*Disclaimer - Sadly, I own nothing of Twilight with the exception of merchandise, bought and paid for. I do, however, own my love for borrowing the characters and playing with them however I choose to. I thank Stephenie Meyer for creating the TwiWorld and for allowing us to have our fun with it. She owns Twilight, the insanity it created in my mind is my own.

As always, thanks to Shug for fixing me up. :) And all of you staying with me.

Whatever Works

Flirtation is Not My Middle Name

I waited until Esme was tucked in bed and Sue and Emily had retired to their own little house for the night to return the contract to Edward. He had told me to put it under his door, but I still didn't want to be seen upstairs. Of course I agreed to his terms and had thought of nothing but all day. I know that my dopey grin had tipped all of them off that something was going on, but I'd kept it to myself. After all, Esme didn't want to know about her son's goings-on with women (which may or may not include a toe fetish), Emily was weird about me being involved with Edward in any way, and all I knew about Sue on the matter was that she was fiercely protective of his privacy. I couldn't be caught near his bedroom upstairs by any of them.

When Sue approached me a few days later, I realized my mistake – she tended to his room… I should have waited until the night before he returned.

"I didn't go in! He requested that I put this under his door," I explained when she passed me the envelope in question.

"I'm not suggesting that you did, Bella. What I am suggesting is discretion." The stern look on her face faded, and she tugged on my arm to draw me into the pantry. "Honey, I'm not blind. I see what's developing here. I see how you look at Edward, and I see the looks he gives you. Even more, I see how he's more relaxed than he's been in a long time. He smiles again – he laughs at will. I'm not opposed to that in the least."

I gulped and let out a breath. She didn't hold Emily's views on caring about him… good. Wait… did she say he gives me looks? As in, the kind of looks I give him when he's not looking?

"Attractions can build very quickly when you work so closely with someone, and when you live in the same house, it can escalate even more. Attraction leads to… well, you know. I'm sure I don't have to spell it out." Her eyes twinkled with her amused smile. "I understand the desires, honey. I wish you the best… but tread carefully. This had been opened – I'm sure you can suspect by whom. I don't trust the girl, and Edward doesn't need any more stress factors at this point in his life."

So Jessica had seen the Toe Contract. Wonder what she thought of that! "Thank you for the warning. She cleans Esme's section of the house – no doubt she'll find this in my room now."

Sue shrugged. "The damage is done. She's already seen it, so really, it won't matter. I just wanted you to be aware of the situation." She reached over and stroked my arm. "Honey, why don't you wait until the night he returns, and slide it back under his door? He'll be happy to see it. Make him smile, Bella. He's such a joy when he's smiling. But be discreet! I'm thrilled to know he's moving in this direction with you."

"I don't think Emily shares your opinion on that," I said quietly.

Sighing, Sue pulled me into her arms. "Emily is extremely loyal to those she cares about. It's not that she doesn't want you with him – she's concerned you'll get hurt… that you'll both be hurt. That's a risk we all take in any relationship."

I returned Sue's embrace, putting every missing hug from my own mother into it. One hug for every time I'd felt my heart ache over not having a mom of my own. "It scares me, Sue. I've been so wrapped up in taking care of my dad that I haven't had the opportunity to get involved this way. I haven't even dated since high school. And the first guy I choose to crush on happens to be my employer. Not good."

"Okay, put that worry to bed Bella. Trust me when I say that Edward does not think of you as an employee. The timing is off, but maybe this is just what you both need. Please, for your own sake –" she eased back to look me in the eye "– enjoy all that he has to offer to a young woman, but take it slow."

~ 0 ~

Esme was out of sorts most of his time away. Even though he did call almost every day, she missed him. Sue took her out one afternoon, escorted by Sam and Jake, to get her mind off her son. I was lounging with a book when he called. He didn't seem to be disappointed that he had missed her, striking up a conversation with me instead.

"Tell me, Bella, how furious is she with me?"

"Um… I wouldn't say she's angry. But she's not herself."

His gentle laugh sounded out over the phone. "That's Mum. She refuses to admit I get my pissy attitude from her own genes. She's sulking because she's mad at me."

"Why? She knows you have to leave for work sometimes, and you've been calling."

"This wasn't entirely for work. I'm working now, but it's put production behind. It's going to be a few days longer before I come back."

"Oh." I didn't want to pry and ask him what other reason he had for leaving, but I was dying to know.

"Talk to me Bella. I'm bored out of my mind!"

"Where's Emmett?"

"Out with Rosalie. She's here doing a few shows. We went to see her last night, so that was cool. They're on a date tonight."

"Third wheel stayed home?" I teased, and he chuckled.

"I wish my date was here. It was my birthday – I just wanted a quiet night with friends. You would have enjoyed last night. Small venue, nobody bothered us. We need someplace like that to go out, but I don't think such a place exists in LA."

"Happy birthday! I didn't know… so how old are you now?"

A chuckle came from him. "I am 25. Should have my shit together a little better by this age, don't you think?"

"You've had different experiences than other guys your age," I replied, playing diplomat. "Where are you?"

There was a slight pause before he responded. It could have been the connection. "We're in England."

"Oh! Well, you lived there, you shouldn't be bored. Call up your old friends!"

I got a mumbled deferral and chuckle, and something about Lake District and a floppy bunny? "We're a bit away from London. And anybody I knew from there. And any sort of nightlife… It's lovely though. Wish you were here."

"To be bored along with you? And a floppy bunny?" I retorted with a laugh, unsure of the bunny reference.

"Flopsy, Bella, not floppy," he laughed. "I'm in the land of Peter Rabbit… Beatrix Potter?"

"Oh! See, I heard floppy and then envisioned something entirely different." Actually, I was mesmerized by his voice. He had used a posh English accent for his correction, and it was swoon-worthy.

He roared with laughter. "Did you, now? What exactly was floppy?"

I was glad this exchange was over the phone. I was blushing like a fool. He continued on with his teasing.

"I would do my best not to be floppy if you were here." His voice was saucy and made me flush all over. I gulped down my iced tea in an attempt to stop myself from igniting in flames. "What are you drinking?"

"Iced tea," I replied, thankful for the change in topic. "What are you drinking?"

"A warm beer. Well, I will be once we're done here. I forgot to put any in the fridge. Or maybe I'll just go to bed. I dunno. I have to be up at four."

"Poor baby. What time is it there?"

"Ten. And I'm ready for bed. Sad, isn't it?"

"It's only two here…"

"I know. Will you be swimming at all?"

Making a bratty face since he couldn't see me, I stuck my tongue out. "No, I'm saving my Swan dives for when you can witness them."

"Clever… and thoughtful. Most appreciated."

There was a brief lull in the conversation. "So, have you done any growing?"

"Um… give me a minute. Thinking of you in the pool… okay. No floppy bunnies."

Giggles ensued. "Growing UP, Edward… clearly you haven't matured any."

"Oh that." Silence. I chewed on my lip, regretting bringing that up. I didn't even know what he meant exactly, and obviously it upset him. There was an audible sigh from his end, and all teasing was gone. "One detail out of the way, another in full swing – fallout will ensue. It's a work in progress. I hope you have patience."

"When are you coming home?" I asked softly. He sounded lonely.

"Ummm… four days? No, five. It's an early morning flight, so I'll get home in time for you to be getting up. Coffee? Meet you in the kitchen?"

"Can't wait." I was smiling from ear to ear as we said our goodbyes. In five days, I would be having coffee with him. I didn't bother returning to my book; he occupied every thought, and it would be pointless. I Googled Edward Masen images to get my fix of his face. His voice made me miss him terribly. The floppy innuendo took over my thoughts, and it got me wondering what floppy, on him, would look like. I'm ashamed to admit, but I Googled Edward Masen nude – inquiring minds – but sadly for me, there was nothing but a few shirtless images. He'd be relieved, I'm sure. Seeing him shirtless reminded me of him the day at the pool, and that took my mind to his boxers, and that led me straight back to floppy. That brought my mind to his 'give me a minute' comment, and I wondered even more what he looked like under those boxer briefs. If he had been using the English accent when he was teasing me then I would have come completely undone. It was flawless and elegant, and it really suited him… it was hot. I'd have to convince him to use it more often.

~ 0 ~

Esme and I settled in for a night of TV on the day before his return after I'd helped her with her nightly routine. She preferred bathing before bed. We both missed Edward, so I hoped that seeing him on TV would get us through the night – perfect timing for Diamonds and Spades, his weekly hour-long show. During a commercial break, we got into a plot discussion. We had watched his show faithfully together for weeks. Esme had been watching from the beginning of the series, so she had filled me in on all the backstories; not only Dillon Spade, the character he portrayed. Mid-conversation, Edward appeared in person with a tired but glowing smile and a box in his arms.

"What are you doing home?"

"You said tomorrow!"

He laughed at our greetings. "I caught an earlier flight. No point going to the hotel for a few hours, so I slept on the plane instead." He was in front of Esme, kneeling to kiss her cheek. "I brought some things back for you. Thought you might want some reminders of happy times."

Her eyes welled with tears as she hugged him tightly. "So sweet… oh!" Pulling back, she eyed him quietly. "And so… what did you do, Edward? Tell me you didn't…"

His face turned serious. "We'll talk. There's some papers to sign…"

"And?"

He shook his head, and she relaxed, smiling at him once more. He was up to something – I recalled how he'd thought she would be upset with him. "I don't know what that girl was thinking. I'm not too pleased with your sister at the moment."

"That's why I didn't want you involved. Mum, don't worry yourself about this. You've got your own stuff to focus on. How's the rehab? Ready to dance yet?" In a flash, his frown turned to his impish, teasing face.

"It's back on! Move!" She shoved him aside and turned the volume back up.

He gave me an amused look and stepped away, turning to see what had her enthralled. "Oh Christ, Mum! Turn that shit off!" He reached for the remote, and she slapped his hand away.

"Shh! Don't you dare!"

"I can't believe you're watching this."

"I'm invested in the plot lines, dear. Now sit and shush, or go away. He can't stand watching himself on this," she explained to me.

"I'll go then," he replied haughtily, heading for the door. "Bella, we're invading the pool if you'd like to join us."

"Now?" I was torn. I was really into the show too, but Edward in person was better, right?

"I'll record it for you," Esme whispered to me. "Go on."

"Meet you there!" I grinned.

~ 0 ~

There was already a crowd when I approached from the garden path – the regulars and some people I didn't know. Why did I agree to this? I hesitated at the edge of the patio and considered going back to watch TV-Edward instead. A quick scan of the crowd provided me with a glimpse of him surrounded by unknown women – none of whom resembled stick bugs. I didn't even see Jake approach until he had already swept me up into his arms.

"You're right, Emmett! She weighs nothing!"

Emmett's smiling face was most welcome. Not only had I missed his gentle manner, but I was more than a bit uncomfortable in Jake's arms. "She's still too much woman for you, kiddo. Put her down."

He complied with a scowl at Emmett but winked at me. "Get ya in the pool later."

Emmett merely laughed at his brave attempt to flirt with me. "Let's get you a drink. Edward's doing his thing – he'll be tied up for a bit." He directed me to the bar, where there was a basic lay-out of bottles and mix. I opted for vodka and cranberry, and Emmett mixed two, leading me over to a table on the far side of the pool.

"What's his thing?" I asked. Emmett had conveniently sat me facing away from Edward's harem.

"Mingling," he replied nonchalantly. "He's with work people. Mike made the arrangements when he found out we could get the red-eye flight. How's things?"

We settled into an easy conversation, and I discovered that they had gone to New York first before heading to London and then on to the land of bunnies – the Lake District – to film on location. By the sound of it, only the last location was for work. I didn't press Emmett for further details about the personal days. He raved about Rosalie and gushed over spending time with her in such a romantic setting. Beatrix Potter aside, it did sound like it was beautiful there. And private. It was an enjoyable chat until Mike popped up between us.

"Soooo… pretty decent for last minute, huh?" He motioned around him, like we were supposed to applaud his efforts of lining up alcohol and loose women. Maybe we were – I didn't know what a manager actually did. Maybe this was one of the things Edward had hired him for. "Edward whined all week about the lack of entertainment in Potterland. This should make him happy."

Emmett remained silent, quirking an eyebrow in my direction.

"Mike! Oh my god! You have to introduce me to Tanya… Oh my god! I can't believe she's actually here." Jessica's high-pitched voice drew me right back to high school and why I hated all the popular, super-bubbly girls. "You can say that I work for Edward, but don't say what I do…" She dragged him off.

"She's a little excitable," I muttered when they left.

"She's something. Thank god for Tanya. Got Jessica's whiny voice the hell away from me, so it's all good."

"Who's Tanya?"

Emmett grinned, knocking me on the chin teasingly. "You're the best, Bella. Completely unaffected by all this fame shit. No wonder Edward likes you so much. You're the first person he's met since all of this that he doesn't ask for an escort with in the early days of getting to know the person – just to cover him if he slips up. He's comfortable with you."

Really? Gah! "I really don't know who she is, Emmett."

We turned around to look at the crowded section of the patio – where Edward was. "Tanya… the tall one attempting to look interested in what the short squealer is gushing about." We laughed at Jessica's expense. She was oblivious to everyone's condescending looks at her. Tanya, on the other hand, was drop-dead gorgeous and refined. "She's Edward's co-star in this new movie. He's gonna have issues with Mike for bringing her here. He's been doing everything possible to avoid a media spin about them being involved off-set. The easiest thing would be to have an actual girlfriend seen with him, but he won't do that. Not in public. Anyway, Tanya's actually really down to earth – nice girl. You can meet her later if you want. I'm sure Edward will introduce you. Maybe you can come to the set some day too."

Me, on a film set? We needed a subject change. I didn't want to allow myself to be impressed by the hype of his career. It was just his job. That's all. "So why aren't you in the throngs of estrogen over there? You don't take advantage of the star power?" They were so obvious with their flirtation. I wondered if I looked so silly – no, I was worse because it was awkward and unnatural for me. I couldn't even follow through over the phone.

He waggled his eyebrows with a chuckle. "Once upon a time…" He resumed his angelic smile and blushed just slightly. "Yeah, back in the day we would get pretty caught up in that, all three of us. But times have changed. Edward's gone underground, I'm a one-woman guy and Jasper… well, I guess he is too."

"That's Edward's friend from London, right? Emily mentioned him too. Did he go back home?"

"Nah. He's just not around anymore. Long story."

Emmett obviously took Emily's same stance – not his story to tell either. "Emmett, you don't have to babysit me. If you want to go mingle, I'll be fine."

"I'd rather be in Germany," he grinned. "That's where Rosalie is right now."

"Why so anti-social?" Emily and Sam joined us. "We're going to christen the pool, since I doubt that any of the starlets would get their teeny tiny bikinis wet, and it's a shame to not make use of the pool during a pool party."

In full agreement, and feeling somewhat confident surrounded by accepting friends, I stood and took Emily's hand. She linked with Sam, and Emmett took my other hand. "On three… ready?"

They each took a number and on three, all four of us splashed into the deep end, hands linked and pool water everywhere. It wasn't long before Jake joined us, then Mike, quickly followed by Jessica, and a couple of unknowns who were too smashed to be aware their mascara was not waterproof. Sam was watching closely – to ensure no one drowned, I assumed. I ended up spending a considerable amount of time darting away from Jake, who sported a super soaker. When I stopped to explain to him the redundancy of it, since we were in a pool, a set of arms grabbed me from behind. I gasped and then relaxed, letting Edward tug on my waist to pull me against him.

"I have her, Jake. Take your shot."


A/N ~ Edward is such a mystery. ;) Love all the speculation! I hope Bella isn't reading your comments. That girl doesn't need anything else to gossip about and get mixed up in her head. lol

I have a rec! I rarely do this, because I don't do a lot of reading while I'm actively writing, but there is a WIP that I'm in love with:
Awake My Soul, by msj2779 She's written well-rounded characters with so much thought, and an amazing plot with a unique twist on Bella. I've never read a Bella like this. She updates weekly, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next chapter - every time (twelve chapters in). I've added it to my favorites, so you can find the link easily. Please check it out, and leave the author some love!

Thanks for reading! xx ~ SR