OKAY firstly, I'M REALLY REALLY REALLY UBER INTENSELY EXTREMELY sorry. For things taking so long. Because I had a lot of stuff to do. But now I'm done yayyayay so I'll be able to update sooner and whatnot…and I really hope this chap is up to par with the others, my brain is basically fried from everything so it might not be good but I wanted to get it up as soon as possible.

Don't own.

Ch 20: Working for the Man

I tapped my foot impatiently, staring at the phone that had come standard with my cubicle. I knew I had to pick it up, dial the number, and secure an interview about this.

I didn't even have to secure the interview, Mackenzie had already gotten one for whoever he was going to give the story to, for tomorrow at 3. All I had to do was call and confirm. Not difficult, at all. All I had to do was pick up the phone…

But I didn't want to! He was the most horrid human being, ever, and had only picked up a charity event to counteract his awfulness as of late!

Time seemed to slow, and stop completely as I stared at the phone. Pick it up. Pick it up, Bella, and do your job.

My hand hovered over the receiver, and I could see it literally shaking. Why was I nervous? It was just an interview, just a phone call…

Of course, the last time I'd seen him in person, alone, he'd tried a few unsavory things, and rebroke my hand…

He wouldn't try anything, this time. This would be a professional interview, I'd have a tape recorder that could easily be turned in to the police, and he already had several lawsuits up in the air, he wouldn't want another.

What was wrong with me? Why was I being such a chicken? It was just a phone call, and just an interview…

I quickly picked up the receiver and dialed the number to his office, before I could get nervous and stop myself. This was ridiculous. I should at least be able to make a phone call without freaking out.

"Black Family Lawfirm." A bored receptionist answered.

"Yes, um, I'd like to confirm an appointment with Mr. Jacob Black, tomorrow at 3."

"Just one moment…an appointment with?"

"Isa—Angela Weber, from the Downtown Daily." I spat out, wondering how this would work out. If I'd spoken to Jacob directly, I could insult my way into getting an interview. But I was sure that his office probably had specific orders to not deal with me, or something like that. In fact, now I didn't know how I was supposed to get into his office for the interview.

"Mr. Black has a conference at 2, Ms. Weber. He has an opening for lunchtime. Is it in your convenience to meet him in the Carrington Café at noon? Or would you prefer to make another appointment?"

"Um…when would another appointment fall?"

"Not before Friday afternoon, I'm afraid." She sighed, and I could hear her fingers pecking away at a keyboard. "Let me see what I can do…your deadline is?"

"Friday, unfortunately."

"I could see if I could move around a few appointments, if noon tomorrow isn't convenient—"

"No, noon tomorrow is fine. The Carrington Café? Thanks." I said, then hung up. Goddamn. I had to have lunch with that creep.

I sighed, rubbing my eyes. This would be a disaster. I knew it would.

I decided already that I hated Mr. Mackenzie for doing this to me, though I saw the point he was trying to make.

But…Jacob was a monster! And here I had to willingly violate the restraining order to talk to him for an interview. I wonder what that would do to it, would it nullify it? God, I hoped not…

I was fidgeting, as I looked through the file on the organization. It was legitimate, it was to benefit children in foster homes…the perfect goodwill cover.

I opened the standard issue laptop I'd been given along with my desk, and began to write with what I knew about the organization so far. And knowing that Jacob Black was behind this made it difficult to keep the cynicism out of my writing.

I didn't know how much time had passed in my inhibition to call the office and confirm, and was drawn out of my reverie by a newly familiar voice.

"No wonder he hired you on the spot." Angela said, leaning over the wall to the cubicle. "You already have half an article!"

"It's nothing, really." I said sheepishly.

"Yeah, yeah. And I bet you'd have kept working through until closing time. Relax, Bella, this job really isn't as hectic as you think." She said, and I saw that she had her coat and appeared to be waiting for me. "C'mon. I know this adorable café a few blocks from here."

I followed, putting my coat on as we walked, and opened my phone as we got out to the street.

"Calling Mr. Cullen?" she said with a particular grin on her face.

"If you must know, yes." I said, smiling myself.

"Invite him. The girls would go crazy."

"We're meeting people there?"

"Yeah. Don't worry, they'll love you."

"Right." I said quietly, as we stopped at an intersection, waiting to cross. "Hold on just a minute…"

She just smiled at me, as Edward picked up on the second ring.

"Now, now, Miss Swan, no personal calls at work." He said mockingly, and I envisioned him wagging a finger at me.

"Oh, hush, I'm on my lunch break."

"Has he done anything inappropriate yet?"

"No." I said, mentally skipping over the way he'd had his hand on my shoulder that morning. "But he did give me a story on Jacob Black."

"I'll kill him. Don't do it." His voice was hard over the line, and I winced.

"Edward, it's alright, it's just a story. I have an interview with him tomorrow." I said, not sounding very convincing.

"I'm going with you. You're not seeing him alone."

"Nothing's going to happen, I'm taping everything, and it'll be in a public place. Don't be ridiculous."

"Ridiculous, do you even hear yourself right now? He tried to rape you the last time you were with him alone! I wouldn't put it past him to try again!" he was shouting now, and I held the phone away from my ear.

"Edward—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Don't 'Edward' me, Bella. Here you go again, making another stupid decision! And you expect me to sit back and accept the fact."

"It's called reality, Edward. Something we all have to face sometime. I can't just hide behind your money for the rest of my life, I have to start doing things on my own. And it's one story, and then I don't have to interact with him ever again. Jeez, I just called to say I was going to lunch with some of the girls I'm working with, and wouldn't be able to stop by. So I'll see you later, I guess." I sighed, and hung up to a very stunned Angela. "God, he's impossible."

"Is everything alright?" she asked, meekly.

"Yeah. He's just worried." I said, taking a deep, calming breath. "I don't blame him, he has every reason to be."

"Did…did Jacob Black really—" she started, but couldn't finish. Her light brown eyes were wide, as this part of the story hadn't been published yet.

"He tried." I sighed, looking at my hand. "He blackmailed me into going on dates with him, though I was with Edward, and he was drunk and attacked me after I left. Edward came and bailed me out, but…" I shuddered. "It was…not something I want to relive, that's for sure."

"Well, I'm sure nothing will happen. Aren't you suing him anyway? He wouldn't dare jeopardize the outcome."

"I know." I sighed, as she led me to the restaurant. "Edward just worries."

"It must be very exciting, though." She said as we stood in line to order, then sat down to a table with two woman already there. "Never a dull moment."

"You again." The curly haired receptionist said as we sat, waiting for our food. "You survived until lunch. Impressive."

"Jess, be nice." Angela said, rolling her eyes. "This is Bella Swan. Bella, you already know Jessica Stanley…" I nodded a greeting, then looked around the other end of the table to the slim blonde sitting smugly. She had long, straight blonde hair, blue eyes, and looked like a less stunning version of Rosalie. "And this is Lauren Mallory."

She didn't acknowledge me at all, just continued eating her salad.

What a pleasant individual. Really, don't hesitate to roll out the welcome mat…

"We've met before." Lauren said with a smug sort of grin. "Though you probably don't remember me. You spilled a drink tray on me at the Peterson Gala. That was a Raymond gown, that you ruined."

"Back in my glory days." I said lightly, sarcastically. "That was what, only two months pay for the families that dinner was supposed to benefit?"

"Like you're much better, letting your hot shot boyfriend pay for everything." She scoffed.

"Excuse me?"

"Don't play coy, you're just like the rest of them. The only difference is, you got caught in the sack."

"I think its funny that you say that, seeing as I haven't slept with him." I said darkly.

"Right, right, it was Jacob Black you fooled around with."

"Lauren!" Angela exclaimed, shocked at her friend's behavior. "What's the matter with you? You have no idea what you're talking about—"

"It's okay, Angela." I said, sighing as our names were called for our food. "I think I'm just going to go. I'll see you back at the office?"

"You don't have to, really—"

"Don't worry about it." I said, forcing a smile as she nodded and bade me goodbye. I had my food wrapped up, and started the short walk back to the office, slowly. What a mess.

I could have chewed her out for that, and really felt like it, but I was trying to be professional here. I didn't need her crying to Mackenzie, who was undoubtedly a little too frisky with her, and have him fire me. Actually, I don't think I would have chewed her out for that. I think I would have rather punched her in the face…I think having to fix her nose job would be a fair punishment…

Who was I kidding? I'd had my fill of violence when I broke my hand on Jacob's face. I wouldn't have touched her.

But I wish I had…

Entering the office, I found that I had a white rose on my desk, with a little note attached.

'Hope your first day is going well. Join me for dinner tonight? –Edward'

I couldn't help but smile. It was such a miniscule thing, and it brightened up my day. And again, with the white roses. Though now I knew it wasn't mocking my innocence, it was complimenting it.

He was so sweet. Remind me how this happened again?

I sighed, thinking to how I'd snapped at him earlier. It wasn't anything major, but I still felt bad. He was only trying to look out for my best interest…

I stood, deciding to get some field work done. I couldn't sit here any longer…

I took the file with me and hailed a taxi to take me to the foundation headquarters for the charity. I needed some quotes…

"—Thank you so much, Ms. Bernadette." I said as I left the office of the charity, after speakgn with the president. I had all the information that I needed for the story, and had also scored some photographs of my best friend Jacob Black with a few of the children.

He looked almost human, it was shocking.

He was at a local basketball court with a few scruffy looking kids, and the photograph was a candid of a three-on-three game. I supposed these pictures did what they were supposed to, in making him not a monster…

I checked the time, and whistled. It was already five thirty, I was technically working overtime right now. Where had the time gone?

I had hardly stepped back into the office when Mr. Mackenzie intercepted my trek to my desk.

"Miss Swan, might I have a word with you?" he said, and guided me into his office. I held my breath, wracking my brain for any possible reason he would need to speak with me.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Mackenzie?" I asked, sitting sheepishly in the chair in front of his desk.

"That's just what I was going to ask!" he said jovially. "How do you like it here? Any problems? I was delighted to hear you were visiting the Brooklyn Community Center this afternoon…"

"No, everything's been going fine." I said, deciding to omit Lauren's rudeness. I'm just not the kind of person who goes crying to daddy (or in this case, sugar daddy) when things don't go my way.

"And you're meeting with Mr. Black tomorrow, correct? I spoke with your lawyer this afternoon, after going over your file, and it appears you have a restraining order against Mr. Black."

"Yes, sir, I do. I'm not sure how that will affect the legality of the meeting." I said, sighing. I had been planning on calling after I got out of work.

"I spoke to your lawyer, who has agreed to make an exception for this circumstance, and this circumstance only. Is that understood?"

I just stared at him, taking in what he was insinuating. I wanted to scream at him.

Excuse me, did he honestly think I would violate the restraining order willingly, outside of this? What was he, an idiot?

"Perfectly, Mr. Mackenzie. I personally hope to never see Jacob Black again, so this won't be a problem." I said, and stood to leave. "Good Evening, sir."

Jebus, what an idiot.

By the time I got back to my mother's house, it was six fifteen. I was fairly certain Edward had called my phone several times while I was en route, but I was way too preoccupied with my thoughts to check my purse. I never heard it vibrate anyway, and he knew I rarely kept it on sound so he wouldn't really care. I'd call him when I got around to it.

I was feeling really lethargic this evening. I almost hoped Edward didn't have crazy good reservations at a chic restaurant, I kind of wanted to stay in. I'd be happy either way, but I didn't really feel like dressing up.

Walking into my mother's house, I saw that she was out, and was grateful. I didn't really want to hear her commentary on my first day. I loved her, but I was in no mood to deal with her shenanigans.

I flicked on the lights and half a second later found Edward's lips on mine, his warm hands cradling my still chilled face.

I reacted instinctively, melting into his embrace as he drew me up to him, and found myself grinning like an idiot as he drew away and placed a sweet kiss on my forehead.

"Hey." I breathed, smiling, as he took my coat.

"I decided to surprise you." He said as the aroma of food wafted over to me, and led me into our rarely used dining room.

I gasped as I saw how the room had been transformed. Little candles dotted the perimeter of the room, with two candles in the center of the table. Soft, old jazz was playing, and I saw that he'd provided a new tablecloth and set up the fine china that we never used.

I felt his arms snake around me from behind, and felt another soft kiss on the side of my forehead.

What had I ever done to deserve someone as wonderful as Edward?

"You made this?" I said, shocked, as I saw linguini with alfredo sauce and baked salmon with lemon. And I thought he was an awful cook…

…it certainly didn't SMELL awful!

"Your mother helped me, but I tried." He said, kissing my shoulder, then my neck, then finally my cheek. His lips left little explosions of goosebumps along my flesh. "I wanted to make sure you had a good day."

"You are adorable." I said with a smile as we sat down.

"And you're beautiful." He returned my smile with one that spread to his eyes, as they danced in the candlelight.

"Where's Mom?" I asked, out of curiosity.

"On a date."

"What? No way." I said, dropping my fork. "With who?"

"Mr. Cornelius Clemons." He said with a smile, as my jaw dropped.

"No way! How did that happen?"

"Apparently last week when we were out taking care of business she stopped by and struck up a conversation with him. He asked me for your mother's phone number, and called her this afternoon."

"Huh." I said, thinking. "Why didn't she tell me this?"

"She's your mother, not the other way around." He laughed. "And she probably knew you knew him and knew you liked him enough that it didn't matter."

"Yeah, that sounds about right." I shrugged. "But wow. Clemons asked her out."

"Going to play parent and wait up for her?"

"Nah. She can handle herself." I yawned. "I'm not sure I'd make it that long. It's been a long day."

"Just sit back and relax. I'm going to take care of you, tonight." He said, taking my hand and kissing it.

And he did. He'd rented a few movies for me to choose from, had a blanket ready for cuddling, and even gave me a foot massage. I couldn't believe my luck, and wondered if he had gotten past the meeting I had with Jacob…

…maybe, maybe not.

"I spoke to Emmett, he's starting spring training next week, but he said he'd go with you for your interview with Jacob." Edward said as he played with my hair.

I scowled.

Apparently not.

What a way to bring it up, after he'd already been so nice to me that I couldn't possibly bring myself to being mad at him. That clever little…

"Fine." I rolled my eyes at him, and snuggled closer. "Jerkasaurus. But clever, touché."

"I thought so too." He grinned knowingly, and kissed my forehead again as it rested against his shoulder. "He'll pick you up at your office at eleven thirty."

I nodded, and yawned. I was pretty tired, and found myself falling asleep on him. Meh…he wouldn't mind…

"Goodnight Bella. I love you."

OKAY so I basically know nothing about restraining orders, so I'm fairly certain my little allowance for the interview can't happen, but I don't care. In my world, it happens.

SORRY again for taking so long…honestly, if I'd had a spare moment to write, I would have, but I've been working nonstop for the past few weeks. Thank you for your patience. And all that hoopla. Hope you enjoyed!

Review!