A/N-Sorry it has taken me so long. Between losing the chapter, internet issues, and not wanting to work with me, well... you get the picture. Hope you like it.
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and the characters.
Chapter 12
You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.
You have to go to them sometimes - Winnie the Pooh
After brunch with the family on Sunday the girls planned to go shopping. I wanted to ask if Bella would be meeting them, but I didn't think that would go along with the "take it slow" attitude I was trying to adopt.
Dad has reserved time on a field for us manly men to play a few rounds of paintball. For an old guy, he is pretty good. He also knows how to take a hit. We all have the full range of gear. After the first time Jasper joined us, he immediately hopped on eBay and purchased his own gun, mask, and a vest that carries extra packets of paintballs. I preferred to keep my balls in my pants. Perverts. I mean, I carry my paintballs in the cargo pockets of my pants.
Before the first game, Emmett had me snap a picture of him holding his gun and pretending to be a badass. He asked me to send it to Rose to show to anyone who might try hitting on her today. On a whim, I sent it to Bella, too, with the caption "Big Brother is watching." I'm lame, I know, but I just wanted to keep in contact with her even if I couldn't see her or talk to her.
I keep checking my phone for a reply as I hide behind bunkers and take shots at the opposing team. So far there is no response. Sometimes I almost wish that we guys would split up, with 2 of us joining the other team. I would love to take some shots at Emmett. Or Dad. How great would it be to just light your father up with paintballs?
We lost two out of the three games we played. It turns out that Dad was the last person standing on our team. All. Three. Games. I guess the old man still has some moves.
As we drag our sore asses back to the car, I check my phone one last time. I stop walking when I see I have a photo message from Bella. I guess she did end up shopping with the girls, because there she is with Alice and Rose. They are posing like Charlie's Angels, which I find kind of humorous when I think of her father. I quickly send a reply and jog to the car where the others are waiting. I cann't wipe the smile off of my face. Emmett notices, but doesn't say anything. I'm pretty sure Jasper notices too, but he only narrows his eyes at me.
Thursday comes bringing with it a meeting for the entire Marketing Team. Marcus has been leading these meetings for the past 18 months or so. Today is no different. I sit down at the table near the donuts to give my restless hands something to do. After everyone has taken their seat, Marcus begins.
"Today," Marcus says, "Today, I am going to upset some of you. Some of you will feel irritated and others will just feel insulted. Please know that it is my intention to do neither…well that, and both, at the same time. You see, I'm going back to elementary marketing skills today. Not because I think you don't know what I'm about to share, but because we, and yes, I include myself, we seem to have forgotten some basic marketing knowledge. First of all, Eric, what is our newest team project?"
"Pssshhhtt…White Cloud Diapers," Eric says, his voice filled with disdain.
Marcus replies, "Yes, that's right. And, how are things going? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?" Marcus chuckles. We all just shake our heads and laugh. Everyone knows that this account has been difficult for a variety of reasons.
"Ok," Marcus calls us back to order, "Edward, how much experience do you have with diapers?"
I snort at this. "Absolutely none," I answer.
"Angela, you're a female. Surely you have some diapering expertise."
Angela laughs, "Actually, I haven't been around diapers since my younger twin brothers began taking their shit out of their diapers and wiping it on everything. Once, I remember Embry even loaded some in one of his train cars and was hauling it around the train tracks. Even bleach couldn't remove the smell. No, I avoid anyone wearing diapers at all costs." We all cringe and a few of the guys turn a little green.
"Mike, what about you? Have you even touched a diaper since you've been toilet-trained?" Marcus is grinning. He is enjoying this.
Mike turns bright red and replies, "No, I wouldn't even really know what one looks like."
Marcus looks around the room of young and mostly single adults and asks, "Does anyone in here have recent experience with diapers? No? So, how are we to be expected to come up with an ad campaign encouraging people to buy a specific brand of diapers? Can anyone help me?" After looking us each in the eye, Marcus continues, "Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. I'm going to play you a song that will hopefully remind us of what we do in this department and help us get started on this project for a major account here at HD." With that said, Marcus walks over to an iHome connected in the corner and presses play on his iPod. Soon a guitar and drum being to play a bluesy rhythm joined by…a harmonica? WOW.
It doesn't matter what I say
As long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel that I'll convey
Some inner truth of vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks
The song continues and sounds vaguely familiar. My foot bounces and hands are tapping out the rhythm all around the table. When it ends, Marcus walks over to the white board with his marker ready to write. "Ok," he says, "What were there first words of the song?" He pushes play again and they flow out of the speakers. "It doesn't matter what I say…, and why doesn't it matter? What was the chorus of the song again? Let's listen," as he presses the play button again.
Because the hook brings you back
I ain't telling you no lie
The hook brings you back
On that you can rely
"Again," Marcus questions, "why doesn't it matter what I say, Edward? What brings you back?"
"The hook," I answer, mentally slapping myself in the head for all of us. He was right, it is basic marketing. "We need a hook. Who cares if we don't know how to use diapers. It's the hook that will bring people back. It's the hook that will keep them buying a certain brand."
"Good, Edward. I know many of you want to hate me, but it's going to be a lot easier now, don't you think? This song is from the 1990's. It's Hook and it's by a band called Blues Traveler. They are talking about music, but we can definitely apply it to our situation." While Marcus continues talking about the song and ways we can use it, my mind begins to apply it to my situation with Bella. What I need is a hook. I need something that no one else has, something that will keep her coming back for more. And I think I know what it is. Bella and I always have a good time together. We do fun things. Some people (Kate) may see them as childish, but Bella and I always enjoyed things like paintball and roller skating. This. THIS is my hook. FUN. I'll make Bella have so much fun that she'll never want to be away from me again. Yes, I have a plan. I suddenly realize that Marcus is still talking. "We'll meet again Monday and I want you all to bring at least 2 ideas for a "hook" we can use for this diaper project. Thanks for your time and your patience. If I don't see you tomorrow, have a good weekend." And we were dismissed, which is good because I had some plans to make. The first one being how do I get Bella to spend time with me again? Especially after our awkward encounter over the weekend.
A/N - I know its a short chapter, but YAY, Edward has a plan.
