A/N: Thanks to my fabulous Beta: brodeurgirl30!

Chapter 1: Just as I finish the glass, a tall gorgeous man, dressed in a fancy suit and tie, pulled the chair out next to me and said, "I believe you have been expecting me. I apologize for running a tad bit late." I stood to shake his hand but he pulled me into a hug. It's the type of hug I couldn't quite explain. Certainly not a sexual hug... not an acquaintance hug. Brotherly? Maybe. But before I could officially identify the type of hug I received, he spoke again.

His smile reaching up to his luscious green eyes, staring straight into mine, instantly comforting me as he said, "My name is Edward Cullen."

I shyly reply, "Hi, my name is Be-, uh, Izzy."

Shew, that was a close one.

Edward motioned for me to sit back down, I obliged as he sat down on the stool next to me. He requested the bartender to come to us.

"I will have a Vodka Tonic, and Izzy will have..." He motioned with his hand for me to give my drink of choice.

"...another glass of red wine, please."

The waiter acknowledged our drink order by nodding. But as he was turning around to prepare our drinks, Edward called for him. "Frank, do you have Mirassou Pinot Noir 2003?"

The bartender turns to look in the mahogany cabinets behind him, then replied, "Yes."

"Instead of the Vodka Tonic, pour me a glass and one for her."

"Sure thing, anything else?"

"Not now."

This is awkward! Underage, about to drink a glass of wine that sounds expensive, with a hot guy who is suppose to be my date, but only because he is buying me for the evening. Again, AWKWARD.

Having never done a thing like this, I had no idea what I was supposed to say. My first, and now empty, wine glass appeared interesting to me so I took the stem in between my thumb and forefinger, rotating the glass around. The base of the glass occasionally tapped the earth-toned granite counter top. The minimum amount of drink that remained, most likely backwash, swirled around... like my brain. The sound of his voice pulled me from my wine trance.

"You could look at me so we could talk," he said.

Right, talk. I guess that is a great place to start.

My eyes lingered on the glass another moment before I turned to face him. I waited. I mean, what does one say to a guy when put in this situation?

"So, my plan for the evening is to take you to Parizade for dinner. Afterwards, I will bring you back here since I am assuming your car is out in the parking lot."

He wants to take me to dinner?

After a moment of looking into his eyes I respond, "Uhm, ok?" I was trying to figure out why a guy would willingly take an escort to dinner. Why would he, a guy that looks like he could have any girl he wanted, want to pay for a girl for the night?

"Jane said this is all new to you, but please know I have your best interest in mind. So, just relax, a little?" With that, I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders back and down, while relaxing.

"You're right, this is new to me and I have no idea what to expect, just what I have been told by Jane. I will try to relax." And, how could one not relax when ogling over his fascinating looks and beautiful eyes. The man is a heartthrob.

Frank, the bartender as identified by Edward, took my empty glass and replaced it with the Mirassou Pinot Noir that was ordered moments ago.

One down and the second one ready to drink. Do you think you should slow it down a touch since you are starting to feel a little loopy?

My body had already begun to relax, especially with the help from Edward.

Nope! The loopier the better to get through this night.

"It was beautiful outside today. Stayed in the low 70s. Perfect day for a round of golf. Don't you think?" He sipped his wine once he finished verbalizing his thoughts.

"You're asking me about the weather?"

"Point taken." I watched as he opened his mouth as if to speak again, but then shut it. He had something to say, but was holding back.

What he is thinking?

An uncomfortable silence existed between the two of us, so I decided to break it. "What is Parizade?"

"It is a local favorite. The cuisine has a Mediterranean flare." Our eyes met, but he quickly looked away, repeating my action from earlier. He was now staring at his wine glass.

I wonder if he is as nervous as me?

"Hmm, ok, sounds intriguing."

I watched him down the remainder of his wine so I did the same. His hand extended and reached for mine. I allowed him to take it. Once his fingers touched my skin, I felt an electric current transfer between us. It wasn't like getting an electrical shock that can be felt after walking on carpet then touching something metal. It was less intense, but travelled to my inner core and was a feeling I have never experienced before. Surreal, yet powerful. There was something about Edward, and I wasn't entirely sure what it was, but this man had just become someone of importance to me.

As I hopped off the stool I realized having two glasses of wine on an empty stomach was probably not the best idea. The toe of my shoe caught the edge of something, possibly his foot, causing me to lose my balance. His arm wrapped around my waist to prevent my fall. My head slowly lifted as our eyes met.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"You don't drink much do you?"

"No."

"I should have known." He seemed frustrated but more at himself than anything.

We made our way to the hotel exit, and waited a moment for the valet to bring him his Volvo and open the passenger side door. I entered the front seat and the valet allowed Edward to close my door. He quickly walked around the car and climbed in on the driver's side.

As we drove off he asked, "What kind of music do you listen to?"

"Anything, really. I am not at all picky. Actually, what is playing is beautiful. What is it?"

"Claire de Lune"

"It's quite lovely."

Even though the car ride was short, I could feel myself become completely relaxed, and even wanted to fall asleep.

You have the two glasses of wine to thank for that, Bella, or Izzy, or whatever the hell you want to go by!

We entered the restaurant and the host proceeded to sit us smack in the middle of the dining room floor. He began placing our menus on the table but stopped when Edward whispered something to him. He immediately picked up the menus and led us to the far corner, a much more discrete table. Once we were seated, he picked up the napkin placed elegantly on the small appetizer plate in front of me and laid it on my lap. Then he handed an opened menu to me, then to Edward.

Looking over the Mediterranean fare, I was overwhelmed. There were so many delicious sounding items I had no idea what to order. On top of that, the prices were a little high.

No, not a little. The prices were really high. If my parents were still alive, this would be the type of establishment we would visit often.

"Please, pick anything on the menu. My treat," he said.

Edward must have sensed my hesitation and asked, "Would you prefer that I order for you?"

"Yes, please."

I guess I should become accustomed to the man paying, being in this line of business, but it was just difficult since I hardly knew him. Yes, we were technically on a date. Still, I couldn't help but think a date is when a guy and a girl are there because they like each other. In our case, I was here for money... and he was here because, well I am not quite sure, yet.

I wonder if it is true, that he doesn't expect sex. And if he doesn't, what is his motive?

The waiter returned requesting our order.

"She will have the Parizade salad," then to me he added, "it has strawberries, and goat cheese, is that ok?"

Yes."

"And also the Filet Mignon."

"How would you prefer it be cooked?" The waiter asked me directly.

"Medium."

"And for you sir?"

"I will have the Spinach Walnut Ravioli."

"Very well, I will bring some bread to your table, shortly. To drink?"

"Two waters and a bottle of Mirassou Pinot Noir."

"Absolutely." I watched as the waiter memorized our order. He picked up our menus and rushed to the back of the restaurant. He returned a few minutes later with our drinks and bread.

I couldn't help but wonder how many other women Edward had brought to this establishment? And, how many of them were escorts like me?

Hmph, an escort. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined being an escort.

My mind took a direction all on its own and started firing questions about him... how many women, how many has he actually slept with, is it true what the others say, does he really not expect sex, and finally, is this guy gay?

God, I hope not, it sure would be a waste of man specimen.

He brought me out of my thought process and asked, "So what do you do in your spare time?"

"Isn't that a bit personal?" I nearly barked at him.

"I guess it is. And if you don't want to answer, it's ok."

"No, I'll answer. I am in college."

"Carolina? or Duke?"

"Duke, definitely."

"A little Blue Devil. So have you always been a Blue Devil?"

"No, not until high school."

"What made you like the school?"

"A close friend really liked college basketball. He is a University of Washington fan. They were playing Duke during a tournament, so I thought it would be fun to root against him. Duke won. I have been a fan ever since."

"Are you from the state of Washington?"

"Yeah, I grew up in a small town near the west coast. A place called Forks, Washington."

Our food arrived and smelled absolutely delicious. The steak looked scrumptious and I saw it was cooked to perfection.

Once the waiter walked away, he said "I am originally from Seattle, it's a shame our paths never crossed while we were on that side of the country."

"I doubt they would have, you must be considerably older than me."

"Izzy, I am not that old. Only 25. And you must be much younger than me."

"I am legal, if that is what you are asking. But, I would have expected you to be much older considering the amount of money you are throwing away."

He looked at me with a shocked expression.

"Izzy, I am certainly not throwing money away and I have my reasons for entertaining this type of lifestyle," he said in between bites of his ravioli.

"As do I."

"Well, let's hear it. Why did you, Izzy, join the escort business?"

"It's really a sad story."

"Aren't they all?" He offered with raised eyebrows.

"I guess you're right. The short of it is that I have tried to find a job, but because of the economy, no one is hiring. A friend, if you want to call her that, gave me a few leads. One thing led to another, and voila. Here I am."

"Hmm." He didn't react like I thought he would. I was expecting him to degrade me, lower my already poor self esteem. At the same time, I think he knew I wasn't telling him the whole truth. But, I didn't really want to share my sob story. It's none of his business and quite frankly, what could he possibly do about it. He was such a gentleman that he let me off the hook... this time.

"Listen, I want to be completely honest with you. I didn't bring you out here because of dinner."

OMG, here it goes, we are finally talking about sex. Am I ready for the negotiations? But Jane said the guy usually doesn't request sex. Has he had a change of heart? If so, why? He looks HOT! But am I really ready to subject myself to this sexual lifestyle?

"What I am about to say can not be shared with Jane. Is that understood?"

"Yes." I was all ears.

What could he possibly share with me that Jane must not know? If he had an inkling of a job that would pay me money and I would not have to try not to sell my body, I am certainly going to listen. One can only hope.

"And please hear me out." I nodded which confirmed to him that I was listening, so he proceeded, "Do you really understand what you are getting yourself into? Selling yourself like this?" He was serious, as if he truly cared about my well-being.

I could feel the tears as they immediately flowed from my eyes. Thank God he requested this table. And luckily, I chose the seat in which my eyes faced the back wall. He really struck a nerve with me, being all parent-like about this career choice.

"Izzy, talk to me, please?"

"What is there for me to say? You know how to treat a lady. You don't force her to do things she doesn't want. You look out for her best interest. And then you go off and say something my dad should be telling me. You apparently know everything except how to get me out of my current situation."

He looked at me dumbfounded.

"Well let's start from the beginning. You need money, why?" he questioned. I know he wanted to help in any way he could, just by his facial expressions. He seemed truly concerned.

I sighed heavily and began my explanation.

"Because my reality just burst! I thought I had everything and because of a damn accident, I have been left with nothing! My parents were recently killed because they drove off a cliff, and over that DAMN CLIFF, went my parents WEALTH, the wealth I thought they FUCKING HAD, so, in just a few short weeks I will have no where to live, and I won't be able to buy food or shelter and there is no way I am going to be treated as a FUCKING HOMELESS PERSON! I need money. I NEED A LOT OF MONEY! And APPARENTLY this job has the potential for getting me to where I need to be. THERE, I said it."

OMG. I just dropped the f-bomb. What if he thinks I am a fucking psycho. Shit. I said it again. Maybe I am a psycho... a psychotic fucking bitch. Shit. I am fucked!

I let out a heavy sigh. Even though I let out a bunch of expletives with my rant, I felt a huge weight had finally been lifted... all because I finally shared my predicament with someone.

But, it should have been Alice or Rosalie. Instead I chose him - a complete stranger, no less.

He continued to look at me with concerned eyes, opening and closing his mouth a few times before saying, "I am so sorry for your loss. Have you even grieved for them?"

After all that I said, all that language, the words that come out of his mouth deal with grieving for my parents?

"After all that I just said, you want to know if I have grieved for my parents?" He nodded. "Not really, they don't deserve it. They lied to me. My whole fuckin' life has been a sham. I don't know who I am or where to go from here."

"Have you shared this with anyone else?"

I hadn't, and I could tell that he knew it too. My two closest friends since coming to college - Alice and Rosalie - didn't need the burden of my so called life. They didn't need to know I was suffering and I didn't want to drag them down with me.

"No," I said as I fiddled with my napkin, not even looking at him.

"Why?"

"Because, it's nobody else's problem but my own." I glared at him.

"I can understand you wanting to tackle it on your own, but don't you have any friends that you can talk to, share your fears with?"

"Yeah right, what are they going to do, run to mommy and daddy and tell them I need their money?"

"No, but they could provide moral support. I bet they don't even know what you are doing tonight."

Man, this guy should be an investigator, I thought sarcastically.

"They don't."

Did you seriously tell a random stranger that your friends have no idea where you are or what you are doing? Now there's a swell idea for getting yourself killed. Is that what you want?

"Seriously, Izzy. When in this line of business, be extremely careful with the information that you divulge. It is best not to share personal information."

"Then why ask?"

Why is this guy testing me?

"Because the next guy you are escorting will ask you these same questions and the information you provide can be deadly. Once he knows a little piece of public information, he can search for you and find you when you least expect it."

"Sounds like you are speaking from experience."

"You might say that."

I just stared at him. He must be like a guardian angel or something sent down from the heavens above. Is he foretelling my future death? Or is he merely here to guide me with ultimately finding my right path?

Izzy, I want you to enjoy the rest of the evening. For the remainder of our time together, pretend that this is your fantasy date."

But you seriously look my fantasy guy!

"At the end of the night, I really want you to take a long look at yourself and your friends. I think they might surprise you if you shared with them your idea of a job. This job. And, don't get me wrong, if this is the type of career choice you are looking for, by all means, stay in it. But, I could tell from the moment we met that this isn't you."

"You're right."

"Then why do it?" he asked, concerned.

"I already told you, because I need the money."

"You need money bad enough that you are willing to sell your body for sex in order to make a buck?"

Frustrated, I fired back at him, "You don't really know me so save your efforts. I need the money, and you are willing to pay. We both win."

"Do we? In the end, do we both win?" He looked me dead in the eyes and waited. All I could do was look away from him. He had me there. The 'companion' would win. But I certainly would not.

At least I would walk away with money.

Luckily, Edward changed the direction of our discussion to something less emotional. We chatted about movies, music, and even fancy cars. After we finished with our meal, Edward ordered us each a crиme brыlиe. It was quite divine.

Our dinner was finally over so he paid the bill. We stood to leave and he motioned for me to lead the way while he hovered close with a hand on my lower back, guiding me. In a way it was comforting, almost reassuring me that everything would be ok. I hadn't realized how long we sat there, but the dinner crowd had thinned out.

The ride back was quiet and after our serious discussion, I had a lot to think about. Jane had sent me on a date with a man that was trying to coax me out of her business. And she had no clue. I don't understand why he does this - meets with girls, not have sex with them, and tries to get them out of this business. I probably should have asked him, but he didn't buy me to talk about himself. He bought me to protect me from what lies ahead.

As he pulled into the hotel parking lot, he asked where I was parked. I directed him to the aisle that my car was located. Edward was able to pull into an empty space a few spots down from me. He got out to say good bye. At first it was an awkward silence.

"Uhm, so thank you for the lovely evening," I said as he walked me to my car.

"You're welcome."

As we ended the date, I extended my hand to shake his. As he did so, I felt him hand me something, but then pulled me into a hug in an effort to prevent me from immediately looking at what he just handed me. He was very comforting to be with and I could tell our bodies just meshed together.

As I watched him walk away, I thought about the money I just made on this somewhat interesting date with a gorgeous man. It wouldn't be much, only because the most money is made when sex is involved. At least it is some money, and some money is better than no money.

Every little bit helps! Too bad, I have to wait until next week for Jane to provide me with the check.

The sound of his car door opening brought me back to to the moment. He turned and looked at me, offering a warm smile. I watched as he got in, disappearing behind his tinted windows. Once he was out of sight, I looked at what he handed me. $200 and a note that read:

Think about what you are getting yourself into. If you need a friend to talk to, please call me. 919.867.5309.

I didn't know if I should be thankful or pissed, but something in me just snapped. I didn't need his pity. And yes, I could certainly use the money, I just didn't need any special handouts. Edward was trying to help me out, but he did something that my dad should be doing. Charlie would always give me money when I needed it... or even just because.

God, how I miss him!

I began to realize the emotional breakdown at the stripclub was just a precersor to the big one. Apparently that night, when I first cried for them, was not enough. Tears were beginning to form and all I could think about was the fact that my mom and dad were no longer here... and the money in my hand... and what I had to do to get it... and what I will possibly do in the future to get more.

I ran after Edward catching up to him as he was shutting his car door. He heard me coming, so he opened his door for me. He offered a comforting smile. But instead of me returning the smile, I threw the money at him and yelled, "I'm not your fuckin' charity." I turned to walk away.

Damn girl, what got into you? It was money, which you could use right about now.

Yeah, I guess I blew that.

I never looked back. Even though I wanted to, I couldn't drive. I wouldn't be able to see because of the tears that were falling. With my emotional breakdown, it was best for me to sit in my car. My hands gripped the steering wheel as I lowered my head to rest it in the middle. I sobbed uncontrollably, my body shaking and then I started hiccuping because of all the crying. There was no one there to give me the hug I now desired. I could call Alice, but what would I tell her was my excuse as to why she needed to drive to a hotel parking lot? I decided it was best to just let it all out, cry as long as I needed. Then I would go straight home.

Why didn't Edward check on me? He must have seen I was an emotional wreck?

Oh yeah, that's right, because you are a psychotic fucking bitch, and who wants to be around someone going postal?

There was no telling how long I stayed there, but when my emotions were slightly under control, and I could see again, I pulled out of the parking lot. Edward's car was no longer where he had parked it.

Asshole! The least he could have done was make sure I was ok.

I drove directly back to campus all the while thinking about what a disastrous time this evening truly had been.

Jane will never want me to go out on another date again.

Upon entering my dorm room, I knew the questions would be fired at me immediately. Alice and Rose were hanging out in the middle of the room playing Rummy.

"Good God, girl! What the hell happened to you? Your mascara is smeared all over your face!" Alice screeched.

"Did he hurt you?" Rose stood and fisted one hand into the other as if she were ready to fight.

"Where have you been?" questioned Alice.

"And, why the hell are you dressed in an evening gown?" asked Rose.

All the while my head was shaking no. No, I don't want to answer their questions. No, I wasn't hurt. No, I will not tell you where I have been. And, just no, stop asking.

We all sat on the floor, my two extrovert friends for once were silent, waiting for me to speak.

You've got to tell them something, anything.

"I am fine. No, he didn't hurt me. I was on a date. And, I guess you could say it was a blind date. I was requested to dress up and all I had was this dress. He didn't hit me or hurt me. He was very courteous. And, it was a lovely dinner, in case you were wondering."

After I freshened up and changed into some comfy clothes, they started their card game over to include me. Rosalie asked why I had been crying and I told them that I finally cried over the death of my parents, which was the partly true. They seemed to understand. That was until Alice asked who set me up with him. That really was a valid question since they would be the ones I would turn to for dating advice and blind dates. I wasn't sure what to tell them, and after several glasses of wine throughout the evening, and my mind being a bit hazy, I could only come up with one answer. "Jane."

"Who's Jane?" They asked simultaneously, while looking at each other questioningly.

"Someone I met recently." Then it hit me, I was supposed to call her once I returned. "Uh, hold on just a moment. Don't start the game until I return."

I grabbed my phone and stepped out into the hall to call her. I was a bit nervous to speak with her after my immature outbursts, but at the time, they seemed valid. After the first ring, she answered. "Izzy, I am glad you finally chose to call me."

"I am sorry, I got home a little bit a go, and my roommates were concerned for me and started questioning me because, well, it doesn't really matter. I called to tell you that I am home, safe and sound."

"I know, I just am surprised at how long it took you to call me."

"Excuse me?"

She knew I was home? How could she?

"Your companion called me an hour ago. He said that he had a lovely evening with you and was glad I called him for the introduction. However, he was concerned about your safety because you were really upset so he followed you to make sure you made it home. Did he hurt you?"

I was still stuck on her earlier sentence. He wasn't in the parking lot and I never saw him, when I left. I remembered looking for his car. But what if he left the spot to sit and wait somewhere else, watching me. I never paid attention to cars behind me, but he followed me?

Oh shit, what if he really is a stalker? What if he is my future killer? He knows where I live, now.

Jane waited for my answer. "No, it was just as you said, he doesn't take things to an intimate level, he was very nice throughout the evening. Jane?"

"Yes."

"Uhm, he followed me home. Based on some of the conversations I had with him, you don't think he will take advantage of the fact that he might hurt me in the future, do you? I mean, he now knows where I live."

"No, Izzy, he has been a respectable client for the past year or so. He is very caring and always has my girls best interest in mind, which is probably why he followed you home. I don't think you have anything to worry about. I am just glad you're safe. And on that note, I will be in touch later this week for your next companion. Good night Izzy."

"Good night." I hit end on my cell phone and held it in my hand as I pondered our discussion. Returning to the girls, we played Rummy late into the night. When I made it to bed, I laid there, thinking about the evening's events.

A few things I was able to discern - 1) I had a lovely evening with a gorgeous guy who bought me for the night. 2) He had my best interest in mind all throughout the evening. 3) I should really think about the direction my life is starting to take. 4) My girlfriends could be my saving grace, if I only trusted myself enough to share with them who I truly am and where I am headed. 5) And, finally, I wanted to know more about Edward Cullen.

A/N: Edward and Bella enjoyed Mirassou Pinot Noir. Do you have a favorite brand of wine?

Diamonds are a girls best friend... but so are reviews. Please comment. I would love to know your thoughts.