A/N: I'm so sorry folks. Here's a new chapter. Forgive me?

Have you ever been covered in various alcohol? Not just casually wet from having a random drink spilled on you, but absolutely doused? And leave it to me to fall into a table full of various things. I was sure someone had vodka, someone else tequila, so on and so forth. And I was sticky. Sticky and foul smelling and thanks to the fact that I knew I'd made a fool of myself, embarrassed as all hell. The looks of pity on Rose and Alice's face were almost comical. Needing to work on my awareness, I was surprised to see Rose hold up what looked like a shawl. Draping me, attempting to cover at least the front of my soaked dress, Rose gave what was supposed to be a reassuring smile.

"Babe, I think we should go. As is, someone probably got a few photos of Bella, and we should go before things get too hectic."

"But Rose, you didn't ask if I was ready."

"Alice, I didn't ask because it doesn't matter if you are. You aren't the one that took a nosedive into an entire group of people. Stop being selfish and bring your drunk ass on."

I was more grateful for Rose in that moment than I had been previously. She was right. Phones were ringing and people were starting to stare at our section. Time to go was an understatement. With a rare efficiency, Emmett ushered us through the kitchen and out of a back entrance where the ever present SUV was waiting.

"When we get to Ant's, take off everything and bag it. You aren't covered in puke, but you smell pretty rank. That dress and the lingerie is going to have to go to the cleaners."

"Alice, do you really think she knows much about the laundering of La Perla or Versace? Cut her a break."

"I'm not trying to get on her case. I'm actually trying to be helpful thank you very much."

"That's enough you two. Rosie baby, lay off. I think Alice had plans to be out much later. Alice, grow up. We're gone and won't be back tonight. Besides, I say that bottle you smuggled out. Should be more than enough for you, Pixie. Share with short stack. I'm sure she's not feeling the best."

As usual, Emmett was right. I was miserable. If the patrons at Headquarters had already seen not only the live version, but photos circulating of me making a fool of myself, Edward had probably heard by now, too. I had no idea what to say to him, and I was having trouble thinking straight. Alcohol does that you. And almost automatically, I accepted the bottle that Alice offered me.

Given that it recently came to light that Alice had stolen the bottle, my slight hesitant must have been more overt than I meant for it to be.

"Relax Swan. It's not the first time Alice has helped herself to the bar. Marcus will just charge a little extra to our tab. He does every time."

Nodding, I took the bottle from Alice and took a couple of swigs. My already tipsy brain had now crossed over into drunk territory. All too soon, we were pulling up in front of Edward's building and there seemed to be a swarm of paparazzi out front. Thankfully, Emmett was able to drive us into the reporter free garage. In the car, I had taken off my shoes and it seemed as if Alice an Rose had too.

"Swan, let me do the talking. I know how to diffuse Mr. ticking time bomb in there."

"No Rose. It's my story to tell. I should probably talk to him in something other than anger too."

With a nod, the three of us walked arm in arm into the elevator, Emmett's hulking form following close behind. All too soon, we were on Edward's floor and the elevator door was opening into his living room. Alice, Rose and I stopped short.

"Sorry Swan. I thought maybe you'd luck out and he'd be in bed."

"Rose I can hear you, and unless you're going to sleep in the guest wing, I think it's time you and Alice head back to your own dwellings for the evening."

I expected some sort of smart retort from Rose, but she nodded and slipped her arm out of mine. I watched as she walked up to Edward and hugged him, whispering in his ear so quietly I almost missed what she said.

"I like this one. Go easy on her."

I saw a quick smile cross Edward's features and an almost imperceptible nod. Saying their goodbye's to me, Alice, Rose and Emmett left much too quickly for my liking. Suddenly, it was just Edward and I in the room staring at each other, both unsure of what to say to the other.

"I heard Rose say that I was wearing La Perla and Versace."

"I saw the photos. And you kind of... reek. I'd wager they're ruined."

"Rose suggested she might be able to save them. I should bag them. Maybe have a shower?"

"I understand your need for those things, but I'd like to talk to you if that's ok."

"Edward, your penthouse. You can say whatever you want."

The alcohol had made me brave. I was almost ready for this talk.

Before I could spend too much time second guessing myself, I took off the stained dress. Edward's eyes couldn't have gotten any larger.

"Bella, I would have turned around."

"Not necessary. It really isn't much different than a woman in a bikini right? All of my parts are covered, swear."

"You raise a good point, but if Rose has got you in La Perla, something, somewhere is not covered. I'll be right back."

Before I could protest, he was gone. I wanted to sit, but I still felt icky and I didn't want to dirty up his furniture. I chose the floor of the living room instead, making myself comfortable on a rug. Shortly after settling, Edward was back with a large pullover of his. It looked impossibly soft.

"Here. Felt like this would help this conversation stay on track. You're much more distracting than you know. And this might help keep you warm. It can be drafty in here at night."

I didn't think I needed it, but I put the pullover on. This time, looks had not been deceiving. Wearing this was like wearing a cloud. I snuggled into the fabric, all the while listening to Edward squirm and clear his throat.

"Welp. You wanted to talk, Cullen. Talk."

"Right. Look. I'm sorry about today. Or I guess technically yesterday. I guess with the shopping and the restaurant and the fundraiser coming up, we moved too fast and I'm sure by now, Rose has told you that I don't react well to things being out of my control."

"Yes. That is something that Rose has told me. You don't need to apologize. I shouldn't have been so offended by it, I guess. And I definitely shouldn't be upset you don't want me. I'm nothing special."

"On the contrary. You're a young, attractive, intelligent woman. If I hadn't sworn off relationships altogether, I'm sure we'd be having a different conversation. As it stands, I think we should be realistic. There's nothing wrong with just being friends. I'm sure other people will assume differently, but I think we have an understanding."

"Not quite."

"Isabella? I don't understand. I thought I explained..."

"You absolutely did, but you don't get to make decisions for me unilaterally. You're not interested in anything other than friendship with me, fine. But I should be allowed to date. I should be allowed to have some sort of something, especially since I don't think you've taken a vow of celibacy here lately."

"You dating might be a bad PR move."

"You bedding some bimbo is supposed to be better?"

We both fell into silence then.

"Is that what happened tonight?"

"I don't follow."

"Were you fleeing some interested party when you crash landed into that table?"

"As a matter of fact, kind of. He was interested in me, but I wasn't in him."

I watch as Edward nods.

"Fine. Date. But no more moments like tonight. I can't have you making a spectacle of yourself. That's not what you're here for."

"You're right. I'm just glorified arm candy. I wouldn't dare have the nerve to be different than any of the women that tried to use you. Forgive me for not being Mallory, or Annie, or Theresa, or Lola."

"I see Rose told you about my history."

"It should have been you."

"You're right. But I missed my chance, and that's my fault."

"Right. I'll do my part. I'll smile and nod and laugh in all the right places. I'll stay out of your way, go to classes and fundraisers and cook like I said I would. We've got clear boundaries defined. And the thing with the pap's tonight won't happen again. I should shower and go to bed."

I stood and turned to walk to my side of the penthouse.

"Hey Bella..."

"Yeah?"

"You looked really beautiful tonight."

With that he was gone to his side of the house and I knew that there would be no more talking tonight.