A Trí (3)

A/N: I'm still so blown away by the response from you guys. I posted last week, chapter 2 was a bonus, and now we are on chapter 3. I think Sunday will be the new weekly posting day. I love y'all and hearing your thoughts of Edward and Bella. Thanks to my prereaders SassyNoles, AGoodWitch, Maplestyle, 2 brown eyes and BitterHarpy for all their love, encouragement, and general badassery. Mel C beta's this and she is seriously amazing and a card holder in badass too! We have more characters coming but no new ones in this chapter. Bella has a decision to make. Let's see what she decides (like we don't already know.)

I only allowed myself a few minutes to cry, and then I picked myself off the ground and got myself composed. I could lie and tell myself that I was crying because I was just overwhelmed, and I was, but not by the situation alone. It was honestly a combination of the offer from Edward's dad, finding out who Edward and Emmett possibly were, and Edward himself. Every time he and I had any type of interaction, it usually ended up in an argument of some sort, but the feelings that he was bringing to life were the most confusing of all.

Honestly, being a successful female surgeon in a male-dominated profession was hard enough; when you added in the fact that I was younger than most, most people questioned my abilities constantly. I had to become assertive, serious, and have that professional air about me constantly, and after doing it for so long, it bled into my personal life. Even though Edward had threatened me twice, he also made me feel like a fragile woman. Not necessarily weak, but fragile nonetheless. But also like I was intriguing, and he wanted to figure out my secrets.

By the time Rose came knocking on the door, I was already ready to come out and face the world. I opened the door and the look on Rose's face was one of worry and apprehension. She was used to being the more emotional one, so she always was really concerned when I was upset. I pulled her into a hug and told her I was fine before she pulled me over to the couch with her.

"What the hell happened earlier, Bellsy? That was Edward that carted you off, yes?"

"Yeah. That was Edward. He is the type of person to take control. He really didn't mean any harm in it, and I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. They could have hurt me anytime they wanted to as they knew where I live and work." I looked over at her, shrugging.

"Then why were you crying when you got home?"

I shook my head, knowing she would pick up on that. "Just overwhelmed, Ro. I got a very generous offer from an anonymous donor, and I'm trying to process and figure out what I want to do."

"What do you mean?" She looked confused.

I launched into what was going on, reciting the version that Mr. Cullen told me to tell her. No names or details were given, and I told her about the higher pay and profit-sharing.

"It sounds perfect. What is there to think about?" Rose asked.

"Like what's the catch?" I answered.

This gave her pause and she nodded after a moment. "Okay, I support whatever decision you make, sissy. But you're amazing, so it doesn't have to be a trap," she said, smiling. I smiled back at her, hoping it didn't look like a grimace. "Oh, remember we're going out tomorrow. You have to go back to work on Monday, so we're going out Saturday. And we are both getting new outfits."

When Rose had showed up to Seattle, I had taken a week off. I had promised earlier this week that we could go out on the town during the week. We were nearing the end of my week off, so here it was, rearing its ugly head again. I was only glad that I finally had a little bit of money to go out, and apparently, to buy new clothes. This also meant that I had until Sunday evening to give Mr. Cullen my answer. I knew Edward gave me all three of their numbers, but Edward's dad was the one I would be calling with my answer.

We spent the rest of the night talking and watching TV. I knew Rose could tell that I was miles away, and at nine p.m. she gave up.

"I'm gonna go read for a bit then go to bed. It'll work out, Bellsy. Daddy taught you to make the right decision, and you will do just that." She gave me a hug and kiss then headed to the guest room.

Rose had no idea, but what she said just made what I was struggling with worse. I decided to head back to my room too and was surprised when my phone started to ring. I was in the middle of changing my clothes to my pajamas, so I answered it, putting it on speakerphone.

"Hello?"

"Bella—hey."

"Edward? How did you get…you know what? Nevermind. Stupid question. What's up?"

"What are you doing?" he asked, sounding genuinely curious.

I smiled and laughed. "I'm getting changed. You called in the middle of me putting my pajamas on."

"Oh, you mean the tank top and booty shorts you were wearing this morning is considered pajamas," he asked. His tone told me he probably had what I was starting to think of as his signature smile on his face

"Booty shorts? I guess you could call them that. And yes, that is what I wear to bed." I finished getting dressed and sat on the bed, leaving the phone on speakerphone. "You couldn't have called to question me about my sleep attire."

I heard him huff and sigh. "Things got a little intense tonight. I guess that I wanted to make sure you were okay or whatever."

His attitude told me that he was trying to play it off, but his tone told me he meant it, and that was enough to give me pause. I didn't know what to do with an Edward that was being sincere. So, I repaid him with that same gesture, being honest. "Honestly, I'm struggling. My mind is a very loud place tonight."

"What's it saying?" he asked quietly.

I didn't know if telling him the truth was the right move or not, but I kind of felt like it was one of those pivotal moments. "To run as fast and as far as I can. The other voice is telling me that I'm a fucking moron for even considering this offer, and then there is a third voice telling me to accept the offer and everything will be okay."

"Which one is the loudest?"

"All of them. You know my dad was a cop, right? Can you even understand why I'm struggling? It's just that I would be involved in something illegal." They hadn't stated that they were involved in illegal business, but there were clues that told me. Mostly that they couldn't go to the hospital, and they wanted their visits off the books. "I can't risk everything I have on that."

"Bella, I can't tell you what choice to make, but I can tell you that we are very selective about who we let in our inner circle, and that is so we don't have issues like that. We all take risks every day because we have to. We won't let anything happen to you."

"Yeah, Esme said basically the same thing."

"She did?" he asked, sounding surprised. "What else did she tell you?"

His question amused me, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Nice try, Cullen. If you want to know, then ask your mom."

He chuckled. "So, it's like that?"

"It sure is. You know it's nice to talk to you like a normal person."

"Yeah. Might as well get along, right? If you take the job, we will undoubtedly see each other."

I smiled and then the question that no one had brought up came to my mind. "Edward, what if I don't take the job?"

"I can't answer that, Bella, because I honestly don't know. This isn't my deal or decision. That all comes from my dad, but I will warn you that my dad usually gets what he wants, and while he is a good man, he will do what it takes to make it happen," Edward said, sounding like he didn't want to be having this conversation.

I blew out a loud breath. "Looks like I need to make a call to your dad tomorrow. I know you gave me yours and Emmett's number, but I want to talk to him and tell him my decision straight from me."

"I can respect that, and I won't tell him a word."

"Well, it's getting late, and I apparently have shopping and clubbing in my future tomorrow, so I should go," I said, in a rush to get off the phone so I could process.

"Clubbing. Got a hot date, Swan?" He teased.

"Oh yeah. She's pretty hot. Brown hair, blue eyes, smoking body," I said, teasing him back.

"She?" He croaked out.

"Yeah, my sister, you dork," I said, laughing. "I had you going for a minute."

Edward groaned and then chuckled on the other end of the line. "Goodnight, Bella."

"Sweet dreams, Edward."

We both hung up the phone, and I wondered why it was so much easier to talk to him over the phone; every time we were face to face, the chaos always prevailed. I guess what was different about this time was that it was just me telling him what I was thinking, not him ordering me around or trying to be a control freak. I went through my nightly routine, said goodnight to Rose, and crawled into bed, hoping for sleep to claim me quickly.

I flipped the business card in my hand and picked up my phone, dialing the number before I could chicken out. "Yes. My name is Bella Swan. I need to speak with Mr. Cullen," I said to the snippy lady who answered. She put me on hold, and I heard the instrumental hold music.

I heard the click of someone answering, and I heard Mr. Cullen's calm, questioning tone. "Bella. I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon."

"You told me not to make you wait, sir."

"I did, that is correct." He chuckled lightly. I heard Esme in the background say 'Carlisle.'

"Dear, I'm on the phone." I heard her ask who it was, and he shushed her. It was my turn to chuckle. Interesting, his name was Carlisle. Their relationship reminded me of my own parents, and I had to focus my composure. "So, Bella?"

"I have made a decision about your offer. I'm in, but I want to discuss some of my concerns with you. Just you and Esme if that is an acceptable deal."

"Of course. I only ask that Edward also sit in on this conversation because he will be working with you a great deal to get things off the ground."

"I'm okay with that, Mr. Cullen. Whatever you think would be most helpful."

"I think Edward is available this afternoon. We can meet then. He will come pick you up."

We talked a little bit more about meeting, and I felt marginally better after I got off the phone with him. I didn't want to be too obvious about not having Edward in the meeting because I was still wondering what our next face to face meeting would hold, but he would still be there. I sighed and went to go meet Rose. She was still on about going shopping for our club excursion that night, and I was mostly humoring her, but her excitement helped buoy my own.

Rose was looking at a dark red dress. "Red doesn't look as good on me with the darker hair."

I was holding up a black dress with shimmery flecks all over it. "Welcome to the world of brunettes, Ro. Just remember you voluntarily joined us."

She laughed and sighed.

I hung the dress I was looking at over my arm. It would work and I had the perfect shoes for it. I looked at the dress she was looking at. "Rose, brunettes can wear red. This is just absolutely the wrong shade of red for you. We also can wear white, which you always wished you could wear. Let's look to see what options we have."

In the end, we found a great red dress for her—it was her signature color after all, so I got why she had a hard time giving it up. She also got some weird sandal boot type shoes. They looked great with the dress and made her taller, not like she needed it. Of the two of us, I was the shorter one at exactly five feet.

I needed to get ready for my meeting with both Mr. and Mrs. Cullen. I had a simple grey sheath dress that had a cute cut out on the bottom of the skirt. It wasn't terribly short, hitting me about mid-upper thigh. A pair of simple black high heels and a few swipes of mascara and light makeup, which added highlights to my face, helped round out my attire. Rose helped me sweep my hair into a simple updo, securing any loose strands with bobby pins. The last addition to my outfit was my rarely used reading glasses, which I settled onto the bridge of my nose. I looked at myself in the mirror in the hallway vanity, confirming that my choices were definitely acceptable, and far from the casual look I had donned the last time I met Mr. Cullen. Rose's giggle from behind me caused me to turn and raise my eyebrow in question.

"What?"

"You look like the definition of a sexy librarian."

"Oh, shit. Then I need to change."

"No, don't even. It looks professional but sexy at the same time. If your donor isn't thinking of bending you over the table, then he'll be appreciative you look professional."

"Rosalie Lillian Hale-Swan. You are not even funny," I said, laughing along with her.

She threw her arms around me. "I'm so proud of you, Sissy," she said.

"Thanks. I love you," I told her.

"I love you, too."

There was a knock on the door, and she smiled brightly at me and then ran to answer it. I slipped my high heels on and followed her, albeit at a slower pace. I heard Emmett's laugh and Edward's smooth voice before I rounded the corner and was in full view of the door. I heard Emmett whistle.

"Damn, Bella. You clean up good."

"I clean up well, Emmett, and yes, I know. I would have looked like this yesterday, but someone was off his game. So, we're going to get this out of the way right now. We're going to a club tonight. I see the way you and my sister look at each other. Would you like to join us?"

Emmett looked a little shocked and glanced at Rose who seemed hopeful. He smiled at her and she giggled. I rolled my eyes. Oh, for the love of god. "Yeah, I'll come with you guys. You gonna come, Eddie?"

"Don't call me that," he said, looking annoyed. "Hey, Bella. You look nice."

I pulled on my short peacoat. "Thanks, let's go. See you in a little bit, Rose."

"Bye," she said, blowing kisses. I laughed at her and followed Edward and Emmett to the SUV they drove everywhere. We were mostly quiet on the way, but Emmett didn't seem the type to stay silent for long, and his voice filled the car.

"So, you gonna take the job, Bella?"

"Yes," I said, looking in the rearview mirror to catch his eyes.

He smiled that signature dimpled grin. "Awesome."

I smiled back at him and shook my head. I flicked my eyes to the right and met Edward's eyes. He was giving me that intense look again, and it momentarily took my breath away. I dropped my eyes before I passed out from lack of breath. It seemed like we were right back to where we were before; I was completely overwhelmed by him.

By the time we got to the office building, my skin felt tingly. I could feel Edward's eyes watching me through the mirror almost the entire time. I briefly met his eyes for a second before I got out of the vehicle.

"Let me know when you are done, Edward. I'm gonna go run that errand," Emmett said as Edward got out of the vehicle.

He pulled on his trench coat as he got out of the vehicle, while I stood, waiting for him. Emmett pulled out of the spot he had parked in, and then Edward came toward me, stopping when he was standing right next to me. "Ready for this?"

"Yes. I appreciate the concern, but it really is unnecessary. I'm not a child." I didn't have to see the look on his face to realize how dismissive I was being. Fuck! I guess our civility earlier was a fluke. He moved to walk away, and I grabbed his hand to stop him, trying to ignore the feel of his skin against mine. "I'm sorry. My parents got really sick before they passed and Rose was off gallivanting in Chicago, so it was left to me to take care of them, including the loans I signed off on to pay for their medical bills, because insurance paid very little. I'm not used to someone trying to look out for me. I really do appreciate that you're concerned for me," I said, wishing he would look at me, instead of looking anywhere but at me. I studied his face, but the way he had it tilted away from me, I couldn't read his expression. However, by the twitch in his jaw, I could tell he was probably annoyed. "Hey." His eyes flashed to me and he finally held my gaze. "Really, thank you."

"I'm sorry to hear what happened to your parents, and it's okay. I know you appreciate it. I know I'm not an easy person to get along with. So, us getting along, it's gonna take time. I get it."

"Is that your way of saying that we'll probably still piss each other off?"

"Yeah, it's almost a guarantee," he said, smiling at me. "Did you want me to come tonight?"

"To the club with us? I noticed you didn't answer when Emmett asked you earlier."

"Yeah, because Emmett invited me, not you. I don't want to impose."

"You would be saving me from having to claw my eyes out from watching those two make moon eyes at each other all night."

We both laughed as we walked to the conference room. I realized that I was still holding his hand, so I smiled and let go. He chuckled and opened the door for me. Esme and Carlisle were already sitting at the head of the table with two chairs on opposite sides of the table near them. As I walked into the room, I unbuttoned my peacoat and took it off, hanging it on the coat rack before going to sit down. I felt Carlisle's eyes follow me to my seat. Rose's completely inappropriate comment came back to me. Logic told me that Carlisle was just sizing me up and nothing else because his wife was gorgeous. When I sat down, I crossed my legs at my ankles.

"Good afternoon, Bella." Carlisle smiled at me.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Cullen."

"Bella, you look beautiful," Esme warmly told me. It felt like a huge compliment because she was gorgeous and classy just like the other night when I saw her.

"Thank you so much, Esme. This is usually how I look for a business meeting," I said, shooting a pointed look at Edward. He really tried to stifle his smile, but he failed miserably. I don't know why but that seemed to make Esme smile smugly.

Carlisle listened to the concerns I had, and while he was trying to reassure me, Edward kept trying to interrupt his dad. Finally, Carlisle turned to Edward and said with thinly veiled anger, "Can I see you outside on the balcony?"

The muscle was twitching in Edward's jaw again, and his fists were clenched. They both swiftly walked through the sliding glass doors, and the minute the doors clicked shut, Carlisle was yelling at Edward, gesturing angrily. I could indistinctly hear Edward start yelling back, and I turned to Esme.

"They are both very much alike."

"I hope not. Every time Edward and I talk face to face, we argue or miscommunicate."

"They are both used to getting what they want. When what they want doesn't mesh, they get like this. Both are equally stubborn and protective men," she explained. She looked at me for a moment and then smiled. "Forgive a mom for prying, but is there something going on between you and my son?"

"Me and Edward?" I asked, a little stunned. "No, all we do is argue, Esme. I mean we are doing better today, but before long, there will be something that sets us off again."

"Is he being disrespectful to you?" she asked, a fiery glint showing in her eyes.

"No, he and I push each other's buttons. I don't take his attitude and he doesn't deal with mine."

"Bella, I like you. You're smart, beautiful, and you stand up for yourself. Edward needs someone to keep him on his toes and won't let him get away with his attitude, as you put it. Every girl he's been involved with lacked the ability to stand up to him. I think that you and he are perfect for each other." She smirked. "And with the way you are looking at me, you think I'm crazy. It's fine. If there is nothing there, then we'll chalk it up to my intuition being off."

"I'm not sure there is anything there other than being friends and colleagues."

Esme nodded and smiled a knowing smile. "Well, regardless, I'm glad that you will be part of this family. I can't wait for you to meet my daughter, Alice."

"I wasn't aware Edward had a sister."

"They are remarkably close, but he doesn't tell people about her unless he knows he can trust them. Like I said, he is very protective. She just finished nursing school."

"That's awesome. We always need good nurses."

Before we could continue the conversation, the sliding glass door whooshed open, and Edward followed Carlisle back into the room. Carlisle looked calmer and Edward looked weary and kind of like he was pouting. "Bella, I apologize for the interruptions, and they won't happen again," Edward said begrudgingly.

Carlisle rolled his eyes. He launched into his reassurances, and we made plans to go look at some spaces that they thought would be great for my clinic. I would have to give the hospital two-weeks' notice, but it would take a little longer for a medical clinic to be built, so we also needed to find a spot for temporary use as soon as possible. Carlisle would be able to pull some strings to move things along faster in the construction, but it still would take some time. We were set up for Wednesday of next week to look at some locations, and shortly after, the meeting was over.

Esme and I said our goodbyes to each other. When I turned around, Carlisle was right there. "Mr. Cullen. Wow, you're quiet."

He laughed at that. He shook my hand. "Always a pleasure. On Wednesday, we might be in some areas where wearing such a nice dress might get the wrong attention."

"So, pants it is?"

"You can wear jeans."

"Great. Thank you again, sir."

He slightly bowed his head and I smiled at him. "I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday."

With that dismissal, Edward and I headed through the building, and we waited a minute or two before Emmett pulled up. Edward opened my door for me, and I quietly said thank you; his lips tilted into a semi smirk and I got in. We all conversed on the way back to my house, and it was planned that they would meet us where we were going clubbing that night. After they dropped me off, Rosalie and I started to get ready together. It felt like another one of those pivotal moments was about to happen, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was going to get a whole lot more chaotic. My mind wandered to what could be in store for our adventure into real friendship.

A/N: How do we feel about Edward and Carlisle now? Still dicks, undecided, warming up to them. Let me know your thoughts on all the things and leave a review. I love hearing from you so again thank you so much for your reviews and comments on FB. You guys make this so much fun to share this. Until next week, lovelies!