Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Two hours into my work day, Jasper called back with Bella's father's address. After he read it off, I remembered Bella mentioning he lived in Port A.

Easy enough.

I explained to Eric, the assistant manager, that I had to go run a quick, important errand. I didn't feel the need to mention my 'quick' errand would last a few hours.

But that meant I'd have to cancel lunch with Bella. Instead of calling her to cancel, I decided to show up to the office.

As if I could resist seeing her.

"Look who it is," Bella said with an infectious grin. I walked over and kissed her, inhaling her scent. "Good thing you're here. My mom took the car this morning so you'll have to drive us to lunch."

"Your mom has the car?" I sat against the desk and realized I sounded a little too suspicious.

"Yeah."

"How did she seem today?"

"She was...okay. Why?"

"Just wondering," I replied and pretended I was interested in the business cards and pens sitting on her desk. "These pens are really expensive."

I was really bad at this whole lying and scheming thing.

"Are you okay? Are you getting awkward on me after last night?" Bella asked seriously and I watched her face fall.

My chest tightened at the sight.

"Hey," I whispered and dropped to my knees in front of her chair. "I don't regret last night. Do you?"

Bella discreetly shook her head and eyed my mom's closed office door.

So I grabbed her face and kissed her to ease her worry.

"I'm not trying to be awkward. I just have a lot on my mind," I admitted. "I have to run to Port Angeles for something important. Do you need me to pick you up from work later?"

Bella stared at me for a second before she said, "No lunch today, huh? You show a girl a good time and then bail on her. I see how you work, Edward Cullen."

"It's not like that, Bella..." I trailed off, realizing she was holding back laughter. "Oh. I see what you're doing."

Bella snorted and said, "What? You think you're the only one with jokes, huh?"

"Hilarious," I deadpanned. "I can still pick you up later if you need."

"That works. I'll be here until five. You'll be conducting your shady business in Port A until when?"

Rolling my eyes I said, "At least three. And it's not shady."

"Most definitely is."

"Maybe I'm going to buy a birthday present for you."

Bella's eyes lit up and I laughed. "What? You don't know when my birthday is."

"I most certainly do know when your birthday is, Miss I Live In Texas," I said sarcastically, hoping she'd know I was joking and trying to hint that I remember her date of birth on her license.

"Oh yeah? Try me."

"September thirteenth," I said quickly.

"Year?"

"Ah. Never reveal a woman's age. My mother has taught me many wise things throughout the years. Speaking of..." I winked at Bella as Esme walked out of her office.

"You're distracting my employee with all your charm, Edward." Esme smiled and gave me a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Just stopping by to let Bella know I have to skip out on lunch. Maybe you can take her out for me?" I raised my eyebrows and laughed at Bella's hesitance.

"Of course," Esme easily agreed, giving Bella a warm smile. "I bet Bella would enjoy some time away from you."

They both laughed together.

I didn't find it as amusing.

"Let me grab my purse and we can head out," Esme said.

And then I suddenly remembered the bounced check.

Insufficient funds.

"Here." I pulled out my wallet. "My treat."

My mom stared at the card in my hands and laughed at my gesture. "Put that away. Your money is no good here."

"No. Seriously. My treat for both of you. I was going to buy Bella lunch anyway, and since I can't..."

"Isn't my boy sweet?" Esme asked, causing Bella to nod and blush.

Yeah, we weren't too good at hiding this.

Not that we were trying.

I grabbed Bella's hand as my mom locked up the office.

Esme pretended not to notice or care, but I saw her discreet smile.

I kissed Bella's cheek before shutting the passenger door of my mom's car.

It didn't feel right lying to Bella, but this was something that had to be done without her knowledge. If I could get her father to see things my way and try to help out, maybe Bella would be more inclined to get her mother help.

And if he didn't see things my way, well..I'd find a way to make him understand.

He would understand.

So would Bella. She loved me therefore she would forgive me.

This was for her own good; her safety.

For our sanity.

For us.

A/N: And...maybe...one small chapter later if Julie & Liv stop distracting me on gchat. Thanks for reading :)