No copyright infringement intended.

CMF

CULLEN-MASEN FAMILY

Chapter 9

BPOV

Thursday I was very productive. Gianna came in, and I got her to hang a bunch of blank canvases different sizes. We also went through my paint supplies, and found quite a bit I needed. I made a list of paints calling the store to let them know I was sending someone in to gather some supplies for me. I asked them to put it on my account, and asked them about some stretched canvases I needed. I told them what I wanted, and they said they would deliver them no later than Monday.

Gianna was proving to be a big help, and I was glad to have hired her. I was making wonderful progress with my paintings. I had one done for the airport, and a grouping making one for the Seattle Needle. I still had one to do for the university, but it was not a rush. I still had about ten more to do for the art show next month.

The ringing of my cell phone pulled me from my mental cataloging. "Hello," seeing it was Seth on caller ID. "Seth?"

"Hey Bella, are you mad at me?"

"No, no reason to be other than leaving me in a bind here, but I got some help. So, mind telling me what all that was about? You said Edward is 'The Boss' of the mafia? Your brother works for him? I'd say you have a few things to explain to me, don't you?"

"Yes, we need to talk. Can I come in say in about an hour? We could sit, and talk."

"Sure, sounds good. I'm in my studio. Just come on over, alright?"

"Alright, see you in a bit," Seth said. I'm not sure what more he could tell me, but he has a lot to explain about his actions.

As for what he said about Edward...I've made up my mind. That will be discussed between me, and Edward on Friday.

I continued to work until Cane let me know Seth had arrived. I meet him at the elevator, and we head to my sitting area. We both get us a bottle of water, and sit to talk. "First, you need to know Seth, I am dating Edward Cullen...Cullen-Masen. I had done some research on the computer about him, because of a few things I had heard before hand. I will tell you now it doesn't matter to me whether he's involved with the mafia..."

"Oh hell no, Bella. He's not involved...he is the mafia. He is the 'Boss'. He run's it. I told you my brother works for him, and it has caused a rift in our family. I can't condone his being involved in any of it..."

"But, that's your brother's decision. I don't honestly think he done it to 'piss' you off. I don't pretend to know what any of this means, but I do plan on talking to Edward when I see him this Friday. Now, you need to decide whether you can continue to work with me knowing I'm going to continue to date him, and I need your decision before you leave today. I have work to do, and I need dependable help. Now, what's it going to be, Seth?" stating matter of factly as I stand.

Seth sits there looking at me for a couple of minutes...

"Bella...I'm sorry. It can wait."

"No, what do you need, Gianna."

"I just wanted to know if there's anything else you need before I head to the art supply place."

"No, that's all for now. I'll see you when you get back. Thanks," turning back to Seth. He's stood up looking at me, and Gianna.

"Looks like you got help. I'll leave you to it," as he turns storming out of the studio.

"Seth.." but he just keeps on going. He doesn't even turn around looking back. Well, that went ...just peachy.

I fall back on the couch, holding my head wondering what the fuck is going on. That's the way I stay until Angela comes down finding me this way.

"Hey, what's going on?" rubbing my back. "Are you alright? What do you need?" Angela keeps asking me.

"Nothing. I don't know myself what is going on. Seth just left, and I'm assuming he no longer works with me. Other than that, everything is going splendidly," saying it sarcastically. "What we doing for dinner?" I ask Angela.

"I figured steak, baked potato, and a small salad. Sound alright?"

"Sounds wonderful, but I'm going to work a bit more. I feel a painting coming out of this," I say whimsically. I head over to a 60x40 canvas, and I can see it almost finished in my mind. I pick up a palette, some black paint, and a big brush. I walk over covering the whole canvas with black paint. Then I take tubes of blue, red, white, yellow,and pull a stool over. I set the palette down, then squirt some of all the colors out. I then dip my fingers in a couple of the colors.

I'm not using brushes...this is just feelings...and it has a life all it's own. Angela stands off to the side, and occasionally puts more paint out for me. She knows how I am when I'm like this. This goes on for over a good hour. I finally step back taking deep breaths just looking.

Angela hands me a towel, and I wipe most of the paint off my hands. But, of course not thinking I run my fingers through my hair. Doesn't matter. It's done. I ask Angela to put a cloth over it, and a post it on the side. The title is...Hectic. Very fitting. I go to cleaning up paints, brushes, and get ready to head up stairs.

Just as we start to clean things up Gianna comes back. "You just missed seeing her at work. It's beautiful, don't you think?" Angela ask Gianna.

Gianna stands there mouth slightly open looking at the painting. "OMG, that is absolutely beautiful."

She looks at me, "thank you. Did you have any problems getting what we needed?"

"No, they were very helpful."

"Gianna, I'm calling it a day. If you will put up those paints for me, and go on home today. I'm going to have to discuss your schedule with you at a later date. It looks like I'm going to be needing you more hours, if possible."

"Definitely, I'll be glad for the hours. Just let me know what you need."

"Well, tomorrow we're taking a break. I've got a lunch date. So, I'll call you Saturday?" sounding kind of tired.

"Yeah, that's fine. Talk to you then," as she heads to put stuff up.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Friday rolls around, and I do believe it's going to be a pretty day. I'm sitting at my kitchen bar drinking coffee, and watching the weather. It's looking good until possibly Sunday with rain coming in. I'm not surprised.

I sit for a good bit just relaxing, reading the news on my laptop. I've also gotten into some new music I found on YouTube. It seems my taste is widening. This group, orchestra, whatever they are plays some really interesting music. I could see myself painting to this. Could come up with some totally wicked paintings. Let's see...Two Steps From Hell, Ivan Torrent, and Epic Music. We'll see...I got a lot of it downloaded, and I'll play it next time I'm down stairs.

It's going on ten o'clock, and I need to get my shower. I got jeans, a blue peasant blouse, dark blue ballet flats, and a baby pink pashmina in case it get's to cool. I'll wear my hair in a plait, and I need to get my dogs ready to go. I'm really surprised the couple times Cane, and Peaches has been around Edward they have been alright.

I know we're going to have kind of a heavy discussion, and I won't handle it very well if he lies. He doesn't have to spill his guts, but just be honest. I guess we'll see.

I take a nice hot shower, using my gardenia body wash, and shampoo. I love the smell of gardenias. I climb out drying off, and then apply my lotion. I want to look, and feel good even though Edward out shines me in the looks department.

I plait my hair, and then walk into my bedroom getting dressed. I sit putting my shoes on, and look to see it is almost eleven thirty. I so need to get my butt moving. He should be here. I grab my braces, and head into the living room just as there is a buzz for the elevator. I walk over to the intercom.

"Hello?"

"Bella, it's Edward."

"Sure, come on up. I've got a few things to do yet. "

I then walk over getting Peaches bag, Canes leash, and a water dispenser for them. Edward walks up to me. "Hello, love. You look ravishing," he say's as he leans down kissing my cheek.

"You look very nice yourself. I love the shirt," running my fingers over the embroidery. He does look very nice...black jeans, black embroidered shirt. Very nice.

"Are you ready?" he asks.

"Yes, just getting my babies. I need to go grab my wrap, then I'm ready to go," I say as I walk into my bedroom grabbing my wrap. I walk back into the living room, and Edward is kneeling down playing with Peaches, and Cane.

He turns smiling at me, "I can't believe they have taken so easily to you. They are usually very tempermental," just looking at my dogs, and then at Edward.

"You ready, love?" taking my arm, and the leash for Cane. I nod at him, and we head out. He is driving a Cadillac SUV.

"Woah, very nice. I like this. You've seen my truck?"

"No, I don't believe I have."

"It's the blue one over there. The Toyota FJ Cruiser...it's good for hauling my dogs, cameras, and when I have to, my wheelchair. It's good."

"It serves it's purpose. That's what matters," as he helps me get into his vehicle. He has put my dogs in the seats behind us, and strapped them. "I wanted to make sure they were safe, too. I went, and got the stuff yesterday. That's alright, isn't it?"

All I can do is smile, "Very alright. Thank you."

He climbs in, and we head out. He say's he's taking us to Myrtle Edward's Park. I tell him we've been over here a time, or two. The dogs love it. We pull up to the park, and there is some tables right close. Edward comes around helping me out, and we get the dogs. He helps me over to a table, and say's he'll be right back. He heads back over to his vehicle getting our lunch.

I sit putting Peaches down out of her bag, and take Cane's leash off. They have never wondered off very far from me when here. Edward brings a picnic basket, a small table cloth he spreads out on the table. He sits down next to me, asking if I'd like a glass of wine. I tell him, of course. He comes out with glasses, two bottles of wine, a corkscrew, and wants to know if I want red, or white.

I laugh a little at him, and tell him either one is fine. I then lay my hand on his arm, "Edward, calm down. No reason to try so hard. I'm interested...very interested. Thank you though," I say smiling up at him.

He kind of blows out a breath, handing me my glass of wine. He then starts pulling food out of the basket. He has antipasto salad, a small antipasto tray, a bowl of cut fruit, and what looks like pan fried chicken strips. Also italian breadsticks, silverware, plates, and cloth napkins. He has set up a banquet. It looks wonderful...almost as appetizing as him.

He starts fixing me a plate with me acknowledging my wants. He sets it down in front of me, and then fixes his self a plate. We set eating, and just talking about anything and everything. I know it's not time to discuss what I've found it, what I've been told. I just want to enjoy this time with him.

I'm not afraid of him, afraid of his being involved with the mafia, if he is. I feel as if he would protect me no matter what.

Cane and Peaches walk over, and patsy tattooed on him some where. They know it, too. Edward starts feeding them some of the meat, cheese, and pieces of some of the chicken. Then he realizes what he's doing, and looks over at me. All I can do is laugh. "You so fell for that. To late now."

He just shakes his head laughing along with me, and continues to feed them. I give them some water, and make them sit beside us.

I am so full, and Edward starts putting it back in the basket. He leaves the bowl of fruit out, and we pick at it. I then look at him, and then look around at the people still here. No one is close, so I decide to broach the subject.

"Edward, can we talk? I mean about something that was said to me," looking at him inquisitively.

He takes a deep breath, "I have a feeling I know what it pertains to. It's my other work, right? I figured he would say something the other day, because his brother works for me. He did, didn't he?" looking up at me.

"Yes, he did. But I've had some time to think about the situation...about your 'other' job. Edward, I don't care. As long as I get to see you, see where this can go, and you promise to protect me. Then, so be it. Is that alright with you? Do you want to continue to see me?" I ask on a whisper.

He grabs my hands pulling me close. "It is so very fine, and I promise to protect you with my life," he say's also on a whisper. He leans in close...I close my eyes...and he kisses me so gently. He moves his hands to my face holding me close, and continues to kiss me soft, and slowly. So gentle. He gives me a couple more pecks, then pulls back.

"Dang," he say's with a gasp.

All I can do is take my fingers running them over my lips, finally opening my eyes. He's sitting righ there watching me. "What are you doing to me, woman? Whatever it is, please don't stop."

He then pulls me close wrapping his arms around me. We sit that way for quite some time. Just touching, light kisses, talking...just being together. It was a wonderful date.

OMG, I'm sitting here finishing this up with tears in my eyes. I do believe the date turned out just fine. Now, let's see how it goes. I can guarantee it's going to work out just fine. I only work towards HEA's.

Now, I'm going to post some pics on the group page, so go check them out. Let me know what ya'll think, alright?

Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks muches...