WOW. I know you all have been waiting for this for a long time. I'll let you get to it. See you at the bottom!

RODEO part 3

BPOV

What was Rosalie up to? She obviously had something grinding away at the wheels in her mind; I just had to figure out what it might be. Then again maybe she was just being nice.

Nah.

James came back with a copy of Amy's playlist, and I knew almost every song on it. Well, I did know every song on it, just not necessarily all the words to some of them.

Garrett's band took a fifteen-minute break, and James brought him over to meet us. He had darker hair and eyes than James, but the same lean build, the same all-American good looks, just an older version. I immediately liked him. He was an easy going guy, and didn't beat around the bush.

"So you're the singer? Bella, right?" His calloused hand reached out to mine, and I shook it with a firm grip. No fishy, girly handshake here. He acknowledged everyone else, with a short, "Hey guys, long time no see."

"Yep. That'd be me. Can I ask why your girlfriend couldn't make it?" He squinched his forehead and looked a bit mad.

"Yeah, her damn car broke down. She's in college, and had late classes yesterday, so I told her I'd ride with Felix so she could take my truck, but she wouldn't listen to me, the stubborn little thing!" His exasperation was endearing; he obviously cared a lot for the girl.

"I know all about stubborn -- it should probably be my middle name," I replied with a smirk. Edward squeezed my hand and gave me that crooked grin of his.

"Yeah, dude! Remind me to tell you how I met the Banshee, here!" Emmett bellowed. "She was trying to stomp a tire iron into submission." The whole table laughed along with the big lug. The laughter died down, and Garrett waved to one of the other guys in the band. He tapped his wrist indicating the time.

"I guess it would be a good time for me to meet everyone else in the band, and run through a quick setlist?" I suggested.

"Yeah, we've got a few minutes to do a quick mic check and get back on the stage."

I got up from my seat and wrapped my arms around Edward, placing my lips near his ear. "I know this is a little payback for this afternoon, but just like you, I'll enjoy every second of it." He turned his face to me, and I pecked his lips quickly.

"I'll be watching you just like you watched me." He flashed a devilish grin as I walked off.

The rest of the band consisted of Felix on drums, his brother Demetri on bass, Benjamin on banjo and fiddle, Cody on backup vocals and keyboard, and, of course, Garrett, who played several different guitars.

We quickly decided I would sing seven songs in the next set and possibly a few more later. I did a quick tune-up with Garrett, and he seemed pleased that I could hold a note.

Dragging an unknown girl onto a stage with your band was most likely an excruciating thought for him.

These guys were used to playing a three-hour set, but they needed a second vocalist to give Garrett a break. I knew I could easily perform ten songs with minimal breaks, but I was awed at their fortitude. Three hours of hard playing could take it out of you. They were all very nice, though Cody gave me a leer that made me think he was a bit too cocky and might need to be kept at a distance.

Garrett stepped up to the mic, talked to the crowd for a minute and then introduced me. "Folks give a hearty welcome to our new friend Bella, she has graciously offered to help us out of a bind, and we hope she can carry a tune in a bucket!" The crowd ate him up. He had an aura that just popped right out of him on the stage, luring people into his world.

I was impressed that Amy had such a great list of songs to choose from. I was able to pick several of my favorites. Down at the Twist and Shout, by Mary Chapin Carpenter was my opener; it was fun to sing, had a great beat and people loved to two-step to it. I hoped it would go over well with the crowd.

The opening strains started and I saw many couples head to the floor, I hadn't really sung with a whole band to back me up before, and it felt a bit strange not to have my guitar in my hands, but I was still enjoying the hell out of myself. I jumped right in with both feet and sung for all I was worth, watching Edward and my friends over at our table. They were grinning like jackals.

I saw Emmett grab Alice; and the comical man I thought of as a big brother twirled the little pixie around the floor just like a feather. Of course, to him she almost weighed the same as one.

I turned my gaze to my right and saw Garrett's eyes light up after he truly heard the strength of my voice. He was obviously surprised at my confidence, and gave me a crazy grin, joining me for a little back-up vocals on the chorus.

I watched the dance floor as I sang, trying to focus on the feeling of euphoria I was experiencing. It was different from singing around a campfire or at a little coffee shop. These people exuded such happiness while they danced, and it seemed to be thrust upon me. I reveled in it.

The song ended all too quickly, and the crowd erupted into applause. I felt the stirrings of my blush creeping up, so I reached down to my feet for a bottle of water. Garrett's voice blared out of the speakers, and I almost choked at his words.

"Well, folks, it seems to me we found an untapped well of talent here with our new girl! I may have to talk to my girlfriend about missing more shows!" The people on the dance floor laughed and applauded more. I smiled and waved. I really didn't want to replace Amy, though this was turning out to be an interesting experience.

I stepped over to Garrett and asked if I could use one of his guitars for the next song. It was a favorite of Charlie's, and he loved when I would play it for him. After I adjusted the strap and strummed a few chords, Garrett spoke to the crowd again. "Grab a partner folks, we're gonna slow it down for a second or two."

I watched as people gestured to each other around the room, and my eyes fell onto my friends' table. I was hoping Jasper would ask Alice to dance, but I was disappointed as I watched her grab Edward's hand and practically drag him to the floor kicking and screaming. Poor Jasper, he sat there looking slightly stunned as the sweet strains of the Tennessee Waltz echoed through the room. Alice just wasn't ready to take that next step yet; I could see she'd need a bit more pushing.

I sang, played, and observed as the dance floor moved in unison, like an undulating sea anemone. It was indescribably beautiful.

When the song ended Edward and Alice returned to their seats, and I saw Edward give me a sheepish grin. I returned a smirk in his direction before jumping into the next song. I was beyond happy when the crowd gave me a resounding round of applause, and Garrett joined in with a few more comments. We flew through the next two songs with ease; my voice was really warmed up by now, and I was ready to throw down on the next one. The opening riffs started, and I felt my toes start tapping to the rhythm.

He pushed me 'round

now I'm drawin' the line

He lived his life

now I'm gonna go live mine

I'm sick of wastin' my time

Well now, I've been good for way too long

Found my red dress and I'm gonna throw it on

'Bout to get too far gone

The crowd started yelling louder than they had all night, I had apparently stumbled into a favorite of theirs. A large group of women and girls around my age crowded up to the front of the dance floor and performed one of the most amazing line dances I had ever seen.

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition

Need a little bit more of my twelve ounce nutrition

One more helpin' of what I've been havin'

I'm takin' my turn on the sin wagon

When I sang the words "sin wagon," they all joined me, and it felt like I was being bombarded with their joy. I briefly wondered if this was what rock stars felt like. Basking in the happy I was feeling, I let my gaze travel over to the table where my friends were seated -- they were clapping along. I caught Edward's eye when I started into the next verse.

On a mission to make something happen

Feel like Delilah lookin' for Samson

Wanna do a little mattress dancin'

That's right I said mattress dancin'

His smirk was on full panty-dropping mode. When I got to the last line, I couldn't help but wink at him. My eyes began to move away from the table when I noticed them; three buckle bunnies and Rosalie sauntering up to the table. I watched on, slightly curious and more than a little pissed at the strawberry blonde who gave Edward a glare of distaste. I didn't know who the hell she thought she was, but I immediately disliked her.

The conversation they were having seemed cordial enough from my view, but I felt a burning deep in my gut that told me something was going to happen; something that was more than likely going to be ugly.

Finishing up Sin Wagon with a super huge round of boisterous applause, I grabbed my water bottle and took a breather. Garrett spoke a few words and then announced that folks should grab a partner. I had forgotten in my contemplation that the next song was slow. I regained my bearings quickly and acknowledged Garrett as he turned to me to see if I was ready. Nodding my head, the opening chords of When You Say Nothing At All sounded and drew my mind in. I focused on the words for a moment and then turned a portion of my attention back to the table.

Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, and one of the other girls were gone. Two were left at the table with Edward; the strawberry blonde and a brunette. I was positive that Edward looked uncomfortable now, he was purposely looking directly at me, but his face was devoid of emotion. I shifted my gaze around the dance floor to find Emmett dancing with Alice and directly to his right James and Rosalie. A few couples away Jasper was carefully twirling the third buckle bunny around, and looking less than happy about it. I quickly eyed Edward again and noticed the brunette had sidled closer to his left side, while the strawberry-blonde was now almost pressed up to his right. He was staring at me so intently I expected laser beams to shoot out of his eyes.

I nodded at him and then tilted my head to the side while singing the chorus. I then lifted my arm and beckoned to him with my hand, hoping he would get up and come to the stage. He didn't acknowledge the two harpies next to him, though I could see them speaking, he simply rose up from his chair and strode toward me. For a few seconds they stood there watching him, completely confused at his actions. When they recovered the strawberry-blonde gestured wildly at his retreating form, the brunette laughed and then took off after him.

He made his way up to the side of the stage just as I sang the last verse and I smiled at him when he finally stopped directly in front of me. His posture was more relaxed and his grin was back in place. The brunette was slinking her way up to him again, and I shoved my chin in her direction so he would know she was coming. His quick glance behind him put a scowl on his beautiful features. I felt my spine stretch to its fullest length and stiffen. No fucking way was that trampy little bimbo going to make him upset. I would not allow it.

The last chords faded away as she stepped up to Edward's side and put her hand on his shoulder. Oh, hell naw! Bitch did not just touch my man. The batshit crazy chick in me was going to have to make her presence known. I turned to Garrett and quickly changed my next song, he hollered to the rest of the guys, and I heard them all acknowledge him. I turned back to see Edward gently remove her hand from his shoulder and faintly heard "…don't touch me again…" Her petulant face turned to me as I started up the words to my hastily-changed song.

Well you're a real hot cookie with your new hairdo

Your high heel boots and your credit card.

Long legs and a mini skirt

Yeah you know what works and you work it hard.

I pulled the mic off the stand and stepped to the edge of the stage staring directly at her. She had no idea what she was messing with.

You smile like such a lady innocent and sweet.

You drive the men folk crazy,

But any girl can see

You're just a Homewrecker.

I pointed directly at her, my index finger making little loop-de-loops in her direction.

I know what you're doin'

You think you're gonna ruin what I got,

But you're not.

Yeah you little go getter

I'll teach you a lesson

If you get to messin' with my man

You don't stand a chance.

No, you're just a home wrecker.

Her face was hilarious; it was a mixture of anger and surprise. She looked like a fish out of water with her little lipsticked mouth opening and closing, so I just pushed it a little further. Edward was close enough to the stage for me to reach out and touch him, so as I sang the next verse I reached out and ran my fingers through his unruly locks.

I'm sure you waited for a long, long time

To find a man like mine

But honey you're too late.

Edward just stood there, I could tell he was getting a kick out of this, but I wasn't quite finished.

So before you go and make your move

Maybe me and you should get a few things straight.

There's two ways that we can do this

I'll let you decide,

You can take it somewhere else or we can take it outside.

By this point Alice had noticed the commotion and came charging up to the stage, followed by the rest of the Scooby gang, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw I had it all under control. I sang the chorus once more and went for the final nail in the coffin. I hopped off the stage, stepped right up to her and looked her in the eye.

Now honey I'm a Christian, But if you keep it up

I'm gonna go to kickin' your pretty little butt

Is that clear enough?

I suddenly found myself singing the final chorus over the loud guffaws of Edward, Emmett, and Jasper. The brunette's eyebrows were hovering around her hairline, and her faced was the color of a ripe tomato. It was all I could do to finish the song and the raucous applause that erupted around us at the end of the song was deafening The bimbo gave me the hairy eyeball and huffed her way out of the crowd just a I felt Edward's arms wrap around my waist.

"My knight in shining armor slays the dragon again." His whisper tickled my ear before he lightly kissed it and helped me back onto the stage for another round of applause.

Bella's Setlist:

"Down at the Twist & Shout" by Mary Chapin Carpenter

"Tennessee Waltz" by Eva Cassidy

"It Happens" by Sugarland

"Famous in a Small Town" by Miranda Lambert

"Sin Wagon" by The Dixie Chicks

"When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Krauss

"Home Wrecker" by Gretchen Wilson

So I hope you all thought it was worth the wait…all I can say is I'm sorry, and I hope that you won't have to wait that long between updates again.

Many, many, thanks to my SuperBeta&Wifey, Shalu, and my Bestie-Beta, Naelany, for all of their corrections and love and motorboats!

Don't forget to review, it makes me light up with joy!