Thirty-Six

E

Bella and I have been back in Seattle for a week when Alice's patience runs out.

I'm busy bussing tables while my girl is slinging drinks when a pair of small arms wrap me in a vice-like hug.

"Edward! You've got some explaining to do."

"Alice? Jasper? What are you guys doing here?" I ask, pulling away and giving my friend a questioning look.

Jasper just holds his hands up in defense. "Ask her. I'm merely just along for the ride."

Alice shrugs. "We're taking a break from wedding plans and got thirsty." She playfully punches me in the arm. "You've been avoiding my calls and texts, mister."

"You texted me twice, and I told you I was out of town." I laugh.

Alice flicks me in the nose. "You also said you'd get back to me, and here we are."

"Edward, is everything okay here?" Bella asks, approaching apprehensively.

I reach out and grab her hand, pulling her close until I can throw my arm around her shoulders. "Everything is fine, baby. My friends are just excited to meet you, that's all."

Jasper scoffs. "Correction, friend. I was more than happy to wait until Edward was ready to introduce us, but my ball and chain here isn't the most patient person."

"Says the man who made me wait six years and a kid before he proposed," Alice barks.

Bella just smiles. "You must be Alice."

Alice beams. "What gave it away?"

"Edward warned me that you were tiny but mighty." She turns to me. "A sprite with an anger problem, wasn't it?"

We all laugh at Alice's expense until she thrusts her hand out. "That would be me. Although, Edward knows I'm self conscious about my height. Hi, Bella. I'm Alice."

Bella steps forward and shakes hands before turning to Jasper. "And that makes you Alice's wrangler."

Jasper nods, and Alice punches me in the gut. "I'm not as terrible as your boyfriend alludes, I assure you. Has Edward told you he was born with a tail?"

Bella's eyes widen, and I'm quick to call Alice's accusation for what it is: utter bullshit.

"It's nice to finally meet both of you, but we've got a crowd of people at the bar, wondering if they're going to get any service tonight." Bella nods toward the crowded bar. "Why don't the two of you take a seat and Edward will whip up your favorites while I tend to the masses."

Alice offers to bus the rest of the tables, and I tell her it's the least she can do for ambushing me.

"It's nice to see you all pussy whipped." She smirks. "I like this one, so don't screw it up."

"I don't plan on it." I ruffle her hair and dodge flying limbs.

Bella and I manage to serve everyone without incident, and Alice drags Jasper to a set of stools at the bar.

"Bella"—she bounces in her seat—"make me something that tastes like candy but will get me obliterated."

Bella smirks. "You asked for it," she warns and turns to Jasper. "Be prepared to carry her out of here over your shoulder."

"Sounds kind of like our first date."

Bella snorts and turns to the liquor shelves, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

I pour Jasper a draft beer and grab a bowl of fresh peanuts.

"You said you're taking a break from wedding plans."

Alice explains that they're taking the week off for a mental health break. Jackson is staying at Jasper's parents house to help them prepare for the week-long honeymoon the soon-to-be newlyweds have planned.

"The two of you are coming to dinner Monday, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

I look to Bella, knowing that she's planning on spending a couple days at home with her roommate. I'll admit I've been hogging her lately. She's been staying with me most of the time, but I know she misses Rosalie.

"Can you fit in one more person? I was supposed to hang out with my roommate, but I know she really wants to meet Edward. She can always use new friends."

"Sounds perfect," Alice chirps and takes a long pull on the straw Bella popped in the cup of cotton candy-colored drink she made. "Oh, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you, Bella."

Bella and I leave the happy couple to enjoy their alcohol.

"I'm going to do some dishes. We're running low on cups." Bella bites her lip. "Is it okay that I invited Rosalie to dinner?"

"Of course. Why would that be a problem?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. I hijacked a double date without talking to you first."

I grab her face in my hands and kiss her sweet mouth. "You're with a grown man now, Bella. I'm too old to play juvenile games. Besides, I've been trying to meet Rosalie for ages."

She steps up on her tiptoes and plants a sloppy kiss on my lips. "I love you."

"I love you, too." I tap her on the ass. "Now, get in the kitchen, woman."

Bella rolls her eyes and walks away, flipping me off behind her back.

I watch her go, and suddenly, I can't wait to lock the doors and take her home. Because I convinced her that one more night away from her apartment won't hurt anyone.

She didn't put up much of a fight.