CHAPTER 6

Edward was pretending nothing happened.

I tried to talk to him the next morning when he came to watch Charlie but he shut me down quickly telling me not to worry about it. He avoided all interaction with me unless it pertained to Charlie. He wouldn't even let me begin to apologize or tell him how I felt about him.

I knew at some point I was going to have to force him to listen to me. I could not let him think that I did not feel the same way as him. It pained me to even wonder if I screwed up my chances.

"I'm off on Tuesday night," Rosalie started, "Bring Charlie over and I'll watch her." She looked over her half-eaten turkey sandwich at me, "It gives you time so you can talk to him."

"He works," I shook my head.

"So." She shrugged. "Sit in his section. Make him listen."

I sighed, "It might be my only option."

"Have you heard from James?" Rosalie asked.

"No and I don't expect to until Friday." I responded.

"I'm hoping he doesn't try to pull anything on you. " She considered. "I'm glad you're willing to contact his ex if he tries to screw you."

"I should contact her any way. She deserves to know." I said quietly. "I'm so ashamed. Even though they were separated at the time, I should have never got involved."

"You're not a bad person, Bella." Rosalie comforted. "People do that all the time. Hell, people get engaged before they officially divorce their exes. You don't know this woman. You owe her nothing."

"Girl code, Rose." I stated, "Besides our children are actually siblings. It's weird."

"That is weird. Just don't be hard on yourself."

"I guess," I said, unconvinced.

XoXo

"Can I sit in Edwards section?" I asked the young hostess.

"Sure," She said while giving me a curious look. "How many in your party?"

"Just me."

As she sat me at a small booth in the far corner, I noticed Tanya and Edward at the computer. Edwards back was to me, and Tanya was looking at him adoringly as he punched in an order. He said something that made her laugh and she leaned in to nudge him with her hip as she walked away.

He disappeared into the kitchen and I took the next couple of minutes to try to figure out what I was going to say. I was messing with my phone when Edward appeared in front of me.

His smile was small as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you."

We stared at each other for a long minute before I finally whispered, "I'm sorry."

"I told you not to worry about it." He responded. I could see the tightening in his jaw. He wasn't mad but he was hurt.

"I know you did." I accepted. "But I'm not going to listen."

"Bella," He started.

"No, Edward, wait." His gaze seared into me as he waited for me to continue. "I misled you the other night. I didn't mean to make you think..."

"I get, Bella." He cut me off. "It's alright. I'll be fine."

I groaned.

"I'm saying the wrong things." I said out loud. "No, Edward. You don't understand."

"I think I get it." He sighed and sat down, his gaze focused on the pen in his hand. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm not willing to let this affect our friendship. Please don't make this a big deal, okay?"

He glanced up and met my eyes with a pleading look. I smiled and gave a half-laugh. "I don't think you do get it."

I grabbed his hand.

"Edward, " I started at the same time a heavy-set man came over and gave Edward a stern look.

"This isn't social time," the man gave me a hard look, "You have an issue at table seven."

Edward gave me an apologetic look.

"I'll take off ," I told him.

"But you haven't eaten yet." He said loudly towards his boss.

"It's all right." I said standing up. "Just...can you come over when you're done?"

"I'm closing for Tanya. It will be close to two before I get done. Can we do breakfast tomorrow?"

After we made plans for breakfast and said our goodbyes I headed to pick up Charlie from Rose. I spent the entire twenty minute drive thinking about what I was going to say to Edward the following morning. I only hoped he would not be upset at my dishonesty.

"I'm going to tell Edward about James." I told Rose after I was done telling her what had happened.

"It's about time. I don't know why you were so gung-ho he didn't know anyway."

"I'm still scared he will view me differently." I confessed.

"Bella, if he views you differently for it then he isn't worth it. But I highly doubt it will matter to him."

I could feel a knot forming in my stomach as I left Rosalies. What if he really does view me as some home wrecker? Some floozy?

Or worse.

He could view me as a liar.

If he did see me as such he wouldn't be wrong.

Why did I not tell him the truth at the beginning?

Because even then his opinion mattered.

Mattered more than any ones.

"Mama!" Charlie was chanting as I warmed up her nighttime bottle.

"Mommy's going to have a nighttime drink too." I told her as I poured myself a glass of my favorite red blend.

As soon as Charlie and I both had our drinks in hand there was a knock on the door. "Who is that?" I asked Charlie who gave me a questioning look. "Maybe Edward got off early after all." She smiled at Edwards name.

I looked through the peephole and gasped.

"Jasper!" I yanked open the door and threw myself in his arms.

"The one and only, sugar." He laughed.

"What are you doing here?" I beamed.

"Surprise! I got transferred!" He informed me. "I could have went to Vegas, you know. I had the option. "

"What? You are moving to Seattle?" I grinned. I was elated. My best friend is going to be close by.

"Already here." Jasper informed me. "You don't mind if I crash here for a few days, do you?" He asked.

"Of course not!" I pulled him into another hug. "I'm so happy right now."

An hour later, Charlie was asleep and I had already emailed my boss that I would not be at work the following day. Jasper and I were sitting on the couch and sharing a bottle of wine while he told me all about his transfer that was actually a promotion as well.

"I can't believe you're here." I said, for the hundredth time. "And you kept this a secret from me for months!" I threw a decorative pillow at him.

"I wanted to surprise you. " He smirked.

"Mission accomplished." I gave him a broad smile.

Jasper yawned.

"Long drive?" I teased.

"Yes. I could definitely use a shower and sleep."

"All right. Let's get you situated."

Exhausted from the excitement and wine, I climbed into bed after I gave Jasper I quick tour to the linen closet for a towel. As I lay there something was on the edge of my mind but I was just too tired to delve into what it was. I fell asleep to the sounds of water running through the pipes.

xoxo

"Mama! Mama!"

A little body was climbing all over me.

"Wake up, Sunshine!" Jaspers voice boomed through the room.

I opened my eyes to see both Charlie and Jasper grinning at me.

"Ugh. Good morning. What time is it?" I sat up looking for my phone.

"It is just after seven." He informed as he laid down next to me grabbing Charlie in the process. "You left your phone in the living room. Your alarm went off an hour ago. I figured I'd let you sleep since you aren't working today."

"Oh, shit!" I said as I threw myself out of bed. "I set it early for today. I'm doing breakfast with Edward."

"On a work day?" Jasper asked.

"Yes, he watches Charlie. I was going to be ready early and make breakfast here."

"Oh, okay." Jasper said. "Do you want me to leave for a bit?"

I paused contemplating that. Edward still doesn't know the truth about Jasper. I felt horrible for even considering kicking Jasper out.

"Jazz, " I started as he got up and passed Charlie to me.

"Don't worry about it, I understand. I kind of showed up unexpectedly. I know you have a lot you need to tell him." Jasper gave me a knowing look before a slow grin spread across his face. "Besides, I saw a diner down the street that claims to have the best coffee in town. If they write that on the window, it's worth a try." He winked.

"I feel horrible. I should have told him the truth." I said. "I made you look like a bad guy."

"Just make it right."

I walked Jasper to the door and he opened it.

"Sorry, Jasper. Just come back in about an hour, okay?"

"Will do," He said leaning over and giving Charlie a kiss on the head. "See you later little princess."

As Jasper opened the door wider, my stomach dropped.

Edward stood in the hallway with a carton of juice in his hand and a bag of what I assumed to be bagels. I could see the anger and misery in his eyes as he glared at me before glancing at Jasper.

His eyebrow raised in question.

After an awkward pause I finally mumbled, "Edward, this is Jasper."

"I gathered that," He growled, losing control. "What is he doing here?"

"Edward, we should talk." I stepped towards him.

"Don't bother, Bella." He took a step back away from my advance. "I'm going to assume you don't need me today." He looked pointedly at my pajamas and then over Charlie. "Unless you need me to babysit so you can catch up?" He sneered.

"No, but..."

"Great. See you around."

Before I knew it he was in his apartment. I was once again left to wallow in my own stupidity.

Jasper whistled in a low sigh.

"You should probably go after him and explain."

"I doubt he'll listen right now." I blinked away tears.

"Come here, Sugar." Jasper closed the door and wrapped me in his arms.