The following content is unbetaed; you have been warned. If you're interested in being my beta, please contact me SOON.
These characters do not belong to me; I just make them do things.
"Bells! Don't just sit there. Who the hell are the flowers from?"
Rosalie quickly snatched the little white card out of Bella's hand and read it's contents.
"Oh shit, Edward? As in the infamous Edward you slept with? The one creeping on you at the diner?" Rosalie didn't even pause to take a breath, "I thought you were over this guy, how the hell does he know where we live? Bella, did you give him our address? Why-"
"Rosalie! I don't know how those got here..." Bella interrupted Rosalie's ranting. She turned in her chair to face Rosalie, "I never told him where we live. I didn't even tell him I lived in this area. I don't know how he found me at the diner either.." Her voice began to trail off.
"Well then how the hell did this get here?" Before Bella could answer, she walked over the the kitchen counter and grabbed the phone and immediately began to dial the number printed on the back of the white card.
"Rose, what are you doing?"
"Calling the floral shop. I'm getting down to the bottom of this; I wanna know who this fucker is." She paused waiting for the call to go through, "Yeah, I just got a delivery from your shop. . . " She paused for a moment before rattling off our address. "Yeah. . I was just wondering if you had the senders information available, something like an contact number or something?"
Another pause.
Rosalie's eyebrows slowly narrowed, "Mhmm, I see. Okay whatever, I would say thanks for your help but you really weren't much help." She hung up before getting a response.
"Rose! Don't be so rude! What'd they say?"
"Some shit about customer confidential." She said rolling her eyes. "Move over, we're gonna have to do this the old fashion way."
Rosalie got a hold of the computer and quickly typed in 'Edward' in the Google search bar before pausing. "What did you say this last name was again?"
"Umm..Cullen. Edward Cullen. That's what it said on his business card."
Rosalie entered in his name and clicked enter. Surprisingly, hundreds of links came up.
"Ohhh..Alice wasn't lying when she said he's attractive." Rosalie said scrolling into the page.
"Edward Anthony Cullen, 26, born and raised in Chicago, graduated top of this class in 2003 and had took over his father's business and is now the head of Masen Security. Cullen has two older brothers whom is also reportedly working for Masen Inc. The Cullen family empire has branches in multiple locations all around the world. News on Mr. Cullen's personal life remains a mystery, however Cullen is repeatedly spotted with numerous different woman."
"Holy crap Bells! A hot older CEO? You sure know how to pick them, who knew?" She continue to scroll down the page.
Bella just sat there, taking in all the information Rosalie has just read out loud.
On the screen there were indeed shots of Edward with a bunch of different woman, at red carpets, charity banquets, parties.
"I have a bad feeling about this guy, he seems kinda like a man-whore. I would steer clear if I were you."
"Don't worry Rose, I told you, I don't plan to see this guy again."
Rosalie glanced at the clock located at the bottom right hand corner of the screen, "Oh crap it's almost noon, I gotta get ready for class." She quickly stood up heading for the bathroom before stopping, "You gonna be alright at home?"
"Yeah I'm fine." Bella responded with a small smile.
Bella was determined not to let some guy ruin her day off. She went to get her phone and dialed Jake's number.
Jacob Black, or Jake as he preferred to be called, was one of her closest friends next to Rosalie and Alice. He is Charlie's best friends son and they had quite a few play dates growing up. Jake is a couple years older then the girls, three to be exact, making him 21 and legal. For his 21st birthday he and some friends went straight to Vegas, hitting every bar and strip club on the Strip.
Jake had also attended UCLA and graduated with a Business degree and is now the manager of a well-known marketing company in town. And even though he was a busy man, he always made time for Bella.
He answered on the third ring.
"Hello Bellaboo!"
"Hey Jake, how's the corporate world treating you?"
He chuckled, "Not to bad today actually, things are actually running smoothly."
"That's good to hear. Wanna go grab lunch? I don't feel like sitting around the house today."
"Yeah sure, my lunch hour's coming up, meet at Ray's around 1?"
"Sounds great."
And with that they ended the call.
Bella proceeded to clean the small mess made in their cozy little living room, fluffing pillows, straightening out magazines and clearing the coffee table. She then placed the newly received vase of flowers in the center of the dining table; she didn't want the flowers to go to waste.
Rosalie rushed out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go. Rosalie had on a pair of pastel pink skinny's with a loose white crochet crop top, her hair was in her usual messy bun accessorize with gold bangles and a tan bag. Her make up was a perfect smokey eye that was just light enough for a day look.
She slipped on a pair of nude pumps as she was heading out the door.
"Bells, sweetie, are you sure you're gonna be alright by yourself? Cause' I don't mind skipping class for you."
"I'm fine Rose. Don't worry I'm about to go get ready for lunch with Jake."
"Okay, just if you get back before Alice does, lock the door. That fucker creeps me the fuck out. Call if you need anything!" Bella could hear the lock click as she shut the door behind her.
Even though they were the same age, Rosalie always played the role of the older sister, always looking out for Bella and Alice. And Bella was grateful for that.
20 minutes later, Bella was dressed and ready to go. She had on a pair of light yellow shorts and a simple white lace top paired with some simple stackable bracelets and white rose stud earrings. She slipped on her white flats and messenger bag and headed out the door.
As she made her way to her car she checked her phone. The clock read 12:35, she was going to be early.
Ray's is a well-known restaurant with a surfer theme located on the Santa Monica pier. The drive to Ray's was about 10 minutes from Bella's apartment and was Jake's all time favorite lunch spot.
Bella arrived on the pier with 15 minutes to spear and decided she wanted to walk around and enjoy her surroundings.
She absolutely loved the pier and couldn't get enough of the fresh sea breeze. It was a Tuesday afternoon so the pier wasn't relatively busy except for tourists and some workers on their lunch break.
Bella walked up to the little shops that lined the pier. She stopped at a little jewelry stand; she was intrigued by the starfish earrings that had caught her eye.
"Excuse me, how much are these?"
The vendor was a cute little old lady that looked like she should be retired. She had a flower clipped in her graying hair and a bright smile on her face.
"Those are adorable aren't they? They're only $12.00."
Bella was just about to reach for her wallet when she saw an arm extended out in front of her, holding a twenty dollar bill.
"Keep the change." The mystery person said.
The lady quickly grabbed the bill and headed to the back to look for a bag.
I turned to see no other then Mr. Edward Cullen himself.
He was dress in a dark gray suit perfectly pressed completed with a silk dark blue tie and shiny black shoes that looked like they have just been polished. Normally he would be completely over dressed but because it was lunch hour, he slightly blended in with the other business workers.
"What are you doing here?"
"A lovely lady like you shouldn't have to walk the pier all by herself." He said with a small smirk on his face.
How did he know I was here?
Before Bella could voice her question, the lady came back with the earrings in a small black bag.
"Here you go darlings!" She slightly leaned over to me as she handed me the earrings and staged whispered, "You have a very handsome boyfriend."
Edward's smirk only got bigger.
"Oh, he's not m-"
"I sure am lucky to have her." Edward interrupted.
"Awh, young love. How sweet. He seems like a keeper sweetheart."
Edward answered her before Bella could make sense of the situation. "Well thank you. I hope you have a good day now."
"Oh sweetie, have a lovely day! Come back soon now!"
Edward had pushed Bella away from the stand and as soon as they were out of earshot Bella demanded an explanation.
"Why did you tell her you were my boyfriend? And how did you even know I was here?"
"Oh come on, that probably made her day." He answered nonchalantly. The fact that he ignored her second question didn't escape her either.
"How did you know I was here?" She asked once again.
"I have my ways. I'm here to say something I don't normally say. I'm here to apologize for my behavior yesterday, it was completely inappropriate."
Bella was taken back by his apology. She didn't expect his from him, but it was what he said next that really surprised her.
"I hope you can forgive me and let me take you out on a date." He continued.
Bella wasn't sure about this guy, from what she knew of him, he was known for being seen with many different woman plus she wasn't looking for a relationship at the moment.
"I don't think that would be a good idea. Thank you for the earrings." She replied turning to leave.
Before she could stray, he grabbed her hand. "Isabella, I don't see why you're being so difficult. I'm trying here."
He didn't have the chance to say anything else when she heard another deep voice interrupt their conversation.
"Bells, is this guy bothering you?" Jake came to her side. He was dressed in a suit similar to Edward but lighter in color. It was then when Bella realized just how tall Edward really was. Jake was well built and stood at 6"3, Edward had to be at least 6"1 and leaner but not lanky.
Bella quickly pulled her hand away from Edward's and turned to Jake.
"No, everything's fine. He was just leaving."
Bella didn't bother to make introductions and grabbed Jake's hand pulling him back up the pier to Ray's not bothering to turn back.
"Who the hell was that? I can't leave you alone for 10 minutes without some guy hitting on you, huh Bells?"
They quickly got a table and Bella proceed to tell Jake the unusual story of the mysterious Edward Cullen.
"Wait that was Edward Cullen? I've heard of that guy, isn't he that hotshot that owns Masen Inc or something?" Jake asked scanning over the menu.
The waiter made her way around quickly grabbing their orders. Jake ordered the house special, a burger filled with two patties fresh greens and a layer of their famous house sauce with a side of curly fries. Bella wasn't feeling to hungry and ordered a light grilled chicken Caesar salad.
"Supposedly. I don't know much about him."
"And it was just a coincident that he was here too?"
"I swear I had no idea he was going to be here. He just showed up, paid for my earrings and asked me to dinner."
Jake stopped chewing, "This guy asked you out? I don't like him, there's something about him that just seems off."
Bella fought the urge to roll her eyes, "I know, I know. Like I said to everyone else I don't intend on seeing him again. He just keeps dropping in."
"Ohhh, does little Bella-boo have an admirer on her tail?" Jake teased reaching across the table to pinch her cheeks.
Bella light smacked his hands away. "Ha-ha very funny."
~ . ~ . ~
The rest of the lunch was uneventful. Conversation came easy; the two chatted about Jake's job and Bella's classes.
The two parted ways and Jake headed back to work. Bella on the other hand continued to walk the pier, soaking in the wonderful Los Angeles sunshine.
Her relaxing afternoon was cut short by the ringing of her cell phone.
I don't know, where you're going
Or when you're coming home
I left the keys under the mat to our front door
For one more chance to hold you close
I don't know, where you're going
Just get your ass back home
Bella quickly picked up her phone before she could draw anymore attention from the people around her. Bella had a habit of setting different ringtone for everyone in her phone that would match their personality. This was her mom's ringtone.
Renee hated the idea of Bella and the girls leaving Jacksonville and flying across the country to go to school. She originally wanted Bella to go to an in state university and continue to live at home with her and Charlie. But there was nothing she could do once the girls set their hearts out for sunny California and UCLA.
Charlie on the other hand was the picture of calm when the girls decided to venture off to California. Although he was upset his only daughter was leaving, he wanted her to create her own adventure and learn to become independent.
"Hey Mom," Bella replied in a cheery voice. She loved talking to her mother, even if she could be a little blunt sometimes.
"How's my baby girl doing today? It's lunch time over there right? Did you have lunch yet?"
"Yes mom, I had lunch with Jake earlier at the pier."
"That's good. How's school going? Have you met any guys yet? I heard the guys in L.A are very attractive."
Bella felt the need to roll her eyes, choosing to ignore the second question, "Class is fine mom, nothing too bad."
The phone call continued with light conversation on when Bella and the girls were planing to visit next and how Charlie was doing. Bella had purposely decided to leave out the fact that the mysterious Edward had came into her life.
After a few more moments Bella ended the call and began her drive to the diner to get ready for her shift. She arrived with 5 minuted to spare, and headed straight for the employee's lounge to get dressed. She prayed that tonight would not be a repeat of last night.
She quickly dressed and headed out to the main dining room. Tonight was fairly busy for a Tuesday night; the diner was full of the university's students and a few older regulars. She was working the counter and a small section by the door tonight and was glad to see that Jessica and Lauren were not on duty tonight.
Bella took orders, filled coffee cups and brought diners their food. Everything was going as usual. Alice had came in for her shift about an hour ago and was unusually extra bouncy tonight. She said she had something super exciting to tell Bella but was going to wait till after their shift.
The clock on the wall read 8:55, 5 more minutes till their shift was over. Bella was just about to clear the counter and head to the back to change out of her uniform when she heard the little bell on the door ring. Her body stiffened, it was almost like she could feel his presence.
This guy just didn't get the hint.
Bella continued to walk to the back seeing how her shift ended in a couple minutes.
"Bella! You have another costumer in your section!" Sam hollered from the register.
Damn, so close.
Bella glanced over to Alice for help but she was occupied with the few tables in her section. Bella reluctantly grabbed her notepad and pen out of her apron and headed back over to the counter.
Edward was seated front and center on the counter causally looking over the menu.
"Can I help you?" What she really wanted to say was, "What the hell are you doing here again?"
"I'll take a coffee please, black."
He watched her as she poured his coffee and placed it in front of him. Bella was starting to feel uncomfortable again.
"Why is that you refuse to go on a date with me?" He asked her in a smooth voice. Bella felt the blood began to rush to her face.
"I don't know who you are and quite frankly you are starting to creep me out." Bella replied in an even tone.
He almost looked offended by her words, "I'm trying to get to know you. Come on just one date. I don't like to beg Isabella."
"Mr. Cullen I believe I have said no. I hope you get the hint that I do not intend on seeing you again."
"Is this about the man you were with on the pier?"
Bella looked like she was going to say something but was interrupted by the ever so perky Alice.
"So you're the famous Edward that I've heard so much about."
"Yes, I take that Jasper that told you about me." It sounded more like a question.
Jasper?
Alice saw Bella's confused look and answered, "Oh Bells! I almost forgo to tell you! Remember that guy from the club?"
Bella vaguely remembered the blonde she spotted Alice with a couple nights before.
"Well I ran into him today during lunch, he's such a sweetheart! And you're never going to guess what he told me!"
Before Bella could process the information, Alice continued talking.
"He's Edward's older brother! Isn't it a small world!"
Wait, say what now?
"So what were we talking about here?" She kept talking in her ever so peppy voice.
"I was just asking the lovely Bella here on a date."
"Well I was just declining." Bella said and made her way to the lounge.
"Just wait here." Alice quietly told Edward and chased after her best friend.
Bella had just began removing her uniform when Alice came barging in.
"Okay, I know you don't want to hear it but I think you should give Edward a chance."
Bella paused, "Whoa, whoa, why is that all of a sudden you're all buddy-buddy with him?"
"Look, I talked to his brother today and Edward's a good guy. You should give him a chance."
"That's not what Google thinks."
Alice dramatically rolled her eyes, "Come on you're gonna listen to blog linked on Google?"
"And you're gonna listen to some guy you just met?"
"Jasper said Edward never chases after a girl. He's making some serious effort on chasing after you."
"It's creepy."
"It's cute! He likes you! And he's asking you out."
Now it was Bella's turn to roll her eyes, "I find that hard to believe."
"Come on! Jasper says he's been desperate. Give him a chance! Oh my gosh, and if it works out, we can double!"
"One day won't hurt, besides you already slept with the man."
"Touché Alice."
"Seriously Bells, when was the last time you've been on a date?"
Bella thought it over as she finished getting dressed. Alice is right, one date couldn't hurt. And it has been a while since she have been on a real date.
"So . . .what do you say?" Alice asked in her sing-a-long voice.
Bella sighed, "One date. Just one."
To be honest, I wasn't planning on writing this. I came back from my run last night and just felt like writing; so here it is. My longest chapter yet. I'm not sure why I felt the need to write all of a sudden, maybe it's because of all this news on the Robsten affair.
Speaking of which, that was quite shocking news. Part of me still doesn't believe it's true; maybe because I'm a Robsten fan in denied. Although I think adultery is completely wrong, I don't think she deserves all the hate seeing how he's MARRIED. But that's just me. I wish the best for Rob and Kristen. What do you think?
On other news, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I'm in desperate need of a Beta; please contact me if you're interested. I don't want to post another chapter unbetaed.
Reviews make me write faster.
-Ashlee.