A/N: Since this is a Twilight fic set in Toronto, this feels apt - was anyone else at Twilight In Concert in Toronto Friday night??? If you were, tell me your favourite part. Mine was a hall of people saying "This is the skin of a killer" in unison. Anyway, back to my story! Ready to se how our happy couple's first real day goes? Will Alice's advice prove helpful? Will Bella finally let herself open up to Edward? Answers will be revealed below! As a warning, I will be on vacation next week, so posting may be at weird times, but I'm still planning to keep my schedule for the most part. Regular teasers, BTS, and other details shared on my group, hmerdan's Fiction Spot. Once I get back from vacation, I'll also be sharing some nibbles on the hmerdan WIP Vault and what's to come. As always, don't forget to thank my beta, Kneon for everything.

BPOV

"How was everything?" Cara, our server, asked as she collected our now empty plates.

"Everything was delicious," I gushed. "That frittata was amazing!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. And you, sir?" She asked.

"One of the best turkey crepes ever," Edward added. "Would we be able to see the dessert menu?"

"Absolutely, I'll be right back," she grinned before walking away.

"Really? You still have room?" I giggled.

He leaned across the table and gave me an almost conspiratorial look. "Bella, this place is called Cacao 70. If there's one place, you'll always find room for dessert, it's here."

I shook my head at his boyish grin as I took a sip of my mocha. "Can't argue that one. But you'll need to share with me, I don't think I can eat a whole dessert by myself."

"We'll see," he murmured as Cara put down the menu opened to the dessert section. He turned it towards me and pointed at one of the items. "Tell me you can look at that chocolate hazelnut pizza and not want dessert."

I looked at the picture and tried to control my salivary glands before glaring at him. "Okay, that's not fair. Chocolate and hazelnut are a perfect combination. And when you add in strawberries and bananas…" I held back my moan as I sat back in my chair. "You're making me feel as gluttonous as Seth right now, you know that right? What would Coach Cullen say?"

"He'd make me do an extra suicide drill," He shrugged. "But it's worth it. Trust me, we'll just get the quarter."

"You're killing me, Masen!" I groaned and threw back my head. "Fine! I can't say no."

"I knew you couldn't," He chuckled and put his hand back up for Cara. "We'll get one-quarter of the chocolate hazelnut pizza please." He handed back the menu, grinning at me.

I shook my head once Cara was out of view. "You're a bad influence. You know that, right?"

"Oh, I try to be," He replied, giving me a salacious grin. "I promise I won't steer you wrong."

"You better not," I grumbled, even though the smile on my face gave away any attempt at annoyance. "So, after sugar coma pizza, what else do you have planned?"

"Have you ever been to the Distillery District?" He asked, and I shook my head no. "Same. I mean, I've gone to events and restaurants around here, but never really explored the area. Alice suggested it."

"Alice?" I asked curiously, feeling a twinge of jealousy.

"Jasper's fiancee," He confirmed. "They're getting married here in July. Anyway, I know there's a lot of history and culture around here. I thought you'd be interested. Also, it is the distillery, so I thought a couple of tastings would be in order."

"Yeah, sounds great. Just don't get me drunk, mister." I wagged my finger in warning.

He put his hands up. "Wouldn't dream of it. I want you to remember the whole day."

I could feel my face heat as Cara dropped off our chocolate hazelnut pizza and could only get out a mumbled thank you as I picked up my slice. "Oh, my God!" I moaned after my first bite. "You were right, this is amazing."

"Um, yeah," Edward stammered, clearing his throat. "I'm glad you like it."

"What?" I grabbed a napkin and wiped my face. "Do I have chocolate somewhere?"

"No, it's just…" He let out a small chuckle. "You can't make noises like that and not expect me to react."

I scrunched up my face confused. "Huh? What are you talk-" And then it hit me. "Oh. Sorry." My blush grew at the thought of what those sounds could be construed as.

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're enjoying yourself." He smirked as he took a bit of his slice, making me roll my eyes.

If I had to place a bet on what I'd be doing more today - rolling my eyes or blushing - I'd say the odds were pretty evenly split. This man knew how to get to me. More than I realized.

After our dessert pizza, we started our tour at the galleries across from the restaurant, where Edward surprised me with his keen eye for art - a talent he claimed was from his mom being an avid collector. I couldn't help but notice the quick tense look he got at that mention of his parents, but I decided today wasn't the day to delve into that as he took us to our next stop - Ontario's first traditional sake brewing company. Maybe it was just getting to know him better or maybe it was the four tasting shots of sake at the end of the tour, but I was getting a lot more comfortable with him as I leaned into his chest while taking a photo by the Symbolic Peace sculpture in front of Izumi.

As we made our way out of the lane we were walking down into the main square, we saw a giant metal twisting sculpture in the middle on display. "It's called Still Dancing," Edward explained. "The main chimney part is like the chimneys that were used when this was actually mostly distilleries, while the flowing part is like the liquid."

"Because this area's still alive and well, even if it's not what it was intended for," I smiled as I looked at the modern sculpture surrounded by the traditional architecture. As we posed for another selfie with the structure, I couldn't help but smile at the name, thinking of my dad's best friend.

"What's that look for?" Edward asked. "You were off in another place."

"The name, Still Dancing. It made me think of my dad's friend, Billy," I answered. "I told you about Jacob Black, right?" He nodded, confused. "Well, even if he's a dick, his dad is friends with my dad. He was in a horrible collision on the Trans-Canada Highway about fifteen years ago where he lost the use of his legs. But he's always been so positive. Whenever anyone asks how he is, he always says he's still dancin' with a huge smile." I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Sometimes I wonder how a guy as nice as Billy could have raised a dickhead like Jacob."

"I feel like there's more to that story, but I'll let it go for now," Edward offered. "But it means you owe me a secret."

"Excuse me?" I scoffed. "I owe you a secret?" He nodded, giving me a goofy grin. "Fine, but only if you give me one first."

He shook his head. "Nuh-uh. I said it first. You go."

I rolled my eyes but conceded. "Ugh, fine. Let me think." I went through a few thoughts in my head, but I didn't really have a lot of small secrets. Not that I had a ton of big secrets, but still not ones I'd share this early on. "When I tell people I like a song, there's a good chance what I actually mean is I like an acoustic cover version of a song and have likely never listened to the original. For example, my friend Jessica is obsessed with Closer by The Chainsmokers, but I've only listened to the version performed by Boyce Avenue."

He let out a loud laugh. "Seriously? That's your secret. I was hoping for something juicier."

"Oh, yeah? Like what?" I challenged him. "What's your big juicy secret?"

"I didn't have my first kiss until I was eighteen," He refuted. "That's why my number is eighteen."

I thought my jaw would hit the cobblestone at that. How could this gorgeous man not have kissed anyone until he was eighteen? "I don't believe that."

He nodded emphatically. "It's true. My focus was strictly on hockey and school. It wasn't until my senior year that I even went to a party. I had exactly one beer when this girl from our sister school climbed in my lap and started making out with me. It was messy, and I ended up spilling my drink."

I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped, but it was more out of disbelief. "How is that possible? I mean… look at you!"

"Hand to God!" He laughed, clearly not insulted by my assumption. "I played varsity and triple-A hockey, so if I wasn't playing or practicing, I was studying to keep up my GPA. The only reason I could go to that party was that I already had my acceptance to BC. Tara just wanted to make her ex-boyfriend jealous."

"Well, kissing you is one way to do it," I snickered as we made our way into a nearby vintage shop. "But what about college? You must have dated then."

He shrugged. "A bit? I mean, I wasn't a monk, but I wasn't a playboy either. I didn't want to ruin my chances at wherever I ended up. My first serious relationship was after I was drafted." I noticed his eyes darkened at the thought and realized there was probably more about that. For another time.

"I get it," I replied. "I haven't really dated much either. One boyfriend of convenience in high school, and a few scattered dates when Leah and Sam decide they need to set me up with his friends."

"I hope they're not setting you up with anyone now," He growled playfully, making me laugh.

"Not since the Paul Lahote incident," I snickered. "He works for Sam and used to date Jacob's cousin Rebecca until she moved to Australia. While the four of us were out at dinner on a double date, that stupid song Friday came on and he started crying. Like full-out bawling like a baby."

"Why would he cry over that?" Edward questioned, but the answer quickly jumped into his head. "Right! Rebecca Black! Gotcha!" He roared with laughter. "Now, that's classic."

"Isn't it though?" I giggled. "It makes the top five worst date list."

"I hope this isn't on the list," He teased, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I shook my head in agreement. "Nope, definitely not. There's never been a date where I've found…" I looked around the vicinity and picked up a random glass bottle. "Bourbon aged maple syrup for forty bucks. Holy shit, that's expensive maple syrup!" I choked out, not wanting to make a scene and offend the shop staff.

Edward chuckled under his breath. "That's what happens when it's artisan and small batch and all those other expensive words."

"I'll stick with the four-litre jug Sue gets from Costco," I mumbled, delicately putting back the small bottle, and walked towards a small jewellery display. Unlike at a larger jewellery store, all the pieces looked unique, but my eyes were drawn to a set of silver necklaces with darker pendants attached to them.

"Those are the Pyrrha talisman collection," The clerk explained, taking me by surprise. "They're all cast using wax seals and imagery from the Victorian era. Each has its own meaning designed to inspire the wearer."

"They're beautiful," I complimented, taking in one with a crescent moon and nebula made of swirling stars. There was something that caught my attention about that one, but knowing this store sold a single bottle of maple syrup for forty dollars… yeah, out of my price range right now.

"Can I see that gold one?" Edward asked over my shoulder.

"Ah, the starburst. It's a lovely choice," She explained, pulling it out of the cabinet.

"My friend Alice's birthday's coming up. I think she'll like this," He explained as he pulled out his credit card. While he completed his transaction, I went over to a display of hand-crafted soaps. I may not use these types of things, but I enjoyed the scents. "Anything smell good?" Edward asked as he rejoined me.

"This one's pretty nice," I replied, offering him the Orange Blossom one in my hand.

He took a quick whiff and shrugged. "It's nice." He leaned in close to my neck and playfully sniffed. "You smell better."

"Okay, Ed-weird," I giggled, pushing him away. "No sniffing girls on the first date."

"Duly noted." He saluted and gave me a goofy grin before pocketing his bag and offering his hand. "Ready for the next stop?"

I place my hand in his. "Lead the way."

Our next stop was another distillery, Spirit of York, where Edward told me Alice and Jasper had their engagement party last year. It was also the stop where we had another tasting flight, warming me up from the March chill. After that, we checked out the love lock display and took a few more photos before exploring some more of the small shops and gallery spaces on another laneway. When I spotted a second chocolatier that I knew produced Sue's favourite truffles, I knew I had to pull Edward in there to buy a small box for her, as well as a few pieces for myself.

Once we stepped outside with my haul, I noticed the building across from us. "We're not going on that brewery tasting, right? Because I think I need some food before I drink any more alcohol."

"Yeah, same here. How about we go to the pub next door for dinner and a flight?" He offered.

"Now that sounds like a plan." With the sun setting and temperature dropping, I curled up close to Edward's side as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"I wouldn't have taken you for a beer girl," he murmured as we walked.

"I'm not usually," I admitted. "But I'm a sucker for unique flavoured ones. Like coffee porter or pineapple IPA?" I squinted, reading the chalkboard sign at the entrance. "Sign me up!"

"One strange flight coming up," Edward laughed as we entered the restaurant. Despite the lineup, the manager recognized him when he took off his sunglasses and touque and quickly sat us at a secluded table near the back. Normally, Edward using his fame to get special privileges would be a turnoff, but he hadn't tried using it at all today, so I gave him a pass. Well, that and I was hungry after all the walking and drinking. We each decided on a flight of four tasting glasses with different drinks so we could try as many as possible, however, he insisted we had to get at least one normal beer as a control sample. I rolled my eyes, but the stats fan in me smiled. We also shared an order of the nachos and their Massive Pretzel, as well as the pulled pork pizza.

"Okay, I'll admit the tropical sour isn't bad, but it doesn't compare to a classic pale ale," he conceded as he put down the glass and picked up his favourite from the flights.

"You're right!" I scoffed. "The pale ale doesn't come close to any of the others."

"Maybe it's just because I'm actually a beer drinker. I don't think it needs those extra flavours."

"But that's what makes it special!" I insisted. "The sour would have been boring without the tropical fruits, the melon and citrus amplified the lager, and the stout would have been too harsh without the vanilla. The flavours give them their oomph!" During my rant, I noticed a smile creeping up on his face. "What?"

"You," he offered as an explanation. "You're really cute when you get passionate. And I'll agree with you about the vanilla stout. I've never understood the appeal of a regular stout but that was enjoyable."

"I'm glad you see it my way," I smirked, my blush from his compliment growing on my face. "And I'll admit your pale ale goes best with our pizza."

"Well, I'm glad we found some common ground." He popped a nacho chip into his mouth as he leaned back in his chair. "And I'm sure we can find more common ground next time." Nervously, I looked down at my napkin and bit my lip. "What? Please don't tell me you're questioning my sincerity again."

"I'm not, I know you're serious, but…" I let out an enormous sigh. "I'm trying to figure out how this works. You're in town until Friday, and I have class or work every day. After that, you're going on another road trip for a week. When you get back, you have nine games in fifteen days while I'm going into exams. Hopefully, you'll have playoffs, and then…"

"And we'll make it work. By the time you move here, the season will be over. I'll have some work over the summer with brand deals and training, but I'll also have time to spend with you. Please, just… don't give up before we even have a chance." He bent down, pulled the Blackbird Vintage bag out of his jacket pocket, and removed one of the two pouches.

Wait, two pouches? I only remember him buying one thing…

He stood up from his seat and slipped into the seat beside me at the table. "I was planning to give this to you later, but I think now is better." He pulled out the necklace with the celestial design I had been admiring, and reached behind my neck, clasping it behind me. "I don't know if you saw the name, but this one was the Trust The Universe talisman." With the necklace secured around my neck, he grabbed my hands and looked into my eyes - vibrant green boring into deep brown. "Bella, I haven't even thought of trusting someone in a long time, and then you come into my dressing room and tell me off. And yet, somehow you forgave me enough to give me a second chance. Hundreds of kids apply to be the skater of the game and only forty-one get picked. I'm trusting that the universe brought us into each other's lives for a reason. All I'm asking is for you to trust the universe as well."

Feeling overwhelmed by his sweet words, I threw my arms around his neck and pulled his lips to mine, pouring all the passion I could into my response. He was shocked at first, but quickly came to his senses as he wrapped one hand around my waist while tangling the other in my hair as his tongue licked at my bottom lip, asking for entrance I easily gave.

When we finally pulled back to breathe, I was suddenly very aware that we were not alone. Our server was standing at our table with a smirk on his face. "How is everything?"

I looked at Edward, my face beet red, trying not to laugh at the situation. "Everything's great," Edward replied, not taking his eyes off me.

"Yep," I smiled in return. "Perfect."

Once we wrapped up our meal, I was in a daze all the way back to the train station until he dropped me off right at the platform, his words still ringing in my head. In my seat, I shot off a text to Leah, letting her know when I would arrive at Oshawa station before leaning back. I played with the small talisman now around my neck. Trust the universe. I think it was time to take that advice to heart. The universe brought Edward into my life; it was time to trust it.