A/N: My thank yous to Team Jazzward for your help with this chapter. xx

DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, but if you're here, you knew that already. ;)

-FONO-

Between my job at the hotel, rehearsing with Bella every afternoon for her upcoming Saturday shows, and playing at The Twilight Club on my own in the evenings, I am busier than I could have ever expected.

So, when Bella requests my presence after finishing at the club this evening, I have no idea what she has in mind. It turns out after rehearsal, she and Felix ventured outside of the city to pick up Mary Alice who, according to my understanding, will stay with Bella for the next few nights. Or at least that's the story Bella sold Mrs. Cullen.

Whether that is true remains to be seen. But what I have seen is Mary Alice's interest in Felix. The feelings appear to be reciprocated too, as they've held hands ever since we parked the car, stealing a few kisses when they think no one is looking.

Bella and Mary Alice are dressed to the nines in above-the-knee shimmering dresses. I know I'm biased, but Bella outshines like no other. My eyes are drawn instantly to the black fringe that tantalizes at the shorter-than-normal hemline, giving me more than just a peek of her silky sheer-covered legs.

I don't miss my favorite high-heeled black shoes or those over the elbow black gloves she's known for wearing. The beaded designs and perfect fit of her deep red dress draw my appreciation of Bella's curves to new levels. Her hair is pinned into a short bob and a headband appears to hold everything in place.

She smells as good as she looks, and those deep red painted lips have me licking my own wondering how they would taste. I hope I can remain indifferent and keep my admiration of the entire package to myself, which at this point, I consider a monumental task for this evening.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"I have someone I want you to meet." Bella peeks at me with those heavily lined, sparkling brown eyes full of promise and mischief.

"Who?"

After our varied interactions, Bella seems to be softening to my charms as the seeds of friendship grow between us.

"You'll see."

I recognize the crowded bustling streets of Bronzeville, teaming with nightlife. While I haven't been to this part of the city often, I know it's full of black and tan establishments. Bella grabs my hand unexpectedly, pulling me along The Stroll on South State Street as we dodge visitors and residents, churchgoers and sinners, prostitutes and pimps—they're all here.

We pass pool halls, vaudeville theaters, and dance palaces. Sizzling music leaks from every open window while barkers attempt to coax us inside to their venues. The smell of chop suey parlors permeates the air, tempting passers by with seventy-cent platters filled with steaming mounds of a brownish stew over rice.

I look over my shoulder as Mary Alice and Felix struggle to keep up with our pace until we find ourselves standing outside of the Lincoln Gardens cabaret. I'm already shaking my head when Bella waves, getting the attention of the doorman who allows us to pass immediately.

Pulling her close, my lips pause at her ear ready with a warning. She distracts me momentarily with her inviting scent, but I refocus, choosing my words carefully. "Bella, this place . . . the owner—"

"I know, but my friend works here." Her hand resting on my forearm squeezes while her eyes plead with me to trust her. "Mr. Volturi said it would be fine. He made a few calls for me."

As if that reassurance makes this situation any better. My eyes catch Felix's unwavering gaze, and I know it's better to keep my mouth shut than mention my concerns any longer.

Lincoln Gardens is a club on the South Side owned by one of the most connected and feared men in the city, Alec Caponetti. Alec claims to be a boxing promoter in the newspapers, but most know the unspoken truth. He's the right-hand man of Demetri "The Fox" Volpe, the mastermind of the Outfit. Demetri is known for his cunning and finesse. He has not only the mayor in his back pocket, but also the entire police force. I'm one of the few who knows that Alec is keeping The Twilight Club supplied with liquor as a favor to Mike's uncle. Like I said, they're all connected, and I hope we aren't in over our heads here.

My shoulders sag slightly with resignation, and at my nod, Bella lights up, continuing toward the main room of the club, which is filled with loud music and hazy smoke.

Even though I've been distracted by her presence all evening, her swaying hips have me following closely behind. I spy a featured poster announcing Tyler Crowley's Creole Jazz Band on a wall nearby and gather that's who we're here to see.

She pauses, looking out over the packed dance floor. "Promise, you'll dance with me this evening?"

The thought of holding Bella's body in a gentle embrace against mine as we move around the dance floor in a slow romantic waltz brings a smile to my face. But this crowd isn't doing a waltz or even the one-step better known as the Fox Trot that I know well.

No, the partners here are doing a two-step where the woman swings out to a single handhold and both partners add footwork. My eyes are entranced as hips jerk back and forth in time with the beat. Women are lifted from the floor as they wrap like a snake around their partner's body while others slide to the floor until they are pulled up from between their partner's legs. It is a whole new style of dancing and one I can't wait to try with Bella.

I squeeze her hand I'm still holding, as if I could ever turn her down. "It's a promise."

"Oh, look! There's Lil!" Bella points toward the stage as the four of us squeeze into the chairs of an empty table nearby. She leans in close, and I tilt my head not wanting to miss a word. "Lil plays piano, like you."

My eyes move across the stage, noticing the dark-skinned band members who have the entire room moving to the fast tempo. Two cornet players are dueling it out while the remaining band members playing drums, clarinet, trombone, and bass accompany them with a vigorous beat. It is quite a sight, and I'm feeling more certain now this is going to be an entertaining evening.

A/N: I also shared an additional musical influence post on my website, kayrichard dot com, if you're interested in listening to King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, who is the inspiration for the resident band Edward and Bella are enjoying. Lincoln Gardens was a nightclub and dance hall with a dance floor that could hold a thousand dancers at one time. It sounds as if dancing between our favorite duo could be in their future! lol

In Along Came a Spider news: I'm hosting an ongoing giveaway for the final chapters in my Facebook group, Kay Richard's Fanfics, with an opportunity for WIP readers to join Team Spiderward as a pre-reader for a chapter. The first winner was announced recently, but once Chapter 52 posts, there will be a new featured/pinned "Guess the Smile" post with information on how to enter, if you're interested. It's my way to thank readers for going on this marathon journey with me, giving you a behind-the-scenes/first-look of the next chapter.

Thanks for reading. xx