A/N: Here's another chapter taking place during the week E&B spend apart. I felt like I needed some character development at this point in the story. If you're waiting for the next lemon I promise it's in chapter 11, which will post Thursday. Enjoy!

Chapter Ten:

EPOV

It's a tight squeeze but we all manage to fit inside my new Volvo for our trip into Seattle. The car was a gift to myself a few months ago when the station's ratings jumped three points and I got a bonus in my paycheck. It's silver and shiny with that new car smell still lingering in the interiors so I asked to drive today. Jasper and Alice are cuddled in the backseat while Rosalie sits up front with me.

"How's the leg room back there, Jazz?" I ask with concern. Two hours is a long time to be cramped in the backseat. I didn't sit back there when I was purchasing the car; too busy with the gadgets on the dash to notice if full grown adults could comfortably fit in the back.

"Okay so far, thanks man," he replies in a somewhat strained voice.

I look in the rearview mirror to see the stranglehold Alice has around his neck which explains his labored response. She's pecking him to death like a baby bird eager for its first worm. Jasper just laughs at her advances and tickles her into submission. No pun intended.

It's Wednesday afternoon and my cousins and I have dinner plans with my parents just as I'd explained to Bella. I haven't seen her since Sunday morning and my impatient cock keeps reminding me that playing just once a week doesn't seem to be enough to satisfy me anymore. Technically, I had sex with her Friday and Saturday but try explaining that to my dick. I'm already throbbing for her again. Earlier Alice mentioned that she spent part of Monday with Bella but I haven't had an opportunity to get many details and would rather not discuss it in front of the others. I realize my fascination with Isabella is different and more intense than previous subs and I'd prefer that not become public knowledge. The less people who know the better. I'd hate to be the newest topic of gossip around the club. It seems that position is currently being held by Rose and Emmett and it's causing her no small amounts of anxiety.

"I'm not mad about cancelling my Thursday nights, Al. What pisses me off is the way everyone is talking about me and Emmett behind our backs," Rose vents. "I feel like people have lost all respect for me as manager. Bianca actually asked me if Emmett was getting a raise because he's fucking me!"

Alice giggles a little in response prompting Rose to turn around in her seat to look directly at her. "It isn't funny! She offered to scene with me next Thursday if Emmett can't get his shit together by then."

Now I start laughing too which only infuriates Rose further. She turns forward again and crosses her arms over her chest tightly. I know Rosalie is embarrassed by her new relationship with a club employee but she really needn't feel ashamed. The few times I've hung out with Emmett I could tell what a kind and extroverted person he is. He may not be an expert Dom but Rose could do a lot worse, and as a matter of fact she has in the past.

"So who's filling in for you on Thursdays?" I ask hoping to distract her long enough to erase the pout on her face before we get to mom and dad's.

Rosalie laughs suddenly and perks up. This obvious reminds her of something she wants to talk about.

"Victoria and Laurent are going to scene tomorrow. She's going to be the Dom!" Rose announces.

I groan internally. Of course, anything that makes Rose happy will inevitably make me unhappy. It's like a delicate balance in nature.

"Vicky says if the members like them then they'll take over my Thursday schedule until I'm ready to scene with Emmett. I'm not sure how Jenks will react to that; it all depends on the reception they get tomorrow."

"Edward, didn't Victoria want you to be her sub?" Jasper asks with humor in his voice.

I roll my eyes. Even Jasper knows about this now? I am so glad Bella came into my life when she did, or I would be a laughing stock for sure.

"She did. I told her she was being ridiculous and to find someone else," I respond.

Alice is the only one who knows the whole truth of the story and I swear to the gods above that if she tells Jasper or Rose how hurt I'd been after our fling I'll crush her into pixie dust. I glance at her in the rearview mirror and am met with a sympathetic and caring smile. Luckily, it seems my little friend did manage to keep that information to herself and conversation drifts to other topics as I pick up speed to get us into Seattle as quickly as possible.

My mother is waiting in the parking garage when the car pulls into the visitor space of their luxury high rise condo. I barely have time to shut off the engine before she is opening the driver's door and yanking me out of the seat for a hug. Esme's been very lonely since moving to Seattle. My father was offered a great position at Swedish Medical Center and since the kids were all grown up they saw no reason for him not to accept. They packed their bags eight months ago and moved to the city.

"Hi, mom," I say embracing her and resting my chin on top of her head. "You haven't been waiting down here long, have you?"

She pulls away from me slowly and replies, "No, no. Just a few minutes, honest. I figured you might have hit a little traffic on the way in."

We were only seven minutes late but I still feel like I should have called. I know how worried she gets when she doesn't know where we are. Esme moves around the car hugging the others and then ushers us into the elevator. My father's in his office when we enter the condo and mom calls for him to come greet us. Carlisle's never been one of those fathers who switched to shaking his son's hand after he reached a certain maturity level. He still hugs me and Jasper like he did when we were kids and I've always thought it said a lot about his character. Esme's got most of dinner ready and Alice follows her into the kitchen with the pie she made for dessert.

"How's the salon business treating you, sweetheart?" Carlisle asks Rose as we settle down at the dining room table.

"Business is booming. Prom season was very busy. We had a lot of the same girls come in that we saw for homecoming."

"That's fantastic. Repeat customers, that's your bread and butter," Carlisle says nodding his head in approval.

I'm surprised but thankful Rosalie doesn't tell him the real reason business is so lucrative for her these days. Ever since she began offering waxing and laser hair removal in the salon all the female members of Coming Attractions have been in to see her every few weeks. My mind wanders to Isabella and her perfect pink pussy…

Alice and Esme reenter the room and the three of us men stand from our chairs in unison until the ladies are seated. Manners mean everything in the Cullen house. We pass platters of beef tenderloin, potatoes, and salad around until everyone's plates are full. No one reaches for their forks.

Esme folds her hands together and closes her eyes. "I want to thank you, Lord, for delivering our children here safely over those treacherous highways so we can share this meal together. We know John and Katherine are looking down at us; so proud of the wonderful people their Jasper and Rosie have grown up to be. Thank you for all the blessings you've given this family. Amen."

"Amen," the rest of us respond together.

Carlisle looks up and sighs deeply taking his knife and fork in hand. "Darling, Rosie was just telling us how well her salon's been doing recently."

"That's wonderful, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you," Esme says warmly.

"Rose, how's your availability these days? Are you booked solid?" Alice asks. "My new line is going to be picked up by Nordstrom so we're having a launch party a week from Saturday. Everyone's invited of course. I thought it might be fun to all get our hair done at your salon!"

Dad and I are the only ones who despise Alice's work parties. Jasper might too, but if so he hides it much better than we do.

"I can ask one of the other girls to work that night. It should be fine," Rose replies excitedly.

"Maybe I should come out to Port Angeles the Friday before," Esme suggests. "I can see some of my old friends and make a weekend of it."

"That's a great idea! Rose you should bring Emmett, and Edward, invite Bella too!" Alice says without thinking.

Jasper is seated in between Alice and me so I kick his chair forcefully. He glances at me long enough to see the apprehension in my face and I feel the table shake slightly as he passes along the kick to his bigmouthed fiancé. She mouths a "sorry" to me but the damage is done.

"Who's Bella?" my father asks looking at me directly.

"Edward? What happened to Jessica, dear?" my mother asks, her face shrouded with concern.

Everyone is staring now, waiting for me to explain the fabricated downfall of my fake relationship with Jessica. Rose settles back in her seat with a smug grin on her face.

"Jessica and I broke up two weeks ago. We were, ah, arguing a lot. And then she told me she fell in love with someone else," I lie to my parents.

It was a version of the truth at least. Jessica and I did part ways a few weeks ago. We weren't arguing per se but we did have a difference of option on how to conduct a long term D/S relationship. And as a result, soon after she found a suitable replacement it is was over between us. My mother is looking at me with sad eyes. She liked Jessica a lot and had been under the impression we've been dating for over six months. I know she wants me to settle down and get married. My parents are holding out hope of me having a life similar to their own; one filled with a loving marriage, children, T-ball games, and family vacations. She wants to be a grandma so bad she can taste it, which is part of the reason why lying about my lifestyle is so difficult. It makes it difficult, but ultimately necessary… because the truth would crush her far worse.

"I'm so sorry, honey," Esme says reaching across the table for my hand.

"It's okay, Mom. I saw it coming and I'm alright. I just want her to be happy," I say trying to relieve her worry.

My father's hand moves to rub his chin and he studies me with a puzzled expression. "If this happened just two weeks ago then who is Bella, son?"

My eyes dart to Alice who takes it upon herself to help correct the awkward situation she caused for me.

"She's my friend," she says. "I met her at this bar on the boardwalk we go to sometimes. Edward's hung out with us there. She's a personal shopper and let me go with her on a shopping trip into Tacoma Monday!"

My parents both eye me intently waiting to hear if I'll confirm or deny Alice's explanation. I mentioned to Bella once that I'd asked Jessica to play girlfriend on a few occasions. She hadn't seemed to be against the idea but I also didn't ask her directly if it was something she'd be willing to do. I decide it best not to make my relationship with her seem too serious until I know how she feels about role playing, outside the playroom that is.

"That's right. She's Alice's friend; a very nice girl and pretty. But Alice," I say shooting daggers into her skull with my eyes, "We've only just met. I'm not sure if Bella would feel comfortable accompanying me to your launch party as my date."

"She likes you, Edward. You need to make a move so she knows you're interested. That way you can also ask her to be your date for the wedding," she responds as innocently and sweetly as possible.

Jasper kicks my chair and I assume it was a message from Alice to go along with her asinine plan. I already requested she not interfere and to do so in front of my parents is really pushing my self control. I hate to kick the messenger, but angrily do so to Jazz's chair again so hard I have to bite my tongue to keep from yelling out in pain. Alice sighs and slumps back in her chair.

"I'll think about it, Tink," I say as genuinely as possible. "I've only just lost Jessica. I'm still a little broken up about it." I sigh, laying it on a bit thick.

Rose stifles a laugh by pretending to cough up her food and I see Jasper and her exchange amused glances at one another.

"That's right, honey. Let yourself heal before moving on. Jessica was a wonderful girl and it may take some time to find someone new," Esme says soothingly.

Rose fake coughs again to hide her giggle and excuses herself to the bathroom. I ask my mother who decorated the living room and she happily goes into the story of choosing paint color and drapes with her interior designer. After dinner the girls help mom in the kitchen and the men settle into the living room to watch a movie. Carlisle needs to return to work so he hugs us all goodbye before gathering some papers from his office and leaving for the hospital.

I'm fiddling with my phone, debating whether or not to send a text message to Bella. I want to know how her week is going and really just make some kind of contact with her. It seems illogical but I can't get the desire out of my head to just check in.

Looking forward to Friday… I have big plans for you. -E

I turn my attention to the television and watch as Jasper flips channels aimlessly. A few minutes pass before I'm graced with a response.

Don't tease me, Sir. I'm already counting the hours until Friday night. -B

As am I, Isabella. Wear something sexy for our scene. -E

Sir! Now you've got me curious… and hot. -B

I smile and send a quick parting reply. The ladies are back from the kitchen with coffee and dessert. As we eat the pie Alice baked my mother asks us how we're faring in Port Angeles without her and dad. She hasn't stopped her excessive worrying about us in fourteen years. It's something I've grown used to over time. Rose offers up some information about her new relationship with Emmett but has to fudge the details on where he works and how they met. I honestly do feel guilty and selfish for asking Rosalie to hide her true self from our parents, but I am absolutely sure it has to be that way. They are better off not knowing.

The drive home starts off a little tense. After a while Alice and Jasper fall sleep in the back seat and the quiet helps my body relax. I'm still angry with Alice for butting in on my arrangement with Isabella. Though, I have to admit the more I think about showing her off at a fancy party the more I like the idea. And it would give me another excuse to see her in addition to Friday evenings. I do worry it could be moving too fast for us, having only played together a couple of times. I want to keep our arrangement black and white so no one gets hurt.

I wasn't bluffing when I told Isabella earlier that I had big plans for Friday night. I've been working out a specific scene in my head for a while and I think it's finally time to give it life. Bella is just the submissive to test it on. It plays up the intensity of being watched, which is something she's shown great interest in.

Rose tugs on my arm breaking me from my reverie. "You're not even listening to me, Edward," she accuses.

"No, Rose, sorry. What were you saying," I reply apologetically.

"I asked why did you get so weird about inviting Bella to the party?"

I shift in the seat as I ponder how to respond. Rose knows me better than anyone and as much as I hate to admit it, sometimes she is better to talk to than Alice who clearly has ulterior motives where Bella is concerned.

"We've only been together a few weeks. It's not a good idea to introduce mom to another woman. You saw how disappointed she was about Jessica, and I know she would love Bella even more. It would make it that much harder for her when it ends." I can hear the sadness in my voice and I'm sure Rose won't let it go without comment.

"Why are you so sure it has to end?" she asks with a humorless chuckle. "Why can't you see all the fun you'll have together and not think so much about what's going to happen in the future?"

"I can't give her everything she needs. At some point Bella will realize that the same as Jessica did," I reply.

"I understand that you have unusual preferences, Edward, but if you really want her to stay with you then just get over your stupid hang-ups about being a real Dom and make her your sub."

"It's not that easy, Rose. I gave up trying to be like Jenks or Marcus a long time ago. I'm happy the way things are; I've found something that works for me."

"Bullshit, Edward! You're not happy alone in that big house of yours; you've settled and you know it. I've witnessed your scenes with her. She makes you happy and I don't understand why you wouldn't want more of that," she huffs.

I sigh. "You're right that Bella and I have great chemistry on stage. But I'm starting to have feelings for her and that's why I can't get too close; can't introduce her to mom and dad."

I shake my head and look in the rearview mirror at my cousins. Alice is curled up to Jasper's side and they are sleeping peacefully in each other's arms.

"How do they do it?" I whisper looking over my shoulder at the lovebirds behind us, "a romantic relationship with someone who's both submissive and lover?"

Rose sighs and quickly glances at her brother. "It's not that common for people like us to find the right balance to have both. Remember that Alice isn't the same as you and me. If she needed this lifestyle the way we do then she wouldn't be with Jasper. I don't think he'll ever fully embrace this life and for Alice that's okay. But you and I need it in a way she doesn't."

"I might need it more than Alice but still not as much as you or Jessica. Or Bella. She's amazing in the theater but I know the time will come when she asks me for a greater commitment. Maybe I'm more like Alice than you think."

"Edward, Alice does want more but is choosing love over kink," Rose chuckles.

I roll my eyes. "All I really want is a girlfriend who'll perform in the theater with me Friday nights. Women I meet outside the club only want vanilla; women I meet in the club want a real D/S relationship. I know where I stand inside the theater and in my playroom. It's too hard once I leave that room; my emotions get in the way," I admit. "I like that Bella and I are friends now. But if I start taking her places as my date then our arrangement will get complicated."

"It never got complicated for you and Jessica," she points out.

"It was different with Jess. Bella is… she's… special. And I'm afraid of falling for her because I'm not the kind of Dom she needs," I say and Rose pats my arm supportively.

"At least you and Bella don't have issues during playtime," Rose comments, trying to give me the bright side. "I really like Emmett but I have no clue what kind of Dom he might turn out to be. He says he's into it, but he's just so green. No experience whatsoever!"

"He could use some training," I agree. "Have you two even played yet?"

"Just a little at the house. He kept asking me what to do next so it wasn't very fulfilling. I know he needs time to learn."

I nod my head in understanding. I remember my own training and how nervous I was the first time I planned out a scene on my own.

"Edward…" she says turning in her seat to face my side. "You like Emmett, right? And you want us to be happy…"

"Yes…" I reply warily. The tone of Rosalie's voice alerts me that she's about to ask a favor. She wants something from me and it isn't hard to guess what that might be.

"Would you consider helping Emmett? You're the best at the club and I know you've trained other Doms before. He just needs a little guidance, a few sessions at the most. Just show him how to tie ropes, and how much pressure to apply with the toys," she begs.

"What about Jenks?" I suggest. "He'd know your preferences better than me. He could show Emmett exactly how to handle you."

I honestly don't know what Rosalie likes in the playroom. I always avoid the club on nights she performs and we don't really ever discuss scenes we've done with other people. I usually have those talks with Alice.

"Jenks is too busy. He just took on a second sub," she tells me. "I'd rather it be you anyway. Everything you do on Friday nights, that's what I need you to teach Emmett. Please?"

"I'll have to discuss it with Isabella. As long as she doesn't mind, I suppose I can show him a thing or two. But you'll owe me, Rosalie, big time," I say slowly.

I want to make it clear that I'm doing her a huge favor. It can never hurt to have Rose owe you one. Especially if she does start seeing Emmett more seriously and brings him to the launch party or Alice and Jasper's wedding. She'll be itching even more to come clean with our parents. I'll need all the leverage I can get.

"Are you two done talking about this yet? I'm going to have nightmares about Emmett's cock if you keep talking while I'm unconscious," Jasper whines sleepily.

I chuckle under my breath, happy for the interruption. I've opened up my soul enough for one day. Regardless of how I feel or don't feel about Isabella, it doesn't change the fact that we ultimately want very different things. I need to keep my life simple. Work and the theater. That is what makes me happy. Isabella has been a welcomed surprise addition to that list and as long as she is satisfied by the level of play I provide then life will be good. Someday soon she will want to commit herself to a real Dom and that is why I need to keep my feelings in check. I know I can't offer her everything she clearly desires.