A/N: I don't own Twilight
I roughly know where I am going with this, any feedback helps a lot! Thanks for the reviews! Enjoy!
Xx
Chapter 4
"Hi, Um... I'm meeting Mrs. Cullen for lunch today? There might be a reservation under her name?" Bella asked, addressing a young girl standing by the front door.
"Oh, you must be Miss Swan! It's a pleasure to meet you! You must be our new boss." The girl grabbed two menus before leading Bella down the row of tables and chairs. As the young girl named Katie chatted. Bella looked around the restaurant. It was magnificent, the walls was a rich dark brown with portraits of famous dishes. The room was surrounded by windows giving it more of a spacious look and offering a gorgeous view of gardens and the freshly mowed green grass. The tables were set with a white table cloth, with a small vase of fresh flowers with a large plate. On the right was the cutlery which was so clear that you could see your own reflection. In front of the plate was the napkins folded into a fan. The final touch was the chandeliers hanging on the roof. The restaurant was absolutely gorgeous. There was a bar on one side of the room and a small bakery section offering a selection of cakes, breads and wedding cakes.
"Here we are," Katie cheerfully interrupted, placing the menus down and pulling out a chair.
"Thanks." Bella answered, before sitting down.
"You're welcome, Esme shall be with you shortly, and she is never late. Can I get you a drink?"
"Um... Just a glass of water shall do, for now."
"Sure!" Katie turned on her heels and rushed out. While Katie was gone, Bella eyes wondered around the room again, there were little things Bella thought for improvements or minor adjustment. But nothing in major need of repairing. Katie soon came back with her glass of water and a beautiful woman trailing behind. The woman had a light brown hair that were curled softly at the end, her eyes were hazel and her lips were tinge with a little bit of red lipstick. She wore a red dress with a black belt and black heels. She resembled a caring mum, but she looked quiet young. Definitely couldn't be her Mrs. Cullen.
"Here is your water Miss Swan, and what can I get you Esme?" Katie asked. This was Mrs. Cullen? Bella questioned herself.
"Just a glass of lemonade for me. Thank you Katie."Mrs. Cullen replied with a smile. After Katie left, Mrs. Cullen turned to address Bella who was now standing up with a hesitant smile.
"I'm horribly sorry for being late, Miss Swan. Please take a seat." Mrs. Cullen waved her hand to the seat and when Bella sat down, she followed suit.
"Please call me Bella, Mrs. Cullen." Bella crossed her legs and straightened up in her seat.
"Well, only if you call me Esme." Esme reached over for the menus and took one before handing the other to Bella. "I'm sorry about the small font and the vague descriptions of dishes. I've been meaning to get Joe-the previous owner- to change it. He threw a fit when I asked him to and quit."
"It's fine. I really don't mind what we eat, so how about you surprise me?"
"Of course," Esme called Katie over and ordered two pasta dishes and garlic bread.
"Sure Esme. It won't be long." Katie replied, quickly taking the menus away.
"So, tell me about yourself, Bella." Esme asked Bella, taking a sip from the cup.
"Um... I majored in business, English Lit, and catering. I graduated from NYU and moved here soon after. I run a small cafe in the main part of town, we sell cakes for any occasion and at other times, it just a small cafe." Bella finished.
"That's an interesting career path you have chosen. How about you background? What do you like to do?"
"I'm from a small town called Forks. My father is the police chief and my mother works in art. I've always wanted to have some sort of business career, never thought it would be like this. I love to cook, but I think the best experience, is watching a person try the food for the first time, and getting a massive burst of flavors. I aim to cater and work with people's budget. Like the wedding dress, I believe the food can surely impact on the wedding. I believe individuals should be able to have their dream wedding with the exceptional food…. That's about it, I think." Bella concluded, taking a sip of her ice water, in hopes to calm her flushed face.
Esme gave Bella a reassuring and loving smile. "Bella, I never have ever heard someone so passionate about their job. You've got the job, however, what will happen to your old cafe?"
"Well, I was only leasing the place, so if it was alright with you, I would like to bring my business here too. You are close to the town, so if my regulars know I'm still here, then they will come to. I hope you don't mind."
"That would be fine with me. However, my husband's ex-wife -you definitely should call her Mrs. Cullen- had a policy, that only the people who were getting married and were the rich class could come. I've changed all those rules since she's been gone. So it should definitely not be a problem."
"Great!" Bella was beginning to really like this woman. She was so friendly, offered reassurance and reminded herself of her own mother.
Their lunch was soon placed in front of them and they ate with small conversations here and there.
"So, you're a friend of Tanya?" Esme asked, finishing off her pasta.
"We use to go to school together. It was sort of the five amigos. But, after my badly ended wedding ceremony, we more or less drifted apart. Well, that's until a few days ago, when I recently met everyone from my past." Bella explained sadly.
"Oh, by that you also mean Edward?" Esme questioned.
Not wanting to offend Esme, Bella smiled and shrugged. "It was honestly, so good to see Edward and the girls again, but I wish it wasn't so... Sudden?" Bella told her, nibbling at the garlic bread.
"I understand dear, Edward and Tanya seem so... complicated. Like no matter how hard you try to fit one piece of the puzzle with something else, it just doesn't fit. I'm surprised Edward would ask Tanya for marriage, without getting his mother's ring. That ring has been in our family for generations. It just doesn't seem right, even if he detests me, I would still give him the ring." Suddenly realizing her rambling, "Oh, I'm sorry. I-"
"Don't be silly Esme. I'm so happy you shared that with me, because I know that I'm not alone, to be feeling these mixed feelings. You've helped me so much." Bella reassured her, quickly taking a sip from her water.
"I'm glad. I haven't scared you off dear." Esme sheepishly told her. "Edward has always been very important to me, even though he isn't my biological son. He holds this torch for Elizabeth and thinks she is going to attend his wedding. No matter how hard I try to contact her, she refuses to give me a definite answer." Esme sighed and rubbed her temples.
"Boys will be boys. Sometime they're just that stubborn. Don't worry I have your back on this." Bella told her, with a smile.
"Bella?" A familiar voice questioned, Esme head tilted up and looked behind Bella. Bella knew the voice and heaving a sigh. She plastered a smile and turned around.
"Mr. Cullen, this is a surprise." Bella stated, standing up and holding out her hand.
"It is. Esme, didn't tell me she was having lunch with a potential partner." Edward replied, shaking her slender hand.
"Yes, well, Edward you didn't see to mind us hiring Bella for the new position for the restaurant." Esme commented, straightening her dress and looking at the time. "It was a pleasant lunch, Bella. It's a shame. I won't be able to show you the place." Esme replied regretfully as she looked at Edward expectantly. Unfortunately, Edward didn't see the look, Esme was giving him, but Bella did.
"It's definitely fine, Esme. We shall discuss the arrangement another time." Bella responded, moving quickly and stepping on Edward's foot. "Oh! Sorry. Excuse me." Bella said politely, as Edward was still blocking her escape.
"Nonsense, we can't have our new addition in our company lost." Standing up, Esme walked to the two couples and laid a gentle hand on Edward's arm. "Can we, Edward?" Esme asked, slightly squeezing to hit the question home.
"Of course not, Esme." Even though, Edward didn't get along with Esme, he could kiss her for giving the opportunity to talk to Bella without her running away and causing a scene.
"Really, Esme. I can't inconvenience you or Edward. I shall be fine to wonder the place on my own." Bella began retreating backwards, with a tight smile.
"Well, I shall just call my secretary to cancel my meetings. Honestly, Bella. It's against my upbringing if I impolitely leave you all alone." Pulling out her phone, and beginning to dial. Bella rested her hand on Esme phone.
"Okay, Esme. Edward will take me our a tour of the grounds. You can go to your meetings and I will be in the acceptable hands of Edward." Bella replied, smiling reassuringly.
"Well, that's just grand. I knew you would understand Bella. If he isn't on his best behaviour, you tell me and i shall bring out my wooden spoon."
Edward rolled his eyes and held out his arm with his palm up gesturing to leave.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Esme."
"You're welcome, Bella."
As Esme watched the couple weave themselves through the tables with Bella in front and Edward following behind, she couldn't help but smile. When Bella thanked her for the opportunity, Esme wasn't sure if it was for the job or the company of Edward. Sitting down, she took a sip out of her water and relaxed against the comfortable chairs. What else was she supposed to do, with her schedule spotlessly clear.
"This is the grounds that over looks the water," Edward was guiding Bella along the cliff face, pointing out little things. The water was a deep blue with waves that rolled in and out of the beach, the cliff overlooked where the sky met the waters, it was truly beautiful. It would be a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos. No wonder so many people came here to host their wedding. While everything was truly amazing, Bella couldn't keep her eyes off Edward, the way he pointed things out like the clouds or the birds that perched on the branches.
Edward had stopped speaking and was staring at her intently, waiting for some kind of response. Embarrassed to be caught staring, Bella quickly looked away.
Edward gave a smug smile before continuing. "The photo shoots are often around here and if people prefer to have an outdoor ceremony rather than the church, they can." They sure had enough room to.
"Well, that's pretty much the grand tour. You've seen the church, the restaurant, kitchen, office, designer office, shop, organization building, the outdoors, the assembly room-"
"I think I've got it, Mr. Cullen." Bella interrupted him, beginning to walk down the cobble path.
He quickly caught her around the waist and spun her around. "Ah, but the tour has only just begun."
"I highly doubt that." Bella scoffed, "I've seen everything and it has been truly amazing, Mr. Cullen. You must be proud of your family achievements."
"We're back to Mr. Cullen, again?" Edward questioned her.
"Well, I would like to keep our... Relationshipstrictly professional. I'm sure you understand." Bella told him with a thin smile.
"We always seem to get to here." Edward told her frustrated, pulling at his hair and pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're so..." dying the sentence off, he walked away to cool himself.
"I'm what? C'mon, Mr. Cullen. Annoying, selfish, horrible. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you. But you're just going to have to deal with it. Got it, Cullen?" Stomping up the pathway, Bella huffed and shook her head.
"Wait, Bella." Without stopping, Bella picked up her pace. "Bella!" She was getting close to the restaurant, where people were standing around. "Miss Swan!" Edward roared, causing people to stop and stared openly. Bella stopped in her tracks and her face heated instantly. Oh no he didn't. He could not have just roared my name in front of everyone. Could he? Well, he just did. Turning around, Bella plastered a fake smile.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cullen. I didn't hear you call me. But I'm truly late for an appointment-"
"I'm sorry." Edward told her.
"That's truly alright Mr. Cullen. I shall discuss with you the restaurant when I'm not in a rush."
"Bella, I'm sorry." Bella hesitantly looked at him and his eyes told her, he wasn't sorry for roaring out her name but something deeper. "I'm really sorry for not calling. I really did lose your number. I regret not seeing you again. But i never did ask Tanya to marry me. I'm just sorry for everything, for making you feel that you have to run from me. Cause you don't. I just... I don't know what to do anymore. I keep trying to talk to you, but you keep running and every time I get you alone we start going into the cold mode of Mr. Cullen. I hate that by the way. I'm not old, so please call me Edward." Edward sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry."
"I... I... I don't know what to say Edward." Looking around them, people were mildly loosing interest between the two. But Bella was still afraid to say too much. "You're marrying Tanya, my best friend from school. I could never ever go for my best friend fiancé. It wouldn't be right. My heart truly does lo-"
"Edward?" Speak of the devil and she shall appear.
"She is still far away, finish the sentence." Edward commanded her, gripping her arm to stop her from turning away.
"I will always love you Edward. But we will never be anything more. Ever. Marry Tanya, you guys will be happy together and I will be happy for you guys." Bella laid her hand on Edward's hand and gave a gentle squeeze. When Bella looked at Edward, he look heart broken, but dropped his hands anyway.
"Aw, what's with the pouting faces guys?" Tanya questioned, linking her arm with Edward's folded one.
"Nothing," Bella replied smiling. "Edward was just showing me the place and now that he has, I shall give you guys some time." Turning to Edward, "I think we should discuss the movement and changes, sometime in the new future?" Bella received a stiff nod and she took it as her answer.
"Great, I shall talk to you guys later." Quickly turning on her heels, she paced down the cobble path, careful not to trip and when she was far enough away she started running, the tears flowing freely as she covered her mouth to muffle the sobs that were beginning to break. She bypassed Rosalie, whose smile turned into concern. Holding up a hand, she told the photographer to give her five minutes, grabbing the dress, Rosalie chased after Bella.
Reaching the car park, Rosalie couldn't see Bella only her parked car. Slowly walking towards the side, she began to hear the anguish sobs of her best friend.
"Oh, sweetie." Rosalie knelt down and pulled Bella into a hug. She rubbed soothing circles as Bella sobbed into her shoulder. "Aw, Honey... hey, hey. It's okay." Rosalie cooed trying to reassure Bella.
Pulling away from her shoulder, Bella looked into Rose's eyes. "I told him that I would always love him, why would i say that?"
"Cause its true honey, and admitting that you love someone is a really big thing. That's why it can hurt a little bit more, when things aren't working out."
"I can't work for his family." Bella said with a sniffle.
"You can, and you will." Rosalie told her, and her heart broke when Bella shook her head. "You can! You cannot just let James ruin everything for you. Prove to all those men out there that they can go screw themselves because Isabella Marie Swan is an awesome kick ass bitch."A small hint of a smile tugged on Bella's lips.
"Say it." Rosalie commanded her with a nudge.
"Rosalie..." Bella groaned, she knew where this was going and was not going to say she was a kick ass bitch in the car park where little kids or adults could be around.
"Say it..." Rosalie warned. "I, Isabella Marie Swan."
Giving a deep sigh, "I, Isabella Marie Swan."
"Is an awesome..."
"Is an Awesome..." Bella repeated, rolling her eyes.
"...kick ass bitch," Rosalie finished.
"Can I just end with awesome? I don't condone swearing, it's against my upbringing." Bella replied. Even though it's a lie and that she swore like a sailor, she wasn't in the mood to swear, when someone could be present to hear. God forbid, Esme should hear her swear, Esme was like an angel, it would be shocking if anyone heard her swear.
Rosalie snorted and tapped her fingers to her lip. "Say: I, Isabella Marie Swan, is an awesome hot babe, that can stand on her own two feet and doesn't need anyone because she is that awesome."
"Rose, please. I'm fine, you're late for your photo shoot. Go." Bella told her, giving her a push.
"Not till you say it. I'll get fire and I won't care till you say it." Rose stood firmly in place and crossed her arms.
"Oh for goodness sake, Rose! Don't make me say it!" Bella huffed.
"Guess, I'll be moving into your house, since you know... I won't have a job."
"Oh Rose!" Bella whined. "I'm an awesome babe and I'm fine on my own, since I'm awesome. Okay, I said it! Now, Go!" Bella pushed Rosalie towards the Cullen Wedding Co.
"Close enough, I expect you to say that 20 times, daily." Rosalie called behind her, walking up the stairs. Rolling her eyes, Bella gave a slight wave and started the car, switching onto a radio station and driving off.
Rosalie watched her go and knew when Bella rounded the next corner, the water works would start again. Bella hated to show her feelings to anyone and it wasn't often when Bella cried. If she was, it was something deep down in her heart that she was keeping it locked away. Rosalie heaved a sigh and when she rounded the corner, she saw Tanya and Edward walking out, arm in arm. Tanya laughing with Edward saying something in her ear to cause her to giggle. Tanya lightly slapped Edward's shoulder and tug him towards the next window where she pointed a ring, Edward nodded at something she said and she gave a squeal in delight, flung herself at him and kissed him. Rosalie narrowed her eyes and glared at them in disgust.
"Rosie? Nick is looking for you... Hey, you okay?" Emmet looked down at her and tilted her chin up, inspecting her and searching for something.
"Yeah, it's them." she lifted her head and indicated to Tanya and Edward who were not PG rated, with their arms around each other "I'm not okay about."
"Who? Tanya and Edward? You know he has to marry her right?" Emmet told her, massaging lightly on her shoulders as they looked over at Tanya and Edward.
"He doesn't have to do anything. While they're hooking and making out, Bella is driving home with a hole in her heart that keeps re opening. And he is the cause of it." Rosalie yelled, pointing at Edward.
"Rose, Shh..." Emmet told her, trying to make her voice quiet.
"I won't Shh..." Rosalie mimicked, "because, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!"Edward and Tanya were coming up to them and Rosalie let out a small snarl.
"Easy, Rose. Let's not kill someone before they've said their side of the story." Emmet whispered, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly.
"Hello Emmet. Rose." Edward nodded, giving them a stiff nod.
"Edward, my man, how you hanging?" Emmet asked, trying to restore the humour and normality.
"Yes, Edward. How are you? Torture anyone lately?" Rose asked with a sneer. Emmet squeezed Rosalie shoulder again, but she shrugged him off.
"I've been good, Rosalie. I don't know about torturing, but maybe you can do the honours and answer about yourself." Edward replied, narrowing his eyes.
"Oi, dude. Back off." Emmet growled. Emmet was protective of the people he loved, which were extremely important for anyone who picked on Rosalie, Emmet will go ballistic.
"Hey, it's cool. Just a misunderstanding. Right Rose?" Emmet looked between Edward and Tanya and realized that Edward was back to his old tricks, being a smart ass and a total dick.
"C'mon Rose, when Edward's cool down and got his head on straight maybe he won't be so much of a dick." Emmet slung his arms over Rosalie shoulder and pulled her close to him.
"Nice, McCarthy. Always the hoe before the bro." Edward didn't know why he wanted to add fuel to the fire, but he just wanted to hit something every since Bella told him to go screw himself. Emmet roared, turned away from Rose and ran towards Edward. Emmet was stronger, but Edward was faster. They were evenly matched. Stamina vs. strength. The collided in an echoing thud, Tanya screamed and ducked out of the way. Rose tried to grab one of them, begging for them to stop.
All the commotion drew people out of the cafe and offices. Two guys came running out Jasper and Nick yanked the two guys off each other and pushed them away.
"Cool down, bro." Nick told Edward, as Edward shoved Nick and Nick shoved back. "Dude! Cool it, damn it!"
"Emmet!" Jasper was shoving hard against Emmet as Emmet was still trying to come at Edward.
"Take that back, Edward. I mean it." Emmet roared.
"Or what?" Edward replied back.
"Screw our friendship. I mean it, dude. I've been making tones of stupid excuses for you, but you're acting like a dick and you know it."
"Fuck you." Edward took a swipe at his nose, where blood was leaking out and walked away, with Tanya trailing after him.
"Oi, Edward? Don't even bother coming tomorrow." Emmet called out, as Edward gave him the bird.
"What was that?" Jasper asked as he looked at Edward's retreating back and Emmet's split lip.
"Nothing," Emmet gruffly replied as Rosalie come over to him.
"Don't you ever do that to me again! I don't care what people say about me, Emmet. Life is too short to worry about those sorts of things. Edward was just a grumpy dog with a thorn in his foot."
"I don't care if he had a tree up his ass. No one calls my girl a hoe and gets away with it. You're my number one, babe. Once Edward finds a girl that he gets protective and all lovey dovey about. Maybe he will understand."
"Aw, Emmet. Come here," standing on her tippy toes, she leant in and kissed him. She pulled away, when Emmet hissed at the tender spot on his lip. "Sorry." Rose smiled. "I'll have to look after that spot."
"Okay, Rose. You said five minutes, it's been 30 minutes, and I've done everyone, so get you skinny butt up there so I can end my day." Nick said, clapping his hands and shooing Emmet away.
Emmet and Jasper stood next to each other facing the direction, Edward has stomped to.
"Are you going to talk to him?" Jasper asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Don't know, Edward and I have had our fair share of fights. But, this was bad." Emmet shrugged, looking at the sky.
"Don't let it break your friendship; I know Edward didn't mean it. And it's going to be hard if I have to equally spend my time between you two."
"Whatever, Jasper." Emmet heaved a sigh and knew Jasper was right. Edward was a dick, when he couldn't get his head on straight or when something was pissing him off. So he would start a fight, get his anger out and that would be the end of it. It would never be mentioned again. Edward didn't mean the comment, Emmet knew that. But, Emmet wasn't going to say sorry first. If Edward didn't want their friendship, then screw it.
What do you think? Edward is snapping at people, Bella is lost and confused and it's affecting everyone around them. You just wish Tanya would let Edward loose and everything could go great from there. But nothing is going to come easy for these too.
