Chapter 47

I can see you starin', honey
Like he's just your understudy
Like you'd get your knuckles bloody for me
Second, third, and hundredth chances
Balancin' on breaking branches
Those eyes add insult to injury —Exile, Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver

Bella

Edward convinced me to apply to the University of Illinois in Chicago with Alice. He enrolled in the Chicago Academy for the Arts to further his music. It seemed like a simple decision on graduation day when he suggested I live with him and Alice versus living in the dorms. Convincing my parents was an entirely different dilemma, though. It took weeks for me to get up the courage, and time was running out.

Mom sat across the kitchen table from me with a worried, leery expression as we debated our points.

She said, "College can be so much more than just an education, and college dorm life is an experience on its own. It's about campus community, getting out of you're comfort zone, and trying new things. Meeting dorm roommates who become best friends. Not to mention the parties."

I grimaced. "I highly doubt you want me to party, Mom. Look... I could spend money on a dorm room and meal ticket each semester if that's what you and dad want. But I know right now I won't be there. I'll be with him and Alice at their penthouse, so it'll be a waste of money. Money we can't afford to waste. I'm eighteen. I don't need permission, but I don't want to lie to you guys about where I'm at and what I'm doing. So, I'd really love for you two to support my decision on this."

"Just try it for a semester."

I shook my head.

She frowned. A moment passed then she raised her eyebrow. "Are you being safe?"

"Mom!" Surprised by the unexpected personal question, my face warmed.

She glared. "You're sitting here, telling me you're moving in with Edward, so are you being safe?"

She was right. I bit my lip, then mumbled, "Of course, we are."

Her shoulders raised as she sighed in defeat. "Well, it doesn't sound like I can convince you otherwise. I'm glad you came to me, first. I'll talk to your dad. It will help with the money situation when Jasper goes off to school next year... and I'll remind him we were almost as young when we fell in love and got married. Look how long we've lasted."

I grinned in relief and happiness, and gave her a huge hug of gratitude. "I love you."

A few days later, she told me she convinced Dad. Him agreeing was a major accomplishment. Kudos to her. He seemed to like Edward, though. They knew he'd take good care of me in the big city of Chicago.

Ecstatic, I called Edward to give him the amazing news. "They both said yes!"

"Really? You don't know how relieved that makes me. You're moving in with me." I could hear the astonishment in his voice. I felt the same, barely believing it myself. "Do you want me to come over?" he asked.

"Um, I'm supposed to go to Port Angeles for dinner with the family." Emmett finally came home from Colorado halfway through the summer. Mom and Dad went in early to shop. Seth and Jasper drove Emmett's truck to pick him up at the ferry. I waited, because Leah was driving with me in Mom's old car—my car now, since she bought a new one—after work. Leah had a summer job at the Dairy Queen.

"That's right. I forgot. We'll get together tomorrow then. I have a surprise for you."

While on the phone, Leah called. She said she had to work a double, because someone didn't show up.

"That's fine. Edward's on the other line. I'll bring him with me. He can take your place."

This way, I wouldn't have to drive alone. We could have a family get together, and he and I could celebrate.

"I don't have to be afraid to see Charlie, do I?" Worry stuck out in his voice.

"Don't be absurd." I chuckled at my use of one of his favorite phrases. "He wouldn't have said yes if he planned to treat you funny."

Since his house was on the way, I drove there, and we switched to his car. He grinned, his green eyes twinkling with anticipation as I climbed in with him.

"What?" I asked. He dipped his hand into his shirt pocket and brought out a small velvet box, startling me. "You're crazy!" I held onto a nervous smile.

"That I am, but it's not what you might think." With my curiosity piqued, I reached for the jewelry box. A white-gold pinky ring nested inside. Intricate leaves touched one another into a band, dusted with little diamond shimmers. "I hope it fits. Alice tried it on. It's in celebration of this special occasion."

I gulped. "It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you." I slipped it onto my pinky, then wound my arms around his neck to thank him properly.

We arrived at Emmett's favorite restaurant, Woodfire Steakhouse. The hostess led us to the Swan Party. After rounding a corner to the back area, I stopped short when my eyes locked with Jacob's eyes. He was sitting at the table with the rest of the family. I accidentally jerked my hand from Edward for... I don't know why.

Gathering my composure, I glanced up at Edward and saw his curious expression. Playing off the shock of seeing Jacob, I scratched my palm, then reached for his hand again, continuing to the table.

Jacob had been out of sight and out of mind. I didn't consider Emmett might bring him, which was idiotic, because I should have known. Jacob lived in Seattle now with his sister while he attended the University of Washington, so I hadn't seen him since my indiscretion last summer.

To make matters worse, the two open chairs beside Mom were across from Jacob and Seth. I decided on sitting across from Jacob, so he and Edward wouldn't stare an each other. But Edward pulled back the chair next to Mom for me.

"Edward, have you ever met, Jacob?" Mom asked. It was an innocent question, but annoyance swept through me.

"I did," Edward said, then looked at Jacob. "The friend of the family. Right?"

I cringed inside, hearing the reduction in Jacob's status again because of my slip-up and dishonesty.

"No, he's family," Mom said, smiling at Jacob.

With an insincere monotone, Jacob said, "Good to see you again."

I wondered if Edward, or anyone, felt the awkwardness of the moment, or if it was just me feeling awkward. I briefly surveyed the table; the only one who appeared to recognize the difficult ambiance was Jasper. He gave me a sympathetic smile.

Dad broke the silence while everyone examined their menus, bringing up Jacob's repeat win at Nationals. "What's next on your agenda, Jacob?"

Jacob straitened in his chair. "Stay on top until the Olympic qualifying events and the Olympics come around next summer in August."

"That's fantastic. I'm proud of you for staying focused on your dreams," Dad said.

"Thanks," Jacob said. Our eyes met. I smiled at him. I was proud of him. I never got the chance to tell him, though.

We all ordered, and I passed the stack of menus to Mom for the server. "That is gorgeous!" She caught my hand, lifting it up to see the ring. I fought the urge to cover it with my other hand, forcing myself not to steal a glance at Jacob. I knew I hurt him when I didn't get back with him.

"It's a special gift," Edward said. "I bought it for her in celebration of her coming to Chicago and living with me."

Oh, my God! You don't need to tell the world! I didn't even get to tell my brothers yet. And Jacob didn't need to know our business.

Dad grunted. Mom reached out and patted him on the leg. Seth and Jasper swung their faces toward each other. I shot an angry glare at Edward, because on the drive, he'd been worrying about seeing Charlie. It should have been the last thing he'd want my dad dwelling on during dinner. He shrugged off my glare. I glanced at Jacob, my stomach a tangle of anxiety and guilt, like I'd just gotten caught doing something wrong. His head was down, and he was focused on his phone.

It seemed like Emmett didn't hear Edward, because he showed no reaction, and a moment later he asked Edward about Forks' football season. They talked about it.

Jacob stood up and said to Mom and Dad. "I forgot I had something else I needed to do." He reached in his pocket, bringing out some money. "I'll try to cancel my order, but if I can't, this will cover it." It was a clear signal of his uncomfortableness. I wasn't the only one feeling it.

Emmett scrunched his face at Jacob. "We're going to The Rack after. Just sit down! We'll be out of here in no time."

Everyone at the table probably knew why Jacob wanted to leave but Edward. I wondered what he deduced from Emmett's remark.

Jacob stared at Emmett for a second, then nodded and sat back down.

Emmett was my hero of the evening. He engaged Edward in football conversation, then he'd switch to boxing for Jacob. He shared several funny football stories of his own with everyone. Occasionally, when he'd laugh, I thought I whiffed alcohol. I was thinking it might be the reason he was talking so much.

We made it through the dinner, and that was all that mattered to me.

Next Time: Find out what happened after the restaurant from someone who has been quiet until now.