Hi all! Miss me? Okay so quick update. I want to apologize for the long delay in posting, but Thanksgiving was also my birthday (big 25), so I spent a week in Punta Cana with my family then two weeks in Puerto Rico with a few friends fro a present to myself. (Sadly my friends wont let me anywhere near my laptop while I'm on vacation since they still consider my writing as working. :( ) But I'm back and wrote a super long chapter to make up for it. (30 pages)
Big thanks to you all for being patient, and also a thanks to the the friends and or fans that are letting me use their likeness.
A little wedding vocab before the chapter. A 'Charger' is this bold elaborate plate meant to spice the standard boring, more traditional place setting of a table.
Just in case you wanted to know.
Chapter 11- A Wedding and a Proposal—Kind of
"What's up?" I demanded breathlessly catching the phone at the last second, trying to balance a box of silk ribbons and retrieve my keys from the trunk.
It was Jazz, "Where are you? We need those ties to hold the canopies open."
"I just got back from the fabric store," I defended, feeling my heels sink into the grass. I could have taken the paved path to the tent, but it was quicker to cut across. "I'm walking across the park now."
"I'm coming to meet you half way," He offered giving someone an order in the background before he was moving. "Did Hannah have you set up and ready?"
Like he had to ask, "Everything was perfect. How are we looking for the ceremony—"
By then Jasper had gotten to me, and hung up, already trying to lighten the load in my arms. "We're on schedule, Jessica's seeing to the grooms and groomsmen, Karina's at the bride's side, guest will be here in the next hour. Skies are clear, plan to stay that way all day, overall it's a good day for a wedding."
"Good," I sighed taking a large piece of red silk, using it to make a bow around the support beam while Jasper did the same with a blue one. "Where's Charles?" I wondered grabbing a yellow piece going to work on another pole.
Jasper just shrugged, "Last I checked, grabbing another lens from his car."
"Well when you see him, tell him I need him to finish snapping the tent before the wedding photographer finishes with the bridal party."
Jazz and I worked together tying the openings of the tent back with the canopies, both starting on a separate side, meeting up in the middle to give it all one last inspection.
"What do you think?" I asked sincerely hoping this design wouldn't be a complete flop.
Jasper took a sec to view the entire picture, "It's different… I like it. But I'm not the one that's getting married. Do you think Tia will like it?"
"It's a lot different from last time," I agreed, "But it's exactly what Tristan wanted, so I think Tia and Ben will love it too."
Normally we didn't use our client's first name, but we'd been planning Tia's events since Twilight Affairs first opened their doors. She was our first referral from J.M. and in the short amount of time we'd been in business we planned two birthday parties, one divorce party, and three weddings for Tia Blakemore.
—
Up until now, all of Tia's events were large, and grandiose, even if they were themed for simplicity. Her first wedding had an average two hundred guests, vintage themed, and fittingly adorned with black and white. The planning of the wedding lasted longer than the marriage itself, being annulled three months later.
Her wedding to Denver, was more. The guest list maxed out at five hundred, the peacock theme was elaborate yet elegant, but with her son Tristan's apprehension of her new husband, and my own casual observations of their interactions; I had an uneasy feeling that Tia wouldn't find her Happy Ever After with him. A year and six months later, Tia was in my planner again this time wanting a party to celebrate the end of thirteen months of hell. That night with her and a hundred of her closest friends and family, she drank, danced, and swore off dating for the rest of her life.
She wanted to direct most of her energy and time into being the best mother she could, and whatever she had left into herself. She wanted to be happy with Tia, realizing that if she couldn't be okay with being alone, she'd never work with anybody, and to my knowledge she followed that creed to the letter.
That was—until she met Benjamin Harper. He was completely different from the other fiancé's I'd met—in appearance, financial status, and all— but I liked him instantly. He was always smiling when you saw him, and I'd never seen Tia happier than when she talked about him, but it was her retelling of how he worked to have a relationship with Tristan that told me this one might be forever.
We took an entirely different approach in planning—this time around giving the reigns to her eight year old son. She and Ben both knew it was completely unorthodox but they wanted Tristan to be okay with every step of their decision. They didn't care about how many were in attendance, they didn't care about budget, they weren't even going to have a reception. Opting for the three of them to head off on a family vacation instead it was easy to say, they just wanted each other.
Both of us worked together, he chose the theme, the colors, the place, and I added advice here and there to keep it on the wedding track and not a kid's birthday party. Surprisingly, we worked well together, and giving it all a final inspection, I was quite proud of the result.
—
"Look who've I got," Charles called across the tent, standing next a boy in a dark royal blue suit. "He wanted to be the first to see the finished product."
"Hey Tristan," Jazz greeted, but he was too caught up in the decorations to answer right away. "What do you think bud?"
When he finally did compose himself he was still grinning from ear to ear, "This is so cool."
"Glad you like it," I smiled back going over to him. "Now do you remember what you're supposed to do?"
He nodded almost insulted. "When the priest asks for the rings I give them to Mom and Ben, I'm not a kid."
"You're right, you're not." I agreed with a smile, in no way placating. "You're a hot shot wedding planner now."
The mention of wedding brought him right back business, "Can you go check on my mom? Whenever we go someplace she's always the last one to be ready and she can't be late."
"Tell you what, I'll make sure the girls are on time, if you fix your bowtie, and make sure the guys are ready to go," I conditioned checking my watch, it was time to start seating guests. "It's time to get this ball rolling."
"On it," he promised taking off towards the club house.
Jasper just smiled wryly shaking his head, "I'll double check with Jessica after I start letting these people in."
"Thanks," I chuckled hitting Charles on the arm to get his attention. "Hey, get these pictures taken and you're done for the day, but I want digital copies by Monday."
He was already snapping before I could finish. No one loved an early day more than him, "I'm on it boss."
—
"I was just coming to find you," Karina breathed a tad anxious.
I had to catch myself from thinking worse case scenario, "What happened?"
She knew me well enough to get to the point quickly. "It's Ms. Blakemore; she's freaking out and asking for you."
"Okay, I'll take care of it. Go get some cold water and meet me in the dressing room." I ordered running a handthrough my hair before both of us shot off.
"I don't need anymore makeup. I'm red because I'm hot and my dress is too tight." She was freaking out alright; I could hear her before I opened the door. She relaxed a fraction the second she saw me, but not much. "Bella, there's too many people in this room, do we really need all of these people?"
The wedding photographers, makeup artist, and hair stylist wouldn't really be considered too many in a normal situation, but for a nervous bride one person could be the breaking point. "I'll tend to Ms. Blakemore, why don't you go see if the bridesmaids need any help." I suggested holding the door open so they knew it wasn't really a request.
They grudgingly filed out and I shut the door behind them watching Tia fall into the chair in exasperation. "I can't do this Bella."
"Can't do what?" I asked between deep breaths coaxing her to breathe with me.
She was out of her chair, pacing back and forth with her hands on her abdomen. "Get married. I can't do this again."
"That's just nerves talking," I tried to soothe.
She shook her head in protest, "No it's not nerves, it's a feeling. Nothing's right. My stomach is flipping, my palms are sweating, I want to throw up, I look like a painted whore, and I can't breathe in this thing."
I planted both hands on her shoulders to stop her pacing long enough to turn her around and loosen the lacing of her dress. "Well for starters, let's let this out some while you tell me why you're so riled up. You weren't even this nervous the first time."
"That's the problem Bella. I've done this all before, twice. I can't put myself through this again. The second time almost destroyed me, and Tristan. I can't let him get hurt again." She rambled, breaking away from me the second my hands dropped to pace again.
"But you love Ben, and Tristan loves Ben." I didn't understand, she didn't hesitate with either man before, and they were jerks.
She halted for a second in thought, "Yeah, but love isn't always enough. How do I know that I'm not making another colossal mistake?"
"When it's right you just know…" I answered sounding like a total cliché because honestly, I didn't know what to say to her. I'd spent years of my life blocking out the idea of trusting someone so explicitly. Where was Karina with that water?
Tia rolled her eyes, "That's bullshit Bella, and I know that for a fact. I knew with Matthew, I knew with Denver, and look how they turned out. How do I know Ben isn't going to be just heartache? I can't put myself or Tristan through that—not again."
"Tia, you need to breath Darlin'" Jazz instructed taking the bottle of water from Karina to bring to her and I was more than willing to move aside for him to work his magic.
Tia shook her head adamantly, "I can't do this Jay. I can't get married; I can't go thru this again."
"You can," he assured gently forcing her to take small sips.
"I just—I don't know how to tell if it's right this time." She explained sitting in the make up chair.
Jasper pulled another chair in front of her without missing a beat, taking both of her hands in his. "Tia, close your eyes and take deep breaths, don't open them until I tell you to."
He gave her hands a gentle squeeze, breathing in and out with her as he spoke. "You're taking a big plunge, and that's scary, it's natural. It's scary for someone who's never done it before but it's worse for you because you've done it twice."
"I felt so sure before—"
"—I know, but this time you're more than sure." He promised. "When it's real, you know."
"How?" She stressed with frustration, her eyes still closed.
He took a second longer to think, but she barely noticed. "You know because with one look at you, everything else stops. Because he can still remember what you were wearing the first day he met you. Because he doesn't treat Tristan like a part of your past he has to accept, but an extension of you. You know because, he's the first person you want to share things with and the last person you want to be without. Now open your eyes look at me and tell me you still don't know."
With a deep breath she opened her eyes, but still didn't say anything.
"Are you alright now?" He asked giving her weak smile when she nodded. "Good, now I'm going to step out and let you finish getting ready."
She wrapped her arms around his neck in appreciation. "Thank you Jay."
"You're welcome Darlin'" He promised getting up to come over to me. "I'll be out front if you need me."
I nodded, still somewhat at a lost for words. Since I'd known him, he'd always been able to influence the emotions of those around him and it'd more than come in handy in our line of work over the years.
When I first started planning, I was in love with the idea of happily ever after and could easily help but I'd be lying if I said I still had the same romantic ideas about it all. But Jasper was always there with the perfect words to remind me, I guess that was just another reason why we worked so well together.
"Sorry it took so long," Karina apologized in a whisper once Jazz left. "I thought we'd need Mr. Whitlock, and it took me a minute to find him."
I tried my best not to roll my eyes but I failed horribly, "You made the perfect decision without me having to tell you, you don't apologize for things like that. Can you let the makeup guy in, and tell him to wipe her face clean and keep it light this time? Then bring her out."
She nodded going back to work, and I idly tried to entertain the thought of replacing my junior if the need arose once we went to the east coast. I dismissed the idea it just as quickly, knowing I'd find a way to keep her, the same way I knew I'd find a way to get Sam to step up so that Jazz and I wouldn't have to separate.
—
What a wonderful day it was for an outdoor wedding: warm, but not terribly so. The early afternoon sun peeked out occasionally. A pleasant breeze from the north rustled in the surrounding shrubs, cooling the guests and family members as they sat in their seats on either side of the walk beneath the open tent. Sweet strains of classical music drifted through the crowd.
The playground off to the right was empty, although a few children sitting around the rows of chairs eyed it with a desire to play. Obviously, they would much rather be jumping and climbing, instead of being fussed over by their mothers and aunts, having their ties and hair bows adjusted. Balloons and silk streamers fluttered above them, in a festive mixture of primary colors.
To the left were rows of cars glittering in the sun. A stretched Lincoln stood alone, decked out in ribbons and twisted coils of streamers, ready to whisk away Tristan, Tia and Ben when it was over. 'Just Married' was painted across the dark rear window. As I stood in the back with my team, I thought to myself how perfect and lovely everything was.
The music stopped, and all heads turned to face the far end of the walk, the opening to the bridal chorus starting to play. Down the isle she came and I couldn't believe how beautiful and relaxed Tia was. Her dad held her left arm and smiled at her as they reached the front, unable to control her smile at the sight of Ben eagerly waiting with Tristan at his side.
They exchanged a simple set of vows, and when prompted to do so Tristan handed them their rings, adorably mixing up the boxes in the process. Once they said their 'I do's' the guests were on their feet clapping and cheering, not that either of them noticed too busy locked in an embrace lost to everyone but each other.
When they finally did pull away, Tia was in tears, but she took Tristan's hand along with Ben's, the three of them heading back up the aisle together; the guest, bridesmaids and groomsmen, all followed suit to see them off. The four of us did the same, but stayed off to the side feeling just as happy for them.
They were in such a rush Tia almost forgot to throw her bouquet, but the girls didn't miss a beat colliding with each other in a last second attempt to catch it. Standing in front of the open door, they noticed my team and I off to the side, giving us a last minute wave of thank you. Tristan however, took off in our direction and didn't stop until his arms were locked around my torso, much to my surprise.
"Mom's crying so we did good right?" He asked for confirmation looking up when he finally let me go.
I nodded unable to control my smile, "Yeah, we did good. Do you mind if I save your cell number? I might need your help planning again."
"Sure thing," He agreed looking back at his parents. "I gotta go, thanks guys." He repeated with a smile of his own before taking off towards the Lincoln again.
With one last wave to everyone the three of them ducked inside and shut the door behind them and I had to admit; I had a good feeling as I watched them drive away towards their happily ever after.
—
Jasper jiggled the knob on my bedroom door, testing to see if it were locked, then knocking twice before saying something I was too far away to hear. "You can come in," I called from my bathroom; too busy attempting to tame my hair to open the door for him.
"Hey Sugar do you mind if I borrow your keycard for the parking deck tonight? Mine seems to have gone missing," He explained leaning against the counter watching me frantically run through my hair trying to get it straight. "What are we straightenin' for, date?"
"It isn't missing, I found it in the kitchen yesterday, and put it in the key bowl by the door. And as far as a date, technically no," I explained with a sigh of relief now that I was done. "Since we finished early today, I told Seth I'd join him for a late lunch."
Jasper's eyebrows furrowed trying to make the connection, "I know he's an ex, but is he the two month ex or the four month ex?"
"Two and a half," I corrected rubbing the frizz tamer from root to tip with my hands. "Patrick was the four month. Seth was the one from Washington, remember…we all went cliff diving last year?"
"Oh yeah, Seth." Jasper remembered, a smile of familiarity playing on his lip, " Cool guy. Why didn't he make four months again? Bad sex, right?"
I rolled my eyes; I hated it when he mixed up the guys I dated, especially since I made such an effort to keep his straight. "No, sex with Seth was fine. You're thinking of David. Seth ended prematurely because he wanted me to meet his parents."
"Yeah…too bad." Jasper sighed like he felt sorry for him, "I liked him."
Though it was easier with our schedules to date a single person exclusively, Jasper taught me a long time ago that the amount of time you dated a person was crucial. Anything longer than four months lost the definition of casual dating, and drifted into more serious or long term, and neither of us wanted to go down that road. So for the sake of keeping things simple, and to not give the other party the wrong idea, we stuck to the four month rule.
"Me too, hence the reason we're still friends." I admitted, disappearing into my closet to shed my bathrobe and slip into my clothes. "When I get back, I'm going to see what Paula Jenks had to say about Twilight. I didn't like the look she gave me after the interview. Then I've gotta jot down a few ideas for Esme and Carlisle's anniversary party before my Skype chat with Alice tomrrow. What are your plans for the rest of the day?" I wondered sliding my tunic top over my head before fishing out my flats to match.
When I came back out, he was sitting on my bed waiting for me to resurface, "The afternoon is a toss up, but I have a date with Madison later."
"Where to?" I asked casually putting on lip gloss.
Jasper gave me a non committal shrug. "Haven't decided yet, I'll figure it out before I call her and ask if she's busy."
I froze in my tracks. "Wait, you haven't even asked her yet? How do you know she's even going to be free?"
"Madison and I are having fun, no obligations or strings." He explained sitting up. "So if I call and she isn't free, okay. If she calls and I'm not free, no big deal. We've already talked about this; she isn't the type of girl that's waiting for me to call."
"Lucky you," I muttered double checking my bag before walking out with him following behind me.
—
"Bella," Seth called standing to wave me over to the table he saved for us. We exchanged hugs, and greetings before sitting down, each of us taking a few extra seconds to compliment the other on how good we looked. "So I've already ordered for you, I hope you still like alfredo pizza."
"Please tell me you got the personal size, or my waist isn't going to like you." I joked hanging my purse on the corner of the chair.
Seth just rolled his eyes, "No I got a big one, but don't worry we're sharing."
"So, I haven't seen you in months, catch me up." I insisted honestly glad to see him.
For the first half of our lunch we shared our work news, both of us pleased that we were expanding, with me going bi-coastal, and his is gallery managing to acquire a large exhibit from a well known artist. We shared a few jokes and laughs, falling back into a routine that came natural for us. Towards the end, our conversation drifted towards our love lives, and he more than willingly shared details about Rebecca—a pediatrician form Minnesota— that he'd become smitten with over the past seven months.
It wasn't until we got to my turn that my lunch date started to go sour. We briefly ran over my casual dating, the sheer briefness making Seth worry about me ever finding someone. After assuring him that I was completely happy, he suggested another alternative—Jasper.
With a frustrated sigh, I reiterated that a woman and man could in fact be close without being intimate and in turn he amusedly argued that we we're in fact intimate, just not in a physical way.
Seth explained that Jasper and I share bonds, secrets, jokes, hopes, and dreams while allowing others to meet our more physical needs, using the term "surrogate partners" to summarize our relationship.
I shrieked internally by the time the waiter dropped off our bill, completely disheartened by my friends need to couple Jasper and I off together and I told him so. Then he explained that maybe everyone else just saw something we didn't, and hoped we'd figure it out.
Dropping the entire subject on our walk to the parking lot, we shared a few more laughs about life. I made a promise to visit the gallery opening weekend, and he made promises to bring Rebecca to our next lunch date.
We hugged and went our separate ways, but I couldn't keep the talk about Jazz out of my mind for long; my mind involuntarily traveling back to the early days of our meeting. Before our agreement, rules, and friendship; back when there was just a boy, a girl, two failed attempts at love, and a really good cheeseburger.
—
Fall 2008, San Francisco
"Bella…." Alice whined into my ear over the phone. "You've got to come for Thanksgiving; everyone is going to be here."
Everyone was the reason I wasn't coming, "I can't Allie. I have an event the week before and the week after, and you know Zafrina likes things perfect."
"Fine, fine," She surrendered in a low mutter. "Just make sure you're here for Christmas."
She didn't understand, I wasn't ready to face Edward and Tanya. I knew he hadn't told his family we slept together the night before his wedding—because if he had I'd definitely be hearing about it—so by now it was safe to assume that he was planning to take the secret about that night to the grave too.
But how awkward would that be? To sit across the table from both of them, their first holidays as a married couple and pretending face-to-face? No, I wasn't that good of an actress. I couldn't pretend that what happened didn't affect me, hell still did.
"I'll see what I can do Allie," I half promised, looking up at the waiter delivering my food. "I'm going to eat my dinner and get back to work. Call you later?"
Hal's was a sports bar that had the best burgers in San Francisco and was gradually becoming a part of my routine when I was home. In an attempt to keep Edward out of my mind, I threw myself into work, and avoided complete alone time whenever possible.
So while my days were filled with meeting Zafrina's needs my nights, were spent here. I'd have dinner—alone—, and have a few drinks while working on ideas—also alone. Though I was technically by myself, the energy of the place never let you feel alone.
Mark, one of my usual servers sat my basket and beer in front of me. "Here you go."
"Thanks," I smiled up at him, pulling my tablet out of my purse, preparing to get some work done while I ate. Instead of walking away like he normally did, he lingered awkwardly holding his tray. "What's up?"
"Isabella, you know there are other places to eat besides here right? You should let me show you a few." He suggested hopeful.
I kept my smile in an attempt to cushion my rejection, "I'm sorry Mark, but I don't date."
He walked away to leave me in peace, and I felt somewhat guilty. Mark was attractive enough, with his dark features and steel grey eyes, but all it took was one night and morning after with him to swear me off men forever.
Going back to my normal routine, I nibbled on my fries and swiped through my tablet putting together ideas for a meeting I had later in the week. Getting so absorbed I nearly jumped out of my skin when I glanced up at a guy sitting a cross from me, in my booth.
"Holy—"
His blue eyes just twinkled with amusement, "Didn't scare you did I?"
"No, creepers don't scare me at all." I muttered sarcastically. He worked here, as a bartender, but we'd never interacted personally so I didn't know his name.
The familiar stranger chuckled, shaking out if his leather jacket and laying it on the seat next to him. "I don't think you'd call me a creeper if you knew I was here to save you."
I raised my eyebrows in disbelief, "Save me? From…"
"Getting hit on for the rest of the night," My face must have fallen, because his grin went wider and with a dazzling smile, he laid it to me straight. "Oh come on Isabella, you show up two or three times a week, always alone, wearing a forced smile, and designer clothes. Though you're polite, and tip well, you keep to yourself and only talk to your server. Did you really not expect to be approached eventually?"
"No." I admitted honestly, wondering why he chose to sit with me. "I don't want to be asked out by my favorite servers, nor spend my meal being protected by a bartender that has no reason to. The only thing I want is to eat my burger, have a vodka cranberry or two, and go home."
Now a normal person would have taken my words as a dismissal, but this guy wasn't normal by any means, "You question my motives, do you not trust me Isabella?" He asked with a coy smile that didn't really inspire much confidence on his part.
"Is there a reason I should?" I countered raising an eyebrow.
"So much for my honest face," he muttered pretending to be disappointed.
I scoffed a laugh at the thought eating a few more fries. Since I gave up on him leaving there was no use letting my food get cold. "Ha, the most honest faces come attached to liars."
His eyebrows furrowed and he stared at me in silence for a few minutes.
"What?" I demanded continuing to eat fries.
He shook his head clear from whatever thought he had to answer me, "Are you speaking from experience Isabella?"
I had no intention of answering him, and directed the conversation in a different direction. "Okay, so you know my name, are you always going to have me at a disadvantage or am I ever going to get to know yours?"
"Jasper—Whitlock," He answered freely still giving me curious eye.
I used the moment of silence to take in the familiar but not so familiar man in front of me. He was tall; with a lean muscular build that could easily be detected beneath his crew neck t-shirt. His hair hung in blonde waves to his shoulders and he had the kindest pair of blue eyes with a perfect smile to match. In fact—looking him over, the only imperfection I could see was on him nose. It held a slight bump—like it'd been broken once or twice—but even that made him attractive, like it made him more real. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think he was a hottie.
"So Jasper," I started, breaking the silence before it got to uncomfortable. "Why are you over here and not tending bar?"
"Because I'm off for the night," was his only response.
That only raised the red flag higher, "And you have nothing else to do on a Wednesday night but keep girls like me from getting hit on?" I took a bite of my burger and raised my eyebrow in question.
"Of course I do." He shrugged still giving me that unfazed smile. "After keeping said girl company during her meal, I have every intention of taking her somewhere."
There it was, "I thought your intention was to keep your co-workers from hitting on me."
"And what better way to do that, than keep you in my presence?"
I narrowed my eyes at his effortless answer continuing to eat, "Okay. Let's say for a minute we entertain the idea that I'd be interested in going with you. Where would you take me?"
"That'd be for me to know and for you to find out."
"Why the mystery?" I wondered aloud.
He only answered me with another question, "What's life without a little mystery now and then?"
One where I don't end up kidnapped and or murdered… I thought to myself taking the question as rhetorical.
For most of my meal he let me eat in peace, asking me the basic questions here and there when my mouth wasn't full. I asked him a few in return, and made a deep mental note that most of the questions about him personally were met with carefully formed answers, if not deflected by a joke all together—but I had to admit, he was funny enough to distract me.
"So, are you ready to go?" He asked the second I pushed my basket away, waving the waiter back over.
"I never said I'd let you take me anywhere." I reminded reaching for my purse, but he was a second quicker.
Jasper shoved two twenties Mark's way and told him to keep the change before answering me. "But we're having such a good time, why end the night here?"
"Did you just pay for my food?" I asked in disbelief. "I don't feel comfortable letting—"
"—Oh come on, aren't guys supposed to pay on a first date? We talked, got to know each other a little, and I'm pretty confident you like me enough for date two." He chuckled once again, like he found something adorable.
"This wasn't a date, I don't date." I insisted shaking my head.
He looked like he wanted to argue but wisely didn't, "Fine, you don't date, and neither do I. So here we are two adults, no more assuming, no more jokes. Will you come with me?"
Logically, I should have said no, but I knew I didn't want to. Maybe it was the boldness of sitting with a complete stranger adamant on getting to know her; Or his ability to be the first person to make me laugh since Nantucket; Or maybe it was the enigma behind those blue eyes that I couldn't walk away from—I always loved a puzzle, me.
"Fine," I rushed in surrender, "but will you tell me where we're going?"
"Nope," He denied standing with me, waiting for me to gather my things.
"Why not?" I demanded probably sounding more petulant than I meant to.
Another easy answer, "Because you strike me as a person that needs a little bit more mystery in their life."
"Careful Jasper," I cautioned half heartedly. "Don't make me regret this already."
"No one ever regrets a night with me," He promised shooting me a wink that most likely would have left a woman frozen if she wasn't already used to the suggestive jokes of one Emmett Cullen.
"Why me?" I deadpanned a demand not bothering to move until he gave me a real answer.
He deliberated for a moment—and for a second I thought I was going to get one. "Because life is short, and we're both hot." And like that, he took my hand in his and lead the way. I noted—to my own surprise—that his hand was very warm. Not sweaty palm freakishly warm, but safe, comfortable and I found myself feeling lest reluctant to follow him.
He was kind enough to let me stash my things in my car before whisking me away in his Jeep Cherokee to The Pub in Ghirardelli Square.
"Hey Jazz," One of the guys behind the bar greeted the second we walked in. "Usual table?"
I took note of the way he lingered on the word usual, and also Jasper's dismissal with an irritated wave of his hand as he lead to me a table. "So you pull me from a bar to bring me to another bar?"
"You still didn't get your drinks," he reminded with a smile telling the waitress what he wanted the second she walked over, "One vodka cranberry no rocks, and one Irish car bomb."
I raised my eyebrow, impressed. "You know my drink order?"
"Who do you think made your drinks?" He asked with only a smirk and the cock of his own brow. "So Isabella, you plan party's right? What got you in that line of work?"
We were back on me again, but I answered him stepping back into what a by chance eavesdropper would view as an easy conversation. But in truth, underneath our flashing smiles, and casual demeanors, we were both playing a disguised game of mental chess neither one of us wanting to reveal more about ourselves than the other.
Needless to say, after about four drinks in, neither of us felt like playing anymore. "You know, you're alright Jasper." I admitted finally letting myself relax with him.
He smirked over the rim of his third glass, "I like to think so Sugar."
"No seriously, I thought this was going to be just like any other guys dull attempt to get in my pants, but I actually find you interesting."
Jasper just ordered us another round, "Well I like to keep things interesting. I can't have you thinking all I want is to sleep with you."
"Wait—you don't want to sleep with me? Then why am I here? " I asked in wide eyed disbelief that had him wondering whether I was joking or actually disappointed.
"You're an attractive woman Isabella, and I'm a guy, but I don't think a good lay is what you need." He admitted turning another shot into his beer.
He got my attention, "And what is it that you think I need?"
"Me." The wicked glimmer in those blue eyes said a lot more than he did.
That sobered me up a bit, "I don't date."
"Neither do I," He winked enjoying whatever expression I had before giving me a break. "But that arrangement isn't what I'm offering either. You're an awesome person, but obviously one heart break away from closing off the world and life's too short for that."
I almost choked on my ice, "How do—what makes you think—"
"I read people Isabella; I'm pretty good at it." He answered as straight forward as he could and remain kind. "I know because you evade any in depth question about yourself, you wince at the word date, you don't linger on your past, most of your answers start with 'I think' never 'I feel' a key signature that you're not an emotions sharer, and anything nice I've said or done since we met is brought into question. You need someone that can offer you a different perspective— that can help you spot life's lemons before you let them get close enough to hurt you."
I wasn't sure if I was frustrated that he read me, or that most people weren't able to, but I got the feeling that two people could easily fit that bill. "And you've figured out that balance I take it?"
"Yep." He nodded looking sure and unsure at the same time. "So what do you say?"
What did I have to lose? I was essentially alone in San Francisco, with only my work to keep me company. I needed a friend and judging by the way Jasper and I clicked, he probably needed one just as much as I did. "I say… that the idea of a male perspective would be a fresh change. But, you have to tell me who hurt you too."
There was genuine surprise on his face, but was quickly replaced by unease.
"Being read isn't so fun is it?" I instigated, trying to keep a light mood from getting heavy.
For the first time since I met him, Jasper frowned. "No one ever reads me."
"Well maybe that's a sign." I grinned finishing off what would be my last drink of the night—Jasper's decision, not mine.
"What do you say we walk the square, get some fresh air?"
He paid the tab, and I grabbed my purse and followed him willingly. Though most of the square was closed due to the late hour, we kept ourselves company with conversation that seemed to flow easier as the time passed.
"Do you always do that?" He asked curiously holding the door as we exited the Ghirardelli ice-cream shop. We passed with ten minutes before it closed and I couldn't resist going in.
I finished chewing a chunk of cookie dough before I answered him. "Do what?"
"Moan when you eat something you like," he clarified.
"I don't moan when I eat," I denied shaking my head.
He ignored it completely, "It's interesting. Let's me know that you enjoy the simple things, but I have to admit, it will make it harder to keep this thing platonic."
"No take backs." I threatened with narrowed eyes, continuing to eat my tasty treat. There was something about alcohol and ice cream. "So, this balance thing, I assume they're rules."
He shook himself out of his leather jacket and draped it on my arms without a second thought. I didn't even realize the ice-cream gave me goose bumps until I was enveloped in the warmth and comfort that came not just from the coat, but the gesture itself."Just a few…"
Winter 2008- San Francisco, Bella's Apartment
"He makes me feel all tingly." I admitted from the bathroom pulling my dress over my head as I talked.
Jasper was on the other side, waiting for me to come out. "Tingly like, maybe there's more, or I want to jump his bones?"
I'd met Richard two weeks earlier in a grocery store when he stole my parking spot and I gave him the finger settling for a space much further away. He caught up with me before I could get inside and there was an instant attraction. A purely physical one but it didn't stop me from giving him my number.
"Definitely the last one, he's hotter than sin. It's gonna be hard to keep my hands to myself tonight."
"Why would you keep your hands to yourself?" He wondered puzzled.
As satisfied as I could be I opened the door and came out. "Because it's too soon to have sex"
"Who's rule is that?" He scoffed giving me a thumbs up in approval."It has to be a girl thing."
"I don't know, but a guy never respects a girl that sleeps with him too soon." I chanted opting for my strawberry chap stick since we were going to a casual place.
I could practically hear Jasper's eyes rolling from across the room. "Guys respect girls that respect themselves. That isn't affected by how soon we get some. I slept with Charisma on our first date, and still respect her plenty."
"So I wouldn't seem easy?" I seriously asked finding him in the mirror.
He shook his head, "Bella, you're anything but easy. You've known each other for a few weeks. You're both consenting, professional adults that share a mutual attraction. If I were in his shoes, I'd respect you more for sleeping with me when you wanted to as opposed to wanting to and not because of some weird limit someone else put out there."
I tossed his words over in my head for a bit. "Then is it tacky to buy condoms on a date? I won't have time before he gets here."
That made him laugh, but grab his keys. "I keep a box in the car, I'll be right back."
"I bet you do." I rolled my eyes at the nympho that somehow became my best friend in a matter of a few months.
"Rule 17." He called closing the door behind him.
Rule 17: Stay prepared.
New Years 2009- San Francisco, Jasper's apartment
We sat there, on one of the rare Sunday's I had off, curled up on the couch sharing a bag of chocolate pretzels watching 90s television.
"So these girls are sister witches." He recalled genuinely trying to understand. "Why are they mad at the younger one?"
" Because she's in love with a demon and they kill demons. It'd make more sense if you watched from season one. Come on, you've had to have heard about Charmed sometime in your life." I explained in disbelief.
He shook his head grabbing another handful of pretzels. "Does she always fight demons without a bra?"
That earned him an elbow in the side, "Don't be a perv."
"I'm not it's a real question. We've seen three episodes and she's worn a bra like once." He defended. "It's obviously a desperate attempt to get male viewers. I swear you like the weirdest things."
I waited for a commercial break to sneer and comment. "Hey you asked me over, I could have stayed at home and watched my marathon in peace. Don't make fun of my show."
"Don't be that way Sugar, I'm watching it aren't I?" He reasoned more into the pretzels.
I still wasn't sold. "Why are you spending Sunday with me anyway? Shouldn't you be with Tiffany?"
"Eh… I think things are winding down with us. Taking a break."
I took advantage of the long commercial getting up to grab us both soda's from the fridge recognizing the tell tale tone of Jasper growing bored with a girl. "Isn't she close to the four month mark anyway?"
"Yeah, I figured I'd let it ride for a few more weeks though," he pondered with a sigh in his voice.
Sitting back down, he reached for the soda but I pulled it back from his grasp. "What are the rules for ending things?"
Jasper's rules to life and dating made my life easier, less complicated, and as much as I appreciated it, I learned early that I also had to add rules of my own into our list to keep not just us from getting hurt—but the people we dated as well.
With a sigh he recited them. "Never put off ending things when you know you want to. Prolonging only makes it worse."
"And…" I prompted ignoring the return of the episode.
"Be honest, simple, kind, but firm. Be prepared for the other person to feel hurt or rejected. Avoid the flowery emotional speech." He finished snatching the can from me. "I swear you stole those rules from a song somewhere."
"Either way they work." I muttered. "Are you still going to help me next Saturday?
Zafrina was wearing me beyond thin, putting me in charge of some Fun Day Bash. Trying to arrange three events for the same weekend I'd mixed up the budgets and left myself without a DJ. Thankfully it was in San Francisco and Jasper offered to help.
"Yep, already took off from work, is Sam gonna be there?"
I shrugged rubbing my temples; the thought of work was starting to make my head ache. "He's got his own stuff, but maybe."
"You okay Sugar?" He wondered giving me a glance over.
I nodded, "Yeah I'm good.
Valentine's Weekend 2009- Fresno, Pre Wedding walkthrough
"I swear Bella, if you're going to do all of this work for Zafrina, you might as well go into business for yourself." Jasper decided shaking his head.
There was a problem with the floral arrangements and Zafrina couldn't be bothered to see to it. This was her exclusive event but she didn't hesitate to toss her binder at me and tell me I needed to be in Fresno by Thursday fully acquainted with a wedding of four hundred. Jasper drove the two hours down after his shift, probably hearing the frustration in my voice knowing I needed at least emotional support.
"Because it's just me," I reminded him with a sigh. "I can't go into business alone."
I was able to get the flowers handled but not in enough time to get the silk ribbons attached. Staring at the dozens and dozens of arraignments in the cooler, I knew the workers wouldn't have time to do it in the morning before the wedding—I had to do it myself. "With the bouquets, the nosegays, and the centerpieces I'm going to be here all night."
Jasper looked around the cooler and back at the box of silk pieces feeling slightly intimidated but with a determined look rolled up his sleeves. "Sugar, I have no clue what a nosegay is, but tell me what to do and you got an extra set of hands…"
I woke up the next day with pressure on my temples, the beginnings of a migraine from hell. With no time to focus on it I took two aspirin and got up to start the wedding prep.
Jasper had brought a suit with him, offering to tag along and help if I needed it, and I was thankful. I gave him the simplest checklist and took the harder stuff for myself through out the day feeling the pressure build in my head hating that I had to fight through it.
I managed to hold it together through the ceremony and part of the reception finally ducking into a room with the lowest light setting I could find once I felt the pain related tears stinging at my eyes.
I popped two more aspirin— not that the other ones helped much—rubbing at my temples hoping that I could hold on for a few more hours. I groaned at the knock on the door but didn't answer needing at least a few minutes to myself.
"Bella?" Jasper called letting himself in. "You in here? One of the servers said you went this—you okay?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm good."
" Good my ass, you're cryin' Bella, what's wrong?" He demanded pulling a chair up in front of me.
I told him before he could assume the worse, "It's just my head, I've had migraines on and off the past few weeks and this one's a real bad one."
His long fingers were at my temples, firmly rubbing circles trying to relieve the tension without my asking. "Did you need some medicine?"
"I've been taking aspirin all day, it doesn't help. The doctor prescribed something stronger, but it makes me all loopy and I needed to focus on the event." I informed.
This was news to him but he tried to keep the worry from his voice. "Doctor? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, they're just stress related. I'll be fine, just need a few minutes." I promised hating to make a big deal out of it. I was thankful that my eyes were forced to look at the floor because I could feel him staring at the top of my head.
It was silent for few minutes, but he broke it, "Is this helping?"
"Yeah," I nodded surprised that it actually was. With each menstruation of his fingers, I was able to think about something other than my head, like just maybe there wasn't a bullet making its way from one side of my head to the other at a lava slow pace.
He sighed, but didn't stop. "Why didn't you tell me your headaches were this bad? Bad enough for you to see a doctor and have you crying in a dressing room?"
"I didn't want to make a big deal about it." I exhaled, partly from the relief he was giving me, and the other part from not really knowing how else to explain it. "I just need to take some vacation time and relax. No use worrying."
My answer apparently wasn't good enough, "Do you think I'm just here to give you dating advice and make fun of bad movies with you? You're my best friend." He reminded me stopping only long enough to tilt my chin up so that he could look at me while he rubbed my head. " I understand that you're gonna hurt sometime. I know you're gonna cry here and there, I've accepted that. But my job is to make damn sure that you never cry alone."
I blinked up at those sincere eyes, and that's when I knew. We weren't just those two lonely people in San Francisco looking for friends anymore—we were partners.
—
Annoyed I pulled into the parking deck of our building not bothering to check the mail, wanting to go straight to my laptop. I got the email for the blog entry while I was with Seth, but couldn't very well read it while driving home.
I read over Paula's words, surprised with her overall view of our company. Normally she was known for surly criticisms based on nothing but her own opinion but she seemed actually impressed with our set up. She said that though our staff size was considered quaint, we could easily be considered the 'chargers' of the traditional wedding world.
Overall, the entry made me smile, until the last few paragraphs that touched over Jasper and I as business partners. She assessed our dynamic, how she felt it affected our success, and wrapped it all up with an opinion that had me snarling.
I made a note to myself to kill Zoey, for suggesting we take a charming approach to our interview.
Wanting to get my mind off things I pulled out a notebook to start planning for Esme and Carlisle's anniversary party. Alice and I were going to Skype in less than fourteen hours, and I needed to at least have a few ideas to toss around with her.
I started the process like I normally did, writing everything I knew about the couple, which was the easy part. I got a block the second I hit the themes finding every idea too cheesy or not spectacular enough and I wanted to be really special.
With a frustrated grunt I threw my notebook on the coffee table and started surfing for something to watch.
Jasper was walking though the door my second trip through the channels. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I snapped continuing to look. Why was it the more channels you had the more there was nothing on?
He didn't believe me, "You're clicking that thing a mile a minute Sugar. You only do that when something's up. Did somethin' happen with Seth?"
I shook my head, "It was fine."
"Then what has your skirt ruffled?"
He wasn't going to drop it until I gave him something, so I offered him my tablet bookmarked to my email from Paula. He read it over obviously pleased with it until he got to the end. "Oh." And then with a shrug he handed me the tablet back. "Oh well."
"What do you mean Oh well?" I demanded pulling the quote that ticked me off " '…the way they compliment each others strengths, and finish each others ideas, I half expect the next big wedding they plan to be their own…' Really?"
He shrugged again, "We do complement each other, you say it all the time."
"Not like she's putting it."
"Think of it as good publicity Bells, do you know how many women are gonna swoon at the idea of two people in love planning their wedding? No one wants cold and calculating wedding planners. She did us a favor." He reasoned.
I rolled my eyes at his nonchalance, "Even if it gives people the wrong idea?"
"People don't understand our dynamic so they speculate, you know that. Normally it doesn't bother you. Since when do you care about what other people think about us?" He wondered walking towards his bedroom. It was one of our biggest rules, not caring what others thought about us.
I let out a sigh realizing he was right. "It's the day I'm having. First with Seth, then Paula, and I can't figure out any good themes for Esme and Carlisle's anniversary. This was a horrible idea."
Jasper blinked at me for moment then something clicked in his head. "Oh, see what the problem is."
"What problem?" I asked puzzled.
He tossed over the most delicate way to bring it up. "It's —you know—that time….of the month."
"Are you asking me if I'm on my period?" I hissed smacking his arm in disbelief going back to sit on the couch and try my hand at work again.
"No, I'm saying I can tell." He clarified sitting next to me. "You're always a bit more emotional, and a tad sensitive—but that's okay." He assured quickly trying to soothe my scowl. "Don't be embarrassed."
"I'm not embarrassed," I hissed—in reality I was mortified, because he was right.
He sighed taking the notebook from me. "Bella, we're adults, and I've lived with you for years, I'd be an idiot not to notice a pattern of your moods. Emotional is okay, you're not boo-hoo cryin' you just care a bit more. That I can deal with, Maria was a psychopath."
"Maria was a psycho when she wasn't on the rag." I reminded.
He nodded taking my right hand massaging the pressure points in my palm, and between my fingers making my eyes flutter shut. "True, but that's neither here nor there. What you need to do is relax before you work yourself into a migraine. Take one thing at a time. What's bothering you mainly?"
He switched to the other hand turning my mind into putty, damn his magic fingers, "Planning the anniversary.
"Let's see what you got…" He suggested, grabbing the notebook and giving it a look over—ending my hand massage all too soon. "Why is it gonna be in New York? They met in Chicago; shouldn't you take it back to where they started?"
"They're family reunion is in New York that same week, everyone will be there, it makes sense." I explained watching him rake over their history as I knew it trying to get a feel of them through paper.
It was an easy thing for him to do face to face, so it didn't surprise me when he read it all over for a second time. "Take Chicago to New York." He suggested handing the paper back to me getting up.
"And how do I do that?" I wondered still lost on his train of thought.
He kept heading to his room, answering as he walked. "When was the best time to be in Chicago Bella?"
"Oh…" I realized smacking my palm to my head trying to write out the idea best I could. "you're a genius."
I lost track of time while he got ready for his date, the picture being easily painted in my minds eye, trying to write everything down before I forgot it. When he came back out I was still at work. "You look nice," I complemented just finishing up for the time being. I needed Alice for the rest.
"Thanks. You still plan to veg out in front of the tv?" He asked noticing I hadn't moved.
I nodded proudly, "Yep, change into something comfortable and finish the rest of season five."
"How far are you from the finale?" He inquired checking his watch.
"Two episodes then I guess we'll get season six and you better not watch ahead of me this time." I threatened with a point of my finger.
He just chuckled and grabbed his keys from the bowl, "I won't Sugar. Catch ya later."
"Have fun" I called before he shut the door.
Wanting to hurry with the end of my season, I showered, and threw on my batman t-shirt, grabbed my blanket and threw in the last DVD of Supernatural. Out of all the years we'd been friends; it was the only series that we could agree on. There was just enough action for him with the right amount of eye candy for me.
We discovered it super late—me being home sick one day— and for some reason I found myself hooked with more questions than answers. I bought the first two seasons determined to start from the beginning, and luckily Jazz got addicted right along with me. We were still a few seasons behind the actual running since we were both too busy to catch up anytime soon.
I had just passed the fifteen minute mark on the finale when the door started unlocking itself. I paused it, and turned to see Jasper letting himself in. "What are you doing back so early?"
"She had an emergency, had to cancel."
"Sorry to hear that," I frowned eating the last of my gourmet pretzels.
Jasper just shrugged, "We'll reschedule. The night isn't going to be a total loss, got ya something."
"Season six?!" I shrieked probably a bit too excited, but it made him laugh. "You and me, season six, pizza, what do you say?"
I pretended to mull it over—like I had a choice. "I already had pizza with Seth earlier."
"I bought chocolate too." He added for extra incentive with that sly grin of his.
"Sold." I agreed scooting over so that he could join me, only stopping to kick off his shoes.
While I finished the last episode he pulled up an app to order the pizza, and before we put season six into the DVD player he was answering the door to pay.
"Hey move I wanna stretch my legs." He asked pulling up my blanket trying to turn horizontal.
"You're letting air in," I whined shimming out of the way for his feet to rest behind me.
He just rolled his eyes, "Don't be a wimp. You'd be warm if you actually wore pants."
"I hate pants," I huffed sounding petulant.
"Yeah, Yeah" He deadpanned setting the pizza box on out legs and balancing the snacks between us the same way. Shut up I'm pushin play."
—
"Poor Dean," I sighed in between episodes. "I really wanted something normal for him."
Jasper just shook his head moving the trash from our food to the table. "You really didn't expect him to keep living the suburban life with Sam all weird."
"No I just—liked them together." I muttered trying to keep him from calling me sappy. "Everyone deserves someone."
"Sap," He teased anyway. He opened his arms for me when I scowled from the other end of the couch. "He has Sam"
I adjusted to join him on his end grabbing a Dove bar to cure my sweet tooth. "That's his brother, not a companion."
"Same thing," he argued pressing play for the last episode of the night.
I rolled my eyes but with my head on his chest he couldn't really see me. "I'm full."
"Don't worry, we're going running first thing in the morning. You'll burn it all off." He reminded making me groan. I hated running, hell all exercise for that matter. "I swear, the only time you don't give me grief about working gout is after the holidays with the folks."
"That's because Mama Whitlock feeds me four times a day. I'll have to run then. When I'm here I'm ripping, running and barely eating." She was a sweet woman that took the term Southern Hospitality seriously.
"Do you ever think you'll do that?" I wondered absently after a few seconds. "Attempt to live a suburban life?
He raised an eyebrow at me, "Are we feeling American Dreamy Bella?"
"No," I scoffed very much liking my high rise in LA. "I was just wondering, with us making the move to the east coast, how much is going to change. How long we'll be able to have nights like this."
"Do you want them to end?" He wondered sitting the remote down, hesitating to press play. I shook my head, Jasper was a consistent important part of my life that I never really wanted to give up. "Then who says they have to?"
"We have to grow up some time," I reasoned with a resigned sigh. "We can't be roommates forever."
"Well there's always the option of taking the suburbia route." He said so easily I had to think about it. " A house outside of the city."
"Are you proposing Jazz?" I teased playfully.
"Depends on if you're open to it."
I looked up at him, trying to gauge whether he were serious or not. "You and I, together? Could that even work?"
"We've never been able to not work." He reasoned logically. "We're compatible in every way, we'd just transition into a more physical relationship."
I laid my head back on his chest hiding my expression, unsure if he was pulling my leg, "And what makes you think we'd be compatible there? That could be the line that makes us a dud. We can't always be this perfect you know."
He chuckled, and it rippled through me. "Bella, we've known each other for years, and discussed sex a million times. Shared stories, experiences, like and dislikes, not to mention I've made you moan countless times without even touching you in a sexual way." And almost to prove a point he kneaded the back of my neck, relaxing my body to the point I hummed involuntarily. "We're compatible."
"You? Me? Taking a leap? I thought we had a strict no leaping rule." Still staring at the screen.
" That's the thing. It wouldn't be leaping with us, leaping refers to taking a chance that might not pan out. We'd more like fall. It'd be effortless, since we have one of those rare relationships that if we wanted to make something of it we could and if we wanted to stay the way we were it'd be perfectly fine. It wouldn't change us; we'd be great together either way. We each have the key to each other's heart already it's just a matter of keeping them or using them."
I turned my head to look up at him, "You're my best friend."
"And every girl wants to marry her best friend." He pointed out. "I know that if I don't marry you I'm not marrying anyone. There's no one else that I trust that much."
He had a point. Years ago, when neither of us trusted ourselves with matters of the heart, we made the decision to trust each other. We put our hearts under lock and key and gave the keys to each other for safe keeping. How hard could it be to just unlock the other's? We knew everything about each other, and supported each other. We live together, love each other, and share every dream and fear. The only thing we hadn't done was kiss or have sex, probably because subconsciously we both knew there'd be no going back from it and we needed what we had a lot more at the time.
"Me either." I admitted carefully entertaining the idea. "But I don't want to get married anytime soon."
"—God no, me neither." He agreed quickly. "I think we have a lot more to do and see the way we are before we even think about the rest."
"We'll grow up in a few years," I breathed, trying to keep from having an out of body experience.
"—Once we get Twilight bi-coastal and we're ready to be adults, we'll test the waters, and if it's right we'll go for it." He agreed.
"Until then, we'll watch Supernatural." I suggested, wanting the topic to be over so that I didn't read into more than I should.
He agreed starting the next episode, and we laid there watching, my ear to his chest for the first time in a while listening to the sound of his heart. It hadn't raced through the entire conversation, and neither had mine. There were no nerves, only sureness and comfort. It could work.
And almost as if he had esp. he assured me, clutching me closer, and rewinding what our banter made us miss.
—
"Rise and shine Allie," I greeted as cheerful as I could when I answered her incoming Skype.
She glanced over the rim of her Family Guy mug with venom in her eyes. "Only you would insist on having a video conference at this time of morning and still be chipper. Let me finish my coffee first."
I waited in amusement for her to take another three or four sips, humming in approval as she absorbed the caffeine in silence. It was eleven o'clock on the east coast but then again, Sunday's were the days she dedicated to sleeping in. She obviously just woke up, made coffee, and tightened her robe before signing in. I didn't have that luxury.
Despite the fact that I didn't have an event, Jasper had me lacing up my sneakers at six-thirty sharp forcing me to run two miles before hitting the gym in our building. Two hours and a shower later, I was fed, dressed, and ready to get on with one of my rare free days.
"Are you ready now?" I wondered pretending to be impatient.
It didn't faze her in the slightest, with an eye roll up to the ceiling she sat the cup down with a wave of her hand. "Okay, okay, party stuff in a minute, fill me in on the past few weeks, you've heard mine but I haven't heard yours."
I gave her a quick run down on the interviews, and how going bi-costal was going to affect us, but it didn't take long for her to want to hear what I had for her parent's party so far. Reading over the little notes I wrote the day before, and sharing a few links and pictures of venue options that could accommodate she was already starting to get excited.
"Bella you're a genius." She shrieked clicking picture after picture. "Mom and Dad are gonna flip when they hear about it."
I brushed off the compliment. "It was pretty much Jasper that gave me the idea, I'm just putting together details."
"Well whether it's your partner or you, it already sounds amazing. Don't worry about the budget, Edward, Emmett and I are gonna cover everything." She swore pulling up links of her own.
"I'm still going to want your input Allie, I'm only helping, we're planning this together." I reminded knowing that her family would appreciate it more if she were to add her own personal flares to it.
She was already on it, "Good because I was thinking little personalized bootleggers flask for party favors. And I get to have a cigarette holder, those are so cute. We're gonna have a blast with this, we haven't worked together since my brothers wedding—oh I wish you could come."
"Me too," I lied smoothly, in all honesty relieved. "But don't worry, I'm sending my junior, and she's awesome."
Jasper knocked twice on my bedroom door and I was inviting him in without a second thought. "Don't mean to interrupt your video date Sugar, but I figured I'd get the grocery shopping done, want anything special?"
"Nope, just stick to the list." I answered without hesitation.
He gave me a blank stare. "List?"
"Plastered on the fridge," I prompted feeling uneasy about not going with him. Whenever he went alone we ended up with box kits, and snacks. "Don't deviate from the list."
He just shook his head at me. "Fine, fine, be back in an hour."
Alice had the most speculating look on her face when I turned back to apologize for making her wait. "What was that?"
"Jasper." I answered simply looking down at the modifications trying to get back to business.
She wasn't having it, "Isabella Swan, do you care to explain why your business partner is at your house buying you groceries at seven in the morning?"
"Your math is wrong Allie, it's almost nine now." I deadpanned realizing I'd just set myself up. "And he's buying groceries because….it's kinda his house too."
"You're living with a guy and you haven't told me?!" She shrieked in disbelief, "For how long?"
"Since I moved to LA." I admitted feeling only the fraction of guilt I probably should.
"What?!" She shouted adjusting in her chair to sit on her feet. " Bella… Wait—Rose and Em have been out there do they know?"
"They've met him…" I admitted feeling guiltier.
"Why am I the last one to know?!" She demanded in that whine that only added more guilt. "You've been living with a guy for four years and you never told me."
"Because you would have made a big deal about it, you'd assume it was all hearts and fireworks, and it's not like that." I explained the best I could. "I'm not exactly hiding it, I just—don't want it read into.
"Okay, so if it's 'not like that' as you put it, how is it?" She asked trying her best to get a hold on her emotions as best she could.
"It's simple," I answered quickly, then shifted when my mind ran over my conversation with him on the couch the night before. "And, a tad complicated."
Her planner beeped, and she didn't say anything as she reached for it. With a snarl she silenced the sound and sighed in surrender. "I have brunch with Mom and Dad, so I need to go get ready, but you are telling me everything the next time we talk."
"Okay." I agreed surprised she was taking it so calm.
"I'm serious Bells, I won't forget." She threatened with a point of her finger before signing off, and I had no doubt she wouldn't.
Promise that the next chapter is from Edwards POV. Ch 12 is being written as we speak. Okay, so all I want for my 25th birthday is love and reviews. See you next week.
DiNishaRob