Long Time, No See

Chapter 11

After the BBQ I helped Rose clean up and as she was putting Collin to bed, I laid into my brother and cousin.

"I can't fucking believe you guys!" I snapped and they stared at me with wide eyes as I made my way in front of them, they were lounging on lawn chairs drinking beer.

"What Bells?" Emmett smiled sweetly.

"I can't believe you guys invited BOTH of them… I mean one would have been bad enough, but both… You know how they treated me, talked to me. I can't believe you guys!" I stomped my foot.

"Bella, we just want you happy and taken care of." Jasper smiled.

"Look, just because you two are in relationships, doesn't mean I have to be as well. I'm happy being single, coming and going as I please. For the most part." I look at them sternly.

"Bella, listen. I was going to tell you later, but I guess this is better. I'm moving out next month. As soon as Alice's lease is up we're getting an apartment together." He sighed.

"Well, I guess I can sell the house then. I don't need something that big for just me. I'll be fine in a condo closer to work anyway and I know there's a nice building a few blocks over, it's secured too." I shrugged at the guys.

"Is that what you really want to do?" Emmett asked.

"Yeah. I don't think we'll have a problem selling the house. I'll take care of it, I've got a couple realtors on speed dial." I smiled.

"Why?" they asked in unison.

"Because I was thinking you were on your way out. I actually thought you would've been out first, but Em went and fell in love, hard!" I laughed. Not because Emmett fell for Rose, that Emmett fell in love period! He was a man whore and finding Rose changed him, for the better and changed her too, I'm so glad they were brought together. Jasper and Alice were the most opposite couple you could find. She was high fashion and parties, Jasper was jeans and cookouts. But together they were one, it was a pretty funny thing to see.

"Well, when you find the one, you just know." Emmett beamed as Rose joined us.

"One what?" Rose asked.

"The one you love and want to spend the rest of your life with." Emmett smiled at Rose, dropped to one knee and proposed. It was perfect.

Over the next few weeks I worked on getting the house listed and sold.

We were going to split the money 3 ways, since we'd all put into it and my share was going to a charity I started.

Alex my relator called and told me there was an offer and he'd like to meet me for lunch. I told him I couldn't break for lunch, but dinner would be perfect. He agreed and we settled for 7:00pm.

I called Rose into my office and let her know what was going on. She was very excited and said she'd let told her when my next appointment came to let them in and no disturbances until they were gone.

The day flew by and before I knew it, it was 6:45 and time for me to head out.

"Wow! Bella leaving before midnight." James joked as we rode the elevator together.

"Yeah, dinner date." I smiled.

"Oh, so now you have a social life." He joked.

"Oh yes! I'm Ms. Popular." I laughed.

"Well, with all the flowers you get every week, I'd beg to differ." He smiled.

"Yeah." I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Night James." I smiled and waved as I walked to my car.

I arrived at the restaurant and had the valet park for me, headed inside and met Alex. He stood at 6'2", dirty blond hair, hazel eyes and a body to die for… And he was gay. Very, very gay, but he was becoming awesome friend.

"Bella!" He smiled and kissed my cheek and held my chair for me.

We talked about the offer, which was more than fair, he said he'd draw the papers up for all us to sign and then we discussed our man problems. He was having trouble finding someone who could commit and all I had were ones who wanted to commit. We sat there laughing and draining 2 bottles of wine while talking over our man troubles.

When they came and told us they were closing we both laughed and left a nice tip for our waiter.

I went home and took a nice long bath and climbed into bed, falling fast asleep.

By the end of business Alex had the papers delivered to me and I was calling him for his next project.

Finding a condo in the building I wanted.

I went home early tonight as well, early for me anyhow and I Edward's car there and sighed.

I was hoping for a quiet night, not now.

I walked up the steps and he was pacing back and forth, the closer I got I saw he was pissed.

"What the fuck Bella? I call and ask you out and you say you're busy." He growled.

"First off, what I do on my time is exactly that, MY TIME! I'm not your property!" I spat as I unlock the door and walk in, Edward following closely.

"I'm sorry Bella. But when I called and asked you to dinner the other night you said you were booked this week. Then I'm out for drinks with friends and see you snuggled up to some guy." He snapped.

"What are you talking about?" I asked confused.

"You were out to dinner with some guy, buff, dirty blond hair." Says sarcastically.

I giggle and walk towards the kitchen. "Oh, Alex?" I smile smugly and I see Edward silently fuming.

"Who I choose to go out with is none of your concern." I poke him in the chest, just to aggravate him.

"Bella, I'm not trying to be an ass. I just thought we were making progress." He sighs and runs his hands through his hair.

"And I told you that I want to have fun. I'm not ready to settle down. If I have dinner with someone other than you, that's my choice!" I raise my voice slightly.

"I'm sorry. You're right. Forgive me?" he asks.

"As long as you don't keep doing this. I don't mind going out with you Edward, but we're NOT a couple, not yet. When I'm ready, I'll let you know. Got it?" I ask.

"Got it." He sighs. "Well, as long as I'm here can I ask you to dinner on Sunday night?" he asks.

"Yes, I'm available. That's fine." I smile and give him a kiss on the cheek. "Now, if you don't mind I've had a busy week, I'm beat." I smile.

"OK. Goodnight Bella. I'll be here at 6 on Sunday." He smiles and heads out.

I shut and lock the door, sighing before I head to bead.

AN:

Thanks for being patient… Y'all are the best!

I hope you don't mind that Bella didn't set Edward straight on Alex just yet…

These 2 will end up together, maybe sooner than you think!

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