19
The door isn't even closed behind us before Angela pounces.
"Isabella Swan! Oh, my gosh!" She practically screams and throws her arms around the unsuspecting vampire. "I can't believe you're in my house. And you're staying! My name is Angela Marie Cullen; we share a middle name. Mom swore it was just a coincidence but … Your mom is the freaking president!"
Bella laughs and accepts yet another hug; she pats Angela's back. "Please calm down, sweetie. Your heart is hammering like a little rabbit that's been stuck in a snare. I've been excited to meet you since I got the call." She walks Angela over to the loveseat and sits next to her. "Play your cards right and I might formally introduce you to my mother."
I'm glad she made my kid sit down. If not, I'm sure Ang would have fainted by now. Poor girl.
Bella's eyes fall on my youngest, who looks like she'd rather be anywhere but here at the moment. "You must be Alice."
"Yup. And you're the spy. Excuse me if I don't fall at your feet like my sister."
"Mary Alice," I warn softly.
"It's fine, Edward," Bella defends and turns her full attention to Alice. "I can only imagine how you must feel. Dad hired the bloodsucker to make sure you follow his rules and ensure that your boyfriend can't manipulate his mind to benefit your relationship."
Alice glares.
"I didn't take this job to ruin your life, and I hope that with time, we can be friends."
Alice scoffs. "I don't see that happening."
If Bella is offended, it doesn't show. "I guess it's going to be a pretty long two years then."
Angela tells her sister to stop being a brat, but I don't see that happening any time soon.