Y'all blew my mind that last chapter. Thank you so much for the reviews and follows.

Thank you to Team Harpy which is made up of extraordinary women who each have unique skill sets that make them invaluable to me.

No one will be surprised by this information but Olympic Med is based off of Grey's Anatomy. So if it seems familiar, that is why. Write what you know and all that.

Chapter 2 - What Can I Say

Edward

Impatiently, I check my watch, peering towards the sound of rustling and an occasional thump.

"Babe, I love ya, but we're gonna be late." I try to keep the exasperation out of my voice.

She comes rushing down the hallway , fastening her earring, and stops abruptly before me. "How do I look?"

Jess is wearing a white V-neck and ripped jeans, black-heeled boots peeking out at the hem, topped with a leopard print blazer.

"You look amazing." And she does. She is always dressed professionally, but this casual laid-back look is something I don't see very often.

She smiles absently at me as she throws a few things in her designer purse. One more run of her fingers through her straightened long hair, and she's ready. She slips her hand in the crook of my arm after I lock up, and we stroll towards her car. She doesn't like my 2015 Volvo XC60. It's too "old."

She hands me her keys, signaling I could drive, so I dutifully take them and unlock the doors, opening and closing hers before crossing the vehicle to take the driver's seat. I mutter under my breath as I adjust the seat and steering wheel to my height requirements.

"You wouldn't have to do that if you would just trade your car in." She flips her visor down to expose the mirror and reapplies lipstick she applied less than fifteen minutes ago.

"Not everyone has to own a Lexus SUV, Jess. Besides, my car is paid off, and yours isn't."

"You really want to fight about money right now?" she asks incredulously as she fastens her seat belt.

"No, I don't really want to fight at all."

"Then, don't." She leans over to kiss my cheek, then grabs her phone to browse through social media on our way there. "Wonder if I'm allowed to take pics?"

"Doubtful. They probably don't want spoilers leaked."

"You two used to be friends, right? Just ask her."

"I'd rather not. She was kind enough to offer this tour. I don't want to push it."

Something in my tone must tingle her Spidey senses because she puts down her phone and settles all of her attention on me.

"How did you say you met her?"

"High school. You know this."

"Were you close?"

"It was a small school, so everyone knew everyone else. But I was in science courses, and she was all literature and drama club."

"And she moved to Forks her freshman year to live with her dad?"

"Yes; Charlie."

"And he's the Police Chief?"

"Was. He's retired now." I check to make sure I can merge onto the freeway. "Why the curiosity?"

"No reason," she says dismissively, but her tone suggests there is, in fact, a reason. She turns her attention back to her phone, but I feel her eyes on me occasionally.

I know I should tell her the truth, but I also know it will be a whole thing. I declined to tell her when the pilot episode aired because I felt I was protecting Bella and her anonymity. Well, whatever anonymity she has left. And now I'm not telling her because she'll want to know why I'm still keeping it secret.

And I'm not sure I even know the answer to that.

A security guard motions where we need to park once he confirms we're on the list. I hear him talking to someone on his walkie-talkie as I pull off, finding a spot near the middle of the lot and realize I'm not sure what to do now. I think about texting Bella, but she might be on set and not get it.

But all my indecision is for naught as a petite brunette approaches my car. I roll the window down and give her a smile.

"Dr. and Mrs. Cullen?"

"That's us," Jess chirps.

"I'm Angela Cheney, Ms. Swan's personal assistant. If you'll both follow me, we'll get started."

Jess and I get out, and I lock the door before pocketing her keys. Jess once again slips her hand into the crook of my arm as we follow Angela. She scans her badge, and we follow her down several abandoned corridors before approaching a much more bustling area. People are everywhere: some in scrubs, some in jeans, some in dress clothes. I can't really tell who is an actor, an extra, or someone behind the scenes.

Angela leads us to a row of chairs that I assume are for visitors like us. I see the actors' and director's chairs up front.

"Now they're about to shoot a scene, so be very quiet." Angela gestures to where I can see Bella and some of her co-stars standing around an actor in a hospital bed. "She'll be over as soon as the director is satisfied. And I'll be over there–she points to a small area with tables and other people–so if you need me, just try to flag me down. Enjoy." She smiles warmly as she heads over to a small table.

Ignoring all the overabundance of sounds from the monitors and background players, I focus on the main scene. Apparently, this patient is brought in after colliding with an ambulance. His vitals are unsteady with his blood pressure dropping at 66/42 and his heart rate at 149.

"Why are they making small talk right now? He needs a secure airway, stat," I mutter under my breath.

"Shhh," Jess hisses before turning her attention back to the scene.

He has free fluid in his abdomen? He's obviously internally bleeding. Why are we talking about a tent and his kid not wanting to go camping? Get him to the OR already.

I crane my neck trying to see who the medical advisor is. I see a few "regulars" in the room with them dressed in scrubs and figure they may be medical professionals, but I think I read somewhere their medical advisor was an older man. I mean, I've noticed things here and there when watching the show, so I'm not sure why it's bothering me now. Maybe because I wasn't focused on anyone but Bella.

I do so now. I watch her in her light blue scrubs and loose ponytail moving around the small room in a graceful manner. I know for a fact it's difficult with that many people and with her ankle. She's calling out instructions like a drill sergeant. It's almost like watching a choreographed masterpiece. If it weren't for the glaring mistakes I keep seeing.

Finally, the director yells, "It's a wrap," and I relax.

Angela approaches Bella, whispers something to her, and her eyes search around until they lock with mine. She grins and excuses herself before hobbling over to us.

"I'm so glad you both could join us!" She reaches her hand out to Jess. "I'm Bella. It's so very nice to meet you."

Jess is so awestruck it takes her a few seconds to take it. "Sorry, I'm just so…this is the best day of my life. I'm a huge fan of yours and the show."

"Gee, thanks," I mutter, and they both laugh at me. I see Jess is still pumping her arm, and I gently extract her. The fangirling is a little embarrassing. Jess blushes, but Bella quickly takes charge after shooting me a questioning look and guides her to our first stop. I trail behind them. It's kind of surreal. My ex and my wife are chatting like old friends while I'm a third wheel.

On our way out of the general area, Bella introduces us to Jake, Alice, Victoria, and James who all just finished the scene with her. Jess is super excited that she can take pictures with them as long as she doesn't describe anything about the scene. I dutifully snap off several shots and retake them until they are deemed "Instagram perfect." Bella invites us to eat lunch on set, and I'm surprised to see a golf cart inside the building.

Bella hops into the driver's side, and Jess giggles as she slides in next to her. I raise an eyebrow.

"You did say to stay off my foot as much as possible, did you not, Dr. Cullen? Plus, any excuse to drive this baby is fine by me. Get in the back."

I do as she orders, and she takes off like a shot, so I grab onto the bar to not fall off. She chitchats about this room and that room as we fly by them before she slams us to a halt in front of a cafeteria. Her giggle tells me that was intentional.

"Very funny," I mock growl.

"I thought so," she says breezily, leading us into the cafeteria where more familiar faces are scattered around the room.

"Now it's chili day, and I urge you to avoid it. It's barely edible, and the bathroom is way over that way." She motions to an area behind us.

"Duly noted." I grimace.

"How are the salads?" Jess asks Bella as she walks us to get in line. She chats with this person and that, graciously interacting with everyone.

"Pretty decent, but my favorite is the club sandwich and crinkle-cut French fries."

"You eat carbs?" Jess asks, looking her over.

Bella laughs. "As much as I can. My metabolism lets me do that for now, so I'm going to enjoy it until I can't."

"Do you have a trainer?"

"Yes, but I abhor him. He's just awful."

"I heard that," a voice calls out.

"You were supposed to," she tosses over her shoulder at a very tall, muscular man, sitting two tables away from the line. "You pushed me over the edge this morning."

"It was one sit up, Swan. One. And you only got away with that because you sicced my wife on me."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures, Cheney."

She realizes we're still standing there. "Sorry. Ben Chaney, Edward and Jessica Cullen. My guests for the day. Ben is married to my assistant, Ang," she explains to us. "Now let's get lunch. I only have an hour before my next call."

We move through the line quickly, Bella getting her sandwich and fries, and Jess and I each getting a salad. I look longingly at the pizza, but Jess elbows me. We settle back in the corner where there's more privacy.

Bella quickly dives in and, around a mouthful of food, asks us what we think so far. I understand her, but Jess looks confused.

"She wants to know what we think so far," I interpret.

"Oh! I am so in awe of the whole setup. I'm so glad you're filming here! Why is that?"

Bella swallows before answering. "With success comes more money, and they're rebuilding our set to look like this one. So while they're doing that, we relocated up here until it's ready."

"I've always loved how the writers write drama with comedic one-liners sprinkled all over. It's no wonder you all are so successful now."

"We do have some of the best writers," Bella agrees. "What about you?" Her eyes meet mine.

"It was great."

"He was too busy muttering about medical crap to enjoy it," Jess says, ratting me out. I think about elbowing her but settle for a quick glare instead.

"What medical crap?" Bella prods.

"Nothing…" It's her turn to glare. "I've noticed that some of your medical procedures and how they're done are a little outdated."

"How so?"

"Trauma procedures change so much, and I'm just not sure your medical advisor is up to date on them, that's all."

"Are you done eating?" she asks suddenly. "I need to make a stop before I go back to set."

I look at my half-eaten salad and nod. I didn't want it anyway. We throw away our trash and get back on the golf cart to ride down yet another corridor where she stops in front of a closed door. She hops off and enters without knocking, and Jess and I stay on the golf cart until Bella beckons for us to enter the room. Bella plops into a seat while we remain standing.

"Alec, meet Dr. and Mrs. Cullen. Edward is a trauma physician at Harborview Medical. They're my guests on set today, and Edward has noticed a few outdated trauma procedures on the show."

"Not the entire show, just the last few episodes and today while watching the scene…there are some things that just aren't current."

Alec leans back and taps a pen on his desk, seemingly lost in thought. "What I'm about to tell you is confidential and doesn't leave this room." He meets Jess's and my eyes, and we both nod.

"Our medical advisor has left for personal reasons that I won't get into, but we're relying on Google and our nurses right now." He sighs. "I was afraid this would happen."

"It's not that big of a deal, is it? It's just a show, so who cares if it's accurate or not?" Jess chimes in, and we all look at her like she has two heads. "Or maybe it is a big deal," she mutters and shrinks a little.

"Let me ask you a question, Mrs. Cullen. Why do you watch 'Olympic Med'?"

"I watch it for the storylines."

"And?"

"The humor and the drama as I was telling Bella earlier."

"And?"

"The eye candy." She blushes a bit.

"Exactly. And that's why we hired such a good-looking cast. You are our demographic, Mrs. Cullen, not your husband. But with that being said, I don't want the show to be a medical laughingstock either, which is why your husband's opinion is invaluable."

"Mine? Wait, I'm just a guy who watches your show."

"Why do you watch it?"

"To support Bella in her acting endeavors and because it's the only show my wife and I can agree on, for different reasons, of course."

"You don't enjoy the female eye candy, Dr. Cullen?"

"Uh…I…I'm not going to answer that."

"Smart man." Alec laughs. "I imagine your profession keeps you pretty busy. Bustling metropolitan trauma center and all."

"Yes, sir."

"How much do you make a year?" he asks suddenly.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Let's cut to the chase. My lovely and smart starlet brought you to me because she wants this show to keep succeeding. And I think we need you for that to happen. So I'm prepared to offer you an obscene amount of money to be our new medical advisor."

"Define obscene," Jess demands.

"Jess, I have a job," I hiss.

"One that doesn't pay you what you're worth." My wife gives me a pointed look.

"I make enough," I defend.

"We didn't mean to put you on the spot, Edward. It wasn't my intention to cause a fight between you and your wife. So let Alec tell you a little about the position, and you and Jessica can talk about it, privately. At least, hear the man out," Bella pleads.

Alec indicates for us to have a seat. He lays out all the details of what this position would entail, and when he gets to the reimbursement, both Jess and I start coughing. I could pay off our ridiculously expensive apartment that my wife demanded we get after we married.

"He'll take it," she blurts.

"Jess. This isn't a permanent position, and I have to make sure I have a job to go back to. I can't just quit."

"You work for your dad. I'm sure he'll understand."

"Um, I did say you could discuss this privately." Bella gives me an apologetic smile. "Alec, why don't we give them a moment?"

As they leave, Bella whispers an "I'm sorry" as she passes me.

"You are completely nuts if you turn this down."

"Don't start, Jess. You know I love my job."

"You'd still have patients, but they would just be fictitious ones. Don't you see what this could do for our future?"

"They're only here for a few months, then what?"

"We could relocate to LA. I'm sure I could get in with another interior designer, but I mean, would I even need to work with you making that much money?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt your dreams of being a Beverly Hills housewife, but we're talking about my career here."

"I am talking about taking your career to the next level, Edward. Do you know how many doors this could open for you?"

I think about what she's saying, and she's right. After this, I could get a job pretty much anywhere with any hospital. And that money could really come in handy to pay off some of the debt we've accrued. I'm not rolling in it like Bella is. I make a decent amount, but with me paying about fifty grand in student loans, which is nothing compared to what it could be, and our other outstanding debts, this money could be life-changing.

Bella. This could be a chance to rekindle our friendship and have her back in my life again. I can admit freely that I've missed her after all these years apart. I can also admit I feel guilty even having these thoughts in the first place. I'm married to a lovely woman, and we have a good life.

I sigh and open the door. Bella and Alec are propped up against the wall in deep discussion.

"I have a few questions."

They come back in the office and we all sit.

"Shoot," Alec prompts.

"Is this a job that will continue after you move back to LA?"

"If you want it to, yes."

"And we would have to move?"

"I would need you physically on set. You'd have your own office, and the hours can be long, but I'm sure you're used to that by now."

"Why me? You don't even know me. You haven't seen my CV. You don't even know if I'm a good doctor. I could be a quack, for all you know."

"Bella's the one constant in my life that I don't have to doubt. She's genuine, and she's a straight shooter. If she brought you to me, it's to better the show."

"It couldn't be just to get her old friend a job?"

"You have a job, Dr. Cullen. I'm offering you a better one."

I look at Jess, who nods. I look at Bella, who's biting her lip. I look at Alec, who has an amazing poker face.

"Okay, then. It's a deal." I reach over to shake his hand.

"Excellent. I'll have the contract drawn up and sent to you. Have a lawyer look it over. Here's my card. Call me anytime with any questions. It's been a pleasure, Dr. Cullen." He looks over to Bella, who looks pleased.

"I believe you're late to set, my dear."

"Shit! I have to go! You all coming?"

"Actually, we need to go. I have a two-week notice to turn in."

Jess's whine turns to glee. "Oh, I know. Why don't you both come to dinner Friday night at our place? We can celebrate!"

Alec and Bella look at each other and nod. "Of course, we'd love to." Bella accepts on their behalf.

"Great! I'll have Edward text you our address. It was such a pleasure. Thank you, Bella. And thank you, Alec, for this amazing opportunity for us," she gushes as she hugs them both.

I shake Alec's hand, and I hug Bella lightly. "I'm gonna get you for this," I whisper in her ear.

She turns to leave, but I can hear her laugh as she speeds down the corridor to set.

What have I gotten myself into?

And how many rules can I break?

How many lives can I make?

How many roads must I turn?

To find me a place where the bridge hasn't burned ~ "What Can I Say" by Brandi Carlisle