A/N: As always, I appreciate every view, follow, favorite and review! I've been reading the reviews, and there's something I'd like to clarify. While we're twenty chapters in (almost 21), Bella isn't in love with Edward or hyper-fixated on his past! She realizes that she should have asked better questions and is sensing resistance on Edward's part. For his part, I imagine that Edward is still in part reeling from how things ended with Lauren and is trying to choose someone he thinks he can keep his distance from. Without further ado, here's Chapter 21:

"Rose, I think she needs liner on her lower lash line too."

"Nah. We don't wanna make her look like a hooker. She's a respectable college student who's going clubbing. We want smoky and sultry. There's nothing desperate about her."

"You guys know I'm standing right here, right?"

So far, I had been stripped and scrubbed within an inch of my life, stuffed into a black, lace corset and skirt that barely covered my behind. While Alice put the finishing touches on my makeup, Rose saw fit to give me a pedicure.

"Can you at least explain to me why the toe nail polish is for?"

"You know Alice. That PR we got from Fendi might look nice here."

"No way. Stick to Louboutin's. Expensive and reliable. Yoga pants here needs reliable."

"Guys! Standing right here!"

"Sorry Swan. Where we're going, there's a chance you might be photographed."

"If I'm photographed, aren't they going to want to know who I am?"

"We'll try and keep you out of the press. If we have to answer, we'll tell them you're a family friend. Now hold still. If you move, and I miss, you can kiss your eyesight goodbye."

I didn't relish them playing Bella Barbie with me, but they were right. I'd need to look the part for the night out.

"Alice, don't forget the insoles. We don't need some trashy tabloid shot of one of us carrying out Swan's shoes."

After several more minutes of poking and prodding, Alice and Rose pronounced me ready. A quick turn in the mirror might have almost ended in me spraining my ankle, but I had to agree. I looked good. Rose and Alice had declared that I was too pale for black, so they decided to dress me in a short, navy blue dress instead. The dress was so tight, it gave the illusion that I had curves and with the height of my heels, I wouldn't be bending over to grab anything. One by one, we left what was now my half of the apartment.

"Rosie, baby. You look stunning, as always, but I've gotta hand it to you and Pixie there. Short stack looks good."

Emmett's compliment sounded genuine, but I couldn't stop the heating in my cheeks.

"He's right. Bella, you do look truly fantastic."

I hadn't noticed him enter the sitting room. I merely nodded in his direction. I knew that Rose had stopped to talk to him when we first got back to the penthouse, but I had no clue of what was said. He looked chastised. Coming up to me, Edward handed me an envelope.

"Is this some sort of contract?"

He smiled then, a wry, almost wounded smile.

"No. Just some things that I figured would make our time together easier. Debit and credit cards in your name, with you added as an authorized user, car keys to my vehicles and a brand new one of your own, driving lessons with Emmett, and an appointment to get your license a week from today."

I was floored. He was being cool and professional but extremely generous.

"Thank you. I'm not sure what to say."

"Only that you'll have a good time and stay safe."

Our eyes met then. Both of us looked guarded, almost as if we were waiting for the other to apologize or make the first move.

"Emmett will be there. I'm sure we'll be fine."

"I'm sure you will. Enjoy the evening. It's on me."

With a slight bow of his, Edward was taking off in the direction of his side of the penthouse. A part of me wanted him to come with us. I was sure he spent enough time alone.

Before I could invite him, Rose and Alice were shuffling out the door.

"Sorry Swan. Tonight is girls night."

"But Emmett is going."

"Well yeah, but he's there to be security and keep the pap's away. He'll be at a discreet distance until we need him. He knows the drill."

Leading us downstairs to the now familiar SUV, Emmett helped us up into the vehicle, before navigating the streets of Chicago and heading to the bar.

Alice seemed to be the most excited about the location.

"Bella, Headquarters is awesome! They've got signature drinks and throwback arcade games, and their mac n' cheese is to die for! It looks like we'll be there before the kitchen closes too!"

I could only nod at Alice.

"Rose, what did you and Edward talk about earlier?"

Giving me a wry smile, I watched as Rose added some sort of powder under her eyes and the corners of her mouth.

"My brother has a good heart, but when things don't go exactly according to plan, he has a tendency to take that out on other people. I don't think he ever planned to talk about Mallory, at least not so soon, and I think he got a little reckless with his words because of that. I only told him that since he couldn't be bothered to answer your questions and address your concerns, Alice and I would. He wasn't happy, but I think by now, Ant knows I do my own thing. Trying to control me is a waste of everyone's time."

"But doesn't he get angry that you're so uncontrollable?"

"Precisely. Makes everything more fun."

"And you call him Ant?"

"I'll explain when we get inside. and while we're at it, Alice and I will tell you all about the Flirtatious Four."