The Twilight Series belongs to S. Meyer, no copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing with the characters.

Chapter 35

Good Riddance

Her hope that the day could continue on as well as it had was shattered when they sat down to eat. Sitting in the backyard had meant there was a comfortable distance between everyone. Once the food was finished, they moved into the dining room as it was the only place with enough seats for them to all sit together.

It put the formal touch on what should be a relaxed family dinner. She squirmed in her seat—her stomach suddenly uneasy. The conversation had been on the most mundane of topics but now it seemed as though the desire was for them to learn about Edward. And she didn't mind that, it was their right to know a bit about who she was dating—it was the approach.

"So, Edward," Charlie started with an expression similar to one he used to interrogate the youth of Forks when they were up to no good. "Are you related to the Cullen's of Cullen Pharmaceuticals?"

Edward paused; shock evident on his face as Leah muttered softly so that only he could hear, "Fuck."

Taking a sip of lemonade before answering; he glanced over at Charlie to respond, "Yes, Carlisle is my father. Both me and my brother Emmett work at the family business."

"Hmm. Is that what you wanted to do?"

"No, not really at first," he answered truthfully. "My father despaired that I would ever have a career that would pay the bills. I majored in art and history with a minor in music. My brother was the one who always had big dreams to follow in our father's shoes. He's the one who will eventually be the lead researcher. After I received my bachelor's—my father insisted that I go back to school and get something that would provide me a real means to support myself. So my masters degree is in business administration and human resources."

"And now you enjoy it?"

"Of course, I've had many opportunities to meet new people, travel, and make my parents proud of me."

"You say that as if you've done something they wouldn't be proud of," Sam remarked.

Leah frowned and glared at Sam. Fucking asshole she thought. Before she could tell Sam to mind his own business, Edward answered.

"I think children—any child wants their parents to be proud of them. Perhaps my feelings come from the arguments I had with them over my choice of college and focus. That being said I meant it though as a more generic statement. I'm assuming you all are very proud of Leah, yes?" He waited for the majority of the room's occupants to nod before continuing, "It's no different than that."

"You're not worried about how people may view your relationship with Leah," Sam probed.

"What exactly do you mean by that?"

Charlie was the one to clarify. "Obviously, you both work for the same company and I'm sure it's possible that others may think that her promotion could be a form of nepotism."

"That's not a concern, Charlie. Very few, if anyone knows of our relationship. Our business and private lives are completely separate," she supplied. Had this night turned into grill Leah's boyfriend?

"Humph."

"What is everyone's issue," she asked as calmly as she could. "First Seth who only got started in on this morning, Sam's acting like he has a stick shoved where the sun doesn't shine, and now you too, Charlie?"

"We're concerned—all of us."

"About what and why?"

"You barely speak to your mom or brother…"

She rolled her eyes at his words. "And that's concerning because…I shouldn't have to explain every detail of my life all the time. I already told Seth this morning and mom and I talked about it days ago. I acknowledge I've been distant and this summer is about trying to rectify that but my distance has nothing to do with your interrogation."

"She's right, Charlie," Sue agreed. "Is there a point to all this?"

"I'm just trying to get to know him, darling."

Bella snorted, "Dad, really?"

"I am," he repeated resolutely as his neck flushed under the scrutiny of his wife, daughter, and stepdaughter.

Clearing his throat a single time, Edward spoke, "Perhaps I can set your mind at ease, sir. While I understand and appreciate your concerns for your stepdaughter, I have a younger sister and as such would want to know whoever she is with is worthy of her affection. My relationship with Leah has always been a private matter because I have never wanted our relationship to overshadow her success. I also respect her privacy and I know how important it is to her. I would never do anything to harm her."