The Best Man
Chapter 14
A/N – Seems like some folks are a little concerned about Edward's trip to New York and what that might mean. I guess we'll all find out together! Thanks again for the reviews. There's nothing like hearing that little "ding" that tells you there's an email and finding a review from a new reader or one of the "regulars"- you all know who you are – and I appreciate every one of you.
I actually got to go to Good Morning America this week, so it was fun writing this chapter based on what I saw!
As always, Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight.
Alice peered up at Bella and squinted. "I don't know, Bella. I think the yellow might be just a bit too chipper."
Bella turned from the dozen or so stripes of different colors she'd painted on one of the walls, her eyes wide. "Too chipper? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"
"You need to trust me on this. Forget the yellow. Go with the pale lemon." Alice pointed to one of the first colors Bella slapped on the wall, over an hour ago.
"What? Lemon is yellow."
"But it's not in your face, glow in the dark, make me not want to buy any books yellow." Alice huffed. "Come down from that ladder and look at it from over here."
Bella grabbed the paintbrush and nearly dropped it, smearing paint on the front of her white tee shirt as she did. "Ugh. Now I have a glow in the dark tee shirt." She wiped at the paint on her shirt, and succeeded only in getting paint all over her hands. Just then, she heard the familiar ring tone that meant Edward was calling. "That's Edward. Alice, grab my phone."
Alice danced her way to the counter and picked up the phone. "Bella's Books. Alice, your best friend's girlfriend and girlfriend's best friend speaking." She laughed. "Yes, she's here, but she's covered in paint right now." She laughed out loud. "I can't believe you said that."
Bella made her way down the ladder, wiped her hands on a rag and reached for the phone. "Hand it over, Ali." She tucked the phone under her ear and walked toward the front window. "Hey there."
Edward smiled at the sound of her voice. "Hey there yourself. Got a minute?"
Bella felt a tingle of electricity run through her at the sound of his voice. How he could do that to her with just a few words, she didn't understand, but she certainly enjoyed it.
"For you, sexy guy, anytime."
"That's what you said this morning, too."
"Yes, I did. And the results were pretty amazing."
Edward laughed. "I'd have to agree."
"Looking for a repeat?"
Edward took a deep breath, picturing the way her long wavy hair spread across the pillow while he kissed her awake. "Anytime, sweet Bella, anytime." He cleared his throat. "But actually, I have something else that's got me really excited right now."
"Besides me?" Bella frowned. "I'm not sure I like the sound of that."
"It's nothing bad" he quickly assured her. "Actually it's something pretty amazing. I can't quite wrap my head around it."
Bella sat down on the windowseat. "Okay, I'm sitting. What's this big news?"
"The story about the reading program? The one we did yesterday, and the follow up we did this morning?" Edward felt like he was going to burst. "New York wants it. Good Morning America called, and they aren't just going to run the tape of it. They actually want me there, to do the story live on their show."
"Oh wow" Bella exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "Edward, that's amazing. I'm so proud of you. So very proud." She could hear the excitement in his voice, and couldn't help the squeal that escaped her lips. "That's perfect. I'm so excited for you."
"I know. I can't believe it."
"We should go out and celebrate tonight."
"Can't. They're going to fly me to New York this afternoon, and Jasper too. They're putting us up at a hotel and I'll do the story on the air tomorrow morning."
"So I guess I won't be able to see you before you go?"
"No, we're leaving in an hour. I just have time to stop home and grab my toothbrush."
Bella felt a sting of disappointment, but was determined not to let it show. He was so happy, and she wasn't going to let one night apart make him think she didn't support him completely. "Okay. Will you call me when you get there?"
"I will, of course." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "I'm gonna miss sleeping next to you tonight. I've gotten quite used to having you there."
That got a smile out of her. "Me too."
"You'll watch it, right?"
"My hot boyfriend on national television? Of course I'll watch it."
"One more thing. Can you tape the show for me?"
"Of course." Bella could hear Jasper in the background, calling for Edward.
"I've gotta go. I love you."
The call ended and Bella let her hand drop down by her side. "I love you too."
She looked up and saw the expression on Alice's face. "I guess you got the same phone call I did."
"And why are we both standing here like this? This is great news. Fantastic news, even." Alice hugged her friend. "We'll see them tomorrow, when they come back like conquering heroes."
Bella thought for a minute and realized she was being silly. This was something she knew Edward always wanted to do. "You're right, Alice. It really is amazing. Good Morning America!" She could feel the excitement coming back. She grabbed Alice's hands and the two of them jumped up and down. "Let's plan a little welcome home celebration for tomorrow night. We'll order dinner from that Italian place across the street, watch the tape of the show and toast our guys."
"I'll call Rosalie and Emmett. I'm thinking golden cupcakes with champagne icing!"
Edward opened the drapes and looked out over New York City. The view from the 20th floor of the hotel was amazing. In the early evening light, the electronic billboards sparkled like a thousand multicolored stars.
Jasper tipped the bellboy and closed the door to their suite. "Holy crap, Edward. A two bedroom suite in Times Square? This is definitely how the other half lives."
Edward's phone rang. "Bella?" The voice that answered wasn't the one he'd been hoping for. "Oh, hi Jenks. Yeah, we just got to the room. It's a suite. Is that normal?"
Jenks laughed. "Not for everyone, Ed. Just for people they're trying to court."
"Court? What do you mean?" Edward's forehead wrinkled in confusion. Jasper gave him a questioning look, and Edward just shook his head.
"They don't just fly every local newsboy to the big city, Ed. Think of this as a tryout."
"Very funny, Jenks" said Edward. "It's just one story, though I'm happy enough to get to do it. God, I've always thought about what it would be like to work in one of the big markets, and it doesn't get any bigger than this."
"Then say thank you to your incredible agent, and have a night out on the town. On me." Jenks could be incredibly annoying, but he did sound genuinely happy for his client. "There's a great steakhouse and bar on the second floor of your hotel, and you've got an open tab in my name." He chuckled. "Don't make me regret it."
"Thanks, J, really. I appreciate it." Edward ended the call. "Hey Jas, Jenks is treating us to dinner at the steakhouse downstairs."
"Sounds great." His voice came from inside the second bedroom. "Just let me call Alice first."
Edward grabbed his phone. "Don't you dare dial that phone before I call Bella."
Jasper stuck his head out of the room with the phone on his ear. "Too late!"
"Shit" said Edward, hitting the speed dial button and relaxing only when she answered on the first ring. "Bella, love."
"Hey" she replied. "How was your flight?"
He told her about the trip and the suite, and Jenks' uncharacteristically generous dinner offer. But he didn't repeat what Jenks said about a tryout. First, because he didn't believe it, and second, because he didn't want to think about New York when Bella was in Chicago.
Edward was used to being in the studio nice and early, but he'd been too excited to get much sleep the night before. The adrenaline had definitely kicked in by the time they reached Times Square, and his knee bounced excitedly as he sat in the tall chair having his makeup done.
"Mr. Cullen?" said the makeup artist. "This will go a lot easier if you sit still."
"Oh, yeah, sorry" he muttered, embarrassed to be caught acting like a rookie. He gave her a sheepish grin.
"That's OK" she said with a wink. "It's a pretty awesome place."
"Edward?" The voice came from just over his shoulder. He turned to see an efficient looking young woman with dark brown hair and a clipboard smiling at him. His heart skipped a beat at the dark hair though he knew it wasn't Bella. He really had missed waking up next to her this morning.
"I'm Lauren, the production assistant. As soon as you're done here, I'll take you out front to meet the anchors and show you where you'll be doing the story."
"All done" said the makeup artist. Edward thanked her, and followed Lauren downstairs.
"This is the anchor desk" Lauren pointed across the room "and the desk in the opposite corner is where we'll have you sit to do your story." She looked at her watch and consulted her phone. "Your segment will start at 8:05. Dan Harris will introduce you, you'll have 15 seconds to do the intro to the story, then you'll talk over the video for two minutes, 15 seconds. When the video ends, you have 90 seconds to do the wrap up, then we'll go to Robin. Any questions?" He shook his head no. "Standard signals and countdowns. The producer will tell you which camera right before the segment. Now let me introduce you to Dan and the other anchors."
Edward followed her around the studio, flashing a quick smile at Jasper who stood behind one of the cameras talking to the producer. His friend gave him a quick thumbs up and went back to talking. A few minutes before 7:00 AM, the anchors came out and took their seats. Edward had to school himself not to react like a fan when Robin Roberts sat down in the center chair.
Lauren took him over to Dan Harris.
"It's nice to meet you, Edward. I saw the video, and this is a great story. Glad to have you hear to present it. How'd you stumble on a story in Seattle if you're based in Chicago?"
Edward told him about the famous buildings in famous cities series he'd been doing. "While we were out there, we found out about the reading program. Ms. Swan is a friend of mine, and I think what she's done with these kids is amazing. My producer" he pointed to Jasper "agreed to do the story, and I'm just really happy it's taken off like this."
Before he knew it, it was time for Edward to do his segment. Just like in Chicago, as soon as he was on camera he was fine. The nerves disappeared, and it was just him and the audience, sharing a story. He couldn't help but smile when they ran the video segment and Bella appeared on the screen. He wished he'd been able to bring her with him. Maybe, if he got the chance to come back here someday, he could plan a trip with her.
Edward kept his eyes on the producer, who was holding up four, then three, then two fingers, counting down the seconds left in the video. When he nodded, Edward looked into the camera. "Sometimes, good things come out of tragedies. Since we originally filmed this story, the bookstore that started the program was unfortunately the victim of a devastating fire. But owners Bella Swan and Alice Brandon are starting over in Chicago with a new bookstore and a new reading program at Children's Hospital. Their loyal customers are continuing the Seattle program as well, meaning that twice as many children will have the comfort of their favorite books."
"Thank you, Edward" said Robin Roberts. "We'd like to help the hospital reading program. Each of us picked out a favorite children's book, and we'd appreciate it if you could take them back to Chicago and donate them to the program."
Edward hadn't been told about this, and it caught him off guard for a second. "That's….that's great. Thanks very much. I'd be happy to take them back with me."
Jasper greeted him with a high five as he left the studio. "Nice going, buddy!" Jasper was grinning from ear to ear. "Bella will be thrilled."
"I hope so" said Edward, holding the shopping bag of books. "Let's get back to Chicago."
Bella heard the front door of the apartment open, and gestured to Emmett. "Now, Em."
Emmett popped open the cork of the champagne he was holding and then jumped back when the bubbly foam poured out the top. "Whoa! Get those glasses over here, Rosie."
Rosalie laughed and held out the tray of six glasses. "We've got this. Go on, both of you." Bella and Alice ran to the front door. Jasper managed to drop his suitcase just as Alice jumped into his arms, and kissed him soundly.
Bella simply walked up to Edward and slid her arms around his waist. He set his bag on the floor and wrapped his arms around her back before dropping a gentle kiss on the top of her head. He pulled back, carefully placed his fingers under her chin, and tipped her head up. He stared deeply into her eyes for a long, quiet moment, then slowly dipped his head and placed his lips on hers, gently at first, then firmly.
"I missed you" Edward murmured against her lips, barely breaking the kiss.
"I missed you too" Bella answered. "But I'm so very proud of you."
"No more than I am of you."
"Me? Why?"
"If it wasn't for you, and your generous heart, there would have been no story to tell, and I wouldn't have gotten a chance to be in New York."
Bella blushed. She stepped back and tugged his hand. "Come have some champagne. This is something to celebrate."
They gathered in the kitchen, where Rosalie handed out the glasses Emmett had poured.
Emmett, of course, was the first one to lift his glass in the air. "Here's to Eddie" he smirked, as Edward frowned "and Jasper, and to the women who inspired them. Cheers!"
As they all sipped the delicious liquid, Rosalie stared at her husband.
"What?" Emmett asked.
"Who knew you could say something so eloquent?"
"Rosie, babe, haven't you learned never to underestimate me?" He wiggled his eyebrows, and they all burst out laughing.
Later, when they were alone, Bella curled up next to Edward on the couch and laid her head on his chest. "How was New York, really?"
"Really?" Edward ran his fingers across her cheeks and took a deep breath. "It was everything I always dreamed it would be. It was everything I love about what I do, but on a much grander scale. It was exciting and wonderful, and the people were amazing." He felt her tense just a bit and pulled her closer. "But even with all that, it was no more than a fun day away, because you weren't there with me."
Bella felt herself relax, and a small smile crossed her face as she nuzzled against his cheek. Edward wished he could relax as easily.