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"Hey, Bellalicious," Victoria calls when she sees me arrive for work. "Want to earn your slave wages today?"

"Gee, you know me so well already," I say dryly.

She laughs. "Yeah, this is going to suck, but I have a fuckload of paper files that we're transferring to digital. I pretty much need you to scan stuff." She gestures to a monumentally large stack of paper folders that, despite being set on the floor, reaches the height of her desk. Seeing my face, she adds, "Don't worry. You don't have to do all of this today."

She hands me about a quarter of it – which is still a huge amount – and gives me some instructions about how to scan and where to send the documents. With that, I make my way to the photocopier closet and begin my task.

It's incredibly boring to scan every single page into a massive digital file, repetitively opening a folder, removing a paper, placing a paper, closing the photocopier lid, hitting scan, opening the lid, placing the paper in recycle, and repeating.

An hour into my four hour shift here, Victoria comes to check on me.

"Do you hate me yet?" she asks, propping open the door and leaning with her hip. Her pose strikes me as flirtatious somehow.

"Only a little," I tease. "Don't worry, I figured I would be doing this kind of stuff most of the time."

"Well, if you want to take a break, we're all meeting to talk about a new editing project if you feel like joining us."

I unceremoniously close the photocopier and drop the file I'm working on back on the pile. "Thank god."

She laughs and beckons me to follow her. I take a seat beside her at a massive mahogany table, Jasper to my left and the rest of the team shuffling into seats. Everybody has laptops out and pads of paper, so I feel a little empty-handed, but Victoria gives me my own lined paper and a pen with a wink, reassuringly squeezing my arm and lingering a second too long.

"How's your day going?" Jasper asks before the meeting starts.

"I am an expert in the art of digital scanning now," I say, deadpan.

Victoria snorts and winks again. She sure winks a lot.

I try winking back at her and squeezing her arm like she squeezed mine, her smile widening even though I feel silly.

"Ok, everybody, let's get going on this. I know we've talked about this before, but we're planning on opening up publication acceptance to history books now." Jasper talks everyone through the kind of changes that would make for the division of labor and project management, but a lot of it goes over my head. There is lots of talk about co-op spaces, galleys, and indemnity. It all sounds very official and I begin to grasp the fuller realm of intricacies involved in publishing. I mean, I knew it wasn't just correcting comma splices 24/7, but I'm impressed by how much thought goes into a new project.

When the meeting is over and everyone scatters back to their desks, Jasper asks, "You don't want to quit yet, right?"

"That was fascinating."

"It's more fun when we actually have a manuscript to pick over, but I think that gives you a good gauge of what all goes on here."

A blonde man – James, if I remember correctly – sidles over to us. "Hey, new girl, I was wondering –."

"Her name is Bella," Jasper corrects more sternly than I think is necessary.

"Bella," James says, "would you mind doing a dinner run?"

"Sure," I agree easily because anything is better than standing at that photocopier. "What do you want?"

"There's a sandwich shop right across the street. Can you grab me a Coke and a roasted chicken sandwich? And grab yourself something, too, if you feel like it."

"Oh, that's ok. I packed some food," I assure him as he hands me a twenty. "I'll be back in a bit."

Jasper gives me a look that makes me think he doesn't approve for some reason, but hey, I'm the intern. This is what I do.

I'm surprised how dark it already is when I go outside, though it's only six o'clock. I make my way across the street to the sandwich shop, immediately overwhelmed by the smell of fresh bread; I make a mental note to buy a sandwich here on Wednesday.

Queuing up at the end of the long line – I guess this place is super popular – I find myself behind someone that reminds me of Jasper. I only see him in profile, but his light blonde hair and blue eyes are a perfect match. He can't be that much older than Jasper, though. He looks to be in his late twenties or early thirties at most, though the suit makes him look more distinguished.

I am not sneaky enough in my perusal because he notices me looking and smiles, facing me more directly. Wow. This is a beautiful man. Piercing blue, kind eyes and a strong jaw.

"Um, any recommendations?" I ask out of sheer nerves, fully aware I sound like an idiot. "I've never been here before."

He smirks, but looks up at the menu. "I'm a fan of the roast beef sandwich myself."

"I'll have to give that a try."

He takes pity on me, carrying on our conversation. "I can't believe you've never been to Porter's before."

"I just started working in the city," I explain. "I haven't had the chance yet."

"It's all about the bread," he says conspiratorially, leaning in and pointing out the loaves stacked behind the glass counter. "They bake it fresh every morning and every batch is mixed in store."

"Wow, no wonder it's so crowded here."

"It's a true Washington delicacy," he confirms. "But if you're new to Port Angeles, I also recommend Alfie's about two blocks from here. They have incredible soup – especially during the winter months when you need to be warmed up."

"That sounds great."

"I know plenty of restaurants – especially the romantic ones if you're looking for a place to take a partner."

Is this even real life? His suggestion and inherent query is so transparent – and yet perfectly polite and somehow genuine – that I actually laugh. "No, no boyfriend, but, man, you need to work on that line."

His gorgeous smile widens. "Sorry, couldn't help myself. I'm Carlisle."

"Isabella," I say. I don't know why I give him my full name – maybe I'm trying to sound more mature because there's no way this guy isn't at least ten years older than I am.

"Well, Isabella, they say the best way to experience a new place is through the food."

"Hmmm," I acknowledge. "Where should I start?"

"There's Madam Leonne's that does Creole food, Onesta that serves the best pancakes I've ever eaten, or," he adds, "they just opened up a new club called Volterra if you're looking for some fancy cocktails."

"I've been there, actually," I laugh. Boy, have I been there.

"Oh, really? My son works there."

I do a double take because this man does not look anywhere near old enough to have a son capable of bartending and because it suddenly occurs to me that his resemblance to Jasper is not a coincidence.

"Oh my god," I breathe.

"What's wrong?"

"Carlisle Cullen?" I ask with wide eyes.

Now it's his turn to look startled. "Have we met?"

"Um, no," I laugh, "but I definitely know your son. He's my boss." And fucking my best friend, but that's hardly polite conversation. "Actually, I suppose you're even more my boss than he is," I mumble, recalling his bigwig status. Alice is going to die when I tell her I accidentally flirted with Jasper's dad – if I don't die from embarrassment sooner.

His eyes narrow thoughtfully, like he's trying to place me. "New intern?" he guesses.

"Yeah, I just started." My heart is beating so fast that I feel my ears going red.

"I'm so sorry. The comment I made . . . I, uh . . . I didn't know, obviously." He stutters like his son.

His nervousness and familiar bearing put me at ease. He's just as sheepish as I am. "No problem. You were only giving me restaurant suggestions," I assure him, though we both know otherwise. "We'll just start again?" I offer, holding my hand aloft.

Concern subsiding, he grips it and I find his palm surprisingly warm. "I appreciate that. I'm Carlisle Cullen," he says, offering me an award-winning, toothpaste commercial kind of smile. I actually swoon a little, though I sternly remind myself this guy must be in his forties if he has a twenty-two year old son – and he's the owner and CEO of the company.

"Isabella Swan. Nice to meet you."

"Agreed. I have to apologize we haven't met until now. I usually make sure to meet every new employee and eat a meal with them, but it's been a busy few weeks."

"Well, now I know plenty of good places to eat," I joke.

"Very true," he says, shaking his head with a smile. "I suppose there's no time like the present. Would you like to sit and eat together for your dinner break?" he offers, heartbreakingly charming. I'm impressed by how easily he has switched from flirtatious, older man to easygoing boss.

It actually pains me to say no because there is something pure and inviting about him, like his own goodness is leaking out. Perhaps my gut reaction of liking him is so strong because he reminds me of Jasper's laidback vibe – it helps that he is incredibly attractive. "I'm actually just grabbing a sandwich for someone else right now, but maybe another time?"

"Of course." Carlisle smiles broadly once more, turning to the cashier as the time comes for him to order. Once he finishes paying for his roast beef sandwich, he steps aside, but is clearly waiting for me.

I order James' sandwich and drink, keeping the receipt and the change to return to him.

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Isabella," he says with genuine warmth. It's hard to believe this guy is a corporate shark. "I'll make sure you get an invite to one of the lunch events we do."

"Thank you, that sounds great. Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Cullen."

He laughs. "Just Carlisle."

For some reason, this makes me blush. "Nice to meet you, Carlisle."

Smiling, he offers me a wave as I depart with James' food. I try to walk evenly, but the adrenaline hype of trying to maintain a cool head makes it difficult to casually stroll back to the office.

On the fifth floor, I find James and deliver his food and change. "Thanks, new g – Bella."

"No problem." I start to leave because I want a few moments alone in my copy closet to collect myself, but he wants to talk.

"So you're, what? Twenty-two? Twenty-three?"

"I turn eighteen on the thirteenth."

He immediately leans back, eyes wide. "Oh, wow. You look way older. I thought you had graduated college already. I mean, we have a ton of high school interns from all over the state – like, literally fifty high schools – but they usually come during summer."

I shrug. "It just worked out with my schedule to do it this school year."

"Huh, I never would have guessed. Well, you seem to fit in well here. Tori is already in love with you."

"Man, I could do with a little less love since she's having me scan all day," I joke.

He laughs. "Hey, it's worth sucking up. I'm sure if you play your cards right, you could line yourself up a college internship or a job."'

"I would love to work somewhere like here," I admit. "There's a really friendly atmosphere." And hot bosses all around.

"Hey, if you want a really friendly atmosphere, you should come to the office party on Friday. Interns aren't usually invited, but it would be awesome if you came. We play games and drink."

Um, he did hear the part where I'm not of legal age to drink yet, right? "It's this Friday? What time?"

"It starts at five." He seems eager and earnest.

Shoot, I have my afterschool tutoring session with Edward then. I wonder if he would let me cancel or leave early. "That sounds cool. I'll try to be there."

"Awesome."

"Well, I better get back to work. I hope your sandwich is good."

"Porter's is always awesome."

"That's what I've been told," I say with a secret smile.

"Thanks again."

"You're welcome." I excuse myself back into my closet of photocopy hell and go back to the grind.

Just before I'm due to leave, Jasper comes to check on me.

"Hey, Jack, how's it going in here?"

"Am I allowed to complain to my boss?" I joke.

"I don't know, I might have to route you through HR," he says with mock thoughtfulness. "But seriously, is everything going ok?"

"Yes," I assure him. "You don't have to worry over me. I'm fine. It's a paid internship, so it's not like I can complain."

"Um, I've seen what we pay you, so yes you can."
I laugh. "You have a point. Maybe I'll bring up my wages with your father," I tease.

His eyebrows pull together, not understanding my joke or perhaps thinking I'm making fun of his nepotistic advantage.

"Guess who I ran into at Porter's."

His expression clears, easing back into his default smile. "My illustrious father, I presume."

"Carlisle Cullen himself," I confirm. "You look a lot like him."

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Did he offer to eat with you?" he asks knowingly. I want to make a joke about him seeming more interested in eating me before he learned of my employment status, but I am still too disconcerted.

"Yeah," I laugh. "Is that a thing with him?"

"He even made me eat lunch with him when I started because he's so anal about sitting down for a meal with every single employee."

"I think that's a nice gesture. It makes him seem very approachable."

Jasper rolls his eyes; he probably gets sick of hearing about how wonderful his doppelganger is. "So you're coming to the office party," he says, changing the topic.

"Oh, wow, that got around fast."

He shrugs. "We don't have much to talk about. You're hot news right now."

"Is it ok if I come? James said interns usually don't go."

"You're fine. I would just be careful because people tend to get pretty drunk at this thing. But I was thinking of inviting Alice to sort of officially introduce her as my girlfriend."

"Oh, really? She'll love that. Now I definitely want to go. I just have to double check that I can get out of an afterschool thing."

He shakes his head. "God, I keep forgetting you're in high school."

"It's probably my stunning maturity," I quip sarcastically.

"Or because I illegally served you alcoholic drinks," he points out, narrowing his eyes.

I smile sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry about that. Your girlfriend was the one to supply the fake IDs, though." Good to know I'm not above throwing her under the bus.

"She told me. Still, though," he says, rolling his eyes. Luckily, he seems more amused than anything. "Have I mentioned you're trouble?"

"Once or twice."

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