Under My Nose

Bella Swan needs a change in pace, a slower groove to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer her. She moves from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, from subways to streetcars, from nouveau chic to historically quaint, from a large Manhattan apartment near Park Avenue to a shotgun house with her eccentric aunt, in Mid City and off Canal Street. She's ready for love, commitment and that happily ever after, but does she have the patience to wait out her heart's desire? It's frustrating to be right, "under his nose".

Chapter Twelve:

BPOV: January 3

The screams of the crowd roar around us. I can't believe all the pandemonium for a dumb, thumb wrestling prank. Emmett's laugh is glorious and full of spirit. He enjoys the attention and excitement, hooting and hollering with the crowd. I can see the brother resemblance in their eyes, but their direction is totally different. He's carefree and open, where Edward seems so withdrawn and tight, as if he is hiding something.

We both struggle; pushing and prodding our thumbs and bumping one another's shoulders. He almost knocks me off of the bench. I kick his chin. He steps on my toes. I think to myself, 'I like him as a big brother'. The chants of the crowd get my adrenaline hyped, and within a blink of an eye, I pin Emmett's thumb under mine.

In sheer delight, I scream. Alice grabs my arm, raises it in my victory and we hug, jumping in unison, while Jasper declares me as the First Winner of the Thumb Wrestling War.

The crowd explodes in a chorus of 'Bella, Bella, Bella'!

Someone shouts out, "Queen of the Thumb, her royal thumbness!"

Sheer applause and robust laughter echo throughout the outside picnic area.

Edward finally reaches the table with our drinks on a tray, and his death stare on Emmett gives me a chill up my spine.

Once again, Jasper separates them and passes out the drinks. He moves to sit next to Alice, and then escorts me to sit between Edward and Emmett; the chill and the heat.

Jasper breaks the God-awful silence with a huge smile and sarcasm. "So that was fun. Emmett where did you find the mini ring and masks?

"I think it was the novelty store a few blocks down." He gets testy and looks at Edward. "Someone kicked me out of their apartment, so I had some time on my hands and walked around."

"Well, maybe if you called …" Edward angrily scolds.

Jasper interjects, "Bella, Emmett has never lost at anything to anyone."

Emmett forgets Edward's comment. "She dug me with her fingernail!" he gripes.

I retaliate, ""You tried to trip me under the table!"

Emmett stutters, "I saw you s-s-stick out your boobs to distract me."

I can do a pretty good death stare, too. "I was not. They stick out on their own." And I grab them with force.

Alice giggles, but keeps her eyes on Edward.

I look at Emmett with my puppy dog face and pouty lips as I lay my hands on the table. "You really feel that way, Emmett?" I bat my eyelashes.

From the cold side, I feel an arm go around the back of my chair, and I smile.

"Bella, I don't lose, especially easily," he grumbles.

"Did you want a rematch?" I ask with sad eyes.

And from the cold side, he speaks, "I think you both had enough excitement for one day. This crowd would combust from another spectacle of Emmett's immaturity."

Whoa, where did that come from? A bitter taste forms in my mouth, as I look at Edward's steel expression towards Emmett.

And Emmett retaliates with venom, "Sorry if I gave your woman a good time, Edward!"

I stare at Emmett, but interrupt Edward's wrath with my hand in his face, and let Emmett have it with a whisper-shout, "Excuse you? One, I always have a wonderful time with your brother." I turn and smile at Edward, then look back at Emmett, "And two, I am not anyone's woman. So, shut it, Emmett. Why are you being such a bitch boy?"

Emmett's eyes are wide. Then again, as I scan the table, so is everyone elses.

Then, I turn to Edward. "Yeah, it was a stupid game, but not immature." I glance back at Emmett. "That's all it was. I beat you fair and square, so get over it, you lost!" I end my rant.

Alice stares at Edward and mumbles with a clenched jaw, "I'll date her!"

I look at her, then Edward. He oddly shrugs and inches closer to me.

And after all of that, the waitress finally brings our food. We eat in silence with our heads down, until Jasper starts to chuckle, which leads to a belly laugh, as he tries to catch his breath, holding dearly to his stomach. "I have never seen anyone take down the Cullen boys." He stands. "Bella, you are my hero!" He reaches over and high fives me.

Emmett makes a "fif" sound, as Edward tries to hold back his laughter.

When I don't finish my meal, I offer the rest to Edward, but Emmett reaches over and takes my paper plate.

"He won't eat anymore," Emmett slams the rest of the hotdog and fries into his mouth, chews, swallows and finishes off his drink. "Okay, thanks for lunch." He gives Edward a coy smile and stands. "I've got to get back to work."

"It was nice to meet you, Emmett." I smile.

"You!" And he points down at me. "I want a rematch, the next time we hang out," he orders, and winks.

I stand with my hand out, "It's a deal." I smirk and shake a finger at him. "But it's your demise."

He disregards my hand, pulls me into a hug and crunches me into his hard chest. "Lady, don't be so sure. I don't like the losing thing."

Emmett frees me from his arms, and walks away. "See you guys later."

I sit back down, as Edward gets up and stomps over to throw the trash away.

Alice watches me. "So, where do you plan on going for this makeover?"

I turn around to face Alice. "Well, Edward mentioned that there were a few vintage and costume shops nearby."

Alice grins. "What about his scruff and hair?"

"Once we get a few things, we'll go back to my Aunt's place and she can sort them out. She sews and I can hem, so between the two of us, we can make something work for him. And his hair just needs a trim, but the beard needs an overhaul." I lean forward. "Is he angry about something?"

Alice throws her hands up. "Who knows with Edward? He gets upset over the smallest things. But …" She leans forward. "He doesn't agree with Emmett's lifestyle."

I whisper, "Why?"

Jasper cuts in. "Emmett is a man-whore. He never dates a woman twice. Plus, Edward has been stagnant in the dating world."

Edward begins to walk towards the table and Alice quickly says, "We'll have to hang out sometime." She clears her throat. "So, Jasper promised me some Gelato. You want to come?"

"I'd really like to get this shopping thing over with," Edward says. "Maybe we can catch you later."

Alice blurts out, "You want to meet up at the restaurant?"

Edward seems a bit off, turns his head quickly in Alice's direction and says, "No, we can go somewhere else. I'll call you."

Alice frowns at Edward and I watch the interaction. "Okay."

Jasper stands. "Well, I'll be there later. I expect a call. I want to see the new and improved Edward."

Alice grabs me into a hug and whispers into my ear; "Please, don't give up on him." I just nod my head, as she and Jasper walk hand in hand out onto the sidewalk.

I turn to look at Edward, and he is in deep thought.

"Um, you still up for this?" I hesitantly ask.

He comes out of his daze. "Yeah, let's fucking do this."

We pass a few stores and come to a vintage clothing shop. Edward opens the door for me, and we walk in. It's a small store, but I find myself drawn to a rack on the right. I practically squeal when I find a black, wool coat with tails. I turn quickly to show Edward, who is so close to me that I ram right into his chest. He grabs my upper arms.

"I'm sorry," I apologize.

When I look up at him, his eyes are looking through me.

We don't speak.

We don't move.

His hands hold me close, and I hold my breath.

I softly whisper, "Edward, I found a coat." I hold it up for him to see. "I have some pictures of the clothing allegedly worn by Jean Lafitte. This looks like something he could have worn."

Edward releases my arms and takes hold of the coat. He clears his throat. "You researched this?"

"Well, I didn't want to go into this blindly. I found pictures of the designs for that era. But I also found pictures of Jean Lafitte. You know; he was around your height." I take a large breath. "Very tall, since most of the men were 5'7". He was 6'2"."

He smiles. "Was he?"

"Yeah." I smile back. "He was very young for a captain of a ship. He was only twenty-six."

"So, you checked him out?" He smiles.

"Are you making fun of me?" I ask with attitude.

"Oh, I wouldn't fucking dare, not after my stupid remarks in the stable." He scratches the back of his neck. "Yeah, Jean Lafitte, he was a character."

I get this great idea and my brain wants to explode. "Oh my God, Edward, I got it. Oh, oh, oh. I have the perfect idea for your romantic tours." I jump up and down and hug him. "Why didn't I think of this before? Please, try this on first, and then I'll tell you my idea."

Edward pulls off his bike jacket; I hold it, while helping him into the woolen coat. It fits him enough that we can work with it

His back is to me as I bury my face into his jacket. and take a large whiff of his sweat, cologne and leather scent. The smell paralyzes all of my senses, taking whatever breath or brain cells I have away.

We look around the shop and don ' t find anything else, so we pay for the coat, leaving to continue our search down Magazine Street.

The coat fits him enough that we can work with it. We do continue to look around the shop and don't find anything else. After Edward pays for the coat, we leave and walk down Magazine Street.

The wind is chilly, but not cold, and the sun warms my face. Edward slows his pace for me, since I take three steps to his one.

"So, what's the brainstorm you had?" He finally speaks.

I stop and turn to him.

"You need to be Jean Lafitte! Take your riders back into time and talk about his life as yours, where you came from, what you did, who you loved; God, even how you loved. Edward, he was charming and intelligent; striking in his appearance and dressed well. You could make this so very fascinating. A ride with a notorious pirate, successful entrepreneur who was loved more so than the city's governor." I take a breath. "What do you think?"

"Bella, I'm not an actor," he solemnly admits.

"You don't need to be. You know about the man." I plead, "You speak French. Have you any idea how you will make the people swoon? Even the men."

"Ah, I don't want to make any man swoon!" He frowns.

"Oh for God's sake, you aren't trying to seduce ..." And my light bulb goes on … again.

And I stop.

And I think.

And I pace.

People move around me. Edward grabs my arm and pulls me out of the way onto the side of a building.

I stare off in a daze."Yes, you want to seduce. Edward, awwwwww, this is great."

He looks at me as though I have lost my mind, but I am so happy I have the key for him.

"You will have people lined up to take your tour. You will need to make appointments. I swear it can happen with this idea, Edward." I beam.

"You really think this will work?" he asks.

"Yes, not only will it work, but it's different. You are the only two-seater carriage. People will fall in love with the character. Who doesn't like a swashbuckling pirate? It's romantic as fuck! Isn't that what you want?"

And he stares at me. "I don't know if I can do it."

"Of course, you can. Let me say this, again. You have all the information. Instead of informing your customers about the history, you'll have them relive it through your Jean Lafitte; making it more exciting, telling Jean's tales in a French accent and speaking French, too. Oy, I'm getting a hot flash here!" I wave my hand over my face.

Edward laughs.

I smile. "See? Edward, you can do this."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

We schlep into three more stores with no luck.

I call Aunt Sally, and she tells us of this costumes shop, but it's never open. Well, after a few minutes, she calls me back, telling me they are opening up for us. Something about Richard and how they owe him a favor. I sigh. Thank you, Dick! I smile to myself.

Edward and I head to the shop. The overhead bell rings as we walk through the door. There are tutus of every color with sequins and glitter, sticking out from the ornate, spiral carved spindles of dark wood from the upper story staircase. We see every costume you can imagine with accessories and props. Masks and clown faces, wigs and mannequins that clutter the walkway. Feathered headpieces of all shapes and sizes and colors hang on the walls. You don't know where to look first.

There are two, long, glass, display counters on each side of the store; one with bracelets, rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings and appliques intertwined in a huge pile behind the glass. And the other, there are replicas of samurai swords, knives, pistols and other weaponry. On both countertops, there are stacks of different kinds of hats, feathered boas and belts.

A very petite, older lady slowly walks down the aisle, wearing her snow, white hair in a bun close to her neck with small curls embracing her face and cheeks. Her facial makeup is light, but her cheeks and lips are a bright, shiny red.

She hunches a bit forward and clutches her crooked cane, as she walks in our direction. Sliding her feet across the wooden floor, she pulls on her drab, gray cardigan across her waist.

She lifts her head, gives a slight smile and softly sings, "Welcome."

Edward and I walk up the aisle to her. As she slowly begins to sit on a throne of red-velvet, we both quickly grabs her arms and help her to easily sit.

"Thank you, children," she barely whispers. "Please, sit," she directs, nodding to a bench to the side of her throne.

"Now, what can I do for you? Sally said this was of dire importance." She smiles sweetly.

I look at Edward, and he nods for me to speak. "We want to create a Jean Lafitte costume for Edward. Ah, this is Edward Cullen and I'm Bella Swan." I smile.

She nods her head. "I know, and I'm Evelyn St. Vincent LaCroix Dykes-Johnson." She proudly announces.

My eyes go wide. "You're Richard's mom?" I ask.

"Yes, and apparently I owe him something for him to beg me to open the shop for you." She laughs.

Edward thanks her and asks, "Is it possible you might have anything to depict the clothing of that era?"

"If I don't have it, Edward, you won't find it anywhere else!" she smugly responds.

Well, Richard's mom, Miss Evie, is the answer to my prayer. She rummages through racks of clothing, pulling out a pair of gray, fitted pants, a navy-wool jacket with large lapels, a white, cotton shirt, thin tie and heavy leather, black boots. But the piece of clothing that will enhance Edward's charm as Jean Lafitte is a black, wide brim, gambler hat. I can't wait to see Edward in this.

Miss Evie leads Edward to the back of the shop, as I remain on the bench. He goes behind a curtain, as Miss Evie takes a grope of Edward's ass. I hear him yelp, and she laughs. "Nice buns, Edward. If I only I was younger."

She walks back to me and blushes. "Sorry, my dear, I couldn't help myself. I certainly hope you are tapping that."

How do I answer that? I don't … I just smile.

Moments later, Edward emerges in full costume. The pants fit like a glove, and there is more to him I didn't think about. His thighs and calf muscles tighten with each step he takes towards me. I inhale a small breath. Is it warm in here?

The coat shows his broad shoulders and narrows to his slim waist. My eyes don't know where to look first.

I feel a bit faint.

But the hat.

It's sexy and dangerous and gives him the persona of mystery. Edward tilts his head down and lifts the brim, and I see his eyes, really see his eyes. He looks at me in wonderment and trepidation.

He clears his throat, takes the hat off, holding it in both his hands, rolling it around, as nervously asks, "Well, what do you think?"

I regain my senses and smile. "You have the potential to look very handsome."

The disappointment shows on his face. "Potential?"

"Well, you look good from the neck down." I smile and fidget with my fingers. "Edward, you need a shave. I don't think they had that mountain man look in the eighteen hundreds. And we do need to do something with your hair."

He bends to my ear and whispers, "Your honesty is refreshing, Ms. Swan."

I stare at his ass and gulp. "Are you being sarcastic?"

"Pretty much, Bella." He sits next to me. "This is ridiculous. People will think I'm nuts."

I still stare at him and plead, "Please, don't."

He looks up at me.

"I know this will work." I scratch his beard and smirk. "You are rather cute under all that fuzz."

"Such a flatterer after you shot me down," he mumbles.

I bite the inside of my cheek. "I don't always have a filter."

He pulls at my cheek. "No kidding!"

I sweep my fingers over his lengthy hair to see his eyes. He sits close. "Just a shaping, and your hair will be perfect. You'll see."

He smiles. "You promise?"

I sit up straight. "Yeah, I promise."

He leans close. "I'm going to hold you to that."

We are nose to nose … so close.

With my eyes wide, I hold my breath. Edward kisses my forehead; lingering for a few seconds. "Thank you."

His eyes fix on my lips, and I barely blurt out, "You're welcome."

Miss Evie hobbles down the aisle and shouts, "Well?"

We both jump and pull away from one another.

Edward stands and helps Miss Evie to her throne. "I think this will work," He says while looking at me.

Miss Evie sits there and stares at Edward and, then at me.

"Oh, I know it will work."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

And what do you think Miss Evie truly meant by that statement? How did you feel about her little groping?

Bella and Edward were getting really close. I know, I know. We will still have to wait for that first kiss, and his makeover.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

A/N: Thank you to my Beta, Sunflower Fran. I appreciate her time, her proper grammar and quick pen. Another great find by PAD!

To Robseve and Postapocalypticdepository (PAD), my pre-readers that give their unselfish time and creative input. Both of these ladies are inspirations and true friends.

Now, let me rec Postapocalypticdepository stories, since she so graciously rec'd mine.

Never Judge by the Cover: 9056924

Boys Will Be: 8868006

Rude Awakenings: 8876785

It's a New Dawn, It's a New Year: 8862243 (complete)

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

And thank you to all the readers, whether you review or not. I enjoy every comment and suggestion. Yes, NOLA (New Orleans, LA) is an exciting place to live. And to combine the old world with the new is a challenge, but the humor is quite a serious business. My objective is for all of you to smile, after each chapter.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Next up: EPOV