*I forgot to mention there are seven chapters total and it'll be updating through the day.*

Chapter 2 (By Honeymoon Edward)

EPOV

"Can you believe this shit?" Irina shrieks as we settle into the back of the chauffeured town car. "My new Elie Saab—destroyed!"

Sighing, I rest my head against the soft leather cushion of the seat. My mind returns to our poor server who just lost her job. "Things could be worse."

Instead of responding, she huffs as she grabs a tissue from her handbag to blot the front of her dress.

Turning my head, I look out the window. As I watch the sky begin to deepen toward sunset, I picture the waitress' pained expression as she learned she was fired. Despair and raw hurt glittered in her dark eyes as she left the restaurant. Even though I tried to explain that it wasn't her fault, the manager wouldn't listen. His only concern was damage control.

"I guess we'll be having room service again," Irina interrupts my musings. "At least the hotel offers carb free choices. I swear to God, I gain five pounds whenever I'm near pasta."

I roll my eyes at my assistant's dramatics and continue viewing the scenery. Majestic oak trees line the streets. Covered in moss, their drooping branches create a canopy over the road. As we pass one of the town's historic squares, a figure sitting on a bench catches my eye. Before I realize what I'm doing, I shout, "Stop the car!"

After the driver pulls over, Irina looks at me as if I've grown a second head. "What the hell, Edward?"

"Sorry," I say sheepishly before adding, "I think I'll walk around a bit. Go on back to the hotel, and I'll call for the car when I'm ready to return."

She eyes me suspiciously for a moment. "Do you really think that's a good idea? What if you run into the paparazzi, or worse yet, a pack of screaming fans?"

"Irina, it's nighttime; I'm sure no one will even recognize me." Before she can argue, I open my door and step onto the sidewalk. Once they leave, I jog across the street toward the park.

As I approach Ellis Square, the faint sounds of a flute drifts through the air. I spot a street performer sitting near the fountain, playing for a small crowd. I pause for a moment to listen as I watch water shoot straight up into the air from underground; its jets dance around in random patterns. Not wanting to gain attention, I take the longer route to my destination.

With her head buried in her hands, her shoulders shake with silent tears. She doesn't notice me as I reach the bench; I sit down.

Startled, she gasps. "Y-you scared me!" She sniffles before wiping her eyes with her shirtsleeve. "What are you doing here?"

"I apologize; I didn't mean to frighten you," I say with a warm smile. "You see, I was driving by, and I saw you sitting here."

She stares at me wide-eyed and remains quiet.

I offer my hand. "I didn't get to introduce myself earlier this evening. Hello, I'm Edward Cullen."

"I know who you are," she responds in a low whisper before wrapping her fingers around mine. Her touch is soft, and I feel the skin on the back of my neck prickle.

"And you're…Pacci, correct?" My mouth twitches in amusement as a ghost of a grin crosses her face.

"Close, but no." She releases a small giggle. "It's actually Bella."

"Oh yes!" I exclaim with a chuckle and a wink. "I remember now."

Once we quit laughing, her eyebrows furrow. "Why did you stop to see me?"

I run a hand through my hair before exhaling. "I feel horrible about what occurred at the restaurant. I know it wasn't your fault, and I wanted to make sure you're okay." I continue with my explanation, including how I saw the other server trip her, and also, how I tried to save her job.

"You really went to all that trouble for me?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I ask, puzzled by her statement.

"Because y-you're...you," she stammers, gesturing toward me.

"Yeah, I am," I respond with a shrug of my shoulder. "And you're...you." I gesture back, hoping she gets my meaning—being a well-known actor doesn't make me better than anybody else.

"Fair enough. Well, thank you. I really appreciate your attempt." She chews her bottom lip.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help more," I say before adding, "but between you and me, your boss is sort of an ass."

Another giggle escapes her throat, this one more prominent than the last. "You don't know the half of it," she replies as she tucks a strand of her long, wavy hair behind her ear.

I study her closely as she talks. I remember finding her lovely when she waited our table, but now, seeing her up close, I realize how wrong I was.

Bella is downright beautiful.

More people trickle into the square as businesses begin to close for the evening. I know I'm pushing my luck and will more than likely be spotted soon unless I leave. But I'm not ready to part from Bella. Intrigued by her sweet nature, I want to learn more about her. Scanning the area around us, I observe a small cafe that appears open.

"Would you like to get a coffee?"

Surprise flickers in her still wet eyes. "S-sure," she replies.

We stand and begin our way down the path. After learning it's my first visit to Savannah, Bella shares some of the city's rich history.

"Not too many years ago, Ellis Square was a parking garage. In fact, it's one of the great stories of preservation in Savannah."

I listen as she describes the monumental task it took to turn the once concrete eyesore into the lush green space that I see before me.

"The city regained control of the landmark and began rebuilding in 2006. The parking garage was relocated underground, and the square was rebuilt on top. The endeavor was a huge success and received national recognition as a sustainable urban renewal project."

"You seem to know quite a bit about Savannah's restoration efforts," I say, intrigued by her intelligence and the evident passion which exudes from her as she speaks.

She pauses. Even though we are only illuminated by a streetlamp, I see a trace of a blush fill her cheeks.

"Geez, I'm sorry; I've probably just bored you to death." She groans before adding, "You see, I'm pursuing my master of architecture at SCAD, so I tend to ramble on whenever I talk about anything related to sustainable design."

Just as I start to reply, a new voice sounds beside me. "Excuse me, Mr. Cullen."

I turn to discover a group of three ladies staring; their mouths agape in shock. I was so wrapped up in Bella's conversation, I hadn't noticed their approach.

Fans.

"Can we get your a-autograph?" one asks before stepping closer.

They appear older than my typical following and seem harmless, so I agree. Even though I love meeting my fans, I've learned over the years the importance of being cautious.

She digs through her purse before pulling out a festival brochure. I make small conversation and ask them how long they've been in town, and if they are enjoying the festivities.

Bella stands to the side. I mouth, "Sorry." She smiles, and mouths back, "It's okay."

When one of the women asks for a picture, Bella offers to take it. After snapping a photograph with each of them, I say goodbye before Bella and I continue on our way.

"That was really nice of you," she comments. "But doesn't it ever get old?"

"What? Signing autographs?"

"Yes that, and not being able to simply walk down the street without being recognized."

"Of course it gets tiresome, but I'm thankful for my fans. Without their support, I wouldn't be as successful as I am."

After I say the words, I realize how cocky they sound. Backtracking, I add, "I didn't mean for that to come out like it did."

Placing her hand on my forearm, she laughs. "Relax, Edward. I know what you meant. And again, I think it was so sweet. And your fans were adorable as well; especially the one who was around the age of my grandmother."

Heat spreads throughout my body as I once again relish the feel of her touch. After clearing my throat, I say, "She was kind of cute, wasn't she? In fact, she reminded me of my own grandma, Fran. I spend at least a month each year with her on her farm in Vermont."

As we continue to discuss our mutual love for our grandparents, we reach the cafe.

AN:

A year ago this month, I stumbled upon Pay It Forward. When I asked if anyone was willing to beta a story for me, you volunteered without question.

I won the fanfiction lottery that day. Not only did I gain the most kick ass beta in the fandom, but also, a new friend who I cherish dearly.

I hope you know how much I adore and appreciate you. Words can never express my gratitude for all the times you held my hand when I doubted myself, talked me through a horrendous guest review, and cheered me on from the sidelines.

I hope you have the most wonderful birthday! May your year be full of all things good.

Here's to a Rob sighting in 2018!

I love you my friend,

Amy

(PS - I hope you caught my nod to the Winterward Contest.)