Massive, massive apologies for being so rubbish at updating! Thanks for sticking with me I promise I will keep going I just can't say how quickly! Thanks as always to Donna for being a great pair of eyes and spotting my mistakes but I tinker after so any mistakes left are all mine!

I own nothing Twilight related just a ten year obsession with it!

Chapter 7

I worked through my lunch, determined to make sure I was finished on time and much to Tanya's dismay I had every intention of meeting her downstairs rather than have her trail up to my office. About five minutes before five pm Bella called and I answered the phone eagerly.

"Hey, you," I said, hearing just how happy I sounded. "Are you here already?"

"No," she said tentatively. "I'm just in the middle of something, would it be okay to meet you later?"

Was she cancelling? Shit, I hoped not but I gave her the out just in case. "If it's not a good time we can…"

"No!" she cut me off her voice sounding firm now. "I just have something to sort out, how about we meet in an hour is that okay? We could try that Italian place it's only about ten minutes from your office?"

"Sure, that sounds great," I reassured her. "Is everything okay?"

"It will be in about an hour when we're having dinner," she said with a sigh. "I'm really sorry, Edward."

"Just let me know if you need anything and I'll see you later," I told her before she hung up.

I pushed back in my chair and sighed in frustration. I'd tried not to think too much about the date in case I ended up a nervous sweaty mess and thankfully I'd been busy enough to keep my mind busy. Now though, I had an hour to kill with no more work left to do.

"I take it that was Bella?" Tanya appeared at the door to my office with a grin on her face. "Are you heading out now?"

"Do you have a hidden microphone in here?" I asked her and she laughed. "No, if you did then you wouldn't be asking me if I was about to go. Something's come up so I'm just waiting an hour before I meet her."

Tanya frowned, clearly my poker face needed work. "Did she say what?"

"No," I said. "And I didn't ask. You can take off, Tanya, I'm just going to hang around here, I'll go over my notes for the meeting tomorrow."

With a smile she shook her head and sat down opposite me. "Let's try and come up with some ideas for the summer event. I've got nowhere to be just yet."

Thanks to Tanya the next hour passed quickly with little time spent overthinking about Bella's issue or the date, but unfortunately, neither did we come up with an idea for the event. That was beginning to be an even bigger headache than I'd imagined.

It was about a ten-minute walk to the restaurant Bella had suggested but she'd not messaged or called to say she was on her way so I walked as slowly as I could. When I did arrive, she wasn't waiting outside so I sent her a quick message to say I'd get us a table and wait inside.

I waited about ten minutes checking my phone and wondering if I should just call her but deciding not to in case she was still sorting out whatever issue she was having. When it got to about six-forty five I felt as though the whole restaurant was looking at me like a loser who was getting stood up. I tried to call her but the phone went straight to voicemail so I just hung up.

My phone pinged and for a fleeting second, I smiled, expecting it to be Bella, but instead Emmett's name flashed up on screen.

How's the date?! Should I expect you to bring a guest home later haha

Unless I find a girl willing to come home with a strange guy then I'd say no, no late-night visitors. I think I'm about to get stood up.

I tried to call her one more time, but again it just clicked straight to voicemail. "Hey, Bella it's me, Edward. Um… I'm still here and you're not… obviously you're not, you're there… wherever there is. I mean, I just wondered if everything was okay and if you were still planning on meeting me? I don't want to hassle you but I'm sort of sat here waiting, so if you could just let me know what's happening. Um… okay… thanks."

I cringed at how pathetic I sounded, and I'd not wanted to be pushy but it was almost seven and I'd been sitting alone for a little short of an hour. How hard would it have been to drop me a quick text to let me know what the deal was?

Shit. You okay buddy? I've not eaten yet; you can buy me dinner if you want? I'm not putting out later though.

I chuckled at Emmett's response, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood.

Well if that's your attitude I'm not buying you dinner! I'm leaving now, can't sit here like a loser all night so I'll pick up a pizza or something for us.

I didn't try to call Bella again but the polite guy in me did think I ought to at least let her know I was leaving just in case she did actually show up. I tried not to sound narky with her, but I was pissed off.

Sorry, Bella. I assumed you weren't coming so I've gone home. Hope it's nothing too serious, but I'd have just preferred you to cancel earlier than sit there for an hour alone.

I felt embarrassed and annoyed and that didn't improve by the time I got home. Emmett had a beer out ready for me and aside from a sympathetic smile he didn't say anything until we'd eaten.

"What happened then?" he asked, eyeing me cautiously.

"She called just before she was due to meet me and said she had something to take care of and could we meet later. I gave her a chance to cancel there and then but she said no and we arranged to meet at the restaurant an hour later." I shrugged; annoyance was winning over embarrassment now. "I tried calling her and nothing. No replies to my texts or anything."

I looked down and checked one more time and then turned off my phone. I didn't want to end up texting her later and looking even more pathetic.

"Weird, she seemed keen," Emmett said. "Maybe something serious?"

"Could be, I hope it isn't but she didn't even give me a clue. Surely if it was something serious, she had to have known so then why not just cancel earlier when we spoke? Another example of assholeish behavior—they're all the fucking same."

"Better to know now that she's an asshole than waste all those years like you did with Jess," Emmett said.

"Yeah, I know." I finished the last few mouthfuls of beer and realized it was just two of us. "Where's Tyler?"

"Went out about an hour ago all dressed up said he was meeting an old friend. I asked him what her name was and he just smirked." Emmett grinned. "He must like her if he's keeping her to himself."

"I hope he has a better date than I did. Then again, she only has to show up and he's one up on me," I laughed, albeit halfheartedly. "Are you not seeing Rose?"

"She was supposed to be coming over about nine, but I've said I might need to cancel," Emmett told me and I frowned. "What?"

"Why did you cancel? Please don't tell me you've told her about the sad roommate who got stood up and needs a shoulder to cry on? Emmett, please just call her and tell her to come over." I shook my head; embarrassment was now more prevalent than anger. "I'm jumping in the shower then I'm calling it a night anyway. I've got that client meeting tomorrow to look forward to—can hardly wait for that."

"Tomorrow is Friday so at least that means once it's over it's the weekend. Silver lining, right?" He looked at me hopefully and then laughed when I just pulled a face. "We'll discuss silver linings when you're a little happier."

I trudged off, feeling fed up and annoyed with myself for letting Bella's no show bother me so much. I'd only known the girl for two weeks; I was getting too far into her.

The only issue with turning in as early as I did was that by five the next morning, I was wide awake. I decided there was no harm in getting in early to work so I could make sure I was fully organized for the client meeting with James. Once I was dressed and ready to go it was still not quite six o'clock so I expected our apartment to be deserted. Once again, I was greeted with a view of half-naked Rose in the kitchen with a cup of coffee in her hand.

"You again?" I grumbled and she laughed. "What delightful accusations are coming my way this time?"

"Non hungover and professional Rose in your kitchen this morning," she said, smiling and then set to pouring me a cup of coffee. "I'm on my best behavior I promise. I shouldn't really have stayed over last night I've got a busy day at work. I admit though, I didn't think I'd be sharing my morning coffee with anyone."

"Thanks," I said and took a sip. "That's good coffee. I made sure I was asleep before you arrived last night or I wouldn't have got any sleep at all—it does mean that I was awake ridiculously early."

"Emmett wouldn't tell me what but I figured there was a bromance-related emergency last night when he cancelled. What happened?" she asked me bluntly and I chuckled.

"Straight to the point, do you not think that's probably none of your business?" I asked her and she shrugged.

"I'll not know if it's any of my business until I know what it is that happened will I?"

I shook my head at her, she was even more forthright than Bella. Bella who had still to message or call me about last night.

Asshole.

"I was still feeling the effects from a strange woman quizzing me on my sexuality in my own kitchen just minutes after we met. When I heard I'd be seeing her again, I had a small panic attack," I said, trying to sound serious but she just scoffed. "I'm off to see my therapist now for an emergency session."

"Well, have fun talking about me." She said and walked back over towards Emmett's bedroom. "I'm a good listener if ever you want a female ear to talk to."

"Thanks, but no thanks. I'm done with all things female," I muttered as I finished the last mouthful of coffee and then left the apartment.

Tanya found me at my desk at seven thirty and she frowned when she saw me. "I thought you'd look happier than this!"

"Bella didn't show," I answered.

"Did she call to say why?" she asked and I shook my head once. "That doesn't seem like her."

"Doesn't seem like her?" I snapped and looked at her incredulously. "Well I've only known her for a couple of weeks and you met her once, so I guess we don't really know her well at all." I heard how sharp I sounded and half-smiled before saying, "Sorry, it's not your fault, I shouldn't have bitten your head off."

"Takes more than that to bother me, Edward. It does explain why you didn't answer my text last night then. I assumed that you'd had too good a night to reply." She looked at me sympathetically and I groaned in frustration.

"Please stop looking at me like the poor dog in the shelter looking for a new home." I started to feel my irritation rising even more and then I realized something, "Wait, what text? I didn't get a text from you."

"Well I sent one," Tanya said and turned her phone screen so I could see.

I glanced down at mine and swore, "Shit, I switched it off when I got home and forgot to turn it back on again."

"Won't you be sorry if she's been trying to reach you and explain?" Tanya rolled her eyes.

"Still doesn't make her just not showing up right, Tanya. I sat there for an hour alone, I felt stupid." I waited nervously for a minute or so for it to turn back on before several pings for new messages sounded.

"I only sent one," Tanya said quietly and I grimaced.

In addition to Tanya's message there were two more—both from Bella, both sent in the early hours of the morning.

I'm so sorry, Edward xx

I know you're going to be pissed off with me big time & I don't blame you, but believe me when I say I couldn't wait for our date. I really like you, Edward. Would you give me a chance to explain what happened? Please? I'm at work in a few hours but ring me anytime xxx

I showed Tanya the messages and her face softened.

"She seems sincere," she said.

"Sending a message at two in the morning seven hours after I let her know I was sitting alone in the restaurant doesn't really make me sympathetic," I muttered. "She's just yet another asshole."

"Do you really believe that?" she asked. "It can't hurt to let her try and explain, you can always tell her where to shove it afterwards."

"I'll think about it later. Right now, I've got the highlight of my week to look forward to, the meeting with James. This last few days my mood has taken a distinct nose-dive."

"At least it's Friday," Tanya chirped, trying to improve my solemn mood and then laughed when I just glared at her. "That's my cue to leave you alone."

MPA

"So, remember, we really need to impress these guys," James whispered as we waited in the lobby for the meeting.

"You've mentioned that several times," I told him sharply. "I don't understand why you let Garrett stay behind and not me? He's much better in situations like this than I am."

"I found out a bit more about the resistance we've had from the CEO," James whispered even quieter and I could barely hear him. "Basically, he wants to step down and have his daughter take over."

"Not sure why that's relevant, James," I said.

"Well, the daughter just happens to be in her twenties. The way I see it, is she's going to be much more agreeable to you, a good looking and polite guy in his twenties rather than Garrett, a fifty-year-old, impatient ass who needs to wash more."

"Are you kidding me?" I hissed. "If this woman is making business decisions based on the sex appeal of the people pitching to her then she's not going to be in a position of power for very long."

"Lower your voice," he replied and then shook his head. "I'm not saying she's going to make the decision based on that, I'm saying that you're more likely to hold her attention. It's a fact of life, Edward, attractiveness can open doors. That's why I'm surprised you persist with your hair like that."

I took a deep breath, clenched my jaw and resisted the urge to tell him where to go. Now was not the time or place to lose my temper and I knew that part of my low level of patience was not just because of what James had said, yes, he was a monumental prick, but on a normal day I could just shrug it off. Bella's no show was bothering me more and more and her texts didn't help, they only confused me—damned perfect asshole.

"James, come on up we're ready for you."

I looked up the stairs to the landing area the voice had come from and saw what could only be described as a dark-haired version of James beckoning us up to him.

"Good to see you, Royce, buddy." James sprang up and ushered me up the stairs quickly. "This is Ed Cullen our IT Manager who's going to dazzle you with a full breakdown of everything we can do to keep you operational. Since, Ed's been in charge our network down time has dropped by thirteen percent-that's why we can boast speeds and reliability like we do. I also have a mini presentation from the head of Security, Garrett, who can't be here to talk personally but is going to join us by conference call for any questions."

"Edward Cullen," I said as he reached out to shake my hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Ed." Royce, or James Version Two, looked to James and added, "Sorry you're having to do all this, I was ready to sign up. She's just looking to stamp her authority and went over everything ten times-that's when she found the supposed issues. When her father found out about her made up concerns he wanted to jump-ship. I convinced him to pull you guys back in for another meeting, but I can't promise it's going to go our way."

I didn't speak or react; I was getting more and more annoyed. Not only was I being dragged to a meeting because our Sales Manager didn't understand enough about what my department did to reassure the client, I was also being dragged there because of a power struggle between two massive egos. And it was going to be a waste of time because we'd likely not get the deal anyway.

When we arrived at the boardroom, I almost laughed out loud, because sitting beside an older man, presumably her father, was Half-Naked Rose. They both stood up as we approached and while I wasn't sure if I should acknowledge that we knew each other, she had no such reservations.

"Look who it is," she said, almost laughing. "It's a shame we didn't compare diaries while we had coffee in your kitchen at six in the morning."

James, James-version-two and the man I assumed was her father looked between me and Rose in shock and I realized they were jumping to the wrong conclusion about why Rose had been in my kitchen.

I laughed nervously, not really sure what to say and thankfully Rose stepped in again, she was as upfront and honest at work as she had been both times, I met her.

"This is Emmett's roommate, Edward. I've heard a lot of good things from Emmett about him. It gives me more confidence about signing up I have to admit," she said to her father who smiled at me. "Edward, this is my father Peter Hale, and you've met Royce already—I hope that wasn't too traumatizing for you."

Royce didn't look impressed at first and I could see James wasn't sure how to react but when Peter Hale laughed, James and Royce followed suit and laughed—albeit very fake.

"Shall we make a start?" James asked, quickly trying to regain his control.

Thankfully, my presentation went better than I could have hoped and I quickly realized that despite James and Royce's derogatory comments, Rose was actually smarter than the pair of them combined. I also realized that James's initial proposals hadn't even remotely covered the complexity of what Hale Inc required from us; so, it was obvious why Rose had voiced her concerns and why her father had almost backed out of the contract.

After we'd finished the discussions Rose gave her father a small nod and he smiled, I caught it and so did James so when Peter stood up and held out his hand out to James, he looked ready to burst with excitement.

"Draw up the papers and courier them to us. Once our legal department has checked the small print the deal is done." Peter inclined his head to me and added, "You should thank Edward. If you'd had this level of detail from the start then it wouldn't have dragged on so long. It's not about schmoozing my staff or making impressive gestures—don't blow smoke up my ass to get what you want—give me facts and figures to my face."

Although the compliment was nice, I hoped it didn't serve as an invitation for me to attend other pitches James had going forward. I'd be sure to prepare an equally impressive pre-prepared presentation that didn't require my presence.

All the way back to the office James prattled on and on about the huge commission he was getting and the inevitable praise he'd get from Markus. I tried to appear that I was listening to his every word but in reality, now that the worry of the meeting was done with, my mind was back on Bella. I read her text messages over and over in my head—Tanya was right, she did come across as genuinely sorry but did that really make a difference?

By the time I got back to my desk I'd decided that I would reply to her; I just wasn't interested in an explanation. I'd tell her that there were no hard feelings, but it was for the best if we drew a line under things now as it clearly wasn't a great time for her with whatever she had going on in her personal life, and I certainly wasn't interested in more girl-related headaches. I was done, we were done before we started really and that's what I was going to tell her.

Hey, Bella, thanks for your text but I just don't think it's a good time

Look, Bella, let's leave it for now. I can't deal with more girl

Thanks for apologizing and I hope you're okay but

I really liked you but this is just too

I'm not interested in

Hey, want to grab a beer later and talk? Xx

"Well, you really told her," I said to myself. "Pathetic, you even put kisses. How is that being firm."

As I started to consider texting her again to tell her something had come up, she replied and I sighed at the thrill I got. I couldn't even pretend to be cool and nonchalant about her, I really was the lamest guy ever.

God, you have no idea how good it is to hear from you! I thought I'd blown it big time. I'm working until late tonight; Alice has a midnight wedding to cover so we're probably not going to be finished dressing the room until 10pm. We can meet somewhere, or shall I swing by your place? I can bring beers and food xxx

I didn't even realize I was smiling until I caught my reflection in the monitor on my desk.

I'll get the beers and you get the food, anything but pizza. It's been a long day so I can't promise I'll wait for you before I open the beers xx

Can't wait, thanks for giving me the chance to explain. See you later xxx

I tried to ignore the fact that a few texts from Bella and the prospect, if she actually turned up this time, of seeing her tonight lifted my mood dramatically. I didn't grumble when James showed up for a chat just as I was getting ready to leave, I didn't panic when Tanya mentioned I needed to see Markus about the summer event on Monday, and I didn't even flinch when Emmett warned me that he was going out with Rose again and she'd be stopping over whenever they got back to the apartment.

"I'm going home," I told Tanya bang on five o'clock. "Have a good weekend."

"I'm packing boxes," she said in not so upbeat a tone. "I'd rather be at work."

"Need our removal services next weekend then?" I asked and she smiled.

"Best boss ever with the best mates ever."

"Don't forget it," I laughed.

"Tell Bella I said hello," she said knowingly but I just ignored her and carried on walking towards the elevator.

As soon as I got back home, I changed and went for a run, picking up some beers when I'd finished. Emmett had already left to meet Rose and Tyler wasn't home so I showered and had a beer while I waited for Bella to arrive.

If she arrives and doesn't stand you up again.

Why would she do that?

She did it once before, consider it a warning.

So now I was actually arguing and debating with myself over something I had no control over? "Help needed immediately," I muttered.

It had only just turned nine when I finished that first beer, I was just about to go and grab one more when my phone buzzed.

Just about to step off the elevator in your building xx

I had barely read the text when there was a knock at the door. I pulled two bottles from the refrigerator and went to let her in, ignoring my stomach as it did somersaults.

The first thing I noticed aside from the steaming hot bag of food that smelled amazing was that Bella looked exhausted, she looked pale and there were dark circles under her eyes. I held out the beer and smiled, she took it and held out the bag of food smiling back.

"I didn't know what you liked so I got heaps of different things." She looked nervous and I could see whatever her reasons for the no show, it had been a tough night. "So, where do you want me to start?"

"It looks like you need a break from whatever you have going on, Bella. I'd like to understand what's wrong but as your friend… or whatever… I can tell tonight isn't the night. Let's just watch a movie, have some beers and eat what looks like New York's entire supply of Chinese food and you can tell me about it another time." I wanted to give her a hug but wasn't sure I should, so I just tried to give her my most sympathetic smile and hoped I didn't creep her out.

"Where the hell did I find you?" she murmured and before I could answer she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around my waist. "Best visit to a bathroom ever, I swear to God."

I chuckled and softly put my arms around her shoulders, it was difficult with the beer and food still in my hands but I'd be lying if I'd said it didn't feel great.

"So what movie are we watching?" I asked her, feeling awkward as we both stepped back.

"Well, it's funny you should ask because guess what's showing tonight?" She grinned at me, but I just shook my head, no idea what she was referring to. "Notting Hill."

"Oh no, is that the bumbling brit guy you were telling me about?" I groaned but she just giggled. "I should have bought more beers."

I watched in amusement as Bella polished off more food than I thought was humanly possible. I'd been impressed with how much I'd managed to eat, but Bella put my attempt to shame.

"Where the hell does all that food go?" I asked her incredulously and she laughed with her mouth full of noodles. "I think you could beat Emmett easily—we need to get you to take him on."

"I haven't had time to eat today; we've been that busy and yesterday, well you know I missed dinner yesterday." She sighed.

"Yeah, well that was yesterday and today is today. Anyway, I'll let you get back to eating while I try and understand how you think I, in any way, resemble this guy." I jabbed my finger towards the television and she smiled. "I think I'm offended."

"I don't think you're too dissimilar," she mused pushing away the carton of food and shuffling closer to me on the couch. "You're adorably awkward, sweet with a great sense of humor, hair that's… grabbable, and you're sexier than you realize you are."

"Maybe the comparison isn't so bad after all," I joked and nudged her with my elbow.

As the movie progressed, I felt her head lean against my shoulder and both hands linked around my wrist. Her hands were warm and I smiled to myself, enjoying the closeness. For about twenty minutes she didn't move and didn't speak, so I turned my head and saw she was asleep.

I could have woken her up but I didn't, instead I rested my head back against the couch and watched the rest of the movie. For a cheesy romance film I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. When it finished Bella was still fast asleep so I just closed my eyes, not wanting to disturb her.

No, she hadn't explained what happened yet, no it wasn't exactly how I'd wanted things to start off but honestly, now I was in her company I wasn't sure there was anything she could say that could make me back off. Did it make me an idiot? Probably. Did it make me nervous that I was heading for a repeat performance of Jessica? Absolutely. Did it change my mind about seeing where things could go? Definitely not.

I hope to get the next chapter out sooner rather than later. I have started it already so fingers crossed! Hope you're all safe and well! xxx