I feel under-dressed, exposed, compared to her. "Bella, Emmett. Nice to see you both." He forces a grin. He tries to hide it. It doesn't work. He slides my book toward him slightly. "Studying up. Good job."
"Bella's a lifesaver," Emmett says.
The blond clears her throat.
"Oh, I'm sorry. This is my wife Rosalie. She's a CPA in Port Angeles. Rose, this is Emmett, he's the third baseman for our varsity team, and Bella is the manager."
"Slash genius," I say. My pencil twirls in my fingers.
Edward laughs. His wife smiles. "It's lovely to meet both of you."
Even her voice is beautiful. Musical. I already hate her for being so perfect. I admire her all the same. "Don't wear yourselves out too much. Get home and get some sleep," Edward says. They say their goodbyes and take a seat across the restaurant. I can no longer see them due to the partition. It's for the best. We're not there for much longer after. Emmett thanks me and I leave, stealing a final glance at Edward in conversation with Rosalie. He doesn't look after me. I can't feel him there.
I sit on my bed and look at his hands, held up in front of white and yellow light, curved and beautiful. A tear drops to his thumb. I allow myself to feel the pain I crave. To want so hard, not delicate, is mindful. Not numbing. I'm jealous of her for touching him in ways I can't. I'm tired of wanting.
I put away his hands and fall asleep on my own. Though, sleep does not come easy.