“Hello there Bella, and you must be Edward” Gloria said politely, as she shook Edward‘s hand.
As if anyone doesn’t know who Edward is. Well Bella, you never know, there are probably some members of an undiscovered tribe in South America that don’t know about him.
Edward was a little stunned, as he returned the handshake.
Did I forget to tell him about meeting Gloria? Probably, you were a little freaked out when you arrived, and Edward was a lot drunk.
“Edward, I met Gloria on the plane last Saturday.” He winced at the mention of that day.
“Here visiting someone you knew?” Gloria asked us.
I shook my head, but Edward answered, “I’ve seen the graves of a couple of people that I’ve met, mainly at award shows, but no one that I knew very well.”
Gloria looked back across the expanse of the graveyard, a wistful expression on her face. “I have a lot of dear friends buried here. But no one that I miss as much as my husband.”
“I’m very sorry Gloria, when did you lose him?” I asked.
“George has been gone almost fourteen years, although it seems like it was only yesterday that I lost him.” She answered sadly, then she perked up. “I come here faithfully every Sunday afternoon, weather and health permitting, to spend a little time with him.”
Now that I’d found Edward, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him some day.
I suddenly felt very guilty for moping around during the brief periods of time that Edward and I had to be apart. The thought of losing the love of my life forever was quite a sobering one. The chilling memory of my nightmare suddenly returned, and I shuddered.
Edward sensed that something was wrong and pulled my hand up holding it in both of his, while giving me a sad smile.
Gloria studied my face for a moment, and then reached up and patted my upper arm in a comforting gesture.
“I try to avoid television as much as possible, but living in this town it’s been impossible to avoid the news about the two of you.” She said with a chuckle, successfully changing the subject. She quirked an eyebrow “It’s been quite a week for you hasn’t it?”
I smiled back while shaking my head in semi-disbelief. “If I hadn’t lived through it, I wouldn’t have believed it.” I said as I laughed out a breath.
“You’re the darling of the week Bella, but don’t let it affect your behavior. The press and the public are a fickle lot. They’ll love you one moment and hate you the next. Just don’t let wanting to be liked govern your behavior.”
Then she turned to Edward who seemed to be pondering her advice. “I’ve been away from the business for so long that sometimes I grow restless to return. I find that I have to be satisfied with hearing about it from others.” She smiled. “So what’s next for you young Mr. Masen?”
Gloria wanted to talk shop.
“I’m in the middle of filming The Harvest of Avarice, a film which takes place during World War II. I’ll be leaving for England next week, and filming there for a month.” Gloria nodded her head as she listened with interest.
“After that, I’ll be working on a project with Clint Eastwood called Enemy Combatant. Parts of that will be filmed in Seattle.”
Gloria stopped him there. “You’re filming with Clint?” She asked smiling.
“Yes, I’m actually supposed to call him today. I wanted to touch base with him before leaving town.” Edward answered.
“Please tell him that I said hello. I had the pleasure of working with him on a couple episodes of Rawhide way back when. He was such a joy to work with, a total professional but also a lot of fun.“ She smiled fondly. “He and George struck up quite a friendship, but just like everything else, the years go by and, with working and raising a family we tend to lose track of friends.” She lost her smile. “I’ve only seen him a couple of times since George’s funeral.” She trailed off.
“I’ll be sure to say something to him Miss Powell.” Edward reassured.
“Thank you Edward.” Gloria said, then she looked him in the eye. “Edward, I hope you don’t mind, but Bella and I talked a lot on the flight from Seattle, and most of the conversation revolved around you.” Edward shot me a nervous look. “Don’t worry so much.” She said with a laugh. “Do you know what I took away from that conversation?”
Edward’s brow furrowed as he shook his head.
“The fact that Isabella loves you with all her heart. Granted, at the time she was also on the verge of killing you.” Gloria laughed and I was embarrassed. “My point is, Edward don’t ever, ever, willingly let go of the ones you love. At some point, through circumstances beyond your control, you will be separated from them. Until that day, hold onto them with every ounce of your strength. Don’t break your own heart through some misguided sense of chivalry.”
Gloria looked a little sheepish. “I’m sorry. I’m just an old woman who buts in where she shouldn’t sometimes, but I’ve lived long enough to learn a few things. I’ve lived with a hole in my heart for fourteen years, a hole that won’t heal until the day I lie beside my George again. Don’t waste these precious years, you will never get them back.”
I was too stunned to say anything. Gloria’s words made me want to cry.
What was I thinking when I told Edward not to propose too soon?
“Well, I’ve said too much. You probably both think I’m an old busybody, I apologize.” Gloria said as she turned to walk away.
I finally found my voice. “No, Gloria, wait. What you said, it was so..”
“Perfect” Edward finished my thought. I nodded. “Thank you Miss Powell, I think those words were exactly what Bella and I needed to hear.”
Gloria smiled, relieved. At that exact moment, I saw something out of the corner of my eye moving rapidly toward us. By the time I had my wits about me enough to focus on it, Alice had appeared and started fawning all over Gloria.
I watched as Gloria gazed at her in amused befuddlement. Alice went on and on about how glamorous Gloria was, and how she wished more of today’s Hollywood celebrities cared about their appearance when they were in public. I noticed that she gave her brother an arched glare while making that statement.
Jasper caught up to us, out of breath after evidently chasing Alice over about a hundred yards of cemetery.
Edward finally broke into Alice’s excited chatter. “Miss Powell, allow me to introduce my sister Alice Whitlock, and her husband Jasper. Jasper is also my manager.”
Gloria nodded then in understanding and shook hands. Rose and Emmett arrived soon after, and more introductions we made. I think Gloria was completely confused by the fact that Emmett was my brother and Rose was Jasper’s sister, coupled with the fact that Edward and Alice were siblings, I guess it would seem a bit strange.
We happily chatted for about fifteen minutes until Gloria‘s son arrived to take her to dinner.
“Well, I must leave you all now. I’m dining with my son and his family. It seems that I’ll be giving out more unsolicited advice. One of my granddaughters got a tattoo.” She said, as if it was a dirty word. “In my day, only sailors got tattoos.” She sighed and shook her head as we all laughed.
Alice insisted on getting Gloria’s phone number, and then we all said our goodbyes.
Before she left, Gloria turned to Edward and me. “Goodbye my friends. Something tells me that we’ll meet again.” She said as she patted our hands.
“If I had to assign a one-word description to Miss Powell” Alice said as we watched Gloria walk away, “I think it would be Classy.”
I had to agree.
--V&V--
Just once it would be nice if Emmett could refrain from being the center of attention.
Shut up Bella. You sound like Ferris Bueller’s whiney bitch of a sister.
We were at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. Edward had made reservations, and because he was Edward, they’d given us the best table in the house, directly in front of the stage.
Normally I would be thrilled to be this close to the featured musical act, but because it was Gospel Sunday Brunch, that meant that the musical act was a gospel group. A gospel group that believed in audience participation.
Why should I be surprised that my brother was up on stage right now dancing as the ‘Spirit’ moved him.
Granted, Emmett was called up to the stage, along with other members of the audience. Everyone was now singing and dancing along with the group, but somehow Emmett always drew the spotlight to himself.
I had to admit that he had some moves, but I was fearful that he might give a couple of those Gospel ladies heart attacks if he didn’t tone down the gyrating hips just a tad.
I guess it never occurred to him that dancing like a stripper while singing “Oh happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away” just might be wrong.
I was quick to notice that not one frickin soul was complaining about it though.
I looked around our table. Alice was dancing beside her chair. Rose was on her second mimosa while staring at the stage.
Keeping an eye on Emmett’s ass, I’m sure.
Jasper had been so thrilled that the buffet included jambalaya, that he hadn’t come up for air in at least ten minutes. And Edward was watching me watch everyone else. I flushed. His stare at times was so intense, so filled with love and adoration for me, that it literally took my breath away.
I never thought there would be anyone like that for me.
For a moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist as Edward drew me closer and kissed me. I instinctually wrapped my arms around his neck and allowed my fingers to run through his unruly mop.
L.B. you just accused your brother of inappropriate behavior, but you don’t seem averse to shoving your tongue down Edward’s throat.
I pulled away from him and smiled. As I glanced around the table, I saw Rose, Jasper and Alice all smirking at us.
What the hell? They were all occupied with other things not two minutes ago.
I gave them a dirty look.
The song finally ended, and Emmett returned to the table, smiling happily.
--V&V--
Walking through the airport, I didn’t realize that Emmett and Edward were ‘men on a mission’. Instead of hurrying past the line of paparazzi, I became aware that we were actually slowing our pace.
Emmett gave a short nod and Edward returned it as we came to a full stop. Emmett approached the paps as Edward pulled me partially behind him to shield me. From what?
“Which one of you was it?” Emmett asked in an angry tone.
Jasper immediately stepped in. “Emmett, I know what you’re doing, and as much as I’d like to see you wipe up the floor with that piece of garbage, there are two things that stop me from helping you.”
Emmett crossed his arms over his chest and eyed Jasper coolly.
Jasper sighed. “First of all, I don’t want to be responsible for you being arrested. And second, I don’t see that asshole anywhere, he’s not here.”
Emmett seemed to become less angry. “You’re sure?” He questioned.
“Yes.” Jasper answered sincerely.
Emmet turned back toward the paps. “It seems that the one I really wanted to see isn’t here, so I’ll just pass on a message through you. You tell him I’d better never see him. He’d better never show his face around me. I will fucking end him.” He then grabbed Rose’s hand and stalked away.
We followed at a brisk pace. I turned toward Edward. “You knew about this didn’t you?”
He nodded. “Your brother has a mind of his own. I doubt he would have hit the guy, but I know he intended to scare the piss out of him.” Edward smiled. “He has his own way of handling things, not the path I would have chosen, but effective none the less.”
“Oh really? How would you have handled it?” I was curious.
“I’m more of a ‘plotting quiet revenge’ sort of guy. I don’t go after them physically, but there are other ways to make their life hell.”
“I don’t know Mr. Movie Star, I distinctly remember you pinning Mike Newton against a wall and threatening his life.” I grinned.
He raised his eyebrows and chuckled while biting his lip. “I guess you’ve got me there Miss Swan. A lot of things about me have changed since I met you, and you have no idea how happy that makes me.” He said as he pulled me closer while we walked.
--V&V--
Edward and I were seated in first class, across the aisle from Emmett and Rose. Rose snagged the window seat, leaving Emmett directly across from me, since I had forced Edward to sit in the window seat. The more distance between Edward and whatever shit Emmett was likely to pull, the better.
Rose settled down comfortably, and was asleep before we even took off. Edward pulled out his cell to make a quick call while he still could.
“Hi, it’s Edward Masen. How are you?”
Edward listened as whoever was on the other end responded. “I’m good. I’m just getting ready to take off on a flight to Seattle. My girlfriend lives there.”
He smiled at me. “Yes, I’m sure you have.” He laughed.
“Anyway, I have to fly to England in about a week, and I won’t be returning until late May, so I wanted to touch base with you.”
He listened again.
“Yes, I knew that, and I do appreciate that approach.” pausing again.
“Yes, as much time as I can.“
“That sounds good. I’ll call you then, and we can set that up. Oh by the way, I ran into a friend of yours that wished to tell you hello.” He paused.
“Gloria Powell.“
Holy crap he’s talking to Clint.
“Of all places, would you believe Westwood Cemetery?”
Edward listened again.
“She seems well. Bella and I enjoyed our conversation with her very much. It was, enlightening.” Edward squeezed my hand.
“I think she’d really appreciate that.”
“Okay, thanks Clint, I’ll speak with you soon.”
I noticed Emmett look over at me and grin, probably thinking about his chance to torture our Dad.
Edward turned to me as he shut off his phone. “Clint wants to fly to Seattle after I return from England. He likes to visit all the film locations so he can be involved in the local casting. I think I’m really going to like working with him.”
“Why does he care about the casting?” I asked.
“I guess I didn’t tell you, he’s directing as well as acting in this film. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.“
I thought about Charlie. I guess he’ll get to meet Clint sooner than expected.
Our flight attendant, who happened to be male, and a little too helpful, especially toward my brother and Edward, brought us all drinks. Knowing that I had to go to school tomorrow, I allowed myself one glass of wine.
Edward pulled out his ipod and told me that he was choosing a play list for us. I watched him surreptitiously as he scanned the list for it.
Hey there’s a playlist titled ‘Beautiful Bella’ on there. I may have to investigate that later.
He plugged in his earbuds and handed one earphone to me, while placing the other in his ear. The first song started, causing me to laugh out loud, as the beginning strains of Time Warp from Rocky Horror Picture Show played.
He grinned. “I couldn’t resist. It will forever remind me of our second date.” He gave me a quick kiss on the lips.
The next song was softer, so soft in fact that I could hear my brother and Rose having a hushed but urgent conversation beside us.
I hesitated before removing the ear bud.
Did I really want to know what they were talking about?
My curiosity won, and I listened in.
“Babe, It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.“ Emmett whined.
“Sort of like what you talked me into on Chrismas night in your old bedroom Emmett? Do I need to remind you that what you’re suggesting is against the law.“ Rose hissed in a whisper. “I do not enjoy the thought of being arrested Emmett. You know there are sky marshals on these flights now.”
“Yeah, but I’ve come up with a foolproof plan. Since we’ve got a male flight attendant, who’s obviously gay, I’m positive it will work.” He said in a low voice.
My asstard brother was suggesting that Rose and he join the ‘mile high club’.
He spoke as if he were in negotiations for something perfectly reasonable and legitimate, instead of having sex in an airplane bathroom.
Rose looked at him as if he’d gone insane.
I didn’t want to sit here and witness this, but I was riveted. Just like watching a train wreck, I couldn’t seem to pull my gaze away. I handed the other earbud back to Edward, motioning that he should place it in his ear.
I’d really like to spare him this little bit of Emmett’s idiocy.
“Please Rosie” he whispered. “I’ll come to your office, and we’ll do it in the conference room again. Maybe we‘ll even do it on Mike Newton‘s desk.” He chuckled.
Ew and Ew. I am never touching that conference room table again. Or the chairs. Or Mike Newton.
Not that I had ever planned on touching that shithead.
Rose giggled, and I could tell that she was going to cave.
Just say no Rosalie!
She must have agreed, because about a minute later she disappeared into the bathroom directly behind Edward’s and my seats.
They are officially trying to ruin my life. Fuck you Emmett and Rose.
Apparently that was exactly what was about to happen.
Our flight attendant came by with an assortment of goodies and drinks, so I decided to have a second glass of wine.
Hell, why not?
Emmett kept him there talking. “Hey, Rocky is it?”
I snickered at the flight attendant’s phony name.
“Yes, and I know who you are.” Rocky answered with a leering smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Emmett grinned. “Are you a fan Rocky?” He asked in a lilting voice.
What the? No way. Please tell me that Emmett is not pretending to be gay.
Rocky caught on immediately, looking shocked. “Um, why yes. Whenever I’m not flying I love to watch you play.”
“That’s what it’s all about isn’t it?” He crooned in his fake effeminate voice. “Making the fans happy. Despite the personal cost.” He added sadly.
“Oh Mr. Swan, I’m sure you must have a very happy life.” He comforted.
“It’s happy Rocky, it’s just not the real me. It’s a shame that I have to keep who I really am a secret. If you understand me.” He covered his face with one hand, faking emotion.
Good grief, he almost has me convinced that he’s gay.
“Oh my, are the Seahawks strict?” Rocky asked, concerned.
“You have no idea” Emmett lisped sadly. “It’s very don’t ask don’t tell. It’s so difficult, but I do it for the fans.” Emmett faked like he was going to cry.
“Oh Mr. Swan, let me get you something. Maybe some hot tea will make you feel better.”
Emmett looked up with sad eyes. “Can you put a little honey in it?”
Rocky smiled. “Why of course, I’ll be right back.”
As soon as Rocky disappeared into the galley, Emmett disappeared into the bathroom, with Rose.
Rocky came back a minute later with the tea, and looked around for Emmett, confused.
“I think he’s in the bathroom.” I told him, trying to be helpful.
Just then, I felt a thump against the back of my seat. Then it happened again. Edward looked startled and removed his earbuds.
“I hate turbulence.” He said as he grabbed my hand.
I took a big gulp of wine. “It’s not turbulence Edward.”
He looked at me with a puzzled expression.
Oh you poor little innocent man-child, just go to sleep.
The thumping continued, and I saw awareness take over his features. He got a disgusted look on his face. “I knew we should have changed our seats, I can’t believe that some people are so horny that they can’t wait.”
I just sighed and took another sip of wine.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Edward peered around me then. “Where are Rose and Emmett?” He asked.
I just looked at him, my face a blank mask.
Come on Edward, I know you can figure this out.
His eyes widened in shock. “No.” He breathed.
“Yes.” I whispered back.
A few minutes, and many thumps later, Rose emerged from the bathroom, followed closely by Emmett. My brother was so stupid the he was still tucking in his shirt while walking back to his seat.
None of this escaped Rocky’s notice, and he looked at Emmett questioningly.
Emmett, not missing a beat, cupped his chin with one hand and mouthed the words ‘my beard’ while gesturing toward Rose.
Rocky nodded and gave Emmett an understanding smile.
The rest of the flight was relatively uneventful, although I did notice that Rocky kept a watchful eye on Emmett and Rose until we landed.
As we exited the plane, he smiled at Emmett knowingly.
Emmett grinned and slapped Rocky on the arm while shaking his hand. Hey man, I’d like you to meet Rose, my fiancée.”
Rocky returned his smile. “I thought as much Mr. Swan.”
“I’m sorry dude, but I couldn’t not go for it.” He said as he wiggled his eyebrows.
Rocky laughed. “It’s okay. You’re still my favorite player.”
Emmett’s grin got wider as Rose just shook her head in embarrassment. “Thanks Rocky.”
“Oh, by the way Mr. Swan.” Rocky continued.
“Yeah?”
“Would you and your fiancée each like a set of airline wings?”
Emmett and Rose looked confused, this wasn’t their first time flying.
Rocky smiled smugly. “For joining the Mile High Club, of course.”
My brother didn’t even have the good manners to look embarrassed. “Hell yeah bro. That would be epic.”
Maybe someday Edward would join the Mile High Club with me.
I’m shocked L.B.
---------------------------------------
(translation: L.B. = lucky bitch)
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