Bella's Point Of View

Sitting at home in my pyjamas, eating pasta and downing a bottle of beer was not my ideal way of spending a Sunday night. But as Rosalie and Alice were out tonight, I had nothing else to do.

I could invite Edward over for another movie. But I was supposed to be annoyed with him for lying to me and not telling me about his ex-girlfriend coming back to New York. And I had to find out all about Heidi through Emmett. He couldn't tell me about her himself. Stupid, I know, but after what had transpired between us, I would have thought that going together to the Gala event would have been a given. Instead, he's taking Heidi.

But what if I could get in? I was very close to Carlisle, and could therefore obtain an invite quite easily. And, according to Rose, looking absolutely gorgeous when "accidentally" bumping into your ex is the best revenge. Although Edward is not technically my ex, this works on most men. Because, according to Alice, most men are dogs.

After finishing off what was left of my pasta, I ran upstairs to retrieve the dress that was brand new and still in its garment bag.. It was a blue strapless Chanel cocktail dress that Alice bought me for her wedding in Vegas and wanted me to be a bridesmaid. I knew that the relationship was doomed from the start. Any marriage that begins in Vegas ends once you arrive back into the real world. Alice barely made it to the altar.

I dug through the rest of my closet to find my favourite pair of Diane Von Furstenberg heels that were only worn once. My perfect revenge on Edward-for not wanting me and taking Heidi to the gala-outfit. Yay! I was all set.

I was neatly putting my clothes aside, my phone started ringing. Picking it up, I saw the last person I ever expected to see calling me.

"Hey Jake. What's up? I haven't talked to you in ages."

"And whose fault is that. Good to hear your voice to Bells. Not much. Just flew into New York on business. And wondering if you would like to go to dinner tonight?"

"How could I possibly say no?" I said while trying to decide what earrings to wear with the revenge-on-Edward outfit.

"Good. Be ready in half an hour. I'll have a car pick you up."

"See you soon."

After hanging up, I realized that I forgot to ask where we were going. And I had no idea what to wear. So I called him back and asked where we were going. He started laughing at me, but told me that a simple dress would suffice.

I rummaged through my closet in search of a "simple dress" (damn my closet was a mess) and came across my little blue halter neck dress. I paired it with my multi-coloured Christian Louboutin stilettos, a blazer and my little nude coloured clutch.

There. It was perfect attire for an evening out with my best friend. And it would help me get over the whole Edward and Heidi situation. I quickly put on some mascara and blush and threw my hair up into a messy knot/bun looking thing. I wasn't trying to impress Jake or anything. God no. He was happily dating Leah. A girl he has known his whole life. I was happy for them. I was dressing up to try to attract a man. If Edward can move from person to person without feeling any sense of remorse, then so could I.

As promised, half an hour later, there was a knock at the door. When I opened the door, I expected to see Jake standing in the doorway, but was greeted with a flower delivery man, holding a large arrangement of flowers (obviously) and a box of Godiva chocolates. Judging by the cost of the two items combined, I could guess who they were from.

"Isabella Swan?"

"Yes." I looked more closely at the bouquet. It consisted of three dozen red roses. Wow. That would be expensive.

"Sign here." The delivery guy looked bored. I guess I would be too if I had to spend my entire working career delivering flowers to people. It would probably remind you that you were going to die alone.

Just as I was closing the door, a foot came out and stopped it.

"Hey there stranger."

"Jake! Hi," I squealed and gave him a hug.

"Great to see you too. I was going to bring you flowers but a, I didn't have the time, and b, looks like someone already beat me to it. Who's the guy?" He asked pointing towards the delivery man.

"Would you believe me if I told you it was my boss?"

He whistled. "You mean Edward? Took long enough. When did this happen? And these look expensive."

"It didn't. It's his way of apologizing for…..something he did. And they probably are expensive. " I was trying to avoid having to tell Jake about why Edward sent me flowers.

"I'd ask you to elaborate, but we're going to be late for dinner." Thank god!

"Sure. Let me just grab my coat…and put these down." I said, motioning to the flowers and chocolate.

I walked into the kitchen and put the flowers in the middle of the kitchen isle, and the chocolates in the fridge, next to the emergency champagne. Yes. I kept a bottle of champagne in the fridge for emergencies.

I then went to the coat closet, and pulled out my coat. Oh, and a scarf. New York weather was always unpredictable.

Jake was leaning against the doorframe, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

"Ha-ha, very funny. I didn't take that long. Now can we leave?"

The next half hour was spent catching up on old times. He told me all about his new promotion at work, how life in Chicago was, how New York was treating him, and how his relationship with Leah was.

"Good, good. Guess what?" He sounded really excited.

"Oooooh this sounds good. What am I trying to guess?" I asked playing along.

"Leah and I are getting married."

"Oh my god! Congratulations! When did this happen? How did you propose? When is the big day?" I asked. I got up and hugged him.

"Well in answer to your questions, this happened three weeks ago, I proposed at our favourite restaurant, which I rented out for the whole nigh, and as for the date, we're not quite sure yet."

"Am I invited?" I asked hopefully.

"Of course Bells. And I have even more great news."

"What is it now?" I was jealous. He had found someone that he really loved and was going to get married.

"Leah and I were talking, and we both decided to make you the maid of honour."

"Seriously? Oh, Jake, you guys are too kind."

"Well we couldn't think of anyone more deserving. And Bells. Please don't let her turn into a Bridezilla."

I had to laugh at that. Trust Jake to put me in charge of keeping his fiancé happy. And if she gets mad, I get the blame. Nice.

We finally pulled into Rouge Tomate. I was excited. I've never been here before.

Jake, being the gentleman that I have come to know and love, came around and opened the door for me.

"Thank you. Good to know you haven't changed."

"Well I aim to please."

Together we walked into the restaurant. Jake gave his name to the hostess, and we were seated in one of the more private areas.

"I feel like a drink. Mind if I go to the bar?"

"You do know that they pay people to come and get drinks for you right?"

"I know that, but I've never been here before and I would like to walk around for a bit."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Ok. Just be back soon. They take our order pretty quickly here."

"Give me five minutes." I say over my shoulder, throwing in a wink in his direction for a "dramatic effect.

As I was walking towards the bar, feeling pretty good about myself, I spotted a mop of curly bronze hair sitting at the bar, accompanied by a bimbo looking blonde. I was trying to be stealth as I turned to walk back to my table, but I ended up bumping into a waiter. That only drew more unwanted attention to me, and of course, Edward and bimbo blonde turned to look at me.

"Bella?"

Edward's Point Of View

After my little confrontation with Bella at Bergdorf's, I decided to go to the gym to let out some pent up frustration. Halfway through my workout, I received a call from Heidi. Great! What would she possibly need now? I stepped off the treadmill, and answered the phone.

"Hello?" I answered breathlessly.

"Hi Edward. It's Heidi. How are you?"

"Fine. I was actually just at the gym. Do you mind calling back?"

"The gym eh? Bet you look good working out. You always did." She said, trying to sound seductive.

"Um thanks Heidi. I'll call you back. Bye."

I know that it's considered rude to hang up on her so abruptly, but she was really starting to annoy me. She called for the most insignificant things. Whether it was to ask me where the nearest Starbucks was, or where to find Christian Louboutins. Like I really know what Louboutins are.

I know that I was told to be nice and hospitable towards her, but it was hard when all I really wanted to do was try to fix things between me and Bella. But I couldn't do that if the problem was currently residing on the same island as us. And was my "date" to the charity gala. But at least Bella wouldn't be there.

After arriving home, I decided to get started on some work I had left. Not my ideal way of spending my Sunday night, but I was anti-social according to Emmett.

I was getting a bit hungry, having not eaten since before I went to work out. I picked up the phone to call the local Chinese restaurant, just as it started ringing in my hand.

"Hello?"

"Hi sweetie. It's Heidi." Again? What does she want now?

"What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was going to ask you, before you so rudely hung up on me, was if you wanted to go grab dinner with me?"

"Heidi…."

"I know, I know, you've got work to do. But if you do come out with me, it will save you from having to eat disgusting Chinese food that will do nothing for that body you've been so lovingly working on."

Damn. The woman knew me too well.

"Heidi…" I said again, hoping that she would leave me alone.

"Edward. Get dressed. I'm coming to pick you up in half an hour. We're going to Rouge Tomate. Be ready."

"Wait…" but she already hung up on me.

What on earth possessed me to go out with her in the first place? Oh right. My guy mentality. "Because she's hot.

I walked into my room trying to find something to wear. I knew from experience that Rouge Tomate was a pretty fancy place, so I would have to dress accordingly.

I was trying to fix my hair, to make it look like less of a disarray and more presentable, when a knock at the door informed me that Heidi was already here. Great.

Opening the door, I saw Heidi standing there looking "angry". As much as I disliked her right now, I must admit that she did look pretty good tonight.

"Hi there."

"Hey Heidi." I leaned in to give her a hug. It seemed like the gentlemanly thing to do.

"Ready to go?"

"Sure."

The car ride up to Rouge Tomate was filled with awkward conversation. How work was going, how life was, whether we were seeing someone. (Heidi bought that one up.)

"Well I was, but then something happened, so now, I'm not sure what's going on."

She reached over to my side and reassuringly stoked my arm.

"Oh poor you."

This was starting to get uncomfortable, so I asked her the same question.

"What about you? Have you met anyone special yet?" I was also trying to shift the attention off me and onto her.

"Not since you." Thankfully, we finally made it to the restaurant.

When we walked in, I immediately was Bella and another man sitting in one of the private dining areas. To avoid her seeing us, and because our table wasn't ready yet, I directed Heidi towards the bar.

While the bartender was preparing our drinks, I surreptitiously glanced towards Bella and Mystery Man's table. They both looked like they were having a good time.

"What are you looking at Honey?"

I quickly averted my gaze back to Heidi.

"Huh? Oh nothing."

She turned in her seat trying to figure out who or what I was looking at, when a loud crash resounded throughout the entire restaurant. When I located the source of the noise, I found Bella on the floor, helping the waiter collect what was left of the wine glasses.

"Bella?"

She looked up ay me and started to blush. As I got up to help her, Mystery Man came running up and beating me to it.

"Bella, you ok?"

She stood up wiping pieces of glass of her dress. "Yeah I'm fine. Just had one of my clumsy moments. She then turned and looked directly at me.

"Hi Edward. Nice to see you here. Who's your friend?

I realized that she was using the same voice she used when she first started working for me. So she hated me again.

"Bella, this is Heidi. Heidi, this is Bella."

Heidi stuck out her hand in a friendly gesture, but Bella chose to ignore it.

"So this is the lovely Heidi I've heard so much about."

I scratched the back of my head, not knowing what to say.

"Um, yeah. It is."

Heidi only then realized that she was being left out of the conversation, and decided to make her presence known.

"How do you two know each other?"

Bella answered Heidi's question for me.

"We work together. He's my boss."

The Mystery Man also made his presence know (though I was quite aware of his presence know as I was shooting daggers at him during Bella and Heidi's conversation) by announcing that their food had arrived. He had ordered for the both of them.

She looked up at him.

"Ok Jake. I'll be there soon."

So his name was Jake.

Bella turned back to me and Heidi.

"Nice to meet you Heidi. Good night Edward."

She turned and walked away. Only then did I realize just how good she looked in her little blue dress. But I was bought back to reality by Heidi tugging on my arm like an irritating little five year old.

"Honey, can we please go somewhere else? I'm not really hungry anymore."

I really didn't want to go anywhere. I just wanted to go home.

"Sorry Heids. I've got work to finish. But, if you like, we can go and get Chinese takeout."

She made a face as if I just suggested that we go eat worms or something.

"Um, no thanks. Can you just take me home?"

"Sure."

Heidi was obviously annoyed with me, so she stayed silent for most of the drive home (which I was thankful for). When we got to her place, she literally jumped out of the car. Good.

As I was still hungry, and probably almost drunk, I went to get Chinese food. I pretty much ended the night the way I originally wanted to spend it. Fun.