Wide awake

Chapter Forty Two. Strawberry Stand Stills Part 1

C.P.O.V

I met with Esme in our usual location that evening, the leather padded booth of the hotel lounge in Port Angeles that we commonly frequented on our past trysts. We weren't hiding anymore, but the spot had become rather comfortable for our public displays of affection, so we felt no need to deviate from our old routine.

She was waiting in the same booth when I entered, offering a casual wave to the attendant as I passed. We both knew them quite well.

"I ordered your drink." She informed me as I leaned down to give her a soft kiss on her cheek. She always ordered for me, because I was always late. It was a social flaw that she had come to anticipate from my demanding obligations to the hospital. Only tonight I was late for another reason. Ever the intuitive woman, Esme noticed the frustrated expression I likely wore as I took my seat in front of her.

She frowned and tucked her hair behind her ear as she leaned over the table towards me. "How did it go?" She asked in regards to the birthday visit, appearing rather concerned about my day with Edward.

Secretly, during the thirty minute car ride here I had planned a tirade on how unfair it was to leave me with the responsibility of his and Bella's supervision. It was a burden that she so casually tossed on my shoulders while she remained next door and received all credit for allowing it. I was meant to look the mean parent, snatching her away at my discretion. I was resentful for the entire responsibility of ruining his birthday.

Of course, now that I was here, staring into her eyes and feeling rather miserable about upsetting her further, I decided to keep my own feelings on the matter more subtle.

By the grace of God and the well paid staff of the hotel, my drink came in a timely fashion. I kindly thanked the waiter and turned back to Esme with a deep sigh.

"It was..." I found myself at an uncharacteristic loss of words as I took a large gulp from my scotch. "Unpleasant." I finished lamely, lacking my usual grace as I replayed the ending of their visit in my mind. Edward had not been pleased with me for sending Bella away so soon. I couldn’t blame him.

She frowned and took my hand in hers above the table. "Were they... I mean... did they behave?" She asked, a twinge of anxiety lacing her voice as she leaned closer.

I smiled to reassure her. "It was completely innocent." I couldn't fathom what she was so concerned about. It wasn't as if I would have allowed them to begin having intercourse on my dining room table or any such thing. Of course, she was rarely rational in any matter regarding her beloved niece’s safety and well being.

Her frown deepened and she dropped her gaze. "I was afraid I made the wrong decision." Her fingertip began softly tracing the rim of her martini glass, and I recognized it as a very sad gesture from my experience in her presence.

"Do you wish you had?" I asked, tilting my head in an attempt to decipher her odd reaction. Sometimes, I wondered if Esme weren't searching for additional justification to part the two. Secretly, I already knew this was the case.

Her eyes met mine and she shrugged delicately. "It would be easier to remain... resolute, but I'd never wish it." The ambient lighting of the lounge illuminated her face softly and exaggerated the deep and worrisome groove of her brow. This had become a long and tiresome debate between Esme and me.

Though I was admittedly appalled at the thought of Edward taking advantage of Bella physically… sexually, I was more inclined to believe it was never his intention. I had known Edward for many years, and had never once seen his behavior go beyond that of his own self destruction. It simply wasn't in his nature to intentionally cause anyone harm, especially Bella.