We're in the third and final installment in the Renovations trilogy. I'm happy for those of you who stuck with me throughout all of this. This was a challenge to write, but it helped me grow as an author. I hope you see that, too. Now, the story will update on Wednesdays and Sundays, with teasers on Mondays and Fridays. It's pre-written and complete. Thank you to Christina Downs for her help with this – guiding me with suggestions for the story, editing and just being a sounding board for this journey – you rock, girlie! MWAH!

Chapter Four

"Bella, I'm going to lunch and I was wondering if you would join me?" Marcus asked, leaning against the doorjamb of her office. "I've got a case that may need your tender loving care."

"Sure, Marcus," Bella said, saving her work on her laptop. She locked it and grabbed her coat, following her boss out to his sleek, black Jaguar.

She'd been back at her job for two weeks. Her body was still sore and in pain from the heartbreak she'd caused, but the distraction of work made it easier to forget, even if it was only during the day. At home, Bella drank heavily and cried herself to sleep at night. Seeing the house and the renovations that they did reminded her daily of how much they cared for her. On top of that, they still did nice things for her. Even though she'd been cold to them when they texted her, Edward and Garrett had taken down her Christmas decorations, leaving her a sweet little love note on the kitchen counter. She found that once she returned from New York, sending her into a tailspin of emotions. It made going over to the Banner's home to end their relationship that much harder. Then, once she got back from Essie's, she found another note in the lockbox in the garage along with her keys from Garrett.

We're not giving up. I'm not giving up. What we had was too special … If you ever need either of us. Please call. We'll always be there for you.
All my love,
Garrett

Thankfully, Essie was with her when she found that and kept her from doing something rash, like hurt herself or put her house on the market and moving to Antarctica with the penguins.

So, Bella was numb during the day and drunk at night, drowning her sorrows in scotch and other hard liquors. Anything to help her forget the safety and protection she received from Edward and Garrett.

"You're awfully quiet, Bella," Marcus chided gently while he drove through the streets of Seattle. Bella sighed, twisting her watch around her wrist, missing the bracelet that Edward and Garrett gave her. "I know that you had a rough time in New York, but I'm worried. You can talk to me, Bella."

"Rough doesn't even begin to explain it," Bella said, her voice deadening and her stomach churning in anguish. "Did Aro tell you anything?"

"No, but I'd like to hear it from you," Marcus urged, pulling up to Il Terrazzo Carmine. He handed his keys to the valet and helped Bella out of the passenger seat. Looping her arm through his, he guided her into the foyer. "I don't like my attorneys looking like zombies and stumbling through their day. Your work, as always, is stellar but you just look shattered, Bella."

"It's because I am," she whispered, trying to keep the tears from falling.

"Come on. The best way to heal whatever ails you is food. I'm Italian and food is love," Marcus snickered. The hostess greeted them and led them to a quiet corner. Marcus ordered a bottle of wine along with their meals. Bella didn't want to make any decisions and she welcomed his assertiveness. Once the wine was delivered along with the appetizers, Marcus leaned forward. "What happened?"

"You know why I moved out to Seattle. I wanted a fresh start. I got divorced and my ex-husband moved to New York to start a new family with his new wife. I couldn't stay in Chicago because everything reminded me of what I lost, my father, my husband, my happiness. So, I came here. My best friend, Esme Cullen, lives in Forks and she was convinced that this was the place for me. I finished up my cases in Chicago, bought a foreclosure here and the rest is history.

"My house, though, was a total wreck. I know I told you that. Essie suggested these two guys to do the renovations." She took a breath and prepared to say their names. "Ed-Edward Masen and Garrett Keyes made my dump of a house into something out of an architectural magazine," Bella whispered. "In addition to that, the three of us were very attracted to each other. Very attracted."

"And you acted on that attraction?" Marcus asked.

"Yeah. From about August until my return to Seattle in January, the three of us were in a relationship," Bella said, her face flaming. She looked up at her boss and he was nodding, his face supportive. "You're not freaked out about that?"

"Bella, I don't care who you date," Marcus snorted. "The only thing that I care about is that you do your job and you do it well, with integrity, honor and professionalism. Which you do."

She blinked a few times, shocked at his acceptance of her revelation. Taking a sip of wine, she continued, "Well, in New York, I ran into my ex-husband on the street. Something was off with him and he was flirting with me. Those flirtations turned into something that I wasn't comfortable with and I managed to avoid him. He somehow finagled his way into my corporate apartment and set up video cameras all over: the living room, kitchen, bathroom and several in the bedroom. Long story short, he filmed me, Edward and Garrett in numerous compromising positions, sending it to my client in New York City. She called me a sexual deviant, a slut and a whore. She was threatening to expose me and expose what I'd done. She did not want me handling her case." Bella finished her wine and Marcus poured her another a glass, his lips pursed angrily.

"How did your ex-husband get her contact information?" Marcus asked, his eyes narrowing. "And I hope he's in jail."

"In regard to the client information, when he got into my apartment, he saw a file for the case on the kitchen table. He got her email address from the notes I'd taken. And yes, he's in jail for three years. He also has to pay me a tidy sum of money for the emotional distress he caused. He also signed a non-disclosure agreement. If he says anything to anyone about those videos, he'll be tossed into a federal prison for espionage." Bella took another sip of the wine. "However, the damage is done. Because of what happened, I've lost all faith in myself and I had to end the relationship with Edward and Garrett."

"Why?" Marcus pressed. "You were happy."

"I don't want my good name to be tarnished because of a whim," she whispered. "I care for both of them, but the words that Carmen called me are on repeat in my head. I felt like a whore."

Marcus clenched his hand, hating what had happened to one of his most promising attorneys, an attorney that he wanted to offer a partnership. He also felt for the woman since she clearly loved the men she was with. No one had the right to do that to her and he was angry that her ex-husband got away with such a light sentence. Taking a breath, he calmed himself, "Bella, you are not a whore," Marcus whispered, reaching across the table and forcing her to look at him. The shattered look in her eyes made his heart lurch. "Carmen was wrong and I know she apologized, but it doesn't take away what she said. I also know you had your choice taken away. What you experienced was very similar to being raped, but instead of having your body violated, it was your privacy. I'm sorry that happened. I wish I could do something to make you feel better and I certainly hope that you haven't given up on the two men who obviously care for you very deeply."

"I can't go back to them, Marcus," she said. "I can't. I love them. Oh, my God, do I love them, but I can't have the possibility of my clients finding out that I have two lovers out there. I wouldn't have a job or a client base. I love what I do and I don't want to hear those words again. I don't want to be called a whore! I've worked too hard to build up my reputation."

"Is that reputation worth more than love?" Marcus asked softly.

"What's love? It's just another way of getting burned," Bella growled bitterly, her facing morphing into an angry grimace. "I can't."

"You are one stubborn woman, Bella," Marcus snorted. "Love is worth everything. Do I care that one of my partners is gay? No! I know that he and his partner love each other. They support and care for each other, raising their daughter in a loving stable home. Do I care that my son thinks that he's a girl? No. I love him. I'd always love him even if he decided to change his gender and wear a dress for the rest of his life. He's my child and I'd do anything for him. Do I care that you love two men? No, because their relationship with you made you a better attorney. Bella, I'm saying this as your boss and as your friend. Don't give up on love. It's your biggest ally.

"You've been dealt a shit hand of cards in the love department. You lost your father in college. Your mother is absent from your life. Your husband cheated on you and ended up threatening to ruin your career. But, I know what I saw when you were with Edward and Garrett. Your work was amazing and the love you felt from them carried over into how you handled your clients," Marcus soothed, taking Bella's hand. "Bella, you are a part of our family. Aro, Caius and I, we all love you like a daughter. I hate that you are in so much pain."

"I just don't know what to do," she sniffled, wiping her cheeks.

"Listen to your heart. Not your head," Marcus said, getting up and sliding next to her. He hugged her, rubbing her shoulders and leaning his cheek to her hair. She snuggled in his arms, relishing in the fatherly affection that Marcus was giving her. It had been so long since she felt this way. It made her miss her father, but she respected Marcus even more. "I want to see you smile, Bella. Don't give up. Don't close off your heart. It's too good." He kissed her forehead as the food was brought over. "Now, eat up. You're getting too skinny."

"I don't have much of an appetite," she laughed, wiping her cheeks.

"Eat what you can, Bellisima," Marcus smiled, moving back to his side of the booth. "What you can't finish, you take home." Bella gave him a tentative smirk, digging into the eggplant parmesan. It was delicious and it did fill her belly.

Once she settled down, Marcus did talk to her about an upcoming custody case. She listened intently as he described what happened. She eagerly accepted the case, hoping to help the little girl who was stuck in the middle of a long drawn out custody battle. Marcus was representing the father and Bella was going to be appointed as the girl's guardian for legal matters. Both of her parents had their own agenda, not caring for their daughter's well-being. Bella would make legal decisions, looking out for the welfare of the child. What would best suit the girl? From Marcus's description, staying with her father was the best option, but she had to meet with her before she could say.

They finished their lunch and bundled up to go back to the office. As they were waiting for Marcus's car from the valet, Garrett turned the corner. Bella gasped, her eyes wide. Garrett heard her quiet squeak, his heart pounding in his chest as he saw his pretty girl.

"Is everything alright, Bella?" Marcus asked. Bella's eyes were trained on the tall man with sandy brown hair and blue eyes. "Do you want to talk to him?"

"I don't know," she whispered. Garrett walked closer, his steps careful and deliberate.

"He wants to talk to you. I'll wait for you in the car, Bella," Marcus said. His black Jaguar pulled up and he slid in, waiting for Bella.

A/N: Ooooh, cliffie. What do you think Garrett wants? And who loves Marcus? He is awesome. Leave me some!