Taking a Chance on Love

by Lady of Spain

Chapter 1: Couples Only

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns Twilight

A/N: I'm back, gang. Did ya miss me, LOL? Computer problems-big time.

"Bye, Jake. I gotta go. Charlie will be home soon, and I've got homework to do."

"See ya tomorrow?"

"I guess." Jeez, that answer was filled with her usual enthusiasm. I got up to walk Bella to her truck, when she waved me away. "You're busy. I can see myself out."

I shrugged, not wanting to push her. "Okay, tomorrow then."

Peeking out the double door, I watched to be sure she didn't kill herself on the way to that ancient hunk of metal. The truck thundered to life, and she pulled out on her way back to Forks. I shook my head, and returned to my Rabbit's innards, trying to finish replacing the alternator belt. My concentration was broken by the sound of footsteps, and a familiar scent.

C'mon in, Em."

I lifted my head out from under the hood, as Embry walked into the Taj.

"Is she gone?"

"Yeah, she just left."

"Thought so."

"Can you throw me that rag?"

Embry looked behind him, and grabbed the rag from off the work bench, tossing it to me.

"So, what brings you here?" I asked, while wiping the grease from my hands.

"Nothing." He looked down at a grease stain on the floor. "I just wondered how Swan was doin'."

"Bout the same, I guess. Why?"

He brushed the toe of his shoe against the cement, churning up the dust. "No reason. I thought you might need some encouragement, that's all."

"Ya got that right."

I slumped down onto the swivel stool sitting by the Rabbit, and rubbed a hand over my face. "I don't know, Em. I've tried everything, and I can't even get a measly smile outta the girl."

"Sorry to say, but maybe you should give up on her."

"You mean like the leech did?"

His eyes widened, and pointing a finger at me, said, "Hey man, you know damn well that I have your interests at heart. No sense in Bella draggin' you down with her."

"Nah, never happen. I keep thinking sooner or later, she'll turn it around … you know?"

"If you say so."

"What ? You don't think my charm and good looks can break thru' that wall she's built around her heart?"

"No, I didn't say that. But you're workin' so hard and wasting your time on something that may never happen."

"That's what you think. By the way, thanks for the vote of confidence, pal. Look … I know her like a book, and I'm tellin' you that deep down inside she's in love with me. It may take awhile but she'll forget about that tick, and see me clearly for the first time … her other option at happiness."

"You're such a dreamer."

"What's wrong with that. Sometimes dreams can become reality. If you stop dreamin' you may as well pack it up and drop dead."

Embry got quiet. He scratched at the back of his neck, and uttered a low, "Um ..."

Ah-ha! I hated to be so suspicious, but did he have another reason for this visit? "Yeeeeeaaaah …."

"I was wonderin' if you could spot me a ten."

"Jeez, I knew you had some ulterior motive to come over here."

"Well, will you?" he pleaded.

I put my hand in my pocket and pulled out my last two five dollar bills. "Why am I such a damn sucker?" I placed the bills in his outstretched palm. "Here. What's it for anyway, since I'm financing this whatever?"

"A trip to Hawaii."

"A trip to Hawaii. Sure, why not? You've only got a million to one chance at winning."

"It could happen. Have a little faith."

"Well, don't hold your breath."

He placed the two bills in his pants pocket. "You'll eat those words when I win."

"Sure, sure."

"Okay, gotta beat it. See ya, Jake."

"See ya."

# # # # #

What was wrong with me? All he wanted was to see me to my truck, give me a hug, and wave goodbye, and what did I do? I basically brushed him off. He was my best friend for Pete's sake. If I really thought about it, he was probably my only friend left, and I treated him like a pariah. I'd closed myself off from everyone including my own father.

I kept thinking I should snap out of it, but I felt so empty … empty and worthless since I watched Edward walk out of my life. Jacob was trying his best to help me, but it seemed hopeless. I felt guilty, and at the same time, sorry for him; my heart was irreparable. Why he even attempted such a dauntless task was a mystery to me.

It would be a blessing to the poor boy if I quit bothering him; going out there sitting like a bump on a log in his garage. He deserved more from me. I couldn't stop my visits to La Push, though, it was the only time I felt half-way human again.

I was one street away from home, when I saw a sign in a neighbor's yard which read: Free. These bikes are way beyond their expiration date. Please take them home and save me a trip to the dump.

Jacob loved tinkering with anything mechanical, maybe this would pay him back for wasting his time with me.

# # # # #

The next day, Bella showed up a little earlier than usual, beeping her horn. I went outside to see what was what, and was surprised to see two rusted-out cycles lying in the bed of her truck. The insanity of it all nearly made me laugh. Bella however appeared to be totally serious, so not to look a gift horse in the mouth, I carted them into the Taj. This could be the ticket to pushing her back to mental health. Maybe we could ride together … if I could resurrect the heaps of metal.

A month went by, and Bella put up the money for the parts, and I provided the labor. Still, she remained pretty much depressed. I was beginning to think that Embry's prophesy was right on. Who was I to actually think I could substitute as a therapist? Then a miracle happened.

Two weeks went by, and one morning, Embry came waltzing into the garage, whistling.

"Hey, Jake, guess what?"

I tapped my wrench on the engine. "I'm not in the mood, Em."

"Well, this'll put ya in the mood, buddy."

"I doubt it ..."

"What you need, my man, is a vacation from all this."

"Is that so?"

"Yep. Wanna hear my news?"

"I'm sure you're gonna tell me, whether I wanna hear it or not."

"Oh, you're gonna want to hear this. I guarantee."

I twirled the wrench around in my hand, starting to get irritated with my friend. "Tell me already if you're gonna do it. I've got things to do, " I huffed.

"All right, listen up, Jake. I won."

"What are you talkin' about? Won what?"

Embry grabbed the wrench away from me. "The trip, stupid. I won four tickets to Hawaii. All expenses paid; food, hotel, car rental … everything."

"Are you sh**ing me?"

"Nope." He made an X across his chest, and extended his palm out, facing me. "Cross my heart and hope to die."

He made a clicking sound with his tongue, and added, "There's only one catch."

My happy bubble popped; it was too good to be true. "Of course there is. There's always some strings attached."

"No, I mean, it's legit. It's just that it has to be two couples. I talked Leah into going with us; do you think Bella would go for it too?"

Bella and I steeped in paradise. Now that's a prescription for what ails her. "God, I hope so. I'll call Charlie and see what he thinks. One question tho', how the hell did you finagle Leah into accompanying us?"

"It was like this:"

# # # # #

Flashback: Earlier that Morning

He raked his fingers through his hair, studying his reflection in the front window. Not too shabby. He grinned at the image, then stepped back. Taking a deep breath, he rapped his knuckles on the door.

Leah yanked it open, clearly annoyed at being interrupted in whatever it was she was involved in. "Oh, it's you."

"Hey, Leah."

"Hey, yourself. Whaddya want? I'm busy."

"Busy huh?"

She leaned on the door jamb, her eyes narrowed. "My dishwater's gettin' cold. So if you've got something to say, then SAY IT!"

"You wanna come with me to Hawaii?"

"Whaaaaat? Get your ass in here, Em."

Leah got a tight grip on the collar of his shirt and hauled him into the house.

"You actually won? I can't believe it. But why me?"

She soaped up another dish, and handed it to Embry to rinse off and towel dry.

"Because you're beautiful, and I just thought you'd enjoy it … away from patrolling … and Sam … and cleaning, and cooking, and doing the dishes."

He didn't dare tell her that he had asked two other girls and they turned him down flat. Besides, she WAS beautiful, and she deserved a break.

"So when does this vacation start?"

"Two weeks from today. They'll send a shuttle to pick us up. Oh, Jake might be coming too, if he can talk someone into being his date."

Stepping back from the sink, she turned to him, canting her head. "I hate to ask, but what about that Swan chick that he's always mooning over? Can't she come?"

"I guess I'll see."

"Em, you are all right. I knew there was a reason I always like you." She pulled him toward her, despite the suds covering her hands, and planted one ... right smack dab on his unsuspecting lips.

He stood there in a daze for a second or two, and blinked in amazement. Leah handed him another dish to rinse off and laughed.

Licking his lips, he smiled back at her, grabbing the plate. Looked like this trip would be fun after all.

# # # # #

I couldn't get to the phone fast enough. I motioned to Dad to come into the kitchen as I entered the Swan's number. He shrugged and sat down at the table; eyes focused on me. Charlie answered.

"Hey, Jake. Sorry, Bells isn't here right now. She's at the market picking up some groceries."

"Well, actually, Chief, I wanted to talk to you."

"Okay, shoot."

"What would you say if I asked Bella to come to Hawaii with me?"

A loud snort sounded at his end. "Nice trick if you could pull that one off."

"But if I could?"

"Are you telling me that you've saved up enough to vacation in Hawaii?"

"Get serious, Charlie. Do I ever have that kind of money?"

I glanced at Dad who was trying to repress a chuckle.

"No. So how are you going to swing a deal like that, Son?"

"Embry won a contest, and I get to go with him, but it's couples only."

"Oh, I see. Personally, I think that would do a ton of good; maybe give her a boost out of the rut she's been trapped in since that skunk dumped her."

"So, are you sayin' you'll give us your blessing?"

"Yeah, I'd trust my only daughter with you, because I know you'll treat her with respect, that and the fact that Billy and I will both castrate you if you don't."

My dad sat there, a smug look on his face. Did he hear that comment?

"Thanks, Charlie." I think. "Now all I havta do is convince your daughter."

Charlie snickered, and added, "Good luck with that. Remember who you're dealing with."

"Don't worry, I got this, Chief."

"Wait … Jake. Put your ol' man on, I need to ask him something."

I handed the phone to Dad, who took it promptly. He probably wanted to hear Charlie's take on my proposition. With a prayer in my heart, I walked outta the kitchen, rehearsing my sales pitch.