Chapter 3
How to Dish an Ass Kicking by Bella Swan
Bella
I woke to the most annoying sound created by man, my ringing Blackberry. I looked at the clock and groaned, there was only one person ballsy enough to call at this time. I snatched it off the nightstand hitting send and put it to my ear, "It is 7 motherfucking o'clock in the morning, you had better be calling to get bailed out or because Brad Pitt is in your bed and you need a witness, which is it cause your about to die!"
The throaty chuckle woke me instantly, "I am neither in jail nor spooning with Brad, I hope that I will get a pass on death just this once please Bella."
"Edward, I am so sorry I just assumed it was Alice because of the time." I stammered.
"Yes well, I am sure she will be calling you shortly, do you by any chance get The Post?"
"Ummm, yeah I do." I answered confused.
"You might want to take a look at Page 6," he said.
"Ok hold on a sec," I said getting out of bed and walking towards the front door, "Crap it's cold," I muttered.
"I'll get you some fuzzy slippers for your birthday," he purred.
I blushed, he didn't even have to be in the room to illicit a reaction, "Make them pink and fluffy with sparkles. Maybe Hellokitty or Power Puff Girls," I said sarcastically.
"I am not even going to pretend to know what a Power Puff Girl is," he laughed.
I had the paper laid out on the kitchen table and I was flipping to page six, just as I saw it my call waiting rang, I looked at the screen on my phone, Alice.
"Did you want to get that?" He asked.
"Yeah, no I really do not want to get that. In fact, I am thinking of putting my phone in the garbage disposal once we disconnect," as he laughed at my outburst I read the headline.
'Queen of Fashion hooks King of Publishing, the Whole World Swoons!'
Below the headline was a quarter page picture of Edward and I outside of Le Cirque, he had his hand on the small of my very bare back and from the angle it was shot from it looked like we were engaged in a very intimate kiss. My knees wobbled as I scanned the article, which detailed his playboy behavior in LA and my utter lack of social life.
"Great, I'm the freaking flying nun," I grumbled eliciting a deep belly laugh from him.
"Well at least your not upset," I could hear the smirk in his voice, it made me smile.
"What the heck are you doing up so early reading Page 6 Edward, you really should get a hobby." I snorted.
There was an uncomfortable pause and I thought for a moment that maybe he was offended but I was quickly put at ease when he said, "We'll see how snarky you are when my mother calls trying to plan your wedding shower Isabella. She woke me up this morning squealing Bella, my mother doesn't normally squeal so I would thank you very much to show a little compassion."
I let his words sink in for a moment and than burst out laughing, after a few moments he joined in which made me laugh harder. Unfortunately my call waiting interrupted my good mood, I should really have that feature deleted.
"Listen, I have to put out some fires with Alice and I'm sure Rosalie will be calling soon as well. Can I call you later?" I asked hopefully.
"Please do," he answered smoothly.
"Listen Edward, if you go anywhere or get any calls, no comment ok, as lame as this is it will be great publicity for the magazine as well as Cullen Publishing so we might as well take advantage of that right?"
"Mums the word Bella," he said laughing softly. We said our goodbyes and hung up, my phone rang instantly.
*****
Edward
I haven't had a Monday this miserable in a long time, I am being stalked by the paparazzi, stalked by my mother and teased mercilessly by Emmett. As if that wasn't enough I walked into my office narrowly ducking a vase that Rosalie flung at me from across the room. I really should have followed Bella's advice and put all the expensive stuff away because she did not stop there. After that there was a lamp, a decorative plate and my favorite coffee mug. Once she had sufficiently shattered most of the breakables she announced that she would castrate me if I hurt her sissy, Rosalie Hale said Sissy. Scary thing was, I really believed her!
Since then Emmett, Jasper and myself had been holed up in the conference room with a revolving door of Editor's in Chief's coming in and out as we informed them that this issue of their magazine would be their last and laid out their severance packages. In addition, I hadn't talked to Bella since Saturday evening and I was having some serious withdrawals.
When Emmett's secretary made a major error faxing confidential and sensitive documents to an Editor in Chief we just fired I thought I was going to lose it.
"Rosalie get in here," I bellowed.
"What," she snapped, entering the conference room. I could immediately feel the energy coming off of Emmett, I shot him a look which I hope conveyed, 'Now is not the time," but Em thinks anytime is a good time.
"I thought you were going to fire her last week," I barked.
She rolled her eyes at me, "Calm down ass," she retorted and just as I was about to call her on her shit she picked up the phone and dialed an extension, "Come into the conference room right away," she then hung up and hit the intercom. "Mrs. Cope, please come into the conference room," she said curtly and hung up.
Mrs. Cope came in looking very uncomfortable, "Mrs. Cope, you are terminated for failure to meet the job requirements expected of you, please hand me your identification badge." The older woman's eyes were wide and shiny with tears as she handed over her ID, Rosalie took it putting it in her pocket and continued. "You will be paid 12 weeks severance in addition to any vacation time you have banked, thank you for your service. You may take your personal keys and purse, the rest of your personal items will be sent to you, please gather your items and have a good afternoon."
Mrs. Cope turned to find security waiting to escort her, she walked to her desk quickly gathering her purse and then left. Rosalie pulled her Blackberry out of her purse and made a call, "Hi, it's Rosalie, I really need you today, like in 30 minutes, we will make it worth your while ok." She hung up and started dialing again, "Jasper, I fired your assistant twenty minutes ago," she said matter of factly. Em, Jas and I looked at each other with the same expression, "Holy Shit!" "Hi it's Rosalie, I know you were going to start tomorrow but today would be so much better please, great, thank you, see you after lunch." She hung up putting her Blackberry back in her pocket, "Happy Assward?"
I sat staring at her mouth gaping, "Shut your mouth Edward, you look like an idiot, by the way I am meeting my girls for drinks tonight and you are definitely paying cause even for a bitch like me it sucks to fire an old lady." I nodded dumbly and watched as she walked out of the conference room, "I'm sending in your next appointment," she called over her shoulder.
*****
Bella
God I want Rosalie back! I was sitting in on some stupid staff meeting that Rosalie would normally run, people were complaining about the most mundane things and I was starting to get irritated. There were several people talking at once and it was giving me a headache was quickly elevating to a migraine so, I decided it was necessary to take action.
"Is this how this meeting is normally run because this meeting is starting to run long and I am getting really irritated." They all started looking around at each other unsure of how to respond and then went back to arguing with each other. I sighed and decided that I needed reinforcements before I really lost my mind. I slammed on the speakerphone option of the phone that sat in the middle of the table in the conference room and dialed. The room went silent as everyone watched me curiously.
"Hello, this is Rosalie speaking," she answered.
"Ro, it's Bella. I am sitting in for you at this weeks support staff meeting and my brain is starting to bleed, what are we supposed to be doing here?"
"Am I on speaker Bella?"
"Yes."
"Until I return to that office you will all write down your concerns and address them with me directly. Everyone needs to return to work immediately in order to avoid disciplinary action."
The looks on their faces was priceless, I wish I could have taken a picture.
"Bella, I don't hear any movement, are they still there?" Rosalie asked.
I smiled as everyone at the table jumped and ran for the door. As the door shut I sighed, "How much longer Rosie?" I hated hearing myself whine but, I wanted her back ASAP.
"Tomorrow will be my last day and then I am all yours little mama, let's meet for drinks tonight ok."
"Yeah that sounds good but nowhere society ok, I can't take another minute of that crap."
We made plans to meet at a hole in the wall pub and then hung up. I made my way to my office glad to be out of that stupid meeting and called Tanya over as I sat down. "What else do we have going today Tanya," I asked as I took aspirin out of my desk drawer and swallowed 2 dry.
Tanya looked at me empathetically and opened a folder she had in her hand, "You know Bella, you only have in house stuff, easy to reschedule. Maybe you should take the rest of the day off and get some rest, you don't look to good."
I thought it over for a moment and decided it was a good idea, "Could you call a car for me Tanya and let Rosie and Alice know that I will be staying in tonight please." I gathered some work together and made my way down to the car, I was asleep before the driver got me home.
*****
Rosalie
I was in the conference room taking notes before ushering in the next victim when my phone rang. I glanced at the number and held up a finger indicating to the guys that I had to answer. Tanya was extremely capable and would not be calling unless it was necessary, "Hello this is Rosalie speaking," I listened as Tanya told me that Bella had fallen asleep in the car and the driver was slightly panicked unable to wake her. He wanted to know if he should try harder to wake her or take her to the emergency room. I started to panic; the guys picked up on the change in my demeanor right away and rose from their seats. "Tanya, tell him to leave her right where she is, I will be there shortly and decide if she should go upstairs or to the hospital ok." I hung up and turned to them, "I have to go right away, something is wrong with Bella."
I started towards the door but Edward beat me, "What's going on Rosalie?"
"I'm not sure, Tanya said she sent Bella home early because she didn't look good and then she received a call from the driver. Bella passed out in the car and the driver doesn't know what to do with her. I have worked for her for a year and a half, she has never taken a sick day or done anything like this, I need to go, I need to make sure she is ok."
"I'll go with you Rosalie, you may need help moving her ok," he looked genuinely concerned, I nodded and we proceeded to leave. As we got on the elevator Jasper and Emmett slid in behind us, Emmett came immediately to my side and slipped my hand into his.
The ride to Bella's apartment was agonizing for me, Emmett, Jasper and Edward spent the ride making calls, rescheduling appointments and things of that nature. We pulled up right behind the Towncar and Edward jumped out and ran to the car before I even had a foot on the ground. When I got to them he was pulling Bella into his arms, "She has a very high fever Rosalie, lets get her up to her apartment," he said. I ran to the door pulling it open before the doorman had a chance, "Rosalie is everything ok?" the doorman asked. I nodded, "Bella is just feeling ill Liam, she will be fine," I said trying to smile but I could feel it turn to a grimace, as we rode the elevator up to her floor I tried to find the key to her apartment but my hands were shaking, finally Emmett took my purse from me and easily found my keyring, "Which one is it Rosalie," he asked, I pointed to the right one and when the elevator stopped we were off like a shot. Emmett opened the door and Edward walked to Bella's bedroom laying her gently on her bed. It did strike me as odd that he knew exactly where to go but that was a conversation for another day.
They left me alone with Bella to change her clothes and once I was done Edward came back to help me get her under her covers. Edward tugged on my elbow and I followed him out to the living room. "Rosalie, you said she doesn't get sick often?" he asked. I nodded, "Never since I have known her, I mean maybe a headache here or there, the occasional hangover but never anything like this, should we call 911 or take her to the hospital? I knew my panic was starting to get the best of me but I couldn't help myself. As I was taking my Blackberry out of my purse to call 911 there was a knock at the door, Edward opened it and the most drop dead gorgeous mature looking gentleman stood there, Bella has some explaining to do!
Edward
When I opened the door and saw my father standing there I felt immediate relief. I had called him from the car on the way over begging him to leave the hospital and come see Bella. He came in greeting Em, Jas and myself and then stopped in front of Rosalie who was glued to Emmett's side. His eyes darted back and forth between Emmett and Rosalie several times before a smile spread over his face. Emmett's face flushed a little as my Dad's smile widened.
"Dad, this is Rosalie Hale, she works with Isabella Swan. Rosalie this is my Dad, Carlisle Cullen. Edward asked him to come by and check on Bella, he's a doctor."
Rosalie looked at Carlisle like he was a dream come true, she stuck her hand out and Carlisle reached to take it, "Dr. Cullen thank you so much for coming, I have never seen Bella like this before, I am so worried."
My Dad smiled at Rosalie reassuringly, "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Hale, I am sure Bella is fine but maybe I should go check on my new patient just in case, shall we."
Rosalie started walking to the hall, "Yes, this way, and please call me Rosalie."
Rosalie disappeared down the hall with my Dad leaving Jasper, Emmett and myself to pass time. "Did the afternoon appointments get rescheduled?" I asked to no one in particular.
"Yes, I had the schedule downloaded on my phone so I called and added them on to tomorrow's afternoon appointments. We only had two more today so it shouldn't be to bad." Jasper answered.
I nodded, "Thank you Jasper."
"Dude, I'm hungry, you think she would mind if I poked around in her kitchen?" Emmett looked to me for permission. I shook my head; my brother couldn't go two hours without eating.
"Go ahead, I'm sure she won't mind," I said smiling.
Em disappeared into the kitchen and I sank into Bella's couch waiting, Jasper sat in a chair across from me. "This apartment is amazing," he said.
"You should take a look at the terrace, the view is crazy," I said absentmindedly. We sat for a few minutes before Emmett returned from the kitchen with 2 sandwiches of epic sized proportions, an unopened family size bag of nacho flavored chips, 3 cans of root beer and a box of ding dongs. "Emmett, you found all of that in the kitchen?"
"Yup, turns out your girl loves her a good sandwich and, she has the best selection of junk food I have ever seen outside of a grocery store. Almost makes me think she's a pothead." We all chuckled; Em could always lighten the atmosphere.
After a few more minutes my Dad called out to me, I sprinted down the hallway, "Is she ok Dad?" I asked nervously, she was still asleep and that worried me.
My Dad studied my face for a moment and the same smile that he had given Emmett earlier spread across his face. "Yes Edward, she is going to be fine, it looks like she has a pretty nasty flu. She is very dehydrated which is what has caused the extreme fatigue. She is probably going to be out for a while so I am going to have you run to the pharmacy and pick up a liquid antibiotic which I will inject and plenty of water and pedialyte for the dehydration." I nodded, as my dad tore the prescription off the pad and handed it to me, "I saw a pharmacy a few doors down, hurry back please."
I got down to the pharmacy and back in record time, my dad injected the antibiotic and left instructions that Bella needed to wake up in an hour and drink 8 ounces of Pedialyte and continue with that every 2 hours. When he realized I was still incredibly nervous he offered to come by and check on her after her shift, which I gratefully accepted. As we were finishing up our conversation I heard the front door burst open.
"ROSALIE, BELLA!"
It was Alice and she was frantic, I could hear Jas calming her down as they walked up the hall towards the bedroom, when she entered we turned to her. Her eyes were shiny but she wasn't crying although she was very obviously distressed. My Dad immediately went into Dr. mode offering Alice his hand, "Hello, I'm Dr. Cullen."
Alice took my Dad's hand but eyes him suspiciously, Jas and I exchanged an amused look, I had come to learn that Alice had a bad case of verbal diarrhea so whatever was about to happen was going to be good.
"Dr. Cullen, are you a 'I'm not a Dr. but I play one on TV' doctor, or are you an actual Dr., Dr.?" Alice asked eyebrow raised.
My Dad smiled and I could tell already that he was completely enamored with Alice, "I am an actual Dr., Dr. as well as father to Edward and Emmett who can act as reference if necessary."
Alice turned to me pointing at my Dad, "Edward, this is your Dad?"
"Ummm yeah Alice, this is my Dad, Carlisle Cullen, M.D." I answered, "Is it Ok that I called him, you seem kind of uneasy."
"Well who wouldn't be," she snorted, and with a totally straight face went on, "I mean I have seen handsome doctors before but your dad is a freakin DILF."
Em, Jas, Rosalie and I raised our hands to our mouths to stifle our laughter while my dad looked confused and Alice stared at him, or ogled him.
"Edward?" My dad questioned, and that was when Alice realized her blunder.
"Oh crap, she squeeked, DILF is an acronym for ummmmm."
"Don't I Love Fathers," Rosalie interjected.
"Please don't lie to the good Dr. who was manipulated into coming here to save me," Bella said softly. We all turned to look at her, she was smiling weakly from bed. Alice climbed on the bed snuggling into her side.
"Smella, are you Ok," she sniffled.
Bella shushed her smoothing her spikey hair, "I'm fine Ali Cat, I just got a little bug, there is nothing to be upset about ok?" My heart swelled as I watched Bella comfort her friend. "Isn't that right Carlisle?" She looked to my dad for confirmation.
"You have the flu Bella, your going to be out of commission for two or three days and after that you will fatigue easily for a while. I have given you an antibiotic injection while you were sleeping which I knew you would prefer seeing as how you have a strong aversion to needles."
Bella laughed weakly, "Thank you Carlisle, I'm so sorry that you were pulled away from whatever it is you were doing."
"Nonsense Bella, do you know how much trouble I would be in with Esme had I not come immediately? Besides, it was my pleasure; it has been too long since I have seen you. By the way, your apartment is lovely."
Bella smiled, "Thank you Carlisle."
"Wait, you know my Mom and my Dad?" I asked in disbelief. Bella looked at me like I was a moron.
"Well, Bella has been employed by Cullen Publishing for some time now Edward, and I am a Cullen." My Dad answered amused. "Bella, would it be Ok if one of these lovely ladies gave me a tour of the rest of your apartment? My father asked.
"Of course Carlisle, Bella answered her eyelids getting droopy.
"Oh if you think this one's great, wait till you see the one next door it's twice the size!" Alice said as she jumped up putting her arm through my Dad's. Bella can I take him next door?"
"There's not much to see, it is a blank slate but sure, you know where the keys are." Bella said and then fell asleep. Everyone left with Alice to take the tour while I brought a chair from the corner of her room next to the bed and sat with Bella. "How long are you going to sit there staring at me Edward?" She asked, her eyes were still closed but her lips twitched.
I leaned over her and kissed her forehead, "Until you feel better my beautiful Bella," and with that she was asleep.
*****
The next morning I woke to someone knocking on the door, I glanced at the clock on Bella's nightstand to see it was 7AM. At some point in the middle of the night I got tired of trying to sleep in the uncomfortable chair and got into bed with her. She was asleep on my chest, her hair a tangled mess spilling all over the place. I wanted to kill the person at the door for pulling me away from her but, I gently slid out from under her and closed the bedroom door behind me as I made my way to her front door.
On the other side of the door was a beautiful strawberry blond woman I had seen at Bella's office, her arms were full of garment bags and she had a huge purse as well as a messenger bag that looked like it could burst at the seams. She looked over my appearance and handed me the paper, "Mr. Cullen, I assume you haven't seen today's paper yet?" I ran my fingers through my hair and looked down at myself, I was wearing the pants I had worn to work yesterday and nothing else. To an outsider it might appear that I had just thrown my pants on to answer the door. I followed her into the kitchen as she started a pot of coffee, Did everyone have free reign in Bella's life?
I opened the paper and flipped to Page 6, the headline said it all, yesterday was nothing our lives were going to be hell.
BellWard Watch!
There were pictures of me carrying Bella into her apartment, my expression told the whole story. Confusion, worry and fear. There were more pictures of me literally running back from the pharmacy. The paper was reporting that I had not left her apartment since coming back from the pharmacy. We were being referred to as the most beautiful power couple in existence, as irritated as I was at the evasion of our privacy I thrilled at being referred to as a couple.
"My name is Tanya by the way, I'm not sure if you remember," she said extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you Tanya, please call me Edward," I offered suddenly feeling awkward about my appearance.
She nodded and handed me a garment bag, "This is your size, when you are ready Liam is going to take you to the loading dock where a janitorial truck will pick you up and drop you off at the back entrance of your apartment building. You can then walk out the front lobby where your car as well as the paparazzi will be waiting."
I unzipped the bag to find a suit inside, "If I'm going home why do I need this suit?" I asked curiously.
"Just in case our plan doesn't work, we don't want you to be seen in a suit that looks like you slept in it, or worse." She answered demurely with a slight stain on her cheeks.
I checked the label and looked at her in amazement, "How did you know my size?" I asked. Tanya laughed.
"That's what we do Edward." I nodded, of course they had an eye for such things. I was rubbing my chin worried about leaving, "Is there something wrong with the suit Edward," Tanya asked.
I shook my head in contemplation, "I'm worried about leaving her alone, I was just thinking about rescheduling my day to stay with her," I said with apprehension.
Tanya smiled warmly. "I will be working from her home office today and watching over her, she won't be alone." Tanya explained. I nodded and poured myself a cup of coffee and took it and the garment bag back to Bella's room.
She was still sound asleep, I kissed her forehead and went to the bathroom, I should probably use the guest bathroom but truth be told, I wanted to use her bathroom and I was damn well going to use her loofah too. I turned the shower on and took the suit out of the garment bag, dark blue Ralph Lauren Purple Label, wool and cashmere blend, nice! Behind the suit was a crisp white shirt with blue pinstripe; a plain shiny red tie was with the shirt. At the bottom of the bag I found a pair of shoes, dress socks, an undershirt and boxer briefs. I could get used to dating a fashion icon, I immediately rolled my eyes, I needed to get myself in check.
I found Bella's stash of razor blades and put a new one on her razor and took it with me into the shower. Her body wash was citrus scented and made my skin tingle, I decided to take it with me. When I washed my hair with her shampoo I instantly became hard at the vanilla smell, it made me want to run into her bedroom and bury my face in her hair. Ok, that's a lie, it made me want to do other things but Bella is sick and I shouldn't be thinking of things like that right now. I'm taking the shampoo. When I got out of the shower I wrapped a towel around my waist and found her toothpaste, I put some on my finger and leaned over the sink brushing my teeth as best I could when I heard a giggle come from the bedroom. I rinsed and than turned to find Bella checking me out, I had to work hard to regulate my breathing, this towel would not conceal a reaction to her.
"What are you laughing at Flying Nun," I asked smiling as I walked into the bedroom.
"The girls in the office were debating whether or not you had the best ass in the city, they are going to be awfully jealous when I am able to report first hand that you do," she said still giggling.
"How could you possible report that when you have yet to see said ass?" I asked crossing my arms across my chest and cocking an eyebrow.
"Close enough," she answered raking her eyes over me.
"Is the Flying Nun checking me out?" I asked with false indignity.
"Does that bother you Trust Fund?" She snorted still staring at my abs.
I smiled smugly but I knew I had to get out of there, I could feel the blood rushing to my cock from her shameless ogling. I turned to walk back to the bathroom ripping the towel from my waist as I walked and flinging it back at her, "I wouldn't want you to have to lie Bella," I smirked, I heard her gasp and then erupt in girlish giggles. I would never forget that sound.
*****
The plan worked flawlessly, when I walked out of my lobby the paparazzi went crazy shouting questions about Bella the flashes made the sidewalk look like a disco. I slipped inside the Towncar and was wisked away to the office quickly, "Looks like they have taken an interest in you Edward," Elezar said meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror.
"Yeah, I think we are going to have to be more stealthy Elezar," I smiled at Elezar who was a longtime Cullen employee turned valued confidant.
"No problem Edward, the pictures in The Times were nice by the way, she is a beautiful girl."
I smiled but didn't respond, I didn't even know we were in The Times, I had only seen The Post.
When I finally made it to the office Rosalie was waiting for me in my office with a smartly dressed older woman.
"Edward, this is Gianna, she is your assistant and lifeline. Keeping her informed will make your life a dream, hold back and you are going to have a never ending string of fuckups in your future. She is familiar with your schedule, the way your office is run and all current projects. I wish I could stay one more day to assist with transition but with Bella out I have to get back to Haute, if necessary call me but Gianna should be able to handle anything."
I shook hands with Gianna and then she took her place at the desk outside my office, I put my arm around Rosalie's shoulders. "Should I walk you to the elevator or to Emmett's office," I watched in amusement as tough as nails Rosalie blushed and shook my arm off swatting playfully at me. "I guess I should say goodbye, it would be rude of me not to right?" She asked hopefully, I laughed, hard, "It would be very rude Rosalie, I insist you say goodbye, let me walk you."
I grinned ear to ear as Rosalie and I walked down the hall knocking on Emmett's door and than pushing it open, I almost lost it laughing when I saw Em's new assistant. She was old, I mean old! Her salt and pepper hair cut in a short bob, a good 50 extra pounds weighed her short frame down and she looked to be same sex oriented. I looked to Rosalie who shrugged her shoulders and mouthed 'What' to me with a much to innocent expression plastered on her face. I shook my head in disbelief and went back to my office.
*****
We were halfway through our day and in between meetings when Jas looked up excitedly at me, "I just got a call from the printer. He says he can save us 20% if."
I cut him off there, "Jas why would you even finish that sentence, do it. Now!" I didn't even look up from the notes I had been making.
I could hear the smirk in Jas' voice, "Consider it done."
"Let's get on with it, what's next," I asked channeling Rosalie.
*****
Bella
I scowled from my desk more commonly known as my bed whining one more time at Tanya, "I just want to check some email, please?"
"Ro did it, relax."
"Can I have my Blackberry?"
"Nope,"
"Tanya, I'm your boss. I can fire you."
"Yes you can Bella, but Ro can assault me," she said as she walked into my bedroom holding an armful of newspapers. "I thought you might like to see all the pictures of you and Edward," she said wagging her eyebrows. "When he opened the door this morning I almost begged to have his children, is that wrong?" She asked innocently.
"Not at all Alice," I said laughing at her Alice like inappropriateness.
Tanya rolled her eyes at me, "If I was Alice, I would have asked too have his babies!" She dumped the armful of newspapers on my bed and went back to my office.
I started opening up the papers and looking through the pictures, he was so beautiful it almost hurt to look at him. I sighed and bundled them all up sneaking them into the back of my closet, maybe I could show our kids how mommy and daddy started out one day.
I spent the majority of the rest of the day watching daytime TV, it sucked. Tanya gave me some time off for good behavior to watch TV on the couch in the office while she worked but after a while I wandered over to the desk and peeked over her shoulder, she sent me to bed. In the afternoon I sat in on a conference call with the staff to hash out some details regarding the next issue and sick or not I ordered Alice to have the book delivered that evening. It was getting pretty late when I finally insisted Tanya go home, she was fretting about making me something to eat but I was dying for pizza and I knew there was no way that was going to fly with her.
She called a final goodbye and I heard the door shut behind her, I was instantly scrolling through my contacts list and hitting send.
"Tony's New York Style is this for delivery or pick up?"
"Hey Frankie it's Bella, I need an extra large pepperoni for delivery please."
"Hang up the phone and put it down!"
My eyes widened as it registered that Edward was in my room looking miraculous and walking towards my bed. "Um Frankie, cancel that order, sorry," I mumbled.
"No problem Bella, nice talking to ya," Frankie said, I ended the call and set my phone down on the nightstand. "Hi?" He smirked at me making my stomach flutter.
He held up a large handled bag from the Italian place up the street, "Dinner, and it's not pizza, where do you want to eat?"
I got up walking over to him, I hated that I wasn't wearing shoes I suddenly realized that this is what Alice must feel like everyday. "What are you doing here Edward and how did you get in?" I asked curiously.
His eyes clouded for an instant with an expression I couldn't quite place but his cocky smirk was back in an instant. "I couldn't let the pap's think that I abandoned my girlfriend now could I? Tanya let me in," He explained as he took my hand and led me down the hall, "Where do you want to eat Bella," he asked quietly.
I stopped walking and looked up at him for a moment, he stopped with me returned my gaze watching me curiously and it suddenly dawned on me, he was genuinely concerned about me. I cautiously closed the distance between us and slipped my arms around his waist pressing myself into his chest, after a moment his arms came around me bathing me is his warmth and sweet musky smell.
"Thank you Edward," I said, that was the best I could do without betraying the fact that I had developed strong feelings for him. I pulled away smiling at him gratefully, he leaned down and kissed my cheek.
"Your very welcome Bella," he said smiling. I led him into the kitchen where he insisted I sit at the breakfast bar while he set us up with bubbly water and place settings. We talked about his day and the people he had to fire, the meetings he had with magazines that would be forced to restructure or even redesign all together and his feelings about it all. Eventually our conversation turned more personal, we talked about favorite food, mine steak, his anything Italian or Mexican. Hobbies, mine photography his piano, favorite movies, his The Godfather II, mine Sixteen Candles.
"Sixteen Candles?" He asked incredulously for the third time.
"What exactly is your problem with Sixteen Candles, Trust Fund?" I asked.
He seemed to think it over for a moment, "Tell me why it is your favorite please."
"Um hello, Jake Ryan, need I say more?" I rolled my eyes knowing I would not need to explain myself if I was talking to a woman.
"Yes," he laughed, "You need to say more!"
I grabbed my dinner and got up, "Grab your stuff and come on," she demanded.
Edward
I smiled picking up my food and following her, we walked down the hall, past her bedroom and office. The hallway curved around leading to more rooms that I wasn't even aware existed. When we got to the door at the end of the hall she pushed it open and paused just inside the door leaning down and flicking the light switch on with her shoulder. She continued in pausing at popcorn machine and flipping it on, before walking the rest of the way in, my eyes almost popped out of my head as I realized where we were. Her home theater, and it was fucking awesome!
She had 12 ultra plush extra wide reclining seats with cupholders, a screen that was almost the length of the wall and most of the width, a bar, the popcorn machine and then she picked it up. That which made my jaw drop, a touch screen remote control! It was slim but about 6x8 inches, before I could stop myself I grabbed it out of her hand because I just had to touch it! As I was caressing and fawning over the remote I was suddenly snapped out of man mode by a quiet giggle.
"Oh shit Bella, I'm sorry," I laughed but didn't offer the remote back.
"Don't worry about it, I'm sure this is all very overwhelming for your kind," she said smiling.
I sighed handing it back to her, "What kind is that exactly," I asked.
"You know, they who are ruled by testosterone," she smirked.
I couldn't come up with a good retort because well, she was right. I was already trying to think of ways to come here and watch sporting events.
"Yes," she said.
"Did I miss the question," I asked confused.
"You didn't miss it you just haven't asked it yet but the answer is yes. You can come here sometime and bring the guys and watch whatever game it is your thinking of. Your going to have to fight Rosie for the remote though, good luck on that."
"I'm surprised that Em never mentioned this room when Alice showed him around the other night," I mused.
"Oh Alice would never bring a man or men into this room, we know the reaction it gets and lets just say it can make a girl popular for all the wrong reasons, we like to keep it our secret as men tend to get overly excited about it," She explained winking and gesturing to the remote.
"So, what are we doing in here tonight," I asked.
Bella sat in what I assume is her regular seat lifting the arm between the two seats, I sat beside her and she fiddled with the remote for a moment until the lights dimmed and the movie started, Sixteen Candles. We ate while we watched and when we were done she brought over an Emmett sized bowl of popcorn for us to share. The movie was hilarious, I couldn't believe I had never watched it before. The Donger was ridiculous and the nerds reminded me of Jasper up until the summer before our senior year when he grew almost 5 inches and packed on 20 pounds of muscle. I felt something soft hit my side and jumped a little in surprise, Bella had fallen asleep. I lifted my arm drawing her into my side and picked up the remote trying to figure out how to turn this shit off, there was a square that said CP that was flashing. I pushed it and a keyboard popped up on the remote, there was a message at the bottom of the screen.
'Smella,
Is Mr. Hot Buns still there? Don't get too naughty your still sick and don't forget to wrap the weenie before you stick it in the microwave!
Love ya,
Ali Cat'
I laughed quietly hitting the reply button.
'Ali Cat,
Hot Buns still in the house and I always wrap my weenie!
Doing you a favor and deleting msg.
Love you back,
Trust Fund'
I few seconds after I hit send my Blackberry started buzzing in my pocket, I took it out and looked at the screen, it was a number I didn't recognize.
"Hey Ali Cat," I answered smiling.
"Don't forget to delete your response from sent messages," she hissed.
"I dunno Alice, that extra bit of double oh seven is going to cost you," I was enjoying every second of this.
"Name it, I don't want to die without having had an orgasm that rocks me so hard I pass out."
Ok then!
"Have lunch with me tomorrow in my office, 1PM sharp." She paused for several long moments, "Don't worry Alice, your unvirtuousness is safe with me."
"Make it one thirty, I will be coming from the fashion district."
"Done, see you tomorrow at 1:30," I said grinning wildly.
I deleted the messages and picked up Bella taking her to her room and lying her gently in her bed. I stood there watching her for a few minutes wanting nothing more then to climb in and stay with her. I sighed and made my way to the door locking up and then heading to the elevator, the next time I stayed with Bella it had to be because she asked me to.
When I arrived at my apartment it was just after midnight, I paced around several times but unable to sit still I picked up my phone and sent out some emails setting up appointments for the following day. There was no way I was going to fall asleep so I went to my computer and read all of the articles about Bella and I, studying every picture before moving to the next. I read the reader comments and was pleased at how much they seemed to support us. I'm not sure how long I did that but I woke up at morning having slept with my head down on my desk.
*****
Bella
"Bella what are you doing here?" Rosalie snapped.
"Rose, please shut the hell up. I will only be here half day," I snapped and then sighed feeling guilty. "Sorry," I murmured staring down at my desk, "I'm getting cranky being holed up in my apartment."
Rosalie rolled her eyes, "It's only been two days Bella, get a grip." I nodded feeling too pathetic to tell her the truth, I was close to devastated when I woke up to find myself alone in my bed this morning and I had to remind myself that Edward was being nice and stayed with me overnight because I was sick.
"I don't suppose you might consider having lunch with me after my outrageous outburst would you?" I asked smiling meekly.
"You know I would but I am actually having lunch with Edward today," she explained. Despite myself I felt an overwhelming stab of jealousy.
"Oh, ok," I said a little to quietly, Rosalie sighed and smiled weakly at me.
"I'll come see you when I get back, if I don't leave now I'm going to be late ok," I smiled and nodded not trusting my voice. Once Rosalie was gone I picked up the mock up of the issue currently in the works and went to sit on the couch, Tanya found me there a few minutes later and we got to talking about some of the items I was on the fence about. Eventually she excused herself and I found myself surprised and pleased at her suggestions and made a mental note to speak with Rosalie about Tanya's future with Haute. Suddenly the idea of promoting Tanya brought on a slew of brainstorming, I picked up a notebook and began jotting down my thoughts when I began to feel a familiar buzz hum through my body, I looked up slowly to see Edward staring at me with disapproval.
"Edward, what are you doing here? Rosalie left to meet you a while ago," I said in confusion.
His answering smile was mischievous, "Yes, she will be routed to a restaurant where Emmett will be waiting for her in my absence." I laughed heartily knowing that Rosie would rip Edward a new one despite being secretly grateful for his interference. "Alice will meet a similar fate with Jasper this afternoon, I'm not sure if we should expect any of them back in the office this afternoon," he mused looking very satisfied. "Now," he said the disapproving look having returned, "What are you doing in the office Miss Swan? Shouldn't you be resting?"
I smiled guiltily, "From one workaholic to another, you should know the answer to that question Edward," he nodded but still seemed unsatisfied.
"Well, get your coat, I am taking you to lunch," he demanded.
I smirked at him as I rose from my seat on the couch, "Will you actually be at this lunch or will I find myself in the middle of some nightmare set up?" A brief look of anger flitted across his face but was quickly replaced with amusement.
"Oh I will definitely be there Miss Swan as I will be multi-tasking. This will be partially a working lunch, today we shall be doing research for my 20 under $20 suggestions.
I smiled brightly happy he was taking his assignment seriously, "Sounds great, let's go," I said with enthusiasm.
Before I knew it we were parked on a bench eating street vendor hot dogs enjoying companionable silence, "This is really good Edward, I am impressed," I said smiling widely a him.
"Oh, we are not done yet Miss Swan," he said mischievously pulling something from his jacket pocket. He held a thin paperback book up for my inspection, the title read 'Love Sonnets' and in the corner was a clearance sticker indicating the price of $.99. He opened the book and began reading to me but I never heard a word, I took the opportunity to stare at him, memorizing every line of his face, appreciating the way his lips moved as he read to me and drowning in the clear green sea of his eyes. When he finally looked up from the book our eyes locked and for an immeasurable moment we basked in the bubble that he created. That bubble popped when we heard the click and looked up to find the paparazzi at the end of the block making their way towards us. Edward frowned and then took my hand getting up from the bench and pulling me with him. "Come on, we're not done yet," he said dazing me with a beautiful smile.
Twenty minutes later we were sharing a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity, to say it was divine would be the understatement of the century, it was actually making my toes curl. Before long our straws were making slurping noises at the bottom of the glass. We both sat back in our seats Edward actually rubbing his belly and we shared a laugh. Edward set a few coins on the table, I looked them over counting $.45 and raised my eyebrow at him. "That's what is left of the twenty dollars and I believe this concludes my first successful submission for the Haute 20 under $20 article," he explained smugly.
I laughed heartily at his self-congratulatory attitude, "I have to admit, I am very impressed Trust Fund, I really didn't think you had it in you," I said with a smirk.
"Why thank you Sally, coming from you that means a lot," he chuckled. I cocked an eyebrow at him shooting him a curious look. "Well, I can't very well go around calling you the flying nun, it takes to long, so since Sally Field played the flying nun I have decided to call you Sally." He then gestured between the two of us with his hand, "Trust Fund meet Sally, Sally, meet trust fund," and then held out his hand which I took.
"Nice to meet you Trust Fund," I said completely amused with how well natured he took my ribbing.
"Nice to meet you to Sally, in fact I would go as far as to say it is my pleasure and I look forward to our next adventure." He held onto my hand for to long and I did not try and pull away even though something in the back of my mind was warning me that no matter how I felt, this was bad. I did my best to push at the feeling of impending doom because regardless of the fact that we were joking our nicknames for each other said it all. He was Trust Fund, old money, society, womanizing Edward Cullen and I was Sally, boring, hard working, sex with my vibrator Bella Swan. This was going to be a disaster.
He hailed me a cab and opened the door for me but before I got in I paused looking at him and liking everything that I saw. In that moment I knew I was powerless to stop whatever was going to happen between us even though I knew it was a certainty that I would inevitably be hurt beyond words. "Is everything alright Bella?" He asked, his face etched with concern.
My hand then took on a life of it's own reaching out and pushing a lock of his silky brown hair with the most intriguing smattering of copper, bronze and auburn highlights I had ever seen. His eyes closed briefly at my touch and I sighed as the familiar current of energy flowed through my body only this time it was different, instead of shooting straight to my core and making me want to rip his clothes off and impale myself on him, it caused an unfamiliar warmth in my belly that radiated out to the rest of my body. I begrudgingly brought my hand back to my side and he opened his eyes, they were soft and curious. "Thank you for everything Edward, for taking care of me, for lunch, for the . . . well, for everything." I said feeling foolish for wanting to thank him for the best non-date I had ever been on.
Edward smiled softly at me, "There is no need to thank me Bella, the pleasure was all mine," his voice was soft and warm and I closed my eyes briefly allowing it to wash over me while thinking that this must be what it would feel like to stand in a waterfall of warm honey. I opened my eyes and smiled at him one last time before climbing into the back seat of the cab. As soon as I was in he shut the door firmly behind me touching his fingertips to the window. He then spoke briefly to the driver handing him several bills before pounding once on the roof of the cab indicating to the driver that he should take leave. As the cab drove away I fought the urge to look back as I wanted to live in the afterglow of our lunch for as long as possible. I felt like I had just stepped into an old 1940's movie where the man actually woo's the woman in order to win her affections even though they both know that even the concept of 'them' is impossible. As I arrived at my office I left the warm and gooey feeling of the afternoon behind me as made my way to my office. Time to re-join planet earth!
When I walked into my office Rosalie and Alice were sitting there waiting for me, "Well this is unusual, I wasn't expecting the two of you back so soon. . . .," I stopped when I saw there faces, they were pissed. "What is it," I asked slightly panicked.
"Bella," Rosalie started carefully, "try to stay calm please. . ," she paused and exchanged a loaded glance with Alice, "awe fuck it, your gonna get mad as hell and you'll have good reason so have at it!" she exclaimed and threw a magazine on my desk, it landed with a thud.
I glanced at the magazine, it said Haute on it, it was the cover we just finished but what the hell?
I picked it up and started flipping threw it getting more and more angry by the second, "What the fuck happened, how did this happen?" I demanded, my voice low but seething.
"I called the printer, they said that they offered a 20% discount for a lesser quality paper and less color, they said. . . .,"
"Spit it out Alice, what did they say?" I demanded.
She wouldn't meet my gaze, staring down she answered her voice barely a whisper, "They said Edward authorized it." I closed my eyes willing my murderous thoughts away but I wanted nothing more than his head on a platter right now.
I took several deep breaths trying to slow my racing heart, "Tanya," I snapped. Tanya scurried into my office and any other day I would have felt guilty but today I was mad as hell, "Have a car downstairs now, we are going to Cullen Publishing, do not call ahead and tell them we are coming!"
I grabbed my bag shoving the offensive parody of my work in and heading towards the door, I didn't hear heels clicking behind me so I paused calling over my shoulder, "Are you two waiting for an engraved fucking invitation or something?"
By the time we walked out of the elevator at Cullen Publishing I had managed to get a grip on my anger. The entire trip had been completely silent, Alice and Rosalie had only seen me angry a hand full of times but they both knew to keep out of my way and they were doing their best.
Rosalie had a hushed conversation with Edward's new assistant and then came back to where Alice and I waited, "They are in the main conference room," she offered, her face smooth and expressionless. We headed over to the conference room and I could see the three of them, Edward, Jasper and Emmett laughing. It pissed me off even more.
Alice opened the door and stood aside as Rosalie and then myself walked in, the men stopped chatting immediately and stood smiling, Edward's smile faded immediately upon taking in my withering expression, "Bella, what's wrong," he asked.
I laughed darkly, "What's wrong? Oh Mr. Cullen, what could possibly be wrong hmmmm, let me think. How about you making a mockery of my name and me, how about the total and utter lack of respect you have for me as a colleague, How about you going behind my back when I AM SICK and getting your 10% budget reduction in anyway necessary, how about you choose where we start and then we will go from there." By the end of my tirade my voice was low and hoarse, even to myself I sounded scary and dangerous.
Edward's widened more and more as each word left my lips until they looked like saucers, "I don't know what your talking about Bella but I assure you that none of that is true," he insisted.
I took the magazine out of my bag and threw it on the table in front of him, he picked it up gingerly flipping threw it, I could see recognition registering in his expression, he realized what happened. "Bella, I am so sorry, I didn't realize. . . . ., when the printer called I didn't ask I just ok'd the changes, I swear I was not trying to undermine you. This is completely my fault but there was no malice intended. I should have asked more questions. . . ."
His voice drifted off as I closed my eyes listening to his explanation, is he fucking kidding me, he didn't ask? I was so mad I wanted to stab my stiletto through his eye! Instead I opened my eyes and gave Rosalie a pointed look, she rolled her eyes and then shrugged walking to the conference table and picking up Edward's coffee cup and hurdling it at the wall, coffee spilled everywhere and the cup shattered. I felt immediately better despite the immaturity of the situation.
Edward narrowed his eyes at me and I felt a sense of calm come over me, somehow the knowledge that I was making him angry made me feel much better, "Do you feel better now that you have behaved like a two year old Bella?" He asked threw clenched teeth.
"Do I feel better? Let me think, I am going to suffer tremendous ridicule, I am going to be a fucking joke, the other editor's will be laughing at me and make snide comments for months, we are going to have to promise the sun and the moon to get sought after celebrities to grace our cover now because they aren't going to want to be associated with a magazine of that caliber," I said pointing to the rag in his hand. "Do I feel better Mr. Cullen, the answer is no, no I do not feel better. I am so sorry that you had to sacrifice your favorite coffee cup, I only sacrificed my reputation." I took several deep breaths, I was starting to feel a bit dizzy and weak, I had forgotten how sick I actually was.
"You know Mr. Cullen, Aro screwed this company time and time again while my staff and I became the perpetual saviors of Cullen Publishing. We have never asked for any special type of recognition for that service because we were honestly just doing our jobs to the best of our abilities but your know what, it would have been nice. . . It would have been honorable for you to recognize our contribution by not making us a joke amongst our colleagues not to mention our readers."
I spun on my heel my anger propelling me forward, I could hear Edward calling to me but I just shook my head and kept going towards the elevator, once safely inside I closed my eyes and let my head fall back against the elevator wall. My mind went into overdrive trying to figure out how to spin this to work in our favor, I began thinking out loud and I could hear Rosie and Alice typing away furiously on their Blackberry's. By the time we got to the ground floor I had a plan in place but it was going to be risky and we only had a very short amount of time to put my plan into action.
As we walked to the car I heard him call my name again, I stopped and tuned as Alice and Rosalie climbed into the Towncar. I looked up at him expectantly and my resolve almost crumbled as I saw sincerity in his eyes, "Bella please believe me, I am so sorry. It was a stupid, stupid mistake on my part and if there is anything at all I can do to fix it you must know that I will do whatever must be done," he pleaded.
I nodded unable to meet his gaze any longer, "Rosalie will be in contact with you in regards to how it is we are going to fix this. I really hope that you will be cooperative Edward, I am going to be grasping at straws to save my name," I mumbled as I looked anywhere but at him and then climbed into the car.
When I finally climbed into the back of the Towncar Rosalie and Alice were already on their phones talking a mile a minute putting my plan into action. By the time we got back to the office I was completely worn out, I sent Rosalie and Alice upstairs with instructions to report to my apartment asap with everything we would need to work from there. That would give me about an hour to take a much needed nap.
*****
By the next morning I was feeling much better, we might be able to pull this off and look good doing it. Alice, Rosalie and I had spent the evening plotting, planning and reviewing in meticulous detail how we were going to spin that debacle of a print job. All we needed now was for the printer to come through for us and an allocation of funds from Cullen Publishing and we would be in pretty good shape.
Rosalie had procured us a morning appointment with Edward, Emmett and Jasper so I took extra care to get ready. I met Alice and Rosalie in the lobby of our office building and we took a Towncar together to Cullen Publishing. "Bella, are you calm," Rosalie asked carefully. I nodded answering her silently, seeing her and Alice exchange nervous glances out of the corner of my eye, I was mentally preparing myself for the battle that was about to occur. Last night after Alice and Rosalie left I got to thinking and once everything fell into place I called the head of the printing company on his personal number and requested that he attend the morning meeting and then demanded it when he feigned busy.
Edward had run a small publishing company in LA, it was time he see how the big dogs did business in New York, I told no one of our additional guest. We were escorted directly into the conference room where Edward stood waiting with Emmett and Jasper. My stomach was a bundle of nerve endings because I knew the potential for exactly how ugly this could get. I surprised everyone by crossing the room and choosing the seat next to Edward, after everyone got their awkward glances out of the way they all sat looking at me and I sat stoically checking my watch and then looking towards the conference room door just in time to see Edward's assistant enter, "Miss Swan there is a Mr. Benoite here to see you, he says he has an appointment."
"Yes, please show him in," I said offering her a tight smile.
The CEO of Benoite Printing came into the office with a scowl and in his pretentious French accent, which I have always hated, he waved his hand dismissively at me. "What is the meaning of this Isabella? I am a very busy man and had to change around many meetings to accommodate you so if you please make this quick."
I saw Edward tense up next to me but he was about to get a lesson in Bella Swan, I slammed my palm down on the table causing everyone to flinch in surprise, "Yes Laurent, thank you so much for reminding me to put you in your place! Please sit down and remember that I am your customer, Miss Swan, but if you speak to me in that manner again you may call me Isabella all you want as I will be your customer no longer is that clear?" Laurent's eyes were wide with surprise, he had never dealt with me on this level and was clearly unprepared as was everyone else in the room except Rosalie who was grinning like a proud mama.
"Please excuse my behavior mademoiselle, I did forget myself for a moment I would of course never speak to a lady in such a manner especially yourself who is a valued longtime customer of Benoite Printing," He sneered.
I cocked an eyebrow at him leaning forward as I readied myself to dish an ass kicking, "You know Laurent, I was so angry at Mr. Cullen yesterday for this piece of shit," I said shoving the copy of the magazine to him. "Then I realized how beautifully you played him, I would commend you on that, but unfortunately your not nearly as good at corporate espionage as you may think. I know everything Laurent," I was hedging, hoping he would take the bait.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Miss Swan," Laurent hissed through clenched teeth. I smirked at him knowing that if I pushed just the right button he would unravel all on his own because he was jus a step away.
"Do you think Jane is the only one with spies Laurent? It took only a couple of calls to confirm my suspicions but confirm them I did. If I were you I would be very careful in how you explain yourself to Mr. Cullen because if I'm right and I usually am, you are about to lose Cullen Publishing's business altogether." I leaned back in my chair looking at him smugly as I watched the panic started to set in. Edward was becoming severely agitated his face hard and tense as he listened to our conversation.
"Someone tell me what the hell is going on now," Edward demanded.
I sat smiling at Laurent who honestly looked like he was about to pee his pants, "Oh what the hell, I'll help out a little," I said with a smile. "Laurent, why did you call the offices of Cullen Publishing and offer a 20% discount for a downgrade in paper quality and decreased color pages?" And with that one question his face fell, he knew he was had.
"Miss Swan, I believe there has been a mistake," he said bowing his head slightly in supplication.
"There has definitely been a mistake and you're the one who made it Laurent and I am going to tell you how your going to make up for it, there will be no negotiating the terms of my demands, you will meet my request or you will most certainly leave this building without the business of Cullen Publishing do you understand me?" My voice was becoming louder as I became more and more angry at his betrayal.
"Yes of course Miss Swan, what can we do to make amends?" he asked.
I opened the folder in front of me and took out the mock up, "I will need a sticker like this on every single issue before they ship, we will not pay a dime for the stickers and there will be no charge to adhere them to each and every cover. In addition, the magazines will ship on time with the stickers. That's the first thing, the second is that you will give us that 20% discount plus an additional 10% lying asshole discount for our February issue which will be printed on our regular paper in full color. Laurent nodded clearly irritated but knowing he was beat, "Lastly, if you ever cross me again Laurent, I am going to sit down and make a list of every editor, publisher, writer and photographer I know and then I am going to pour myself a drink and call every single person on that list and convince them to either pull their business from you or never use you to begin with do we understand each other?"
"Yes, but of course mademoiselle," Laurent answered clearly irritated at having to bow down to me.
"Thank you, you are excused," I said and then turned my attention to the folder in front of me to make my dismissal a bit more humiliating for him.
Edward
"I swear to God Bella, if I did chicks I would be doing you on this table right now," Alice exclaimed. Me too please.
"Bella, I'm gonna start doing chicks just so I can do you," Rosalie laughed.
"What the hell just happened," I demanded.
"Sucka, you got played," laughed Rosalie.
Bella smiled at Rosalie and then turned to me, "Laurent is a longtime friend of Vogue's editor in chief, Jane. She must of heard through the grapevine that I was ill and jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of you. She had Laurent call and offer you the discount knowing that it would turn us against each other once I saw my magazine printed on newsprint and in black and white. It was, a great plan," I explained.
"So what is the sticker that is going on the front of the magazine," I asked curiously.
"We are making it a green issue, if there was one stroke of luck in all of this it was that they printed on recycled newsprint, 'Because if Haute can do something for the environment, so can you,' she explained."
I was in awe of her, she was simply amazing and as much as I hated to admit it, I had certainly learned a thing or two from watching her today. She handled herself with such confidence and assurance, she had Frenchie quacking in his boots!
After approving funds for a special launch party that would be put together in record time the ladies of Haute made their leave, I was pretty sure Bella would be going home as she was still weak from the flu and looked exhausted. Once they had departed Jas, Em and I sat staring at each other for a few minutes completely dumbfounded.
"That was the hottest shit I have ever seen, she smacked that guy around and made him her bitch," Emmett laughed.
"Dude, she 'excused' him! He's gonna have to go get his nut sack out of her purse if he wants it back," Jas snorted.
"Yeah," I said quietly, "She was pretty amazing.
Bella had barely glanced in my direction when she left the office, she was still upset with me. She had every reason to be and I hated that! Suddenly I was very much looking forward to the cocktail party for Cullen Publishing tomorrow night.
*****
So, if you read my story A Change of Heart you know that I love pimping out stories that I have read and enjoyed. Here we go!
First, I want to pimp out a story that I have raved about before, Emancipation Proclamation. It is in the forefront of my mind right now because an update was posted this week that made me want to shoot myself for having to wait for the next update! What do I need to do to get you to read this story? It is so fucking good!!! Read it kiddies!
Second, Through Your Eyes is a new and interesting spin on Edward and Bella, the Cullen's are vampires in this one, I know you guys love that! Here is a link
http:// www. fanfiction. net/s/ 4674531/1/ Through_Your_Eyes
If you have a story rec for me please send it my way, I will read it.
NOW
Take care of business and hit the review button because Bella, Edward and I are dying to hear what you think! Also, Edward will be having a chat with me after the next chapter so if there is something you want to ask him, better clue me in.
xoxo,
B~