Twenty-Seven

B

Edward has been acting weird since I got here.

Sure, he greeted me with a kiss right in front of everyone, but he's also been really touchy feely with me, and it's out of the norm. I'm usually the one pushing buttons but the roles have reversed, and I find myself slapping his hands away.

We haven't had a chance to talk about anything that isn't Rebar related because we're slammed, but that's okay, we'll have plenty of time tonight.

I'm standing at the end of the bar, cutting up limes because we ran out, when he grabs my ass and steals a couple slices.

"Thanks, baby."

"If that's the thanks I get for cutting limes, I'd really like to see how you respond when I stock the rest of the garnish tray," I joke and his eyes darken. "Back to work, Cullen; the people are thirsty."

He just shakes his head and leaves me to finish my task. I've got one eye on the knife and another on a girl getting blitzed. She's here with a couple of guys, and they've been pouring shots down her throat for some time now. The way the men are acting gives me a weird feeling so I've been watching.

When there's a break between orders, I inform Edward what's going on so he can also monitor the situation.

"Good looking out, Bella."

"I'd want someone to do the same for me."

I'm pouring a couple beers when the girl stands on wobbly legs and heads for the bathroom. I take that as my cue to do something.

I notice the group of guys laughing and high-fiving each other when I pass their table. The sound of someone retching has the other women leaving the bathroom fast until it's just the two of us.

When the heaving stops, I wet some paper towels and crouch down to hand them through the bottom of the stall.

"Thanks," she croaks.

"No problem. I'm Bella. I bartend here and saw that you could use some help. How well do you know your friends?"

The door opens and she stumbles out, reeking of vodka and vomit.

"I don't. I mean, I met James on Tinder, and he asked if I wanted to get a couple drinks. I wasn't expecting him to bring friends."

"Okay, We need to get you home ..."

"Victoria, but I'm fine. Really."

"Victoria. I want you to go back to your table, and if you want help getting home, just order an angel shot on ice, and I'll call you an Uber."

"Thank you, Bella."

I nod and leave her to clean herself up a bit. Edward asks me if everything is okay and I just shrug because I honestly don't know. I did what I could.

I focus on making drinks and ensuring everyone's having a good time. Edward stops flirting with me, keeping his eyes on the table in the back corner.

Thirty minutes later, Victoria approaches the bar with a sleazeball I'm assuming is James. He has his arm slung across her shoulder, and she looks uncomfortable.

James orders another round of vodka shots, and she speaks up. "Actually, can I get an angel shot? On the rocks, please," she stresses.

Edward pours the shots while I grab my phone. His version of an angel shot is grenadine and club soda. I do notice he charges James extra.

It's late but I manage to get an Uber. Edward refuses to let me escort Victoria out so I watch nervously as he walks up to the table. I don't know what he says but Victoria jumps up, and he follows her outside.

The guys look pissed, and I feel relieved that we got her out of here safely.

When Edward returns, he kisses me softly. "She's going home to sleep it off but wanted me to thank you."

I sigh and finally relax when the sketchy group decides to leave but not before James gives both of us the stink eye.

I grab a tray and am clearing their table when Edward calls my name over the crowd.

I look up to find him smiling behind the bar.

"What?" I mouth.

"I love you," he mouths.