Not finding the clarity I needed from the gym alone, I go for a quick run around the block, and actually find myself slightly disappointed when I come home and the house is empty. The pity party's I'm throwing for myself are starting to get old, so I decided to shower and do some work. While in the shower, my mind drifted towards tomorrow's investors event, and Saturday's fundraising event. These things tended to be dreadfully boring, but my mother had planned this one so I knew that at very least the food would be good. She may not have been able to cook, but Esme loved to eat. I exited the shower and went into my closet. I briefly checked that my tux seemed to be ready and dressed in sweatpants and a henley tee.

I'd never tell Bella this, but my schedule was a bit chaotic because I'd canceled so much to take her shopping. Suddenly, I heard the door to the penthouse open.

"Mr. Cullen? It's Angela Webber from Jennings. I have the entirety of your order, gowns and all."

Headed to the front door, I wasn't surprised to find James laden with packages and a slight frown on Webber's face. She'd probably had the misfortune of spending time in the elevator with him.

"I apologize for taking so long with the order, but everything is finally here. Where would you like for it to go?"

"I'll show you the way to Isabella's quarters. I must say, I'm surprised to see you here. I thought I heard mention of having the items sent by courier."

"Originally that was the plan, but Bella sent me a text letting me know that Ms. Cullen and Mrs. Hale were supposed to be here. I was hoping Bella could try on her gowns for the next couple of days with the shoes she's planning to wear in case anything needs to be taken up a couple of inches."

"I'm sorry. Isabella is out for the evening."

"Without you?"

I didn't have an answer for that, and I certainly wasn't going to go into an explanation of what had transpired the last few hours.

"Yes, James. Without me."

Walking to Bella's quarters with Angela and James in tow, I turned on the light to Bella's closet and gestured to it's contents.

"Ms. Webber, I realize this isn't your job, but if you'd help with sorting everything into it's proper place, I'd be grateful."

"I'm happy to help. Perhaps I can wait in the sitting room until James is done moving all of the packages?"

"Of course, Ms. Webber. James, let's get moving. I don't expect something as simple as a delivery to last all evening."

Ushering Angela toward the sitting room I could have been wrong, but I felt tension between her and the ever present doorman.

"Ms. Webber, while we wait, can I offer you something to drink?"

"I'd greatly appreciate a bottle of water Mr. Cullen."

"You're sitting on my couch. Call me Edward. One bottle of water coming up."

Heading to the kitchen I watched as she appeared to take in a sharp breath as James walked by to grab the last of the packages. Walking toward Angela, bottle of water in tow, I approached her.

"Ms. Webber, everything alright?"

The way she shook her head and squared her shoulders was almost imperceptible.

"Just fine, Mr. Cullen."

I nodded and sat in the chair across from the loveseat she occupied.

"Ms. Webber, I want to thank you for all of your help. You didn't have to deliver any of the items personally and it looks like the sheer volume of things means you were able to find quite a bit in Isabella's size."

"Bella was a treat to work with and she really is the perfect size, so it's not like anything needed to be altered. If there's something she doesn't like, or if I've gotten her measurements wrong and something doesn't fit, all she has to do is call and I'll send someone from Jenning's to pick it up."

I had to smile then.

"No more personal deliveries, Ms. Webber?"

Before she has a moment to answer, James was interrupting.

"Mr. Cullen, all of the packages have been brought up."

"Excellent James. Have a nice evening."

"I'd be happy to escort Angela to the exit."

James had a habit of almost leering at the women I brought home, so his offer wasn't a surprise to me. Still, I could tell that Angela was uncomfortable.

"Ms. Webber is perfectly capable of finding the exit on her own, and if she isn't I'll personally see her out. You can go now."

He nodded his head but didn't move.

"Problem James?"

"No. Not a problem. I just thought..."

"You just thought what?"

"Well some of those packages were pretty heavy..."

I took a deep breath before speaking. I didn't need me losing my temper in front of employee's to become a habit.

"James, heavy or not, deliveries are your job. Attempting to hustle me for a tip is unacceptable. As a matter of fact, perhaps I should give you what you want."

Rising, I straightened my sweater and walked toward my front door.

"Ms. Webber, if you would kindly complete that closet organization, I'm going to give James the tip he's been requesting."

Angela clearly had self preservation skills. With almost no hesitation, she rose and walked quickly to Bella's quarters. When I could no longer see her, I turned my attention back to James.

"You want a tip? Here it is. From now on, you are going to be a consummate professional. This means: No making my dates, friends or employee's uncomfortable in any way, and doing your job to best of your ability. Any change in the decline of the quality of your work, I head to the board and ask them to fire you. Guarantee they'll do it and you'll go from feeling as if you haven't been tipped sufficiently to figuring out how to make any money at all. If ever you see Ms. Webber again, the only thing you'll be opening your moth to do is apologize, and if I find out that you've been harassing any of the other residents in this building, Jacob will be picking up your shifts faster than you can say 'Good Afternoon'. Now go."

I opened the door and stepped aside, allowing him to exit. I may have imagined it, but I could have sworn I heard him grumbling under his breath. I hated to be so unpleasant, but he'd clearly made Angela uncomfortable. I grabbed Angela's water bottle and placed it on the table by the front door. Webber was a professional. She may have indulged me and agreed to the beverage I'd offered, but she wouldn't ask for it again. I drained my drink and placed my glass in the sink. Housekeeping would be by tomorrow and I would need to tell them about Bella. Perhaps I could convince her to oversee them and their duties. With the projects Cullen Engineering had in the pipelines currently, I'd have less time than ever before.

Soon, Angela was walking back to the sitting room, a couple of empty garment bags in tow.

"Mr. Cullen, the entirety of the deliveries has been sorted and put away. I must compliment you on the design of the closet. It has a nice flow and there was an easily identifiable space for everything. Again, please don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything that needs to be returned or altered."

"Can I walk you out, Ms. Webber?"

"No need. I have it on good authority that Jacob is on duty now and even if he's running late, I keep a taser in my bag. If it's no trouble, I'd like to take my water with me for the train ride south."

"Nonsense. Emmett is out this evening, but I do retain the services of an on call driver. He'll take you to the southside. It's too dark out for public transit."

"My husband Ben will be glad to know I'm not out on it. I appreciate the ride Mr. Cullen. Good luck at your events this weekend."

"Thank you Ms. Webber. Louis will meet you out front in the town car. Take care."

With that, she was gone and I was alone. I made a mental note to ask Bella if I she felt like she had sufficient clothing and if I could take a look at Angela's handiwork. I hoped that Rose, Bella and Alice were having a good time. I planned to be awake when they got home, but I knew how laser focused I could be when working. Pouring myself another scotch, I settled in and took a look at some proposals.