A/N – Nope, Twilight's not mine.
"Bella," he said again, even quieter, "please."
I bit my bottom lip and took a deep breath. I knew that I should storm out and not look back. I knew that if I stayed I may regret it tomorrow. I knew that if I stayed I would be giving up some of my dignity. I also knew that walking out of here meant more than just leaving my job behind.
Without looking back and a slight lift of my chin, I walked out – not a bit of hesitation in my normally clumsy feet. I wish I could've seen his face at this exact moment. Edward wasn't used to not getting his way, but I wasn't going to give in this time. His glorious body and chiseled features weren't going to win over my self respect and determination. I deserved better and we both knew it.
I continued down the short hallway back to my office. I didn't even glimpse at Alice sitting at her desk, knowing full well that she was waiting for the low down of what just happened.
"Cancel all appointments, Alice." I'd call her later and explain. I quickly went to my desk, shoved my laptop in my oversized Coach bag, grabbed my black trench and walked out.
I could feel all eyes on me as I went down the hallway that led to the double doors outside. I'm not sure what expression was on my face, but no one dared to ask me where I was going in the middle of the day. I'm sure I'd be the talk of the water coolers for the next little while, until something else occupied their small minds.
The wind hit me with a fierce slap. Shit, it's freezing! I quickly made my way to my BMW 550i sedan – I know not exactly practical for a winter in Seattle, but I couldn't make myself switch to my Ford Expedition yet. Winters are not usually harsh here, but we do get an abundance of rain and cold days. This was one of those cold ones. I couldn't wait for Spring.
I settled into the soft leather seat and threw my bag on the passenger side. I turned the key in the ignition and heard the quiet purr of the engine starting. I quickly turned the volume on the stereo down; I was jamming to Black Eyed Peas on my way in this morning – thinking it was going to be a great day to celebrate. Boy, this day turned out a bit differently than I was expecting a few hours ago.
I put the car in drive and made my way to the only haven I had in this town, home. Home consisted of a large apartment in the prestige Belltown District. It felt good to own something free and clear, something that was all mine. I still remember the feeling when I picked up the keys and turned the brushed nickel knob the first time – pride. It almost made it worth all the topless serving and 'extra' favors I did to get here.
After throwing my bag and coat on the small table at the front door, I settled myself on the light cream coach and stretched out. God, my body is tense.
"Now what?" I said aloud to myself. I just walked out of the job that kept me consumed for the last couple years, with no idea of what was next. "What's the plan now?"
I must've drifted off, cause the next thing I heard was a loud tapping on the door.
"Bella, open up! I know you're in there!"
Alice. I glanced at my blackberry on the table in front of me, noticing it was after five and that I had seven missed calls. I slowly stood up, still groggy from my unexpected nap and dragged my feet to the door.
"Alice, what are you d…" I began to ask with a yawn, as I swung the door open.
"I can't believe you fucking quit!" She yelled at me. "Why didn't you tell me that you were planning on leaving? Fuck, Bella. I thought we were friends?!" She pushed past me into the apartment, her tiny frame shaking with anger.
"What are you talking about Alice? I didn't exactly plan it. I didn't know I was going to until today."
"Oh, well you should've told me anyway." She pouted. Alice couldn't stay mad for long, she was the epitome of cheerful. "Did you leave because of Victoria?" She asked quietly.
"Not exactly Victoria," I replied honestly, "but that was the last straw. You've seen how it's been lately. I've worked my ass off with the personal parties and I've done a damn good job! It's not easy keeping all those horny men happy, but I've managed to triple our numbers. Not only that, but keeping all our girls happy – that was another full time job on its own!"
"I know." Alice said simply, "Just tell me when you plan on doing something so radical! I was terrified Edward was going to rip my head off when you left and I couldn't tell him where you went!"
"He asked you where I went?"
"Well not exactly asked, more like demanded!"
"Interesting." Huh, guess my walking out had some impact – not that it mattered anymore. He was probably struggling with who was going to organize this coming weekends parties.
"So, what's the plan now?" Alice asked her head cocked to the side slightly.
"I'm not sure, haven't thought much about it." I replied, scrunching my eyebrows together in thought.
"Well, we better come up with something! I can't be without a job for long."
What??
"What do you mean; you can't be out of a job for long?" I asked already knowing where she was going with this.
"I quit." She said as she started rummaging through my fridge. "You really didn't think I'd stay there without you, did you?"
"Actually, yes I did think that, Alice," slightly annoyed.
"Well, your thinking was wrong then," she said as she grabbed a bottle of white wine and settled it on the counter, "I honestly could hardly stand working in that office anyway. The only thing keeping me sane was you, and even that was border line lately. You're so moody." She stuck her tongue out at me with that last sentence.
She was right. I knew that I wasn't the best person to be around lately. This promotion had taken my life over in a weird sort of obsession. I was so focused on this 'new job' that I totally forgot the normal everyday pleasantries.
"Sorry Alice," I apologized, "this stupid promotion just got to me, you know? I wanted it sooo bad! I still can't believe Edward chose Victoria!"
"Good riddance, you're too good for that place anyway! Wanna drink?" she said while holding up a wine glass, a huge smile plastered on her face. God, I love Alice! She knows exactly how to lift my mood up.
I nodded. Alcohol was definitely needed – lots of it.
After a couple hours of bitching and moaning about life, we were, well, slightly inebriated. I think I was feeling the effects a little more than Alice, given the fact that I haven't consumed a morsel of food today.
"I wish I could've seen his face when you said 'male urges and sexual frustration.'" Alice said between laughs and wiping tears from her eyes.
"It's not funny!" I argued throwing a pillow from the sofa at her short dark pixie hair, trying to act mad. "It was very serious! I want to be taken seriously!" I laughed, unable to keep a straight face. "Okay, I'll admit it, it was pretty funny. I still can't believe I walked out, or that you walked out! I wish I could've seen Edwards face for that!"
"Poor Edward," Alice teased, "he's probably still fuming in his office. I've never seen him so hysterical – he's always so cool and collected. Guess you got that special touch." Alice winked while filling up our glasses with the last bit of white wine.
"I'm not so sure about my touch, but Edwards touch is definitely something." Shit, did I actually say that out loud in front of Alice? I snuck a quick look in her direction to see if she heard.
She heard. I saw a wide-eyed Alice staring back at me, with her mouth open slightly.
"What?" I asked, praying she wouldn't push this further.
"Oh no, you don't," she wasn't going to let this go, "Spill! Now!"
"Spill what?" I asked playing stupid. There was no way I was going to dish about my one night stand with our former boss. That was something that I've buried away, and not one person knew about that drunken night in Vancouver, except Edward and myself. We both vowed not to let it interfere with our professional relationship, and dishing about it to others was definitely out of the question.
"Okay, Bella. I see how it is." Uh oh, she was giving up too easily. "Got any limes? It's Tequila time!" Alice stood up from the floor of my living room and walked to the kitchen, the glow of the fridge lighting up the small space. I don't have a good feeling about this.
After a dozen or so Tequila shots between the two of us, we were well past the stage of slightly inebriated – we were completely sloshed. How come I forget that I can't handle my alcohol, until it's too late? I'm definitely going to pay for this tomorrow - at least I can sleep in, perk of not having a job.
"Alice," I slightly swayed to the right, gripping the breakfast bar separating the kitchen and living room, "how is it that we are two unemployed twenty seven year olds? What the fuck is wrong with this picture?"
"Bella, you're wrong. I'm only twenty six."
"You know what I mean, what are we gonna do?" I slightly slurred that last sentence. Why did I do those last two shots, I'm definitely going to pay.
"With your knowledge and my organizational skills, we'll have no problem getting a job. In fact, we could probably start our own company if we wanted to." Alice stated, looking slightly less drunk than I was – didn't she drink as much as me?
"Huh, thanks for your vote of confidence. But, I doubt that anyone is currently looking for someone to organize private functions for exotic entertainment. I mean, Cullen Enterprises is the only company in Seattle that specializes in it." I very slowly sat down on the sofa, my head starting to spin.
"Exactly!"
"Exactly, what?" I started closing my eyes, confused by Alice.
"We should start our own company!"