I don't know the meaning of the word "late." Let's just get rid of any type of schedule I had with this story, yeah?

Thanks for keeping up with it anyhow. I kind of started back to writing again. Now that another semester is among us.

Disclaimer: I own basically nothing.

Dinner

"So Edward, what brought you to our suburb?" Tyler asked gruffly. Edward was somewhat hunched over, a little uncomfortable with Isabella's husband. He was receiving a weird vibe from him, as if what Tyler really wanted was for the newcomer to leave the town and never come back.

"I travel around a lot for my job," he said looking up from his food. All of the table was looking at him intensely. "I'm a human resources specialist for the government." The three pairs of eyes looked at him blankly. Edward sighed. "I match people to jobs that fit their qualifications and what they desire to do."

Bella's eyes lit up at hearing this news. She had always wanted to do something other than staying at home all day. She wanted to work at a publishing firm specifically, possibly work her way up to be an editor. Reading and writing stories is what she loved to do, and why not make another's dream come true? Could Edward help her out with this dream? Before she could stop herself, the words already came out of her mouth.

"Is it only for government jobs?" Everyone's head turned toward her. Edward held a smirk on his face.

"No, not necessarily. I have connections with many people and it's not against my job to use them to help my family and friends."

"But how does one fine 'the perfect job?'" she asked, her voice implying air quotes.

"Well, as an example, I led my sister in the direction of a personal shopper. I had already known her for a long time so I didn't need to interview her to figure out her interests. She loves to shop, thus loves to spend money. She also has an incredible sense of style. Personal shoppers tend to make a healthy income. I called a few agencies, made a few recommendations and, bam," Edward made a hand gesture to emphasize, "killed two birds with one stone. It's been five years and she now has worked her way up to working for celebrities. She's very friendly and has a high energy."

Isabella had a smile on her face, and her eyes read intrigue. Edward could tell she desperately wanted to ask him something, but was holding back. Was it her husband? Tyler cleared his throat, breaking Edward from his musing. He looked away from the woman's face and into his plate. Jacob started to speak before the silence became uncomfortable.

~'-*-'~

The rest of the night continued on without consequence. After dinner, Bella made coffee and the four of them sat in the living and spoke about little things. Tyler was watching Edward all night, and it made Bella worry. He hadn't done anything to offend her husband. By eight thirty, Jacob had already left, as he had to get back to Lizzie, and Edward was headed toward the door. Tyler was in the other room, claiming to prepare for bed despite the early hour.

"Thank you for having me Isabella," Edward said, turning to face her in the entry way. "You keep a lovely home and make a delicious lasagna." Isabella blushed and mumbled a thank you, looking at the floor. He was suddenly very aware of how close they were standing to one another and backed away a couple of steps. Isabella looked broken. He could tell she had been through a lot to get to where she was today. He wanted to bring her into an embrace. He wanted her to look into his eyes and see that she could trust him with whatever she needed him to. He wanted to be able to lean his head down and kiss her.

Edward shook away his thoughts. He couldn't think like that around this girl if he wanted to be friends with her. "Do you have any plans tomorrow?"

This questions surprised both parties. "What?"

"Tomorrow? I have to go shopping for some furniture and was wondering if you would like to come with me. My mother is an interior designer and your home could rival any of the ones she has decorated. She would berate me if she came to visit and my apartment is a sorry excuse for a home after she offered to help so many times." Edward smiled sheepishly as Bella blushed once again.

"So you want to use my styling techniques and claim them as your own. In the writing world we call that plagiarism." Edward's smile only grew wider. "I have nothing planned. I would be delighted to get to know you further."

"How does ten thirty sound? I'll pick you up here."

"Great, I'll see you tomorrow then," Bella said, opening up the front door to allow the visitor to leave.

"Tomorrow." Edward smirked again and walked down driveway and to the road. He sat in his Volvo for a minute before driving off.

Bella closed the door and turned around to find Tyler leaning up against the living room wall staring at her. She suddenly became interested in a loose string on her dress.

"You didn't tell me your new friend was a man," he said in a hushed tone.

"I don't think that there should be a problem that he is," she retorted quickly. Tyler closed his mouth from whatever he was going to say next. He shook his head, clearing it.

"There isn't, I just would like to be told next time. It startled me is all." By this time he had crossed the room and reached out, inviting her into his arms. She willingly closed the distance and pressed herself against his chest. They stood there listening to the music.

Sorry for the rediculous wait, I'm not going to bore you with a long excuse. Forgive me? Believe me, I love you guys and writing. Time doesn't.

And Reviews are always welcome. If you are still with me on this.

No music to report, unfortunately. I wrote this so long ago and apparently I never wrote what I listened to.

Next Chapter...Moving Boxes