A/N: Back with zero-luck Bella for another chance at finding that HEA. Seems the poor girl has been kissing far too many frogs and is looking for that prince, who may be closer than she realizes.

My deepest gratitude to Ronnie, Meg, and May. Sometimes I mess up, so anything wrong here is on me.

SM owns, not me.

~NT~

Chapter 3: Last Call

She stuck to her resolution not to date, not even casually, for the next year, slowly putting herself back together after her ordeal with James. Her friend group grew with the addition of Rose and Emmett, who she met at a support group she had joined at the church in her neighborhood for victims of domestic/relationship abuse. Jasper came into the fold around the same time when Alice met him on a photoshoot for the magazine she was the photo editor for. With two couples in the mix, it was inevitable that she and Edward would be paired off when they went on outings. Edward had broken up with Tanya a few months before the confrontation with James in her hall, but he had not disclosed what had been the cause of their split. Like Bella, he was putting his dating life on pause. Their friendship blossomed over that year, and she considered him one of her best friends. There was a minor hiccup in their relationship when her childhood best friend, Jake, came to visit, but when Bella had asked Edward about his surly mood, he brushed it off.

Bella's single lady lifestyle came to an end around Christmastime that year when she attended Edward's company's holiday party. They had taken to being each other's plus-ones when the occasion called for it. Bella was getting a drink from the bar when a brown-haired man sidled up beside her.

"You're here with Cullen, right? I didn't think he was dating anyone."

"Oh we're not dating. We're just friends." She grabbed her drink, thanking the bartender, and turned to head back to her table, when an arm slid across her back, gripping her waist.

"I was wondering where you got off to," Edward said, looking down at her with a breathtaking smile. "Order me one of whatever you're having, will you?"

He turned to face the man who had been chatting up his date. "Riley. Is Bree here with you?"

Riley's face flamed. "No. We aren't seeing one another anymore."

"Shame." Edward turned his back on him, directing his attention once again to Bella.

Bella passed him his drink, shooting Riley a wave and a smile as Edward escorted her back to their seats.

Later that evening, Riley ran into her again as she was seeking a refill. He had waited until Edward had excused himself for a bathroom break, seizing the opportunity to chat up the pretty brunette.

"Care for a dance?" he asked.

"Oh. I'm not sure. I was just trying to get another drink before last call. Edward should be right back."

"C'mon. One dance won't hurt. I'm sure Cullen won't mind if I steal you away for a spin around the floor. Looks like he's busy anyway."

Bella turned her gaze over toward the bathroom where she spotted Edward and Tanya. Their bodies were angled close as she caressed his cheek, speaking in whispers. He smiled at her, softly, before he leaned in. Bella turned away swiftly, no longer feeling like watching the pair reconnect.

Bella slammed back her refilled drink and took Riley's outstretched hand.

"Why not."

That one dance led into an invite back to Riley's hotel room for a nightcap, which Bella giddily accepted, the alcohol settling into her veins. Edward shouted after her retreating form, but her steps did not slow. Tanya came up behind him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "You should go after her," she whispered. He simply shook his head no, knowing that it was no use. He'd heard her clear as day. They were "just friends."

Things were like a whirlwind with Riley. Bella was skittish after their drunken encounter at his hotel, thinking he was interested in just a physical relationship, which she was actually okay with since she had needs that her battery-operated friends weren't quite meeting. But when flowers showed up on her desk a week later, she read over the card with trepidation. It was a simple "thank you for the dance. Call me if you want to go for another spin." He had signed it with a winking face and left his number. They started off as fuck buddies, meeting at least once a week to blow off steam. Their sessions soon evolved to sharing food out of takeout containers on the floor in front of her couch, their clothing strewn around the room. Then their meals become more regular, and fully dressed, out in public. When he kissed her at her door, she expected him to come in so they could fuck, but he simply told her he had a great time and he'd call her. Their relationship became more traditional—sure they still screwed each other's brains out, but they also went to museums and shows, dinners out in romantic settings. Slowly the walls she had built up around her started to come down. Months turned into a one-year anniversary, where he told her he was falling in love with her, and he'd wait for her to be able to say it back, that there was no rush. It only took her two more months to return the sentiment without fear. They had developed a level of comfort with one another. As they neared their second anniversary, they began to talk about the future in less obscure terms. Plans to think about a one day where they were engaged and living together started to seem closer to reality.

Bella was looking for a t-shirt to wear to bed in his dresser when she came across the black velvet box. Not wanting to pry and be found snooping, she shoved it under a pile, selecting a worn navy shirt and shutting the drawer.

All week, Bella would look for signs that a proposal was imminent. Riley would constantly be on his phone, and he seemed more distracted than usual. Wanting to show him that she appreciated him and how ready she was to take the next step, she decided to cook him dinner at his apartment. He had given her a spare key "for emergencies" so she let herself in. As she was shutting the door, she heard voices coming from down the hall in the direction of his bedroom. She was surprised because it was still early and he should be at work for at least another hour.

She toed off her shoes, padding her way down the hall.

"You said you were going to tell her. This is getting ridiculous." A woman's voice filled Bella's ears.

"Babe, I told you I would. You've got to give me a break." Riley was pleading with the woman.

"I've been more than understanding. You promised me. And now with the baby … I am done sharing."

Baby? WTF!

Bella pushed open the door, which had been ajar, taking in the scene before her. Riley sat at the edge of the bed, clad in only a pair of red boxer briefs, while a short blonde stood in a bra and panty set between his parted thighs. As Bella scanned the woman from the toe up, she paused on her midsection, noticing the slight bump between her hips—yup, definitely pregnant. When her eyes landed on her face, recognition dawned on her. Bree. His secretary. The one who he was "not dating anymore" when they first met.

"What the fuck?" Bella screeched. "You're cheating on me. And she's pregnant? I thought we were getting serious. What about the ring … oh. It's for her."

Bella could not believe this was happening again. Her life really was starting to resemble a soap opera with all the drama constantly thrown her way.

Riley sat there, stunned, at a loss for what excuse he could give. Bella was a nice girl, and a hell of a fuck, but he hadn't been thinking about her as endgame. He had hoped Bree would be a little more patient with him so that he could gradually distance himself from Bella, but like she mentioned, the baby changed things.

"Bella…"

"No fuck you. I should have known. I have the worst fucking luck with men. Do not call me ever again. I can't believe you weren't man enough to tell me you wanted out. To cheat … just go fuck yourself." Bella hurled the spare key in his direction, turning on her heel to collect her things and leave with at least a shred of her dignity still intact.

The slamming of the door at her back caused the tears to fall, torrents rolling down her cheeks.

What was she going to do now?

What she wanted to do was go to Edward's, to curl up on his couch in borrowed clothes and cry until the tears faded into laughter, but she couldn't. He was back with Tanya, and their relationship had been strained ever since that holiday party they had attended together.

With the back of her hand, she brushed away the tears and hailed a cab. Her couch and ratty pajamas would just have to do.

~NT~

Thanks for reading. I know I said one a day, but this is all done and ready to go.