A/N: I have edited this entire story, but I'm sure there's some mistakes in here somewhere. I'll correct them along the way.
I failed to mention in the A/N of the first chapter that there will be memories and talks of physical abuse. I will try my hardest to place a warning beforehand just in case someone has an issue with the topic.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. All mistakes are my own.
ENJOY!
10/08/2022
Another Life
Chapter 2
BPOV
After lunch, when Jasper and I were on our way back to our offices, he told me a little more about Edward and why he chose Washington to settle down. Apparently, his parents live in Washington, too. His dad was some huge well-known architect, Cullen Structures, Inc. and owns a home on Bainbridge Island. His mom was a high-profile attorney and was known for winning just about every case she fought for. I was amazed at everything Jasper told me.
"Edward's one of the good ones. I know you've seen pictures and seen him on TV. Don't you think he's good looking?" Jasper asked and I rolled my eyes at him. I knew Jasper was comfortable enough with his manhood to know when a person of the same sex is good looking or not.
I never told him, but I thought Edward was one divine creature. "Yeah, he's pretty cute." On the other hand, I didn't want Jasper to think I was desperate. I thought I was, sometimes, but I keep that as my own little secret.
"How old is he, anyway?" I was pretty sure I knew how old he was, but I was still refraining from telling him about my secret crush over his cousin.
Jasper nodded and said, "He just turned 29 a couple of months ago. Why? He's only a few years older than you."
"I'm just curious, that's all. I was wondering why some hot runway model hasn't snatched him up yet," I said. I knew for a fact I wasn't his type and Momma Whitlock was wasting her time trying to set us up. I had seen the girls he liked to date. They were all plastic with huge tits. I had nothing remotely close to compare them to.
Jasper shook his head, "Don't let any of the gossip rag magazines and papers make an opinion for you. He's nothing like what they say."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Except, why let stuff like that happen if it really isn't who he is? That makes him look like he sleeps with every girl who hooks her arm through his." I was probably thinking too much into this.
"Edward doesn't date much. All the girls you've seen him with are mostly for publicity," he explained. "And most of that shit doesn't matter to him."
My curiosity got the better of me. "What happened to whats-her-face? The one he was with a couple of years ago. I thought they were engaged?"
"Oh, you mean Katherine?" he queried. I nodded, answering his question. "Obviously things didn't work out." We rounded the corner to our offices and he stopped me before I disappeared into mine. "So, are you coming or what? I need to let mom know."
I huffed at him. "Yeah sure, but I'll let her know. I have to go by her office anyway, and I need to tell her to stop trying to set me up. She's not Tinder."
Jasper laughed. "Be my guest," he stated over his shoulder as he walked away.
As soon as I walked into my office and closed the door, I did a little dance, flapping my hands up and down, and let out a little girly squeal. Very childish, I know, but I couldn't help it. I was going to meet Edward Cullen.
My work was steadily hectic all week. I kept myself busy in and away from my office. It was only a day away and my impending dinner at the Whitlock's had been weighing on my mind. I was trying to prepare myself for another let down. I knew this dinner was to set me up with Edward, but there's always something that gets screwed up.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when my intercom buzzed. "Ms. Swan, I have your mother on line two," Carol, my receptionist, informed me.
I smiled and replied, "Thanks Carol." Then I remembered something. "Hey Carol."
"Yes, Ms. Swan?"
"Please, call me, Bella. I really do prefer Bella," I explained. Carol was still fairly new to her position, and I was still getting used to having a receptionist. She was older; maybe a few years my moms senior, but it felt weird to be called Miss.
"Of course, Ms. Swan...I mean Bella. Don't forget your mom is on line two." I could hear the smile in her voice when she reminded me.
I really loved Carol. I couldn't ask for a better receptionist. "Thanks again, Carol."
Before I picked up the phone, I tried to calm myself. I was excited about the whole Edward situation and I wanted to tell her, but I also wanted to wait just to see how our dinner turns out. I was going to visit her this weekend, so I would definitely be having that conversation with her.
I reached for the receiver of the phone. "Hi, Mom."
"Hi, honey. How are you? Anything new and exciting going on?" she asked, wonderment in her tone.
"I'm fine and nothing too exciting; nothing new. How is everyone? Alex, Gracie and dad?" I inquired, the conversation already at a dull stand still.
"We're all fine, sweetie. Dad's out of town this week. He had to fly to D.C. for some high profile case that they got a huge break on," she explained.
"At least they're keeping the old man busy." I said jokingly.
"Don't let your father hear you call him old; especially not this week. Alex pointed out the gray hair by his temple. I swear, I've never seen so many boxes of 'Hair Color for Men' in my life," she laughed.
"Oh damn, mom; that bad?" I giggled, imagining my dad standing in front of the bathroom mirror making sure he didn't miss a spot while he was applying his hair dye.
Mom chuckled before she replied. "Oh yes. In the ten years I've been married to that man, I haven't heard him growl and groan so much in my life. I suppose turning forty-two is starting to make him feel old."
My dad's birthday was the previous weekend. I had spent Friday night with them and celebrated on Saturday. Mom opted to buy the number shaped candles instead of putting forty-two candles on his cake. He was happy that he didn't have to break out the fire extinguisher.
"Mom, forty-two isn't old. You'll be forty-two this weekend. You don't feel old, do you?" I knew getting older wasn't an issue for her. When she was with Phil, she thought she'd never live to see me grow up, get married and have babies. Luckily, my brother and sister made her feel young.
"You know that doesn't bother me one bit. I just need to convince your dad that we've entered the prime years of our lives because before we know it, Alex and Gracie will be grown and living, who knows where, going to college."
We watched each other grow into new people over the last ten years. She was stuck in her own mind when we first moved to Washington. It was a slow process, but once she was able to get out and do stuff on her own, she was able to open up. With Alex and Gracie growing up way too fast, I was afraid she'd go nuts if they moved out of state to go to college.
"So, what's up with my baby siblings? Staying out of trouble I hope?"
I'm pretty sure I could predict what Alex was doing and Gracie usually isn't too far behind him. Mom and dad feel blessed that they get along so well.
"Oh, you know, Alex. He's out back with Demetri and of course your sister is flanking him. I think your dad's idea was brilliant by having that jungle gym built. He practically lives on that thing. He even asked to sleep in it a couple of nights ago." I could hear papers being shuffled around as she talked.
It was true, about the jungle gym, my dad spared no expense on that thing. It put public parks to shame.
"Mom, that thing is nearly half the size of my loft. Alex will probably end up living in it." I smiled thinking of the times I've spent with my brother and sister on that thing. It was so big that anyone would get lost in it.
She chuckled. "I know, right? I think he's developed selective hearing, though. He never hears me when I yell out for him. I think I need to buy a bullhorn."
We chit-chatted for another thirty minutes or so about Alex and Gracie and how she was finally getting her curriculum all worked out. She was going to be teaching fourth grade the new school year. Alex begged for her to be his teacher, but mom decided it would be best for him to have a different teacher. Gracie was going into second grade, so she didn't care either way. Mom was lucky that both of them loved school.
"I spoke to Joan earlier. She told me about dinner this coming weekend." I knew those two were like old biddy's stirring up drama. "Are you going?"
"Yes," I replied. "Dinner and that's it."
"Sweetheart," she started. "You know Joan means well, and it's not like you don't know what he looks like. You see his picture all over their house every time you go over there. Aaannnnd, he's famous."
She was thinking too much into helping Momma Whitlock fix me up. "What you're trying to say is, you're okay with her trying to set me up with all these deranged lunatics?"
"Oh, they're not that bad, Bella," she said chuckling. If she were a fly on the wall with every attempt at so called dinner dates, she wouldn't push so much for Joan to set me up.
"I know exactly what you're thinking and it's not funny, mom. Mr. Watson had to peel him off of my legs. Then he shook his head at me like I was the cause of it." Mr. Watson still questions me every once in a while if I had any new gentleman callers.
"Not all of them have been like him." She stated, trying to defend my past blind dates.
"Mom, really?" I sighed into the phone.
"Well, you and I both know how good looking Edward is. I'm sure he's smart and witty and he's rich. He has money coming out of his ears from that football career of his," she implied.
"Mom, you know better than anyone that I don't need a man with money. I think I have enough money that could feed a third world country," I said, hoping I was getting my point across to her. "You know I'll never rely on a man if I could help it."
When Phil died, he had a hefty life insurance policy and not only that, he had a very sizable chunk of money saved up in a private bank account for me. My mom had no clue about it. She always thought Phil was a selfish bastard. He was, that's for sure, and mom signed over every last penny to me because she didn't want a dime of his money. Once I turned 21, all of the funds became available. That's when I bought my loft. I could live 5 years alone, not working, on just the interest earned on my account.
"I know, I know. That's a good thing, though. At least you know he won't be after you for your money," she stated with a light chuckle and continued. "So, you'll be here on Sunday? We can meet in P.A and do some shopping. Then we can head home for dinner. Joan already said you could take Monday off so you don't have to drive back so late," she explained. That actually sounded good to me.
After I ended my call, I made my way to Momma Whitlock's office. I wanted to personally thank her for the day off. I knew she looked out for me. She really did treat me like one of her own children.
I approached the receptionist outside her office. "Hey Chelsea, is she in?"
"Yes, just let me announce you. She was just on a call a few minutes ago." She pushed a button on her phone to use the intercom.
"Mrs. Whitlock, Ms. Swan is here to see you," she announced.
"Go ahead and send her in," she replied.
After I thanked Chelsea, I made my way into Momma Whitlock's office. She was sitting behind her desk typing away at her computer. She gestured for me to take a seat in front of her desk.
"What can I do for you, hon?" she asked.
"I tried to come see you earlier in the week but I have such a demanding job and boss," I said, jokingly, "So here I am. I just wanted to thank you for letting me take Monday off and for being such a great friend to my mom." Just thinking of the friendship her and my mom had created, made me smile.
Her face lit up with the brightest smile. "Oh, no need to thank me. I don't want you driving home so late and risk an accident. And as far as your mom, I couldn't ask for a better friend. Oh! Here," she scooted her chair back to pull open her drawer. "Take this to her," she said while handing me an envelope addressed to my mom. "It's just a gift certificate for the spa. Hopefully she'll take advantage of it before school starts this fall," she explained.
I really hope mom gets the chance to use her gift. She deserves it and much more. I was much like my mother, though. We would rather give than to receive any form of gifts from anyone. I tried not to make such a big fuss over anything anyone gives me. I strive to help anyone I possibly can.
"She'll love it. Oh, and you weren't as sneaky as you thought you were about dinner on Saturday," I said, shaking my finger at her.
She chuckled, smiling and placed her hands palm down on her desk. "Hon, you're family. I'm just looking out for you. You keep my Jazzy in a straight line. This is the least I can do."
Little did she know, I thought Jazz and I kept each other in a straight line. "Well, Jazz is like my brother so we watch out for each other."
Jazz and I may be a year apart in age, but I couldn't ask for a better best friend. I have a female best friend, too, but Jazz and I spend a lot more time together than her and I do. She lives in New York and works freelance for the New York Times and owns her own photography business.
Alice and Jasper had only met a hand full of times and I know he has a secret crush on her. He would ask about her every once in a while and I'm pretty sure he was asking just to check up on her. He hasn't openly admitted to having the hots for her, and he doesn't have to. I can see it clear as day on his facial expressions when her name is brought up.
"So, be at the house about sixish. Do I need to send a car for you?" she asked.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, thank you. I'll be heading over after I'm done at the 63rd Street shelter this Saturday. Kennedy's been talking to a contractor about doing some add-ons to the back of the house and she wants my input," I explained.
New Beginnings only has 5 bedrooms available and we try to put women with children in their own room for privacy and women without children were housed four to a room. Two out of the five bedrooms were available for women with children and Kennedy wanted to expand by adding three more rooms. I didn't mind volunteering my time and donating the money to cover the cost for the new expansion. It was needed and it made me feel better about myself by lending a helping hand.
"Okay hon. Are you headed out to lunch with Jazzy?" she asked, knowing just as well as I did that he would be popping his head inside my door when the time came. I swear the man is led by his stomach.
I smiled, shrugging my shoulders. "I'm not sure. He hasn't graced me with his presence yet, today."
"Well, I'm heading out for a meeting. You give my boy a hug for me, please?" she said.
We stood and made our way to the door. She pulled me into a hug, pecking a kiss on my cheek before we went our separate ways.
As if on cue, Jazz popped his head into my office just before lunch. I got up from my desk without saying anything and made my way over to him and hugged him tightly.
"What was that for?" He asked, his eyebrows pinched together. We didn't hug often, so I knew it was a surprise.
"It's from your mother. We had a nice chit-chat earlier," I explained, smiling at him over my shoulder.
"Oh wow, okay. Um… you ready for lunch?" He stuck his hands into his pockets as he leaned against the door frame to my office.
Nodding my answer, I reached for my purse in my desk drawer. "Yeah, let's go to the bistro down the street, though. I need a new flavor."
Jazz and I never had an issue with conversation flow, and as usual, he mentioned Alice. I purposefully failed to mention that she would be in town next month for my birthday. I wanted it to be a surprise for him. I knew he was dying to see her. It had been about 8 months since she was in town on business the last time.
"Why don't you just admit that you have the hots for her? You always seem a little anxious when I mention her," I stated. I was pretty sure his heart was doing an extra beat at the mention of her name.
The way his eyes popped open and looked at me, was answer enough.
I pointed at him. "See, I knew it. I told you before, Jazzy, I know you better than you know yourself; don't deny it."
He looked at me with a dumbfounded gaze until a huge shit eating grin appeared. "Okay, so maybe I do like her. It doesn't mean I'll do anything about it. She lives in New York, for Christsakes."
I sighed, nodding my head. "You're right. I won't bug you about it anymore."
"So, you wanna go to the airport with me?" He gave me a goofy grin. He wanted the subject changed, so he moved the topic of conversation over to me.
I narrowed my eyes at him, "What do you need to go to the airport for?"
"I have to pick up Edward. I thought that maybe you could meet him today and get all of the awkwardness out of the way. His flight comes in at two. I was gonna head out after lunch," he explained. My heart felt like it did this swirling motion; something completely unfamiliar to me. And my all too familiar butterflies were starting to flutter their wings.
"No, I'm good. I think I can handle myself just fine tomorrow night," I replied. I sounded like I had more confidence than I really had.
Jazz stood up to leave and patted me on the back. "Suit yourself."
After lunch, Jazz went to the airport and I went back to my office. I was leaving at three today because I had a kick boxing session scheduled at four. Jazz usually took the class with me but since Edward was coming into town, he canceled.
Saturday morning came and my whole body ached. My session the day before was pretty intense. I dragged my aching body to the kitchen for some Aleve and a bottle of water before getting into the shower. I hoped the hot water would loosen my muscles. I didn't want to appear like I had something shoved up my ass when I went to dinner this evening.
I dressed comfortably and headed out the door for the shelter. I usually helped with preparing meals and helping the women with their resumes. A majority of them didn't work and if they did, they were lucky. Most battered women were jobless because they feared their abuser would find them.
When I arrived at the shelter, I knowingly sighed when I walked in. Joyce had returned. This would be her third time back. It looked like her husband did quite a number on her. Of course all the other times were bad but he over exceeded himself this time. Two black eyes, a busted lip and her arm was in a sling. There were also marks on her neck as if he choked her.
The only thing I could think to do was hug her. "Oh, Bella, when am I going to learn?"
I squeezed her a little tighter. "Joyce, you're a grown woman and can make your own decisions but honey, enough is enough. He could put you in the hospital next time or worse, kill you."
"I love him so much though, Bella," she said. I heard women say the same thing more times than I could count. It was like a drug to them, though. It was hard to get away.
Stockholm syndrome, brainwashing…it all boiled down to the same reasoning. It was the power the men felt in knowing he was controlling his partner. They always went back at least once.
Joyce was a young girl. Twenty years old and this was her first relationship. She'd been taking abuse from her husband for two years. She married him at the age of 18 against her father's wishes. He moved her here to Seattle from Nebraska then shortly after, he started hitting her. He was the cause of her miscarriage when she was five months pregnant with her daughter. They had told people she fell causing her to miscarry.
The two counselors and I at the shelter knew the truth but we couldn't force her to stay away. "Joyce, I can't tell you what to do. I'm sure you do love him, but do you want to risk losing another baby?"
Joyce had recently found out that she was pregnant and I knew that was the main reason why she found her way back to the shelter. She didn't want to lose another baby and I was bound and determined to keep her safe. I would do what I could to protect her. No woman deserves to fear for her life let alone the life of her child.
She reached down and placed her hand on her stomach. "I can't. I won't. He already took my daughter from me and I can't let him take this baby, too."
"Call your dad then, sweetie. I have a good feeling that he'll let you come home; I just know it," I would make every suggestion that I possibly could to keep her away from her husband.
Nervousness and trepidation crossed her face. "Do you really think he'll let me come home? I've already let him down by running off and marrying Andy."
I reached up and placed my hands on her shoulders and looked her directly in the eyes, "Listen to me, if your dad loves you unconditionally, like a father should love their child, he'll let you come home. I'll even let you use my phone to call him and I'll even buy your plane ticket home if that's what it will take. You can't go back, Joyce. If you do, you'll never see that baby born let alone grow up if you go back. He won't care. He didn't care when he made you lose Miranda." I'm definitely not Supergirl and I couldn't save every abused person out there, but if I could save one here and there, I felt accomplished.
I pulled her to me once more into a tight hug. When we pulled apart, I retrieved my cell phone and handed it to her. "Here, call your dad. I'll be right here if you need me."
I patted her on the shoulder then made my way to the chair behind the desk.
As Joyce called her dad, memories started flooding back of all the times I wished my mom would have gotten away from my father.
~~Past Memory~~
"GODDAMMIT, RENEE, GET YOUR FUCKIN' ASS IN THIS KITCHEN, RIGHT NOW!"
I heard him wheeze before he started to yell for me. "ISABELLA, YOU GET IN HERE, TOO. YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE!"
My mom quickly made her way into the kitchen next to where Phil was standing holding something in his hand. I was told that I needed to stand in the corner when a lesson was about to be taught and that's where I found myself watching as Phil started his tirade.
"What the fuck is this?" he asked. He was shoving something into my mom's face that looked like a dish towel. There was something all over her face when he pulled the towel away.
Mom looked up at him nervously. "It's mayo."
"Why the fuck is it on a dish towel? I thought I taught you better than this. You use a dish cloth or a sponge to wipe up shit." He raised his hand, back handing her across the face. The force from his hit caused spit and blood from my mom's mouth to splatter all over the white kitchen cabinets. From where I was forced to sit and watch, I could see the splatter clear as day.
"I'll wash it right now, I promise," cried my mom. She held her hand by her mouth. I knew she was in pain, but there wasn't anything I could do about it.
I wish she would have kept her mouth shut because a fist flew at her next. He punched her so hard, it knocked her out cold and while she was down, he kicked her in the stomach twice.
I just sat, cowering in the corner. I was praying that he would bypass me and go to the living room. I needed to take care of my mom, but instead he walked over and grabbed me by my hair and forced me to look at the dish towel.
"Do you see this?" he asked, forcing my face towards the towel.
"Yes, sir." I made sure to speak loud enough.
"Is this allowed?" he asked, breathing heavily in my face.
"No, sir."
"Do you think this is a lesson learned or do you think I need to teach you more," he asked, his nostrils flaring with each breath he took.
"It's a lesson learned, sir," I said. My head was starting to ache where he was gripping it.
Phil always made me call him sir. I was never allowed to call him dad, but that was fine by me. All I wanted to do was get to my mom and make sure she was okay.
"Good, now wake her the fuck up and get her off my goddamned floor before I need to teach her a different lesson. No trash on the fucking floor!" he screamed.
"Yes, sir."
Finally, Phil walked out of the kitchen but not before he threw the mayo covered dish towel in my face.
As soon as he was out of sight, I was finally able to get to my mom. It took me a couple of minutes to get her to wake up and as soon as her eyes opened, I helped her to the bathroom to get cleaned up.
"I'm so, so sorry, honey. It was a complete accident. The towel was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The mayo dripped from the spoon," she rasped. She always apologized to me, but I knew it was never her fault.
Accidents do happen, but we had to play by Phil's rules. "Mom, it's okay. You don't need to apologize to me."
"I do. He shouldn't make you sit there and watch. It's my entire fault," she said shaking her head.
Even as young as I was, I could see it wasn't her fault at all.
~~End Memory~~
I was brought back to reality by Joyce's excited tone. "He said I could come home. He said he's been waiting for me to call. He knew I would need to come home." I had a feeling that her dad wanted her to learn the hard way. He knew something was going to happen to bring his daughter back home to him, so all he had to do was wait. And now, all that waiting and patience was paying off. She was finally going home.
"When do you want to go?" I questioned, smiling. I was starting to get excited with her and very glad that her good news moved my mind into a different direction.
"As soon as I can," she replied.
I didn't care how much it cost, if that got her home to her dad then I would pay it. "Let me grab my laptop and we'll check out flights. Maybe you can leave today."
Her eyes grew big when I said that. "You really mean it, Bella? You'll get me a ticket today if you can?"
I smiled big at her and placed the palm of my hand on her cheek. "You better believe it. Anything to get you away from here and safe. I was about to take you to my place to stay, but I'm really glad you called your dad. I told you he loved you, sweetie."
"How can I thank you, Bella?" she asked, tears falling down her cheeks.
"Stay safe and don't go back," I said sincerely.
I ended up getting lucky and purchasing a ticket the same day for Joyce to fly non-stop into Nebraska.
She had no clothes with her, but as I dropped her at the airport. I handed her $500 cash and told her to buy herself some new clothes and what was left, splurge on something she had been wanting for a while. I knew Andy never allowed her to buy anything for herself. She gladly accepted and that made me feel proud and accomplished. I saved one woman today, but so many more to go.
When I returned to the shelter after dropping Joyce at the airport, there seemed to be a commotion going on outside the front door. I recognized the person causing the trouble. It was Andy looking for Joyce. I really hoped he didn't get too out of hand.
As I approached the front porch, Andy turned and looked at me with the most hateful sneer I had ever seen. "What going on, Kennedy?"
"YOU!" Andy pointed at me and screamed. He came rushing at me, but I moved to the side to avoid his wrath.
"YOU TOOK MY WIFE AWAY FROM ME YOU FUCKIN' BITCH. YOU'RE GONNA PAY!" He was screaming as he came at me with such force, but little did he know, he was messing with the wrong woman.
When he threw his punch at me, I was able to secure him by his wrist and twist his arm behind his back. He was pretty strong and got loose from my grasp and swung to hit me in the face. I took him down with one kick to the stomach.
While he was on the ground I told Kennedy to call for help, "Call 911, Kennedy and get this piece of shit out of here," I said. I gave him one more kick to the stomach to keep him down. There was no way I was going to let him walk away from this.
I bent down and told him, "I advise you not show up here anymore. If you think you can come around here and man handle women the way you did Joyce, you have another thing coming. Let this be a warning. You show up again and I'm here, I will not hesitate to open a can of whoop ass on you. Just ask my sensei how much damage I can do." I gave my own self the chills after that warning. That chick sounded scary.
The police showed up about seven minutes later and I was able to press charges against Andy for assault. Hopefully, that would keep him in jail for a few days.
"Thanks Conrad. No offense, but I hope I don't have to see you again for a long time," I said to the arresting officer.
"Yeah, sure thing, Bella. Oh, hey, how's your dad doing?"
Conrad and my dad had been in the police academy together and the first time I met him was due to an altercation at the shelter a few years ago. He said he never knew Charlie had an older daughter. I didn't want to get too far into details so I just nodded my head and carried on with what I was doing. I knew my dad didn't talk too much about his personal life and that was why Conrad knew nothing of me nor my brother and sister.
"He's doing really great, actually. He's in D.C. this week. You know how it goes," I said, knowing he knew how demanding my dad's job is.
"Yeah, he's a good man. You tell him hi for me, will ya?" he requested as he secured handcuffs around Andy's wrists.
"You got it. You take care and tell Belinda hello for me," I uttered. His wife was just as nice as he was. Myself and a few of the counselors from the shelters across town were invited to a huge barbecue a couple of years ago and that's when I met Conrad's wife.
"Will do. See ya, kiddo," he said as he was walked off with Andy and threw a small wave at me over his shoulder.
Five o'clock rolled around and I was heading to my car. I needed to stop by my loft and change out of my yoga pants and sneakers. I wanted to look half way decent when I met Edward. I knew it wouldn't make any difference, but I wanted to look like I tried to make an effort.
At 6:15pm, I graciously made my way up the front steps of the Whitlock mansion. Their house was absolutely huge. I honestly couldn't see why someone would want a home so big, especially if you only had two children and neither one of them lived at home anymore.
Jasper's brother Collin lived in California and was some big time agent for the stars. I had only met him twice since I've known Jasper. He reminded of an older version of Zack Efron. He and Jasper looked nothing alike. Jasper favored his mother where Collin favored their father.
Once I rang the doorbell, it didn't take long before it was yanked open. "It's about damn time. I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up," Jasper said, wryly. He could be such an ass sometimes.
"If you must know, Momma Whitlock said sixish and it's sixish. So up yours," I replied sarcastically, giving him the middle finger salute. He chuckled and waved me in so he could shut the door.
"Everyone's in the den. I think mom said dinner would be ready in about thirty minutes. Well, Claire informed mom it would be ready in thirty minutes," he said. I snickered, shaking my head in an improbable way. It was still hard for me to believe Momma Whitlock preferred to have a cook.
"What's on the menu for this evening?" I walked with my hands clasped in front of me.
"I really have no clue. I think dad requested some sort of bird. Who knows, anymore? His taste in food weirds me out sometimes." He made a face as if he were grossed out.
"At least you don't eat dinner with them every night," I concluded, understanding why Jazz was so reluctant about his dads' choice in food. I had witnessed myself over the last couple of years,
We made it into the den and the men stood to greet me. I already knew Jasper's dad, John and then there was Edward. I think my heart skipped about ten beats. He was glorious.
"Ah, Bella, it's so good to see you, again. It's always a pleasure, sweetheart," John said while he hugged me and placed a kiss on my temple.
"John, I was just here two weekends ago and I usually see you at the office," I said rolling my eyes.
"Well, your company is always welcomed. Come, I want you to meet Edward, my nephew," he said.
He maneuvered me by the small of my back to where Edward stood. My heart sped up the closer I got. I was afraid to freak out like a crazed fan and jump up on him and start placing sloppy wet kisses all over his face. My demeanor was close to that until he reached to shake my hand.
"Edward, this is Bella. Bella, this is Edward," John said smiling to the both of us.
As he introduced us, Edward and I shook hands. They were so soft and surprisingly very warm. For a football player, you would think his hands were rough, but they weren't. I wanted them rubbed all over my body.
Dear good gravy, my mind was turning into to smut. I needed someone to please help me. My inner monologue prayed as I looked up into his heavenly blue-green eyes; beautiful and mesmerizing, otherwise.
"It's very nice to meet you, Bella," Edward said and if I weren't mistaken, his eyes sparkled.
"Same here," I responded shyly, not taking my eyes away from his.
We took a seat next to each other on the couch and Jasper sat on the other side of me. I had no clue why Jasper chose to sit so close. It was almost like he was playing the protective brother.
As John proceeded to tell us about a business venture he once endured when he was young, I could feel eyes on me out of my peripheral vision. Edward was looking at me. I see him through my periphery, which in turn caused my stomach to twist in knots. It was because I was nervous and anxious. I definitely wanted to get to know him better.
It really made me wonder how a man as good looking as him, not have a woman on his arm at all times. I was curious to know if there was actually something wrong with him. Maybe he drooled when he ate or chewed with his mouth open. Maybe he slept with a teddy bear or has a wuby blanket he couldn't sleep without or sucked his thumb while he slept. Who knew, but I honestly couldn't see anything that was physically wrong.
At the conclusion of John's story, Claire entered to inform us that dinner was served. We all made our way into the formal dining room. Edward sat across from me while Jasper sat next to me, again. Momma Whitlock and John sat next to each other at the head of the table.
Dinner was delicious, of course. Claire never failed when it came to preparing a feast. We had duck, at John's request. Not my favorite by far, but it was tolerable. She had also prepared a roast and extensive side dishes. I didn't want to be rude and not try the duck, so I just took a small piece. I noticed Edward steered clear of it and went straight for the roast. He definitely seemed to be a meat and potatoes kind of a guy.
After dinner, everyone returned to the den for cocktails. I refused. That was the normal for me, though. I only had a drink now and then on special occasions. It was a choice I made years ago when the opportunity came about when I was sixteen, not to drink.
I had attended a party when I was in high school and declared myself the designated driver. It just sort of stuck with me. I had more fun watching people get inebriated and make fools of themselves. The best part was always retelling their escapades; it was most beneficial on my part.
Out of nowhere, I found myself alone with Edward. John and Jasper both needed to return phone calls and Momma Whitlock needed to speak with Claire about something. I didn't think they could have been any more subtle.
Edward sidled up next to me, "So, you work for my aunt and uncle?"
"Yeah, I've been there for a couple years. I started as an intern," I clarified.
He nodded, letting me know he was listening. "Is editing something you enjoy doing or was it just something you settled for?"
"Oh, I love it. I won't deny that I'm a bookworm," I chuckled. I was starting to feel a little more comfortable around him.
He smiled and continued our conversation, "I love to read, too, when I have time. I studied Dante's Inferno, in college."
"Are you kidding me?" I asked rhetorically. "I did a paper on Dante's Inferno, as well."
Edward smiled at me. "You can see where my college education got me. I majored in physical education."
"That's a good thing. I mean, you had a great football career and now you're a coach, right?" I asked looking at him quizzically. He nodded answering my question, taking a sip of his whiskey.
"It helps," he shrugged.
Edward turned and took a seat on the chaise lounge and looked up at me. "Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure, ask away." I remained standing near the fireplace.
"I'm just gonna come right out and ask without beating around the bush. Are you dating anyone?" His expression was hopeful.
I shook my head, my face spreading with a huge smile. I was pretty sure my face was beet red. "You really don't hold back, do you?" He smiled up at me. "Sometimes getting right to the point is okay, I suppose."
"I'm sorry. I'm no good at this," he said, looking down into his tumbler of alcohol. "I never have been. I guess that's why I'm not so good with women."
"I'm sure you're doing just fine," I smiled, all of a sudden feeling really nervous. "…and to answer your question, no, I'm not dating anyone," I said confidently. "It's been a while since I've been on an actual date. I think Jazz was the last guy I went out with and I really don't count him as a date; he's like my brother." I shuddered, trying to get the image of Jasper and I out on a real date. Yeah, that's not gonna happen, and the times we've been out, we just wanted food or to go out to have a little fun.
I paused for a few minutes before I spoke again. Edward was still looking at me with a dumbfounded stare. "I know why Momma Whitlock arranged this dinner. You don't need to feel obligated to ask me out." Edward looked at me like I slapped him across the face, then stood from where he was sitting and approached me.
"Bella, that's not why I asked if you were dating anyone. I asked for myself because I really am interested in you. I think you're beautiful and from the way my aunt talks about you, you're intelligent and independent. I want to know for me what kind of person you really are. The dinner was just an added bonus."
I huffed and shook my head. "I don't know what to say. I guess I'm not used to any of this much like you."
"Will you please accompany me to dinner next Friday night?" he asked. "I would love to get to know you better and I think you would like to do the same with me." He smiled, giving me a sign of encouragement.
We looked at each other momentarily before I reluctantly smiled and spoke, "Yes, I would love to have dinner with you."
Edward then reached for my hand and placed a kiss on my knuckles.
"Perfect!" We heard Momma Whitlock squeal from the doorway. We turned and looked where she stood. A huge smile graced her face before she approached us.
"I knew you two would be perfect for each other," she said, then clasped her hands together, steepling them to her lips. A huge smile appeared on her face in excitement. You would think she hit the jackpot from the giddiness she depicted.
After more attention that made me feel uncomfortable, I decided to call it a night and said my good-byes to everyone. Edward walked me to my car. We stood silently starring at each other for a few moments before he spoke.
"I really look forward to dinner with you." His hands were clasped behind his back. "What time can I pick you up?"
I reached down to open my car door. "Well, on Friday's I have a session at four o'clock and they usually last about two hours. So, seven thirty sounds good."
"Sessions?" he questioned.
"Oh, um...yeah, I kick box. Jasper usually goes with me and we spar with each other," I elucidated, smiling up at him.
"Jasper hits you?!" he asked worriedly. His brows scrunched together in worry.
I chuckled and shook my head. "He wishes. I usually kick his ass."
"Oh, I suppose I better never piss you off then," he said jokingly. He took a couple of steps closer and looked down at me. I noticed he kept looking at my lips like he wanted to kiss me. I would let him kiss me anytime he wanted, but I wasn't that girl.
"Well," I started before I reached out and took his hand that he had hooked into his front pocket. "You can ask Jazz all about it. I'm sure he would be more than willing to elaborate."
Edward pulled my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles like he did earlier. "I plan on it," he declared, sending a shock-wave through my entire body. My heart practically beat out of my chest at the contact. Momma Whitlock's giddiness rubbed off on me, and next Friday couldn't come fast enough.
"I need to go," I whispered. "I need to be up early. I'm going to Forks tomorrow for my mom's birthday."
"I understand," he said. "I don't know if I can wait until Friday to see you, again." My stomach lurched with nervousness. I wanted to see him the next day if I could.
"Maybe we can have lunch sometime this week," I suggested, hoping he would agree with me.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll call you if I can have your number," he said. He reached up and cupped my face with his right hand and rubbed his thumb across the apple of my cheek. I'll get it from Jazz, though. You need to get going." He held his eyes on me, looking directly into my eyes. His were so beautiful that it was hard for me to breathe. "Goodnight, Bella."
"Goodnight, Edward," I replied, reaching up to pull his hand from my face and kissed the palm of his hand. I tend to have a little bit of bravery when it comes to men.
My whole drive home, my mind was preoccupied thinking about Edward. He gave me the butterflies and I couldn't help the excitement that was plaguing me.
Just as I parked my car, my phone whistled, alerting me that I had a text message. I quickly grabbed it to check and it was a number I didn't recognize.
This is Edward. Please save my number. I just wanted to say goodnight again, beautiful. – Edward
I argued with myself for a few minutes before I replied. I didn't want to come off as being too desperate.
It's saved and goodnight to you too, handsome. - Bella
Thanks bunches,
Reason
