A/N

Hi loveys! Here's EPOV! I'm hoping this answers some questions…Probably not all of them though, but hang in there with me. We are getting to the good parts. Promise! ;)

Btw all grammar mistakes are my own. I like to tinker! 0_o

See my thanks at the end to all those who pre read and my beta! You know I love you all! *muah*

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Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not a single thing. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. There is no copyright infringement intended.

EPOV

It was only eight o'clock but I was mentally and physically exhausted. The last few weeks have been difficult to say the least.

Everything from Jane, to Kate, to the club had taken its toll on me, and although I was tired beyond belief, I still couldn't sleep. It had been two days since I'd seen Bella and asked for a chance to explain everything. I was hoping that she would call. Kate had ruined our first opportunity to reconcile, and I was really hoping to get a second chance.

I still couldn't believe Kate had showed up like she did. Somehow she knew that I had plans with another girl.

The next day when my parents and Alice showed up they questioned Eric, the doorman, and he confirmed that when Kate showed up that night she was screaming at him to let her in because she knew I was going on a date. So because I hadn't informed the staff of my building not to allow her in, he hastily opened the door for her.

When we heard what she told him we knew for sure something had to be done.

"Son, I think it's best that you not set a date with Bella until this situation is resolved," my dad suggested. I nodded my head in agreement. I wasn't sure what Kate was capable of. Showing up at the restaurant? Contacting Bella before I had a chance to explain anything? No, I definitely didn't want to risk that.

"You probably shouldn't contact Bella either until everything has blown over. Maybe by text but just let it be for now," my mother stated with Alice nodding beside her.

"Why?" I asked. Is it really necessary to not talk to her?

"Because, Edward, we know you. We know you'll get to talking to her; she'll ask you what happened or ask to reschedule and you'll cave. It's best to let Mom and Dad deal with Kate, and as soon as they do, you can move forward without any more interruptions and explain everything to Bella in person."

I guess she had a point. I would probably call Bella and immediately tell her that my crazy ex had barged in here begging me to take her back or something along those lines, a conversation that needed to be done in person, and since I was banned from seeing her until Kate was handled, texting it was.

My parents had Kate over to the house a few days after her outburst. What the conversation entailed I had no clue, but again I assumed she'd been paid off. That's all she wanted out of me anyway, my money.

As I was flipping through channels on the TV attempting to free my mind, my phone rang. Looking at the caller ID I saw Bella's name come up and my heart began to race.

"Bella," I answered knowing I must have sounded as tired as I felt.

"Hey, did I wake you?" she asked.

"No, no. It's just been a long few days. I was hoping you would call me." I'm not sure if that was the right thing to say, but I really had been hoping she would.

"Yeah," she mumbled not saying anything more.

"So, are you able to talk?" I asked hoping she'd called to tell me we could meet up.

"Okay," she responded quietly. She didn't sound too enthusiastic, but I knew what the reason was.

"You decide when and where, but it'll my treat," I urged.

"Do you know the Grand Lux Café on Michigan Ave?" she asked. I knew that place. It was small but public, the perfect setting to meet.

"Yes," I answered.

"Tomorrow at one o'clock. I'll meet you there," she paused. Was she waiting for me to disagree?

"Okay, see you then," I replied pausing before murmuring, "Good bye, Isabella," then disconnected the call.

There were so many other things I wanted to say to her but I knew that I shouldn't. It would have to wait until we could finally sit and talk.

After finally getting some rest, I found myself the next day on my way to the café early. I wanted to make sure I was there before Bella. I slid into the velvet green booth and waited.

Right at one she walked in looking absolutely beautiful. She was wearing a simple green tank top, tight jeans, and heels. As she got closer I noticed she had on our black pearl flower ring that was encrusted with diamonds; it was from my family's exclusive line, Reanit.

"Hi," she said as I stood up to greet her. She slid into the booth and grabbed a menu.

"Hi," I replied. "I'm glad that you could make it." She nodded. We sat in silence for a few moments, both scanning the menu. I was desperately trying to think of something to say but was failing. The waitress came over then to take our order.

"What can I get you?" she asked looking at me first. I looked at Bella and saw her eyes grow wider. She looked surprised then almost pissed.

"Ladies first," I replied still staring at Bella. She began to bite her lip.

"Umm," she said shaking her head lightly. "I'll have the lunch soup and salad and a water."

"And I'll have the BBQ chicken pizza and a water." The waitress nodded staring at me briefly then took our menus and walked away. Bella sighed.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I guess," she shrugged.

"Please talk to me," I urged. I really wanted to know what she was thinking. It was moments like this I wished I could read her mind. She sighed again.

"Does that happen everywhere you go?" she inquired nodding her head in the direction of the waitress.

"Does what happen?" I asked. I was completely confused.

"Girls hitting on you."

"What girls?"

"The waitress," she answered. "Don't tell me you didn't even notice."

"Notice what?"

"Oh my God, you are completely oblivious," she chuckled. I raised my eyebrows hoping that she would explain. "Well, I guess it's better than you knowing and using it for your benefit."

"I don't follow." I sighed running my hands through my hair.

"That waitress was totally hitting on you and right in front of me."

"What? No she wasn't." Was she?

"Yes, she was. She didn't even acknowledge me when she approached us then she stared at you before she left."

I thought back to a few moments before. I did think it was odd that the waitress asked for my order first but I figured it was because I had gotten there first.

"Nah, I don't think so," I said shaking my head.

"You don't even realize when you dazzle people do you?"

"Dazzle?" Well, that was a new word.

"Yes, dazzle. You have girls fawning all over you with just one look."

I thought about what she had just said. Was it true? I believed I was just lucky but looking back I realized maybe it was true, maybe I did 'dazzle' girls. I frowned. The waitress returned with our waters and lingered on my side a beat longer than necessary and right before she turned to leave she winked at me. Was she being serious?

"I'm sorry," I sighed. "…for everything." Bella looked at me studying my face and nodding. "I'm not sure where to begin. There's so much I want to tell you."

"Why don't you start at the beginning?" she suggested. So I did. I told her everything. I told her how I felt dancing in the living room that day back when I was fifteen. How from then on I wanted to get to know her, but I didn't want her to feel obligated because of the marriage contract.

As I explained she sat there and patiently listened. When I was done I looked at her and noticed she was gnawing on her lip again.

"So let me get this straight. You've liked me since you were fifteen but avoided me because you thought I deserved better?" she inquired. I nodded. She was quiet again obviously processing the information I had provided her. "What happened at the graduation party? We kissed and then you turned me down. I thought you didn't like me," she murmured.

I sighed. "Bella, you were drunk. I wasn't about to do anything with you. I'm still upset that that's how our first kiss happened."

"What about Tanya?"

"Who?"

"Tanya the girl from your graduation party," she clarified.

"Oh, umm, what about her?"

"Did you sleep with her? I saw you two in the hallway kissing," she admitted. I was hoping she hadn't seen us.

"I had slept with her before that, but I didn't sleep with her the night of the graduation party."

"Why not? Isn't that what you had planned on doing?" she asked.

"It was my original plan when I got to the party, but then you and I kissed, and I didn't want to anymore."

"Because of me?"

"Yes, because of you," I answered.

"Who's Kate?"

My eyes widened at the mention of her name. I'm guessing Alice must have told her."She's my ex-girlfriend."

"But she's still coming around?"

"No, not anymore, she was but that's been… taken care of," I stated hesitantly. I knew I needed to be honest but the whole situation was odd and I probably looked like an immature ass.

"How recent has she become an 'ex-girlfriend?'"

"The day before we signed our agreement," I mumbled.

"The day before?" she restated.

"Yes," I agreed.

"How long were you guys together?"

"About a year…"

"A year? Wow," she replied. "How'd you break it off?"

"I told her that it wasn't working out. She knew that we weren't that serious."

"But you dated for a year," she reiterated.

"Yes, but most of that time I was breaking it off just to have her turn around and beg me to come back."

"Why'd you take her back?"

"I don't know," I said in all honesty. "I guess because for the most part the relationship was mindless. She was just there."

"Did you love her?"

"No, I cared about her as a person, but I never loved her."

"What about Jane?" I knew this was coming.

"Not an ex-girlfriend. Just an ex-'friend'," I assured her.

"When did you guys see each other?"

"On one of the breaks between Kate and myself," I explained.

"Recently?"

"Umm maybe about three months ago…"

"Does she come around anymore?"

"No, she doesn't."

"She looked quite content with you at the lawyer's office," she pointed out. I closed my eyes and exhaled.

"She wants to come around but I don't want her to. She saw me at the lawyer's office and took it upon herself to say hi," I explained.

"That's how she says hi?"

"I guess so. I told her that day to mind her business and leave me alone. I'm pretty sure she got the hint," I said.

"Are you going to have any other 'ex-girlfriends' or 'ex-friends' coming over to say 'hi' anymore?"

"I don't know. I have a few exes and to be honest, those two were the most recent. I haven't seen the others in awhile, but I guess it could happen. They do live here." Bella looked down at her hands. "Listen, Bella, I have a past," I responded clearing my throat and looking at her. She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. "But that's what it is, the past. It isn't part of my present or my future." She nodded.

"So where does that leave us?" she questioned.

"I'm hoping that we can start again. Do this properly. Would it be okay if I took you out?"

"Like on a date?"

"Yes, a date," I answered.

"Isn't this a date?" she laughed.

"No, an actual date. Where we dress up and go out."

"Okay," she mumbled but then smiled. "That would be nice."

"So then I'll pick you up at eight?"

"Tonight?" she squeaked.

"Yes, tonight." I reached over and grabbed her hand. "Bella, I don't want to wait any longer."

There are various processes and sheer effort that goes into bringing a diamond to its finished stage. However, the actual processes are mostly unknown. I was determined to do this right this time no matter how long it took…

A/N

Okay… slightly short but we are on track! Where do you think he should take her for dinner?

The next few chapters we'll be seeing all the characters more and perhaps these two grow? Maybe?:D I have grand plans and I hope I can pull it off for y'all…*bites nails*

Please R/R! I'm sorry I didn't get to review reply last chapter but I will this one! Promise! :D

Thank you to my beta coachlady12! Please go check out her stories on her ff site they are amazing! She has a new one up and it's awesome! 2113307/coachlady1

And thank you to tff000 for checking over my tinkering!

Thank you to my pre-readers: 84Gemma, tff000, Themys_, and MrsKarlsson_81

They are awesome. Plain and simple!

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