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So this what it felt like to be drunk. Edward and Emmett had left me to ponder my later fate of sitting helpless in some posh jewelry store later, while they talked shop. I didn't know who Carlisle or Esme were, but boy did they sound great. And this freaking chocolate cake was to die for.

"No man. Rosie won't go for that. She lives with you. If you don't bring her to the next one, she'll have fit an I'll never hear the end of it."

Rosie?

"THAT'S YOUR WIFFFEEEE!"

Goodness gracious I sounded lout even to myself. I gave myself a mental pep talk in an attempt to keep quiet. I leaned toward Emmett in a way that I thought was conspiratorial.

"Why is Rosalie having a fit? Is she ok? Does she need a doctor?"

"Bella darling, I'm sorry. I haven't paid very much attention. How many of those sours have you had?"

"I'm lucky you're paying any sort of attention to me at all. I've had four of these and I'd like four more because I obviously need them."

"Bella, why do you need them?"

"Ed man, don't push her. We don't want a scene."

"We're the only people in here for lunch Emmett, I highly doubt-"

"I'M NOT GONNA MAKE A SCENE EMMETT!"

Yep. Definitely drunk. There was no way I was going to live this down. Maybe if I got up to go to the bathroom, I'd feel better. Slowly, I tried to stand and was quickly pulled back down by gravity. My body felt so heavy.

"Ed, she's gonna have to sober up before we get to Cartier. If she's anything like Rose and Alice, she'll bankrupt you the moment she sees something shiny."

What they didn't know was that I had given myself another pep talk. Drunk Bella was in control. Drunk Bella has everything covered.

I quickly waved my hand and called Justin over. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Edward tried to stop me.

As quietly as I could, and what I felt was rather deliberately, I took a deep breath before speaking.

"Justin, I'd like a shot of espresso and water please."

With a quick nod, Justin was away again.

Emmett looked dubious. Edward looked proud.

"She's censoring herself and there are plenty of distractions here, those annoying flashbulbs from out front proving that."

As soon as Justin placed my newly requested items in front of me, I downed the espresso and water. Luckily Justin was a professional and had come prepared, making sure to leave the water pitcher so that I could have more whenever I felt ready. I took another deep breathe and prepared to pour another glass for myself. I had to be able to complete the most basic of tasks. Edward sounded anxious to get to whatever the heck Cartier was, and Emmett was ready to take me back to Edward's and throw away the key. No. It was important that I did not fail here.

Slowly I poured, stopping a few centimeters from the top of the glass so that I didn't spill. I took a sip of water from the new glass and slowly placed it back on the table.

"So. Edward. Emmett. If I've heard correctly, Cartier for jewelry. Earrings. Maybe a necklace or bracelet to match? Where exactly does one go for handbags?"

I could tell that Emmett was still skeptical, but he did relax some once I seemed to be under control.

"Actually, I believe we'll be making just the one stop Isabella."

I felt myself frown. I wasn't Bella anymore. I liked it when I was Bella. He somehow seemed softer that way.

"Does Cartier sell handbags too?"

"Only very special ones, and I have one for you in mind and have instructed them to hold it in the safe."

"If they hold it in the safe, that means they can't sell it to other buyers. That hardly seems fair. You'll find the name Cullen usually goes a long way. Let's go. We should go so that we're back at the house in time for the delivery of your gown."

Slowly we stood. I had been having such an interesting time drinking, I hadn't seen Edward slide Justin a tip or his card, but he must have, as he was currently handing the card back to Edward. The gentleman that he was, Edward helped me into my coat while Emmett protectively hovered around me.

"Emmett, you and Isabella take the service exit and I'll go through the front. One group run in with the press is enough for today."

I watched as Emmett nodded his head.

"Lean on me if you need to short stack. I'm sure the valet has brought the car around. We'll get you all situated and then head around to the front so that we can grab Ed."

The question was out of my mouth before I could stop myself.

"Emmett, does Edward not want to be seen with me because I'm poor?"

Before we were completely out of the building, Emmett stopped. He was a good foot taller than me, but with his penetrating gaze, it felt like three.

"Bella, Ed has a lot flaws, but that's not one of them. He's been sure to treat you no differently than he would anyone else. He may be going about it the wrong way, but he's trying to protect your privacy. Once those vultures from the press start snooping around, people tend to be a lot less happy with the Cullen family."

i was mortified. Not only had I not meant to ask the question out loud, but it really seemed to have bothered Emmett. I didn't want him angry with me. He was the closest thing I had as a friend here besides the friendship I hoped to establish with Angela.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. I'll try to up my filter."

He stared at me intently for a few more seconds, and thankfully, easygoing Emmett seemed to be back.

"Don't sweat it, short stack. Button that coat up the rest of the way, the wind may have picked up."

He ushered me out the door without another word, and I knew in my heart of hearts that he wouldn't mention this conversation to Edward, at least not explicitly. He really did seem to be a good guy. I crossed my fingers and hoped that his wife and Alice would be good people too.