Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you're all excited! So, I'm thinking of changing the days I update. Maybe do Tuesday's and Thursdays, or Sunday's and Wednesday. What do you guys think?
Chapter Twenty-Four
Edward's POV
I felt better now that Bella was with my mother and sister. They'd help her get her mind off of what happened. Once I knew Bella was at the restaurant, I headed over to Newton's office.
I know I told Bella I wouldn't get involved, but Bella was my woman. I couldn't just sit aside and let someone disrespect her.
I didn't bother calling ahead. He wouldn't turn me away. He was too afraid.
I walked by the receptionist and just pushed open his office doors. He jumped in surprise. I could tell he was prepared to yell at the person who had the audacity to burst in on him, but he wisely stopped himself.
"Edward," He smiled, standing and extending his hand, "It's good to see you."
I nodded sharply, trying very hard to keep my composure. I could easily kill him; it was no sweat off my back. But I also knew he had a wife and children at home waiting on him. Which made this situation even more fucked up. So, I couldn't just blow his brains out. I could embarrass him though. It was just as effective.
"I'm surprised to see you here today," he said, "It's nice to see you, but I do have a meeting I really need to get to."
"You can spare me a few moments," I said, taking out my pack of cigarettes. He eyed me suspiciously as I lit one.
"Of course," he sat back down in his chair.
"You had a meeting today," I said, "A girl Carlisle asked you to meet with. How'd that go?"
"Well it was fine, I guess." He said.
"What'd you think of her?"
He had a small smile, "Pretty girl. Nice little body. But I'm definitely not offering her the scholarship."
"Why is that?"
"Well, she wouldn't be able to handle it at Columbia, and I don't want to waste my money," He said, "Now, if she had given me a little something-something, I would have reconsidered."
I nodded once, "You know that girl is my girlfriend, right?"
He turned as white as a ghost. I could see the panic in his eyes.
"I wouldn't have done anything," He said quickly, "I swear. Nothing inappropriate happened."
"You didn't flash your pants tent at her? Offer the scholarship to her if she did something sexual for you? Degrade her?"
"It wasn't like that, I swear," He said, "She misinterpreted—,"
"Isabella is extremely intelligent," I said sharply, "She doesn't misinterpret things."
He didn't say anything, he just stared at me with that stupid look on his face.
"Look," I said, standing, "I'll give you a pass because you didn't know who Isabella was. Of course, if my father recommended her to you, you should've known she was important," I told him, "But that doesn't mean you won't pay for making my woman uncomfortable."
He gulped, "Edward I'm sor—,"
I put my hand up, silencing him, "I don't want to hear your apologies. What you're going to do is completely fund Isabella's college career. You won't ever pull it. Even if she fails every semester, you will pay for it with a damn smile on your face. You'll pay for it as long as she wants. If she takes one semester now, and takes another in ten years, you're paying for it. And you're going to send her a handwritten letter of apology. If you don't make it sincere, so help me god, I will go to your house and blow your brains out in front of your wife and children," I said, "And you don't want Jessica knowing about this little stunt, do you?"
His hands were shaking, "O-Of course Edward. I'm terribly sorry."
I smiled slowly, "This is all to be done by tomorrow before noon. If you don't do it, I will make your life a living hell before I blow your brains out."
He nodded, "It'll be done."
"Good." I said before turning and walking out.
I wanted to hurt him for what he did to Bella. But I knew embarrassing him would work just as well. Mike was a pussy, and he never crossed the Cullen family. He knew what we were capable of.
I texted my mother to see how Bella was doing. She responded with a quick 'Great,' and I left them alone after that. My mother and sister would help Bella feel better. I couldn't imagine how she felt. To be sexually objectified by that pervert.
Tomorrow night was mine and Bella's movie date. I hadn't told her that we were actually going to my house and watch the movie in my home theater. I really hoped she liked my house. I was actually pretty nervous about her coming over.
I had stocked my home theater with all of the good movie snacks, drinks, and just about anything else I could think of. I really wanted her to have fun and like it.
I knew it was too soon, but I was kind of hoping Bella would move in with me. Not now, of course, we still need a little time, or at least I knew she needed more time. I was completely positive that she was meant for me.
I drove across town to my strip club. I had made a big decision about that place, one that I wasn't too sad about.
When I walked in, the place was completely empty. But, I had planned it to be empty when I came here. I didn't want a repeat of last time.
"Hey Edward," Santiago said, "How are you."
I took a seat at the bar, "I'm good. You?"
"Oh I'm great," he said pouring both of us a drink, "Not going to lie, I've been looking forward to this for a very long time."
"I know you have," I told him as I took my drink, "You're the only person I could ever trust this place too. I know you'll take good care of it."
"Of course I will," He said, "This place made me who I am. I wouldn't have what I have without this place."
I took the stack of paperwork and set it on the counter. I downed my drink in one sip, letting it burn my throat.
"So, why did you decide to take a big step back?" He asked.
"Well," I handed him my glass so he could get me another, "I've met someone. And I don't want to… I don't know, I guess make her uncomfortable by me being such an involved owner. Plus, I just want to spend my time with her. Being around here reminds me of being single, and I'm certainly not single."
"It must be serious then. You never even considered selling this place with your last girlfriend."
I shrugged, "This one is different. And I'm not technically selling it. I'm just becoming a silent partner."
We took another drink before signing the papers. I thought I'd feel some sort of way while signing this place away, but it didn't bother me. I was somewhat relieved because now Bella shouldn't be too mad if she found out I was a silent partner here.
At least I didn't think she'd be mad. Bella was funny sometimes. But I don't think she could be too mad about this.
"I'll take really good care of this place." He said, "Don't worry about it."
"I trust you," I said, "You've always managed this place well. I've never had to worry about it in your hands. It just makes sense to let you step up and become an owner."
He smiled, "Thanks."
I nodded, "Just call me if you need something. But otherwise, I don't have any parts of running the day-to-day or the major decisions. That's all you."
He chuckled, "It's a lot of pressure."
"But you can handle it." I said.
My phone buzzed, I looked down at it to see that Bella had called.
"I'll see you later Santiago," I said, standing, "Take care."
"You too Edward," He said, "Don't forget about this place."
I laughed and walked out of the door, calling Bella back.
"Hey," I almost called her babe, but the last nickname I called her set her off. I didn't want to upset her.
"Hey," She said, "What are you up too?"
"Just some business stuff. Overseeing some things," I said, "How are you?"
"I'm good, actually," She said, she even sounded better, "I just wanted to call and say thanks. Lunch with your mom and sister did make me feel a lot better."
I smiled, "Good. I'm glad. Where are you now?"
"I'm headed back to my house. Your mom and sister showed me this arts and craft store. I got some paint and I'm going to start painting my apartment walls, since I've closed the bakery for the day."
"What color are you painting?"
"I'm not painting a solid color on the walls. I'm just going to paint some flowers or something."
"Oh, so my Bella is a little artist?" I smiled.
She laughed, "I don't know about artist. But I figure the skills will transfer. I'm a pretty good cake decorator."
"That you are," I said, getting into my car, "Do you want some company?"
"Don't you have work?" She laughed, "You've blown off a lot of work coming and seeing me."
"Eh, I just have a couple more things to do. Nothing major," I said, "If it were really all that important, I would get it done first and then come see you."
"Mm hm. Well, I'll just be painting. It'll be pretty boring. You can come if you want."
"I'm on my way."
A lot of y'all thought Edward was going to kill Mike! Nope! Edward only kills when he has too. But he did handle Mike, poor bastard won't be making that mistake again. And he sold his strip joint! Big move on Edward's part. Anyways, let me know what you thought of this chapter!
