I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …

Chapter Three

Bella

After Jasper and I gorged ourselves on way too much chocolate and watched another one of Edward Cullen's movies – the first movie he'd directed – I ended up crashing. Jasper must have stayed with me because when I woke up to my alarm, I heard snoring. Loud, freight train-like snoring. I sat up, looking at my friend as he was sprawled out on the bed. I had the tiniest corner of the bed while Jasper, in his lanky form, took up the rest of the mattress.

I slipped out of the bed. I sent a text to Seth, wishing him a good day at school. He sent me a goofy selfie along with a lot of words of encouragement for the day. I grinned reading that, thankful that my son still loved me. Placing the phone back on the nightstand, I padded to the bathroom to shower. I was blow drying my hair when Jasper leaned against the door frame. "Good morning, eagle," I quipped, turning to face him.

"Eagle?" he asked.

"You were spread eagle on the bed, Jasper," I chuckled and arched a brow at him. "It's a good thing I'm so short. I don't need much space."

"Sorry," he yawned, scratching his stomach under his t-shirt. "It's probably the reason why I don't have a girlfriend. At least, not one that lasts past the date where we have sex and spend the night together. Should I see a doctor about that?"

"Really?" I deadpanned.

"I'm serious!" he laughed, holding up his arms in confusion.

"Why don't you just go surfing, Jasper?" I quipped, turning back around to finish drying my hair. "The waves are calling."

"Hmmmm, they are," he beamed. His smile widened. "What are you going to do today?"

"I have a couple of options," I answered. "All of them are museums."

"Are you sure I can't talk you into surfing?" Jasper teased. "You're in Los Angeles and you're going to museums?"

"Yes, Jasper. I am," I said, looking at him in the mirror. "Look, I loved going to museums when I was younger, before I had Seth. My dad took me to Seattle and I would wander around the museums for hours. There's something so magical about them. Going back in time? Looking at priceless works of art? That's … that's what I want to do." Now that I have the funds to actually enjoy that magic. "So, Liam is going to drive me to The Huntington Library and Museum first and then to the Getty Museum."

"Don't forget your date with Edward Cullen," Jasper said to me, giving me a shitty grin.

"It's not a date," I argued, picking up the curling iron.

"It's a date," he sang, leaving the room. "It's soooooooo a date."

"I hate you," I sang back. "I hope you drown." His laughter was muffled by the closing of the doors adjoining our room. As I was putting on my makeup, my cell phone chimed from the nightstand. Padding into the bedroom, I picked up my phone, seeing a text from Edward.

I'm just checking to see if we're still on for dinner tonight? Six, right? ~ Edward

I'm looking forward to it and yes, we are. Where are we going? ~ Bella

That's for me to know and for you to find out ;-) ~ Edward

Well, I'd like to know what to wear. I don't want to show up wearing jeans when it's a fancier restaurant ~ Bella

Not jeans, but not super dressy either. You're also not just SHOWING up. I'm picking you up. I'll be at the Standard by six, Bella. I'll be counting the moments … eagerly … ~ Edward

I blushed as I read that. Blowing out a breath, I sent him a quick response, relying on emoticons to suppress my embarrassment and finished getting ready for my excursion at the two museums. Dressed comfortably in a pair of jeans and a plaid silk blouse, I rode down to the lobby and smiled when I saw Liam. I knew I probably should have had my guard up, but there was something about Liam that reminded me of my dad before he got sick. "Hello, Ms. Swan," Liam beamed, holding out his hand.

"It's nice to see you, Liam. Thank you for carting me around," I chuckled.

"I dropped Mr. Hale at a beach in Malibu. He said he'd find his own way back and that I should be with you. He was worried about you being alone today," Liam explained, closing the door.

I bit back a snort. I'd been in far more dangerous situations than walking in two high-scale museums in southern California. "Thank you so much, Liam. Jasper does worry," I shrugged when he slid into the driver's seat.

"It's what good boyfriends do," Liam said.

"Jasper is not my boyfriend. We're very good friends. Initially, his sister did introduce us to possibly start dating, but there was no connection, no spark. He's firmly entrenched in the friendzone," I smirked. "Have you ever been to the Huntington Library or Getty Museum?"

"I've been inside the Huntington, because my daughter lives in Pasadena and she's a member, along with my granddaughter," he answered. "I've only ever been outside the Getty, usually acting as a driver for one of the A-listers who go to those expensive galas hosted there."

I frowned at that. I had allowed myself a small amount to splurge on myself. Granted, it was mainly for food and a few tokens, mementos for Seth, but I squirreled away some money for going to these museums. If the Getty was too expensive, I'd have to …

"Ms. Swan, I can see you frowning back there," Liam said.

"You should keep your eyes on the road," I joked weakly.

"I'm at a stop light," he teased back. "I was told that I'm at your beck and call while you're in Los Angeles. The studio also informed me that you don't need to worry about paying for admittance to the museums or anything else."

"The studio?" I asked dubiously, arching a brow over my sunglasses. "Or, Mr. Cullen?"

"Okay, it was Mr. Cullen. He told me what had happened at the meeting and he felt awful. So, you're all good, Ms. Swan," Liam explained. "Your tickets should already be on your phone, sent to your email."

My eyes widened and I opened my up email. Sure enough, there was a forward from E. Cullen containing my tickets for both the Huntington and Getty. "How did he know?"

"Your non-boyfriend told me and I told Mr. Cullen," Liam explained, pressing on the gas.

With a sigh, I sent a message to both Edward and Jasper, separately of course … You are in so much trouble! ~ Bella

Awww, don't be like that, Bells. I figured that with all that ass-kissing that Cullen needs to do, it's the least he could do ~ Jasper

I hope a whale eats you, Jasper. I swear! ~ Bella

Nah, you don't. You LOVE me. Have fun, sweet girl ~ Jas

You are so on my list, Jasper Whitlock Hale ~ Bella

What list is that, Isabella Marie Swan? ~ Jas

My shit list … ~ Bella

My cell phone chirped from a new message from Edward, replying to my initial text.

I'd personally like to be the one to take you on those trips, but I'm stuck in meetings all day, Bella. Let me do this for you, please? ~ Edward

I don't want to abuse our relationship ~ Bella

I didn't like how that sounded because we didn't exactly have a relationship. Edward was trying to direct a movie based on my novel. We were, at the very least, coworkers. At best, possibly friends?

It's not abuse when it's freely given, Bella. I also do want to take you on a tour of my hometown before you leave. This is the first part … the self-guided tour (with the help of Liam). The second part will be where I'm showing you all the hidden gems in LA. Okay? ~ Edward

Okay ~ Bella

Have fun! Wish I was with you. I'll be imagining anything other than sitting through a business meeting with my manager and agent. I'll see you at six ~ Edward

With a huff, I put my phone back in my purse. "Did you get it all figured out?" Liam asked.

"Yeah," I answered. "Edward paid for my admission to both museums."

"He's a good man, Ms. Swan," Liam explained, pulling into the Huntington parking lot. "He's a wonderful director and one of the most genuine humans I'd ever met. I've worked with some of the most amazingly awful A-listers. Complete snobs and overall assholes. But, Edward Cullen, despite his popularity, never lost his inherent kindness and warm heart. His sister, on the other hand, can be a piece of work."

"You're telling me," I snorted humorlessly. I bit my lip and shifted in the backseat. "Would you mind walking around with me? It's got to be better than sitting in the car, right?"

"I'd be honored, Ms. Swan," Liam said, parking the car. "I can show you some of my favorite places here."

We walked into the museum, using the tickets that Edward had purchased for me. It was apparent he'd already made arrangements for Liam, who took all over the museum and outdoor gardens. I took pictures with my phone and I made a mental note to come back again with Seth. I wanted to give him the same opportunities my father gave me, even if it was almost twelve years too late. I also picked up a few things from the gift shop.

After a couple hours, Liam drove us to get something to eat. He took me to an amazing food truck that had the most delicious tacos. I ate far too many of them, but they were so good. When we finished, Liam drove us to the Getty Museum. Where the Huntington had gorgeous grounds, the Getty had beautiful art displays. I felt like I stepped back in time, looking at the priceless works of art.

"We should probably head back," Liam said. "Traffic is hellacious in Los Angeles. I know that Mr. Cullen is picking you up for dinner."

I sighed, nodding. "You're right. Thank you for joining me, Liam. It's been a lot of fun and I really appreciate spending the day with you," I said sincerely.

"It was a pleasure, Ms. Swan," he grinned.

We left the Getty and got into the car. Liam was obviously correct that traffic was hellacious in Los Angeles. We got back to the hotel at five. I thanked Liam, giving him a quick hug before darting back to the room. I heard Jasper in his room. From the sounds of it, he was having some intense sex. The moans from his room were borderline pornographic. I shuddered, walking to my closet.

"What do I wear?" I groaned. "Not jeans …" I picked up my phone, dialing Rose. She usually lived in yoga pants and tunics. She had a great fashion sense, but rarely used it because she was mother and a business owner. Her focus was more on comfort.

"Bells," Rose sang. "How's the City of Angels?"

"It's interesting," I snorted. "How's my child? Is he making good choices?"

"Seth is doing awesome. He's currently playing in the backyard with my kiddos," Rose said. "Do you want to talk to him?"

"I will in a little bit. I need your help. I'm going out to dinner with the director of the movie," I said, glowering at my closet, which was not filled since I didn't pack much.

"Oooh la la," Rose crooned. "Is this a date?"

"A business dinner, Rosalie," I argued. "I want to look professional, but still feminine."

"Do you have that black dress? The one that looks like it came out a 1950s dream?" Rose suggested. "I told you to pack it, Bells."

I found the dress and held it up. "I've got it," I sighed.

"Okay, good. Now, wear that and curl your hair like a Vargas girl," Rose said. "Wear a bright red lip. You'll be beautiful."

"I'm not trying to seduce him," I grumbled. "It's a business meeting. Zero seduction …"

"Well, even if you're not seducing him, wearing that dress will make you feel powerful," Rose argued. "It's for you, Bells. All for you." I blew out a breath. "Do you want to talk to your son? Perhaps, he can give you the confidence you need."

"Rose," I sighed.

"Seth, your mom is on the phone. Tell her she's going to rock," Rose yelled.

I heard the phone shuffle and my favorite voice filtered through the speakers. "Mom, you're going to rock. No matter what, you're my hero," Seth said. "How's Los Angeles? Is it good?"

"It's so different from San Francisco," I chuckled. "Warmer, smoggier, a lot more traffic. How was your math test?"

"I think I rocked it. Oh, I also decided to try out for the boys' basketball team," Seth said. "Is that okay?"

"Of course, it is, Seth. When are try outs?" I asked.

"Next week. There's a clinic on Monday from three to four-thirty and try outs are on Tuesday and Wednesday from three to five, with the possibility of practice on Thursday. Then practice will happen every day and I'll get a game schedule if I make the team," Seth explained.

"I'll be at every game, kiddo. I'm so proud of you," I smiled.

"I'm proud of you, Mom," Seth breathed. "Have fun tonight."

"I will, Seth. I love you, baby," I whispered.

"I love you, Mommy," he whispered back to me. I let my eyes fall shut and a few tears slipped down my cheeks. "I'm going to go. Dinner's ready. Be safe, Mom. Love you!"

I smiled, hanging up the phone and pulled out the black dress Rose suggested. I put it on the bed and I went to curl my hair, pinning it back. I applied my makeup, putting on the red lipstick. I looked up at myself, not seeing the gaunt, broken girl from years ago. I could still see a hint of who I was before I got back on my feet, but I hid it well. I slipped on the dress and put my feet into the heels I'd packed. I was putting my phone and wallet into the clutch. There was a knock on the door.

I walked to the door, checking to see who was outside. Edward was standing in the hallway, shifting on his feet. Unlocking the door, I smiled as I saw him. "Hi, Edward," I said.

"Wow, Bella. You look … exquisite," he breathed. He pulled out a red flower from behind his back. "For you."

"You didn't have to …" I said, taking the flower from his fingers.

"Here, let me," he murmured, pinning it behind my ear. "It makes you look even more beautiful."

"Edward," I whispered, looking down at the floor. "You can't say that about me. I'm far from beautiful."

His fingers found my chin and he gently lifted my face until I was looking up at him. "I don't lie, Bella. You are beautiful and I'll have the most gorgeous woman on my arm tonight." He offered me his elbow. "Shall we?" I bit my lip, shifting on my feet. "Bella, I cannot tell a lie."

"But, you're an actor," I said.

"I was an actor. I'm a director now. If you noticed, my acting career was only two-dimensional. It was all about my looks … how hot I was without my shirt on. Do you want to know why? Because I can't tell a lie," he chuckled, taking my arm and gently putting into the crook of his elbow. "So, when I say something, it's one hundred percent genuine."

"Okay," I nodded, still not truly believing him but going along with it. In the dress I was wearing, I did feel attractive, but beautiful was a feeling I didn't experience very often. "Thank you."

He grinned crookedly as Jasper and his bedmate had come together with screams of ecstasy. His nose wrinkled, looking at the door. "Um, wow."

"Yeah, that's Jasper," I snorted.

"Do you know who?" Edward asked. "Who's in there?"

"Nope. They were going at it when I came back from the museums. Thank you for the tickets, by the way," I said as we walked to the bank of elevators, away from my room.

"I'm scarred," Edward groaned, scrubbing his face with his free hand. "I hope that …"

"I'll survive. Noise cancelling headphones," I smirked as we walked out of the elevators through the lobby. "Where are we going for dinner?"

"It's called Le Grande," he answered, clicking his keys and a sleek black sports car flashed its lights. He opened the door, helping me into the passenger seat. He slid into the driver's side and drove to the restaurant. "I hope you don't mind Italian."

"I love it," I answered honestly. He grinned widely as he expertly navigated the streets of Los Angeles. About twenty minutes later, he pulled up to the valet and handed the attendant the keys. He helped me out of the passenger seat and led me inside, his hand hovering at the small of my back. The hostess grinned at Edward and we were seated in a private dining room. "This is fancy. A private room?"

"I don't want to be interrupted by fans. I may not act anymore, but I am recognized and frequently interrupted when I'm out. I wanted to focus my attention on you and on this dinner," Edward said. "Do you like wine?"

"I don't drink much," I answered honestly. "One glass won't be too bad."

"White or red?" he asked.

"White," I replied. "Red gives me an instant hangover."

"Hmmm, I agree with you on that one," he chuckled. "But, it doesn't stop me from ordering a bottle. It's so good."

As soon as he said that, a server came in and took our drink order. I got a glass of pinot grigio while Edward got a glass of scotch. "So, Bella, I wanted to talk to you about the movie," Edward said. "Without the studio executives and without any sort of pressure from any outside influences, like my nosy sister. The studio has given me complete control of the movie, but I want to give you some of that control."

"Me? Why?" I asked.

"Because your novel should be told in a way that is respectful to your writing," Edward explained. "If Laurent had his way, he'd pass off the script to one of his mediocre screenplay writers. It would be torn to shreds. I do not that to happen, to be perfectly honest. I'd like to propose to you some options that might alleviate your concerns about the movie, and hopefully, persuade you to work with us, work with me."

"I don't know the first thing about making a movie," I laughed anxiously as the server brought us our drinks.

"It's a good thing that you've got a friend in the business," he quipped, clinking his glass with mine. "Here's what I think would work for you. I think you'd be an amazing executive producer. Not that I expect you to finance the film, but to work with the staff to make this film happen. I also want you to be the head writer for the screenplay."

"Again, I don't know anything about this," I said.

"You may not know anything about this, but you will fight for what's right for your story, your book," Edward explained. He reached over and took my hand, engulfing my hand in his much larger one. "I think you'd enjoy the process. You seem very detail-oriented and passionate about what you've written."

"I do agree about that, but I live in San Francisco and I have obligations," I explained. "You may not know this, but I'm a mother and my son … he's my priority. I also have final edits for a new novel I'm writing. How can I balance caring for my child, doing the edits and what you're proposing? I don't know."

"I know you live in San Francisco," Edward grinned. "Beautiful city. Perhaps I'll come visit? I'm giving you a tour of Los Angeles. You could return the favor with San Francisco."

"Possibly," I blushed.

"Bella, with what I'm proposing, there's a flexibility there," he explained. "You don't have to be here in Los Angeles to write the screenplay. You can do that from San Francisco."

"Flexibility is good," I nodded, taking a sip of my wine. "My son comes first. Always. He's my world and I cannot let all of this take precedence over him."

"Family should always come first," Edward breathed.

The server came back and took our orders. Edward and I talked politely about his past as an actor. He asked questions about me, but I wasn't comfortable talking about myself. There were too many skeletons in my closet. Yes, I had a website and a Facebook author profile that shared a little about my past. Mainly, I talked about where I grew up, where I went to college and why I became a writer.

Well, the contrived reason why I became a writer.

I couldn't exactly put down that I'd lived in an environment filled with nightmares – emotional abuse, physical torture, and mental anguish – I can't put that down.

I steered his questions away from me, focusing on his life.

As we finished our meals, my cell phone rang from my purse. I pulled it out and saw Seth's number dance across the screen. "Do you mind if I take this?" I asked.

"No, go ahead," he smiled.

I slid my finger across the screen and I relaxed. "Hey baby," I cooed. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay, Mom," Seth replied. "I just wanted to call you to see how things were going. We didn't get chance to talk earlier except for me yammering about the basketball team. Is the book going to be made into a movie?"

"More than likely yes," I answered, turning away from Edward and crossing my legs. "Things were rocky and I'll tell you more about that when I get home."

"When will you be home?" Seth asked.

"By the end of the week, baby," I murmured. "I do need to go, though. I'll call you when I'm back at the hotel. Maybe we can talk when I get there?"

"Yeah, Mom," Seth said. "Love you."

"Love you, too," I replied, hanging up the phone and turning back to face Edward. What greeted me was not the same friendly man who'd begged me to consider to do the movie about my book. "Edward?"

"Apologies," he gritted out, spinning his scotch. His posture was rigid.

His harsh tone reminded me of … I was not about to put myself in the same situation. My hackles went up and fear flooded me. "Apparently, I've done something to offend," I said quietly. "I'll just catch a cab back to the hotel." I reached into my purse, tossing some cash onto the table. I knew it didn't cover my portion of the meal, but I had to get out of there. I pushed away from the table, scurrying through the restaurant and out the door. I waved down a taxi and gave him the name of my hotel. As we pulled away, I saw Edward try to stop the taxi.

We just continued to drive away.

xx Blockbuster xx

Flashback

I was sitting on the floor of the dingy shed that I'd shared with Jacob and Seth. It was on his father's property. We were living here rent-free, but Jacob made a point of making me pay him for utilities. Nearly half of my paycheck went to that payment. I tried to get Jacob to reduce the payment, but he said he had to provide for my kid, it was the least I could do. The other half went to the care of my one-year-old son.

My beautiful, wonderful, perfect son.

Jacob didn't pay for crap.

Asshole.

It was a rare day off from the Thriftway. I'd been working nonstop since my dad died, barely taking a day off even after I gave birth to Seth. I was trying to pay his outstanding bills, but I couldn't. The house was foreclosed and all our belongings were essentially sold to pay off my father's debt. I'd managed to snag a few things that were sentimental. Thankfully the bank officer was a friend of my father's and had a soft spot for me.

I'd walked away from the foreclosure with my father's service revolver, his Forks police uniform and some of my grandmother's jewelry, her pearls and her wedding band.

Seth was trying to walk. He was standing up, holding onto the edge of the worn couch and grinning at me with his four little teeth. "Who's my big boy?" I crooned, rubbing my hand along his back. Seth reached over to me, trying to take his first steps but Jacob slammed into the shed. Seth fell onto his bottom and began wailing. "Oh, baby." I picked him up and cradled him to my chest as Jacob scowled at us.

"I don't understand why I let you stay," Jacob snarled. "All that kid does is cry. Shut him the fuck up."

"Jacob, he only cries when you're around," I said, rubbing Seth's back. "He reacts to your anger, your derision."

"I have every right to be angry," Jacob yelled. "You got pregnant and I didn't want it. I didn't want to be a dad."

"You could have fooled me," I sighed. "When I told you, you were happy."

"Yeah, well, I'm not. I'm not happy, Bella. I went out with you because you were hot. Now? Not so much. You look like a bedraggled rat with messy hair and fat rolls. I can't even get hard for you anymore. You're used."

"By you," I spat. "Jacob, I didn't want to go out with either. I sure as hell didn't want to have sex with you. But, things happened, the condom broke and we have a son. You should help me. Seth is a part of you."

"Not the good parts," Jacob hissed. "That kid is a pussy."

"Our son is a year old!" I argued.

Jacob just glared at me. "Why should I stay with you? We haven't had sex since that was born."

"Not that it was all that good," I muttered under my breath. Jacob picked up his coat and his keys. "Where are you going?"

"Out," Jacob spat. "I can't be around you or that thing. I need to blow off some steam and I can't do that with you because you disgust me with your fat rolls and flabby tits." His gaze met mine and there was nothing but loathing and contempt for me and for our son. He whipped around and stomped out of the shed, slamming the door shut.

I closed my eyes, trying not to cry. Jacob's opinion of me was made abundantly clear. Once I had been cleared by the doctors, three months after Seth's birth, Jacob relegated me to the sofa.

We didn't have a relationship anymore. I wasn't the mother of his child. I was a freeloader.

But, even that wasn't true.

If I was freeloader, I wouldn't have to pay half my paycheck to Jacob for a shed that was being paid for by his father. His father who also had a low opinion of me, as well. He only allowed me to stay because he was close friends with my own dad.

"Mama," Seth said, his little legs toddling toward me. His hands found my cheeks and he stared me. "Mama! Mama!"

"Mama's here, baby," I cried, kissing his palms. "You're walking, Seth." I scooped him into my arms and held him close. "I love you, baby. I love you so much. I love you so, so much." He was the only thing that mattered. He was the only person who loved me unconditionally, just like I loved him.

Things had to get better.

Right?

xx Blockbuster xx

I rode up to my room and slipped inside. I locked the door, leaning against the cool wood. I felt my phone vibrate in my purse, but I refused to look at it. Kicking off my shoes, I unzipped my dress and removed the flower from my hair. It was a beautiful red camelia. I put it on the nightstand and pulled on some pajamas. I washed my face. Once I was back in my comfort zone, I swiped my computer. I dialed Seth on FaceTime and his handsome face filled the computer screen.

"Hey, kiddo," I breathed.

"You're home awfully early for a date," he quipped.

"It was a business meeting," I snickered. "And, it ended early." Because Edward was looking at me angrily and I was not anyone's doormat. Not anymore. "I just miss you, Seth. So much …"

"I miss you, too, Mom, but you should have fun," Seth chuckled.

"It's sad when my child needs to remind me to have fun," I deadpanned. I stared at him. His face was morphing from the sweet baby face of my little boy to the more angular features of a teenager. My baby boy was growing up. "You're getting so big, Seth."

"Well, I know my sperm donor is big," Seth sighed, scrubbing his hand through his hair.

"I'm not talking about that. You're growing up. You're going through clothes like water and soon, your voice is going to deepen … and you won't be my little boy anymore," I sniffled.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Seth asked.

"I'm just … I miss you, Seth. I know that this is a big deal, but I'm away from you," I murmured. "Maybe I should just forget it and fly home."

"No, Mom. You are not going to come home," Seth chided. He smiled at me, his brown eyes warm and gleaming with pride. "I love you, Mom. You're going to do so awesome."

"Thanks, baby," I breathed. "Did you finish your homework?"

"Yes. Uncle Emmett helped me with my math homework and Aunt Rose read my book report," Seth explained.

"Okay, good. I know you were stressing about the book report," I said. "Aunt Rose is almost as good as an editor as Uncle Jasper."

"That's what she said," Seth chuckled. "Anyhow, I'm going to go to bed."

"Sleep well, baby," I smiled. "I love you." He pressed a kiss to the screen and ended the call. Closing the computer, I leaned back against the headboard. There was a knock on the adjoining door. "You better be alone, Jasper Whitlock Hale!"

He poked his head into my room and his cheeks were a bright red. "You heard that?"

"I think the entire floor heard you," I countered, arching a brow at him. "Who was the lucky lady?"

"Someone I met at the beach. It was fun but I don't think it'll happen again," Jasper replied, shaking his head. "Shouldn't you be out to dinner with Edward?" I didn't respond. I just pulled my feet up to my chest. "Bella? Did he do something?"

"No, he didn't. Well, not so much," I shrugged.

"Talk, woman," Jasper said, arching a brow.

"It wasn't anything. Maybe, I was overreacting, but I took a call from Seth and Edward got all huffy. He was angry and I couldn't be around that," I replied.

"Do I need to kick his ass?" Jasper asked.

"No. Maybe I … I don't know," I shrugged.

"Can I offer you an alternative perspective?" Jasper questioned. I nodded. "When you talk to Seth, you relax and your face gets all soft. The love you have for your kid is all encompassing, but to an outsider … he may have thought you were talking to a boyfriend or a lover."

"Why would Edward care about that?" I asked.

"Bells, I'm saying this from a place of love, but that man is totally smitten with you," Jasper explained.

"No, he isn't," I scoffed.

"I know it's been a long time since you've even considered yourself a sexual being, but you're hot. I don't think of you that way, but you're gorgeous and any man would love to be with you," Jasper said. I was glowering at him in disbelief. "Okay, let me put into smaller words so you can understand."

"Jasper," I hissed, smacking at him.

"He was jealous, Bells," Jasper said. "Edward Cullen has the hots for you and when he heard you talk to another man, in his perception, he got jealous."

I blinked at him, shocked at his admission. "That is so unlikely."

"Get your phone, Bells," Jasper smirked. I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I'll get it." He got up and found my phone in my purse. He held it up to my face and unlocked it. He opened my text messages. "Ah ha! He admitted to being jealous!"

"What are you talking about?"

Jasper handed me my phone and I saw a bunch of messages from Edward.

Bella, come back! Please ~ Edward

I was an asshole … I acted like a jealous asshole. Please, let me make it up to you? ~ Edward

About thirty minutes passed between that message and the last one. I'm truly sorry for being a jerk. I really hope that you can forgive me and give me another chance, along with an opportunity to talk to you, make it up to you. Please? ~ Edward

"I was right," Jasper said. "Are you going to respond to him?"

"What do I say?" I asked.

"Do you want to give him another chance?" Jasper asked. "Do you think that he's an asshole?"

"I just freaked out. Too many memories," I sighed. "I don't think he's an asshole, but I don't want to be hurt."

"Say that," Jasper said, pushing the phone into my hands. "And apologize for bailing on him …"

Huffing out a breath, I took the phone and began typing a response to Edward.

I'm sorry for leaving. I just … I don't handle conflict very well and you looked pissed off. You're not an asshole. I'm just hesitant about being hurt ~ Bella

The three dots bounced on the bottom of my screen. I'm sorry for making you think that I'd hurt you. I couldn't do that … even if I tried. But, I am truly sorry. Can I have another chance? I did promise you a tour of Los Angeles. Will you please give me that chance? ~ Edward

Yes, I will. When? ~ Bella

The day after tomorrow. Again, I have meetings tomorrow, but I'm free the following day. I'll pick you up at the hotel by ten. Does that work? ~ Edward

Sounds good ~ Bella

He sent me a picture of his relieved face and I snickered. "So, did you two kiss and make up?" Jasper asked.

"You're an idiot," I snorted.

"Au contraire, my lovely friend. I'm a genius because I was right about you and Cullen, hmmmm?" Jasper smirked. "Now, enough about that drama. Tell me about the dinner before it all went to shit."

"You are such a gossipy old woman," I chuckled.

"No, I'm your agent. I need to know!" he said. "Spill, woman!"

A/N: Who do you think Jasper was boning in his room? Leave your thoughts. Also, what about Bella's reaction to Edward's hostility? Did she overreact?

Anyhow, pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can find a link to that on my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79. Also, thank you to all the lovely ladies who gave me suggestions of places to go in Los Angeles. I appreciate the suggestions. I used a few for this chapter and more will come up in following chapters. I have never been to LA. I've seen the inside of the San Francisco Airport, but that doesn't really count …

Next up will be an Edward chapter … it may be shorter. We'll see.

Leave me your thoughts!