at me."
She did, her blue eyes a bit watery.
"It takes a lot to offend me. I'm a big boy, and I was kidding around—I think suits are better than polo t-shirts." I shrugged. "You have to relax, roll with the punches, because . . . you are expected to socialize."
"Mr. Andino—"
"Aro is one customer out of how many?" I asked. "You have the lists—of people who drop major money in here. Learn it—learn their likes, their dislikes, their drinks, if they like a little something special. We've gone over this." I stood to my full height.
"I know. I'm just afraid I'm going to forget. That's why I carry the clipboard." She showed it to me. "It's all here. The only problem I've had so far is with Mr. Macari—"
"Caius." I spat. "You don't worry about him. He gives you trouble, you come find me. Okay?" Dejectedly, I touched her bottom lip with my knuckle. It was a soothing gesture—not a big deal. I just didn't mean to do it. "You leave when you have to. Mike'll be here."
She nodded.
"Have fun with Jason."
"Oh…" Smashed in the clipboard was a pair of cat ears, and she put them on. "How do I look?"
I chuckled. "Cute."
"How's Katie feeling?" she asked.
I shook my head. "I, uh, you know if you wanna talk about your kid, that's cool. But my personal life—"
"I'm sorry." She rushed out.
And I was apologetic, too. The day we went shopping I did a little venting, and Layla was easy to converse with. She doesn't know anyone. She had a clear view when I told her some of our issues. She told me with time and patience—whether we got back together or not—Katie and I could have a decent parenting relationship. It seemed legit, although I have no idea if she knows about most of the people we cater to.
"If you need me…" I jerked a thumb, going back into the office, but then I wanted a drink.
I went back out to the bar, avoiding everyone. Poured myself some Dewar's, and then lifted my head. Layla was smiling—talking, speaking very enthusiastically to some Japanese businessmen. That's what I liked to see. It's weird with her. She did what she did when she'd dance—she was horrible, nervous, fumbling, and even worse after that shit. But she was likeable—the guys dug her overall cuteness, and I knew—once she had some confidence—she'd be great.
In time, Layla will excel much more as a manager/supervisor than she ever did as a dancer/waitress.
"Yo…" Mike approached me.
"You're here early," I commented.
"I needed a drink." He grumbled, hopping up onto a stool.
Knowing he likes beer, I poured him one.
"Thanks." He gave me a head nod. "She's really not going to be dancing anymore?" He pointed to Layla.
I shook my head.
"You greasin' her?" He punched the air.
I chuckled. "How is that your business?"
"It's not. I'm heading to Midnight Sun later—when I leave here." Mike is a decent bookie—does his business here and then at Twilight. People can usually find him at either spot. He moonlights as a shy, too, lending money to fuckers. He's connected through Nunzio—got his button the same day I did, and yet here he is . . . working for me. "I wanted to ask her to be my date or something."
"She has a kid—"
"I have two—but you know that." He shook his head.
"Ask her…"
"So, you're not?" He made that gesture again.
"No," I said. "You know what happened to her, though. She might not be ready to date."
"I'm a decent guy—single. I'd never disrespect...She's gorgeous." He was sincere and yet full of shit. "I figured you might be. Lori was a dancer once, too."
"I'll be in the office." I tapped the bar, took my drink, and then walked back.
I'd left my phone on my desk, and when I picked it up—Christ—I was surprised, baffled by how many text messages I had. I read Kylie's first.
Big Brother, where art thou? —K
U love me, right? —K
Can U do me a huge favor? —K
A HUGE favor N I'll neva ask anything again? —K.
Yeah, that last message has been sent a bunch of times. I bet she copied and pasted it. Then I read the one I received from AJ. My parents, aunt, uncle, Kylie, my cousin Eddie, they were all coming to La Bella Italia, too. Needless to say, taking one of the dancers wasn't an option anymore.
But then my phone vibrated in my hand. My mother was calling me. "Hello?"
"Hey, baby . . . We're on our way to the restaurant—about to be. Kylie said she tried to reach you, but…"
"I—wasn't paying attention." Two of those messages had come in earlier. I'd just chosen to ignore them.
"But you're okay?"
"I'm great," I lied.
While my mother rambled on about how things will get better, Layla came to the door. I let Mom talk, and then opened the safe for Layla. She needed to empty two of the bar drawers.
When she dropped a roll of quarters, because she's incredibly clumsy, it gave me the chance to sneak a stack of marked twenties and quite a few c-notes in—taking the same amount of clean bills out. The girls exchange their shit at the end of the night with the bartender. I changed that shit last year. They used to have to bother me or Dad every night.
There were quarters everywhere, and I enjoyed the view as she bent to grab them all. It was a great opportunity.
"Uhuh…"
"Really?" Mom sounded surprised.
"What?" I shook my head, tearing my eyes away from Layla's ass. Swearing to Christ, I blanked out, having no idea what Mom said.
"She'll be here . . . you work your charm."
"My what?" I scratched my head. "Go over this again."
Mom squealed. "He's gonna do it."
"Yes!" Kylie shouted in the background.
"Of course he is." That was Dad's sarcastic ass.
"Rewind!" I tried to gain her attention. "Mom, what am I doing?"
"You're going to…be Maggie's date for the night."
"Who's Maggie?" I laughed.
"You know…Maggie. It's just a game." She was whispering now. "To make Dame jealous. We both know it's not going to work, but be a good sport . . . Maggie doesn't have the best self-esteem..." These broads and their bullshit, I thought. Not my mother . . . of course. "You'll like her costume, so watch yourself."
"Down the block, Girl Scout Maggie?" I asked in disbelief. "She's my date for tonight? You're serious? Isn't that illegal?"
What Misty said earlier came to mind. I'd eat that girl up and spit her out alive before midnight.
"No, it's not serious. That's what I'm trying to say. Just…come to dinner and flirt with her, compliment her, be her Prince Charming, plant your flag and be…be fucking believable, convincing. There's no harm in it. Do it for your mother."
"Uh, I'm a gigolo now?"
"She's eighteen." That caught my attention, as much as I wished it didn't. Maggie definitely wasn't illegal. "No, you're not a gigolo. I figured since you're not ready to date yet—"
"I'm not?" That was news to me, too.
"Well . . . you need time to figure stuff out. She'll keep you company . . . You won't feel the need to, to seek, uh, hit on some chick or find a date."
"Right." I snorted. "Fine. I'll do my best. I'm not exactly Prince Charming."
"Oh, baby . . . You don't see yourself clearly at all, do you?"
I didn't comment.
"I'll see you soon…Love you, baby." She ended the call.
Sighing, I placed my phone on the desk and stared at it, wondering what I'd gotten myself into.
"Um, everything—everything okay?" Layla dropped a few more quarters, the sound of them hitting the floor and rolling grating on my nerves.
"Need some help?"
"Oh…" She kept cupping her hands over.
"Just put them on the desk." I put my hands over hers, using items on my desk as obstacles so the coins wouldn't escape.
"Sorry for disturbing you," she whispered, just pushing them into the drawer, another quarter falling…
We went for it at the same time, bumping our heads together.
"Shit." I touched my hairline. "You okay? I'm hardheaded."
She giggled. "I don't even wanna try anymore."
"What's got you jumpy?" I went to have a seat.
"I don't know." She looked down.
"Eyes up here." I pointed to my own.
She met my gaze. "So . . . you have a hot date tonight?" Her tone was teasing, which made me think she heard most of the conversation—probably more than I did. My mother's phone voice is obnoxiously loud.
"Well…" I loosened my tie.
"Sorry for asking. I'll just—" She pointed to the door.
"Stay," I whispered, waving her toward a chair. I don't know why I bother. She's always going to ask—for some people, it's compulsory—and I was always going to have the want or need to tell her . . . And I wasn't sure why that was, but it was. "My mother likes to meddle in people's love lives."
She grinned. "You're to be Prince Charming?"
I laughed. "For this…girl who's on her way to college, so she can learn how to be a nun." I shook my head. "It's crazy, but it's a ploy to make my brother jealous or something."
She furrowed her brow. "It doesn't add up."
"Damion—" She frowned when I said his name. "Look, he was, he had a bad night that night. I can't explain him, but . . . you don't have to fear him." If I could only tell her Damion was the one who took Nicki out—not that she knows he's dead.
She nodded, looking down.
I hummed, not correcting her. "Well, he hung out with her one night, and he was mad drunk—everyone's been teasing him ever since. Supposedly this girl thinks she's in love with him—"
"Somehow, I can't see the draw," she commented. "Sorry."
I waved a hand, dismissing that.
A small smile crept on her lips. "You should do it, but don't do it half-assed. If she doesn't have a chance with him, help her forget him. You're good at that—wooing the ladies."
"I am?" I asked.
"You are," she giggled.
"How so?"
"Are you fishing for compliments, Mr. Cullen?" She raised a brow, leaving the chair with the drawers of money. "I have a club to manage." She went for the door.
"All right . . ." I swiveled in the chair. "Just leave me hanging."
She stopped in the doorway. "I'm sure she's not ugly . . . how bad can it be? Worst case scenario . . . at the end of the night, you have a good laugh. Sometimes . . . it's all about the laughs?" She crinkled her eyebrows and then snorted. "You know what I mean. Be Prince Charming, be yourself. Have a good time—"
"Santino," I said.
She nodded, smiling wide. "Santino," she all but whispered, leaving the office.
When she was gone, it was about time to leave. Now that I was meeting them all at the restaurant, I didn't have to waste any more time with menial tasks. After finishing my drink, putting everything away, and locking everything up, I went for another scotch—sitting next to Mike at the bar.
"You're heading over there later?"
Mike kept his eyes on the door. "Layla just left—turned me down."
That made me smile. "Such is life, right?" I patted his back.
"Yeah." He sipped his beer.
I guzzled the rest of my shit, leaving the barstool. "I gotta go. Everything is chill—you can leave when Layla comes back."
"Cool . . . 'Cause you know the freaks come out—not only at night—but on Halloween." He smiled. "The outfits…my God."
"Word," I agreed.
As I left Eclipse, I sent Layla a text message—telling her to call me if anything came up. She assured me she'd be fine and to have a good time.
Midtown traffic was a bitch, especially since I was in a taxi, but I knew I'd be hammered later—too fucked to drive. It was crazy. It took nearly an hour just for me to get downtown—to Little Italy.
Thank you for reading.
Please leave me your thoughts.
I'm so glad they're reposting these! Adult stories FOR adults. Amazing, really great. Check them out.
FIC RECS: Two of my favorites are BACK!
Scars and Souvenirs by Ashma0407
RE-POST...A pending divorce, kids and reconnecting with a lost love. *Working summary* (Lexi's summary: Bella is unhappily married, and then she gets a surprise phone call from an old flame, Edward. Life and circumstances tore them apart, but can they reconnect - repair what was once shattered, their hearts?)
www dot fanfiction dot net/s/8023233/1/Scars-and-Souvenirs
At Last by Itlnbrt
Edward and Bella find each other while married to others. Go on their journey while they try and find a way to be together and make it work. They have a lot to learn along the way to finally be together, at last.
www dot fanfiction dot net/s/8533785/1/At-Last