Long Time, No See

Chapter 10

"Bella, you're going to work yourself to death, you've been working nonstop for two months!" James came to me as he was leaving the office late Friday night.

"I'm fine, really. This keeps my mind off of other things and I have nothing at home, so I might as well get some extra work done." I sighed.

"Bella, just because you're a partner now doesn't mean all this extra work! We don't expect this from you. Go out, have a life." James smiled.

"Yeah, a life." I shook my head.

"Please, go home. It's the weekend, at least enjoy it." He patted my shoulder and walked out.

I finished up my files a few hours later and then went home. I checked my messages after forgetting to do it all day as I sat in the tub soaking.

"Bells, hey! We're having a BBQ tomorrow." Emmett yelled as I walked into the kitchen to eat.

"UGH! Why? Why on earth do feel the need to spring this shit on me last minute!" I snapped.

"Bella, calm down. Geez! It's just a damn BBQ! No big deal. Rose and I want to have everyone together." He smiled.

"Why are you even here?" I sighed.

"Because you don't answer your phone, Jasper is never around and when he is, you're not and I'm worried about my baby sister!" he stated.

"I'm just loaded down with a lot of work, I took on a couple of cases like Rose and I'm doing them Pro-Bono as well and I've got 3 high profile cases to look through, deciding which is the most pressing to proceed with first." I shrugged.

"And to keep your mind off of 2 certain guys? Garrett is moping around like his fucking dog died and Edward is just as bad! They're BOTH wanting on my good side, driving me up the fucking wall about YOU!" my brother snapped.

"Hey, they're the ones who had the nerve to both rehearse the same speech about me carrying their babies and being a housewife. UGH! I was so pissed! I told both of them I didn't want anything serious… They just wouldn't listen!" I ended on a high note.

"I know. They both came to me with their tales between their legs, especially Garrett, said you walked right out on him." Emmett laughed, causing me to laugh and relax a little.

I dressed in my 'non' work clothes, simple jean shorts, and a band t-shirt and my black Converse. I pulled my hair up in a ponytail and grabbed my favorite lip-gloss that was it! I didn't go all out on my days off. It was casual or nothing!

And I'm sure my asshat brother and cousin were inviting Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb.

I stopped by the store to get some wine and headed over.

Rose drew me into a hug as soon as the door opened "Bella! Finally! I have been so worried about you. Emmett has been driving me crazy about you and Garrett's been over here at least 3 times a week! Edward even showed up on night, asked Emmett if he could follow him home and talk! I thought Emmett was going to choke him, but he kept his cool and said he doesn't envy you having to choose between those two." She laughed and hugged me again, pulling me into the kitchen to get a drink.

"Who thinks I have to choose between either of them? All they want to do is impregnate me and have me barefoot and in the kitchen!" I huffed.

"Bella, most women would LOVE to have that problem and a GOOD man to take care of them, trust me, I know!" she smiled lightly.

"I know Rose. I'm not going to stop my career. If I could find a guy who's as dedicated to his career and wants some time for just us, before throwing kids into the fray, that'd be great! But they ALL want kids. I'm just not ready for that. I want to travel and enjoy life before I settle down, because when I finally do have children, I want to give them my all, not work 70-80 hours a week and miss their lives." I shrugged.

"That's an awesome plan Bella, have you told either of them that?" she inquired.

"I told Garrett, I haven't really talked to Edward. He just sorta shows up and starts pleading for babies and marriage." I said through gritted teeth.

"Oh! Well, you might want to have a one on one with him. I think he was given the wrong information. It seems somebody was talking at the hospital and saying just how much you wanted to settle down and be taken care of now!" she laughed.

"What? Seriously? That damn sneaky…" I stomped my foot like a 5 year old.

I wandered around the BBQ talking to my brother and cousin, both acting weird, which means I was right, they'd invited them both.

I was playing catch with Collin and a having fun, when Edward walked up.

"Room for a 3rd?" he asked Collin and Collin gave a big smile.

We all three played catch and Edward kept watching me.

"You're a natural, you know?" he smiled.

"A what?" I questioned.

"A natural, with kids!" he laughed.

"Edward, please." I sighed.

"I'm just saying…" he smirked.

"Collin, do you mind if I talk to Edward for a little while? I'm sure Uncle Jasper would love to play." I smiled and Collin took off running.

"Edward, let's go for a walk." I tugged on his hand.

"First off, why did you say the things you said the last time you saw me?" I questioned.

"I overheard Garrett talking with Mike Newton about you. Mike was saying how fun you'd be to tame and Garrett was agreeing you'd look good barefoot and pregnant." He shrugged and continued. "So I wanted to see you and tell you my true feelings."

"If this isn't true… So help me Edward! I'll unleash a fury you'll wish you'd never seen." I growled.

"Bella, I'm being honest with you. All I want is you. I was a fool all those years ago, I know that now." He turned to face me.

"I want you to know, I'm not ready to settle down. I want to have fun, travel, LIVE!" I smiled.

"I want you in my life anyway I can have you. I'd prefer it was as my girlfriend/significant other, whatever. I'm really not ready to get married either, I thought I did, but I really want all the things you do too! We could do them together." Edward looked at me hopefully.

I nodded "But first, I need to get to the bottom of what Garrett said. So I'll be taking a walk with him. Keep your jealousy at bay." I pressed a finger into his chest.

"OK, I can do that." He sighed.

We walked back to the party and I took off looking for Garrett.

"Bella, I'm so glad you changed your mind." Garrett smiled as we walked.

"Gar, I didn't change my mind. I came out here with you to find out the truth. Why would you say that shit to Mike? Newton of all people! He's a pig and his wife Jessica is stupid for staying with him." I raised my voice.

"I thought it was what you truly wanted, I was trying to be proactive and maybe make you realize that." He sighed.

"I'd just told you I didn't. I just wanted to have fun. I'm sorry, I can't be with you. We're at two different places right now." I gave him a quick hug and walked back to the party. Time to give my brother and cousin piece of my mind.

AN:

Sorry this took so long…

It's taken me 2 days to write this!

I can only write for a little at a time most nights…

Hope you enjoy!

Reviews=Love