"Bella?" Angela called out, knocking against the door. I ignored her, feeling the cold water against my face as it momentarily calmed me, chilling my nerves and setting me at ease for just a few blissful seconds. My wet hands ran up and down my arms, goose bumps etching along my skin as I took in deep, counted breaths. "Bella, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Ang," I told her, my voice shaky and insincere.

"What should I tell Mr. Cullen?" She asked over the door.

"Tell him I felt ill. He'll understand. Let him know I'll call him tomorrow and set up an appointment for the editors to come over and transfer the logo," I called out, running my hands through my hair. Angela didn't say anything, though I could see her shadow lingering outside of the door. After a few seconds she sighed and walked away, the clicks of her heels becoming more distant.

It was completely unprofessional for me to run out like that, nevertheless to hide out in the bathroom, but I couldn't go back. Not when he was there.

It can't be him… It just can't.

But it was. There was no point in denying it. I groaned inwardly, folding my arms onto the counter and setting my head down. What were the chances? What were the odds?

"Isabella?" I heard Victoria ask across the door, knocking on it gently. I quickly sat up, brushing my hair back as I tried to compose myself. "Bella, why is the door locked? Are you alright in there?" she asked, jiggling the door knob. I knew I couldn't hide in here forever, and hopefully by now the Cullens' had left. I flattened my skirt and went to the door, turning the lock just before opening it. Victoria watched me closely, raking over my appearance as I smiled thinly at her. "Bella, are you okay? Angela said you were sick."

"I think I had some bad seafood last night. I'm sorry for running out like that," I said as I touched my forehead, brushing the wet strands back.

"No, it's quite alright dear. It would have been horrible if you had done it before the presentation," she cackled as I only smiled weakly, "But since we got the deal, I guess it doesn't matter now!" She squealed, pulling me in quickly with a big hug. "I swear if you had been any later I was going to text you and tell you not to bother to show up!" she giggled, pulling me away to see my frown. "Oh don't do that, Bella. Have a sense of humor! We got it! This is worth celebrating!"

She pulled me to her side, walking me down the hallways as people jumped from their cubicles, people I have never even met before, congratulating me on the deal. I could only smile in return. But even that seemed fake and forced.

"Bella, this is going to do great things for this company, with you being partner now. This will reel in so many businesses, it'll be mind-blowing! Everything is really coming together now – all thanks to you," she continued on, but her voice echoed out. All I could think about was him. All I could think about was the fact that he was here, that he was my new client's son, and for all intents and purposes, my new client. It gave me a headache, and I started to feel light headed.

"Bella?" Victoria shook me and I looked up at her with a lazy smile. "Bella, honey, I think you need to go home and rest."

"No, it's okay… I'm good." I nodded, trying to not look like I really did want to leave.

"No, it's okay. You did your part today. I'll handle the paperwork, no worries. Just go home and rest." she said, nodding to Angela who quickly hurried out of the room. A few moments later, she returned with my bag and jacket. "Go ahead and get some sleep. I'll call you later with details." She smiled, nearly pushing me out of the door. I began walking towards the door, just as I heard my name. "Oh, and Bella?" she called out and I turned to see Victoria smiling, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'll see you later, partner." She smirked and I only nodded, heading out the door.

"Tanya, I really don't feel good." I whined, pouting my bottom lip.

"Do you even realize how much of a whiney bitch you've turned into? And don't pout! It's not a good look for you." Tanya snickered and I narrowed my eyes at her as we walked down the sidewalk. "Come on, just a few drinks in congratulations. That's all." She bumped my shoulder and I only sighed, knowing that it was far too late to turn around. She thought I was ruining my big day – but really, my big day was ruined the moment he walked into the conference room this morning.

I didn't want to linger on what happened –quite frankly, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired, and all because that man can suck the very life right out of me. If it hadn't been such a shock, if I had had some kind of preparation, I would have been better. I would have been prepared to see him, prepared for all the memories that would inevitably come flooding back from just that one single night.

Because that is all it ever was….one night.

So why was I so hung up on it?

"Go ahead and go first." Tanya shoved me in front of her and I looked over my shoulder, giving her an odd look. She only smirked and pushed me towards the door of the bar.

"Tanya… What is going…" I stopped just as the door opened for me, a loud noise causing me to jump as I instinctually covered my ears.

"Congratulations!" A hoard of crowds yelled out at me, poppers and streamers in the air and landing around me, in my hair, all over my clothes. I covered my mouth quickly, noticing the 'Congrats!' banner just above a table that was decked in martinis and desserts.

"You guys!" I cried, feeling the tears well up as earlier today was all but forgotten.

All of my friends were lined up behind the table, my coworkers, and my family – and of course I couldn't forget my boyfriend, Garrett, who was smiling brightly, proudly – beautifully.

"Congratulations, bitch!" Rosalie chimed in, decked out in a black mini dress and her golden locks curled down the side of her right shoulder as she opened her arms. I jumped right into them and hugged her tightly. "I told you that you were gonna get it!" She pulled back, wiping my tears from my cheeks. "Stop crying and go grab a fucking martini for Christ sakes!" she scoffed, pushing me away as I smiled. Typical Rosalie.

I went through everyone I possibly could, my coworkers, my old friends, even my neighbors. Christ, they even invited my boss from my old job back at Newton's Shop in Forks. At the very end of the line was Garrett, my boyfriend of almost a year. He was leaning against a post, talking to Tanya as she babbled on about something. He seemed uninterested up until he saw me.

I couldn't even begin to tell you how amazing a boyfriend Garrett is.. He's sweet, attentive, caring, and very attached to me. Not in the overly-attached creepy way, but just enough to give me enough space and still act like he's my boyfriend. We had begun dating about a month or two after I got back from the Bahamas. I wasn't really looking for a relationship, but Garrett pursued me until I at least agreed on one date. And that was all it took. I am no means am trying to settle down, as I am only twenty three. But he loved me in ways I couldn't even imagine.

And that was the horrible part.

Because I am not as in love with Garrett as he is with me, and in fact, I may not be in love with him at all.

It is still fresh – we are still fresh.

I just don't know.

But he was slow with me. He never pushed. And that was good. I guess. I wasn't really sure how I felt, and earlier today – well that didn't help my case at all. Seeing him again… I'm just so confused.

"Congratulations, baby," Garrett whispered, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing the tip of my nose. I smiled, taking in his scent.

"Thank you," I replied, biting onto my lip. "How long have you been planning this?"

"What? You think this was my idea?" he asked smugly.

"I know it was your idea," I told him, pinching his side.

"We are all just so proud of you," He told me, pressing his lips to my forehead. I smiled weakly, clutching onto his sides. "You've got to tell me all about it."

All about it?

I froze, my fingers digging into his jacket as I bit my lip, tightly closing my eyes. I wanted to run again. How was I going to explain to him what happened? Of course, I didn't have to tell him a thing. Or I could just lie.

"Baby!" A voice rang out and I turned quickly to see my mother, and none other by her side was my father.

"Uh, mom?" I questioned awkwardly, feeling Garrett grab my hand. Renee had a martini in her hand as Charlie was sipping on a beer, both smiling contently. "Hi, you guys. What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean?" Renee barked, "Today is your big day!"

"I know but…" I glanced between her and Charlie and they were only smiling, and once again they had re-patched whatever was broken earlier in the day. "I mean, I'm glad you're here," I said, reflecting their smiles.

"Congrats, kid. I'm proud of you," Charlie said, smirking as he brought me into a hug. I squeezed him tightly, putting my head into the crook of his neck.

"Thanks dad." I squeezed onto him, pulling away to hug my mom.

"Are you two okay?" I whispered into her ear.

"Never better, baby," She said sincerely, and once we pulled away she showed off her new diamond bracelet that was adorning her wrist. I only rolled my eyes, feeling as Garrett grabbed my hand. He shook hands with Charlie and hugged Renee, and as they began to speak, I pulled myself away and headed to the table where I grabbed my first martini, but certainly not my last. There were rows of them, an assortment of colors.

If I were home right now, I'd be downing all of these within seconds.

But since I wasn't, I downed them only one at a time.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Rose came into my vision, grabbing my third martini from me. "Slow it down a bit, Swan. You're going to keel over from alcohol poisoning," she told me, setting the glass down.

"I'm sorry…" I sighed, wiping the corner of my mouth. "I've just had a really crappy day."

"You've been promoted to partner. What the hell could be wrong?" she asked. I quickly glanced around – everyone busy talking to someone else, my parents speaking to some of my neighbors as Garrett was chatting with his friend, Royce. I grabbed Rosalie's wrist and pulled her behind the table and on the other side of the bar where it was deserted. "What the hell, Bella?"

"Rosalie… Something… Happened." I began, feeling as my heart pounded.

"Okay?" she trailed off, moving her hands in a circular motion. "I'm going to need a little bit more than that."

"I… I don't even know where to begin…" I put my hand onto my forehead, trying to keep myself from crying.

"Start at the beginning, Bella." Rose grabbed my head, holding my cheeks between her hands. "Just move your lips and talk!" She smirked and I pulled away from her sneering angrily.

"This is fucking serious, Rose!" I barked.

"Then stop being so cryptic! Just tell me," she yelled.

I had told Rose all about my last night in the Bahamas when I got back. I didn't really have a choice in the matter. She's my best friend.

"He was there, Rose. At the presentation…" I let out a soft whimper. Rosalie was quiet for a moment, not catching on.

"Who was where?" she asked, sighing as she was getting tired of me only giving her half of the truth.

"Do you remember my last night at the Bahamas? Who I met?" I trailed off, hoping she would get the picture.

"Yeah? What about it?" she asked, and I didn't talk for a couple of seconds – allowing it to process. She finally gasped, holding her hands up to her mouth as her eyes widened. "No!" she cried out and I nodded, setting my hands to cover my face. "So your trying to tell me that Edwa—" Her voice was so loud, she was beginning to draw attention across the bar. I quickly jumped forward, covering her mouth shushing her quietly.

"Shhhhh!" I hissed. "Yes, that's exactlywhat I'm trying to tell you and I'd like to just keep it between you and me and not this whole goddamn town!" I growled and she put her hands up just as I pulled my hand away. Once my hand was gone, Rosalie was beginning to turn red. She was biting on her lip, one hand on her stomach and I knew she couldn't handle it anymore. She busted into a fit of giggles, covering her mouth as I turned around and began to walk away.

"No! Wait! Bella!" Rosalie called out, still cackling. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she said, taking in a deep breath to restrain herself from laughing again. "I'm sorry," she said flatly and I turned, my eyes watching her carefully, knowing she was going to laugh again.

She did.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just… So perfect that it seems unreal." She smirked.

"How is this perfect? How is this even remotely perfect? I'm not stupid, Rosalie. I was never stupid. I never fell into traps like his and on that night I did." I cried. "I broke down all my walls for him, did everything he asked, and what did I get?"

"A pathetic excuse of a letter telling you how much you don't mean to him," she said, as if on auto-pilot. As if she didn't even have to think about it. I glared daggers at her and she only grabbed my shoulders, bringing me closer. "Think about it Bella. This is your time to get back at him. Set your own trap. Reel him in."

"I'm not good…" I began, shaking my head.

"It's not hard," she said.

"No, Rose. Just leave it. I'm not going to stoop to his level. I'm just going to be professional about this," I told her, standing straight as if to prove my point.

"Bella, you know I'm here for you. But you are always such a good little school girl. Ever since I've known you. He hurt you. Get back at him. You have an open shot, now just take it," she grabbed my shoulders, shaking me gently to get me to see her point. I could pull it off – maybe.

But who was I kidding?

One, I could never do that. To anyone. I wouldn't even hurt a fly. Let alone hurt a human being's feelings, no matter how much they deserved it.

And two, this man doesn't fall in love. He plays a part, one he is clearly good at, and lures girls into his bed, only leaving them with a harsh slap in the face of reality. It was tragic, really – but he knew exactly what he was doing.

"I just… I just wanted to tell you." I said with a quivering whimper.

"Well, Bella – my advice? If you won't get back at him, then avoid him. Only directly speak to him when you have to, but other than that, just squeeze your way around," she said with a shrug as she pushed a strand of my hair back. "It's awkward enough you two have slept together. It makes it even worse that he left you alone the next morning. So no small talk with him, alright?" She smiled weakly. "Come on, let's get your mind off of him and go take some shots."

I was so bummed out, that I thought not even alcohol was going to get me out of my sour mood.

But that was before the six jello shots I had just inhaled.

I couldn't even begin to tell you what happened between the first shot and the time I was being carried out of the bar. All I could tell you was that it was dark outside and quite chilly.

"Damn, bitch! Use your legs!" Rosalie snapped in my ear as she tried to hold me up. I laughed, throwing my head back and then gasping as I began to fall. "Jesus, woman. It was six shots!"

"I don't drink!" I yelled at her. "…Much… So I can get drunk on… Anything…" I hiccupped, grabbing onto Rose's side.

"Obviously!" she snarled.

"Okay…" I stopped, standing straight as I turned to her. I didn't talk for a moment, and just stood there – staring. I knew I was being an annoying prick, but the part of me that controlled my body was out for vacation. I was a complete mess. "You're just going to have to calm down."

"Shut the fuck up and keep walking." She rolled her eyes.

"I feel sick," I groaned, grabbing my stomach.

Rosalie dropped me quickly as I fell to my knees, hitting the pavement hard. I cried out, feeling bile rise up in my throat.

"Not on my new Gucci heels, you will not!" she barked.

"Rose!" I cried.

"No, Bella!" she yelled. "If you're going to puke, puke in that trash can! I will not take a chance on these new shoes!"

"God! You just got them like… Yesterday! Are they really more important than me?" I said, narrowing my eyes as I felt the wet pavement underneath me.

"These were eight hundred dollars, Bella. I think they are a little more important." She pointed out and I set my hand over my chest, as if she had wounded me. "Just go fucking throw up so I can get your drunken ass home."

"Where is Garrett?" I hiccupped.

"He went home. Two hours ago," she sighed.

"Well… Bring him back!" I said, annoyingly.

"If you do not puke in that trashcan, I will drag you by your hair." She was not kidding around. I suddenly felt better. Something about her threatening me only entertained me and forcing the bile back down.

"I'm alright," I told her, trying to stand up. I got onto my feet but was quickly falling once again just as Rose reached out for me, grabbing my arms. "Shit!"

"Damn Bella! Use balance!" she cried out, holding onto my waist. I looked over at her, smiling gently.

"Hey Rose, when we get back to my place…" I trailed off, biting my lip, "Wanna fool around?" I giggled and Rose only shook her head.

"Bella, that was one time. And if I remember correctly, we were both wasted." she said and I only nodded my head.

"Pretend." I smirked.

"You are so fucking drunk," Rose laughed, it continuing all the way home.

We never did fool around. Good thing too, because I puked just as I walked through the door. Rosalie helped me clean it up, but other than that she walked me to bed and sat a glass of water and a packet of Advil next to me just before leaning down and kissing my head.

"Get some rest," she said with a smile.

"Rose?" I called out just as she began out the door. "I love you," I told her sincerely.

Rose only smiled, tilting her head as her blonde curls glinted from the hall light behind her.

"You're so full of shit, Swan."

I have never hated the sun as much as I do today.

It hurt to open my eyes. It felt as if they were melting right out of the sockets. I rolled over as I grabbed the Advil on my dresser, chugging down two pills. My head was aching, throbbing in all the wrong places as it literally felt like I was going to die.

Dying would be better than suffering like this.

I turned to my clock, noticing the time.

Ten o'clock AM.

And today was… Wednesday?

No it was Thursday.

No, definitely Monday.

Well that's not possible considering I worked yesterday…

It was Tuesday. Definitely Tuesday.

"SHIT!" I cried out, sitting up from my bed as I ran to my closet. I can't believe I was late! Again! Victoria was going to have my head for this, I was sure of it. I grabbed a pair of black pants as well as my white blouse and black blazer. It was the best I could do out of short notice. I touch up on some make up and pull my hair up into a pony tail, making myself look as presentable as possible. I drop some food into Clover's bowl, who meowed her thank you and grabbed my keys, running off to my car.

Traffic wasn't so bad, but by the time I ran into the parking lot, I had over ten missed calls from Angela, and four from Victoria.

Late once again.

I was so fucked.

"Bella!" Angela hissed as I walked through the doors. "What are you trying to do? Get fired before actually being partner?"

"I'm sorry! My family had a party for me last night, I got so wasted," I said, putting my bag underneath my desk. "Is Victoria mad?"

"Well, a little earlier, it looked like there was steam coming out of her ears. I voted that it was just heritage, you know – some weird irish-ginger thing, but Ben swears it's because she does black magic," Angela said, warning me with a raised brow.

"Ha-ha," I said sarcastically. "You two are so funny."

"Isabella!" Victoria called out from her office. I cringed, knowing that my career was officially over.

"Well, it was nice knowing you," Angela said with a wave. "Hey, when you're gone, can I take your desk and merge it into mine? So I have a shit ton of room?"

"Bella!" Victoria barked.

"Coming!" I called out, glaring back at Angela. "Don't touch my shit."

Angela only smirked, watching as I began towards the office. I come up to her open door, seeing that she is marking away on some piece of paper. I wince every time she slashes the pen against it.

"Victoria…" I began quietly, her eyes looking up and glaring at me. "I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to be late… I know there is no excuse but…"

"You're right," she said, nodding her head. "There is no excuse."

"I know… I'm so sorry." I hung my head. She didn't say anything for a few minutes, I'm assuming deciding how she wants to give me the bad news. I wait for it – wait for her to send the blade down on my neck… But it never came.

"You're lucky you have Mr. Cullen on your side," said quietly. I raised my head, my eyebrows furrowing in question.

"Mr. Cullen?" I gaped.

"Yes. He seems to favor you, despite your tardiness," she answered coldly.

"Um…" I began nervously.

"No repercussions today, Bella. Only a meeting with Mr. Cullen," she nodded, gesturing to the door. "He is in the conference room."

"Victoria – I swear this won't happen again," I assured her.

"It better not, Isabella," she sneered and I nodded and stepped out, no more questions any further. I looked over to Angela who told me to come over to her but I only shook my head. Carlisle Cullen was waiting for me in the conference room, for what – I wasn't quite sure. I told him I was going to call to set up an appointment for the editor to come by. I wondered if he had changed his mind?

Has he told Victoria?

Will she fire me?

Why does my life suck?

I walked down the hallway, coming to the conference room door. I knock on it gently, hearing someone clear their throat and very slowly grabbed the handle, opening the door to find…

Not Carlisle.

"Hello, Isabella."

Edward Cullen.

;)

Thanks to my two beta's, who both kick ass completely. Couldn't do this without them.

Leave a review, tell me what your thinking about it so far. :)

- wango