All rights to twilight and its characters belong to SM. The plot of this story particular story is mine.
I know these updates are taking too long and I apologize for that. I hope you guys are still with me. Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Perhaps hogging all the beer had been a blessing in disguise.
By the time Bella was ready to join the party, everyone except Sam was already drunk. Even Emily had quickly acquired a buzz, and the laughter in the garage was deafening.
With four wolves cramped onto the old couch, overturned milk crates and cinder blocks would suffice for extra seats. Bella knew from experience that she would sit on the creeper if she had to. She was determined that her ass would never touch the thick carpet of dirt tracked across the poured concrete floor of the garage. One oil-coated incident at seventeen had been a lesson learned for her and her poor truck seat.
The second case of Rainier was nearly gone by the time Bella reached for a drink. As the only ones sober, Sam and Bella left to get more. Upon returning, Quil pointed out a more expensive sixer that Bella and Sam intended to share. Instead of relinquishing it, Sam placed a new case of Rainier at his feet. Jacob, Embry, and Quil groaned at the cheaper selection and threw empty cans at them in protest.
Bella chastised, "That is what you get for hogging two full cases to yourselves, boys."
Sam and Bella sat together afterward, quietly observing the others. They laughed as Jacob playfully danced with Leah while Emily struggled to teach Embry how.
Eventually, Leah moved to sit at Bella's opposite side and begged for one of the 'better' beers before mentioning their weekend plans. Sam winked at Leah and handed one of them to her.
Bella grinned as Leah caught her watching them and stuck out her tongue. Happily, Bella thought, Yet another olive branch between them. The growing peace among the family made Bella feel calm despite the swell of energy in the room. She could only hope things went as smoothly around Alex for the next two days.
Alex had seemed thrilled she was bringing friends along. He insisted the booking price would remain the same despite the number of guests in the lodge and refused her offer to help pay for their rooms.
Sipping her beer, the thought of traveling with a hangover had deterred what lingering desire Bella had to drink. She was still nursing a slight headache from two nights before. Meanwhile, Leah talked about taking Dean's Harley rather than her car since it would save them on gas. Because it was the first weekend of September, it may be their final opportunity for such a long ride.
Listening to them chat while watching the others, Sam asked, "So, this guy knows you just want to be pals, right B?"
"Yes," Bella reassured him. She failed at hiding the guilty frown that traversed her face, assuming Sam was worried about Paul. Sam reached over to rub her shoulder affectionately with his large left hand and smiled.
"You two will be alright, Bella. Paul's not going anywhere," Sam said before opening another beer.
"I keep fucking up," Bella admitted. Taking a long pull from her beer suddenly seemed like a good idea. It wasn't.
Sam snickered and said, "He does too, B. You'll figure shit out together. Don't worry."
Bella couldn't help but grin at her large, quiet friend. She said, "You have an awful lot of faith over there, Alpha."
"I know a good thing when I see it," he whispered, shooting a distracted Leah a wistful glance. "Don't give up on him, B. '' Sam met Bella's gaze with an intensity that conveyed every ounce of regret he still carried over Leah. She nodded at him in understanding and took another sip of her beer.
After nudging Leah to gain her attention, Bella leaned toward her and whispered, "I need to find a way to make it look like I am alone for a little while this weekend. I think it's the only way he will show up to talk to me."
Ignoring any attempt at discretion, Leah yelled, "Who? Sparkle Dick?"
Sam barked out a laugh and shook his head as Leah grinned. "God, I'm going to hear that every time he comes to mind, now."
"You're welcome," Leah said and laughed.
A short while later, Quil began prattling on to the whole room about his date for the weekend. Bella never did learn her name.
The following morning was rough as Bella rushed to pack everything she needed for the next two days. Leah arrived early on the back of Dean's Harley, hungover and in a foul mood. She rushed into the bedroom, plopped down on the bed by the suitcase, and groaned.
"Wow, you really need all that junk?" Leah leaned over the suitcase to sift through the many toiletries and outfits. "Bitch, it's two days!"
Bella grumbled, "I couldn't decide, okay? Take a Midol, ya crank."
Leah laid back across the bed and said, "You're lucky I am getting periods again, or I would slug you for that comment. As it is, I don't need Midol. I need sleep."
"Nope."
Bella and Leah looked up to see Quil in the doorway, his hands held up in front of him as if attempting to ward them away. Quil darted from the door as he chuckled, and Leah shook her head.
"You sure you wanna put up with him all weekend?" Leah teased, "What is Quil supposed to do with his date when he is too immature for a period conversation, Bells?"
Quil yelled, "I can still hear you."
Dean added, "We all can hear you."
Bella rolled her eyes as she swung the door shut and continued packing.
When it was time to leave, Bella offered to ride with Dean and let Leah nap while Quil drove her truck. Everyone readily agreed as a cab pulled into the drive.
A tall, thin, statuesque woman in a low-cut long-sleeved blouse and pencil skirt climbed out. Long, thick, wavy black hair hid her face as she immediately turned to remove her luggage from the back seat. She waved goodbye to the driver as the cab backed out onto the road. Pushing her hair away from her face, she looked up as she adjusted her glasses.
Bella's eyes widened with recognition and she bounced on her toes, impatient for her high school chum to look toward her.
The young woman sought Quil first. Her whole face lit up with a dazzling grin when she found him. Slowly, she looked away from him toward Bella.
Unable to contain her smile, Bella stepped around the truck into view as she called, "Hey, Angie!"
Bella laughed as Angela ran directly toward her and dropped her bags at Quil's feet. They embraced each other happily and laughed.
"Nice to see you too, Hon," Quil chuckled as he bent to gather the luggage.
The women pulled apart to look each other over, appreciating the subtle changes after five long years apart.
"I am so glad you are here," Angela said in disbelief and cupped Bella's cheeks with her slender hands.
"I'm really here," Bella said as she pulled away.
"I didn't know you two were friends," Quil muttered as he nervously scratched his broad, shirtless chest. "If I had known, I would have brought Angie last night."
"Well, I wish you had," Bella said, never looking away from her friend. "Quil is my cousin. Did you know?"
Surprised, Angela shook her head no. "Must be where those curls came from," she teased.
"Well, he didn't get his muscles from my side," Bella said, making Dean cackle as Leah snorted.
"Too bad your bike isn't done, Bells," Dean hollered across the yard from where he waited on his Harley. "We could both drive."
Bella nodded and said, "No shit." Remembering the time, Bella said, "Angie, we are heading out here in just a second. It will be so much fun to catch up with you when we get there!"
Angie paused to look Quil over for a moment and frowned at him. "Are you going to wear a shirt?"
He slid an arm around her shoulders, smoothly leading her toward the driver-side door as he asked, "Do you want me to?"
As if his question was ridiculous, she said, "No." She turned to wink at Bella before sliding into the center seat of the truck.
"Don't grope my man candy too hard," Leah teased Bella before sliding on her sunglasses and climbing into the passenger seat.
Warm, muscular arms slid around Bella's waist, and she spun to see who was behind her. Happiness flooded her as Paul grinned and gently brushed her hair out of her face.
He said, "I know I said we would talk on Monday, but I couldn't let you leave without a hug or something."
Bella leaned into him, pressing her chest against his abdomen as he placed a kiss on her forehead and tightened his arms around her.
"I'm glad you came," she said, wrapping her hands around the back of his neck. Bella rose up on the toes of her boots to meet his lips in a soft, lingering kiss. When his tongue sought entrance to her mouth, Bella forgot everything but Paul. She parted her lips for him as he lifted her, and Bella instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Her arms slid around his shoulders as Bella clung to him, lightly pressing the points of her freshly-painted purple nails into his back.
"Get a fucking room!"
Quil's teasing quickly brought her back to reality, effectively ruining the moment. Bella did not make out whatever he said to Angela afterward, but Paul snarled in his direction.
Paul pulled away from Bella and laughed as the sound of a smack filled the air. "Thanks, Lee," he said.
Leah raised her hand out the window in a thumbs-up without bothering to look in their direction.
Paul slowly set Bella back on her feet as she chuckled with embarrassment and wobbled on weakened legs. "I guess I should get going," she mumbled as he caressed her face with his large, rough palm.
Quietly, he said, "Be safe, Babe. Call me on Monday, and you can tell me about your weekend if you want to."
"I look forward to it," she said sincerely. "I'll miss you." I love you. The urge to say it out loud made her breath hitch. She forced it back down her throat, away from her lips, and back into her heart where it belonged. It was too soon to say it. They were still on unsteady ground.
"Yeah," he said softly, forcing another smile at her. "Me too." Paul kissed her forehead one last time and jogged toward the backyard.
Bella sighed as she watched him leave before putting on her gear and climbing onto the Harley.
Over the rumble of his bike, Dean asked, "Why are you doing this, anyway? Why are we going to hang out with this other dude?"
Bella explained, "I think Alex is the key to some things I need to know. There is shit from my past that I need to make peace with. Does that make sense?"
Dean asked, "So, kind of like a soul journey?"
Bella chuckled and said, "Essentially."
"Awesome. Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be," she answered.
Hours later, Bella gaped as they entered the gated community. Entirely surrounded by thick flora and fauna, they carefully crept toward the resort. Numerous lodges and luxury cabins were partially hidden from the main stretch, each with its own winding drive.
A cluster of businesses sat at the end of a singular cul de sac, perfectly embodying the ideal, fairytale village. A mixture of antique and modern decor decorated each building alongside creeping vines and overflowing flower pots. Storefronts were lined with products for sale, advertisements for services provided, and large eat-in style restaurants sat at opposite ends of the row.
Dean said, "It feels like a Redneck Hippie commune was transplanted out here."
Bella cackled. "My thoughts exactly. Jacob would love this place. It seems cozy."
"Let's hope so," he answered as he turned onto a narrow road on the opposite side of the long, circular street.
They were led uphill through the forest to what Bella assumed to be their lodge. Dean's low whistle encaptured her sentiments as they took in the view. The dark wooden siding blended into the forest well. The backside of the building, two whole floors, was entirely walled with tinted glass, allowing the renters a view over the tiny settlement below. One corner of the deck looked well-used as a low-hanging porch swing sat near a picnic table and outdoor grill. Ashes littered the ground around a small, covered fire pit in front of two wooden rocking chairs. Bella was thoroughly charmed, eager to utilize the intimate space before they left
Dean parked behind Alex's black Mercedes, allowing Quil to pull up beside it. The front door to the lodge swung open as a cheerful Alex walked outside. He looked relaxed and comfortable in a blue v-neck sweater and jeans, his chin-length dark hair pushed back and tucked behind his ears. His face was scruffier than Bella had seen it so far, only enhancing his good looks.
As soon as Bella was free of her helmet, Alex welcomed her with a tight hug. Introductions were made before he led them inside,
Leah looked around groggily at the massive living room as she entered and said, "This place is bougie as fuck, guys." Dean chuckled as he patted her butt, nudging her forward so the others could enter.
The open dining space was centered between the kitchen and living room. Identical staircases faced each other from opposite sides of the room, camouflaging the entryways to bedroom suites. Bella climbed one to find it connected to a massive den complete with a home theater, pool table, and a fully-stocked bar with matching stools. The glass walls behind the bar provided a magnificent view of the forest surrounding them.
"I could live here," Alex said as he came to stand behind her. "This place is amazing."
"It really is," Bella agreed, soaking up the view.
The sound of someone plopping on a bed, followed by Dean's sigh and Leah's laughter, suggested they had chosen their room. Bella was unsurprised that it would be the one closest to the pool table and bar. Quil, who had apparently chosen a room downstairs near the kitchen. Bella chuckled, wondering if she was as entirely predictable as her friends.
She looked up at Alex and shook her head. "I guess I'll go find my room."
A minute later, she stepped into a semi-dark, lavender-colored room with white and blue bedding on a massive four-post frame. Silver wall sconces and lamps supported flickering faux candles and gauzy white lampshades that matched the bed canopy. A large white, blue, and purple area rug covered the wooden floor under the bed, which faced an intricately carved white mantel above the fireplace. Matching bookshelves framed the fireplace, already stocked with numerous complete collections. An antique wardrobe sat in one corner of the room, bearing a full-length oval mirror inside the heavy door. An overstuffed light blue and cream-colored paisley chaise sat under the window, overflowing with white and lavender throw pillows. It was as if the room had been designed specifically for her tastes.
Upon inspecting the adjoined bathroom, she nearly wept at the massive bathtub that sat dead center of the room. More tinted glass provided a full view of another portion of the forest, letting natural light brighten the mostly-white space. A shower stood in the far corner of the room near the window, allowing the user to enjoy the view. Bella immediately claimed the room and began unpacking.
"Holy shit."
Bella was startled by her sister as she hung her clothes in the wardrobe.
Leah stepped into the bathroom and repeated her exclamation. "Our bathroom only has a shower. Don't be surprised if I take over your tub."
Of course not, Bella chuckled to herself. Leah had fully embodied the sisterly connection where space and belongings were concerned. Bella noticed, at that moment, that Leah was wearing her Metallica shirt again and laughed.
For the next few hours, everything went off without a hitch. Alex had seemingly ditched all the stuffy, anxious mannerisms displayed when they first met as he blended seamlessly in with her group. He enjoyed learning about Bella and her friends as they hung out in the den. Bella was surprised at how calm and content everyone seemed as if they had all known each other for years.
When Alex mentioned that there was a spa and massage parlor two doors away from one of the restaurants, Bella and Leah immediately wanted to go. Angela, reluctant to lose time with Quil, agreed to join them after ten minutes of pleading. Three hours and two mimosas later, the women left the spa with relaxed bodies, sweet-scented skin, and fresh pedicures.
The entire group met at one of the restaurants for dinner and were in awe of the rich furnishings in the crowded yet quiet place. They overstuffed themselves on heavily laden platters of bread, salad, seafood, and pasta.
Following dinner, Quil and Angela went to find the nearest grocery store. Leah asked Dean to take her for a ride through the surrounding area to check for vamp trails. Left alone together, Bella climbed into the Mercedes and rode with Alex back to the lodge.
The place was utterly silent without incessant chatter by her friends. Bella found herself heading outside, soaking up the darkening sky above the forest from the porch swing. It had been too long since she had chased everything from her mind and enjoyed the nature around her.
"Hey," Alex said as he stepped outside onto the deck and handed her one of the two drinks he had made. He sat across from her on one of the rocking chairs before bringing his to his lips.
Bella asked, "What is in this?"
"Rum and coke," Alex said, grinning. "You told me you were a fan once."
Laughing, she countered, "Uh-huh. I told you it gets me in trouble, too."
"Ah, one won't hurt," he teased her as he sat his glass on the wooden armrest of his chair. Looking out across the forest, he sighed. "This is nice."
"It really is," she agreed.
Bella caught him repeatedly glancing her way as he nervously picked at a snag on the knee of his pants. "Something on your mind, Alex?"
He turned toward her and picked up his glass, unable to hold back a slight smile. "You could say that," Alex said before taking another drink.
Feeling her own anxiety stirring, Bella took a long pull of her own drink. If they were to ever speak privately, now was probably the best time. Bella silently hoped that whatever he needed to say would not ruin the entire trip, though she suspected what it would be. Their day had gone well, and her friends all liked him so far. Not to mention her hope that Edward would show himself soon enough. Bella was ready to get their confrontation over and spend the rest of the time relaxing as she desperately wanted to.
He admitted, "I need to be square with you about some shit that I hope won't send you packing."
Her anxiety continued to grow as she asked, "Oh?"
Alex took another drink before asking, "Have you heard from your ex?"
Bella narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously and nodded. Alex grimaced and quickly finished his drink while Bella waited for him to continue. Before he could speak again, she asked, "Have you?"
Alex chuckled bitterly and said, "Not since that day at the restaurant. Not since you told me that he was abusive and stalking you."
"But you knew him before," Bella said matter-of-factly. Her cheeks flushed with her rising temper as he nodded. She demanded, "Why did you lie?
"I only lied about two things, Bella. The fact that I knew him and what I do for a living," Alex said calmly, meeting her gaze.
"Fucking awesome," she muttered as she looked away from him and huffed. Paul lied and hid who he was. Edwards had. Hell, even Jacob lied and hid things sometimes. Without thought, she blurted out, "Jesus, do any guys know how to be fucking honest anymore?"
"I don't know about other guys, Bella. I only know about myself," he said morosely. "I actually told you more about myself than I should. I have been entirely unprofessional with this whole situation. I really like you, Bella. I would very much like to stay your friend if you can forgive what I did."
Bella took another long drink, hoping the alcohol would help to calm her anger and apprehension. "I guess that will depend on what you have to say next," she said as she set her glass down on the swing beside her.
Alex nodded and leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. "Bella, I'm a private investigator. Your ex hired me to find you."
Bella sucked in a sharp breath and shut her eyes. She released it slowly, silently reminding herself to keep calm. Don't react like you did the other day, Bella told herself. Maybe this is why I just went through this with Paul, she thought. So I would be prepared to make it through this conversation without storming off.
Besides, whether she forgave Alex or not would not matter if Leah or Quil came back to find her panicking. Even Dean was likely to react. Bella had already resigned herself to the idea that Alex had been deceptive. Now that it was confirmed, she only wanted to know why.
As she looked back toward him, Alex continued, "He claimed you were high school sweethearts. He had been informed of your death a few years ago but had recently gotten word you were alive. Bella, I was only supposed to take you on one date to confirm that you were not, in fact, deceased. I didn't expect to like you so much, and I never intended to lead you on in any way. After you ditched me that day, I did not expect you to answer the phone again, let alone come here. I had to take the chance, though. The truth is, once I met you, I wanted to know you better. I still want to know you better."
Bella could only nod her head, unsure of what to say. She had to admit that she genuinely liked the parts of Alex she had only begun to know, but not in any romantic way.
"He was not happy with my personal interest in you," Alex said and chuckled bitterly. "We had a little screaming match about it."
Sarcastically she quipped, "Oh, I'm sure he loved it."
Alex scoffed. "Yeah. I must have been obvious about it because he certainly figured it out. He followed me to the restaurant that day. I'm sorry I tried to skirt around it on the phone. I should have just been honest right then and there. One hell of a detective I am, huh?"
I guess Edward didn't tell him he's a mind reader. Bella chuckled, surprised to find herself calming. "Don't knock yourself too hard," she joked. "You did find me, after all."
He grinned at her in surprise, looking almost relieved. "Are you not mad?"
"Oh, I'm mad," she grumbled. "Probably not as mad as I should be, but I just went through this whole 'hidden identity' thing with someone else. At least I suspected your deception, but his revelation was a total mind-fuck for a hot minute."
Surprised, Alex asked, "His, huh?"
Bella could feel her cheeks grow warmer as she forced an apologetic smile across her lips. "Uh, yeah," she admitted. "I'm seeing someone now, Alex. I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you that day in Port Angeles, but I never got the chance. I guess we both have something to feel shitty about."
Suspiciously, Alex asked, "Is it Jacob?"
Bella laughed and shook her head no. A pinch on her arm had Bella slapping away a mosquito.
Alex stood and picked up his glass. He held his hand out to her and said, "Come on. Let's go get a refill and get away from the bugs."
Bella hesitated before reluctantly taking his hand and standing. She grabbed her cup from the swing and followed him inside.
Before she knew it, they were three drinks in and surprisingly laughing about their situation. Alex swore he would be nothing but honest going forward and apologized multiple times. Bella admitted her friendship with Paul had blossomed into something more. She was happy to find that Alex seemed to be sincerely happy for her.
Before Leah and Dean returned, Bella knew she had already forgiven Alex. While part of her wanted to be just as furious as she had been with Paul, Bella could understand how their situations had been comparable. Alex had merely done his job, never anticipating he might develop a connection. Technically, Paul had done the same. Both had only wanted to protect her in the end. After days spent contemplating the situation concerning Paul, she could not fault either of them for it.
Outside of Jacob and Paul, Bella intended to keep Alex's admissions to herself. More than ever, she suspected Edward would show himself soon enough.
Quil and Angela returned with more groceries than necessary, and the group played drinking games until the early morning. Bella eventually crawled into bed just before sunrise and slept through most of the morning.
Bella found the others downstairs upon rising, semi-awake while eating donuts and slices of lemon cake. Quil was making more coffee as everyone discussed their plans for the day.
Cheerily Dean asked, "Bells, you gonna come on a hike with us?"
Bella could feel the exhaustion of the last week underneath the slight pounding of her hangover and cringed. Leah and Quil both chuckled as Bella shook her head no.
"Bath and sleep. Those are my plans until supper time," Bella announced. "Maybe I will read a little, but I plan to have some alone time today."
"That is probably a good idea," Leah said and winked at her. "Make sure you keep your phone on."
"Yes, Mom," Bella joked. She stole a donut from Leah's plate and returned to her room.
One long, hot bath later, Bella spent the rest of the day in solitude as planned. To her disappointment, the evening came quickly, and Edward never appeared.
When the others had all returned and showered, Alex and Quil helped Bella make supper for everyone. Just as she had hoped, the group dined outside happily and relaxed around a small, cozy fire as they chatted late into the night.
"We have to come back here again, guys," she said. The others nodded in agreement as each scoped their surroundings, reveling in the peaceful ambiance of the space. Bella was reluctant to return to bed, knowing the morning drive home would come quickly. Still, she wished everyone a good night and headed upstairs to her bedroom alone.
Bella was surprised to find a large manilla envelope lying on her bed upon entering the room. She turned it over to find a post-it stuck to the opposite side.
This is everything I found in my search for you, Bella. I want you to have it - to keep or destroy if you wish. Again, I am sorry. Not for doing my job but for handling the whole situation as I have. You will always have a friend in me should you need it. - Alex.
Unsure she wanted to see the contents, Bella stuffed the unopened envelope into the bottom of her suitcase before repacking most of her things. She decided that if she opened it, she would do so with Jacob or Paul. Bella had no idea how long Alex had sought her out for Edward and had not decided if she wanted to know. Receiving the answer wouldn't change anything, anyway.
After changing into her sleepwear, Bella checked her phone for messages. Jacob had taken the liberty of telling her he and Paul missed her and hoped she was having fun. The gentle reminder was enough to comfort her.
The two men Bella loved more than anything awaited her with open arms, and she was suddenly more than ready to go home.
