Almost everyone was seated as I dashed into the executive meeting that was getting ready to start. I sat next to Mike Newton, director of promotions, who loudly exclaimed as he slapped his hand against the table, "I've never heard such a crazy story!"
I shook my head at his enthusiasm and chuckled to myself. "I don't think I want to know."
Newton turned his attention to me. "Sure you do Bella. It would be a great story with that drink I'm always willing to buy you." Mike said, elbowing and winking at me.
"And ruin what we have now? Thank you but the answer is still no." I smiled and replied. It's not that Mike was unattractive, but he was more than a little immature for my taste.
The meeting started with department reports. As I tuned out, I drifted in thought to why I couldn't date men like Mike Newton. I'm sure a great many people would be surprised and likely offended by my tastes - especially when it came to men and sex. No one normal or "vanilla" seemed able to satisfy my wants and desires.
"And we will have a special guest in the building starting next week. Our artist in residence will be none other than Edward Cullen." Stated Aro Volturi, the director of the museum.
Color me surprised as my ears perked-up and I paid attention.
"What about Jasper Whitlock? I thought we had all but decided that he would be in the next in-house artist." I said, my tone a little on the sharp side since I had not been involved in this decision.
"This meeting is adjourned. Bella, I'd like to speak with you in my office." Aro looked directly at me when he spoke.
I followed swiftly behind Aro and he closed the door behind me. "My dear, I understand your concern, but an opportunity arose where this is the only time this season we could host Mr. Cullen."
"What about the exhibit? Cullen's work barely fits the scheme. Its too late to start acquiring other pieces." I questioned.
"He has said that we have his full cooperation and whatever pieces you decide work best he will most quickly provide. There is an updated portfolio on your desk of his work - including some he thought might work for the exhibit."
"What about Whitlock?" I asked, "I want to offer him his own exhibit after Cullen leaves."
"I'll sign off on the agreement to make that happen. Please extend my apologies to Jasper, I'm sure he'll understand." Aro said as he sat down at his desk and picked-up his phone.
Understanding my cue to exit, I walked out of his office and back to my own. Sitting at my desk, I rubbed my temples as I contemplated having to work with Edward Cullen. I understood through the grapevine that he was demanding, arrogant, filthy rich and rarely ever seen in public. I was trying to hold my judgment until I actually met him. Hopefully, he was more than just the layers of personality that preceded him.
I had been looking forward to working with Jasper on the exhibit. He's the complete antithesis of Edward Cullen. And speaking of Jasper, I was going to have to break the news to him and bear the wrath of Alice.
Looking for a moment's peace, I lean back in my chair, close my eyes and remember His voice. More than ever I needed to hear that voice again, to be instructed and lifted to another realm. Instead, my assistant's shrill voice blared out of the speaker letting me know I had a delivery at the front desk that needed to be signed for personally.
"Thanks, I'm on my way." I said.
I hope the box held something good, I thought to myself as I pushed myself away from my desk.