Chapter 4
The Magazine Article
BPOV
It was a Sunday when we got back from Seattle. Melanie was able to set a meeting for Alice with the magazine on a Wednesday. After the meeting we decided to go out for lunch so she could fill us in on the details they discussed. We decided on Haru sushi on Huntington Avenue. Once we were seated we placed our orders, we all ordered the lunch boxes, Alice and I opted for the Salmon and Rose ordered the sea bass.
Alice then began to fill us in. "Ok, so the head writer on the story is Anna Smith. She said they could do the pictorial and interview in a day. They showed me the outfits they have for us to choose form. I took the liberty to choose what we would wear. But of course you can change it if you would like. There will be just a few pictures since there will be about 10 of us for the article." Our orders came when she finished.
She took a few bites then continued to explain. "So, there will be one professional outfit and a casual outfit. I chose pant suits for you and a skirt and blouse for me. For the casual, we're all going to wear sun dresses. The casual shot will be the three of us together and some individual ones. The professional ones will be taken individually. I was able to set it up for next Monday. They wanted the professional shots to be like in an office so I was able to get them to agree to take it in ours and we'll convent one of the conference rooms into a studio for the casual shots. They will do it on Tuesday since Monday is our planning day for the week." Rose and I just nodded in agreement. Leave it to Alice to get everything set up. We finished our meals and headed back to the office.
After checking with Angela that I would be clear for the afternoon, I peaked in Alice's office and she was with Rose going over some stuff. "Hey, I have to go on-site to the Jones project to check that everything is good and on track. Then I think I'm heading home. What would you want for dinner?" I told them and awaited their answer.
"Oh, ok then, I think a soup and salad will do, since we had kind of a full lunch." Rose replied.
"Yeah, that's fine for me to. Can we have your mushroom soup?" Alice asked. I just smiled and agreed and went on my way.
I got to the site, looked around, made sure all the measurements and positioning was in place. After talking with the foreman I left and went to the grocery to pick up the ingredients that I would need for dinner then headed home to cook.
Alice and Rose got home about 7:00 and I laid out the food on the table. We had a discussion of the day that passed, threw in some small ideas for the Jones project, then some light talk on boys and the news. After which we each headed to our bathrooms then to bed.
The rest of the week went by in roughly the same manner, and we went dancing on the weekend which went uneventfully. Then Tuesday came along and when we got to the office at about 8:00 the people from the magazine were already there being supervised by Melanie.
A petite, blonde girl came up to us and introduced herself as Anna. She decided to start with the interview so in case we got tired after the pictorial we could go and rest already. We took her into my office and she sat on the couch opposite my desk. Angela brought in some coffee and pastries, bless her good soul, and laid then out on the table for us.
Anna then started to throw us questions like where were from, what coursed we took, where we finished our education, why we chose our particular profession and the like. She also asked what we like to do in out spare time and what projects were currently working on. The interview finished at about 11:00 so we decided to break for a quick lunch of sandwiches before we started with the pictorial.
When we had our sandwiches, we headed to hair and makeup. After we were done we decided to do the professional shots first. This was to be done in our individual offices. Alice picked a black pant suit for me; I was to wear a black turtle neck under it and a leather belt to tie around the waist. She put me in simple black Jimmy Choo sling back pumps.
Rose had a white suit. Well, it was more pants and a vest but if anyone can pull off an outfit like that it would be Rose. Her shoes were Jimmy Choo strappy sandals, camel in color. Alice chose a white skirt, which fell above her knees and had buttons down the front. Her blouse was black, sleeveless with ruffles on the chest and she had peep- toe sling back sandals, also Jimmy Choo.
We were introduced to the photographer whose name was Drew. I was shot first then Alice, then Rose. After we were done we headed to change to our casual wear. Alice chose a blue tie die print for me, it had a very low V-neck but I knew better than to argue with Alice on this. She chose a pair of Marc Jabobs ballet flats for me. Rose had an abstract print wrap around dress paired with a black, open toe, sling back pair of heels. Alice chose an orange abstract dress and paired then with orange wedge sandals.
We then moved in to the conference room, we took shots individually and some together. The shoot was done at about 5:00. We changed out of the clothes which we were told we could keep if we wanted too. Of course, Alice said yes. The crew cleaned up and said the article would be out in next month's issue.
After cleaning up and gathering out things, we met for a while with our assistants to iron things out then we all made our way home.
EPOV
After we got back from Seattle, Carlisle informed the three of us that we were to be in The Bostonian Magazine as part of the successful professionals under 30 article. We did the pictorial a week after we got back. There was professional and casual shoot. I was pictured with my scrubs and lab coat, Emmet and Jasper were taken in slacks and button down shirts. We all had the same casual attire, cargo shorts and a polo shirt.
This week was when the magazine was supposed to be released. I had no idea who the other professionals included were since they divided us up to meet with the availability of the ones included. I'm not one who is particularly interested with things like this, but my Mother was. She actually has a subscription with the magazine. So as I was getting ready for work, my house phone rang.
"Hello?" I asked as I picked up.
"Edward? It's your mother. How are you today?" Esme, my mother greeted me.
"Hi, Mom, I'm good. I was getting ready for work" I answered.
"Oh, ok, I already saw the article that you boys did for The Bostonian. I'll send it with your father so you boys can look at it." she told me.
"Thanks mom. Is it any good?" I asked.
"Well, you were handsome in the pictures if that's what you're asking." She said with a laugh.
"Your biased mom," I retorted with a laugh as well.
"You're my son! Of course I am. But honestly, you really are. You have to see the girls that swoon over you, even when you were in kindergarten. You should give yourself more credit sweetheart," she said.
"I know mom. Well, I have to get going. I'll see you Sunday, right?" I said.
"Yes, we'll all have lunch at the house. Have a good day dear. Bye" my mom said.
"Thanks mom, have a good day too. Bye" I replied as I hang up the phone.
I finished getting ready then I grabbed my bag and my keys. I then patted down my pockets to be sure I had everything. When I was sure I was set, I got in my Silver Volvo S60 and made my way to the hospital.
As I pulled into the parking, I saw my dad getting out of his car. "Morning Dad."
"Good Morning Edward. You're a bit early for your shift. Did anything come up?" he asked me.
"No, I just wanted to check on some patients. See if they can go home already." I explained.
"Oh, I see. Well, would you want to get some breakfast with me?" He asked me.
"Yes, that would be great, Dad. How about Mike's on Washington?" I pointing towards the direction of the restaurant.
"Ok, would you like to take a car? Or walk?" He asked me.
"I think a walk would be good. If you're up to it?" I answered him.
"Yeah, we can walk" He said. As we were about to go the other way, Emmett pulled up.
"Hey, Dad, Bro. Where you off too?" he asked us.
"We were just about to go to Mike's for breakfast. You wanna join?" I asked him.
"Yah, sure." He replied then we made our way to Mike's.
We had father and son's bonding over breakfast. Dad ordered a Mike's special which had ham, eggs and grits. Emmet had the steak and eggs, and I had the hash and eggs. We did some light chit-chat about work and dad told us what Mom was up to. When were done we made our way back to the hospital.
"Oh, sons, your mother wanted me to give you this." He said retrieving the magazine from his bag and handing it to me. Then he pulled out another for Emmett.
"Oh, thanks, Dad. Mom got us one copy each?" I asked.
"Yes, Jasper has one for himself actually. She told me to pick up extra copies before I came in." He laughed. "She's so proud of all of you."
"Thanks dad." Emmett and I said at the same time. With that we walked into the hospital and went our separate ways.
I went into the lounge to put my stuff in my locker when I noticed that I still had about thirty minutes before my shift would begin. So I sat on one of couches and decided to read through the magazine my dad handed to me. I want straight to the article that was written about us.
The first page of the article had all of us together in what looked like a collage. It was photo shopped, I presumed since we did not have a group shot. As I stared at the picture a beautiful brunette suddenly caught my eye. She had the most enticing smile I had ever seen. She had on a blue tie die dress with a low V neck line. The blue matched really well with her pale skin. Her hair was flowing passed her shoulders and she and brown eyes that showed all her emotion at that time.
I realized that I had seen her somewhere before and tried to figure out where. I thought about where I saw her, but I could not seem to place it. So I looked at the other pictures and saw that there was one of her with a Tall blonde with blue eyes, and a small female with dark hair and hazel eyes. I still could not put it together so I turned the page to look for her article and began reading.
The picture placed with her article had her in a black pant suit and she was leaning on a drafting table. Hmm, she's an architect. I looked at the article and she seemd to get more interesting by the moment. Her information read:
Name: Isabella Marie Swan
Age: 25
Occupation: Lead Architect at Brandon & Hale
Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Cornell University, summa cum laude; Master in Architecture, Harvard University, with Honors.
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, listening to music
After I finished her article, something inside me began to stir and that I had to get to know this girl. Now, I just have to think of a way to do that. I texted Em and Jazz and asked if we could meet for lunch. They both replied that they were available and we agreed to meet at about 12:30 in the courtyard. I stood up to check on my patients and went about my morning.
At about 12:20 I was done for the morning and started to walk to the hospital courtyard. Jazz was sitting at one of the tables and reading the magazine. "Hey, Jazz, how was your morning?" I asked him as I sat down.
"I'm good. Have you seen the magazine? Did you know the girls we met in Seattle would be included in the article?" he asked me. He did not wait for my answer and continued to speak. "Dude, listen to this...
Name: Mary Alice Brandon
Age: 25
Occupation: Interior Designer and Landscape Architect with Brandon & Hale
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, New York School of Interior Design, summa cum laude; Master in Landscape Architecture, Harvard University, with highest honors
Hobbies: shopping and hanging out with friends"
He continued on reading and I could not help but notice the sparkle in his eye. "Bro, you got it bad!" I commented.
"Look who's talking. Your smile is so big I think your cheeks are going to break or something. I take it you have also seen your dream girl in this article. I noticed that this is the girl that got you all googly-eyed over while we're checking in" he shot back at me. I just smiled at him and nodded.
After a while Emmett arrived with our food in hand and a huge smile on his face as well. "Dudes, I think I have just died and gone to heaven." He said while he put the food down. He grabbed Jaspers magazine and turned the page with the blonde female. She was in white pants and a vest with nothing under it. It covered the necessary parts though. Emmet then read her info.
Name: Rosalie Lillian Hale
Age: 26
Occupation: Head Engineer with Brandon & Hale
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Magna cum laude; Master of Engineering, Harvard University, with highest honors
Hobbies: Tinkering with any machine she can get her hands on, especially cars, loves sports, and dancing
"Wow, looks like you're a match made in heaven, Em. Now we just have to see if she's willing to put up with you." Jasper said with a laugh.
"Hey, you think we should triple date or something? I was able to get her number on the plane," Emmet suggested.
"Wait, so you're saying that you've had her number for about two weeks? Is that where you were sneaking out to when we could not get in contact with you?" Jasper asked raising an eyebrow.
"Nope, I was probably in my tub getting up the nerve to ask her out. We haven't talked much since because they have some big project or something." Emmet answered while we started to eat our lunch.
"Oh, ok, well, what do you say we come up with a plan since Edward here can make some moves instead of just smiling all day looking like an idiot?" Jasper stated.
"Hey, look who's talking! But yeah, that's why I actually asked if you guys wanted to meet for lunch. I was hoping you guys had some kind of plan. I don't want to come on strong and I can't use my usual moves since I have a feeling it will not work on this Isabella. There's something different about her." I said.
They were just looking at me like I discussed some rocket science plan or something. "WHAT?" I questioned.
"Am I hearing this right? The old Edward Cullen charm may not work on this lady? That would be a first." Emmet laughed.
"She's just different. Remember when I met her in the airport? She was not ogling or staring or anything. She was so... normal. If I pursue this, I would not like to screw it up." I stated simply.
"Ok, we get it. We just have to think of something good." Jasper said. And with that we finished our meals, cleaned up and went back to finish the work for the day.
I was off at 7:00, I went to the lounge, gathered my stuff then headed home. When I got home I saw the message light on my machine so I went over and pressed play.
"Edward, it's your mother. Can you call me when you get in? I wanted to talk to you about a project for one of the foundations your holding. I'll be waiting dear." Then the ending beep sounded.
I went to my kitchen to fix some dinner before I called my mother. I just wanted something simple so I checked my fridge. I found some chicken marinating, which I forgot was there; anyway I set it out then went for my grill pan and put it on the stove. I also found some vinaigrette and lettuce and some soup my mom must have gave me.
So I put the chicken on the pan when it was hot enough, put the soup in a bowl then into the microwave. I tossed the lettuce and vinaigrette. By the time I was done my chicken was finished, so I cut it up into strips and added it to my salad. After I was done, I cleaned up and settled on the couch to call my mom. I dialled their home number and she picked up after three rings. "Hello?" she answered.
"Hi, mom, what's up?" I replied.
"Oh, Edward, did you just get home? Have you had dinner?" she asked back.
"I've been home a while. Yes, I had dinner already that's why I just called you now. It's not too late I hope?" I said.
"No, not at all, sweetheart. Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something for the Child's Hope Foundation." She told me. The Child's Hope Foundation was put up by my grandfather, Edward Masen. He was my mom's father. When he passed a couple of years back, the foundation was passed to me. I have people who work it for me but my mom and I are on the Board of Trustees so thing still have to pass by us. Emmet and Jasper also have foundations given to them while my Dad has his own share of foundations from his dad. Most of these of course are overseen by my mom.
"What would that be Mom?" I asked her.
"Well, your father said that the hospital that you guys are working at may need a new pediatric wing. The old one seems to not be big enough. It would be nice to have a bigger play room and therapy room for the children who need rehab. I think that the foundation can afford to pay for a new wing. It's not a building so it won't cost too much" my mom explained.
"I don't think the money is a problem Mom. I believe we have enough. And I think I have an idea of what company to get. I'll talk it over with Dad in the morning and let you know this week end." I told her.
"Alright, sweetheart. Well, I'll let you get some sleep I'm sure you're tired. Bye dear, I'll see you soon. I love you" she replied.
"Ok, Mom, have a good night. I love you too." And with that I put down the phone and made my way to my bathroom. After I got cleaned up, I pulled on my pyjama pants and climbed into bed. I went over what my mom said and a plan formulated in my mind.
I would ask my dad if we could get Brandon & Hale to do the project. I read in the article that they were doing a Building for the Jones' Foundation. I'm sure I have met them at one of the charity balls. I'd ask Carlisle to talk to them if they would recommend Brandon & Hale. Though if Isabella's team would be working on the project, I'm sure all will be good. After all, their credentials are nothing but impressive to say the least.
And with that thought, I dosed of into a restful sleep.
