** ALL CHARACTERS BELONG TO STEPHANIE MEYER**
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Chapter 21
I felt like I was going to die, literally one step away from death. I wish someone would put me down, like they do with sick animals. There has to be some ghetto Veterinary office that would do the deed…. If I only knew where my phone was, I could find out… but that would require me to open my eyes and there was no way that was going to happen. It hurts so much. Damn... I groaned and slowly rolled onto my side.
I must have drifted back to sleep because the next thing I know, my bed was shaking vigorously.
"EARTHQUAKE!" I shot up, almost having a heart attack. The sound of laughter made me realize it wasn't an earthquake but rather someone jumping up and down on my bed. "Angela why are you doing this to me" I whined. "How are you alive right now?"
I looked up, oh, that's not Angela, it was Edward's smiling face. What an asshole. I wanted to slap him but I already used all my energy on sitting up. I flopped back onto my bed and tried to fall back asleep.
"Not such a nice way to wake up, is it Miss Swan?" I felt the bed shift as he curled up behind me.
It's always nice waking up to you, I said silently. Wait a minute! I opened my eyes and saw I was in my bedroom in New York. "Wait. How… What… Why are you here?" Oh no. I couldn't stay to hear the answer. I flung off the covers and ran to the bathroom. I threw up everything. Multiple times.
I felt the cold tile on my bare ass and it took a moment to register that I was naked. Oh hell, why am I naked? I looked at my stomach and there was no lipstick smiley face. So Angela didn't put me to bed and anyway, I would be in my bra and underwear if she did… So, does that mean I got naked on my own free will? Maybe Edward undressed me? I guess we had sex last night? Or this morning? When did he even get here? How did he get here? More importantly, why is he here?
Awww! Did he just want to see me? That's so freaking sweet! I thought as I sat there dry heaving.
Wait, he's so busy I doubt he would just hop on a plane because he missed me…. I would have to go to him…. So, did I ask him to come see me? Yeah right! Yesterday I was so pissed at him there was no way I would ask him to come see me…. Damn… I must have freaked out on him about the whole controlling thing. My throat suddenly felt tight and I started throwing up again.
This is so bad! I hope that's not why he's here. I really don't want this to be a whole issue because frankly, I don't have the energy to fight. Anyway, I'm so over it. It doesn't seem like such a dire problem anymore. I mean, it's not cool but what am I going to do about it? Quit my job? Break up with him? No thank you! It seems like a fair trade, dating the man of my dreams and putting up with his controlling ways. I mean, Edward not that horrible… he's good to me and everyone always says, you have to take the good with the bad. No one's perfect, right?
Right!
I felt much lighter, both physically and mentally. I flushed the toilet and stood up. I hastily brushed my teeth and I realized I needed to shower because I wasn't quick enough to tie my hair back.
God, this fucking sucks.
I turned on the water and sat on the floor in the shower. It would be nice if I had a servant because I would make them wash my hair, I just didn't have the energy to do it myself. Wait a minute, "EDWARD!" I screamed. I waited a few seconds and he didn't come. "EDWARD!" I yelled again and I heard the door open.
"Are you ok?" His head peeked around the shower curtain and he seemed confused when he saw me sitting there. "Did you fall?"
"I need you to wash my hair." I said as I held out a bottle of Pantene.
"You can't do it yourself?"
I just stared at him. Talking was too difficult.
He let the shower curtain close and I was about to cry because I thought I was going to have to do this myself. Granted, I don't think I could even produce tears right now I was so dehydrated. I opened my mouth and drank some water that came out of the shower head. God only knows what kind of weird shit is in New York City water, but desperate times right? The curtain pulled back and Edward's naked body got into the shower with me. Woohoo!
"If I wash your hair what are you going to do for me?" He sat down behind me, straddling my body and he started rubbing my shoulders.
I was in no mood for this flirtiness. "I'll try not to throw up on you." I just wanted him to wash my hair so I could go back to bed.
"Yikes. That's not exactly what I had in mind but I'll take it." He pulled my shoulders back so my head wasn't under the stream of water and I was leaning against him. If I wasn't about to kick the bucket, I would have definitely enjoyed this. I possibly could even fall asleep like this. I heard him squirt some shampoo in his hand and he started massaging my scalp.
It felt amazing but it didn't last nearly long enough. He pushed my shoulders forward enough so that I was under the stream of water and my reaction time was lacking, so shampoo got in my eyes. Couldn't he give me a warning? What is wrong with this fool? "Ow." I grumbled and started rubbing my eyes.
He ran his fingers through my hair to get all the suds out and once I realized I was good. I tried to stand up but Edward wrapped his legs around me, pinning me to the ground. "Ah, ah. I've got to wash your body."
I just want to go back to sleep! "Please no. I'm not in the mood, I feel so horrible."I turned around to look at him and he started laughing. I would punch him if I could.
His hand came to my face and he plucked off both of my false eyelashes, tossing them to the side. "You look like you've had a rough night babe." He kissed me on the side of my temple.
"Ya think?" I said sarcastically and tried to stand up again. It was no use, I was too weak.
"Let's at least wash your makeup off." He squirted some of my Purity face wash into his hand and started rubbing it all over my face. Once he was done, he pushed my head under the stream of water again.
"Much better." He said and stood up. He held a hand out to help me up and on shaky legs, I managed to stand. I stepped out of the shower and wrapped my body in a towel and twisted my hair up in another.
"I'm going to finish showering. I'll be out in a minute." He said and I pulled a towel out of the linen closet and set it on the counter for him. My hands were shaking from overexerting myself like this, so I headed for the kitchen. I took a handful of Advil and chugged a bottle of water. I silently prayed that it wouldn't make a second appearance. Once I felt like it was safe to move, I walked back into my room and flopped onto my bed.
I fell back asleep.
"Bella. You have to wake up." I felt a hand run down my back.
I groaned. I wasn't feeling as horrible as before but I wasn't feeling good either. "No" I managed to say.
"Come on. I didn't travel six hours to watch you sleep all day."
I groaned and managed to sit up. I saw a bottle of water sitting on my nightstand along with my flower box and I smiled like a kid on Christmas morning. I took a sip of water and Edward must have noticed my sudden uplift in mood because he laughed. "I found it while I was cleaning your room. And the good new is, I don't think you were robbed, you're just a slob"
"Robbed? What are you talking about?" I looked around and noticed that all the clothes and suitcases that littered my floor yesterday were nowhere to be seen. My room was cleaner than it's ever been. "What did you do with everything?"
He smiled. "I had a very productive day doing your laundry." He handed me a rolled joint.
He did my laundry? I was unsure of how I felt about that… I didn't like the fact that he touched my dirty underwear but on the other hand, now I didn't have to do it! And frankly, I freaking hate doing laundry… Wait, did he look through my stuff? Fuck, I hope he didn't find my vibrator… that would be so freaking embarrassing. I would die.
"I ordered pizza too. It'll be here in thirty minutes."
In that moment, as much as I hated him I loved him just as equally. Oh, who cares if he found it. Maybe we can play with it! I apparently need to work toys into our sex lives anyway. I leaned in and gave him a long kiss on the lips. I pulled my face back an inch. "Did I get arrested last night?" I blurted out. I vaguely remember something about the police. I took another sip of water and looked around my nightstand for a lighter.
"Not that I'm aware of."
I realized I was naked, so I set the joint down and walked over to my closet. Wait a minute, "what happened to the door?" it was propped up against the wall adjacent to my closet. I pulled out a black pair of yoga pants and a black camisole. I looked at my hair in the mirror and sighed. It looked like a disaster and since Edward didn't put conditioner in it this morning, there was no way I was going to get a brush through this mess. I twisted it up in a sloppy bun.
Through the mirror, I saw Edward shrug. "I don't know. It was like that when I got here this morning."
Oh…. I wonder what happened? Well, at least I figured out when he got here, but how did he get in my apartment? Maybe Ang let him in…. I wonder how she's doing? I pulled on a Rutgers sweatshirt and jumped back on my bed. I noticed it was four o'clock. Shit, I guess I have been sleeping all day.
I lit the little joint, quickly smoking the whole thing and once I was done, I heard movement from Angela's room. I wonder if she's feeling as crappy as I am? "Are you smoking without me! Why didn't you wake me up!" She appeared in my doorway and she looked exactly like I did before I showered this morning… a disaster. Well, I guess I know the answer to that question. "Oh." She said as she noticed Edward sitting on my bed. "What are you doing here?" She walked over to us and sat between Edward and I, snuggling up to me.
In my hung over fog, I forgot to ask him that obvious question. "Yeah, what are you doing here?" I echoed Angela's sentiment and I quickly wished I did it in a less accusatory tone.
"Since you wouldn't talk to me on the phone, I had to take a more drastic approach." His eyes darted between me and Angela. I guess he doesn't want to talk about it in front of her. "Which we still need to talk about."
Damn, I wonder what I said to him… if only I had my phone…. I don't even know where it is…
"Alone." He added hastily.
Yep. I thought so.
"She tells me everything, cheater." Angela sounded pissed and I started giggling. You gotta love a girl who has your back.
"Does she now?" He eyed me, "because legally, she's not supposed to tell you anything." His mouth was set in a hard line.
Oh fuck. "Oh, get over yourself, Cullen." She rolled her eyes.
I didn't know what to make of that comment, I doubt he would do anything about it... or would he? I tried to play it confident. "What are you going to do? Sue me?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Maybe." He said evenly.
My heartbeat started to quicken. He wouldn't…. I don't even own anything of value… I just sat there openmouthed…
"Well, um.. it's been fun but I have to go." Angela stood up and grabbed my flower box. "But I'm going to borrow this. Hope you don't mind…" She smiled and I wanted to scream. She can't leave me in this mess! "Thanks!"
She started to walk out of the room but stopped abruptly. She turned around and pointed at Edward. "Sleep with one eye open, dickhead." She turned and walked out of the room, shutting my door.
Dickhead? What was that about? I guess Angela doesn't like him but I can't say I blame her since all I do is cry and whine about him. It's my own fault... I'll have to work on her. "Are you really going to sue me?" I asked him.
He laughed. "No."
I just sat there staring at Edward. He's so fucking perfect looking. What were we even talking about? I could look at him all day and not be bored. "Hey, how do you have eyebrows?" I touched his face and ran my thumbs over the hair. What the fuck! They couldn't have grown back already…
"They're like hair stickers. The makeup artist on set got me them." He said as he fell back on to the bed and tucked his hands behind his head.
I peeled off both his eyebrows and put them on at a diagonal so he looked mad. It was freaking hilarious.
"Thanks for tweeting my number too, by the way." He peeled off his eyebrows and handed them to me to put them on straight. I put them on crooked again instead. This was so weird.
I smiled. "Anytime, bitch." I laid down on top of him. He wasn't as comfortable as my bed but I'll deal.
"So, you want to tell me what changed that caused you to go from all 'I love you'" he made his voice go about ten octaves higher "to all, 'I hate your stinking guts' in less than twenty four hours?" He ran a hand down my back and squeezed my ass.
"Hmm.." I said kissing him lightly on the lips. "It's nothing." I said trailing a line of kisses down his neck. He smelled like my Coconut body wash…
He started laughing and that wasn't the reaction I was expecting. I snapped my head back. "You want something to laugh about?" I said as I sat up and straddled him. I started tickling his sides and he was squirming underneath me.
"Cut it out!" He said and bucked me off of him. I flopped onto the bed beside him.
He rolled on his side. "Seriously, what was up with you last night? You sounded pretty pissed and I don't think it was over nothing."
I let out a sigh and wiggled one of my legs in between his, I didn't feel like explaining the whole thing. "I don't know? Maybe I just drank too much… I don't even remember what I was saying." Using the 'blacking out' card is always a good excuse for some behavior you didn't want to take responsibility for.
"Well, you kept going off about being your own person and not wanting to be a marionette…" He scooted me closer so our faces were only inches apart. "Whatever that means."
I sighed. "Edward, really... it was just the alcohol talking. It's nothing."
"So, I flew out here for nothing?" His voice was laced with condescension and it made me cringe. Maybe I should say something? I debated it for a minute and decided to save that conversation for a rainy day, or maybe never. I just didn't have the mental ability to discuss it right now. "I wouldn't say it was for nothing." I said as I pulled my cami and sweatshirt over my head. When in doubt, distract them with sex.
We were in the midst of fooling around when there was a knock on the door. I broke away from Edward and screamed "pizza!" I was so freaking hungry that I was in seventh heaven! I picked my sweatshirt off the floor and pulled it on as I ran to the front door.
I opened it and was shocked to see that it wasn't a pizza delivery guy, but Jake. What the hell was he doing here? "What do you want?" I said and I quickly stepped out of the apartment and shut the door. Edward was inside and God only knows what he'd do if he saw Jake at my door. Last time Jake popped up in our relationship, Edward cheated on me and that was over a text.
"I wanted to talk to you about last night." He propped his hand against the door frame, so he was hovering over me. It made me slightly uncomfortable.
Last night? What about last night? Was it because Lauren was such an unbearable bitch? It's gotta be. "Look, I get it, Lauren's a cunt. But couldn't you just have called?" I said holding onto the door knob. Maybe if Edward tried to open it, I could just pull it and keep the door shut. Yeah, that sounds like a plan.
He leaned down closer to me. What the fuck was he doing? Shit, is he going to kiss me? I pushed back away from him. "Whatever you're trying to do here, it isn't going to happen. I have a boyfriend!"
He made no move to back off. "You didn't seem too worried about your boyfriend last night." He placed a kiss on my lips and I ducked down and spun away from him. What the hell! Couldn't this guy take the hint that I wasn't interested? Before I realized what I was doing, I cocked my fist back and socked him right in the hollow of his cheek. When my hand connected with his face, the only thing I registered was a shooting pain from my wrist to my elbow. Owww! As much as it hurt, it felt oddly liberating. I never punched anyone before… "Did you get hit one too many times in the head? Get a freaking clue buddy! I'm not into you!"
Jake was rubbing his cheek. "Well, fucking me last night kind of sends the wrong message." His voice was loud and I was praying Edward couldn't hear this exchange.
What did he just say? No way! Did I really have sex with Jake? I couldn't have! Well granted, a large chunk of the evening was unaccounted for, so maybe I did? I felt like I was going to be sick all over again. I didn't know what to say, so I went for the old classic. "You're so obsessed with me! Get a life!"
Jake scoffed and shook his head. "Obsessed with you! Are you delusional? You came after me!" He pointed two fingers right in my face.
I stood there for awhile, shocked and unsure of what to say. I thought about hitting him again."Bella?" I heard Edwards voice behind me and I froze. Fuck, I didn't even hear the door open! Shit. Oh Shit. Shit. My whole body was tense. How long was he standing there for? How much did he hear? "What do you want Jake?" He said evenly.
He let out this weird grunt. "You know what? You're not even worth it, you're a crazy bipolar bitch." He looked up at Edward. "Have fun with that." He muttered sarcastically as he walked down the hallway.
Did he just call me crazy? "WHO ARE YOU CALLING CRAZY!" I was jumping up and down like a lunatic. "YOU'RE CRAZY! YOU SHOW UP ON MY DOORSTEP ACTING LIKE SOME OBSESSED STALKER!" I was screaming at him as he was waiting for the elevator. "YOU OGRE FACED ASSHOLE! I spat as he stepped inside.
The adrenaline was pumping through my body and I just wanted to break stuff. I really hope I didn't have sex with Jake…. I'll have to think about that when Edward isn't around…Fuck! Edward! He's standing right behind me. I took a deep breath and turned around. It looked like he was trying to suppress a smile. "What was that?"
I weighed my options…I could tell Edward the truth, that Jake came over because he wanted to talk about the fact that we apparently had sex last night or I could lie and say Jake's stalking my life...
Option number two sounded better.
"I don't know! I think he's obsessed with me." I said as I sidestepped Edward and walked inside.
"Uh... did we just hear the same conversation?" He looked amused.
How the hell was he so calm about this! Maybe he didn't hear? Oh, please God! "What are you talking about?"
"Babe, I didn't get the impression he's obsessed with you… he called you crazy, among other things." He said wrapping an arm around my waist.
I was so offended and instantly wanted to defend myself. "I'm not crazy!" As soon as the words left my mouth I regretted them, isn't that what crazy people say? That they're not crazy? I need a new excuse. "He only called me that because I punched him!"
"You punched him?" His face broke out into a huge smile.
"Yes and I think I really hurt my wrist." I held it up. It was wilting like an old celery stalk. Disgusting.
"Maybe you are crazy." He placed a kiss on my forehead and went into the kitchen.
"I am not crazy!" I yelled.
"I guess I don't have to worry about Jake anymore." I heard him fumbling around in the freezer. What the hell! Well, I guess he didn't hear the part about Jake and I having sex because that would definitely give him something to worry about. I really hope I didn't but I do vaguely remember being locked in a room with him last night and thinking I was going to die…. Damn… I had sex with Jake.
Well fuck me.
Just then there was a knock at the door. "Pizza's here." He tossed me an icepack and walked to the door. Angela came barreling out of her room, her eyes were red and bleary. "Did someone say pizza!" She plopped down on the couch next to me and Edward walked in carrying two boxes. Our apartment was suddenly filled with the delicious aroma and my mouth was salivating. I felt like such a piglet!
The three of us dug into the pizza like we hadn't eaten in days. "So" Angela said "did you two sort things out?" With a mouth full.
I just looked at Edward, I'll let him answer this one. I raised my eyebrows when he looked at me.
"Yeah. We're good." He said taking a bite of pizza.
I did a little happy dance.
We ate our pizza and talked comfortably, I was happy to see that awkwardness between Angela and Edward had dissipated and after awhile, she left and went up to Bens. I think she wanted Edward and I to have some sexy-time before he had to leave and frankly, I was thankful for that.
"So, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?" I pulled off my sweatshirt and straddled him on the couch.
Three hours and lots of mind-blowing sex on every surface of my apartment later (seriously Edward and I should fight more often) he was pulling on his pants getting ready to head back to LA.
"I wish you could stay." I was pouting on the couch. Now I guess I know what he feels like when I leave him for New York…
"You could always come with me." He said and gave me his sexy lopsided smile.
I just got back from there, I really had no desire to go back so soon. "Maybe at the end of the week. I have plans with Rosalie." I lied, I'm becoming so good at it. But I probably should write these stories down before one comes back to bite me in the ass.
"Can you come out Thursday?" He tossed my pants to me and I pulled them on.
"I'll have to check my schedule." I said. Since I wasn't going to say anything to Edward about the issues I was having, I had to put my foot down.. I'll decide when I come out to LA.
"You're just so busy, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess so." I walked into my bedroom and grabbed my camisole, pulling it on.
"What's this?" He said walking into my bedroom and I instantly tensed up. Oh no. What did he find?
I turned around to see Edward holding up the Pussycat Dolls workout DVD I ordered on Amazon and I felt so much better. Gosh, I need to somehow clear my guilty conscious.
I shrugged a shoulder. "Just a workout DVD." I said innocently.
"Do you do it?" He asked with a smile on his face.
"Maybe." I was trying to act coy. "Next time you're in town, I'll show you what I've learned." Frankly, I haven't touched that DVD since I opened it but it couldn't hurt to try it? Right?
"If I didn't have a plane to catch, I'd make you show me now." He tossed the DVD on the bed and pulled me into a steamy kiss. I was thankful that he had to leave because truthfully I'd probably look like a fool trying to do a striptease for him.
We said our goodbye's and once Edward was piled into a cab I decided it was time to look for my phone. After searching all around my room, I found my clutch under my bed. I plugged my phone in to charge and I saw I had a bunch of missed calls and text messages from Edward as well as Jake.
Fuck, what was I going to do about sleeping with Jake? I have to make sure he doesn't tell anyone about what happened. He was so pissed at me I'm sure he'll go blabbing to anyone who wants to hear about it. Before I realized what I was doing, I called him.
"What do you want?" He answered into the phone.
I took a deep breath. "If you tell anyone what happened between us last night, I'm going to send all those naked pictures you've sent me into every media outlet in the country. Got it?"
"Bull shit. You wouldn't dare"
"Wouldn't I? I'm a psycho bipolar bitch, remember?"
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm just giving you some friendly advice. Later alligator." I hung up the phone and felt oddly satisfied. Now that I got that situation squared away, hopefully I won't have to worry about Jake blabbing about our little rendezvous and all will be well with me and Edward. Hallelujah!
I looked at the clock and saw that it was already 9. I was exhausted from being hung over all day so I curled up in bed and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, it was an unusually hot day, so I threw on a pair of shorts and a tank top, I grabbed a blanket and my iPad and headed to Washington Square park. I found a spot in the sun and spread my stuff out, ready to bake. After laying there for a couple of hours, my phone started ringing. It was a number I didn't recognize and something stopped me from ignoring the call.
"Hello?" I said.
"Hi, is this Isabella Swan?"
"Yes, this is her" I said picking at a cuticle.
"Very well. I'm Aro Masen, I work for Yellow Elephant Productions. Have you heard of our company?"
Who and what? Fuck, is this one of those sales people? "Look, I'm not interested in any of the shit you're pushing. So, lose my number." As I was hanging up the phone I heard him yell "wait!"
God, these people are so pushy. I pressed end call and tossed my phone on the blanket, I didn't want to hear his spiel of why I should donate a bazillion dollars I didn't have to save starving Elephants in Taiwan or whatever the hell he was calling about. I had better things to spend my money on… like candy or new shoes.
Ten minutes later, my phone started ringing again, it was the same freaking number. I answered the call. "Look buddy, do you not understand English? Let me spell it out for you. Do not call this number again. I'm not interested in what you're putting down."
"Miss Swan. I'm calling about setting up a casting interview!" His words were rushed.
A casting interview? Oh crap! Mike and Ben's reality show. "Oh." I was speechless. I completely forgot about that whole thing.
"Yes. So, are you interested in what I'm putting down now?" His tone wasn't quite mocking me but it was somewhat close.
"Oh, I don't know." I said trying to not act interested.
"Well, I've heard quite a lot about you and we would like to set up a casting session with you to see if you if you could contribute anything to the show. Would you be interested in coming to our offices sometime this week?"
I flipped my hair over my shoulder. "Well, I suppose I could." I didn't want to come off desperate. I needed to make him think I had better things to do than be on a reality TV show because frankly, I didn't.
"Great. By chance are you available tomorrow at three?"
"Hold on, let me check my schedule." I felt like such an ass for saying that but I needed to play hard to get. I sat there with my phone to my ear, counting silently to sixty. "Yes, tomorrow at two will work."
"So glad to hear that. I'll email you the details."
I relayed my information to him and I hung up the phone. Oh my God! I have so much to do. I quickly piled up all my things and went home. I spent the rest of the day prepping my body and trying on every item of clothing in my closet. Then, when Angela got home I made her go over every question they asked her, in detail, multiple times.
I went to bed that night feeling like it was the night before the first day of school. I was so nervous, I couldn't fall asleep, so I popped a Klonopin.
Needless to say, when I woke up the next morning at one, I was a little frazzled. I can't believe I overslept! I planned on getting up super early so I could take my time meticulously doing my hair and makeup but that doesn't seem like it's going to be the case. I quickly ran to the bathroom and took the fastest shower of my life. I got out and quickly brushed the tangles out of my hair and plugged in my hot rollers. I guess I wouldn't have time to do much else to it. I blew out my hair as fast as I could and haphazardly wrapped my long locks around the rollers. They made a horrible sizzling noise because my hair was still somewhat damp. It smelled awful too. Hopefully they won't notice the stank wafting off of me.
I looked at the clock and it was 1:30. Crap! I needed to hurry. I threw on my false lashes and added some black eyeliner that winged out at the ends. I added some bronzer and blush and gave my face a once over in the mirror. It wasn't what I was going for but it wasn't bad. I quickly put on the teal, yellow and cream color blocked top and a pair of my favorite distressed skinny jeans. I threw on a pink pair of pumps. I threw on a long multi chain necklace and grabbed my Chanel bag and was running out the door. At the last minute, I decided I needed some liquid courage. I grabbed a travel coffee mug and filled it up with Sangria from the box of wine in the fridge.
I figured I would be better off if I was able to calm my nerves, so I gulped down the contents of the glass and refilled it, screwing the top on as I walked out of the apartment. I didn't need a huge red stain down the front of my shirt. I don't want them to think I'm an alcoholic. As I rode the subway to Battery Park, I was feeling better and better about the interview with each sip I took.
By the time I made it to the Yellow Elephant office, my wine was half empty and before I knew it, I was sitting in a small room on one side of a conference table. There was a man setting up a video camera as three people walked into the room. The first man was extremely pale, paler than Edward... I didn't think that was even possible. He had black hair that hit his shoulders and was stringy and greasy. Seriously, when was the last time this guy showered? Two weeks ago? I was even more thrown off by his appearance because his face and hair totally clashed with the expensive suit he was sporting. He stuck out his hand to shake mine. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Swan, I'm Aro Mason." I placed my hand in his. "Hi." I said.
He gestured to the small woman to his right. She was so freaking tiny, she didn't even look like she'd be allowed to ride a rollercoaster. "This is Bree Tanner, an Executive Producer here." I shook her hand too. Then he pointed to the man to his left. "This is Marcus Phillips, he's the Development and Talent Executive at Tada." I shook his hand too.
I suddenly had the urge to Purell my hands from touching so many different people. Lord only knows where their hands have been and judging from how Aro looks, it would be some grimey goth bar. I wiped my palm on my jeans.
I sat back down in my chair and took a sip of my wine. "So, Miss Swan. Tell us a little about yourself." Aro said "Where do you live?"
"SoHo." I said flatly.
"Ok…" He was nodding his head for me to keep talking. "I um… I grew up in Jersey though, in um… Woodcliff Lakes.." I was oddly a little self conscious talking about myself and it was only about where I lived. "But I moved out of Jersey a couple months ago and into an apartment with my best friend Angela... you met her." I flipped my hair over my shoulder. I need to seem a little more confident.
"Yes… we did meet Angela. Nice girl." He licked his lips and I suddenly had to fight the urge to gag.
"Why'd you leave Jersey?
"I had just turned 23 and it was time to move out of my parents' house. It's impossible to bring guys over when your father is a strict Italian and on top of that, the chief of police. My dating life seriously suffered." I'll have to remember to write that lie down. Technically though, it was part of the reason why I needed to get the hell out of Jersey. Once I got my life back, it was extremely hard to hook up with someone at three in the morning when your Mom and Dad are two bedrooms away. "I love Jersey though, I'll defiantly move back some day when I'm married."
"Do you have plans to get married anytime soon?"
"Oh hell no. I'm having way too much fun right now."
"So, what is your connection to Ben and Mike Newton?"
"Angela and I met them when we were moving in to our apartment. We live in the same building and they ended up helping us move our stuff in because we thought we were these independent women and that we didn't need our parents help. We were seriously in over our heads…. Anyway, once we got all our stuff in our apartment we all kind of just sat on the floor, exhausted and we started playing Kings. We all got really drunk and just hit it off. It's one of my favorite memories in New York."
"Did you have anything more than a friendship with either of the men?"
I rolled my eyes. "A lady never tells."
"Well, it was rumored that you dated both brothers? Is there any truth in that statement?"
"Don't believe everything you read."
"So, are the rumors about you dating Edward Cullen and Jake Black untrue as well?"
Jake, ugh. "I'm not even going to waste my breath talking about a douche bag like Jacob Black."
"I'll take that as a yes and that you two didn't have an amicable split? Is it because he was rumored to be dating Lauren Newton while you two were together?"
Lauren Newton? Is he trying to push my buttons? "All I have to say about that bitch is, those two are perfect for each other." I couldn't believe how forward I was being, I guess it was the wine.
"Interesting. So what is your relationship status?"
"I'm seeing someone." I smiled thinking of Edward.
"And who would that be?"
"His name is Edward."
"Edward Cullen?"
I nodded my head.
"How long have you been dating each other?"
"Since February." Oh fuck! I probably shouldn't have said that since technically we were dating in secret.
Bree was staring at a piece of paper on the table and her head snapped up. Shit, was she doing the math? She was just about to say something but Aro spoke up first. "How would you describe your relationship with Edward?"
The way Bree was staring at me made me feel uncomfortable. She knows. "It's very complicated and nowhere near perfect but I'm happy." Shit, why did I say that! Damn it! I wish she would stop looking at me like that.
The three of them sat there nodding their heads. "Describe your idea of the perfect weekend?"
Oh this was easy. "DDS. Drinking, dancing and sex." I smiled as I ticked off each item on a finger. "It's a recipe for a perfect weekend. And if it's summer, I love to be doing all that down the shore. There's just something in atmosphere that makes you want to party ten times harder."
"You do have the reputation as quite the party girl, would you say that is an accurate or inaccurate description of who you are?"
I rolled my eyes. "I mean, I like to go out, I like to have fun and I do what I want. I wouldn't call myself a 'party girl'" I made quotation marks with my fingers. "It sounds so ridiculous. Anyway, I really don't like to label myself because my attitude about things is constantly changing. One week I might say I hate something and the next week, I'm doing it." I was pretty pleased with my answer.
"How would you say other people respond to you?"
I had no idea what that meant? "Either people like you or they don't like you. And frankly, I could care less about how people view me. I'm going to keep being me and if you don't like me, you're seriously missing out." I felt so ridiculous saying these things but Angela told me I needed to be confident and give them an 'I don't give a shit' attitude…. but maybe I should humble myself a bit. "Honestly though, I'm pretty easygoing and I get along with most people. Except for a few basic bitches." Basic bitches? Did I really just say that? Who was I, Kreayshawn?
"Are you referring to Lauren Newton as a basic bitch?" The little girl piped in. I think it was the first time I heard her speak.
Before I could stop myself, the words were out of my mouth. "Yeah. From day one she's done nothing but throw me shade and that was even before Jake was in the picture." Where the hell were these words coming from? I've never said things like this in my life….
"Interesting" Aro piped in. "So you and Lauren Newton don't get along at all?"
"No. Every time we are together we seem to get into a huge fight."
The little girl spoke again. "Are you together a lot?"
"It's kind of hard to avoid her since she is the sister of two of my good friends but thankfully, I don't see her that often."
"What do Mike and Ben say about the fact that you don't get along with their sister?"
I let out a sigh. "They don't get involved."
They asked me a couple more questions and then I was being ushered out of the office by Aro. "Thank you for your time Isabella, we will be in touch shortly."
That's it? We'll be in touch shortly? Whatever. I walked out of the office unsure of what to make about what just happened. Did they like me? Did they hate me? Should I have said more? Should I have said less? Did I act too much like an arrogant bitch? I didn't know what to do… I was just getting off the subway when my phone started ringing.. It was Emmett. What was he calling me for?
"Hello?"
"Hey kid. You doing anything right now?" He sounded stressed out.
"No.. I'm just going back to my apartment, what's up?"
I heard some loud noise in the background "Um… would you mind helping me out with something?"
"Sure… what's up?"
"Well, I'll tell you when you get here. Meet me at the Waldorf-Astoria in thirty minutes."
Geeze he's pushy, just like his brother. It must be genetic. "Um… Ok… I'll see you in a little." I hung up the phone and looked down at my outfit… I wasn't really dressed for the Waldorf Astoria but whatever… I wonder why he wants to meet there?
Twenty minutes later, I was walking up to the hotel and I saw Emmett waiting outside.
"Hey!" I yelled
"Hi! Thanks for doing this." He pulled me into a tight hug.
"So, what are we doing here?" We walked inside the beautiful hotel and I felt like a hobo. I seriously wished I changed out of my jeans. At least I had my Chanel bag…
"Um…. Well… I'm going to as Rose to marry me." He looked frightened and excited all wrapped up into one big, muscular package.
I stopped dead in my tracks. "You're what!" I shrieked. They've only been dating for like two months… isn't this rushing things? "You barely know each other!"
"Jesus, thanks for your support." He said sarcastically and grabbed my arm for us to start walking again. "I'm not proposing to her tomorrow… It's going to take awhile to get the ring and everything. Plus, I'm going to wait a little while… maybe pop the question over the summer…. But when you meet the one, you know." We walked through the lobby into Cellini Jewelers.
I sighed. I felt kind of guilty. "I'm sorry. That was really rude of me, it just surprised me. I'm really happy for you guys…" I said smiling so hard my face hurt….
I can't believe Rose is going to get married…. That means Edward and I will be cousin-in-laws? Well, that's going to be weird. Hey… maybe someday Rose and I will be sisters…. That will be ever weirder.
A middle aged woman with a sharp bob approached us. "Mr. Cullen, it's a pleasure to meet you. Is this your bride to be?" She looked at me and gave me a smile that showed off her extensive dental work.
"No. I'm her cousin." I smiled back.
"Ah, very well. Can I get you two something to drink before we get started?" We both asked for some water and after a few minutes the three of us were sitting at a table discussing engagement rings.
I think we saw every style of band in the universe, every style of setting and every shape and size of diamonds possible, my head was starting to spin. Plus, I was starting to get extremely jealous of the fact that Rose was going to be sporting a beautiful ring. Seriously, the girl gets everything.
I was trying on different rings and admiring what styles I liked for myself. I decided I wanted a diamond band and at least a three carat princess cut diamond. I took a picture of my dream ring on my hand and set it as my background. Just in case Edward looks at my phone, he'll know what kind of engagement ring I want… for the future that is.
Emmett and bob lady were drawing sketches of a ring for Rosalie and my eyes were starting to glaze over. Suddenly my phone was ringing and I excused myself to answer the call.
It was Yellow Elephant. My heart started racing.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Miss Swan its Aro Masen."
"I didn't expect to hear from you so soon." I looked at the time on my phone and saw that four hours have passed by since I left the interview. Shit, was I really discussing diamonds for three plus hours?
"Yes, well you made our decision very easy. We would like to conduct a second interview with you, but this one is more of a psychological test. To see if you're mentally stable and what not."
Oh my God! They want me to be on the reality show! Are they serious! "Oh that's great! I'm so excited!" Wait, I have to get a psych analysis… "You think I'm crazy?" I was paranoid, maybe Jake was right.
I heard laughter on the other end of the line."No. Don't worry, it's something we have to do for legal and insurance purposes."
"Oh." I said, unsure of what else to say. I can't believe I'm going to be on TV!
"Well, would you prefer to have the interview at your apartment? It probably would be easiest because that way Angela could have hers done as well."
Ah! Angela is on the show too! Well, I guess I already knew that! I was just so freaking overjoyed that I would have conducted the interview in the middle of the Hudson River if they wanted me to. "Yeah, that sounds fine!"
Emmett walked out of the store and waved a hand to me. Whoops, I forgot all about Emmett.. "Um.. just email me the details. I'm in the middle of something but thank you for the opportunity!"
"No problem Miss Swan, I'm sorry to interrupt. I'll email you later."
I was so freaking excited about this new prospect. This couldn't have worked out any better because I won't be so dependent on Edward…. I hung up the phone and walked back into the Jewelers feeling like I was walking on water…
Hmm… I wonder what Edward would say about this….
Bob lady showed me a beautiful sketch of an emerald cut diamond with smaller trapezoid cut diamonds flanked on either side. The ring was unfuckingbelievable "It's beautiful." I breathed. Here I am fantasizing about my perfect engagement ring and my cousin was totally oblivious to the fact that her boyfriend is designing the most amazing ring for her right now. "She's going to love it!"
I looked at Emmett and he looked so vulnerable, not his usual tough exterior. "Seriously, you're going to make her the happiest girl in the world."
I said giving his shoulder a squeeze. He seemed to relax a bit. "Well, here's the thing…" he said.
I sat there kind of confused, so I cocked my head to the side. "I need you to find out what size ring she wears… if I asked her she'd get suspicious. I want it to be a total surprise."
Oh shit. So now I have to go snooping around Rosalie's stuff! She's going to know something is up. Maybe I can just steal a ring from her jewelry box? "Alright. I'll help you."
Bob lady handed Emmett and slip of paper and he looked at it for a moment then pulled out his wallet and handed her a credit card. I was kind of curious to see how much the ring cost, so I peeked at the paper. I almost had a stroke. Her ring cost eighty thousand dollars. Eighty thousand dollars. Holy fuck. That's like the price of a Mercedes. On her finger. Lucky bitch!
We walked out of the hotel and Emmett was clearly freaking the fuck out. "Let's go get a drink… It looks like you need it!" I said as I linked my arm with his and we walked down the street.
We walked into a little dive bar and sat a booth. Some Indie looking girl came up and took our orders. "I'll have a long island." I needed to celebrate. "Heineken" Emmett said.
The girl scooted off and Emmett tossed his phone on the table. "So I saw online that my brother was in town this weekend." He wiggled his eyebrows and made a whipping noise.
I rolled my eyes. "You're the one whose whipped buddy, you're proposing to Rose!" I shrieked. I was starting to get excited about the whole thing.
"Shhhh" He said. "Don't say it out loud… I don't want to jinx anything."
The waitress arrived and set our drinks down. He took a long pull of his beer.
"I never would have thought you were superstitious."
"Yeah, yeah. I hate black cats too."
I smiled and took a sip of my drink.
"So was that my baby bro who called earlier?"
"No! That was a casting director…" I said taking a sip of my drink.
"Edward never told me you wanted to be an actress. Did you get the part?"
"I don't. It's um… for a reality show…" I said a little self consciously.
"Ah, he didn't mention you wanted to be a reality star either.."
"I don't. I mean, I didn't." I took a long sip of my drink. "You know my friends Mike and Ben? Well Tada is giving them their own spinoff and they asked Angela and me if we would meet with them and I figured why not. I had the interview today and they already told me they want to give me a second interview. It all happened so fast, I didn't even tell Edward yet.."
"I see. Well, before you sign anything let me look over it. If you're not careful, you'll sign away all your rights."
I nodded my head. "What do you think Edward will think about all of this?" I was a little nervous about what he was going to say about it.
"I'm sure he's not going to be thrilled but it's your life, not his." He took a long pull of his beer and his phone started ringing. A huge smile broke out on his face. "It's my wife to be, excuse me."
I couldn't help but think of Emmett's words. It is my life but I want to share it with Edward.
Aw, hell.