Here we are the final chapter. I don't want to drag out all of my sappiness yet because we still have the Epi and two future-takes.
Thank you to Brie for being, well, just her usual amazing self.
I'll see you at the end. Enjoy!
Chapter Sixteen—Breathe
I had been back in Los Angeles for five weeks now, and while being separated from my love was horrible, it was also enlightening. We'd spent the last thirty-five days learning even more about each other. Sure, we texted, talked on the phone, and even Skyped every day, but I was missing his physical presence by my side. Time was passing fairly quickly as I discovered more and more about Edward and his little quirks.
I learned that when things didn't involve work, Edward could be a procrastinator. He had put off taking his suits and shirts to the dry cleaners for so long that two weeks ago he ended up going to work in jeans. Esme, God love her, still did all of his other laundry. The man was spoiled—it was no wonder that he still lived at home.
We had a long talk about the fact that regardless of how much I loved him, I wouldn't be his maid. He was nearly thirty years old and he needed to learn these things sooner rather than later. We learned we both had obsessive-compulsive tendencies when it came to movies, music, and books in the fact that they all had to be alphabetized.
It was fun and exciting as we learned about our idiosyncrasies. He may not be a perfect man, but he's the perfect man for me and I loved him all the more for being flawed. Perfection was overrated, anyway. I embraced who he was, just like he did me. We looked forward to the future that was being built.
During each visit he made to our home's construction site, he sent me pictures. It was exciting. The first was of the foundation, the second was the framing, and the third was the roof going into place. Edward kept me informed every step of the way. He enjoyed teaching me about the processes involved with building a home, and I just loved watching how alive he was when he talked about architecture.
With time passing so fast, weather permitting, they'd been able to get more done than they'd anticipated. This past week, the electrician and his crew had come in and completed the initial rough wiring. The plumbers were currently doing their jobs this week.
When Alice and Jasper got back from their honeymoon, I got the phone call I had been anticipating from Alice. She'd been furious that I hadn't told her what was going on. When I kindly reminded her that she had been on her honeymoon when everything happened and that I wasn't trying to keep anything from her, she calmed down a little. Then I told her that I hoped she and Jasper were going at it like rabbits, and that if it had been Edward and me, I wouldn't have wanted to be disturbed unless someone I loved had died. When she finally realized I was right, and listened as I explained that I was excited about the fact that we'd be closer together again, she became her usual spirited self.
I was on my way to meet with Victoria one last time before the big show when my phone rang. Seeing it was Edward, I answered immediately.
"Hi, honey bee. What are you doing?" Edward asked and I smiled, excited to hear his voice again.
Edward was arriving tomorrow and I couldn't wait.
"Hey, handsome. I'm on my way to the gallery. Vicky wanted to do one last walk through with me before the opening so I'm driving right there right now," I said.
"You shouldn't be answering your phone, then," Edward said, scolding me.
"Don't worry your pretty little head. I'm using my Bluetooth, so it's the same as if I was singing out loud right now," I retorted as I turned right onto Santa Monica Boulevard from Ocean Avenue. I was only a few blocks away now.
"Well, I was just calling to make sure you were able to block off rooms for everyone? I promised to send them the details before I left," he asked.
"I did. The Fairmont is holding four suites: one for your parents, my parents, Ali and Jazz, and Rose and Em. Did I miss anyone?"
I had chosen The Fairmont because it was close to the gallery on Third Street Promenade and had a great view of the Santa Monica Pier. I figured it would give everyone easy access for things to do if I was busy and couldn't entertain them.
"What about me? Where am I staying?" He was obviously being cheeky.
"You'll be tied to my bed starting tomorrow night. Don't think for one second I'll be letting you out unless I have too," I stated, and he groaned. I loved keeping him on his toes.
"Isabella," he warned.
I loved teasing him just as much as he did me. "Yes, Eddie?"
Hr growled into the phone and I chuckled. I skated a fine line by calling him that, but I knew he couldn't truly be mad at my jesting. It was something I did occasionally when I wanted to ruffle his feathers.
"You're going to pay for that when I get there, Isabella." I shivered at his pledge.
"Promises, promises. While I would love to hear more about the punishment you're planning for me, I just arrived, so I have to go. Maybe I'll even pop over to the other Vicky's while I'm here and pick up something naughty for you," I told him as I turned off my car.
"Okay. You win. I hope everything is to your liking for the show. I love you and I'll talk to you tonight," he said.
"Thanks, sweetheart. I love you, too," I responded, getting ready to click off the Bluetooth.
"Oh, and Isabella―"
"Yes, Edward?"
"I love your sweet ass in red." The line disconnected and I turned the air on full blast to cool myself back down. I knew what I was doing once I was finished at the gallery.
I gathered my bag, alarmed my car, and set off toward Victoria's.
Victoria James was a mature, stunning woman. She had long, wavy red hair and stop-you-in-your-tracks piercing blue-green eyes. She had an in-your-face personality and was fiercely protective of those she mentored. She was the definition of a cougar. Her current lover, Riley, was twenty-year-old live artist―his canvases were of the human form. Victoria, or Vicky as she allowed a select few to call her, had me photograph one of their "sessions" for her private collection. Needless to say, it was very enlightening, and not something I needed to see again. But she did give me my first big break, and I felt I owed her at the time.
I met her my sophomore year of college, when she was touring the campus art show. She was looking for up and coming artists when she approached me, wanting to know more about my work and if I had displayed it anywhere else before. She took me under her wing and the rest, as they say, was history. At least until she asked me to produce a complete collection to hang in her gallery. That would be just the beginning of a new adventure in my life.
All seven of my previous works she had displayed sold within two hours of the first showing. She had been anxious to do a show for a while, but I wanted to wait until I was sure I had all my best works to display. I was glad I did, because I got so many great shots on this past trip to Washington.
She opened the gallery ten years ago and it had been thriving ever since. She had an exclusive clientele that she catered to, but her success was known throughout the Hollywood scene. It wasn't the largest gallery, but it was an intimate one.
I rang the buzzer and waited to hear the click of the door. Once it did, I walked in. The reception area was ultra modern. The virgin white walls were carried throughout the gallery, allowing the art to be the colorful focal points. Two sleek and modern red leather couches and black oval acrylic coffee tables were placed on opposite sides of the entryway. Red was Victoria's signature color.
A single, black floating wall stood behind the information desk. VJ Galleries was backlit, and incandescent spotlights shone down on four of the original prints that were displayed below my name. It was the first time I'd seen my name standing alone, and I found it extremely thrilling. I had made it.
It didn't matter to me if of any of my painting sold at that point, because I knew I'd reached my goal.
"It's exciting, isn't it?" Victoria's dripped of sex.
She'd caught me off guard, but that was Vicky. "It is. I didn't realize how much it would affect me. Seeing it means all my work has paid off. No one can ever say it's just some silly hobby. I've done something not many others can say they've done, and it's all because of you. I'll never be able to thank you for all you've done for me," I said, looking at her finally.
"Don't be ridiculous. I didn't do anything. You are a very talented woman and deserve the successes you've had. Now come, I want you to be the first to walk through. Tell me if you want anything moved," she said as she walked back into the main gallery.
Her red, patent leather Louboutins clacked on the polished floors as she walked. The gallery was setup in a U formation with canvases on both sides of the outer U. The inner U held the other twenty-eight original prints that had been blown-up and printed onto canvases. She started explaining the concept she set for the show. The Oregon seasons lead into Washington ones. The hidden treasures of the Hoh Rainforest transitioned into the mystic wonders of Idaho. On the back of the floating reception wall were the wildlife prints from Oregon and Idaho. The Washington wildlife pictures were placed on a smaller floating wall that was in the middle of the interior U in between the two red rectangular sitting areas.
The bright incandescent track lighting was pointed strategically toward each piece and brought out all of the vibrant colors in each picture. I was in awe of what she had done with my work. I was almost speechless.
"It's…it's beautiful. I love it," I finally stuttered.
"I'm glad you approve," she said before we went and sat in her office upstairs.
Victoria then went over my interview schedule for opening night and the list of guests I had, as well. She mentioned a few celebrities that she was expecting to show, and I was shocked. I had no idea that they were art collectors, but I was intrigued to see what they thought.
Although she had been disappointed to know this would be my first and last solo showing, she was happy I had found love and would be embarking on opening my own gallery in Washington. I promised to stay in touch and still send her an occasional print to display when I had them. We finished up the friendly banter and I left to visit the other Victoria like I'd promised.
It was just after five when I arrived back at my car. I was meeting Angela for happy hour at six, so I drove back to my apartment and dropped my car off. Ben, Angela's boyfriend and my printer, was taking us to O'brien's. Every Wednesday, Ang and I did a girls' night, so tonight was no different.
Angela was a beautiful girl. Her mother's Mexican beauty overshadowed her English father's features. Her brown hair and eyes were a few shades darker than my own. Her tan skin was flawless, except when she was painting. She was a few inches taller than me. We became friends during our first year of college when we paired as dorm-mates. We both had a tendency to be shy, but we brought out the wild sides in each other. She had become another sister to me, and I was sad that these girls' nights would be coming to an end, but I knew she would always remain a lifelong friend.
With our Blue Moons in hand and appetizers ordered, we chatted about my show, upcoming move, and Edward.
"When do I get to meet Eddie-boy?" Angela asked right after our food arrived.
I snorted as I remembered calling him that earlier. "Edward," I said, correcting her, "will be here tomorrow. How about we go on a double date Friday afternoon before everyone else arrives?"
"That sounds like a plan. I'll check and make sure Ben doesn't have a busy afternoon."
Our conversation floated back and forth, each of us excited about the experiences we had coming up. She was going to be spending five weeks in Italy, studying at Lorenzo de' Medici. It was something she'd always wanted to do and I was excited for her. Not only would she be living her dream, but she would also get to enjoy all the food that Tuscania had to offer. I told her more about my plans to open a gallery. I would need to start working on my business plan once I was settled in Seattle.
The night continued much the same way. We drank a few more beers and laughed at some of the drunken idiots who tried hitting on us. She texted Ben when it started to get a little too crowded.
Angela and I had a fun night together. We didn't get drunk, but neither of us would ever drive when we'd been drinking. I thanked Ben for the ride when they dropped me off at my place. I'd let Ang work her magic on him when they were alone. I wanted them to get along with Edward because they all meant the world to me.
With the rest of my friends and family arriving between nine and ten Friday night, I was pretty sure they would want to hit the Hollywood club scene, so I called and reserved a limo to drive us around. Angela was excited to meet everyone and I was excited for her to meet them. Once she got her way, she'd be dragging Ben along with us, since it wasn't really his thing.
We parted ways and I promised to call her once Edward and I had a plan in place. I had picked up more boxes and packing supplies before yesterday. It had begun to look like a Boxes, in my apartment as I finished packing and stacking the boxes. It was amazing to see how much I had actually accumulated while living in California.
Edward and I didn't stay on the phone for long that night. He had a long morning in the office before his flight to come see me. After our loves and goodbyes, I stayed up to pack more of my books and movies for a little while. It wasn't long before sleep claimed me.
The swans called out to each other as the ice slowly melted for the first time.
~.~
When Edward arrived the next day, I jumped into his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. I'd missed him so much, and I was excited to have him here with me, even if it was only for four days.
I kissed him senseless right there in the airport. I didn't care who was around to see us. I loved this man with my whole heart.
When we came up for air, I spoke. "God, I've missed you."
"I missed you too, honey bee," he said as he stared right into my eyes, and it pierced me to my very soul.
"M―" He shook his head, "What do you stay we get out of here and back to your place so I can ravish you privately?" He squeezed my ass, driving his point home, and it distracted me from asking him what was wrong.
After collecting his luggage and making our way to my little Prius, we rushed back to my apartment. Well, we rushed as fast as the ever-present traffic allowed. It took us over fifty minutes to drive the fourteen miles back to my place, which didn't help the sexual tension that was flowing through the car. I was dripping wet and anxious to have him in me again.
By the time we actually arrived, I was panting and needy. We rushed upstairs, stumbled through the boxes and into the bedroom. We peeled the clothes off each other's bodies and tumbled into the unmade bed.
It was hard and fast, and then slow and sensuous. By the time we were semi-sated, we were a mess of sweaty limbs and starving. Normally I would have made something, but my entire body was nothing but jello from the loving he gave me, so I ordered pizza, salad, and cheese bread from Wildflower's.
We ate dinner in bed, something I never did, and then we showered off the sweat from our earlier loving. While Edward was kind enough to put the leftovers away, I stripped the bed and put clean sheets back on. I had almost finished when he walked back in. He was quick to help me finish, and we climbed back in.
We relaxed in bed and talked about the move, the house, my show, and some of the projects CW had going on. It was a perfect way to end the day after having already spent hours making love. I loved how we were able to fall back into the relationship we had already developed back at the manor. Soon, though not soon enough, we would have this forever in our own home.
It was a wonderful vision, and I couldn't wait for it come true.
Sleeping in Edward's arms was magical. The peace he brought me allowed me to dream the sweetest of dreams.
~.~
I was awoken by Edward's fingers moving in and out of me as he licked, sucked, and nibbled on my clit. My orgasm hit faster than I expected, but then again, I had no idea how long he'd been going down on me. When I had finally caught my breath, I returned the favor.
After I made us breakfast, Edward helped me pack more boxes and stack then off to the side for the moving company. We talked about the things I'd be keeping and the things I'd be getting rid of, what pieces of furniture we could use and which we would replace. It was a busy morning, and I was ready for a break.
Edward had agreed to the double date, and so we spent the afternoon on the pier acting like teenagers. We made out on the Ferris wheel. Laughed hysterically as we crashed the bumper cars. Screamed on the West Coaster. There were other rides we went on, but those had been our favorites.
We ate the typical pier foods and played in the arcade. It was a blast. Angela loved Edward and vice versa. She pulled best friend rank and threatened his balls if he ever hurt me. Edward choked on his Icee, but I whispered to him that I'd protect them for him.
We watched the sunset on the beach and grabbed coffees from the Coffee Beanbefore we split up to get ready for the evening.
Alice called us just after they had all checked into the hotel. She wanted to find out what the plans were. I informed her that we would pick them up at a quarter to ten so she'd better hurry up and get ready since I'd reserved tables at four of the hottest clubs in Hollywood. I hung up on her screeching.
The limo driver called up when he arrived. We picked up Ang and Ben before heading over to The Fairmont. Our parents had just exited the elevators when we walked in, and we chatted for a few before they went to eat at Fig, the in-house restaurant while us "kids" went out.
Edward got Rose and Em while I took care of getting Ali and Jazz. Thankfully, they were ready and we headed out to the first spot, place was packed. The music was loud and bodies were pressed together as they danced. The girls and me quickly joined in the madness while the guys got us drinks.
We didn't stay too long because of how crowded it was. The next spot I picked was for Emmett: The Roxbury. Being a big movie buff, I figured he'd like it. I wasn't disappointed. He was the life of the party there. We all laughed and had a blast watching him.
Emmett was still doing the dance moves from the movie when we got back in the limo and went toward Hyde. I chose this place for the possible celebrity sightings. I hoped we wouldn't get kicked out because of Alice's fanatic tendencies. There were a few notable people in the building, but she maintained composure, thankfully.
The last place of the night was the one open the latest, Avalon. It had been around forever, but was the perfect close out to the night. Drinks flowed and I stayed hydrated. With the show tomorrow night, I wasn't taking any chances. We danced more, this time with our men. It was a fun night.
By the time everyone was dropped off and we were home, it was almost three in the morning. We took a really quick shower and crashed into bed naked. When we woke up, it would be my big day.
~.~
Saturday started with a family brunch. Everyone was so excited for my show. I listened as the ladies talked about what they wanted to do for the only full day they would be here: shopping. They wanted to hit up Rodeo Drive. I couldn't ever justify spending that much money, but if that was what they wanted, they could have at it.
The guys wanted to hit up a sports bar and watch the Mariner's game, so I suggested Barney's was on the promenade, so they wouldn't be far from the hotel if they needed to call for a cab.
Since I had such a busy afternoon ahead of me, Edward was going to spend that time with the guys. I had to pick up my outfit from the cleaners before I went to my appointments. We kissed goodbye and I went and did my things.
I chose to have my hair swept back from my face in a loose side bun. I kept my makeup classic and painted my lips in a bright red that coordinated with my top. My entire look was upscale business. My arms were left bare and the black pencil skirt hugged my body. It made me feel beautiful. The chunky necklace gave dimension to the high neckline of the blouse.
When I walked out of my room dressed, I met Edward, who looked so handsome in his traditional black suit.
"You're beautiful," he said as he kissed my cheek.
"Thank you," I whispered. I was nervous, but excited as well.
The moment had arrived, and we were on our way.
Victoria was waiting for me right outside the entrance. "Are you ready, Is?" she asked.
"No. Yes. I don't know. I'm anxious and eager all at the same time."
Edward kissed my forehead. "You will be amazing. We're all here for you. I'm going to head inside with the others so you can make your grand entrance. I love you."
I'd barely gotten out my reply before he walked in. I put on my game face and nodded to Victoria. She went in and announced me, and I walked in when the applause started.
I gave a short speech thanking everyone for coming. I told them a little bit about growing up in the Pacific Northwest and the road trips I took, and the experiences I had during those travels. When I was finished, I thanked them for coming once again and invited them to enjoy the show.
I did my interviews while my friends and family viewed my pictures. Victoria hadn't lied when she said they were interested in my work. They didn't give anything away during the interviews, so I was left wondering what they thought when they walked away. I knew being interested didn't always mean they liked your work.
I put it in the back of my mind and people watched. I loved seeing their thoughts of the pictures. Like me, did they wish they were there? Did they wonder what it was like to experience the scenery firsthand? That was what I wanted: for them to want to go there and live it for themselves.
With a glass of champagne in hand, I mingled with the people who approached me and asked questions about the pictures. I loved sharing my knowledge with them. I felt Edward's eyes on me as I was talking with Riley. The heat from his gaze burned me to my toes. I hooked my finger and called him over. He wrapped his arms around me and he told me how wonderful everything was. The family slowly joined us and congratulated me as well.
When Victoria finally gave me the go ahead, we left. We shared a late dinner at Boa Steakhouse. We all went back to the hotel and spent the night talking, laughing, and drinking. Well, I did; Edward stayed sober so he could drive up back to the apartment.
When we'd made it back to my place, Edward worshiped me. I tried to return the favor, but he said it was all about me. He was the most wonderful man in the world, and I was so happy he was mine.
~.~
I was awoken Sunday morning by my ringing cell phone.
"Hello?" I said, not remotely awake.
"Baby girl, you did it!" Dad shouted.
"Huh?" I asked. I was not a morning person after a late night.
He went on to read the article from The Sunday Times. I missed every other word in my sleepy haze, but I caught enough to know my show had been a success. He talked more than I'd ever heard him talk before. His excitement was contagious, and Edward's hold on me tightened. When I looked back at him I saw the smile he was wearing. It was a different smile than the ones I'd seen before. I couldn't put my finger on it, but he obviously had something on his mind that he hadn't told me about yet.
By the time we hung up, I was completely awake and ready to spend a final day with the family. Edward had another idea, and I was happy to go with his flow. Although I was having a hard time reading him, he still seemed happy to be with me.
When we got up, I noticed that the change in weather had ruined Edward's jovial mood. I didn't understand why because he lived in Seattle; it was rainy and cloudy there almost all the time. I'd expected Sunday to be a depressing day, especially because of the weather and the fact that Edward would be leaving, but it wasn't. Edward just had something on his mind that he needed to ask and I was the only one who could answer the question.
It had turned out to be the most amazing day in my life so far. I was truly one of the lucky ones and I'd found my forever. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes, a single word could be priceless.
Yes.
Please don't hate me for ending it that way. I know you want to know how it happened, but I felt it had to be told from Edward's Point of view and that's the surprise I mention a while back when the idea formed in my head. So that will post next Sunday. Thank you for reading and let me know what you think. Hugs!