Thanks for all the reviews! I know I said this would be the teasing Edward chapter but I apologize because this is just some fluff with some past mixed in.
Read the AN at the bottom after the chapter please.
Warning I edited this chapter so beware!
BPOV
I threw my phone on the bed not even bothering to hang it up, and ran to my small TV and flip it on. Finally landing on E! News, I sat down on my bed and Jake looked at me quizzically.
I was confused because at the moment the host was talking about Tom Cruise, why the hell was this so important? I waited for a while longer and she finally stopped talking about Tom..
"And now to our top story of the hour, two of Hollywood's biggest hunks fighting for the affections of a *gasp* non-famous girl? Check out these pics of Jane Doe and one of the guys that's obviously under her spell."
I stared at the TV in amazement and shock. Pictures of Jake and I plastered the screen, each one more intimate than the next. One of us walking side by side down the street, me snuggled into his side and him kissing the top of my head, our hands intertwined with Jake sporting a goofy grin, there was one of us sitting in the Italian restaurant laughing, and finally one of Jake exiting the bar early this morning looking like a rumpled, exhausted mess.
The host smiled at this picture, "Could this be the rapper Jacob Black's new love interest? A punk-y girl with colored hair and a rocker persona? No reports on identification yet but watch this clip and decide for yourself if this is Hollywood's new 'it' couple."
The screen flashed to a video of the restaurant that Jake and I had dined in the other day, our waitress popped up next with an evil glint in her eye, "Yeah, they were like totally all over each other! Serious PDA, I mean it was like over the top! And she was so obviously jealous of me!" I scoffed at her ignorance.
The host came back onto the tiny screen, "But even more of a shocker is the third part of this love triangle, Edward Cullen. The two have been spotted together over the past few days, he even took her to the hair salon. Check out the pictures of Cullen and Mystery Woman." Dear God! Why me?
The pictures that showed up next were situations that could be seen differently than what actually happened. The first was of us at the bar, I was leaning in and he was whispering a crude comment in my ear. The next was of Edward standing behind me as we watched the saxophone player, we actually did look like a couple in that one, I had to admit. The last picture was of us at the barbershop sitting in the chairs, I was looking through the magazine and he was staring at me with awe, his expression was total and complete happiness.
I was just sitting on my bed next to Jake, my jaw slack, eyes wide, my mind was going crazy. But I don't think I've ever been as mad at Edward Cullen as I have been when I saw what he said to the reporters.
"When asked by reporters about this girl what was his response? Check out this vid and see for yourself."
The TV screen flashed to a video clip of Edward, he was staring ahead of him, reporters were asking him a million questions a minute. One of the reporters asked him if anything was going on between him and I, "Haha! With her? No way in hell! She's just a random fan girl that's been trying to get with me."
I was livid as I watched the host laugh and say, "Haha, things are looking fishy. But what about his rumored romance with Tanya Denali? Trouble in paradise for the co-stars? One thing's for sure, this mystery girl is the luckiest woman on the planet! Check back in tomorrow for updates on this story."
I switched off the TV. I balled my hands into fists as I let out an agitated scream, Jake got up and rubbed his huge, warm, hand on my back, trying to calm me down. So not helping. "Bells I'm so sorry, I knew this was going to happen, I'll call my PR rep and tell him to alert the media that we're just friends."
I ran my hand through my thick hair, "Jake, I'm not mad at you dumbass! I'm mad at that douche bag! How could he say I was trying to get with him when he's been begging me to go out with him ever since I met him! That fucked up knob head! UGH! Give me my phone!"
"Please tell em you are going to call and bitch that mother fucker out and put him in his place." He handed me the tiny silver device.
"No, I have something better in mind for him." I snickered and dialed Alice's number and set my plan in motion.
-.-.-.-.-.-.
"Sleepy head get the fuck up, we're late for your meeting!" Jake grabbed my feet and yanked me out of his overly large bed. "Oh, and happy birthday!" He gave me a sloppy kiss on my cheek and handed me a warm, blueberry, muffin with a blue candle stuck into it. I blew it out and wished that I could go back to that night when I was fourteen and not have made the choice to call him and ask for help when I was capable of helping myself, not have gotten trashed when I was so young and stupid. I was so ignorant and selfish.
I unwillingly left the bed and threw my hair up into a messy ponytail. Throwing on my nicer pair of jeans, a fancy blue top that I had borrowed from Rose, and a pair of black flats I deemed myself presentable and ready to go.
I headed into Jake's bachelor style living room and sat down on the couch waiting for him to get off the phone. He was talking to his manager, telling him that he needed the day off for 'personal reasons'. I honestly wish he wouldn't take off a day of recording just to spend it with me.
I stayed at Jake's last night for two main reasons. One, my old apartment was completely bare after I sent the boxes to my new apartment so I also had no bed. And two, I didn't want to stay at Rose's and hear what Emmett and her do after hours.
Finally Jake appeared by my side, I put on my Ray Bans and he grabbed my hand to lead me out the door. I groaned as his bodyguard shielded me as we walked out of his apartment building and into the awaiting Escalade.
Last night the media had gotten tipped off that I was seen entering his apartment late at night. They have been camping outside of the building ever since, waiting to catch a better look at me so that they could put a name to my face.
I groaned as I got into the back seat of the SUV, "This is fucking stupid Jake! I thought your rep cleared the air."
"Bella, so much to learn. You see people in the gossip business believe the juicier story that will help them make more money, the believe what they want to believe."
"Fuckin media. Next thing you know I'm going to be banging Spiderman." Jake just laughed at me and told the driver to turn the music on.
We listened to 'The Black Eyed Peas' belt out their latest hit before Jake spoke up, "So do you know what all he left you?"
"Who Gramps? He left me his apartment and all of the money in his account, plus half of his company. I don't know what to do with it all, to be honest I could totally do without, but this is what he wanted. Crazy old goon." I laughed at the memories that popped into my head, I'd visit him in New York every summer for a month.
"Why didn't he.. ya know… leave everything to Charlie?" I could tell he was afraid to ask the question, but the answer was simple enough.
"Charlie and him didn't see eye to eye." I rolled my eyes at their stupid fights I would have to endure, "Gramps fucking hated him for becoming a cop, for moving to Phoenix, for treating me like shit."
He smiled and thankfully dismissed the painful subject. I hated discussing any part of my past life, with anyone, even Jake who was there with me since day one. He's gone through everything with me to an extent, he knows me inside and out.
I let my head fall against the cold window. Even though it was tinted thickly I shied my face away from the cars that kept pulling up beside us, paparazzi sticking their heads and cameras out the window trying to get a picture.
They want a damn picture, fine I'll give them one. I looked around the car to make sure Jake wasn't watching. I made sure my sunglasses were still tightly pressed against my face and I quickly rolled down my window. The camera men's eyes got huge as they realized that they were actually going to get a picture of 'Mystery Hoe' I stuck out my tongue and held up my middle finger. The cameras went crazy, even with my sunglasses on I still went temporarily blind.
Jake jumped over to my window and pushed the button to make it go up. Damn him, always fucking with my fun plans. "Bella, what the fuck was that? I thought the plan was for you to go unnoticed."
"Screw that, they're going to get a picture eventually, why not have fun with them in the mean time?"
"Bella Swan, you are utterly ridiculous." He shook his head as he chuckled to himself.
The driver turned back to talk to us, "We're here kids, I'll pull through the gates so that you can get out without much hassle."
"Thanks Antonio." Jake said as I smiled at him.
I cautiously got out of the large car and checked out my surroundings, making sure there weren't any paparazzi hanging out in the shrubs. I wasn't even famous and cameras were hounding me. Frickin ridiculous.
Jake and I hurried into the lawyer's office and stood in front of the secretary's desk. The secretary, who was on the phone when we walked in, took one look at us and her eyes grew huge and she started hyperventilating. Fuck my life. She hung up the phone and tried to look like a sexy secretary, nice try honey. "Hello, may I help you with anything, anything at all." She stared right at Jake as he took it like a pro and waved her off.
I cleared my throat and took off my sunglasses. "Actually, I'm the one you should be helping. I have an appointment with Mr. Jenks at nine."
She made gaga eyes at Jake as she picked up her phone to page the lawyer. "Mr. Jenks, your nine o'clock appointment is here… Yes sir, right away."
"You can go on in sweetie. Mr. Black you're more than welcome to stay out here with me, I'll keep you company." She fucking called me sweetie like she was my flipping mom or something.
"He's fine with me, thanks though sweetie." I spat the words at her and grabbed Jake's hand, pulling him down the long hallway to the office. "People these days." I muttered to myself.
Jake laughed to himself, "What am I gonna do with you Bells?" He mussed my hair as we finally arrived at a foggy glass door that read J. Jenks in bold, black lettering.
After knocking timidly on the door I heard an eager, "Come in Miss Swan."
I turned the cold, metal knob and stepped into the plain white office. I sat down on the black leather couch beside Jake and waited for the lawyer to say something pertaining to the case, but no. He had to say something about Jake and I, "Well I am shocked to find out that the Mystery Woman is one of my clients. And you are in fact dating Mr. Black."
"Listen Mr. Jenks, I just came here to get my inheritance and sign some papers now can we please just get this over with." I let out an exasperated sigh as he scrambled with the papers on his desk.
"Yes of course, pardon my rude behavior." I rolled my eyes. Jake snickered quietly as Jenks started sweating, "Sorry for the wait, the papers are around here somewhere."
"Could they be in the drawer that says Richard Swan possibly? Just a suggestion." Was he blind or just an idiot?
He rushed to the filing cabinet and pulled out a massive folder stuffed with papers. He cleared his throat, "Your grandfather left you a total of 2.9 million dollars and his estate, which I presume you know where it is." I nodded my head and glanced over the papers in front of me. "As requested, everything was left the same in his apartment except for the personal items that he chose to give to other relatives and friends of his. You'll be receiving the money in sums of one hundred thousand dollars a month until it is all distributed. Agreed?"
"Yeah, but I want to transfer one hundred thousand dollars to this account." I gave him a piece of paper with Emmett and Rosalie's account number on it. "And fifty thousand to this account." I gave him Alice's account number.
"That can all be arranged. Now we have to discuss the company's future. Jim Davis has offered to take charge of your half of the company, but you will still receive the money that the company makes. You also have veto power over Jim, he will just be working in place of you. It's my understanding that this was a pre-made arrangement between your grandfather and yourself, am I correct?"
"Yes, now where do I sign?" He pointed to the different lines and handed me an ink pen, I signed boldly and handed the stack of papers back to him.
He gave me another stack and explained, "This is the deed to his apartment, usually with apartments they are rented. Your grandfather chose to buy the top floor off of the owner of the building and he renovated it and turned it into a two story apartment, the apartment contains a two story library/study, five bedrooms, each with a personal bathroom. A large living room and a professional kitchen, and a balcony over looking the city. Please sign your name on this line and print your name on the one below it."
The apartment was huge, it was too much for me. But where else was I going to go? Gramps' apartment was my home in New York City, I spent every minute I could in there.
I signed the final paper and he handed me the keys. "We had a cleaning crew go in yesterday and make everything seem like new. The money should be transferred into the accounts by noon today." I took his outstretched hand and shook it hard. "It was a pleasure doing business with you Miss Swan, nice meeting you Mr. Black."
Jake thanked the man, as did I and we high tailed it out of that place. "Thanks for going with me Jake, I know how boring it must have been for you." We got into the back of the black SUV, and surprisingly enough there weren't any crazy camera guys or fans.
"It actually wasn't that bad, that guy was scared shitless! And now that my best friend is a millionaire!"
"Ugh! Shut up, I don't even want to think about it." I cradled my face in my hands and huffed.
"So where to next? I can't wait to check out Grampy Swan's pad." I told the driver the address of the building and turned back to my best friend.
"Never say 'pad' again. I have to call Alice, hold on for a sec."
I punched in her number and waited for her to answer, finally after four rings her high pitched, angelic voice came over the phone, "Hey Bella! So glad you called! Happy birthday!"
"Thanks Alice, I just got the keys to the apartment, the address is…"
"Don't worry I already know, I did some research last night and found out the floor plan and everything, the furniture and appliances should be delivered around two o'clock today and I have all the painting supplies in my car, I'll meet you there in ten minutes! Bye Bells." She hung up the phone quickly.
"Uhm bye?" I shook my head, over preparing pixie. I groaned and let my head fall back against the headrest.
"What's wrong Bells?"
"People in this world are just too hyper at this hour of the morning." He laughed and searched through his pockets after his phone started ringing.
He groaned when he looked at the caller ID, "Hello?… I told you I was busy today…But it's my best friend's birthday… Are you serious?… Whatever, see you in five."
"Did something come up?" He looked at me with apologetic eyes.
"Yeah, I'm really sorry Bella, Ben said I have to go to this meeting to set up tour dates with my manager and producers, I'll be gone almost all day so do you think we can go out tomorrow instead?"
"Yeah that's fine, it's not like I have anything going on tomorrow anyways." I laughed at my nonexistent social life, it was quite pathetic if you ask me.
The driver turned around in his seat, "We're here. I don't see any paps either, so I'd say your safe."
I gave Jake a hug, "Call me later and tell me how your meeting went."
"Alright, bye Bella, love ya."
"You too ya big oaf. Talk to you later."
I slammed the door shut and walked into the fancy, but familiar lobby of Claridon apartment building. Everything was marble and gold. The doorman nodded his head at me and welcoming me to the building. I went up to the front desk and asked for the manager.
An older man with shocking white hair and a thick gray mustache came over seconds later. "Hello I am Robert Manilo, I am the manager, can I help you with something?" He was obviously disgusted by my grungy appearance, damn I didn't think I looked that bad.
"Yes you can. I'm Isabella Swan, I'm moving into the penthouse and I would just like to make sure my stuff arrived on time."
He immediately plastered a warm smile on his face and straightened up, "Yes it did Miss Swan, I had it rushed up to your new apartment. I hope you find everything to your liking here at the Claridon, if you need anything I am just a call away."
As I turned away from him I heard the clacking of heels and a singsong voice, "Bella!" I heard something drop and Alice spoke again, "You big guys grab these and take them up to the penthouse, now!"
I switched directions so that I came face to face with Alice ordering five very large men to carry paint cans and other painting supplies. "Hey Al!" I gave her a tight hug.
"Hey Bella, ready to get started? My crew should be here any minute now, fucking slackers." She tapped her foot impatiently. Suddenly a large van pulled up and eight gorgeous men hopped out wearing white overalls that had random paint splatters covering them. They grabbed brushes and tarps and lined up in front of Alice. "Hello gentlemen, glad to see that you are close to being on time, we have a lot of work to do! Now hop to it!"
The guys rushed off with terrified expressions on their faces. We both chuckled and followed behind them. We all had to cram in the elevator, I was awkwardly pressed up against a tall, muscular guy with black hair and dark brown eyes. God he was gorgeous. A strong jaw with a five o'clock shadow, straight nose, messy hair, and puffy pink lips.
He must have caught me staring, "See something you like?" I felt my face drain and resurface with a fiery red color. "Don't be embarrassed, I think you're hott too."
Longest. Elevator. Ride. Ever.
Finally it came to a stop and everyone started filing out of the small space. The hott guy and myself were the last two out, "I'm London by the way London Evans."
"Bella Swan." I shyly hid my face as he stood there staring at me, did I have something on my face?
Alice Turned around in the hallway, "London, Bella stop flirting and get your asses down here." I blushed again and practically ran to the door.
I pulled the gold key out of my pocket and listened to the lock as it clicked open. The door fell open and I stood in the entryway, memories flooding back to me like a hurricane.
Flashback:
"Bella boo, what on earth are you doing in New York?" Grandpa pulled me into a tight hug, I inhaled, he smelled of tobacco and whiskey.
I pushed the sobs back into my throat, I will not break down, I vowed to myself. "I just can't do it anymore, I can't stand it there. They hate me! I have to stay with you, please!"
"Bells, you know you can't, Charlie would never let me. When he finds out where you are he'll have me arrested for kidnapping." I could see the internal battle going on inside his mind.
"Can't you talk to him? Do you even understand what I go through?" He shook his head, anger quivering throughout his body, he knew. I called him as much as I could, I told him everything that went on in my house, what I went through.
"Just one night Bella, then you have to go back, I'll try talking to Charlie, I promise."
I left in the morning, he died two days later.
End flashback.
Alice snapped her fingers in front of my face, "Earth to Bella…"
"Sorry Al, I zoned out. What were you saying?"
"I was suggesting that I walk you through the place and inform you on my choices for each room, just so you can veto or approve."
"Sounds good to me."
So Alice took me through the house and explained the plans for each section. We had gone through the kitchen and four of the bed and bathrooms. "For your fifth room I decided that I would leave it up to you, I thought that you might want to use it for a music room or something. It has a bathroom in it to, so you're also free to do what you want with that as well."
"Thanks so much Alice, I wouldn't have ever thought of that." I glanced around the room, it was painted sea foam green, it was my grandmother's old craft room. The possibilities for the design of the room flowed through my mind.
"Okay for the last room I have decided to leave as is." We walked a bit farther down the white hallway and ended up in front of Gramps' two-story library. I knew exactly what it looked like, it was my favorite room in the house.
I eagerly swung open the door and stepped out onto the top floor of the library, I looked around, taking in the smell of the old books and leather from the couches.
The walls had built in bookcases filled with the classics. The top floor was just a balcony that covered all four sides of the room, the walls were made of wood. On the bottom story, there was an old red leather couch and two matching chairs. And Oriental rug and a glass table in the middle with a chess set sitting on top. One of the walls was half glass, the balcony was right through the glass door, peering out over the city. The window wall was framed with midnight blue curtains. A few of my grandfather's degrees adorned the walls.
I was home.
-.-.-.-.-.-
The rest of the day I spent by hanging out with Rose and Alice as my new home was being renovated by the hottie crew, seriously all of the painters could be male models.
They finally had finished around 4 o'clock, everything, even the furniture and appliances, was in place. I don't know how they did it in such a short time span, but it looked amazing and perfect.
When Rose found out about the money that I had transferred into her account she was furious, saying that I didn't owe her anything and that I take it back right now. But I informed her on all of the shoes that she could get with the money she jumped on me and thanked me. Alice was the same way. I didn't tell either of them how much money I had gotten out of the exchange, I didn't really care.
So now I was being dragged back to my apartment with my two best friends to get ready for tonight.
Alice told me that she had the perfect dress for our plan tonight, the plan to make Edward pay for lying about me on national television, making me look like a desperate whore.
The plan? We were going to make Edward practically get on his knees and beg for me.
We headed straight for my new room. It was painted midnight blue, with white trimming. My bed was black with black sheets. A black dresser stood against the wall with a plasma screen TV hanging above it. Alice and Rosalie threw me down on my bed and attacked my closet, trying to find the dress.
Once they found it they threw it at me, it was a piece of red fabric. Fuck. Alice stared at me impatiently, "Well, put it on already! Oh and don't forget these!"
She threw a black lacy thong and a matching strapless bra at me. I signaled for them to turn around, Rose sigh dramatically at me, "We are all girls here Bella, its not like we don't know what a vagina looks like."
I put on the outfit and cleared my throat, "Ready."
They both turned around eagerly and they looked over me. They reached my legs and Alice screamed, "Bella! What the hell is on your knee!?"
My eyes immediately went to the large purple and black bruise that hovered there, "Oh, I fell down the other day, no big deal, it's just a bruise."
Rose screeched, "No big deal!? It's the size of China! Alice she needs a new outfit. It looks horrible."
They both flung themselves back into my closet as they frantically searched for a new outfit. I heard whispered arguments and agreements before they finally emerged. Alice eyed my speculatively, "I have a feeling that you aren't going to go for this but trust me Edward will be drooling and humping your leg the moment he sees you. Please just trust us and put it on."
I gulped, this can't be good, "Okay, I promise."
They pulled the clothing items out from behind their backs, I groaned and prayed to God to make them change their minds, Rose saw my reluctant attitude, "Bella, you promised."
"Fine give it to me before I change my damn mind!"
I grabbed the black skinny jeans and pulled them on, they fit like a glove and made my ass look nice. I put on the death trap heels next, they were black with three straps around the ankle with two straps going across my foot. I looked down at them, they were actually cute and you could see bits and pieces of my tattoo through the straps. I pulled off the dress completely and Alice handed me the corset and gasped, "Bella how many tattoos do you fucking have?"
I counted in my head, "Uhm… nine… I think." I recounted, "Yep nine. Can you tie this damn thing?"
Alice and rose quickly rushed over and tied up the corset. It was a dark red with a sheer black lace overlay, in the middle in was a bright red with crisscrossed ties. It was tight and I could barely breathe, I felt like my boobs were pushed up to my chin. Rosalie whistled, "Damn Bella! Alice, nice choice it's very Rihanna-esque. But I think it's missing something."
I went to my old jewelry box and pulled out a black lightening bolt necklace and put it around my neck, it fell delicately into my cleavage.
Alice squealed, "Perfect! Make-up and hair time!" I was pulled into the bathroom and sat on a stool in front of my large mirror. They circle around me like vultures, tapping their fingers to their chin, "Rose take over her hair and I'll do the make-up."
It took them about thirty minutes before they told me I was ready. I stood up and looked into the mirror.
Edward Cullen, eat your heart out.
-.-.-.-.-.
Okay, so now you know the plan, muhaha! This was a long chapter for me haha.
Anyways, I feel like this story isn't very well liked because I haven't gotten as many reviews, so if I'm doing something wrong don't be afraid to tell me, but put it in a nice manner hah.
So, here's the deal, if you review I am allowing you to ask me any question about well anything including the story, myself, my inspirations, music etc. you get the picture?
So one question and I will answer completely honest. So ask away!
Please review and tell me if you even like the story a little. (: If you give me more than 10 reviews i will update Sunday night or Monday morning, and I absolutely hate saying that I feel like a total bitch. I'm sorry ):
-Dev