Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
This story is kind of cathartic for me and it's based in real life. About a week ago, I decided to end my 5 year marriage with my husband. He wasn't my 'Edward.' He didn't love me in the way I wanted to be loved, similar to Bella. This story is almost like my journal of my feelings and emotions that I'm going through. Also, I'm hoping that I can find the eventual happiness that I have planned for these two characters. I so desperately want it. I'm not bitter in the end of my marriage. I'm actually relieved. Don't get me wrong, I care about my soon-to-be ex-husband, but he wasn't for me.
Rated M for future lemons.
Chapter 7: The Plans
A few weeks passed after Fourth of July. Rosalie, or Rose as she preferred to be called, and I went to speak with Mrs. Cope about getting an accelerated section switched to Rose's course load. She was more than happy to do so. Rose and I became fast friends. She also was divorced but had been for awhile. She left New York to come to our little town of Sherryville for a brand new beginning away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I asked why she needed a new start but she still wouldn't answer. She said she would explain everything soon.
I also introduced Rose to Alice. They were separated from birth. They were so much alike, it was scary. Within minutes of meeting each other, Rose was standing up for Alice's wedding and being included in the wedding plans. I was ready to bow out, but being the maid of honor negating that honor. I did ask Rose for some help in planning the bachelorette party. She got a gleam in her eyes and she said she'd be more than happy to help.
Alice's wedding was less than a month away. I was surprised that she was getting married in the school year. Being a teacher, the best time to get married is over the summer. When you're not teaching. You don't have to take time off to get married or go on your honeymoon. I got married on July 30th. It gave me nearly three weeks before the beginning of the school year to prepare. However, Alice insisted on getting married in September, Labor Day Weekend. Whatever Alice wants, Alice gets. Why she would insist on pink dresses on Labor Day weekend is beyond me…Only Alice.
Rose, Alice and I were at my condo, making the favors for the wedding, drinking some really good white wine. I had some girly rock blasting through my sound dock from my iPod. Rose brought over some more cookies and we were singing, some of us very badly, to Katy Perry. After the song ended, Alice picked up the remote control and lowered the volume.
"So, Bella, how are things with my baby brother?" she asked sweetly. "I know Jas is trying to get us to combine our bachelor and bachelorette parties. Since you and Edward are the best man and maid of honor, respectively, you need to get planning."
"This is the first I've heard about combining the parties, Mary Alice," I chastised. "When has this come about?"
"Right now," Alice smiled as she whipped out her phone. She tapped out a message and slipped the phone back into her pocket. "Jasper will LOVE it. We can do a wine tasting or something classy for my portion and then go to PoleCats for Jasper's party. I've always wanted a lap dance."
"It's fun," Rose said with a sly grin. "I went to a strip club for my bachelorette party as one of the stops. We had to do a dare and the one that I received was to get a lap dance from a stripper. I told her what I was doing and she actually gave me tips of what to do as she danced if I wanted to dance like this for my husband. It was very informative."
"Ooooh, great idea, Rose!" Alice gushed. "We should do a combined dare thing for the party. It'll be so much fun."
"I think I still have the cards for the dares. If not, you can get them online," Rose smiled. "Anyhow, I think Bella is deflecting. How is Dr. McFuckme?"
"You know too? Hot damn," I mumbled, burying my head in my hands. "I should have never called him that. Please, please, please tell me that Edward doesn't know."
"Edward doesn't know," Alice replied, barely able to contain her smile.
"Fuck my life!"
"I know Edward wants to fuck," Alice giggled. "He's been single and celibate for three years. He's horny. I know that you are too. Come on…one roll in the hay. It'll be fun."
"Alice! I'm not going to fuck your brother/cousin. I'll stick with my vibrator, thank you very much," I said giving her a glare. "It's a sad approximation of the real thing but it works in a pinch."
"Okay, in all seriousness, Bella, I know that you are keeping Edward at arms length. I did see how you guys acted at the Fourth of July barbeque," Alice began.
"How did they act?" Rose asked.
"When they got there, they were friendly with each other. Then you both disappeared for like an hour," Alice said waggling her brows.
"I was crying and feeling sorry for myself. Edward hugged me. NOTHING HAPPENED!" I defended.
"Then the flirtations began. During the fireworks, he held you," Alice said. "You liked it. You seemed relaxed and blissed out. You had a smile on your face that I never saw when you were with Mike. You felt safe."
"I don't want to get hurt. What do I have to offer Edward? My insecurities? My snarkiness? My fat ass? I have nothing," I said dejectedly. "Absolutely nothing. I'm surprised he's even remotely interested."
"What?" they both shrieked.
Yeah, I forgot to mention that part to them. I'm so not ready for this conversation.
"I guess I never told you that," I said sheepishly. Rose and Alice gave me a pointed glare and I ducked my head. "Okay, the hour or so that I was having my pity party, Edward pretty much confessed that he was interested. That he would wait for me. He also said he'd be my friend, though he wants more. Edward also said, as he put my hand on his chest, that I brought his heart to life."
"He loves you," Alice said quietly.
"Definitely, he's in love with you," Rose agreed. "Why are you not hitting that? Alice has shown me pictures and Edward is fucking gorgeous."
"I don't want to get hurt. I've said that before. Mike said he'd be with me forever and you saw how that panned out," I said. "I'm single and divorced living in a condo. Some forever."
"Bella, Edward would never hurt you. Ever. It's not in his nature. He has a heart of gold and once he sets his mind on something, he usually gets it. He has the patience of a saint. He got that during his accident. He was frustrated but he never let his physical disabilities hinder his recovery."
"What happened?" Rose asked.
"Edward and his parents were in a car accident when he was 15. His parents were killed by a drunk driver and Edward had some very serious injuries. The most serious one was a substantial head injury. The doctors told us that he was going to be a vegetable. He would never wake up. But he did and he had to relearn everything. He managed to recover fully, but it took about a year before he could go back to school. When he did, he had an IEP. He hated being labeled but he needed the extra assistance. Edward graduated from high school with our class as the valedictorian. He also got into an Ivy League school with a full ride scholarship.
"Because of his difficulties, Edward has gained the patience of a saint, as I've said before. He will wait for you, Isabella Marie Swan. He may become frustrated and take things into his own hands, but he'll wait," Alice said looking into my eyes. "I have a feeling that everything will work out for the two of you."
"Yeah, don't bet against Alice," I snorted.
"Seriously, don't. I knew something was going to happen to my Aunt Liz and Uncle Eddie. I knew something was going to happen to Tanya. I never vocalized it, but sure enough it happened," Alice said. "However, you and Edward are meant to be."
"Whatever, Alice," I grumbled. "We'll see if Edward has the patience to wait. I don't really believe it. Honestly, I don't. He's too good to be true."
"He is too good. However, he'll wait for you Bella. I promise you. You're all he talks about when I see him at dinner on the weekends. I know when you go out to lunch or dinner with him. The next day I see him, he's glowing. Bella, I have never seen him like this. Ever. Even with Tanya," Alice said fervently.
I picked up my wine glass and chugged the rest of it. I got up and filled my glass with more of the wine and downed it quickly. "I'm still so afraid," I said quietly. "I don't know if I have anything to offer to a relationship. He's been a great friend. I am attracted to him, both inside and out. He's brilliant, funny, witty and compassionate. He's devastingly handsome. I never had seen such green eyes on a human, ever! And he's got a great ass," I said as I poured myself another glass of wine.
"That's the basis of a great long relationship. A great ass," Rose snickered. "Cures all the ills in the world. A finely curved piece of ass."
"Speaking of a piece of ass, Emmett finally broke up with the girl from the barbeque," Alice said. "She was so dumb."
"Where does he find these girls?" I laughed as I leaned against my kitchen counter. "He is so sweet and cute. He needs a woman who can make him happy and not just an easy lay."
"Who's Emmett?" Rose asked.
"He's the social studies and science teacher on our team. This guy is bloody huge. Built like a linebacker, but as sweet as can be," I answered.
Rose's eyes widened and she looked at me expectantly. "So he's recently single?"
"Yeah. However, he's sworn off women for awhile," Alice said. "Are you interested?"
"I dunno," Rose answered. "What's he look like, other than a linebacker?"
"He's about 6'5" with a muscular build. He's got dark brown curly hair and bright blue eyes. When he smiles, he has the most adorable dimples in cheeks. The kids love him," I replied. "He looks like a big kid."
"How old is he?" Rose asked, appearing nervous.
"I think he's 29," Alice said, looking at me. I nodded and gave Rose a smile.
My phone chirped from its charger and I saw that I had a new text. It was from Edward.
Apparently Alice and Jasper are wanting to have combined bachelor and bachelorette parties. Are you available tomorrow to plan for said parties? – Edward
I have to go to work for a little a bit in the morning, but other than that I'm free – Bella
Want to meet for lunch and then we can plan the best bachelor/bachelorette party ever? – Edward
12 okay? – Bella
Works for me. How about we meet at Heaven on Seven? It's a little Cajun restaurant. Very good – Edward
I'll be there with bells on. See you tomorrow. Good night, Edward – Bella
Sleep well, beautiful – Edward
And cue blush. I'm so not beautiful. I am still in shock that he calls me that.
"Why are you blushing, Bella?" Alice asked.
"No reason," I said quickly.
"Liar," Rose and Alice both replied. "You were texting Edward."
"Uh, yeah," I said sheepishly. "We made plans to begin planning your parties for tomorrow. He called me beautiful. Hence the blush. I don't believe him. I'm not beautiful."
"Bullshit, Bella," Rose griped. "You are quite beautiful. Your skin is pale and translucent. You have the most alluring blush. Your smile is endearing and welcoming. Your hair is shiny and gorgeous. Your eyes are the most beautiful shade of chocolate brown and are almond shaped. Your shape is naturally curvy, but you are proportionate. The boob, waist and hip ratio are perfect. Bella, please!"
"I have fucking cellulite," I said rolling my eyes. "My ass jiggles. My boobs are flabby. I have wrinkles and my fair share of gray hair."
"We all have cellulite, Bella. We all have jiggles and wiggly parts," Alice said.
"Where are yours, Elf?" I challenged. "Blondie?"
Alice stood up and wiggled her butt. She also flapped her arms, focusing on her triceps. Rose poked at her belly and smacked her butt as well. Their jiggle was less than mine. I scoffed at their jiggliness and poured myself another glass of wine. They both shrugged and went back to completing Alice's wedding favors. They stayed another hour or so, until we were finished with the favors. We put them into a box and stored them in my guest bedroom closet. Alice gave me a hug as she left. "Don't let your faults and your insecurities run your life. You are beautiful. On the outside yes but on the inside as well. I love you, Bells. Have fun planning my bachelorette party with my baby brother."
"Thanks, Elf," I said, returning her embrace. I also hugged Rose and she winked as she headed into her condo. Alice skipped down the hallway and waved as she headed down the stairs. I closed the door and took some Advil before I went to bed. I didn't want to be hung-over for tomorrow. I took a quick shower and crawled into my bed. I picked up Nook and turned to my latest book I was reading, The Hunger Games. It was one of the books chosen for the Battle of Books at my school and I wanted to be familiar with it. I read for about an hour before I decided to go to bed. I set my alarm on my phone and curled against my pillow. As I was falling asleep, my phone chirped.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow, beautiful. Sleep well – Edward
I smiled and tapped out a reply. You too, handsome – Bella
:) – Edward
I fell asleep with a smile on my face and dreamt of Edward. Oh how I dreamt about Edward. I dreamt of him in situations that were quite naughty. We were in positions that I was never in with Mike. In my dreams, I came numerous times and Edward was a sex god. I wonder if it was true. However, it's not like I would find out. But my fantasies were fucking awesome. So awesome that I needed to shower again in the morning and put on a fresh pair of panties.
I got dressed in a khaki skirt and a deep blue shirt. I eased on a pair of brown sandals and curled my hair. I grabbed my work bag and drove to Cherry Blossom Middle School. I got there an hour later than I anticipated as I needed to shower again. Blasted sexy dreams filled with Dr. McFuckme. I was only going to be able to work for about two hours on the plans for next year. I also wanted to place an order with the office for my classroom supplies before I left. I created the lessons I wanted to complete for the first few days of school. I also made worksheets and activities for each of the lessons. Afterward, I created my supply list and turned it into the office. I had some time before I needed to meet Edward at the restaurant and I wanted to get a head start on my copying for the year. I went to the copy room and made the copies for my classes. My phone rang from my skirt pocket and I picked it up.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Hey, Bella," Edward said in his silky smooth voice. "I was wondering if we were still on for lunch today?"
"Yep. I'm just about finished at school," I said as I organized my copies. "Still Heaven on Seven?"
"Yes," Edward said. I could hear the smile in his voice. "I'll see you there, beautiful."
I blushed and ducked my head. "See you in a little bit, Edward."
"Bye," he breathed and he clicked off the call. I slipped my phone into my pocket and picked up my copies and carried them back to my classroom. I was nearly to the classroom when I ran into a wall of muscles. "Ooof!"
"Oh, I'm so sorry," came a husky, deep voice.
"It's no big deal," I said, looking up at the wall of muscles who I ran into. "I'm naturally clumsy."
"I beg to differ," he said conspiratorially. "I'm Jacob Black. I am the new math teacher for Eight Orange."
"Oh, wow! I have almost a new team! Jeez! I'm Bella Swan. I teach language arts for Eight Orange," I said as I shuffled my papers and stuck out my hand. "Nice to meet you, Jacob."
"You as well, Bella," he said. He was tall. Almost as tall as Emmett. His skin was a deep russet color and his hair was black and long. It was held in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His teeth were bright white against his tanned skin. He was wearing a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a tight t-shirt that showcased his muscles. He was built like Emmett as well. "I'm looking forward to working with you, Mrs. Swan."
"It's 'miss,'" I said. "Mrs. Swan was my mother before she got divorced from my dad."
"You're not married?" he asked surprisingly.
"Divorced," I replied. My phone chirped from my pocket.
I'm here. Where are you, beautiful? – Edward
"I've got to go, Jacob," I said as I frowned. "I'm meeting a friend for lunch and I'm already late."
"Can I get your number?" Jacob asked. My eyes widened. "To talk about school. I think I'm going to be your mentee or something."
"Oh, right. Sure," I said. I rattled off my phone number and shook Jacob's hand again before I darted to my classroom. I tapped out a reply to Edward, apologizing for my tardiness. I deposited my stack of copies onto my desk and I grabbed my bag. I ran out of the school and drove quickly to Heaven on Seven. I parked next to Edward's Volvo. I walked into the restaurant and looked for him. He was sitting in a booth near the back of the restaurant. I walked to the back of the restaurant and slid into the booth. "I'm so sorry I'm late. I ran into a new team member at school."
"Hello, Edward! It's nice to see you. How was your day?" Edward teased.
"Hello, Edward! It's nice to see you. How was your day?" I said, rolling my eyes.
"Hi, Bella," he smiled. "My day was fine. Better now that I'm with you. Did you get everything that you needed to get done at school?"
"Not as much as I hoped. I didn't get up as early as I wanted to," I said. I had sexy dreams about you, Edward. I soaked through my panties and I needed to shower because of said dreams.
"I'm sorry," Edward said, frowning. "Do you need to go back?"
"Nah. I'm good," I said. "How are you doing? Really?"
"Tired," Edward answered. "I've been on overnights for the past couple of days. I also have been doing my administrative duties during the days and I've not gotten enough sleep."
"That explains the dark circles you're rocking and glasses, right?" I said, furrowing my brow.
"Yeah," he sighed. "Also, Alice is in bridezilla mode. Holy crap, I'm ready to kill her."
"Me too. However, you get to wear a tux. I have to wear this fluffy pink thing and heels. I'd rather wear a tux than that any day!" I grumbled.
"There is one thing that is good about their wedding though," Edward said with mischief in his eyes. "I'm going to be your date for the evening. I get to wow you with my mad dancing skills."
"Just because I'm the maid of honor and you're the best man does NOT mean I'm your date, Masen," I teased. "Once we're done with the aisle thing and entrances, I can dance with whomever I please."
"That's harsh, Bella," Edward said, feigning shock. "I was rather looking forward to dancing with you."
"Your toes might disagree. Klutz, remember?" I said. "I'm the brilliant person who punched a counter top and nearly broke my hand."
"That is not clumsiness. That was anger," Edward rationalized.
"I've had two ankle surgeries because I've sprained BOTH of my ankles about a hundred times. Three years ago, I had to take a month medical leave because I had microfracture surgery on my right foot. Then three days before the school year started, I tripped and fell and broke the left foot. The sad thing is that when I went into the ER, they didn't notice the break and I walked around on a broken foot for about a year."
"If I was your doctor, that break would have been addressed," Edward said confidently.
"It was a stress fracture," I said. "It was only diagnosed with an MRI. Unless you have supersonic eyes, then you wouldn't have seen it."
"As you can plainly see, that is not the case," Edward said as he waggled his glasses on his nose. "Speaking of vision, I met with Dr. Sandoval."
"And?" I asked.
"I appear to be a candidate. I'm hoping to get it done after Alice's wedding. However, I can't wear my contacts for two weeks before the procedure. Alice will be pissed if I'm wearing these for her wedding pictures," Edward said.
"Wear them for the ceremony, but take them off for the picture part of the day," I suggested. "How blind are you?"
Edward took off his glasses and handed them to me. His prescription looked like mine. Thick. I put them on my face and blinked a few times. "I know it's bad. I'm just a step above blind," he laughed. I handed him back his glasses and he eased them back onto his face.
"Welcome to Heave on Seven. Can you get anything to drink?" a perky waitress asked as she appeared out of nowhere.
"Water, please," I said. "With lemon."
"I'll have the same," Edward said. "Can also get a cup of coffee?"
"Cream and sugar?"
"Both please," Edward smiled. She nodded and scurried off. "I need to stay awake to get home."
"Did you come from work?" I squeaked.
"Yep. I got there yesterday around four in the afternoon and did some work in my office. Then, I was on from eight to until eleven. I didn't really get out of there until 11:30. I was worried that I was going to be late," Edward said, arching a brow over his glasses.
"Edward, we don't have to do this now," I said, feeling horribly. "You must be exhausted."
"I'm exhausted, yes. However, I'm happy to be here with you," Edward replied, a blush creeping over his pale features. "Have you been here before?"
"Yes. I love their jambalaya," I said.
"Is that what you're getting?" Edward asked.
"Yes sir," I smiled. "It's nice a spicy. Just like I enjoy it!"
"Sounds good," Edward mused. "You sold me."
Our waitress returned with our drinks and took our food order. I chugged my water and sat back against the booth. Edward made his coffee with a dash of cream and a ton of splenda. "Why don't you have some coffee with your splenda?" I joked.
"I hate this shit," Edward grumbled. "The only way I can handle it is with a ton of sugar. Well, splenda."
"Why don't you try Five Hour Energy or something?" I suggested.
"Makes me too jittery. I get the shakes with that. No one wants a doctor with shaking hands," Edward said, demonstrating a nervous tick.
"True," I said.
"So, about this party?" Edward said, contorting his features in an adorable grimace.
"This party," I sighed. "It was Alice's brain child. She suggested that we combine the bachelor and bachelorette party. I think she's trying to force us to work together."
"I like the way she thinks," Edward said with a wink.
"What did I say about patience?" I chastised.
"Can't blame me for trying," Edward said with a shrug. "Anyhow, Alice mentioned that she came up with some ideas for this shindig."
"She wants a wine tasting for her part of the party and then going to a strip club," I said, echoing her suggestions from last night. "I know that you don't drink so if that makes you uncomfortable, we don't have to do it."
"I'm fine. I'll just be the sober driver," Edward said.
"Well, I was thinking about that too. Alice gave me her guest list for the party. She has like ten people on it. I don't know about Jas, but you can't be a shuttle bus for ten drunk women and ten drunk men," I rationalized. "I found this bus rental. It's a glorified 'short bus.' However, it's expensive. I can make the reservation but I can in no way afford to pay for all of it."
"What's the number?" Edward asked as he pulled out his phone. I told him the number and he programmed it into his cell. "I'll call them after I get a nap. Thank God I'm off tonight. I so need to sleep."
"We can split the costs for the bus rental," I suggested.
"Bella," Edward warned, arching his brow. "I can afford it."
"We're planning this thing together. We can split the costs. I'm not that broke," I sighed.
"How about this? I pay for the bus rental and let you handle all the rest of the plans, Ms. I'm-off-all-Summer," Edward suggested.
"I can handle that. I already know where Alice wants to have this wine tasting. Rose, my neighbor, is ordering the party games. I just need to make arrangements at the strip club and the dance club we're going to," I said.
"Did you say party games?" Edward asked. His eyes were filled with fear and apprehension.
"It's some card game. We each get a card and it has a dare. You need to complete the dare. She'll also get some other sexy-time fun games. Probably some penis shaped things and a crown for the bride and groom. She's all over this," I laughed. "Thank goodness because I'm so not."
"Let me guess. You didn't have a bachelorette party when you got married," Edward said as he leaned forward on his elbows.
"Not really. I went out for dinner and then we went clubbing. I got a shot from a lesbian and made out with her," I chuckled. "I was tempted to switch teams. Then Alice told me how they are intimate and I decided against it."
"Hmmmm," Edward said as he narrowed his eyes. "Interesting."
"What's interesting?" I asked.
"I'm imagining you making out with a woman. It's kind of hot," Edward said, his eyes darkening. "No scratch that, very hot."
"Perv," I laughed.
"I'm fucking born again virgin, Bella," he laughed. "It's been three years since I've gotten laid. Give me some fodder for my fantasies."
"Definitely a perv," I teased. "She was all tongue and her lips were mushy."
"Was she a blonde, brunette or red head?" Edward asked.
"I honestly don't remember. I was three sheets to the wind," I laughed. "I like men. Thank you very much."
"Good to know," Edward said, winking at me.
Our waitress came and delivered our jambalaya. I tucked into my meal and moaned at the deliciousness. "I forgot how good this was," I groaned. "So hot!"
"It is spicy," Edward said as he reached for his water. "Damn."
"So, when do we want to have this party?" I asked as I continued to eat my lunch.
"I'm assuming that you would like to have it before you go back to school, right?" Edward asked. "How about August 13th? That's the Saturday before your first week."
"How did you know that?" I squeaked.
"It's posted on your district's website. Duh," Edward said as rolled his eyes. "Alice actually suggested it, though."
"What Alice wants…" I began.
"Alice gets," we finished together.
"She so spoiled," Edward said wrinkling his nose.
"But you love her," I said. "Admit it."
"I do. She was my rock when I was going through all of my drama. First with my parents and then again with Tanya," Edward said with a sad look on his face. "She understood."
"What was she like as a kid?" I asked.
"She was a fucking maniac!" Edward laughed. "You think she's hyper now? Damn, she was like the energizer bunny on crack when she was younger. And she was involved in everything: choir, drama, cheerleading, dance team, speech team, newspaper, yearbook, scholastic bowl, the list goes on! She never slept. Then add a disabled cousin and she pretty adopted me and became my own personal cheerleader. When I was finally able to talk, I pretty told her to calm down and relax."
"What did you do in high school and college? Any extracurriculars?" I asked.
"Before the accident, I was on track, basketball and football. I was also a band geek," he said, his ears turning red. "I played percussion. I also was involved in the theater. As a freshman, I was the lead in the musical Godspell."
"You were Jesus?" I squeaked! "Crap! That's bloody awesome!"
"Yeah. However, it was the summer in between my freshman and sophomore year of high school is when I had the accident. Sophomore year was pretty much spent in a coma and recovering. When I did go back to school, I focused on my studies and didn't do many extracurriculars. Even in college I didn't do much. I was in the choir at Dartmouth, but that was it," Edward explained. "What about you? What were you like in high school and college?"
"I was a nerd. Plain and simple," I said. "I was shy and introverted. A bookworm. I always had my nose buried in a book and I avoided people at all costs. I did find my niche in the theater. I was only involved in drama as I'm completely tone deaf. I assisted in the musicals, but strictly in a backstage capacity. In college, I was involved in the literary magazine and the theater. That's about it."
"You don't seem that shy, Bella," Edward said.
"Trust me, I am," I said. "The blush is a dead giveaway of when I'm feeling insecure about a situation."
And cue said blush.
"Are you feeling insecure right now?" Edward pressed.
"I always do when I'm with you," I answered honestly.
"Why?" he asked as he cocked his head to one side.
"Your confession from the Fourth, that's why," I replied quietly. "I'm not…"
"Don't, Bella. Don't put yourself down," Edward said as he pushed his plate to one side. He reached across the table and grabbed one of my hands. "You obviously don't see yourself very clearly."
"That's what Alice and Rose said last night," I said, enjoying his warm hands around mine. His hands were very soft and large. I liked the way I felt when he held my hand.
Don't Bella. You're setting yourself up to fail. He'll get tired and move on to some gorgeous supermodel. Rose, probably.
"Did you ex-husband ever tell you were beautiful? Compliment you? Make you feel special?" Edward asked, his eyes searching mine.
"Not really," I sighed. "I was always stroking his ego. Never the other way around. I got flowers once a year. On our anniversary, if he remembered. He was cold and distant. I thought that would change, but it never did. It only got worse as we stayed together. I'm not used to any kind of compliment."
"Listen to what I have to say, Bella. You are beautiful. You are kind. You are intelligent. You are sweet. You are sexy. Even if you don't even realize it. When I first saw you, I was mesmerized by your beauty. That's what captured my attention. However, as I got to know you, especially in the last few weeks, your beauty has grown in my eyes. I can see your compassion and your love for your friends and family. I can see your dedication to your students and co-workers. Hell, you're dealing with my…how did you put it on the Fourth? My 'emo' ass," Edward said, squeezing my hand.
I dropped my gaze from his eyes and I felt tears fall down my cheeks. His words were so touching. So poignant. So truthful. Why can't I believe them?
Because for five years, you were in a loveless marriage to a man who NEVER paid you a compliment.
"Don't cry, beautiful," Edward said as he got out of the booth. He sat down next to me and pulled me into a hug. Again I sobbed against his shoulder. "I will tell you every day until you finally believe it."
"I don't know if I can ever believe it," I hiccupped. "I'm so fucked up, Edward. You deserve someone poised and elegant. That's not me. I'm haggard and clumsy."
"No, you're not," Edward said as he took my face into his hands. He stared into my eyes and he gently rubbed the tears that had spilled onto my cheeks away with his thumbs. "I. Want. You. So. Badly. I will wait. I'll be a persistent pain in the ass, but I'll wait for you, Bella."
His eyes dropped to my mouth and I could see the hamster moving in his head. He wanted to kiss me. At least, I think he did. He moved closer to me and he leaned down.
"Can I get you anything else?" the waitress asked.
Damn it.
Edward jumped away and looked at our waitress with a stern glare. "The check, please," he said in a clipped tone. She nodded and scurried away. "I'm sorry, Bella."
"It's okay," I said quietly. Edward looked at me and got out from the booth and went back to his side. Our moment was effectively ruined. I reached into my purse and took out my wallet. As soon as the waitress the returned with the check, I took it from her. I slipped my credit card into the folder and handed it back to her. Edward glared at me. I smiled sweetly and crossed my arms over my body. "You are dealing with my 'emo' ass. I'm paying for lunch."
"Is this going to be an ongoing argument, Isabella?" Edward asked.
Holy crow! Edward using my full name was fucking hot. Do it again.
"No, Edward Anthony," I said, scowling. "I'm an independent woman. I can pay for lunch every so often."
He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his broad, muscular chest. "Let's not make it a regular occurrence, Bella," Edward chided.
I saluted and took the folder from the waitress when she returned. I put my card back into my wallet and signed the credit slip after I figured out the tip. I took the receipt and put it into my wallet. "One more thing about the party?"
"What's that, beautiful?" Edward asked as a crooked smile flashed across his handsome features.
"Can we have everyone meet at your place?" I suggested. "You have the room, Dr. I-Have-Fucking-Mansion."
"It's not a mansion, Bella. But yes, we can meet at my place," he laughed. "Alice said something about gifts and she needs a place to open them. If she gets dildos and sexy lingerie, I will seriously be ill."
"Um, it's her bachelorette party. She'll get that stuff. Probably other sexual goodies," I said. "Even I got some good things at my non-bachelorette party. Old Faithful is a product of that party."
"Old Faithful?"
"My purple vibrator," I answered as Edward took a sip of water.
He spit out the water and his face turned a shade of bright pink. "Fuck me, Bella. You can't say shit like that."
"What? I'm single. I need some sort of release. Old Faithful has been the only reliable thing in my marriage," I said calmly. "I miss the real thing, but it serves its purpose."
"Hmmmm," Edward said darkly. "A woman cannot live on a vibrator alone."
"This one has for two years," I said simply. "You lived with Rosie Palmer."
"Funny, Bella," Edward said as his blush deepened. "I can't believe you said that."
"Believe it, buddy," I said. "Can you send me Jasper's guest list and I'll send out an e-vite for this shindig."
"I'll email it to you, you perv," Edward chuckled.
"That's you, Edward," I clarified.
He snorted and got up from the booth. He held out a hand and helped me out of the booth. We walked through the restaurant. Edward didn't release my hand. He actually laced his fingers with mine. It felt nice. Better than nice. It felt right.
Why am I fighting this? He is attracted to you. You're attracted to him. Go for it, chicken! What's the worst thing that can happen?
Get my heart broken again.
He won't do that.
How do you know?
Shut it!
"Bella?" Edward asked as he stopped me in front of my car. "Where were you?"
"Arguing with my subconscious," I muttered.
"Excuse me?" Edward asked, arching a brow.
"Nothing. Never mind," I said removing my hand from his. I reached into my purse and took out my keys. "Just trying to wrap my head around what has been said today and what I need to do for the party."
"Bella, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable," Edward said, his eyes filled with remorse. "I don't want to rush anything. I understand your trepidation. Really, I do. If you want me to back off, I will."
"Don't, Edward," I said quietly.
"Don't what?"
"Back off. Your persistence is starting to pay off. That's what I was arguing with my subconscious about," I giggled. "You're chipping away at my exterior."
"Really?" he asked, his smile radiant.
"Let's just say I was pretty pissed at our waitress when she stopped our 'moment,'" I said honestly. "I made sure I showed my disapproval in her tip."
"Can I finish what I wanted to do in the restaurant?" Edward asked eagerly.
"The moment has passed," I said, looking up at him. "I will accept a kiss on the cheek." I offered my left cheek and he chuckled. He leaned down and his lips caressed my cheek, close to my mouth. He pulled away and my cheek was on fire. I wanted to kiss him senseless and then fuck him in the car. However, my logical brain forced me to give him a hug instead. Edward held me tightly and he kissed my head.
We separated and Edward's eyes were filled with hope. "Thank you for lunch, Isabella."
"My pleasure, Edward," I said. Edward smiled and then yawned hugely. "Go to sleep, Masen. You're running on empty."
"I will. I'll call the bus company tomorrow. Have a good rest of the day and I'll talk to you tomorrow, if that's okay?" Edward asked.
"You can call me any time, Edward," I answered honestly.
"I'll give you a call after I set up the bus rental and perhaps I can cook dinner for you and we can finish planning this shindig," Edward suggested. "Tomorrow around six?"
"Sure," I smiled. "I'll bring dessert."
"Rum cake?" Edward begged.
"Anything for you, Edward," I said, poking him in the side. "Drive safe. Text me or call me when you get home, sleepyhead."
"Yes ma'am," he smiled. He leaned down again and pressed another sweet kiss to my cheek. "See you later, beautiful."
"Bye handsome," I said as I got into my car. Edward closed my door and jogged to his Volvo. He eased into the seat and waved from his car. I backed out and stopped at the store and picked up the ingredients for my rum cake. I was walking out to my SUV when my phone chirped.
I'm home and safely ensconced in my bed. Thank you again for lunch, Bella. I'm so incredibly happy that my persistence is starting to pay off. I promise you, it'll be worth it. Anyhow, my eyelids are drooping and I desperately need sleep. Talk to you tomorrow, my beautiful girl – Edward
Sleep well, my handsome doctor – Bella
I'll dream of you – Edward
I smiled and blushed at his words. His persistence was definitely paying off. As much as I wanted to ravage his mouth, the kiss on my cheek ignited something in me that I never felt. With Mike or anybody else. I gently pressed my fingers to my cheek and danced giddily. I stumbled and remembered that I was klutz. I got into my car and drove home, making my cake for my dinner with Edward.
Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.
A/N: Edward's making headway. Definite headway in Bella's head. Sorry about 'cockblocking' his kiss but they aren't ready for that yet. Leave me love!