EPOV

"Hello you guys. My name is James and there is a couple things I'd like to talk to you about." The words were replaying in my head over and over again. My nerves were going insane. I looked over at Bella, and saw her nervously chewing on her lip, something that I found completely adorable. Over the past couple of months, my feelings for Bella became more than that of her life long best friend. She was unlike every other woman in the world. But, I knew that she didn't feel the same. How could she when we've been friends for this long?

I pulled my thoughts away from Bella and gave all my attention to James.

"I don't want to keep you guys here that long, so I might as well cut to the chase. You did awesome tonight. I don't know if you guys noticed, but the crowd absolutely loved you, and honestly, I loved you too." After he said that, I was ecstatic. He actually liked us.

"Thank you," Bella said after a couple of moments. I'm sure she was gathering her composure like the rest of us during that time.

"No, thank you, Bella. You guys aren't like a lot of other bands out there, and that's a good thing. We need some diversity, and you guys are giving that. Basically, the label and I would like to sign you," he told us. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. All of my dreams were being handed to me. Everything that the band and I had worked towards was finally being rewarded.

"Seriously? That's awesome!" Emmet said excitedly. He was almost bouncing in his chair he was so happy. Not that I could blame him, though.

"Yeah, but you guys are going to need a manager and all that jazz. They basically take care of all the contracts and stuff. The label can give you one, or if you have someone that you really trust you can talk to them. I want to meet with you guys formally a week from tomorrow. So, Bella. Can I get your number perhaps? Just so that I can call to let you know what time and where it is?" Though I was so excited that we were actually going to be formally meeting with a label, and possibly getting signed, I couldn't stop the jealousy that flooded through me when James asked for Bella's number. I know that he meant well, but that didn't dull the anger.

"Sure," Bella said as she reached in her bag and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. I saw her scribble her number and give him the paper, but I started seeing red when his hand lingered on hers for a moment. I know that I had no claim on her, and I knew that she didn't feel what I felt, but that still didn't calm what I was feeling. I looked at Bella and I saw her smiling, but it wasn't the smile that she gave when she was truly happy. It was the smile that she gave someone when she was uncomfortable, but she just wanted to be polite. I couldn't help but laugh with relief. She didn't like him, or so it seemed.

"Great. I'll give you a call and then we can meet up," he said, only looking at Bella. Something was up with this guy, and I really didn't like it. Maybe I was just being weird, overanalyzing everything probably, but still.

We waited until he left the room until we started acting like six-year-olds, jumping up and down and yelling with joy.

"Oh my god! This is amazing!" Bella said, clapping her hands. Emmet picked her up and swung her in a circle before letting her down.

"We're gonna be famous, bitches!" Emmet yelled, slapping Jasper and I on the back.

"This is freaking awesome. All our hard work is finally going to pay off," Jasper said. He was acting somewhat reserved, but that was how he always was. I knew he felt just as happy as the rest of us.

"We have to go celebrate!" Bella said. I was utterly surprised. She never really liked to go out, but this was a special occasion.

"Crap. I already had plans," Emmet said. What could possibly be more important that celebrating with his band after getting an offer from a label?

"Oh, come on, Emmet. Please?" Bella begged. She gave him the puppy dog look that he could never resist, so he gave in.

"Fine, but I'm going to bring someone with me."

"Is it Rosalie?" Bella asked. Now I was curious. Who was Rosalie and how come I hadn't heard of her before?

"Yeah," Emmet said happily.

"Who's she?" I asked him.

"Emmet's new lady. I think this one will actually last more than a couple of days though," Bella joked.

"Can I bring Alice?" Jasper asked.

"Yeah!" Bella said excitedly.

"Okay, I'll go get her and Emmet go and get Rosalie." With that Emmet and Jasper left and Bella and I started walking to the van.

"This is so surreal," Bella said as she looked up at me under her long lashes. She was so beautiful.

"I know. It's almost too good to be true," I said. I casually draped an arm around Bella's shoulders, just wanting some sort of contact with her. Her warm, petite body felt so good against mine.

"Yeah," she whispered.

I continued to walk with my arm around her, just wanting to feel her beside me.

I knew in my mind that I needed to tell her how I felt, especially before we were going to be thrown into the music world. I needed her to know that nobody could love her like I did. Most of all, I needed her to know that even if she didn't feel the same way as I did, I would still be there for her.

"Bella," I began. It was now or never.

"Yes?" she asked shyly.

"There's something that I need to tell you," I barely managed to say. I needed to spit it out before my nervousness made it impossible to talk.

"Okay," she said.

"I. . . I want you to know. ." I had almost said it. My feelings for her were almost exposed, and then Emmet and the rest of them came running up.

"Let's go celebrate, guys!" he yelled.

I couldn't believe it. I had finally worked up enough nerve to tell the woman that I loved more than anything how I really felt, and it my opportunity got shot down.