Chapter 8

~The Girlfriend~

Bella doesn't make a sound as she follows me down the hall, but I can feel her just the same. There's a tingle spreading across my back, and I sense her watching me. My station is about midway on the left, which allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of all things Inkspiration.

I lead her to my station and turn to face her. "This is me."

Bella walks in and spins slowly, looking around in wonder. She is immersed in the designs covering the walls, craning her neck to see the ones by the ceiling. "Wow. Edward, are all of these your designs?"

"Yeah. I couldn't fit them all—that's what the binders are for." I point to the shelving under the counters with dozens of binders filled with designs.

She moves through the small room, taking in my art—I mean, really taking it in—stopping occasionally to spend extra time on certain ones. While she peruses my art, I watch her.

She's on the shorter side and delicate, thin but curvy, with translucent skin that pinks up easily. Her dark hair is thick and wavy, hitting just below her waist. I called her hair chestnut, but now that I'm looking, there are so many shades that make up the color—chocolate, caramel, burnt sienna, burnished gold.

"Jim was right about you." Bella faces me.

"W-what do you mean?" I stutter, feeling stupid that I was cataloguing all the colors in Jimmy's girlfriend's hair.

"You have top shelf talent." She looks up at me, and I'm caught in the pools of her eyes. I probably look like a jerk, floundering around for something to say. Recognition passes over her face. "He also said you were humble and tend to downplay your talent."

I finally figure out what to do with my face and smile. "Did he?"

"He did." She nods and smiles.

Oh my God—it sounds cliché, but her face transforms when she smiles. She's breathtaking. And Jimmy's.

"So, where are you from, Bella?"

Her smile dims a little, and her gaze wanders the room. "Oh, you know . . . all over. Army brat. Never too long in one place. It has its upsides and downsides. You?"

"Around here. Only left for college, then came back and opened this place. Not very exciting."

"Don't do that. I think it's great! I never had that, but Jimmy has given me roots, a place to plant myself and grow."

"What do you do for a living?"

"Nothing right now. I don't need to work, but I'm hoping to find a side job as a distraction."

There's something odd in the way she says this, but I don't get a chance to ask any more questions. Seth pops his head in to tell me my first client is here. Right after, Jimmy saunters in, grabbing Bella and pulling her against him.

"Fucking ow!" he exclaims, loosening his hold on her. "My tatas hurt like hell! They should call her Rose the Impaler. Now that's a moniker."

The three of us share a laugh.

"Wish I had more time to hang out, but I have a client."

"Okay. Dinner tonight? Maybe drinks?"

"Drinks sound good. I've got a brutal schedule today."

"I'll text you later."

"Perfect."

We bump fists.

"It was nice to meet you, Bella."

Bella's smile lights up her face. "Nice to finally meet you, Edward! You're so talented. I can see why Jim raves about you."

Jimmy isn't embarrassed in the least by her admission on his behalf. He leans around, kisses the end of her nose, then takes her hand and leads her up front. I follow behind them to grab my client and start the day. I'm thankful he's one of my regulars. I only have one new consultation today, and it's in the afternoon.

"Hey, how are you, Joe? Go on back, and I'll be right there."

I watch Jimmy and Bella through the front window. They walk along the sidewalk in the morning sun, talking, laughing, and holding hands.

I retreat to my station and submerge myself in my work. Once in a while my mind strays, giving me a glimpse of expressive brown eyes or hair the colors of fall, and I force my mind back to the present.

At lunchtime, Rose pops into my station with the sandwich I ordered. She has hers in her hand and pulls up a stool next to me. We unwrap our food in silence and start eating.

"Jimmy is a piece of work. I bet that man had dozens of notches on his bedpost in college."

"He sure did! What a minute—Jimmy didn't hit on you, did he?"

"No, no. Harmless flirting, but he went on and on about Bella and how she changed his life. It's clear he only has eyes for her."

I nod, unsure what to say. Was I hoping for a different answer? I never should have made the supposition that Jimmy brought Bella here for me. It's so ridiculous, I don't know if I could utter the words out loud, not even to Emmett.

Rose tilts her head to the side, twisting a lock of hair around her index finger. "So, Edward, how serious is Emmett about Lauren?"

I laugh, thinking of how Jimmy coached Emmett to make Rose jealous. "They've only gone out a few times. She seems really into him, but he's not there yet."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, girls like Em. He's a big teddy bear and loyal as fuck."

Rose stares at me for a while, then smiles. "You're a good guy, and you are loyal as fuck too. Emmett's really lucky to have you as a best friend."

"Thanks, Rose. I'm meeting Jimmy for drinks later. I bet Em will be there."

Rose tosses her hair. "I'll check my calendar. Where and what time?"

"Not sure yet. I'm waiting for Jimmy to text me."

We finish our lunch in companionable silence, occasionally making casual conversation about clients. It's the most comfortable I've ever felt with Rose. I have a feeling Emmett will be getting lucky soon.

Jimmy texts me around three in the afternoon. Denali's at nine for drinks? ~J

I'll see you there. Okay if I invite Emmett and Rose? ~E

The more the merrier! ~J

oOo

A/N: A little more interaction with Bella. The truth will come a little at a time, until the floodgates open. Would love to hear your thoughts. See you next week!

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