A/N: Sorry for the delay. Work has kept me pretty busy lately *rolls eyes*.
I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter, it's an extra long one

As always, gotta love maniacalmuse for the beautifying. You're the absolute best!

I do not own Twilight, obviously. If I did, I'd be on an island somewhere and not busting my ass full-time at work -LOL-

Meek Mondays

Edward had left me in a near-comatose state last night, and by morning the effects he'd had on me and my body obviously hadn't worn off.

Spent and satisfied, I'd fallen asleep without setting my usual alarms, and when I opened my eyes the next morning and glanced at my phone on the nightstand, I almost had a heart attack when the illuminated numbers showed me it was eight a.m.

"God fucking damnit," I cursed violently after stumbling out of bed in a sleepy haze. I had about fifteen minutes to get myself ready and presentable for the first day of my sorta-new job. I could not be late today; there was no way in hell I would be late today. The words kept racing through my brain like some kind of mantra, pushing me to move my ass faster.

My hands reached for a structured blazer and a silky top, while I silently praised Alice for making me hang up my work clothes in sets rather than separate pieces. I struggled with the zip of my pencil skirt, turning the garment so the zipper was in the front and then wiggling my way to the bathroom while pulling it back into place. With no time to wash my hair, I spritzed some dry-shampoo at my roots, massaging it in with my fingers to create some volume and pulling the brush through it to make it look less like 'I slept too late' and more 'I just blow-dried these locks to the gods.' Luckily, my makeup routine was so embedded into my mind that I barely had to think as I went around my jars and powders. Some perfume and deodorant later, I pulled on some patent leather Chelsea boots with platform soles and swung my bag around my arm. Keys in hand, I went for the elevator. There was no time for breakfast or to pack a lunch.

"Oh no," I gasped and stepped back, dropping my bag onto the hallway floor and dashing back into my apartment in search of my cell phone. I simply could not leave without it since it was the closest to Edward I would get today. Picking up the phone, I glanced through the notifications and saw he'd called me at seven — my usual wake-up time — and sent me some texts after I didn't pick up the phone. I decided to read it all when I got to the elevator, since I had no time to spare. Edward's good morning message from five a.m. warmed my heart as he sent it along with a picture of his sleepy, adorable, sexy face, which made me pout. By this time, he had probably already arrived at work. The last message he sent me was at 7:45, telling me that Emmett butchered him at the gym and he was now on his way to work. He also asked me why I wasn't up yet, his texts growing more worried.

I jotted out a quick reply when the elevator dropped me off on the parking floor, telling him I was sorry but overslept, making sure I added enough kissy-faced emojis to show him I found the fact that he was worried intensely sweet. His response was swift, prompting me to be careful on the road and to let him know when I arrived safely. I shot Edward a selfie, throwing him a kiss and wishing him good luck on the big meeting he had coming up. His response was short but sweet, telling me he thought I looked beautiful and that I should "go get 'em" at work. He surely put a smile on my face.

The drive to work left me agitated; people who were scared to drive just shouldn't. They hold up traffic and make the foul mouth of Rosalie Hale pale in comparison to my road rage. I had a tiny, little issue with that — I admit it. As soon as I parked and got out of the car, I glanced at the time. I needed to stop worrying over my morning not going as planned; I may have overslept but arrived at work ten minutes early. My usual time, but I liked to spend my morning not feeling rushed — have a nice breakfast and be cool. Not being the spastic monkey I was this morning. It left me feeling restless and tired, craving caffeine.

In an attempt to fill my stomach a little, I grabbed myself a morning coffee in the staff kitchen on our floor, feeling anxious for Victoria to arrive. She had told me to wait for her in her office, so I slid into one of her chairs and grabbed my phone to send Edward my first decent text of the day.

I'm at work. All limbs still attached and I still got in early enough. Call me an overly dramatic dork.

Warrior: I'm glad, baby. I almost thought you'd forgotten about me…

I snorted and glanced around sneakily to see if anyone had heard. His attempt at making me remember him last night definitely wasn't in vain. My stomach did a little flip as I recalled his skills. It suddenly felt a little hot in here. Angela waved me good morning when she saw me sitting by Victoria's desk as she walked over to the editing department. I smiled at her. She always seemed like a nice person and was beautiful, with her petite yet curvy frame, strong features and long, dark hair.

Yeah, cocky bastard. The hell you thought that.

Warrior: I still remember our shower. Vividly, so I guess we needed to get even ;)

This guy, though.

I wouldn't mind a do-over to refresh your memory, you know. Got to go, boss coming up.

Warrior: Good girls don't lie, Isabella.

I'd never, Mr. Cullen ;)

Victoria bounced gracefully into her office, sky-high yellow stilettos on her feet and a pair of wide-legged, high-waisted, black trousers which made her legs look endless. Her curls were styled in bigger waves, more sophisticated than her all-natural messy ringlets, making her look very poised.

"Happy Monday, pupil," she chimed. Her energy seemed to be fully recharged, illuminating her entire face.

"Hey, Victoria. You look like you had a good weekend," I told her as I stood up. She set her handbag on top of her desk, her bracelets jingling with her movements.

"The best, actually. James took me out for tango lessons. It was unforgettable." She laughed, and I tried to imagine the ragged, long-haired blond James —Victoria's husband — in a Latin dancer's outfit. I was at a loss for words. She took in my wide, surprised eyes for an answer, her laugh ringing through the air.

"Exactly, you should've seen him! Hair slicked back, black suit with a rose in the lapel and everything, fully concentrated. He was a whole other man!" She waved a stray curl out of her face, tucking it behind her ear.

"So are things good again?" I dared to ask Victoria. She had trusted me with her issues a couple of months ago. James and her had been having trouble conceiving and it weighed heavily on both of them. They got married a couple of years ago after being together since their senior year of college. They were two equally creative, free-spirited peas in a pod —perfect for each other.

"You know, it never occurred to me way back when we first started out, that we did everything to prevent us from having a baby. Now it seems like all we do is figure out how to actually have one. Life's weird like that." She shrugged and frowned. The frown vanished as fast as it appeared and then she smiled kindly at me.

"We've decided to stop trying," she started. "It's not healthy for our relationship. James and I have been so happy without kids forever. I don't see why that has to change just because we're hopping into that age-bracket, you know?" She shrugged and rubbed her hands together before stuffing one of them in the pocket of her trousers. "When it happens, it happens. But I don't plan to give birth as an old lady, so we might cancel everything in a year or two."

Victoria peered out of the window behind me. "So, enough about me. Did you find some time over the weekend to go over the manuscript?" she asked, perching herself on the desk and crossing her legs. I nodded and started rummaging around my bag, taking out the file along with my notes.

"I did make some notes already for the first chapter. Jane's work is very nice, although it was a bit messy in some parts." Victoria's smile brightened even more. She looked younger than her thirty-two years.

"Great! Can't wait to hear what you did. We'll be meeting Jane later this morning, around eleven. She's coming over from headquarters in New York on my father's request. She really wants to work with a female squad on this," she explained.

My heart rate picked up at Victoria's news. I hadn't expected to meet up with Jane Volturi, especially not on my official first day as a newbie editor. Surely, meeting her would be of great help in figuring out the woman's personal style, so I could edit the story in a way I knew she'd appreciate.

"Oh, wow. That's already making me nervous," I confessed, but Victoria shook her head. She pushed herself off the desk and led me out of the office.

"You will have the desk next to Angela's; it's been empty for too long since Charlotte's departure. She'll help you along with me. This will be great," Victoria exclaimed before stopping at the island of four desks, two computers along each side facing each other.

"So Bella, Jane's book? I hear she's quite the personality, you'll be a great fit for her," Angela said, placing a mug of tea onto her desk, next to a framed picture of her and a brown-haired guy — her boyfriend Ben. I smiled at Angela, delighted that my new coworker wouldn't be bitching up my ass, since she's very sweet and quite talented. I looked forward to working with her.

I got right to the task of switching desks, taking all my stuff from one place to the other and settling in. Once I got everything in its place, I booted up the computer. After checking my email and letting Angela show me the ropes on how to properly attend to everything on our to-do list, the phone rang on my desk.

"Bella Swan," I answered it. It was Victoria herself, calling me into her office to prepare for our meeting with Jane, who would be coming up in about forty minutes.

"So, before she gets here, I wanted to discuss something with you first," Victoria started and opened up a file on her computer.

"Sure, what's it about?" I inquired, opening my notebook and playing with the pen in my hand.

"Well, you're going to have to sign a new employment agreement since your task load has changed, as well as your salary." I raised an eyebrow at her. "Yes, sweetheart. You'll be getting a raise, you're one of the bigger fish here now." Victoria winked. I hadn't really thought about that; the job switch alone made me happy enough. "I'm just waiting for H.R. to forward it to me, so you'll get to sign it before the end of today," she continued. "Since my father is the big boss over in the Big Apple, he approved of your promotion, but you'll have to do an internship for three months at headquarters."

Three months in New York? If she'd asked me that a week ago, I'd have jumped onto a plane in a heartbeat, savoring the opportunity. But thinking about leaving everything and everyone behind — especially now that Edward and I decided to give this relationship a good and fair shot — made me a little uncertain. I didn't really like the weakness that seemed to spread all over me.

"Anyway, nothing's set in stone just yet. So it might be a little while before he takes you up on it. My dad's notorious for his procrastination. I have no idea how the hell he keeps up with running a company with his attitude." Victoria laughed, shaking her head along with an exaggerated eye-roll as she talked about her father, the big CEO, William Greene.

I was glad the topic of New York seemed to have disappeared as Victoria and I went over the agenda topics for our meeting with Jane. I laid out my notes and the manuscript, explaining my reasons to Victoria. She seemed to be on the same page as me and said she enjoyed the dedication I showed by working on this on a weekend. Soon enough, Victoria's intercom buzzed, the front desk downstairs announcing that Jane had arrived. I volunteered to fetch some coffee and water from the kitchen and when I returned, a petite blonde sat down in one of the chairs in the meeting room.

Jane Volturi wasn't exactly how I had pictured her to be. She looked about my age and had long, pin-straight, pale blonde hair that draped across narrow shoulders clad in a red silk blouse. Her smile was bright, her lips matching the fire-engine red of her shirt. Jane's face resembled that of a girl-next-door, with pouty lips and dimpled cheeks that gave her a very youthful presence. All of that innocence on the outside made me think she was hiding a lot of attitude on the inside.

"You must be Bella. Victoria's told me a lot about you."

I shook Jane's hand, noticing she had a very firm handshake for such a small woman.

"Likewise! I really admire you for stepping out into the author world so young! I've heard you wrote books all the way back to when you were ten?" I asked her and sat down next to Victoria on the opposite end of the table.

"I did, although those were some silly stories my parents used to be proud of. My new work, not so much." she sighed and opened up her tiny state-of-the-art laptop.

"I told you, they're prudes. Don't let them get you down," Victoria assured Jane.

Jane told us about the plot, her reasoning, and that she wrote the entire thing on her last holiday to Greece with her brother, Alec. He was the main inspiration for her male protagonist, along with his wild little soirées on the island that often made her hide in her room. When I showed Jane my notes on the first chapter, her demeanor changed a little. She wasn't as open, as smiley as she was before, but appeared cold and it was clear to me she wore her business mask well. I only hoped I hadn't insulted her.

"Bella, I see you're quite talented. I like that you didn't go in and change entire sentences or paragraphs. People sometimes do that and it makes me want to snap their heads off," she chimed, her angelic smile masking the aggressive nature of her words. I really liked her so far. She was feisty and strong, everything I admired in a woman in business.

"Yeah well, I figured giving them to you like this might be better. You could read everything over and tweak it as you see fit. It is your book after all," I agreed with her. Jane and I continued going over different passages of the book, and eventually she softened a bit more. I didn't know why some of the gossip media were so hard on her.

Victoria went over the more rational side of the book. Jane needed to prepare for a book tour and signings around town. There was no cover yet, so Victoria called in Alice and her P.R. talents so she could pull some strings.

"Jane, one more thing. You really need a bit of an upgrade on your website," Alice said as she opened the homepage on the tablet in front of her. She cocked an eyebrow at Jane, waiting for her reaction when it occurred to me I now had ties with a very hotand talented web designer.

"I'm on it, Alice. I contacted a few firms and am waiting for their propositions. I only need one more, from Current Design here in L.A. They promised to get back to me by the end of this week," Jane stated. The name did ring a bell, since it was where Edward worked. I decided to keep quiet and remain professional, but Alice peeked at me with a secretive smile on her face. That woman knew too much and I had barely told her anything.

The meeting was over just after lunchtime, and Alice decided to take me out for some food. She let out a deep, theatrical sigh when she went to retrieve her handbag from her cubicle, tapping away on her phone.

"You know, Bella, you look positively beaming," she said with that same smile she wore in the conference room. She wasn't about to stop hassling me about Edward, so I shook my head at her and laughed. "You can be so persistent. What's wrong with you?" We walked over to the salad bar across the street. The air was slightly chillier now that it was February, and I reminded myself to start wearing more layers again.

"I have a quest for you, darling Alice," I mused dramatically as we sat down outside to enjoy a panini.

She shot me an equally striking look, snapping her fingers to get me talking. "Give me the info, Swan," she said and took a bite of her smoked salmon and cream cheese delicacy.

"I invited Edward for a night with my one-true family. Saturday night, if you're up for the challenge?" I asked her, glad to see her glimmer with enthusiasm. She wanted to talk, covering her mouth full of food with her hands and chewing impatiently.

"Gee, Bella! This is so good. I'm so glad you decided to let him make an appearance. Jasper will be thrilled. He told me it was about time you met someone decent," she prattled. I couldn't believe she had already dragged Jasper into this. He must be losing his mind at home with this chatty wife of his.

"Yeah well, we talked and he thinks it's important we take it down a notch. Edward told me he wanted to know everything about me, including my friends and family. Since the two of you and Rose are my favorite people in the world, that's pretty straightforward." I told her, taking a sip of my iced coffee.

"Oh sweetie, I told you he'd like you. From what you've told me, your Warrior didn't seem like the hit it and quit it type," she started. "Although you let him hit it quite fast, might I add." She wiggled her dark brows suggestively.

"So, he was that good, wasn't he?" Alice added once she spotted the blush fanning across my face. I really had to invest in a fuller coverage foundation if I wanted to bluff my way out of Alice's inquisitions.

"You could say that. I told you good doesn't even cover it, Alice." I babbled on about Edward, feeling giddy and suddenly very talkative. "The way I feel when he just looks at me, I can't even explain it. There is this weird but good feeling every time he touches me and his kisses are fucking fireworks," I told her. "So you can imagine how good everything else feels. And from what I've heard about Jasper and you I'm one hundred percent certain you know what I'm talking about." It was Alice's turn to blush now but she nodded anyway, a dreamy look on her face.

"Don't drool on your bread Mrs. Whitlock, that would be a waste of a perfectly grilled baguette," I laughed.

For the rest our lunch hour, we talked about Bree's wedding and the dress Alice needed to help me find. I agreed to be a bridesmaid only if I could pick out my own attire. I didn't want to risk the chance of my mother putting me into a cupcake-style chiffon abomination. Either that or I wouldn't have any part in the wedding at all. My mother didn't seem to care either way but it only took one second of little Bree's trembling lip for Renée to be on board with it. They gave me a color and style, picking lavender and floor-length. I was dreading it already, hating the feeling of long, formal dresses. I was always scared to trip. Luckily, Alice knew a couple of places that would sell me a decent enough garment. She took my measurements and decided to test her luck on one of her favorite online stores. I could just try it on at home, so there was no stress or audience lying to me. I had a feeling Alice wanted to ask me about my mysterious wedding guest, but I was able to shake her off by noticing our lunch was nearing its end. It was time to go back to the office.

"We can talk about it later. Saturday night's on, right?" I managed to ask her while we climbed the stairs to our floor. It was Alice's New Year's' resolution last month to take the stairs as much as possible. How she was able to do that in five-inch heels was beyond me.

"You need to quit smoking, you have zero stamina, Bella," Alice whined as I rolled my eyes. I told her I hadn't touched a cigarette since girls' night and she seemed impressed. She also told me I'd give up as soon as Rose showed up — which was tonight — and laughed at Rose and me for resembling the two aunts from The Simpsons, something Rose got mad at quite often. They were without a man, slightly bitter and smoking like there was no tomorrow.

The afternoon went by fast. Angela helped me out here and there and Victoria stopped to talk about the schedule for the week when she brought my updated contract to sign. Everything was good, five o' clock was upon us, and I had packed my bag to leave when my phone lit up, happily buzzing away on the desk. I hoped it would be Edward, since I hadn't heard from him all day, but it was Rosalie instead.

"Hi Rose," I greeted her, walking over to the kitchen to rinse out my mug.

"I'm at the store, do we need anything?" Rose was coming over for what we called our weekly family night. The both of us would cook a nice meal and talk, cry or laugh — whatever was most necessary. I had a feeling we would talk about boys tonight. It'd been a while since Rose and I each had our eyes on a man at the same time. I needed to tell her about Edward, since I'd kind of kept her in the dark so far.

"Maybe some more carrots, I ate them all," I said.

"I'll bring beer as well as some other bits we might need, cool?" she asked me. I told her that would be nice, since my fridge was almost empty except for the ingredients for tonight's dinner. I'd just gotten off the phone with her when it buzzed again, and a smile lit up my face.

Warrior: I'm home now, but miss you. Can I call you tonight?

I waited to respond until I walked through my front door somewhat later, hating traffic and slipping off my shoes.

Just got in as well. I miss you more, call me around ten please? Rose is coming over for dinner.

Warrior: Can't wait to hear your voice, baby. Have fun tonight, I'll be reading to pass the time.

Patience baby ;)

Warrior: I really said that, didn't I?

You did. I'd send you a picture since I'm taking off my clothes now, but you wanted to slow things down a bit, no?

Warrior: My poor ass decisions keep haunting me, Enchantress. Have fun with your friend, is it Emmett's blonde?

A/N

Next up we have a little girl-date with Rose :D

Fic of the day: The Hermit and The Hunk by Pandora's Box Is Heavy. This really doesn't need an explanation. It's so good it makes me squeal every time an update hits my mailbox. Are you reading it? Do you have rec's for me?