Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Seven

Once I was back in my apartment, I poured myself a bowl of cereal, not caring that it was eleven PM. Luckily, Rose was in her room with the door shut, so I was spared the interrogation for the night.

I quickly went through my nighttime routine and hopped into bed, setting the alarm on my phone. I laid there, staring at the ceiling and realizing I wasn't too tired after my nap on Edward's couch, when my phone lit up with a text message. I reached over, smiling as I saw Edward's name.

I wasn't attacked, in case you were wondering if I made it back safely.

I laughed to myself and began typing a reply.

Yeah, completely unnecessary, but thanks for walking me down to my apartment. And for not getting attacked. I wouldn't be able to survive happy hour tomorrow without you.

He replied not even ten seconds later.

The things I do for you. Oh, and we're hanging out tomorrow night?

It dawned on me we hadn't officially made plans. I just assumed he'd go to happy hour with my coworkers and me. I typed a quick response.

Yeah? Iron Cactus at 5.

I was beginning to grow anxious when he didn't respond right away. Then I realized only two minutes had passed. I began typing another message.

Tanya will be there, if that makes you change your mind.

He immediately responded.

That definitely changes things.

Before I could react, my phone beeped again with a second message.

That makes me not want to go at all, lol.

I laughed, rolling my eyes.

Whatever, you know you like the way she drools over you. Anyway, I'll see you there. Unless you already have plans, then I suggest you cancel them.

He sent three messages, one right after the other.

You're bossy.

I'll be there after 6.

Late practice plus traffic. You know how that goes.

I smiled, staring at my phone while typing: Yeah. Have fun with that. See you tomorrow.

Work was uneventful with no surprise lunch dates. Rose called around noon to check on me because she apparently thought I hadn't come home at all last night. I quickly set her straight and hung up on her before she could accuse me of anything (read: fucking the shit out of Edward).

I drove to Iron Cactus immediately after work, sending Edward a quick message to say I hoped he was having a good day so far. I knew he wouldn't be able to respond, but at least he'd be able to read it.

It was six-thirty and I was three margaritas in when Edward finally showed. From across the restaurant, I watched as he scanned the table, realizing there were no available seats. He pointed towards the bar and motioned for me to come with him. I grabbed my drink and told Lauren I'd be right back, maneuvering my way through the tables and smiling widely once I stood in front of him.

"Wow." His smile matched mine as he reached for my elbow, helping me onto the bar stool. "Someone's happy to see me."

"It's the tequila," I answered immediately, lifting my glass.

His smile didn't falter as he said, "No it's not."

"You're right. I just don't like my coworkers," I lied. "You saved me."

Edward licked his lips, watching me curiously. "That's not it, either, and you know it." His tone caught me off guard. It wasn't playful or sarcastic, but he was still smiling.

"Well, that's partly true. I do prefer your company over theirs. They talk too much smack when they drink."

Edward looked horrified, reaching for my glass. "Smack? Really, Bella? How much have you had to drink?"

I tried not laughing, and failed. "I saved you a seat at the table, but Lauren brought someone, and I wasn't sure if you were going to show, so I let him have your seat," I said quickly.

"You weren't sure if I was going to show?" he asked, tsking me. "It's fine, I'd rather sit at the bar. I came here for you, anyway, not them." I laughed a little too hard at his admittance. He ignored me and ordered himself a beer.

"Want to hear something funny?" I asked animatedly.

"Shoot."

"Did you know that, since we've been friends, this is the first time we've both been single?" I blurted out, keeping my eyes focused on him even as I sipped my margarita.

"Yes," he answered immediately, honestly.

"Really?" He eyed me for half a second, pausing to sip his beer. I pushed his knee, urging him to get on with it. "How did you know that?" I asked.

"What do you mean how did I know that?" he snorted. "That's not something insanely crazy. It's one of those things you pay attention to."

"Apparently I don't." I frowned. "Well, I didn't realize that until Rose brought it to my attention."

He smiled slyly. "You're not the most attentive person I know."

"I'm attentive enough. Like...I noticed you didn't shave today," I pointed out, reaching over to run my fingers along the scruff of his jaw.

This seemed to amuse him. "I noticed you didn't, either," he shot back, awkwardly rubbing a finger over my top lip.

I swatted his hand away. "Such a jerk."

"I'm not a jerk." He softened his gaze, staring at me with such an intensity that I had to look away.

It was quiet between the two of us, Edward staring at the television mounted on the wall and me pretending to people watch, when I felt his fingers brush against my shoulder, vying for my attention.

"Makes sense, you know," he finally said, pursing his lips.

What didn't make sense was that I had to wait for the feeling to come back in my shoulder before speaking. "What makes sense?" I asked dumbly.

He waited before responding, an evil tactic that allowed my thoughts to run wild. Was he trying to say that we made sense? That we were never together because the timing wasn't right?

"It makes sense that you never realized this is the first time we're both single," he answered, in a voice too low for such a loud venue.

Even though I heard him, I asked, "What?", forcing him to lean closer, mumbling the same words in my ear. I swallowed, pulling back. "I don't get it. Why would that make sense?"

"It's simple. Why would you ever have to think about something like that, you know? I'm so good looking, it never crossed your mind that you could ever have a chance with me."

"Right." I blinked as he tried to keep a serious face. "So good looking, and don't forget so humble."

His eyes became squinted as he laughed. "I'm extremely humble."

"And not sarcastic at all," I added. "Not annoying in the least. Very likable. It's crazy you don't have a girlfriend."

"I don't want a girlfriend," he admitted, gulping his beer.

"Everyone wants someone," I said, realizing my words were becoming slurred.

He smirked. "Is that so, Bella?"

I nodded, convincing myself the heat in my cheeks were due to the alcohol I'd consumed. "I think so, yeah."

"Well, that," he gave me a pointed stare, "sounds great. But I don't want just anyone," he claimed, nonchalantly bumping our shoulders together.

"Keep on with the sarcasm and you won't have anyone," I quipped, desperate for the playful banter I felt comfortable with.

"But I'd still have you." He repeated my words from yesterday morning, sighing dramatically, staring playfully.

"You'd still have me," I mumbled, feeling a tightness in my throat.

A/N: She's fucked, but y'all already knew that. Thanks for reading! :)