Hey chickadees(and dudes?) I'm back with another chapter, this one had to be split up yet again, because I kept writing and writing and ended up with 15 pages of material. Don't hate me for the cliffy, the next chap will be up shortly. xoxo.

I slept for 12 hours that night. When I woke up I went out and went shopping in the market, made myself some lunch, and cleaned my place. I hadn't heard back from Edward, but I decided I still needed to make him an acceptable gestures list. I picked up my phone and typed a message to him.

Acceptable gestures per Bella Swan: flowers, candy (preferably chocolate), a nice note or letter, or flying out to see me. No money or expensive gift is acceptable. If you break the rules you will be in big trouble.

Hope you are doing well.

B.

I put my phone down next to my computer and decided now would be a good time to email Alice. From what I knew about her personality, she was really nice and chipper, but she was serious when she said she wanted something. I opened my email and was surprised to already have a message from her.

Hi Bella!

I'm currently looking out the window, looking at all the lights and buildings, and wondering why the hell I am back here. It seems so funny we were all together in Hawaii just yesterday. I can safely say that I miss your little snide comments and your sarcastic wit at such a hectic time like this. Also I can safely say that I could see a real difference in Edward since he met you. He seemed really upset that he had to leave you, Bella. I know he didn't want to. Anyhow, we just left him at the restaurant where we had dinner, he said he was going to touch base with you and let me know how you were.

I hope you made it home safely, and write me when you can !

Alice

PS Jasper says hi.

PPS. When are you coming to visit?

Below the email she had attached a picture of her and Jasper. She was smiling and Jasper was sticking his tongue out.

I hit reply and typed her back:

Hi Alice,

I landed safely, but you probably know that, as I chatted a bit with Edward last night. I hope everything is alright over there, Edward told me that some emergency went down. I start work on Monday, so I'm happy to have something to fill my time other than worrying about everything. I can safely say that I miss you, too. Also, Edward changed me as well. He reminded me that there are still some great guys out there in the world. Gotta run, but please tell everyone I said hello.

PS. Did he ask you yet?

PPS. I can't come right now, let me get settled in at work and we'll talk about it.

I snapped a picture of myself with my digital camera. I was making a fish face and crossed my eyes. It made me laugh because I looked so ridiculous. I attached it and sent it to her.

Six weeks later…

I found that I really enjoyed walking. It let me think, and I had stuff on my mind.

I thought about Edward as I walked to my new workplace. Thank goodness it was only a short walk, because I had left my truck back in Forks with Charlie, and I didn't want to keep dwelling on him.

I had only heard from Edward one other time since our return to real life. He texted me, never called, letting me know he was going to be out of the country.

Bella,

I am leaving the country for awhile tomorrow, and I just wanted to let you know that I won't be able to get in touch with you in that time. I hope everything is well, and I'll call you when I get back. I may be passing through your area for some business sooner than I thought, and I want to see you.

E.C.

Ps. I hope you still think of me, because I think of you all the time.

I hadn't heard from Alice either. That was six weeks ago. And the whole, 'I still think of you' thing kind of pissed me off. I wasn't stupid, he was still trying to keep me on the hook, but I wasn't that girl.

There certainly was no promise of anything more. No letters, cards, or chocolates. Just an email that said he may or may not be able to see me in the future. Not enough. Also, he said he was going to be out of the country for 'awhile.' Awhile was open ended, and if he did pass through for business, he was hoping maybe he could call? He expected me to wait for him? Again, not that girl.

I was trying to let the situation go. I knew what we did and shared together for those two days wasn't meaningless, but it was just a fling that was now over. I wanted to get over it.

I walked into the back door of the hotel through the kitchen and put my things down in the employee area. I was greeted by Jessica, my fellow bartender who had taught me everything I needed to know about my new job. I liked her bubbly personality. She had great little stories about the guests that had been there, and we were becoming fast friends.

Sometimes Jessica switched out with Laurent, who I loved. He was totally hilarious and totally gay. And for some reason I don't think 'Laurent' was his real name. There were other bartenders that worked mostly day shifts there as well, but I hadn't met them yet.

I had been working almost every night, which was totally fine with me. I had nothing else better to do with my time, and the night shifts were the most lucrative. It was a really swanky place, a boutique hotel that still remained a bit rustic. It was located on the pier right on Elliott Bay, with amazing views of the water, mountains and the city. The restaurant I worked at was elegant, and had a really nice outdoor patio off the dining room. There were floor to ceiling windows in the entire place, and it looked almost as if we were floating on the water. It was not a bad gig.

Our uniforms consisted of a fitted black button down shirt, and black slacks with black shoes. The wanted us to keep our hair down and nice, and encouraged us to wear makeup. I guess they wanted us to attract the men who were the type to hang out at the bar at night.

The restaurant was already full when I got there. I was busy mixing cocktails for the wait staff's tables, mostly high priced martinis, when a man with short blond hair and piercing blue eyes got my attention.

"Excuse me, miss," he said and waved me over.

"Yes, what can I get you this evening?" I asked and placed a beverage napkin in front of him and smiled.

"I'll have a Crown on the rocks, please," he said and winked at me.

I made him his drink and set it down in front of him.

"Anything else?"

"This will be fine for now, thank you. I'm James by the way," he said and stuck his hand out for me to shake.

"Bella. Nice to meet you James."

James was cute in that pretty boy sort of way. Blond, tan, and a nice body from what I could tell. He was no Edward, though. Why must you compare every man to him?

"So, Bella, you're new here, aren't you?"

"Yes, how'd you know?" I asked and smiled.

"I usually frequent this bar. I just got back into town. I work just down the street."

"Oh, what do you do?" I asked.

"I insure fine art."

"Wow, sounds interesting."

"It is. Stressful at times, though. So, uh, what brings you here?"

"I just needed a change of scenery. I'm just doing this to save money, and then from there I'm not sure. But I'm having fun for the time being."

"Really. How long have you been in Seattle?

"I guess collectively, two months or so…how long have you lived here?"

His blackberry rang, and his piercing blue stare left my own.

"Hold that thought, Bella. I have to get this."

I nodded and walked away to greet more customers.

Jessica saddled up beside me," Oh my god, Bella, did you just have a conversation with James Riley?!" she whispered excitedly.

"I guess so, why?"

"He is like one of Seattle's most eligible bachelors. So cute, so rich. What's he like?"

"He seems nice. Have you never talked to him before? He said he comes here all the time."

"Yeah but he always just smiles at me and orders a drink. I never really get any small talk out of him. Believe me I've tried. Most of the time he's just on the phone."

"Maybe he's just intimidated by you," I said and nudged her.

"Ha ha, very funny," she said and smacked my arm.

"Hey guys," I looked up and saw Angela standing at the bar.

"Hello, dear," I said and smiled at her.

"Hey Angela," Jessica greeted her.

"We still on for next weekend, ladies?" she asked, bouncing from one foot to the other.

"Yep, sure are," Jessica said," Laurent said he's coming, too. I got all of our shifts covered, so we are good to go."

"Yep," I replied. Angela wanted to go to some new nightclub named Eclipse. It was downtown and was opening next Saturday. Ben would be out of town and she wanted to 'go dancing.' She gave Jessica and me the name of the club and the address, and told us to be there by 10. There was apparently some big launch party going on , and she got us on the list.

"Ok gals, gotta run, but I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok, Ange. Bye."

"Ugh, I am so excited to go out for once. I can't meet a good man if I'm stuck working all the time," she said and poured two glasses of wine.

"Yeah, it would be nice to meet someone…available…" I replied.

"So have you heard from that guy?"

Jessica was briefed about the Edward situation and the Jake situation as well. She remembered Jake when I described him , and 'some dark haired girl hanging all over him' at the bar. I got more information from her than I wanted to hear.

"Um, no."

"Maybe it's for the best, because we are on a manhunt starting next weekend."

I inwardly groaned, but I knew I needed to try.

"Excuse me, Bella?" James called.

I walked over to him, "Yes?"

"Can I have another drink please? Double this time," he said and smiled.

"Sure."

I brought his drink over to him and took away the old one.

"So," he started, "where are you from originally?"

"Um, a really small town. Forks?"

"Forks?!"he asked and smiled.

"Yeah, do you know it?"

"I do. I have family members that used to live there when I was younger. It's a cute, quaint little place."

"Yeah."

"Do you miss it?"

"Not really."

"Well good to hear you're staying," he said and winked at me. This made me instantly embarrassed, of course, and I blushed.

His phone rang once again, "Clients," he said and rolled his eyes. He got back to work on his phone, my queue to leave.

After Jessica insisted on dropping me at home after our shift, I was exhausted. I had made a good bit of money tonight, some of it Mr. James Riley's doing. He actually wrote 'thank you' on the credit card slip, and gave us a large tip. Jessica was ecstatic. She was trying to convince me that this James guy liked me and that I should feel lucky. I was flattered, I guess.

In the next week I worked and did some shopping. I had been having a really good month. I bought some new furniture and accessories and redecorated my loft. I also bought a new dress and shoes for our evening out. I know I didn't need it, but it was nice to spend a little money on myself.

Jessica, Laurent and I worked the night shifts, and James was at the bar just about every night. I started to get to know him a little bit better. In between his phone calls he told me about growing up in Seattle, how his family still lived here and more about his work.

I kind of reluctantly gave him my number one evening when he asked for it, but what the hell, he seemed nice enough. He called of course, and asked what I had planned this weekend. I told him about the launch party at Eclipse and he told me he was planning on being there as well. So we decided to meet up with each other once we got there.

I was standing in front of my bathroom mirror mentally giving myself a pep talk while I applied my makeup. This is a fresh start. Go out, have fun, and don't let anything from the past get in the way of you doing so.

I decided to be daring and applied some deep red lipstick to go with my dress. I usually didn't wear lipstick, but it looked nice once it was on.

I left my hair down and curly. The dress I had chosen was tight and red. It was strapless, had a black belt that cinched my waist, and the skirt came down to just above my knee. It was so tight it didn't leave much to the imagination, but at least I was mostly covered. I was all ready to go and was sitting at my island drinking a glass of wine, listening to some music waiting for Jessica and Laurent to arrive.

I heard my phone chirp in my purse and I looked at it.

Message from: Edward

Hey, beautiful, remember me?

You have got to be kidding me. Not now. Not now. Against my better judgment I answered him.

Maybe.

Do not let this ruin your night.

Well I remember you. Clearly.

Ok, so maybe I do.

Are you upset with me?

No, you haven't given me a reason to be.

Can you guess where I am?

Enlighten me.

I'm about 20 miles outside of Seattle headed into the city. I have a little function to attend, but I thought I could come see you after?

My stomach dropped and I felt like I was going to throw up. Fuckity fuck. Really? Seven weeks of nothing, and he just calls me on a whim. And he wants me to drop everything to see him. To be his ho.

I'm sorry, Edward, I have plans this evening. Girl's night out. How long are you in town for?

Awhile.

Him and his "awhile." So illusive.

Great, me too.

Bella, I'm getting this sinking feeling that you don't want to see me, and I don't like it.

You are not my boyfriend, Edward.

No, no. It's not that at all. Why don't you give me a call tomorrow, once you've settled in?

Why can't I see you tonight?

Holy Jesus. I'm not giving in.

C'mon, don't guilt trip me, Edward. I've had these plans for awhile. Call me tomorrow?

I shall. Can't wait to see you. Enjoy your evening, beautiful.

I felt proud of myself and excited at the same time. I didn't give into him, but I was also going to see him soon.

I was pouring myself some more wine when I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

Jessica and Laurent, the walking party, burst through my door.

"Hey guys! You look great!" I said as I gave them both hugs.

"Bella, you look sexy as hell, girl," Laurent said and looked me up and down.

"Thank you sweetie," I replied.

Jessica took a seat next to me as we complimented each other's outfits. Laurent came back over to us with an open bottle of champagne and three glasses filled to the top.

"This calls for a toast. To single ladies," he said as we cheered.

"Wow, I like what you've done with the place," Jessica said and looked around.

"Thank Ikea," I said.

My phone chirped again.

New message from: James

Hey dollface, I just got to the club. I'm with a couple of friends. We just got a table. Let me know when you get here.

Ok, Jessica and Laurent just got here, so I'll see you in half an hour.

Oh, will you? I thought you were too busy to see me.

"Shit!" I exclaimed. I replied to the wrong damn person.

"What is it?" Jessica asked.

"Edward just texted me, and James just texted me….and shit…I replied to Edward and I don't want him to know…what do I say?! I blew him off and now…"

"Slow down, Belladonna, let's take this from the top," Laurent said and put his hand on my shoulder to calm me.

I let them read the texts that had transpired.

"Say you meant to reply to Angela," Jessica said as we got our things together to leave.

"Do you think that will work?"

"Yeah, give it a try."

Oh, sorry. Silly me. I meant to write Angela back. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Yeah, I didn't think that one was meant for me. I'll call you when I wake up, and we are going out. I am not taking ' no' for an answer.

Yes, sir.

Yes sir, what? You should know what I like by now.

Yes sir, Edward.

I rolled my eyes and called a cab.

When we arrived at Eclipse, Angela was waiting for us out front. We walked to the door where she gave our names. After a few minutes of searching, the bouncer said my name was not on the list.

"Impossible!" Angela said, "I made sure! I called and everything! Check again, please."

The bouncer rolled his eyes and said something into the walkie talkie.

"Sorry, miss. You aren't on the list."

There was only one thing left to do. I called James.

"Hey, Bella. Where are you?" he asked.

"They're saying my name isn't on the list! I don't know if I can get in."

"There must have been some mistake, I told them to direct you to my table when you got here. I'll take care of it, just stay put."

"Well I'm not going in there if you aren't allowed in. We can go someplace else," Angela said.

"No, James is coming to get me," I replied. They all let out a collective sigh. This was the opening of the hottest club in Seattle after all. I could understand the relief.

A couple of minutes later James came out and rescued us. I had to say, he looked good. He had on a tailored suit, but no tie, and his hair was done differently.

"Ok, all set," he said as the bouncer waved us in after he and James had a few words.

"Bella, you look nice," James said and smiled, took my hand and led us through the crowd.

When we got in, the music was playing loudly. There was a huge dance floor made of plexi-glass that was lit from underneath in the center of the club, and the décor was amazing. It was furnished very modern, down to the walls and the clear light fixtures. We followed James to his table where he introduced us to his friends. They were standing by a circular white couch with a table in the center.

"This is Marcus, Aro, and Caius DeVolturi," he said as we approached the table. We introduced ourselves to the DeVolturi brothers.

James explained to me that they were from Italy and were also part owners of the club. That's how he got us in so easily. They seemed kind of…intimidating.

"We are sorry for the mix up, Bella," Aro said," I will make sure it does not happen again. We need the pretty girls like you to come here."

"Yes, we will make sure you and your friends always have a table waiting for you when you come," Caius said.

"Tonight is on the house, please enjoy," Marcus said.

"Oh, thank you. It's really no problem," I replied and smiled.

"I've already got a thing for that Caius," Laurent whispered in my ear. I giggled.

The DeVolturi brothers stated they had some business they needed to take care of, and that they would see us later on in the evening.

We settled in and got a couple of rounds of drinks. We talked and laughed for awhile, when James suggested we all go dance. We walked down the small set of stairs and onto the dance floor, where we all danced with each other for a few songs.

A slow song blared through the speakers, and Jessica, Laurent and Angela went back to the table. Jessica winked at me as James grabbed me by the waist and pulled me to him. We started to move our bodies together, and I put my arms around his neck. He started grinding himself on me a little too closely. He looked down into my eyes and licked his lips. I knew this look. This is the look a man gets when he wants to kiss you. I was not ready for that.

I coughed, "Gosh, I'm thirsty. Let's go t the bar and get another drink?" I asked him. He looked down and nodded, getting the hint.

"Sure, I guess so," he said and dropped his hands from around my waist.

We went to the main bar and waited for a moment for the bartender to come over to us.

"One vodka martini extra olives, and one crown on the rocks, please," I ordered for us.

"Aww, shucks, Bella, you're buying me a drink?" He asked as he found us two seats for us to sit on at the bar.

"Oh, come on, it's the least I can do. You got me in tonight!" I said and plopped down in the barstool. After a few minutes of talking, James recognized someone standing next to him barking orders at the bar staff.

"Victoria? Is that you?" he asked and tapped a really beautiful girl with hair as red as fire on the shoulder.

"James!?" she squealed and hugged him," Oh my god, what has it been, two years since I've seen you? How have you been?" she asked looking only at him. Once again, Bella is invisible.

"I've been really great. How about you?"

"I'm doing really good! I'm just here visiting from L.A."

"Who are you here with?" she asked.

"Oh, sorry, this is Bella," he said and introduced her to me. "I'm here with her and her friends." Yes, because he couldn't be here with just me alone.

"Oh, hello. I'm Victoria. I'm sorry, I didn't see you sitting there," she said and gave my hand a nice strong shake. Ok, so they had history. They had to have the way she looked away from me and back to James so dismissively. They talked for a bit, leaving me out, naturally.

"Who are you here with?" he asked her, while I sipped my martini. He had pretty much forgotten about me with Victoria present.

"Oh, I'm meeting a friend. There he is," she said and waved someone over. I leaned away from them a little and put my head on my hand. I was officially bored and over it. They were in the process of exchanging phone numbers, when I waved the bartender over and ordered another drink. I handed my card to him so I could pay out. I was just about to get up out of my barstool and walk back to the table when I heard it.

"James, I believe you know Edward. I think his father is a client of yours," Victoria said.

"Yes, I know Edward. Good to see you," he said and shook hands with him. I couldn't look. I was willing my feet to move. Go. Just go.

"James. It's been awhile." Oh shit. His voice in real life, after all this time, still rocked me to the core. Edward, my Edward, was literally two feet away from me. Fortuantely, they still took no notice.

"What brings you into town, Edward?" James asked. Where was that damn guy?

"Oh, we just bought into this club with the DeVolturi brothers, whom you are acquainted with, I believe?" Edward replied a bit snarkily." I'm here to make sure it gets off to a successful start."

The bartender finally came back with my check and I quickly signed it. I grabbed my drink and almost walked away when James spoke.

"That's great. We love the place so far, don't we, Bella?" he said.

The three turned their attention to me.

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