16

The party comes to a stop as we enter the banquet hall. You can hear a pin drop as all eyes turn to us. I squeeze your hand, and you lean into my side.

"We got this, Edward."

We make our rounds, and I take a moment to thank every person we encounter for supporting the cause. You're charismatic and warm and inviting to all, and they are immediately caught under your spell.

You've done your research for sure. Answering questions left and right and replying with a few of your own.

Kate asks me to stop by the silent auction table to make sure everything is in order. While I check in with the usher in charge of keeping track of the bids, I explain to you that I'm exempt from participating.

"It's unfair and immoral." I shrug. "But feel free to take a look around."

You chuckle softly. "I doubt I could afford one of the cocktail napkins from the bar, Edward." You pull a folded check out of your pocket and slip it in the collection box. "It's not much, but I still wanted to do my part."

I kiss the side of your head and sigh, whispering softly, "Where did you come from, Miss Swan?"

You snort.

"Yes, do tell," a nasally voice interrupts our moment. "Where did you come from?"

If the sound of my ex-girlfriend's voice catches you off guard, it never shows.

"Originally, I'm from a dinky little town called Forks, but I've lived in Jacksonville for most of my adult life."

Rosalie's violet eyes home in on the lipstick you left on my mouth. "Edward."

"Rosalie ..." I nod toward her date. "McCarty."

He shuffles nervously.

Once upon a time, I hated this man. I blamed him for ripping what I thought was my entire world away from me, but now, I just pity him. Rosalie has her claws dug so deep in him it's not even funny.

While she's dressed to kill in a slutty X-Men costume, his rental looks and smells like it hasn't been washed in months.

A server stops by with a tray full of champagne flutes, and Rosalie drains two in quick succession while you thank the girl and ask for a couple napkins.

"The two of you are the hot topic of the night." My ex sniffs and eyes what you're wearing. "The Edward Masen I know never liked all the attention you've garnered with that outfit."

I tense, but you reach up and wipe at the stain your lips left on my cheek.

"Missed a spot, handsome. Kate's trying to get your attention, so we should go." You turn to Rosalie. "It was nice meeting you, Roxy."

"It's Rosalie," she corrects through gritted teeth. "Surely, Edward has mentioned me. We have a history."

You chuckle darkly. "Oh, he might have, but we tend to focus on the present and future instead of past regrets." You grip my arm. "Ready?"