A/N: So I'm back... Epppp... excited like beyond belief.

Firstly, a big thank you to all that read and reviewed the summary of this little beauty... you guys gave me the encouragement to carry it on.

Secondly, a huge thank you to all of you that read, reviewed and made me smile like a freak with So Much For My Happy Ending... if you've not read it.. go give it a go... apparently it's amazing according to some of my reviewers... *blushes*

Kudos, big hugs and my version of Jasper for xMissCullenx for beta'ing this baby... thanks Sugar. (go check out her writing, its pretty amazing)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters, the ever talented Stephanie Meyer does, I do, however, own the plot.


Playlist: Suddenly I See - K T Tunstall

Serendipity: The act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it.

Most people get excited around the holidays, Christmas joy and all that.

I, most definitely am, one of those people.

The tree is up in our huge apartment, a stupid stocking hanging from the faux fireplace that takes up far too much of the brick painted partition of the lounge wall.

I'd moved to New York to fulfil my dream of fashion straight outta college two years ago, and that's how I found myself in the uber unexciting role of assistant to the fashion editor. Sounds glamorous right? Well let me tell you, it's really not. My job involved very little fashion, and a whole tone of running around, picking up coffee, holding the coat of my manager whilst she shot down every single model that graced our studio before the photos were taken, and basically screening calls for her as she was 'far too busy' to talk to the 'little people'.

When I thought I'd be working in fashion, I always thought I'd be designing or at least styling models, but as the fifteenth door closed in my face saying I lacked experience I got desperate and took this job. It paid the bills, just about, and it'd look good on my resume, or at least I hoped it would. On the plus side I got on great with the stylist. He was camper than a row of pink tents in the middle of a gay rights rally, and I loved him for it. He always managed to steal me the clothes and shoes from the shoots that were in my size.

"Perk of the job honey!" He'd enthusiastically told me as he air kissed each cheek when I'd gone down there to borrow a pair of heels for the day. I called him my fairy god father, because on my salary there was no way I was affording Louboutins unless they were fake.

A year later we were best friends and all but lived in each other's pockets.

*****

Strolling down Fifth, my arm linked into his, we were on one of our 'extended' lunch breaks. Carmen, aka the Dragon, aka my boss, was in Milan and well, whilst the cat is away the mice shall play. I had my Blackberry which covered every possible point of contact she could make; if she emailed, it pinged at me, if she called the office, it automatically transferred to my cell; I was pretty safe for the rest of the afternoon.

"Tall, soya, sugar free, vanilla latte, please" He told the server, "Alice?"

"Make that two, thanks." I replied shooting the assistant a smile.

Slumping down in the overly stuffed leather chairs in our local coffee house with mugs big enough to drown in, we chatted idly watching the world go by.

"So she's leaving..." He said casually as he sipped on the frothy foam.

"Who is?"

"Charlotte..."

"Seriously!? Like Oh My God... I WANT HER JOB!"

"You think the Dragon is gonna just let you come work with me. Alice you've been her assistant for 2 years now... She'll see it as a step down, and although she'll never admit it, she relies on you way too much."

Charlotte is Laurent's assistant. She gets to style the models when Laurent is on vacation, and he lets her oversee the smaller shoots. Her job is my dream job, and I want it... no I take that back... I NEED IT.

"Laurent, I need that job."

"I'll put in a word for you sweet." He smiled.

Squealing like a pig to the slaughter I threw myself across the room at him, spilling our coffees all over the table in between us.

"Alice, I think it's time we leave." He laughed pulling us both up at the same time.

*****

The rest of our day passed by in a flurry of shitty phone calls, running to the local pet store to pick up food for the Dragons' puppy and sending RSVP's saying she was too busy to attend.

More like she thinks she's above them.

At least tonights plans should be entertaining to say the least.

Laurent had talked me into going to a local bar this evening, I really didn't want to go but he'd bribed me with a bottomless glass of wine, hot wings and my choice of lunch venues for the next week.

He was kind of seeing a new guy and they'd not quite got to the 'we're comfortable enough to just go out together on our own as a couple' part yet, so there I was being bribed to be third wheel.

Alice Cullen doesn't do third wheel though. Knowing that Seth was working tonight I was left with no other option. So I'd called up my brother on the walk home hoping I'd be able to beg him into coming out to play.

My brother Ed is some hot shot lawyer. Don't ask me how he'd done it, but he'd made partner of a law firm before he turned 30. Everyone was ecstatic for him of course, but it also meant he had fuck all time to spend with us anymore. We lived together and I saw him less than I saw our cleaner. What does that tell you?

I guess I'd caught him at a good time when he actually answered the phone instead of his 'I've had so much plastic surgery, the only part of me that's still real is the tiny bit of fat on my wrist, which, be aware is scheduled to be removed in my lunch break next week' PA.

"Edward?"

"Yes, speaking..."

"It's Ali. Christ I forgot what you sounded like... I was expecting little Miss Plastic Tits to answer."

He stifled a laugh before speaking. "Alice, please don't call her that."

"Why? It's true."

"What can I do for you today?" He asked changing the subject, whilst also managing to leave the question unanswered.

"Well... I was wondering if you're free tonight and fancied a night out. I understand if you're too busy..."

"Yes... Why not?" He interrupted.

"Ok, well it was just an... Hang on... What did you just say?"

"I said yes." He laughed.

"Seriously?"

"Yes of course seriously, I've not seen you in a while and I need to make sure you're okay. Mom and Dad would kill me if I didn't look after you. I'll pick you up outside our building. What time?"

"Erm... Seven?" I ask.

"Fine, I'll see you at seven, sis. Put your drinking shoes on, it's about time we celebrated. Oh shit... gotta go... Bye..." He replied ending the call.

How weird is my brother?!?!

Guessing that it be best that I let Laurent know that Ed was now coming I open a blank email and start with the fun, didn't I mention that Laurent has a huge crush on Ed? This evening just gets better and better.


To: Laurent Deprui
From: Alice Cullen
Date: 22 December 2009
Subject: TONIGHT!

Laurent,

So Ed is coming tonight, I hope that's ok....

A x


To: Alice Cullen
From: Laurent Deprui
Date: 22 December 2009
Subject: RE: TONIGHT!

A,

Ed as in your... Tall, hot, successful brother Ed?

WTF?!?

Lx


To: Laurent Deprui
From: Alice Cullen
Date: 22 December 2009
Subject: RE: TONIGHT!

L,

No... As in my 'he used to hide my toys and get pissy when I hid his hair products' brother.

Be ready for 7.15... He's sending a car to get me and I'll come get you afterwards. Meet you outside your building...

DO NOT BE LATE... I WON'T WAIT!

Drinks on Ed...

A x


To: Alice Cullen
From: Laurent Deprui
Date: 22 December 2009
Subject: RE: TONIGHT!

A,

Is he going to be in the car? Actually scrap that, I don't think I can take the pressure of knowing that he may be...

I'll see you tonight... I've got new heels for you... I'll bring there with... til 7.15 sweet

L x


*****

Those emails, followed by a few texts in the evening were what occupied me in between finishing work and getting home to get ready. Just as he said; Edward was waiting at the front of our building at seven o'clock sharp. I'd picked out a some jeans and a shirt because as great as it is that my brother is spending time with us this evening, I don't need him to be turning up in a suit.

I climbed into the back of the car, some over expensive town car I'd like to add, that was far too big for what we were using it for, but hey, it was free and it meant that I didn't have to get the subway. I stared out the window, trying desperately not to catch a glimpse of my brother in the reflexion as he shimmied out of his pants and into the jeans.

Seriously, nobody needs to see their brother in just their boxer briefs.

"So Ed, we need to pick up Laurent on the way right?"

"Sure sure... Just give the driver his address and we'll get there..." He said as he changed his shirt and ran his fingers through his shock of copper hair. "No Seth tonight?"

"Nope," I sighed, "He's working the late shift. I won't see him until Christmas Eve evening."

I gave the driver the address and he moved effortless through the heavy traffic stopping outside the building. Laurent was talking on his cell, and bouncing up and down with excitement. I could tell by the smile on his face that he'd already been drinking.

Gonna be a long ass night.

"Aliceeeeeee." He squealed getting in and air kissing me, holding out a brand new pair of Blahniks'. Sighing contently, I took the shoes in one hand and air kissed both cheeks in return. He held his hand out to Ed and giggled.

Yup drunk already.

"Long time Edward." He said, his accent thick through the alcohol, and dare I admit it, lust he had for my brother.

"You too Laurent." Ed replied fidgeting in his seat.

"So we're meeting Jake there L?"

"Yes we are. I'm so excited. And turning up in this is gonna knock him for six. Ed I owe you for this."

"Hmm, sure, whatever, where are we going again?"

Laurent told the driver the address and we relaxed for the short journey towards the bar. Pulling up outside I could tell it wasn't gonna be the kinda place Ed was comfortable in. For a start there wasn't a roped off entrance, which meant he had to queue up with all the 'little people' and couldn't pay to get his way in. Well he probably could, but I doubted he'd want to. The way he turned his nose up as we walked through the door said a thousand unspoken words.

Stuck up twat.

Jake had met us at the door and walked in with his arm around Laurent, they made such a cute couple, I was glad I'd introduced the pair of them. See, Jake was the best friend of my boyfriend. When Seth told me that Jake had come out, I had to get him set up with Laurent. I was told not to interfere but well that wasn't gonna happen. I couldn't see my best friend not set up with a good guy. He said that I was gonna be making things awkward for myself if it didn't work out, I told him to have a little faith in my ability to see what was inevitable.

Jake had been the one to recommend the bar tonight, apparently it had the best new talent in New York state and many a famous singers had been found right here in this dingy bar. To be fair, I didn't really care what happened tonight, the drinks were on Ed, there was live music, and it meant I didn't spend the evening moping around at home on my own.

What was the worst that could happen?


So you've met Alice, next time round you'll be meeting Jas. As always, I'll be posting every Sunday (except the 21st Feb, cos well, I'm gonna be meeting Charlie Bewley and Jamie Bower Campbell *swoons* )

If you get a chance, leave me a little review, I'd love to hear what you think, plus reviews = love, love = writing chapters quicker.

Come play on twitter with me... I'm on there all the time... you can find me at pixie_tinks. It's a locked account but I accept everyone that requests.

Until next time my sweets

Much love

Pixie_Tinks

Oh p.s... I'm writing a ExB fic... its pretty gritty and not for the faint hearted... I'm looking for a beta... anyone interested... drop me a line...

xxx