Room for Rent

Author's Note : I do not own twilight or any of the characters in the story.

A/N: ./.... Please visit my profile and check out the website. Please visit the photo gallery and sign the guestbook. I have pictures up of Bella, Edward, James, Jasper. If anyone has any suggestions as who to use for the rest of the characters i would definately appreciate it. I am trying to find a good Anna. Thanks for the reviews please visit the sight and sign the guestbook.

Summary:Edward is a shy and quiet momma's boy who is moving across country to attend John's Hopkins Medical School. He rents a room above a diner from a young woman name Bella Swan. He is immediately attracted to her but too shy to do anything about it. Does Bella feel the same or does she think he is a spoiled rich momma's boy who has everything served to him on a silver platter? How will life in the big city of Baltimore help Edward to come out of his shell and win the heart of the mature, boss, landlady that he is in love with?

Chapter 4

BPOV

Edward Cullen was a complete mystery to me. One minute he was shy and the next he was outgoing. I would have to wait a week to see if the sparks were still there. Until then I would continue my life and possible work up the courage to get some closure and finally talk to James about what happened

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BPOV

Monday

Anna and I went to visit with Phil's parents at the hospital on Monday after the Cullens left. After the hospital I dropped her off at her friend's house and went to start my shift at the diner. Work went well until the flowers came. The card was from James.

Bella,

I miss you. I am sorry for whatever I have done. Please call me.

Love,

James Peters

I was of course a little upset but I just threw the card out and set the flowers on the counter. Jessica took them home to try and make some guy jealous. I did keep 1 pink rose from the bouquet and put it in my desk.

Tuesday

Work was the same and Anna and I were going to go school shopping for clothes after my lunch shift. We went to the mall and we must have spent over $300 dollars on clothes and shoes. I got a few things for myself it was actually pretty fun. Anna and I stopped at one of the photo booths and took funny pictures and we pigged out on junk food. I took her to get her very first cinnabon. It was all over her face and some got in her hair. We had a blast. For the first time in a while I felt more like her sister than her mother.

Wednesday

Well Wednesday I spent half of the day in the kitchen avoiding James who was perched at the counter for more than 4 hours. I sent Jake out and I took over the kitchen. I kept peeking through the little circular window. He looked upset and sad. His eyes looked red and I felt so bad for him. I was about to open the door and step through to confront him when his phone rang. He answered it immediately. He had a short conversation and left a rather large tip on the counter and left. I couldn't believe that I was actually going to go out there. I hated seeing him in so much pain. My heart was aching the rest of the day. I worked extra hard to keep it from Anna. She asked about him every once in a while and I knew she missed him but It was easy to change the subject and get her to forget about it. I wish it was that easy for me.

Thursday

Mrs. Cullen called to confirm that she and Edward would be in Friday evening. I was a little excited to see her again. She made me feel young. I liked having a mother figure around. Anna was excited and wanted to do something special for them to welcome Edward to the house. She decided we would bake a cake.

Friday

James called during my shift at the Diner and I answered the phone. He called from a different number that I didn't recognize.

"Thank you for calling Swan's this is Bella how may I help you?"

"Bella?" he said.

"Uh." I was frozen. I hung up the phone and he called right back.

Within 2 minutes he was in the door standing right in front of me at the hostess podium. He was dressed in his usual scrubs looking tired and a stethoscope around his neck.

"Bella honey we need to talk." He pleaded with me. He looked so sincere and upset. My heart started pounding and aching.

"I can't do this right now James I have customers and Anna is here." I replied as coldly as I could.

"I'll wait." He stated and walked over to the counter to take a seat.

I stood there shocked. It was almost 6:30pm and busy as crap. I didn't have time to worry about him I had things to do. I continued to work and wait on tables. I tried to keep my eyes away from him and ignore the fact that he was staring at me the entire time.

At exactly 8pm Mrs. Cullen and Edward came in and took a seat at a booth. I was busy taking a table's order and smiled at them. Edward looked nervous and Esme looked excited. I quickly glanced over where James had been perched at the counter and damnit he was still there. I noticed that Anna was sitting next to him and chatting away happily. He was talking to her and smiling brightly. He looked happy again like the James I was used to. I couldn't let him get to me. I tried to picture Victoria Peters in my mind and that check with both their names on it. I would not and could not let him back into my heart. I would not let this suave doctor break my heart again.

I quickly checked the rest of my tables and put the orders in with Jake in the kitchen. I slowly walked over to Esme and Edward.

"I see you made it ok how was your flight?" I asked

"It was fine. We have the boxes being delivered tomorrow." Esme responded.

"Oh that's fine here let me get your key for you. Would you guys like something to eat or drink?"

With that they both placed their orders and I quickly went to the kitchen and put their order in and picked up some other tables' orders and distributed them. I was starting to get things ready to clean up when James approached me. He lightly gripped my elbow and turned me around.

"Bell I don't know what this is about but we can't go on like this. We have to talk about what is upsetting you. Anna is getting tired and I know that you are upset with me about something but if it is alright with you I'd like to read her a story before bed." His eyes were sincere but my heart was breaking all over again.

"I don't think that is a good idea James. Can we please do this another night?" I asked trying to avoid his eyes. I knew as soon as I looked in his eyes I would cave.

"Absolutely not. If you won't let me read to her I'll just wait here until you will see me. I will sleep in the kitchen if I have to but we ARE going to talk sometime tonight." He raised his voice a little and I saw Esma give me a questioning look.

"Fine you can read her a story and put her to bed just give me 20 minutes." I stormed off to have a talk with Anna.

I found her sitting at the employee booth with her head down. I felt so guilty that she was tired and I was stuck here working. I wished that I could give her a more normal life. I gently shook her shoulders and she woke up smiling at me.

"Hey sweetie you tired?" I asked.

"Yeah I'm sleepy. I ate dinner with James already." She said stretching her little arms up over her head.

"Do you want James to take you home and you can get ready for bed he offered to read you a story." I offered hoping she would say no.

"Oh yeah can he please I promise I'll brush my teeth real good please can he." She was bouncing around like Alice now.

"Alright but I want you to get some sleep no staying up chatting ok."

She packed up her crayons and papers into her backpack and scooted out of the booth. I took her hand and led her over to James. I handed James my keys and hugged Anna goodnight. She took his hand jumping up and down eagerly leading him towards the door. James gave me a smoldering look with a bright smile.

I proceeded to the podium to run a credit card for a table that was leaving. When I was done I heard Anna's excited voice from behind me. I quickly turned around and froze at what I saw.

"James this is Edward he's in the empty room. He's going to be a doctor just like you." Anna introduced James and Edward.

"And this is his mom Esme and where is Alice and Emmett?" Anna asked looking around pouting.

"Oh sweetheart they are back home it is just me this time but don't worry I am leaving Edward here for you to play with." Esme replied giving Anna a hug.

"Oh well that's ok then. Oh Edward this is James Sissy's friend. He works at the hospital." Anna said looking up at James with a big smile.

I watched as James cordially shook Edward and Esme's hands introducing himself and being his charming self. I noticed that Edward seemed a bit uneasy. Esme was looking from him to me and I must have given something away because she gave me an apologetic look. I had to stop this I didn't want them getting used to James being around. I quickly walked over to stop their conversation before it progressed any farther.

"Hey aren't you supposed to be getting ready for bed missy?" I asked Anna playfully.

"Oh sorry. I was just showing James Edward and his mommy." Anna replied looking down like she was in trouble.

"It's alright but you should be getting to bed you have to be up early tomorrow if you want to visit Grandpa and Grandma." I stated giving her a nudge.

"Oh that's right come on James lets go I have a new book and you have to do the funny voices but I can read some of it myself." She dragged James out the door while waving goodbye to everyone.

James nodded to Edward and Esme saying that it was nice meeting them and that he would be seeing them later. I groaned at his remark and rolled my eyes. He indeed would NOT be seeing more of them in the future. At least not if tonight went the way I had planned it to go. I had decided that I would confront James about his WIFE and demand that he gracefully exit my life and never return.

Of course we all know that things never go the way that you plan them to.

After I finished up everything that needed my attention I left the diner and headed home to "MAN UP " and deal with what was waiting for me. Esme and Edward had gone to settle in about a half hour ago. I was going to try my best to get rid of James as quickly as possible. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of Esme.

I walked in the door and saw Edward and James chatting about medical school and the hospital. Edward seemed to be at ease with James and James seemed to be genuinely interested in what Edward was saying. The thought of the 2 of them being friends was giving me a sick feeling in my stomach. I set my purse down and took a deep breath.

"I see that you have met James." I said to Edward. He nodded and smiled at me.

"Oh, dear there you are I was wondering when you would be home. Would you help me with this thing I have no idea what I'm doing?" Esme asked from the kitchen by the coffee maker.

It was an old coffee maker, perhaps she had one of the fancy espresso machines or something. I smiled to the two "Gentleman" who were chatting on my sofa and went to help Esme in the kitchen.

"How can I help?" I asked giving her a smile.

"Well I can't seem to find the coffee it seems you are out." She looked puzzled. I saw a few cabinets open like she had been searching.

"Oh I'm sorry I keep it in the freezer to keep it fresh here let me get it for you." I offered as I handed her the cold can from the freezer.

"Did you know that your friend James is going to be one of the doctor's that Edward will be interning with at the hospital? It is such a small world. Carlisle specifically requested James for Edward. James trained under Carlisle back at Harvard. I just can't believe how small this world is." She smiled at he as she poured 4 cups of coffee.

"Oh wow that is a coincidence." I said while internally banging my head against the counter.

We brought the coffee in to the guys and sat down to chat with them. Unfortunately James got up to sit next to me on the love seat while Esme took James' now empty seat next to Edward on the sofa. I cringed to myself as James rested his hand on my knee while continuing his conversation with Edward.

"Well Edward your father has taught me almost everything I know and I am looking forward to helping you get settled in." James said.

"Thanks James I really appreciate this my father told me that if I was going to be a doctor that I should definitely train with you. I hope to be a great doctor like my father or you one day." Edward was now beaming from ear to ear with perfect white teeth.

I wanted to smack him upside his head. He wanted to be like James who was cheating on his wife with me. This situation is so messed up. I sipped my coffee and tried not to think of his hand on my knee.

"James how is Vicky doing? Has she found a place yet?" Esme asked as she set her coffee down on the end table.

That perked my interest yes James how is VICKY doing? I stared at him waiting for him to answer. He seemed a bit uneasy. I could tell he was choosing his words carefully.

"Well she's not doing so well you know my cousin isn't being very hmm gracious during their divorce." He replied.

Wait cousin? Who is Vicky? I assumed that Vicky would be Victoria. This is getting more confusing by the second I shut off my thoughts and turned my attention back to their voices so I wouldn't miss anything.

"Yes I got that impression when I spoke to her mother. I hear you are still staying with them to try and keep the peace. That is kind of you. I know her mother appreciates you looking out for her." Esme gave him a proud smile.

I glanced back and forth between James and Esme and then to Edward. I was at a complete confused loss as to what was going on. Esme must have picked up on it.

"Bella dear I'm so sorry here we are gossiping about people you don't know. I assume James hasn't told you about his cousin James. I think it was very strange that the brothers named both of their sons James I was sure the kids would be confused but they seem to have turned out ok. You see James here is living with his cousin and his wife during their divorce. It's a shame those two didn't work out. Well anyway Vicky is here all alone and is trying to get herself settled before moving out. I should stop by and visit with her this weekend." Esme trailed off in her own little world.

I think I still was confused but I decided that I would just clear things up right now.

"Um Who is James and Who is Vicky?" I turned to James sitting next to me and glared at him waiting for an answer.

He took a deep breath and let out a sigh.

"Bella, I wasn't sure how to bring this up but my cousin James and his wife Victoria are going through a very tough divorce. They lost a child and she is completely heartbroken and my insensitive cousin is not making it any easier on her. She has been going to counseling and working on getting her own place for when the divorce is final. I moved in to help alleviate of the financial burden so she could save some money and to also keep my cousin in check. "

I was staring at him now with tears welling up in my eyes. He took my hands in his and stared right into my eyes with thoughtfulness and kindness. I couldn't believe that I had been such a fool. Here he was helping them and I jumped to the wrong conclusion instead of just talking to him about it. I was so foolish. I felt all of my feelings re-igniting for him. My heart started to swell with love all over again.

"Bella I wasn't sure how to bring this up to you. I didn't want to drag you into their problems. I want to talk to you about the past month I have missed you so much and we still need to talk about what's going on." He looked down at our hands and I saw a tear trickle down his cheek.

I was stunned to say the least. I had created this monster in my head and he was just the perfect man I was in love with for the past 6 months. My hands started to tremble as I thought about all of the horrible things I have thought about him and the things I have said about him to my friends. And how Anna had missed him so much.

"Bella what's wrong honey please don't cry." I hadn't noticed the tears streaming down my face. I completely forgot about Esme and Edward sitting on the sofa across from us.

"I-I thought she was your wife." I stuttered out. "Victoria came in the diner and used a check to pay. It said Mrs. James Peters and it had y-your phone number on it." I began to sob and let the tears fall freely now. I was so ashamed of myself for doubting him.

"Oh Bella is that all it was? I thought I had done something I have been wracking my brain re-playing our entire relationship in my mind over and over again. Why didn't you just talk to me? At least if you yelled at me I could have explained. I would have even introduced you to them. I have missed you so much." He began crying and pulled me into a tight hug.

I clung to him for dear life. I didn't want to lose him again. He pulled away and cupped my face in his hands. I felt his thumbs wipe away my tears and caress my cheeks. James leaned in and softly touched his lips to mine. I felt all of the feelings flood through my body at once. I missed his firm lips and his strong hands. I reached my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to deepen our kiss.

My tongue graced his lips and he parted them to allow me freely explore his mouth. Our tongues were twirling around one another while our lips were pressed firmly together. I heard a cough and we broke apart looking in the direction of the sofa.

"Aw. Well I am glad you two have cleared that up. We'll give you two some privacy come along Edward we have an early day tomorrow." Esme said as she stood up and took Edward's hand.

Edward was looking at James and I with thoughtful and sad eyes. I wasn't sure if he was thinking of his broken and lost relationship and hoping that it had a happy ending like mine or if he was upset to see me with James. I felt a small twinge of pain as I looked at Edward turn and walk away like I was losing something important in my life. I felt a tug at my heart as he ascended the stairs. I was brought out of my thought my firm lips caressing my neck and strong hands cupping my neck.

I enjoyed my make-up make-out session with James on the loveseat for about an hour before he had to head home. I apologized over and over again to him for making assumptions and not confronting him. We made a promise to always talk things out and be honest with one another from here on out.

As I was cleaning up the coffee cups I picked up Edwards and felt a jolt of electricity shoot through my fingers and immediately remembered our day touring downtown Baltimore and Fells Point together only a week ago. I felt my heart tugging in two directions. One side of my heart was jumping through my chest up the stairs while the other side was reaching for the front door that James had just shut. I was going to have to be very cautious around these two men who were turning my perfect little life into a tug of war with my heart.

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A/N: Please review and don't worry Bella will not be raped in this story and she will NOT cry all of the time. She is a strong independent woman.