Sup, shawtys? I'm back again with another update, I'm pretty pleased I got two chapters done in a week. I guess it's safe to say I had a lot of down time. Anyhow, let's get on with that art gallery charity event. Things may go down a bit differently than you expected...:)

I woke with a start when I heard a loud banging at my door. I got up and ran to the door and looked through the peephole. Edward was pacing the hall in holey jeans, a t-shirt and a baseball cap. I flung the door open.

"Someone is impatient this morning."

He walked past me and into the loft.

"So, you'll not come to New York?" he asked and threw his cap on the island.

"Uh-I…" He raised his eyebrows questioningly.

"I haven't really had time to think about it, Edward. Alice sprung it on me just last night."

"You don't want to be with me?"

"Pardon? That's not what I said at all. You can't just expect me to up and leave like that. I've had no time to think!" I raised my voice.

"Isabella. You're the only thing in my life that feels right at the moment. I just…I'm panicking here. She said you weren't sold on it."

"You never even talked to me about this, Edward. You thought…you think you can coerce your sister into giving me a job! You didn't even tell me you were leaving so soon."

"The job was her idea, Bella. I didn't know all of this would be happening so fast, and you know how unpredictable my job is. I'm in and out all the time." He began pacing in the kitchen.

"Well, I can't just leave! I have obligations and friends and family…"

"What about me? You feel as though you have no obligation to me?"

"Edward! You're being ridiculous. We've only been together a week!"

He stopped pacing.

"You know my feelings for you, no matter the timeline. I thought about you every day since I met you."

"And you know mine for you. All of this is just way too soon. I have a life here I feel I can't just walk out on. Plus we can't even be-" I abruptly stopped talking.

"What were you going to say?"

"We can't even walk hand in hand down the street together, for fear that someone will see. I just think it would be even worse if I went to New York with you. People with cameras follow you around. I'm just not prepared to take that on right now." He pulled his hands through his hair and over his face.

"I understand." He said and let out a breath. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. You're right, and you're an angel to even put up with this shit. Sorry I overreacted, I just…I do not want to be without you. I'm just so drawn to you; I don't know who I am anymore. You make me question everything." I went up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"I know exactly how you feel, Edward because I feel the same way. But in all honesty, we need to take it slower and see how thing work out naturally. You can't just put me in your luggage and sweep me off to New York. That's just now how things work."

He sighed, " I know. It was stupid."

"Not stupid, Edward. We just need more time to get used to this. You know it."

"I know. I'm just not ready to leave you."

"I'm not either, but you have to for now." He kissed me on top of my head and squeezed me tightly.

"We'll be fine, Edward. Don't worry."

"It was hell not sleeping next to you last night and not waking up next to you this morning."

"Well we're together now. That's all that matters. And Edward, I'm not saying never, ok? Just not right now."

"Ok, beautiful."

After my shower, Edward made me a very meager breakfast of toast and butter. He bitched about my lack of groceries again, so we went to do some shopping in the market. Edward held my hand and kissed me the whole time we picked out groceries. I'm sure we looked like a normal couple, no one recognizing "real estate heir Edward Cullen" behind his baseball cap and sunglasses.

We went home with bags upon bags of groceries, which I paid for after I snatched Edward's credit card, we cuddled on the couch, I made lunch, and we watched a movie.

My phone chirped and I saw a text from James that gave me the details on the night's event. He gave me the address and told me to be there by seven. Edward snatched my phone and read it. He was appalled the James wasn't even sending a car for me. I assured him it was because we were going as friends, and friends don't send cars for each other.

Edward tackled me, told me I was not his friend, and we ended up back in my bed, made slow, sweet love, and napped. When I woke, Edward was still asleep clutching me tightly. I looked at my clock. Six pm. Shit!

I jarred Edward awake, and we both frantically began getting ready for the evening. I picked out what I thought was a conservative dark green dress that was cut to me knees. It had straps and a ruffled neckline, and covered every part of me except for my arms and the top of my chest. It hung loose of my frame, and I thought it was a perfect choice for the benefit. I threw on some black pumps, pulled my hair back and pinned it into a low bun.

Edward growled when he saw me."Bella, don't you own any conservative dresses? Better yet, can't you just wear a pantsuit?"

I laughed. "Edward it's August. I would burn alive."

"You look amazing," he said and kissed my neck. "And I don't like it."

I scoffed, "Mr. Cullen, I'm sure your car is here, we have to go if we want to be on time."

"Alright, let me call you a cab, we'll leave together." I put the finishing touches on my makeup, and Edward led me down the hallway and stairs and out to the street. Demitri and another large man that I recognized from Eclipse were standing out front of my building leaning on two cars. One was the big black Escalade that Edward rode around in, the other was a fancy sliver SUV. I looked over at Edward who had a smirk on his face.

"Is this my cab, Edward?" he nodded his head as we approached the vehicles.

"Bella this is Felix."

"Hello Felix."

"Hello Miss Swan. Nice to finally meet you. I hope you enjoy your evening."

Felix opened the driver side door to the fancy silver car and bowed to me. He walked around to the Escalade and got into the passengers seat while Demetri opened the door for Edward.

"What is this?" I asked and looked at Edward questioningly.

"What's what, dear Bella?" he replied innocently.

"Um. I don't understand."

"What's not to understand? This is your car," he shrugged.

"What?!"

"It's a Range Rover. Do you not like it? Alice had to talk me out of the McLaren so-"

"Edward! You can't buy me a car!"

"Like hell I can't. I did. I wasn't going to give it to you if you agreed to come to New York with me, but since you aren't…."

"No! I'm not driving it."

"If you wait for a cab now, you'll be late. Besides, now you always have your own ride, and you can get to and from work without walking. Problem solved. I'll see you at the gallery my darling. And remember, you're mine and I'm yours."

Edward kissed me on the cheek and sprinted over to his car and jumped inside, and I heard him telling Demitri to haul ass. He pulled away quickly and stuck his hand out of the blacked out window and waved to me as I looked on with my mouth hanging open. I looked over at my "new car." It was big and pretty and shiny and the engine was running. I looked at my phone for the time. Six forty-five. He really hadn't left me a choice.

I slipped into the driver's seat and gasped. The leather was a light color and very soft, and there were many fancy knobs and buttons. The navigation was already set to my destination which of course, caused me to roll my eyes. I adjusted my seat and my mirrors and pulled away from my building.

The car drove like a dream. I didn't even feel the many potholes I know I hit on the way to the gallery. I was giving it back after tonight, though. I didn't need this car, and I was pissed Edward had purchased it for me, even though he knew very well I would hate a present like this.

I pulled up to the front of the gallery, to the valet, and handed him the keys. James was standing near the door, waiting for me, and he smiled as I approached.

"Nice car," he said and nodded toward the Range Rover. He grabbed my hand and gave it a small kiss.

"Yeah, it's not mine," I replied and politely pulled my hand out of his. He had a bit of a confused look on his face but held his arm out for me to take.

"Shall we?" I nodded and took his arm and he led me through the entrance. When we walked inside, I was surprised at the setting. The gallery was one large open space, very modern, displaying paintings, photographs, and sculptures. There was a bar set up in the along one wall, and a food station with chafing dishes and lots of fancy looking appetizers.

I scanned the room, looking for my boyfriend and a woman with fiery red hair. It didn't take long for me to spot them. Edward was standing with a beer in his hand looking at a photograph of a plume of smoke; Victoria was standing next to him with her arms crossed. Alice was standing next to Edward and had her arm protectively intertwined with his. I love her. She's a saint. Rosalie was sipping a martini looking bored as ever. Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme were standing by a sculpture that looked like a pile of bird poo.

James explained that all the proceeds from the art sales went to a local children's hospital. There was also an option to donate, which I was taking, because I didn't think I wanted any of these pieces displayed in my home.

"Drink?" James asked and led me to the bar area. He already had a drink in his hand when I pulled up. I wonder how many he'd had.

"Please," I replied and James ordered my usual. We sipped our drinks and milled around for a bit. It was a little awkward to say the least. People came up to James and spoke to him, and he kept introducing me as his date, Bella. Why couldn't he just say my "friend" Bella? I made small talk the best I could, and when people asked how I knew James and I replied, they always said "Well, that's nice." A photographer came by and shot our picture with some of James's work associates, instantly making me uncomfortable. A reporter from the local paper asked us our opinions about the artists, and asked about the charity.

As we were walking along the walls, James didn't take me seriously when I was trying to explain why I wasn't a fan of all modern art, and it was obvious he wasn't much for women giving their opinions.

"Well I agree with Bella," I heard Alice say from behind me.

"Ah! The Cullen clan! Wonderful to see you all," James said. He is such a suck up.

I turned around to see Edward, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, and Victoria standing behind us, looking at the painting.

James shook hands with all of them and kissed Victoria on the cheek. I said 'hello' and 'nice to see you again' and shook hands with everyone, except Victoria, who didn't even look over at me. When I got to Edward, he kissed my hand and breathed my name "Bella." Stupid, stupid man. James looked from him to me and shook his head, no telling what kind of expression I was wearing.

As they were making small talk, I noticed that Edward was keeping his arms tightly crossed in front of him. This did not deter Victoria who was standing as close as she could get to him. I almost smacked her when she leaned her head on Edward's shoulder. I looked to see how he would handle it. He shrugged her off.

"So, as I was saying…" Alice began, "I agree with Bella. I think sometimes people in the modern art world can take it to the extreme. Take this piece for example. It is a canvas painted totally black with some red paint dripped on it a la Jackson Pollack. What the hell is that? I could do that," she said and scoffed.

"Well obviously it is what the artist was feeling at the time," James said. "It could be interpreted a number of ways."

"I agree," Victoria said.

"Um, that's not art. No skill was involved at all," Alice said and looked at me. "Right, Bella?"

"I have to agree with Alice, James, " I said and chuckled. "It does nothing for me. There are many more modern artists out there that have much more talent. This…this is blah." James looked pissed all of a sudden.

"Bella, please," he laughed, " How much could you really know about art anyway? You work at a bar. This is my livelihood..." The last part he said low in my ear. "…So why don't you do what you do best, and go grab us a refill." I knew everyone heard him demean me.

Alice's mouth hung open, Victoria chuckled, and Rosalie looked shocked.

Edward's jaw clenched and he looked to Emmett and was having some sort of conversation with him with his eyes.

"Just because I work at a bar doesn't mean I'm not educated or that I don't have opinions, James," I said quickly, "And I think you are fully capable of getting your own god damn drink."

"Pardon her mouth," James said to the group, "We were just leaving."

James pulled me off to the side by my arm and turned to me." Listen to me. You need to know your place. You're here as my date…just to look good. Don't say anything else. I know you think you're someone special because Alice Cullen took to you for some reason, but you aren't." Suspicion confirmed. James had had a lot to drink tonight. His breath reeked of liquor as it wafted over my face.

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again," I said and took a step back.

"Bella, I'm being very fucking serious." He took a step closer to me and ran his hand down the side of my face.

"Keep your fucking opinions to yourself. All I want to hear out of your mouth for the rest of the night is my name when you're screaming it later." He tried to grab my arm, but I pulled it away quickly. All he got was a handful of my bracelet, which snapped off my wrist.

As the beads fell to the floor, I slapped him right in the jaw.

"Don't you dare, you fucking cretin."

Edward walked up to James and turned him around sharply. "I really hope for your sake that I didn't hear you correctly. What did you just say to her?" He looked beyond upset. Emmett was standing behind him, looking ready for a fight.

"Oh, Edward," James said and shook his head, "It's a bit strange that you always seem to show up right when I'm trying to have a conversation with Bella. Now if I didn't know better, I'd say you were fucking her. Am I right?"

I heard the distinct sound of fist connecting with face, and a loud thump as James's body hit the floor. I watched Emmett pick James up and restrain him. Edward got in his face, "Stay the fuck away from her you disgusting piece of shit. If you do not, I will fucking come after you. Are we clear?"

James smirked at us and wiped the blood off his lip as Emmett escorted him toward the door.

Edward came up to me immediately and folded his arms around me. His scent surrounded me, making me instantly calmer. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I said as I felt a tear slip down my cheek. I didn't know why I was crying. I think it was just the situation and how James had spoken to me. He wiped my tears away and kissed my forehead. "He's gone. Don't cry, baby." I let my hands rest on his hips as he rubbed my back.

"He broke my bracelet," I sniffled.

"We'll get you another one."

"But it's not the same."

"Shhh…I know. It's alright." He held me to his chest and rocked me back and forth for a bit, calming me down.

"How's your hand?" he asked and lifted my hand and kissed my fingers.

"It doesn't even hurt. How's yours?"

"I could use some ice," he chuckled and pulled me to him. He kissed the top of my head and put his arms around my shoulders.

I was now cognizant of the fact that we had drawn quite an audience. People were whispering and looking from Edward to the exit where James was escorted, from Edward to me, and to the Cullen family which included Carlisle and Esme, who were looking at us dumbfounded.

Edward's arm snaked around my waist, "Come."

He led me over to the bar area where he began putting ice in a towel and placed it on his hand. I was in shock. He had just given himself away. Why would he do that?

"Don't be so tense. We're already caught," he whispered and kissed my ear.

"But-"

"I'm done caring."

"What? But-"

"All I care about you and your safety. I heard all the vile, disgusting things James said to you. No one talks to my Bella that way," he said and kissed me once again on the cheek.

He was smiling as he nodded over my shoulder at someone approaching. I turned around to see that Carlisle and Esme had paused in front of us. Esme was so perfect looking in a grey Chanel suit, dripping in pearls. Carlisle had on an expensive black suit with a black tie, his blonde hair was slicked back.

Carlisle's face was relatively calm, while Esme was smiling at me.

"Isabella," Carlisle began , "are you alright?"

"Um, yes sir. I'm fine."

"Edward, can I have a word with you?" he asked and looked at his son, who had a smile on his face.

"Anything you want to say to me you can say in front of Bella, Carlisle."

Carlisle cleared his throat. I see where Edward got that habit from when he was uncomfortable.

"Your brother told me what transpired with James. I understand you were upset, but you know I do not condone violence." The cat's out of the bag. Oh my lord.

"Sometimes it is necessary, dear," Esme said and looked from Edward to me. "You would have done the same."

Esme turned back to me and smiled brightly. I could see both Edward and Alice in her smile. "Bella. It's so nice to see you again."

"You too, Mrs. Cullen."

"Please call me Esme," she replied. Edward threaded the fingers on his good hand through mine.

Carlisle gaped a bit, but kept himself otherwise composed. I just went with it even thought my heart was beating a mile a minute. This was more stressful than actually keeping it a secret.

"I hope you weren't caused any harm," Carlisle said and looked at me with a half smile.

"I wasn't."

"But who knows what would have happened, Carlisle. James is a creep and I want you to cut ties with him straightaway. He can't be trusted."

"Son, I can't just fire him. His father insured us for years, I have a good relationship with his parents, I-"

"Dad…" Edward looked at his father who looked taken aback by that one simple word. I don't know how long it had been since Edward had actually called his father "dad." Anytime he spoke about him or to him, he called him Carlisle.

"…please. It would mean a lot to me. I think it is very important that a person like James no longer has any association with our family."

Edward put his arm around me and kissed my temple softly. I could feel the blush creeping to my face, while I kept my eyes fixed on Edward's parents, watching their faces for any kind of bad reaction.

Esme leaned against Carlisle and clutched her hand to her chest. It instantly reminded me of Alice.

"Carlisle. Fire him. If you won't, I will."

Carlisle took Esme's hand and kissed it, still kind of looking at us in shock. "Ok, alright. I'll do it tomorrow." We stood there awkwardly for a moment, just kind of staring at each other.

"So…I think I'm going to make sure Bella gets home safely."

"Uh, yes, son, ok. Will you be returning?" Edward looked from me to Esme, and back to Carlisle and shook his head.

"I don't think so."

"Well. Ok. I'll see you tomorrow, then. We're all having dinner together before we leave Monday."

"Yes I know. I'll be there."

"Oh! Won't you join us, Bella?" Esme asked sincerely. I didn't know what to say.

"Oh, I- "

"Of course. She'd love to," Edward answered.

"Great. Now you two run along. Edward Anthony, make sure to keep that hand iced."

"Yea, mom."

We said our goodbyes, and we were cut off on our way to the exit by the rest of the Cullens plus a very pissed off Victoria. Emmett and Rosalie made sure I was ok, as did Jasper. Edward kept his hand threaded through mine as he spoke to them about how good it felt to hit that douchebag. Victoria said nothing. Just shot us a series of glares.

"So? What happened? Did my dad go ape shit after that little public display of affection?" Alice inquired.

"No, surprisingly. I can't tell if he's happy about it, but your mother is. She actually invited me to dinner tomorrow."

She squeaked." That's so great!"

"I guess. I'm pretty nervous about it, though."

"No need. Dad will come around once he gets to know you."

Anything Alice said at the moment was not easing my mind. I was so nervous to have dinner with Carlisle and Esme. I knew he would still think I wasn't a proper fit for his son. We said goodbye and Edward put his arm around my waist as we headed toward the door.

The same photographer from earlier in the evening snapped pictures of us walking out together. I guess he knew a money shot when he saw one. The reporter stood next to him gaping at us and jotting things down in a notebook.

"Who is she, Mr. Cullen?" she asked.

Edward paused.

"Her name is Isabella Swan. S-w-a-n. She's my girlfriend. Quote me." he said and smiled as we walked out into the night.

The monkey is out of the bottle! Finally! Leave me something for my troubles, dears.

Shout out to vertigo33, pumpkinborg, thamker, Melee03 and tally100 who review pretty much every chapter! Oh and xxxVolturixxx for great feedback! If I left you out, you know I love you. Guess I'll get back to the writing now....