A/N:
So again, I am floored by all of the feedback, both positive and negative. I try my best to make every chapter I put out worthwhile, and I never dreamed that anyone would like the story this much. Please keep coming with any and all feedback! I can't thank you enough for it! I've noticed some questions in the review section, and I'm going to try to answer them as best as I can.
Q: Will there be an EPOV?
A: Yes. That's coming soon.
Q: How old is Edward?
A: Edward is 28.
Without further ado, Chapter 20:
"Venti Soy Vanilla Latte."
"How'd you know?"
"He said this is what you ordered the day you met. I took a chance that it was your standard coffee order."
"Interesting. Doesn't strike me as the type to remember a detail that small."
"Hey. My brother isn't perfect, but he does have a heart."
"I'm not arguing that he doesn't. Isn't it a little late for a coffee so large?"
"Nope. You're gonna need it."
"I am? Why?"
"You, Alice and I are going out. Emmy has agreed to drive us."
"I figured he'd be with Edward, doing whatever they do."
She smiled then, a devious smile that told a story.
"Edward pays him well to be on call, but I give Emmett something that Edward could never."
"And what's that?"
"Sex."
Continuing to smile to herself, I watched as she popped a piece of lemon cake into her mouth. Before I could stop myself, I found myself blushing and talking.
"I didn't know women as thin as you ate cake."
"You should do whatever you want in life. It's too short to deny yourself things."
Before I could speak, her phone rang and she was rolling her eyes. Brushing a blonde tendril from her forehead, she answered the phone.
"Yes. Yes. What's that? You've called her six times and she won't answer? Well Edward, I could be wrong here, but may she doesn't want to talk to you. If you get Emmett to do that, you're going to regret. I'll tell your mom that the penthouse needs a makeover, and she'll hang around for weeks, don't test me. Edward, no. I will do no such thing. Remember what I said. Fine. I'm going to text her right now."
With an aggressive sigh, I watched as she punched out a text on her phone and stored the device in her pocket.
"Heads up, Swan. Edward's getting Emmett to track the GPS on my cell phone and they'll probably be here soon, so I don't have a lot of time."
"And the text?"
"He's interfering here, so I'm going to return the favor in kind. Our mother is lovely, but can be... smothering at times. She means well, and it's all from love, but we take turns employing her presence as a threat. I'm just going to politely send her his way. You'll never get all of the goods in time, so I'll spell you when we get to the club we're going to."
"I can't go. I'm not old enough."
"Alice and I will take care of that. And we'll take care of your look for tonight, too."
"What's wrong with my look?"
"Bella, you can't wear Uggs and yoga pants to a club. I think Alice bought a dress for you anyway. Oh yeah, incoming."
True to her word, I could make out Emmett's hulking form, heading up the street toward the coffee shop, a scowl on his face, Edward pulling on his already messy hair.
"Rosalie, how'd you know where to find me?"
"Call me Rose, and it was logical really. Edward told us you hated shopping, so you wouldn't be at any of the stores, and other than the clothes on your body, you didn't take anything much with you, not to mention there's free wifi here and the lighting is low, perfect for brooding."
True to pattern, I was interrupted by Edward and Emmett's entrance into the coffee shop. Rose was up and out of her seat, effectively placing herself between us.
"Emmy, don't be mad at Bella. Be mad at Edward. He should've watched his words."
"Oh yeah? And is Edward the reason you also took off without a word? Bella is an adult, and quite frankly not my wife. I do my best to keep short stack there safe, but I made vows to you."
I watched as she raised up on tippy toes to whisper something in his ear. He smiled for a second, but then serious Emmett was back.
"Rosie, promise you won't do it again."
"I promise, Emmy Bear."
Emmy bear? Well I guess the man did sort of remind me of a teddy bear.
"Yes, yes, this is all very sweet. Can I talk to Bella now?"
I made to answer, but Rose beat me to it.
"Depends on what you're going to say. I can already tell she's different from the other's, and if you scare her off again, you'll answer to me."
"Stay out of this Rose."
"Mom is already coming over to redecorate. Want me to tell her about Bella too?"
That seemed to get his attention.
"I just want to talk to her. Maybe apologize?"
"There shouldn't be a maybe about it. Fix it, Ant."
With that, she was walking away and dragging Emmett with her. I thought they were going to leave the coffee shop, but I watched as they stuffed themselves into the same side of a nearby booth.
Warily, I stared at Edward, and he sheepishly sat down. Taking a deep breath and pulling on his hair, he looked as if he had something to say.
"I didn't-"
"Don't say you didn't mean what you said, because you did, and you can't just take something back because I reacted negatively to it."
"Isabella, I'm trying to apologize here."
"Do, or do not. There is no try."
"Did you just quote Yoda to me?"
"Edward?"
"I apologize for upsetting you and being callous. You aren't Lauren Mallory, you deserve an explanation. I haven't been lucky in love, so I've given up on it. Most people would say you're too young for me. You seem intelligent, and in need of help. I figured that I'd avoid future heartache by choosing differently than I normally do. I should have just answered you. I hope you'll forgive me and come back to the penthouse. I'm enjoying your company."
"You need company, someone to attend events with you, and an occasional home cooked meal. I need tuition and a place to stay. We can just leave it at that."
"Bella, I-"
"Times up lover boy. Emmett and I are tired of you spluttering over your words."
In that moment, Edward was the picture of an older brother annoyed with his little sister. Sighing and turning to me, I watched as he rolled his eyes.
"Are you coming back to the penthouse, Isabella?"
"She'll be there, but only long enough to change. She's going for drinks and and food with Alice and I."
"Old Town?"
"Hardly. Try Headquarters."
"Let Emmett drive you?"
"Planned on it, Ant."
With a wink, Rose was ushering me out of the coffee shop.
"Swan, tonight, you're going to have a great time."
"Isabella, are you really going to go out with them? Aren't we going to talk some more?"
"Why would we? You've made it clear. You can't imagine ever falling in love with me."