Hey guys, I know, late as usual. I'm job hunting at the moment and I'm afraid that has to come first! Also, this chapter has been written and re-written more than a few times. Here it is.
Once Rosalie's sobs calmed down I pulled away from her slightly and noticed Edward and my uncle had left the room. I got Rose tissues and sat back down beside her.
"What's happened to you honey?" I asked.
"Oh B, everything is just a mess! I met this guy just after you left San Diego to come here. He was amazing. He worked in LA so we spent every weekend together, walking on the beach, going to dinner, it really was a dream come true. Then he started to get really moody and distant, said it was trouble at work.
One night we went out to dinner and then headed to a little bar near the beach. This guy hit on me while Royce was at the bar. I told him straight away that I was with someone and he apologized and left. I thought everything was fine until we got home. We had a huge fight about it, yelling and screaming. Then he hit me, slapped me in the face. " she said and paused for a second.
"That's terrible Rose," I said quietly.
"I know. And I always said if a guy ever lifted a hand to me I'd be out of there, no questions asked, but I couldn't. I had to know why he did it. So, I decided on a whim to go to LA and talk to him. He'd been calling me and sending me flowers and gifts to apologize but I had rejected his calls and sent everything back.
I got to his office building and asked at reception to see him and the girl looked at me kind of funny but I didn't think anything of it. I headed up to his floor and he was waiting for me by the elevator. He all but dragged me straight back to his office before demanding to know what I thought I was doing, showing up at his work and embarrassing him. I told him I wanted to let him know I was in town, that I wanted to talk about what had happened. Next thing I know this older guy walks into his office and starts ranting on about Royce embarrassing both him and himself. Turns out it was his future father-in-law. He worked for him." she, shaking her head.
"Fuck!" I breathed.
"His father-in-law freaked out. I thought it was because Royce had obviously been having an affair but all he kept saying was that Royce should have kept his whore out of town. I left then, stormed from the building. I was so angry, at myself more than him. I mean, I couldn't believe I had been duped, allowed myself to get so close with someone and not even realising that I was being taken for a fool. Anyway, I got back to my hotel and at first I thought about just grabbing my stuff and getting the hell out of there but I called Juliet, remember her? Anyway, I called Juliet, and told her everything that had happened. She told me that she was due in LA for a meeting the next day, to hang at the hotel and she would come that night instead and spend the night with me.
I went to the spa to try and relax a little and got back to my room and I decided to sleep a little before Juliet arrived. I woke up when my door was knocked and I opened without checking to see who it was because I just assumed it was Jules. It was Royce. He pushed his way into my room and started screaming at me about how I had embarrassed him, how I had no idea of the pressure he was under. Then he said it was all my fault, I was nothing but a whore, how could he resist when I offered myself to him on a platter. I never, I swear I never," she sobbed.
"Of course you didn't sweetie," I soothed, or at least tried.
"I told him to leave my room and tried to call to have security sent up but he pulled the phone from my hand and ripped the cord from the wall. I threw vase at him and screamed at him to go, hoping the noise would get someone to call downstairs, if only to file a complaint. When I did that it was like I flipped a switch. He charged over to me and slapped me before grabbing me by my hair and throwing me on the bed. I struggled against him and he just started hitting out. He was punching and kicking, slapping at me and every time I almost got away he'd grab me by the hair or arm and pull me back. He eventually made me fall face down on the floor. He managed to turn me around despite my struggling and got his hands around my throat. He tried to choke me, and was very near succeeding but thankfully the hotel security got into the room. They pulled him off of me and held him until the cops came. I was taken to hospital and stayed there for a few days. Luckily nothing was broken, I had some bruised ribs and bruises all over my face and body. I had a cut on my side from knocking into something at some point and cuts on my feet from the broken glass from the vase I threw.
When I left the hospital I just wanted to get away. I went back home to get some stuff and organise some time off from the garage. When I got to my apartment it had been completely trashed. Everything was broken or ripped, there was paint strewn around, it was just a disaster. My phone rang a few minutes after I got home and when I answered a voice I didn't recognize told me I had messed with the wrong person and to watch my back.
I left immediately and went to my parents. I told them the whole story and my mom basically called me a whore and a home wrecker before leaving the room, telling me she couldn't bear to look at me. My dad wanted to hunt Royce down and gut him like a fish but I told him I didn't want that. When I told him about the threats he wanted me to stay with them but I couldn't when my mother was so ashamed of me and angry at me, so I left. My dad gave me a wad of cash to get me through and told me to let him know where I ended up. I originally went to Seattle and rented an apartment for a couple of months. I only ended up staying a week though.
I went to an internet café and checked my emails and found all the ones from you. I decided to come and visit and go from there. So, if you'll have me, I'll be in town for a while," she said with a small smile.
"Of course, you're more than welcome to stay. But what happened to Royce?" I asked.
"Well, that's another pile of shit. He was arrested and charged with assault and battery. He was let go on bail the next day and then I got a call last week to say that the case had been dropped. LAPD had lost evidence or it hadn't been logged properly or something and it meant they didn't have anything on him. As of right now he is awaiting his wedding to some bimbo who's father knows he cheats on her and lets him away with it," she said in disgust.
"That is fucked up! How can a father do that to his daughter? You wouldn't wish scum like that on your worst enemy let alone your own child. Asshole!" I spat angrily.
"I know. To think he'll probably have some other girl by now, it makes me sick." she let out a huge yawn.
"Okay, you need to sleep. Let's get your stuff and get you home. A hot meal and a hot bath will do you the world of good. We'll leave your car and pick it up tomorrow," I said as I stood.
"Do you live alone?" she asked quietly.
"Oh, no. I live with Edward. We just moved in together actually. He'll be fine with it though. We just kicked his brother out yesterday. If I can put up with him, Edward will have it easy with you," I said with a wink.
"Shouldn't you check with him first though?" she asked nervously.
"Honestly Rose, he won't mind. Why don't I go talk to him and you go grab your stuff," I said gently.
I headed to the kitchen where Edward and my uncle were sitting.
"So, I said it would be okay if Rosalie stayed with us for a bit, you don't mind do you?" I asked.
"Of course not. Is she okay?" he asked as he stood.
"She will be. She's out front grabbing her stuff from her car. I told her to leave it and we'd get it tomorrow. Is that okay?" I asked my uncle.
"Of course, that's fine. I'll be at the store so just get it whenever." my uncle answered.
"Okay. Well, we should go and help Rose with her stuff. Thanks uncle C," I said as I hugged him.
"No problem honey. Come see me soon okay," he said with a grin.
"Okay," I answered.
We said our goodbyes and headed out to help Rose. Once we had her suitcases and boxes in the back of Edward's truck we drove home. I introduced Rose and Edward but after that the rest of the drive was silent save for the radio. When we got to the house we got Rose's stuff inside. Edward told us to go and heat up dinner while he put Rose's things upstairs. We got into the kitchen and I saw Rosalie look around in awe.
"Wow B, this place is amazing!" she breathed.
"I know right! You'd never think a single guy would live in a place like this. His mom helped him with the interior but the rest he designed himself using the original building and adding to it." I told her as I turned the oven on to heat and fixed the rest of the food Emmett had left to be warned.
We chatted, caught up while I worked around the kitchen. Edward came down and I had him set another place at the table and clear away the candles and things Emmett had left. A few minutes later we sat down to eat.
"So, I hear you used to play hockey," Rose started and I was pleased she was trying to get to know Edward.
"I did. I had to retire when I was injured. Since then I've opened my bar with my buddy. You guys should come over tomorrow for lunch. Bella does normally, you should join her," he said.
"I don't know. I'm not really good around strangers right now." Rose said quietly.
"Honestly Rose, it'll be fine. We'll maybe talk to Jasper and whatever member of staff is on tomorrow. And this big lug here. Besides that it'll just be a quiet lunch." I told her but saw Edward grimace. "What?" I asked.
"I got a text earlier from Alice. She has some gowns for you to try on for the gala. I think she was planning on coming to the bar to meet you at lunchtime and then take you back to her place so you could decide on one." he said sheepishly.
"Okay so lunch just got a little louder and a lot more annoying. Can't she just pick one for me?" I whined.
"Wait, this Alice, is she the girl you were friends with when you used to come here?" Rose asked.
"Yeah. She moved back here with her fiancé, Jasper, who is also Edward's friend and business partner." I told her.
"Okay, so, what is the gala?" she asked.
"Since before I retired I've supported a children's cancer charity in LA. Every year they hold a big gala. They take donations and hold a silent auction. They usually make a lot of money for the kids so it's worthwhile. This year Bella is coming with me, but she didn't want to go shopping so Alice had some dresses and shit shipped here instead." Edward answered.
"I've heard of that before. You'll need a stunning gown B. Picking your gown sounds like fun actually, would you mind if I tag along?" Rose asked.
"Sure, if you're feeling up to it." I answered.
After dinner Rose was tired so she went straight upstairs to take a bath and have an early night. Edward and I followed soon after and watched a movie before falling asleep. The next day we got started unpacking Rosalie's things. She decided just to unpack her clothes and a few little nik naks along with her computer and things. When we were done we hung out in the living room for a while chatting as I answered some emails pertaining to my shop.
"So, I was wondering about something you said last night," I started.
"Yeah?" Rose looked up from her laptop.
"About not being good around strangers. What exactly did you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I never noticed until I got to Seattle. I was in the hotel lobby when a crowd came in. I don't know, I just got really anxious, like I couldn't breathe. The people who came in were a group of business men and I just kept thinking that Royce could be among them. He came to Seattle a few times to attend meetings for his firm. I panicked at the thought of him being able just to stumble across me. The receptionist was great. She took me back to an office and sat with me until I calmed down. She told me that while I was there if I needed to talk I could call down for her.
It was then I figured I didn't want to stay in the city. I had already planned to look into a smaller town or city where there would be no chance of me seeing him. Then like fate, your emails were waiting for me. I'm sorry, by the way, that I wasn't there for you when your mom passed. That must've been hard for you. How are you dealing with it?" she asked.
"As bad as it sounds I'm fine. There was just so much happened in such a short space of time I felt like I was going crazy." I started.
"Why? What else happened?" she asked.
"Oh. First of all I thought Tyler was just trying to contact me. When I eventually called him back I found out about Renee. I drove over to tell Edward and his ex answered the door." I told her, rolling my eyes.
"Noo!" Rose exclaimed.
I filled her in on everything else that happened at that time. Before we knew it, it was time to go to lunch. We pulled up outside the bar and I turned to Rose as I cut the engine.
"Okay, I'm warning you now. Alice can be a little, um, highly strung, shall we say. This whole dress thing will be like a battle of the wills and I fully expect you to either side with me or keep quiet okay?" I asked with a raised my eyebrow.
Rose nodded and held her hands up in mock surrender. We were literally two steps inside the bar when I heard her.
"It's about damn time B! Do you have any idea of what we need to get done this afternoon? And after I'm done with you I have to measure J and E for their tuxes and, I don't know you. I'm Alice Brandon," she said in one breath before holding her hand out to Rose.
"I'm sorry, I think I caught about two words of that sentence. Alice, you say? I'm Rosalie Hale, Bella's friend from college," she replied and put her hand out and shook Alice's.
I saw Alice's eyes land on Rose's bruised neck and her eyes widen slightly but thankfully she never lingered or said anything. Rose had agreed I could share her story with Edward but she asked if we could keep it to ourselves.
"Okay, can we eat now?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
I spotted Edward coming out of the back and headed over to him.
"I swear she's especially hopped up today. Why don't I remember her being this bad when I was younger?" I moaned.
"It's like childbirth. You block out all the bad parts and remember the good," he chuckled.
I mock punched him and stomped away in a huff. He joined us for lunch and I swear the minute my fork hit my plate. Alice clapped her hands together.
"Okay, I have everything set up at my place. Once we get there you should choose whichever gowns catch your eye. Then you can try them on and we can decide on one. Then we have to pick out shoes, a bag, accessories, hair and make up. We'll have a stylist come to my place just after we arrive there and she'll do our hair and make up. Oh, we have to go over our plans for the rest of the weekend. I thought we could," she rambled on.
Edward and I exchanged glances. We had already made our plans for the weekend, or almost week in our case. I thought Edward had already explained all of this to Jasper. I willed him to speak up so I didn't have to.
"Um, Alice, I think there's been a misunderstanding," he said.
"Really, what do you mean?" she asked curiously.
"Did J not tell you we weren't coming back until Wednesday?" he asked.
"He did but the plans I made are for Saturday and Sunday so it's fine," she said smiling at him patronizingly, like you would a child.
"Yeah, but the thing is Bella and I already have plans. J said you guys would be spending time with your family and I know you're not going there without doing some heavy duty shopping, so I made plans for us," he shrugged.
"Oh. What are you guys doing?" she asked.
"Well, Friday when we arrive we're hanging out at my condo until we get ready. We'll be picked up at seven and head to the gala. Saturday we're hanging out there again and then going out to dinner with some of my friends. Sunday through Tuesday we're hitting up Malibu and then doing touristy stuff before we head home on Wednesday," he replied.
"I thought you guys would stay with us at my place. We'd have a lot of fun getting ready together. You'd like that right Bella?" she asked, pleading me with her eyes to say yes.
I just couldn't do it.
"Sorry Ali, I really want to see Edward's condo," I answered.
"Okay, fine. So I have to hire two stylists," she started but I cut her off.
"No you don't. I don't want a stylist. I've been doing my own hair and make up for years, I'm sure I can manage." I told her firmly.
"But this is a black tie event Bella. Do you really want to show up not looking right, not looking polished?" she said a little too condescendingly for my liking.
"I'll be fine Alice now let it go," I said through my teeth.
She stared at me through narrowed eyes for a minute, willing me to change my min. When I never said anything she slammed her glass down on the table.
"Fine. Now, can we go?" she asked angrily.
"Yes. I just need to go to the bathroom," I answered.
Rose said she'd come with so we headed back there.
"Wow, she is just a little can of crazy that one!" she laughed.
"I know. Don't get me wrong, she has a heart of gold and I love her to death but when she starts her shit about clothes and stuff she gets on my nerves. Is my style really that bad?" I asked her.
"Not at all, she's just more girly than you are." she sniggered.
Rosalie used to annoy the life out of me in college trying to make me more girly. It pissed me off to no end.
"Okay, enough out of you. Let's go get this torture over with," I said as I dried my hands.
We got back to the table to see an amused looking Edward and a pouting Alice.
"B, I'm sorry for hassling you. I promise I won't go overboard on you today with the dress thing," she said grudgingly.
"Okay then, lets go." I said before saying goodbye to Edward and heading outside. Rose and I followed her back to her place and the minute she got out of her car I could see she had perked up.
"Okay, go into the living room and look around and I'll be with you in a minute," she said with a grin.
I gasped when I got in there. I had expected five, maybe six dresses. What met me was three racks full. How she had managed to pull this off I really couldn't imagine. There were shoe boxes piled up against one wall and two plastic containers, one huge and one a bit smaller next to the couch.
"Shorty knows how to pull together clothes, some of these gowns are gorgeous," Rosalie whispered.
I nodded and went over to the rack Rose was looking at. I went through them, taking my time to loo at each one choosing a dark blue one and a black one before heading to the next one. I had picked out six by the time Alice came back.
"Sorry, I was just returning a call from Vic. So what did you find?" she asked.
I showed her what I had picked out and began trying them on. The first two were a bust. I tried on the third, a dark red floor length gown. It was one shouldered and was held by a jewelled strap. I tried it on and looked in the floor length mirror Alice had dragged out from her bedroom.
"What do you guys think?" I asked.
I liked it but something wasn't right.
"I love it, but I'm not sure it's you," Rose said first.
"It's the colour. It drains you a little. You'd probably need a tan to pull it off. Next!" Alice ordered and disappeared before returning with a bottle of white wine and three glasses.
I pulled on the one I liked most when I picked them out. From the front it looked quite plain. It was a high neck halter gown. It was really plain but the material was gorgeous as it hung to the floor. The back was completely open down to my ass where the material draped before flaring out into the skirt. The minute I had it on I knew it was the one.
"B that is stunning," Alice sighed.
"It really is Bella. You look amazing in that, it fits you perfectly." Rosalie agreed.
"Okay. Now, I've narrowed my choice down to three so you guys can help me choose one before we pull the shoes out." Alice said excitedly.
She tried on hers and we all agreed on the second. It was a cornflower blue, strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline. It was similar to mine in that it was formfitting until it hit her hip and then flared down to the ground but unlike mine hers had a thigh high split at the side. There was a black satin sash that wrapped around her waist and little buttons down the back to her ass. It was gorgeous and really suited her. Looking at it on the hanger I would have thought it would have made her look even shorter but it actually elongated her form.
"Okay, so I'm thinking these would be perfect with your dress," she said as she pulled out a pair of emerald green heels with a platform sole. They were suede peep-toes with a bow on the front which was covered in crystals. As I turned them to look at the heel I spotted the tell tale red sole.
"So, Ali, how much is this outfit setting me back? I can get a cheque over to you later," I said as I looked at my pretty shoes.
"Not a thing. You're adoring boyfriend is settling up later. Take it up with him,." she said as when she saw the look on my face.
"Don't start with him Bella. He just wants to spoil you a little. Let him." she warned.
"Fine. But I'm not happy about it," I pouted.
"You so can't pull off a pout as good as I can," she laughed as she pulled a pair of shoes for herself.
She went for a pair of high black strappy sandals, also with that red sole. Then she pulled over the huge container and emptied it onto the floor. We picked through the purses until we each found one. Mine matched my shoes perfectly, the exact shade of green. It was a long clutch, also suede. Alice's was a black clutch, slightly smaller and covered in ostrich feathers.
"Okay that's us. We'll sort out accessories nearer the time. I can't wait, I'm so excited!" Alice squealed.
It was going to be a long two weeks.
Next chapter is almost done so it shouldn't take as long to post. Thanks for reading.
Characters Not Mine