9. Dates

I should have known. Who was I to think Leah really just wanted to go out for drink? We got to the club and that’s when I saw her do it. She looked at these two guys and winked. That’s when they started buying me drinks. Todd and Eric. Really, I thought she had better taste for me.

Todd was a math teacher at Forks high, 28, and loved Sci-Fi movie. He was lanky and awkward. He had dark brown eyes and a strange pointed nose not to mention he was blond. I turned him down nicely after listening to him for 20 minutes. I sighed with relief and Leah laughed at me.

Just as I started to get ready to leave Eric walked up to me. He wanted to dance. I told him the truth, I couldn’t. So instead, he decided to take me to his table and talk a bit. He looked nothing like Todd, he had blue eyes and short hair, I couldn’t tell what color it was at first, but I think I was red. He was Irish, it was red hair, and owned a lumber factory in Canada. He lived in Forks because I t was such a nice little spot from home. He asked me what I did, if I was married, if I had any kids. The funny part was he didn't look at me strange when I said I did. It was like he already new. Then he when to far by saying “I'd love to meet her one of these days.” I shook my head and told him I better get back to Leah. He nodded and gave me his card. I put it in my handbag and left it there.

Leah was talking to the bartender when I got back to her. She smiled at me and continued her conversation. There was guy was sitting right by me. I don't think Leah set him up for me he looked like was just there trying to enjoy his drink.

“Hi, tough day?” I asked. He was throwing back shots.

“Oh no, it’s actually my birthday” he smiled at me. It was beautiful, it had all she happiness Jacob use to have, and all the crookedness Edward always had, he was intriguing now that I looked at him, He had jet-black hair curled around his head, hazel green eyes, an evenly sculpted face and a perfect jaw line. He had five o’clock shadow and perfect teeth.

“Well happy birthday. Why are you celebrating alone?” I asked I really shouldn’t be butting in like this but I wanted to know. He seemed like a nice young bachelor.

“I just moved here from Boston. And didn't feel like flying back out.” His voice was raspy and attractive. I hadn’t felt like this in forever. Ah the Butterflies.

I blushed “Can I celebrate with you.”

“Sure my names Kevin.” He held his hand out I shook it. I took the seat next to him.

“Bella,”

“So what brings you out to Millionaires tonight.” He asked turned to me to listen

“My friend and I were getting drinks but she might just leave with the bartended.” I looked back at Leah, who was touching him now, in a sexual manner.

He chuckled, “Can I get you something to drink.”

“Its your birthday let me get you something to drink.” I said only because I couldn’t take one more drink in with out going over the Washington driving limit. Leah might not have the same drunk problem I will have.

“Ah ok well then I'll just have a beer.” He smiled again. I melted.

I got us both a beer and then I asked him about his self.

“Well I'm 29 I have never been married pretty, pathetic right. I'm trying to get a business started here but I just can't find the right place. I use to sell furniture in Boston, and now I want to own a bar. So this is the third one I've been to that are selling. I've been here for about a month now and I've never seen you in town.”

I blushed, “I don't live here I live in Forks.” I took another drink of beer. This was nice. I really like him. Now I feel like I could thank Leah, rather then danm her to the pits of hell, for making me do this. “So you’re going to buy a bar.” I asked.

He continued explaining to me then we change conversations up a bit and he started asking me about my job at Safeway. There wasn’t too much I could say but he did laugh and smile and that was all that mattered.

“I think your friend is leaving you.” He said as Leah when to the back room with the bartender.

“Oh great the only time I decide to ride with her.” I muttered shaking my head. What was she thinking?

“I could take you home,” he offered the looked back at the beer, “Well we can both catch a cab to my place and sober up.”

“Ok sober up, that’s all right.” he only smiled. “Ok let me go call my baby sitter.” I looked at his face.

“You have a kid.” He didn't lose his hype his face didn't fall he wasn’t upset. He cared.

“Yes I adopted, she's 6 now I left her with my dad.”

“How sweet.” He smiled and I stood up to walk to the back doors that lead outside. I looked out in the parking lot I had seen this spot from a different angle before it seemed strange standing here. I dialed Charles number and waited. It was 11, he might not still be up.

“Hello ” Charlie answered in a soft whisper.

“Hey dad, I'm not going to be able to stop by could she stay all night,”

“Yeah sure she sleep now I was just up waiting for you. Night bells”

“Night dad.” I hung up and looked ahead. I heard something in the trees. I took a step forward and listened. It was quiet now.

I though I heard talking it must be the booze. I when back inside and found Kevin. He took my arm and we walked out side. He was tall, 6’1 maybe. It was a big difference from hanging out with Jacob and the pack all day.

“I called a cab already they should be here in a few minutes.” He said, “So you’re a small town girl.”

“Oh no only the last 11 years I grew up in Phoenix. ” I stopped from going any further. I thought about this for a second. Is this a one-night stand? I mean I never go to Port Angeles so I would probably never see him again. I took a step away from him.

“I'm sorry I’m not this kind of girl.” I said looking down. What was I saying? I hadn’t been this happy in years.

I heard him chuckle. “I didn't think you were, I told you we were just going to my place to sober up.” He paused and I looked up at him. “Besides I'm not that kind of guy.”

I stared at him in awe; this has to be a set up, no one this perfect can just fall into my life. I took a step in and kissed him.

“What was that for.” He asked. I blushed.

“I didn't think you were real” I rubbed my lips, a tingle I had almost forgotten. He leaned back in and kissed me again, I wrapped my arms around him running my fingers through his hair. There is now way this night could end with just talking.

Why do all good things come to an end? I phone rang vibrating in my pocket I wanted to ignore it so badly but I knew it was Leah. I leaned back and answered it. I should have been mad or angry but I was bubbly.

“Hello,” I smiled and rolled my eyes at him.

“Hey were did you go.” Leah asked in a panic.

“I'm out side what's wrong.” I tried to be serious but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“I really don't want to say this over the phone but your old friends are around. I'm getting in the car now see you in a sec.” She hung up. Great the happiest moment and my past creeps around the forest. Literally

“Everything ok” Kevin still had me by the waist. I placed my hand on his chest.

I frowned, “No, she is the only one who can get rid of my high. Leah and the bartender really didn't work out she is leaving.” I said. I heard the car pulling up around the street.

“You can still come with me,” he offered. Leah rolled down the window after my hesitation to get in.

“Come on, I have to tell the others.” She hollered at me.

“Can’t I stay? I'll be back in Forks before the sun is up.”

She looked at me then turned around she looked thought her window I saw it also. The black Audi. My body when cold as ice, I turned to Kevin and stammered

“I'm sorry I can't stay I have to go.” I kissed his cheek and got in to the car. I wasn’t happy and my I was scarred worried, as we pulled away I saw in the review mirror the yellow taxicab. I was that close.

Please you don’t want to be with that dog anyway. There might still be hope for my future.

I gasped.

“Relax Bella we will be home in a few.”