A/N: Thank you for reading and your support!
Special thank you to Mel Cee for betaing-all mistakes are my own!
I don't own Twilight, just my plot:)
Edward rushed into the cab after getting an urgent text from Emmett. He had given Randall a much needed break until—if—he decided to go back to work.
"Meet me at All Hale the Kale. ASAP," Emmett's text had read.
When Edward tried calling Emmett, the phone went right to voicemail. So he trekked all the way to the restaurant in the middle of the afternoon. Shouldn't Emmett be working? Edward pondered this as he got out of the cab.
Spotting Edward walking to the hostess stand, Emmett flagged him down, motioning for him to come over.
As Edward approached the table, he saw they weren't alone. Before him was a casually dressed Emmett, Rosalie, with a smirk on her face as opposed to her typical scowl, and an older suit-clad gentleman, with a white beard who he did not recognize.
Edward looked at Emmett, questioningly, waiting for him to reveal why it was so important that he rush down here. "Hey bro! Guess what?" Emmett boomed. The table next to them gasped at his boisterous tone.
Rosalie gave him a slap behind his head, motioning for Edward to sit. "Emmett."
Emmett gushed, winking at his Rosie. Then the strangest thing happened—Rosalie giggled. Giggled. The Ice Queen giggled. Had hell frozen over? Edward wondered.
Edward rolled his eyes and stared down the older man, skeptical of people he didn't know.
"Emmett?" Edward raised his eyebrows, still hoping to get some answers as to why he was dragged down here under the guise of an emergency.
Emmett and Rosalie were nipping at each other's lips, so Edward groaned, palming his forehead.
Emmett turned his head sideways, remembering they had company. "Oh right, we're engaged!" Emmett squealed like a twelve-year-old.
Rosalie pursed her lips, waiting for Edward's reaction but still had a newfound joy about her. Secretly she wanted Emmett's oldest friend's approval.
Edward shook his head slightly and smiled at his crazy best friend and bitchy fiancée. "Congratulations to you both. Cherish each other." Edward cheered, genuinely happy for his best friend. If Emmett was happy, Edward was happy.
Hugs were exchanged as the older man sat, fiddling with his phone. Edward grew tired of waiting and asked bluntly, "Who's that?" He crooked his thumb toward the older man sitting across from Emmett.
Emmett huffed, his bubble of love popped. He wanted to bask in his good news for a while longer, but knew business had to be taken care of first.
Rosalie wiped her mouth, lipstick smeared from her makeout session with Emmett, wearing a cat that ate the canary grin as she made introductions. "This is Felix Macall. He's a private investigator and lawyer, specializing in corporations. He's also my uncle." Rosalie looked at Felix, tenderly. Rosalie Hale looked at someone besides herself tenderly. Yep, Hell had indeed frozen over. "Though he's more like a dad to me. My dad died when I was ten, and my mom worked two jobs trying to save money to send me to a good school. Uncle Felix picked up any slack," Rosalie gushed, adjusting the floral arrangement in the middle of the table.
Edward couldn't believe his ears. Was Rosalie actually trying to help him with his predicament? He wanted to ask what was in it for her, but instead he kept silent. A private investigator would be helpful in finding out more information about Ted and his alleged dirty dealings.
"We thought it would be helpful to have an outside perspective. Your lawyer is friends with Ted, right?" Emmett inquired, taking a drink out of his coffee cup. Edward nodded. "I hope you don't mind me telling Rosie, but I can't hide things from her." Edward and Rosalie exchanged a guilty glance, seeing as how Edward had Rosalie hide Bella's sudden rehiring from Emmett.
He continued his speech, narrowing his eyes at Edward. "It's not a sound idea to be in contact with anybody from Masen Point. You need to find out the truth and help Carlisle before Ted puts this craziness into motion," Emmett informed, grabbing a box of files on the floor and sliding them to Edward. "Here's everything Felix came up with so far. Oh by the way, I quit."
This revelation shocked him. "You quit? I thought you loved your job," Edward surmised, looking over at Rosalie to gauge her stance on all this. He wasn't thrilled that Emmett brought her into the fold, but if roles were reversed, Edward knew he would have done the same.
"Nah. I just stuck it out because I knew no woman would love me without being successful. But now that I've got my woman, I can pursue my real dream," Emmett announced, grabbing Rosalie's hand once more.
"Which is?" Edward prompted, his stomach grumbling. He looked around for a waitress, hoping to order something to tide him over. Of course, the waitress he was really looking for wasn't there.
"Opening my own food truck, of course. It's going to be an extension of All Hale the Kale. Instead of steak, it's going to be chicken. I'm thinking of naming it Old McCartys's Farm. Get it?!" He chuckled.
Edward nodded and forced out a smile despite the terrible name. After their talk in his office, he was attempting to be more supportive.
Rosalie interjected, "The name needs some work, but the sentiment is great." She smiled at Emmett, threading her fingers through their already clasped hands.
As the two lovebirds got lost in the future plans, Felix decided now would be a proper time to introduce himself. "Mr. Masen, it's a pleasure to meet you." He outstretched his hand to shake Edward's.
"Thank you, sir. As you can imagine, this is a very delicate situation, but regardless of my familial association, I just want to know the truth. Also I need to do all that I can to prevent Carlisle going down for Ted," Edward admitted. He had come to realize he couldn't protect his family anymore. Especially when it was starting to look like they weren't deserving of it.
Oddly enough, he also found he didn't want to turn a blind eye and trust so freely. If Ted was in fact as corrupt as the files and his pompous attitude made him out to be, Edward would gladly stand by and watch as the authorities doled out the proper punishments.
Sure, Edward yearned to believe that his adopted parents were stand-up individuals, who did no wrong. But Edward knew that was naive, and he had to be logical. They were only human after all. They were bound to make mistakes. However, this was far outside of the typical blunders a parent makes over time. This was messing with people's lives and freedom. This was potentially them ruining the only real family he'd ever had. By this, Edward didn't mean Ted and Liz—he meant Bella. She was the only "real" family he'd ever had. The only real family he'd ever needed. He was just too cowardly to accept that. He'd allowed his weakness to ruin them, but he wouldn't be weak again.
"I want everything you can find on Ted and his business dealings. Find out all the ins and outs of Cullen Industries. Try to see if you can track down the broker he uses in the Caymans?" Edward solidified his decision. Justice would be served if Ted was as shady as they'd deduced.
"Look who finally got some balls!" Emmett boasted, slapping Edward on the back.
"Speaking of balls, I'm thinking of making meatballs for the engagement party next week. Should I put you down for a plus one, Edward?" Rosalie asked sweetly, tying her hair into a tighter bun.
"Rosie, I didn't get to tell him about the party yet. And you know he's only obsessed with Bella. Are you going to have her working that night? Oh why don't you give her the night off and invite her?" Emmett volunteered, going on and on. He was considering inviting Vlad and Stefan, his stripper friends, as entertainment. That would go over well in Rosalie's fine dining establishment.
Rosalie gulped, knowing she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Bella stipulated when she was rehired that she didn't want to serve Edward or his family, but she said nothing about being invited to her boss's engagement party. Rosalie was often humbled by Emmett and his huge heart, so she could see herself softening if he expected that of her.
But, what would Rosalie look like if she started consorting with her employees?
She groaned, making a face at Edward, hoping he would offer her an out of this impasse. Maybe he wouldn't even want Bella to attend after all the recent madness between the pair.
Edward sucked in a breath, finding himself unable to answer, so instead shook his head. He didn't want to take away Bella's choice. If she wanted to see him, she would. She should be free to attend places she wanted to without any ulterior motives attached.
Excusing himself to the bathroom, Edward cursed how weak he had become while trying to compose himself. He was haunted by her. No matter how he tried to distract himself, it always came full circle to Bella.
"Now you've done it. He's beside himself," Emmett chastised, motioning to Edward, who was walking down the hallway to the bathroom.
"Ow." Rosalie brushes Emmett's comment off by slapping him for the second time.
Emmett looked around, ensuring Edward was out of earshot before he spoke again. "My one demand throughout our entire engagement and wedding planning process is for Bella to be invited to every event," he challenged, taking a long sip of his drink.
"Bella, please. I'm sorry for not telling you about Maria. About my past. It was just too painful," Alice protested for the tenth time since that doomed day at the vet's office. She jogged, struggling to keep up with Bella, who was speed-walking nearly half a block away.
Alice came home from her encounter with Edward and had confessed all her secrets to Bella. She also confessed who she told before her. Bella had been giving Alice the silent treatment ever since. Alice tried respecting Bella's need for space, but they were headed to Marcus's studio to set up for Bella's first opening and Alice was fed up with the cold shoulder she was receiving.
"Bella, is this because I told someone my story who wasn't you? Or is it because of who I told?" Alice barked out her questions, finally catching up to her. She grabbed Bella's art portfolio in an attempt to halt her. Bella rolled her eyes and wrangled free from Alice's surprisingly strong grasp. Bella met Alice's expectant eyes and then cast her gaze to the floor.
Alice crossed her arms, still waiting for an answer, adding, "This is because of Edward, right? It all leads back to him, right?"
The past week had been hell for Bella. Not only was she constantly reminded of her past with Edward, now Alice was confiding hers in him.
Bella shrugged her shoulders, nonchalantly, making a move to cross the street. Alice grabbed the bag that hung on her shoulder again. "Yeah that's what I thought. Bella, you love him. Why not just try to work it out?"
Bella shook her head, not wanting to discuss him any longer. She simply couldn't. This was supposed to be her day, and she wouldn't have it ruined by reminders of her past.
"Do you even still want me to come to your art show?" Alice murmured, at her wits' end with all this drama. They say catfights are bad…
Bella leaned in to wrap her arms around Alice and embrace her in a hug. "Of course I want you to come, Alice. I love you." Bella chuckled and added, " I just don't like you right now."
It was Alice's turn to roll her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait until you get home and Il put Caius in your bed."
"Do you think the canvas came out, okay?" Bella leaned back, gauging Alice's candid opinion.
"Yes, you worked so hard. Even after the debacle at the restaurant." Bella nodded, thinking back to when she went to All Hale the Kale to retrieve her painting that hung in the hallway by the bathroom.
Bella had just left her interview with Marcus and was on cloud nine. She finally got her first big break. This was a moment she dreamed of her entire life. The only thing missing was the person who she thought would be standing by her when she finally achieved success.
Shaking off nostalgia, Bella walked down the corridor that led to the bathrooms and Rosalie's office. She looked up to where her childhood-inspired painting hung just yesterday when she had walked past to pick up her check. The wall opposite the bathroom was completely empty. Had Rosalie taken it down, already backing out on her promise after she'd agreed to it as part of the terms of Bella's coming back to the restaurant?
Bella's heart began beating quickly as she made her way to Rosalie's office, hoping she was in a good mood.
She knocked twice before she heard a faint "come in" from the other side of the door.
Rosalie looked up from her desk. She was wearing glasses and intensely, scrutinizing a sheet of paper. Files were scattered all over her desk. How un-Rosalie like? Bella thought.
"What, Isabella?" Rosalie spat, taking a sip from her thermos beside her computer.
"Do you know what happened to the painting by the bathrooms?" Bella inquired, hoping Rosalie just took it down in a redecorating spell.
Rosalie scoffed and looked back to the fascinating piece of paper in her hands. "Someone purchased it early this morning," she replied, dumbly. She hoped Bella would leave and do so quickly. Didn't she have better things to do on her time off?
Rosalie opened her desk drawer and handed Bella an envelope with cash in it. "Your earnings." Rosalie waved Bella off.
Bella picked at her fingernails and shifted her weight between legs. Shit, the art show was a week away and that painting had taken her years to perfect. Maybe she could find out who purchased it and return their money in exchange for the painting? Yeah that could work.
"Do you know who purchased it? I really need that painting back," Bella pleaded, hoping Rosalie would show mercy.
Rosalie pursed her lips and stood up from her desk, walking to Bella who still stood in the doorway.
"Bella, I can't keep track of your artwork. I have a restaurant to run." Rosalie ushered Bella out the door, slamming it behind her.
Edward sped down the tree-lined highway. He hadn't driven his car in so long. Living in the city, he never really needed to drive. Besides, having a driver really solidified not needing to drive himself anywhere. Edward forgot how therapeutic driving had been for him. The freedom he felt. The memories attached, both good and bad.
Jersey would always be a place filled with a mix of happiness and sadness for both Edward and Bella. They forged their connection there. They fell in love, and ultimately they fell apart there. Edward shook his head, trying to rid his thoughts of her and his past. This trip wasn't about her. It was about Charlie.
He turned onto the main road, knowing this part of town all too well. Edward could probably drive around blindfolded.
Pulling up to the small house, he parked in front and cut the engine, furrowing his brows when he noticed Irina's car was in the driveway. She was never home during the day. Irina had been working night shifts before Charlie was placed under her care, but she had switched so that she could be home in the evenings. Though lately, her schedule was much less consistent. Charlie had told him that Irina had agreed to work doubles, leaving the girl on her own more often than not.
Edward adjusted his Ray-Bans and marched to the door, hoping to get some answers as to Charlie's strange behavior lately and her sudden decision to dodge his calls.
He inhaled a deep breath as he rang the doorbell. It was a few moments later when none other than Irina answered the door. She'd traded her signature scrubs for casual jeans and a t-shirt.
"Hello, Edward." She looked him up and down, giving him a curt smile. Irina wanted to comment on why he wasn't at work, but she chalked it up to how the other half lives.
"Irina," Edward announced, evenly, peeking around the door to try to spot Charlotte. He found it odd how she didn't invite him inside. "Is Charlie home?"
"Edward, I'm sorry but now is not a good time. I appreciate you being concerned for Charlotte, but she needs time. Time away from everything and everybody," Irina apologized, looking uncomfortable with this conversation.
"Irina, I just need five minutes to talk to her. I'm worried about her," Edward pleaded, peeling his sunglasses off to get a better look at her.
Just as Irina was about to say something else, Charlie walked by. Gone was the pin straight hair, the smudged black eyeliner, and fringed cropped top and tiny shorts. Charlotte's natural waves were back. She was barefaced and wore a long sleeve sweatshirt that covered all her skin. Edward was stunned speechless at this transformation.
"Hi, Edward," Charlotte acknowledged, meekly. She stood a safe distance away from the door and Edward.
"Charlie, are you okay? What the hell is going on? Why aren't you answering my calls, and why are you dressed like that?" Edward shouted, not giving a fuck about pretenses any longer.
Irina gave Charlie a stern look then turned her attention back to Edward. "Charlotte needs to rest. I think it would be best if you go."
"I haven't been feeling well, Edward. And as for not calling you back, I've been grounded." Charlie gave a dirty look to Irina as she said a quick goodbye and closed the door.
Edward slumped against the closed door, at a loss for what to do. Something was off. He wanted to bang on the door and get answers. He wanted to do something, anything. But he wasn't Charlie's legal guardian. He wasn't really even her brother, not technically that is.
So he did what he'd always been forced to do—walk away. Empty handed.
"Bella, darling." Marcus tapped Bella on the shoulder as she took a sip from the tiny glass of wine being handed out by half-naked models.
"Yes, Marcus?" Bella chewed her lip, nervously. She had been trying to gauge people's reactions to her art all night and was failing miserably. Her and Alice's eavesdropping needed work.
"You're a smash hit! I have people coming up asking me who is this new artist, B. Swan. I have two bids on that gorgeous canvas. They want more from you, honey. You're going to be busy," Marcus boasted, air kissing Bella his congratulations and moving on to smoke his cigarette away from the artwork.
Bella turned to Alice who was babbling to a random girl about the importance of TNR, Trap Neuter Release, for cats. The poor college student had no idea what the crazy cat lady was talking about.
Bella appreciated Alice's support and passion, but she wished sometimes she would tone down the crazy for five minutes. Listening on were also two other waitresses from All Hale the Kale. Bella wasn't particularly close with them, but she was grateful for them showing up.
"Alice," Bella signaled, rescuing the girl who showed her thanks expressively through her eyes. "I did it! Marcus said the show is a success. Two people are fighting over the painting." Bella squealed, hugging her closest friend.
As she pulled away from Alice, Bella looked up to see none other than Rosalie Hale entering the gallery. Heidi was trekking behind her as well.
Bella's eyes widened at the sudden presence of her boss and boss's best friend.
"What are Rosalie and Heidi doing here?" Bella shrieked to Alice, panicking and thinking the worst. Were they here to sabotage her success?
"I invited them. Well technically, they invited themselves once I mentioned you had an art show in front of a couple of the girls at work," Alice blurted, moving to greet the two beautiful women walking toward them.
"Bella," Rosalie greeted, nodding her head. Heidi smiled, embracing Alice in a hug, since they were closer than Bella and Heidi were.
"Hi, Rosalie." Bella eyed Rosalie's casual attire. She had never seen the girl wear anything besides her chef coat and very pristine dresses. Always appropriately cut. Rosalie was wearing leather pants that looked painted on and a sexy v-neck top. She looked hot. There was no doubt about that. It was shocking that Emmett would let her out of the house dressed like that.
"Congratulations. What an accomplishment!" Rosalie handed Bella a card, and Heidi urged her to open it.
It was signed by every employee of the restaurant. Even some regular customers signed it as well.
Bella's heart warmed. She never had people who cared about her and supported her like this. Other than Edward...
"I know it's not much, but on Monday, we are going to have a little cake for you as well," Heidi added, trying to break the tension and staredown between Bella and Rosalie.
Bella looked at Alice, grateful that she told people about her big night. Even though Bella disliked attention, now that she was getting recognition, she couldn't help but bask in it.
"Thank you so much!" Bella choked out, a lump formed in the back of her throat. "You don't know what this means to me."
Rosalie nodded and briefly smiled before breaking the ice. "Where's this painting? I hope it's not as good as the one that was hanging in my restaurant. By the way, Bella, that wall is pretty bare now. Better get moving on a new piece of art. Tick tock."
The painting wasn't the same as the one that hung in the restaurant. No, that one was forged during a painful time in Bella's life. A moment where she tried to put Edward out of her mind, time and time again. Painting this new canvas after seeing him again after all these years, Bella had a different perspective. Fresh eyes. While she didn't want to acknowledge how wrong they both had been, her art did the talking for her.
He'd always been her favorite muse. This painting was of two hands reaching out in the darkness for the other. Nothing else mattered. Nobody knew how Bella longed for that sentiment to be true.
Lost in her thoughts, the girls walked ahead of Bella. She was too stunned by Rosalie's attendance and her own revelations to move. Bella couldn't fathom what it would be like to have a tribe of people truly care for her, to offer her support unconditionally. There was a part of her that just couldn't rationalize it. It was such a foreign concept to her, and she was always wary, constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, but this felt nice and she wanted to relish in it—to have hope once more. Growing up the way she did, Bella was never quick to make or hold onto friends, so she had stopped trying. Maybe it was time for her to give it another shot.
The rest of the night went off without a hitch, and Bella not only had a great night with her art, but she found herself surrounded by love. The only dark cloud over the evening was the realization that despite all the people around offering her praise, the one who she truly loved was not by her side when she wanted him most.
Love was for fools after all.
A/N: Next chapter is the one you've all been waiting for...
