On My Way
Chapter 10
Friday rolled around and Stephan had sent roses on Thursday, apologizing for not being in after Monday, he'd had an emergency out of town and had to take care of it.
Sending Paul to the dollar store to buy some tall vases, we divided up the roses amongst the tables for everyone to enjoy, seeing as I didn't like roses myself.
Esme called around 2pm and said she'd be over at 4pm to help me get ready for tonight.
"Es, I'm fine." I laughed her off as I cleaned off the tables.
"I know. But I want to help." She begged.
"OK. Fine. You can do my hair. Bring Rose. She can do my make-up. She's always so busy I don't get enough time with her." I pouted.
"I know, the clients love her." Esme gushed. "I may get to retired so."
"Then what?"
"They I can restore houses!" She sounded like Alice.
"Instead of just decorating?" I questioned.
"There is a difference." She made fun of me.
"I'm sure there is to you." I stressed.
"Bella. I'll take old run-down places like yours and rebuild them, then Rose will come in and decorate them and we'll sell them."
"OK. Now I got it."
"See, I'd much rather do that than put up with color schemes anymore."
"And I'd rather just bake than deal with anything or anyone."
"Ugh! You've eventually got to deal with him." And by him I knew Esme was referring to Jasper.
"Not really. I can ignore him. We're not technically a couple."
"Bella…" She warned. "I'm sure when he's got a free weekend he'll be down. Alaska it's a quick flight."
"Fine. I'll call him next week and deal with him."
"Good. See you in a little bit."
I finished cleaning and set the alarms when everyone was finished. Esme and Rose had the keys and codes and could come up as they pleased; so, I went to shower.
"Here, we picked this for you to wear." Rose held out an emerald colored dress. It was a keyhole-halter, mini dress. Perfect for dinner and dancing. "These will go perfect." She produced a pair of heels from my closet and I grimaced.
"Rose, I hate heels."
"What? You're going to wear your Chucks?" she laughed.
I quirked a brow.
"Bella, I'm sure this man is at least 25 years old. Did you even talk age?" Esme asked and I nodded no.
"So, he doesn't know that you're barely legal." Rose busted out laughing.
"Shut it Rose." I frowned. "It doesn't stop Jasper." I threw out there.
"Bella. Jasper has known you since, forever." Esme gave me a sad look.
"Can we just finish." I sat in the chair.
As Esme started on my hair, the bell chimed and we looked at the security camera, a delivery?
"Flowers?" Esme smiled.
"I'll get them." Rose strolled out as Esme continued on my hair.
"I'm sorry about earlier Bella. We were just picking. We do love you." Esme apologized.
"I know. And I understand. I often forget I'm 18. Soon to be 19." I smiled.
"We all do. You've accomplished so much in your young life and overcome so much." Esme hugged me. She finished my hair which we left down in is natural waves and curls.
"It looks great Esme. Thank you!"
"Bella! Holy shit! Look at all these!" Rose laughed.
"More roses?" I groaned.
"He doesn't know?" she smiled and I shook my head.
"He sent two dozen on Thursday, they're out on the tables for people to enjoy."
"Do you two want these for any houses you're showing?" I asked.
"Bella? What if he asks?" Esme was concerned.
"I'm going to tell him tonight. I don't want him wasting money."
"OK. Now, let's do your makeup." Rose finished up and I had about twenty minutes before Stephan arrived.
Esme had taken pictures and sent me one and I must admit I did look good, I sent it to Alice and she asked where I was going, when I told her a date she called.
"WHAT?"
"Ali. He'll be here any minute. Can I call you later? Please. I'll tell you everything. It's a long story."
"You better damn it. I'm sure I'm going to have a pissed off brother too!" she snapped.
"Ali. C'mon. I'm not cheating on him. We're not together."
"We know this! He somehow doesn't. Look, we'll talk later. Love you. Be safe."
As soon as I hung up there was a knock at the door. I checked my lipstick and headed down.
"WOW! You look great." Stephan kissed my cheek.
"Thanks, you look good too."
"Meh, I'm used to wearing suits." He shrugged.
"Different car?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah. This is my 'going out' car. It's sleeker." He chuckled.
"Ah, OK." I laughed.
"Speaking of which, I don't see one here." He said.
"No, I walk everywhere. If I need one I borrow one from Esme. The truck I had in college died and was 'vintage', way too expensive to fix. I'll eventually get one, just haven't seen anything worth spending all that money on yet."
"You're so unlike any woman I've ever met." He held my hand.
"Oh, um about that."
He chuckled "Please tell me you are a woman."
"Oh, yes. 100%. All real, I assure you. But, the flowers. Roses. I am not a fan."
"Really? I thought every woman wanted roses?"
"No. I like wild flowers, daisies, mums."
"I'll remember that." He kissed my knuckles. "You smell like vanilla.
"I use enough of it."
"I like it."
"Did you get everything settled with your emergency?"
"Yes. For now. But the joys of owning multiple businesses, there's always a fire to put out." He sighed.
"I understand that."
"That's what I like about you. You're so business savvy."
"Well, I do have a business degree."
"Speaking of, and I know this is such a taboo thing to talk about; but, how old are you? Because you talk SO much older than you actually look and it's exhilarating." He shook his head.
"You'll probably turn the car around once I tell you." I said taking a deep breath. "I'm 18, My birthday is September 13th."
"Shit." He released a breath.
"That's OK. I understand. I don't hold you to anything." I smiled, tears glistening in my eyes.
"No, no. I'd still like to take you out, if you don't mind? I'm 26."
"No. It's not like you're ancient, like 80." I laughed.
"Ok. Because it'd be a shame for no one to see you tonight."
We went to dinner and talked business. It was fantastic to talk to someone who had a business mind and could relate to me on all aspects of that.
He had to step away for a business call once and I checked my phone, I had a message waiting for me, opening it, I Iistened to it.
"Seriously? You're going out with someone you barely know, dressed like that? You look gorgeous. I thought we meant something to each other. I can't believe you. I love you Bella. I want to talk to you face to face. Please. Can we work this out? I love you ~ Jasper"
Sighing I shook my head and put my phone back into my purse right as he walked back to the table frowning.
"Sorry. Another 'fire'."
"Oh, do you have to go?"
"No. They can handle this one." He smiled.
"You Ok? You look upset."
"Oh, just a message from a friend with a problem. Not sure I can help them."
We finished dinner and he asked if I was ready to dance.
"You ready for bloody feet?"
"Seriously? Someone as beautiful as you and you're not graceful?"
"No, I'm so clumsy."
"Well, good thing my mother made me take all kinds of dance lessons then."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. We were raised with silver spoons in our mouths. I'm from money. I admit it. I have a helicopter, a private jet, houses, condos, you name it. I'm privileged." He shrugged. "I like to spoil a woman I'm with, but I'm never with more than one. I'm not that guy. I'm looking to settle down, I don't want to scare you. I know you're young, so if you just want to have fun, then we can have fun. I'm 26, I'm not 46, I've got time." He pulled me towards him as we walked out of the restaurant and planted a kiss on me.
"Whoa. That was a big speech." I placed a hand on his chest.
"I just want you to know where I stand." He shrugged.
"I appreciate that, thank you."
Arriving at the club he pulled into a private parking space.
"This is your club too?" I laughed.
"Guilty. Come on."
Walking in, he had me pulled tightly to his side and made it known to anyone that I was with him.
Walking into the VIP section he asked what I wanted to drink and I looked at him.
"Stephan I'm not old enough."
"Let me worry about that. How about some Champagne?"
"OK."
He had the waitress bring over a bottle for us.
He opened it and we had a few glasses before going onto the dance floor.
Pulling me too him the beat was slow and seductive.
"You're doing fine." He whispered in me ear.
"Sure I am." I giggled.
Stephan picked me up and put my feet on his, putting my body flush with his.
"Now you're dancing flawlessly." He kissed my neck.
I pushed off "Please don't." and walked back to the VIP section.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Stephan came back concerned.
"Nothing. Can you take me home?" I was holding back the tears.
"Yeah."
He held me close once again as we walked out and drove home silently.
"Are you sure you're OK?" he asked lifting my chin at the door. "Hey, what's with the tears? Did I hurt you?"
"No. Not you." I wiped them away.
"Shit. Sorry. Was it something I said or did?" he was concerned and I nodded.
He hugged me tightly.
"I'm so sorry that happened to you." He kissed my forehead. "Are you going to be OK?"
"Yeah. I'll be fine. Thanks. Sorry for ruining tonight. I had a great time."
"Me too. And you didn't ruin anything." He wiped my tears.
"Lunch this week?" I asked.
"Yes. I'll stop by." He kissed me softly and watched me go inside.
Setting all my alarms I went inside and showered and instead of crying, I just showered and made a mental note to go to the gym tomorrow.
Looking at the clock it was 11pm in Alaska, so I decided to bite the bullet and call Jasper.
"Bella! Thank god!"
"Hey. How've you been?"
"Missing you, going crazy because you won't talk to me and then mom has been talking crazy talk about you and then Stephan guy. Saying that you've been having coffee and lunch with him and tonight a date, I wanted to drive there and claim you for myself." He rambled on.
"You rambled on like Alice just now." I laughed.
"Good." He sighed.
"Good? Why?"
"Because I heard you laugh. You sound so sad." He whispered.
"Not sad, lots on my mind."
"Did something happen tonight? Did he hurt you?" Jasper growled.
"God no Jasper!" I snapped. "Stephan was a complete gentleman; he said something the way HE said it and it trigged me. I freaked. I asked him to bring me home."
"What did he say?"
"None of your business."
"Seriously? You don't think it's any of my damn business?"
"No, I don't."
Jasper let out a breath. "Can I Skype with you? It's killing me not seeing you."
"Fine. Give me a second to turn my computer on." I got it set up on my coffee table and wrapped my favorite blanket around me. "Go ahead, hanging up."
Seconds later the 'ping' sound resonates through my apartment.
"Man, you're a sight for sore eyes. So beautiful." Jasper smiled at me.
"Thanks, I just got out of the shower though and I'm pretty sure I've got leftover mascara on my face."
"No matter, still beautiful."
His words made my stomach do funny things, Stephan's didn't, yeah I blushed, but no butterflies.
"When is you next free weekend?" probing for a possible reconciliation.
"I'm hoping next month. I should have a three-day furlough."
"Are you coming home?"
"By home do you mean mom's or your place?" he snarked with a wicked smile.
"Jasper…"
"Just kidding. Yes. I have to see you. I need for you to realize that I do love you. I'll try not to be an asshole, I have so much to make up for." He shook his head.
"I just want you to realize that I am capable of taking care of myself. I'm an adult."
"Bella, am I not allowed to worry about you? You're there, I'm here. I know things. Things I can't tell anyone about. Things that are happening in this world and I worry so fucking much about you."
"I'm sorry."
"There you go again." He chuckled. "I haven't heard that in forever."
"Oh yeah." I laughed. "Listen, you get back I promise you a full day. I'll take it off."
"Can I get the entire weekend?" he asked.
"That's pushing it."
"Bella. You've got people working for you. You can open and close the shop. We can spend the rest of the time together. Please." He begged. "Two days."
"OK. Two days. Your moms going to want one."
"Well, she'll want you there too." He bargained.
"I know, but it will have to be for dinner."
"Fine. Ok, I've got to go. 4am. Comes early."
"Shit. That's four hours away." I chastised.
"What about you?" he shot back.
"I'm taking a sick day after opening. I've got shit to work out."
"Be careful. I love you."
"Good night Jasper." Smiling I hung up and my phone dinged.
"I know you'll say it one day."
I sent rolling eye emoji's and went to bed.
When my alarm went off I was not happy.
I let everyone in and let them know what was happening.
"OK everyone, today is your first test. Lindsey, you'll be front counter with Jack. Paul, you're running the kitchen. Got it?" They all answered and I informed them I was going back upstairs for a few hours and then I had errands to run later, I was not to be disturbed unless it was family or a restaurant emergency, no matter what.
I slept until 8am when the gym opened and then dressed in my workout clothes.
Looking at my phone I had 4 messages.
"Good morning beautiful. Hope you slept well. Call me later. ~J"
"You stood me up. Hope you're OK. ~ Stephan"
"I need details." ~A
"Jasper said he needs to talk." ~Mama E
I laughed at all of them and went on my way.
Arriving at the gym my trainer was surprised to see me.
"Wow, daylight hours!" she laughed.
"I know. I played hooky today. Need some kickboxing time."
"Let's get to it."
I spent two hours going at it, I went to do my last kick, a jump up roundhouse that I've done a million times and missed the bag, landing on my ankle.
"Shit!"
Zafrina my trainer came over to me. "Bella, you OK?"
"No. It hurts like hell."
"I'm calling Carlisle." She stated.
Carlisle rushed over and said he was taking me to the hospital, he was concerned it might be broken.
He carried me out to the car and then into the hospital once we arrived.
"Ok Bella, the X-rays show that it is broken. I'll get it casted, what color?" Carlisle smiled and I glared at him.
"Purple."
After being there for two hours we were finished.
"How am I going to walk up and down my stairs?" I asked Carlisle.
"Well, I called Esme, she's went by and got some clothes already for you. So, you'll be staying with us for about two weeks. Hopefully I can get you into a walking cast after that."
"Ugh! What about work?"
"Well, you'll have to go by and tell them they're running the show. Esme can drive you and let you visit. But you can't work."
"OK."
We went by my shop to tell my employees what was going on, I told them I was also going to have reduced hours for the next few weeks as well.
Leaving the bakery Carlisle was helping me when we ran into Stephan.
"Bella?"
"Hey." I waved.
"Care to explain?"
"I'll give you a few." Carlisle walked to the car and I sat down at one of the outside tables and explained what happened.
"Ouch! So how long?" he asked.
"Six weeks."
"We still on for lunch?"
"Well, I won't be staying here, I can't get up and down the stairs, so…"
"I can come get you or Esme can join us. I'd just like to see you." He pushed a stray hair out of my face.
"I'll let you know what she says."
"OK. Let me walk you to the car at least." He helped me in and waved goodbye.
These next few weeks would be interesting.
Stephan was interesting, Jasper was doing things to me and he'd be here in a few weeks and I needed to figure that situation out.
Never a dull moment in the life of Bella Swan.
AN:
So, Stephan is interesting…
Jasper… Is he going to be sweet or possessive when he comes home?
What's Bella to do?
Up next, Jasper comes home and a romantic daycation… :0)
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