EPOV

I'm doing some charting in my office at work when I hear a soft tap on my door. I don't look up because I don't want to lose my train of thought, but I say a simple, "Come in." I hear the person shuffle in, but they don't take a seat. When I finish my paragraph, I look up to see Jasper, standing awkwardly in front of me.

"What's up, man?" I set down my notes and lean back in my chair.

Jasper is an Occupational Therapist, and I always thought it was nice working in the same facility as my best friend, but I've changed my tune over the last couple of weeks. Since we got back, he's been avoiding me. And now that they've rescinded the bill, he still hasn't spoken to me.

"Dude, I'm so behind on notes. Did you come in here for a specific reason, or …?"

He sits down in the chair opposite my desk, sighing. "Look, I'm sorry about everything. Have you talked to Bella recently?"

I stiffen a little. "Just at the end of last week when you sent us that ridiculous bill."

"Well, she's ignoring Alice now," Jasper tells me, and I can't help but wonder if that's true or if that's the story his fiancée is spinning. "Alice told her she didn't want her to be her maid of honor, and Bella hasn't responded."

"Can you blame her? Frankly, both of you are …" I take a deep breath and plaster a smile on my face. "You know what? Never mind. I'm sure Alice and Bella will work it out."

He eyes me. "What were you going to say?"

"Look, I don't want to get into it with you, all right? Let's just let it go. But while we're on that topic, do you still want me as your best man?" I'm fiddling with the pen in my hand. I want to stand strong with Bella, but I've been thinking that Jasper just might be a little brainwashed by Alice.

"Yeah, I really do. I honestly can't imagine anyone else up there next to me." He looks down, and I take a deep breath, knowing that what I'm about to say could completely change his mind.

"I don't like who you've become. You're a totally different person these days, and I don't know…" I trail off, not knowing quite how to explain this.

"What do you mean? I'm not the same kid from Chicago or the same college kid who was pledging frats? People grow up, Edward." He stands up to leave, but I jump up to close my office door before he can.

"I'm aware of that, dickwad. You said something when you and Alice came up to the cabin that struck a nerve." I'm leaning against the door, staring at him. "You said that Bella and I needed to understand the position that we put you guys in constantly, but I don't know what you mean by that."

"Well, you two are always bickering and picking on each other."

"Yeah, and when we're in a big group, we get it out of our system and retreat to our separate corners. We don't get into screaming matches or physical fights. No one else has been a victim in our pranks. So, what's it hurting?" I walk back over to my desk to sit down while Jasper stands there, searching for a response.

"You guys got us kicked out of the state fair two years ago," he finally says, turning to face me.

"Not for fighting with each other! We were arguing with a carnie because the base of the ride was lifting off the ground when it was in motion! Jesus, Jasper! No one else cares. Why is this such a big deal to you?" He won't look at me, and I suddenly realize why. "This is all Alice, isn't it?"

"No."

"It is. It was her idea to charge us for the cabin too, wasn't it? Did she dip into your wedding fund to pay for it?" I shake my head. I can't wait to tell Bella about this.

"Well, she did. But I support her." Jasper sinks back into his seat, and I laugh.

"Of course you do. You changed your hair, your clothes … Jas, you changed your major for her! You wanted to propose three years into your relationship, and she said no. She wanted to save up the money for the wedding she wanted." I point a finger at him, and he shrinks away a little. "How much of her money has gone into that savings? And what about when you found that house last year and wanted to buy it?"

"She said no because it would take a chunk out of the wedding fund." He looks pissed, and I'm not even sorry.

"Jasper, her parents are paying for half. HALF. No wonder Bella hasn't responded; she dodged a bullet." I chuckle and pick up my pen to go back to my notes. I'm done talking to Jasper about this. He's not an idiot; he's just acting like one.

"So, you hate Alice? Is that it?"

"I don't hate Alice. At all. Did you even listen to anything I said?"

"Whatever, Edward. Just be bitter that I have someone and you don't." He gets up and moves to the door. "Have fun being alone." He throws the door open and stomps out.

"Have fun being divorced in five years," I mumble under my breath.

"I'd really only give them eighteen months." I look up to see Bella standing sheepishly in my doorway, holding a Jersey Mikes bag.

"What are you doing here?" I wave her in, and she hands the bag over to me. I open it to find a number twelve and a Stubborn Soda.

"I actually hurt my ankle more than we realized. I have an appointment in twenty minutes with a Garrett Thompson?" She blushes, and I frown.

"I'm sorry. Why didn't you say anything?" I offer her half the sub, but she waves me away.

"It was a little swollen, but I didn't think anything of it. But someone at work pointed out that I'd been limping." She winces, and I shake my head.

"What did your doctor say?"

"That I probably had a light sprain, but without coming in soon enough, she can't tell. That's why she sent me over here."

"Garrett's a good PT; he'll get you clear in no time." I take a bite and moan a little. "I haven't eaten since this morning. Thanks."

"No problem. I only heard that last little bit with Jasper. Is everything all right?"

"No, but it's more than you have time for right now." I wipe my hands and mouth. "I'll walk you out to reception. How'd you get back here, anyway?"

"I snuck in." She gives me a toothy grin, and I can't help it. I swoop down, pressing my lips to hers in a fevered, hungry kiss.

"That's against the rules, Bella."

"I've always been a troublemaker." She grins and pecks me again. "Walk me out front and turn me in."

I get her checked in and wait with her until Garrett comes out. He seems surprised to see me with his patient but doesn't say anything other than to greet Bella and take her back. I walk back to my office, devouring the sandwich she brought me, and finish off my charting. Just as I'm filing everything away, I hear a rap on my door.

Garrett is standing there with Bella, who looks very unhappy on a pair of crutches. "Hey, Cullen. I thought you might be able to help your friend out to her car. She seems a little uncoordinated."

"Garrett's only saying that because he knows I fell down a hill." Bella pulls a face, and Garrett hands me Bella's bag.

"She'll be fine in about a week, but just remember to stay off of it as much as possible—"

"Rest, elevation, ice. I got it. Thank you, Garrett. I'll see you in a week." She pokes at him with one of the crutches and almost topples over. "I got it. I'm fine."

Garrett laughs as he walks away, and I frown at Bella. "No big deal, huh?"

"Well, this is entirely your fault," Bella says, shifting her weight. "You diagnosed me."

"That I did. How can I make it up to you?"

"I'm sure I can think of a few ways. Why don't you come over later? I'll order pizza since I can't be up on my feet." She smiles as I nod.

"I'll help you out to your car and follow you over." I close up my office and start to lead her down the hall when she stops and looks up at me.

"Why don't you go home and pack a bag." Bella gives me a wicked smile. "I might need help all weekend, Edward."