Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. All recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original content including, but not limited to, the ideas, plot line, characterization and intellectual property of this story are owned by OliviaRising. July 2010.

A/N: Thanks for all your amazing reviews!

A Beautiful Melody

Chapter Five

Today begins my two weeks of freedom. I still have to work of course, but at least I won't have Jacob breathing down my neck. In fact, I'll probably be working even harder since I've been put in charge of the Aid for Africa project.

I begin my morning at the ass crack of dawn in order to make sure Jacob is prepared for his trip. I double check his flight itinerary and then email it to him before I've even had my morning fix of caffeine.

In a unusual act of rebellion, I decide that I will live on the edge today and not go to work until after lunch. I mean, it's not like the boss is going to find out. Jacob's office and my desk are on the top floor of the building, completely isolated from the rest of the company. Nobody would know that I am not there unless they happen to visit the 64th floor, and even then I can make up an excuse.

After managing to redirect all office calls to my Blackberry, I spread out on the couch and watch re-runs of Friends while eating ice cream, still in my pajamas. The apartment is mercifully peaceful and quiet because Alice is at her daily yoga class and won't be home for another hour or so. I really should start doing some form of routine exercise as well. Yoga is obviously out of the question do to my chronic balance issues, but what's stopping me from joining a gym? Oh, that's right- my laziness. The most I exercise I do is walking from the couch to the refrigerator. Well, that's not completely true- I do walk to and from work everyday since it's so close. But still, my thighs could be a little firmer, and if I keep eating ice cream like this, I will definitely develop a food baby- you know, a little pooch on my stomach.

I quickly push aside those depressing thoughts with another big spoonful of Phish Food ice cream while keeping my eyes glued to the television. Rachel has just accidentally kissed the interviewer/boss of her potential new job. Though the situation is completely different, I can't help but think about Edward... and kissing Edward... and his lips...

He is quickly becoming a constant fixture in my mind and fantasies. Almost everything reminds me of him and we only had a few conversations. I hope I'm not developing an obsession. And what about when this project is finished? What then? I won't have an excuse to see him anymore...

My stomach plummets at that thought and I decide not to dwell on it. Instead, my mind wanders, once again, to the embarrassing bathtub incident. What was his proposal? I can't believe that I don't remember! I've spent so much time analyzing everything that he has ever said to me, and now, during what could possibly have been the most important conversation we've ever had, I completely blank on what he said! What if he offered me a job, officially this time? Well, I've already decided my answer on that issue. But no, the conversation was way too informal to be anything work related. Maybe he was asking me on another one of those interrogation dates disguised as an 'appointment'.

Ugh! If only I had listened to him instead of fantasizing about him! It would have saved me a lot of embarrassment and stress.

Not that it was completely my fault! That's the last time I use any new bath products without reading the label. Even something as seemingly innocent and harmless as bubble bath is now under suspicion.

It's just after twelve when I decide to leave for work. I spent my morning in a state of lazy relaxation- watching television, checking personal emails, researching gym memberships. But, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and now I have to buckle down and actually do my job.

I begin my sojourn to work with a steaming Starbucks coffee in one hand and a chic new tote, courtesy of Alice, in the other. I follow my normal route to work- I've walked it so many times, I could probably do it blindfolded.

I'm caught up in my insignificant musings, my feet already knowing where to go, when a red light at a pedestrian crossing forces me to break from my trance and actually take in my surroundings.

I am standing directly in front of one of the large windows of a hip Thai restaurant, Spice. The window is in no way tinted, and I can see directly into the restaurant. I quickly scan the décor and then subtly eye the diners. One slightly plump lady chatting with two friends, a man texting on his phone, four students typing on their laptops, and elderly couple perusing the menus, an intimate couple canoodling in the corner, a family with two chi... Wait!

My eyes dart back to the intimate couple, and my stomach twists at the slight. A gorgeous blonde is leaning suggestively over the small table, batting her eyelashes flirtatiously at a tall man whose face is partially obscured. But it doesn't matter that I can't really make out his face because his hair is unmistakable. A beautiful shock of untamed bronze.

I can't tear my eyes away, even though they are stinging with tears.

On top of the table, the man, undoubtably Edward, lightly strokes the woman's knuckles with the same hand that caressed mine not even twenty four hours ago.

He is also leaning forward and speaking to her in what I imagine is the same seductive voice he uses with me.

I feel the bile rising up in my throat as I force myself to look away and cross the street. How could I be so stupid! Of course he has other women at his beck and call. I knew from the start that he likes his share of women, but... I don't know, I though maybe I was... different, that he had changed. I've obviously been reading too many romance novels to be so thoroughly blinded by what was always in front of my face. Why had I thought I was special? He obviously acts this way with all women.

I feel as though I have been knocked from the highest pedestal. Edward made me feel like I was the only one in the room- in the world when I was with him. And seeing his attention so intimately focused on someone else is painful.

I roughly brush off a few errant tears that have strayed onto my cheeks.

Good riddance! Getting involved with him would have been a bad idea anyway. It would have put my job at risk, not to mention I would have to endure the knowledge of his long line of ex-conquests and those hoping to be his next. I would never know if I could trust him or if he was being faithful.

But even as my mind rationalizes that Edward showing his true colors early on is a good thing, I can't help but feel sorrow swelling deep in my chest. If I had gone to work on time, I'd still be blissfully unaware. Is it better to know and be hurt or to live in a specious world of ignorance?

Work is slow and the 64th floor feels extremely lonely without Jacob calling me into his office every few minutes. I never thought I'd see the day when I yearned for Jacob's annoying interruptions, but as I sit at my desk replying to monotonous emails, I faintly wish that he was here to send me on a coffee run or to pick up his dry cleaning... anything to pull me out of this funk.

I decide to head home early- unprofessional, I know, but the walls on this floor are starting to cave in on me and I will surely go insane if I stay here a minute longer. Just as I am packing up to leave, my phone starts ringing. I contemplate letting it go straight to voicemail because I am in no mood to talk to anyone. After the shitty day I've, I can't be held responsible for the things I might say.

The phone is on its last ring when I glance at the screen from the corner of my eye.

Edward.

I feel anger welling up inside me, ready to boil over at any moment. How dare he call me after have lunch with some floozy! In the back of my mind, where all my rational thoughts seem to have receded, I briefly note that Edward and I were never actually 'an item' and he had never directly insinuated that we were anything more than business partners or friendly acquaintances. I quickly push back any thoughts that don't augment my anger. I don't want to think rationally, I want to punch someone- no, I want to punch Edward.

Without pausing to think it through, I reach for my Blackberry and hit the answer button.

I don't say anything when I bring the phone to my ear- I'll let him make the first move.

"Isabella."

As usual, he's using the same husky, seductive voice that he probably uses with all the ladies. But now I know better and I will not let it effect me... at least I try not to let it effect me.

"Yes."

I try to be as formal as possible, even though I want nothing more than to tell him where he can shove it. But, unfortunately for me and my anger, Jacob is relying on me to lead this project and lashing out at Edward Cullen is not the way to a promotion. So I opt for cool indifference.

"Have you thought about my proposal?"

Arrogant bastard. Of course he automatically assumes that I know it's him. He probably even thinks I have a special ringtone for his calls. I decide to take him down a notch or two- deflate his ego a bit.

"I'm sorry- who is this?"

Aha! That'll show him!

There is a pause on the line. Obviously, he is taken aback that I don't already know.

"Edward."

I pause for effect.

"Edward who?"

There is another pause and suddenly his whole tone has changed into one of extreme annoyance.

"Edward Cullen," he says sharply.

Though I am still unbelievably angry, I can't help feeling a little smug that my plan is working.

"Oh... what do you need?" I say in a bored, disinterested voice.

"I'm calling for your answer in regard to tomorrow night."

Tomorrow night? What's going on tomorrow night?

It doesn't matter! I don't want anything to do with him outside of a strictly professional partnership. Whatever is happening tomorrow will just have to happen without me.

"No."

Another pause.

"No...?"

He seems confused. Maybe the proposal doesn't match with a yes or no answer... either that or he has never been turned down before. I sincerely hope it's the latter because the feminist in me is already chanting 'Girl Power!'

"Yes," I confirm.

"Yes?"

"No! Wait- yes I mean no. No is my answer. Nothing is happening tomorrow!"

So much for cool indifference. But at least I got the point across. Subtly is obviously not my forte.

Once again, there is silence on the line. This conversation has mostly consisted of awkward pauses.

"May I ask why?" He asks finally.

Because I have no idea what you are talking about! Oh, and I saw you giving some harlot bedroom eyes over Pad Thai.

"No, you may not."

And with that blunt statement, I hang up.

My elated mood at the slight victory is quickly overshadowed by a heavy feeling in my chest.

This all started with an intense physical attraction, but somewhere between our lunch date and our few phone conversations, it became more- to me, anyway.

How could I let myself get so wrapped up in him? I mean, we weren't in any kind of relationship- so why do I feel like we just broke up?

Alice knows something's up as soon as I walk in the front door. She doesn't ask any questions, she just drags me into the bathroom.

"Get ready, we're going out- you need a night of fun!"

Sadly, her definition of fun is completely different than mine. I enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book while she prefers a never-ending night out on the town.

I get ready halfheartedly, not at all in the mood to go any bars or clubs, no matter how 'classy' Alice says they are. But there is no point in arguing because she always gets her way and she will drag me out by my hair if necessary.

One shower and three outfits later, my appearance is approved by Alice. We take a cab to what Alice raves is the new 'it' bar. Personally, I think it looks like every other upscale bar in New York City- dim lights, sleek and modern decor, bar counters covered with fluorescent-colored drinks, men in dark suits with their collars unbuttoned and women dressed to kill in sky-high heels.

I try to blend into the background as best as I can while Alice makes her grand entrance. Only she can pull off a fuchsia mini dress without looking tacky.

I follow Alice, my bright pink beacon, to a secluded booth at the other end of the bar. There are already people sitting there when we arrive, and they immediately jump up to greet Alice when they see us.

With two kisses on each of their cheeks, Alice introduces them to me.

Seth, Leah, Sam, Emily, Paul, and two others whose names escape me.

They are all very friendly and very gay, the men at least. Apparently, they are colleagues of Alice's, working in the various fields of fashion.

An hour into the night, I am the only one left at the table. Alice seems to know everyone and is constantly flitting from one group of people to another, clutching a pink martini in her small hand.

I'm not exactly an extremely outgoing person, but I am never usually this reticent. I feel incapable of having fun because of the nagging thoughts of Edward festering in the back of my mind.

This is so unhealthy. I barely even know the man. It's not like I thought it was going anywhere... right...?

I make my way over to the crowded bar for a much needed refill when I feel someone watching me. I immediately tense up, my mind jumping to thoughts of Edward, but when I turn around, I see that there are blue, not green, eyes staring back at me.

The tall man with dirty blonde hair makes his way over to me, his blue eyes never leaving mine. He stands directly in front of me and flicks his hand at the bartender, presumably to catch his attention.

"A cosmopolitan for the beautiful woman, and a gin and tonic for me."

How does he know what I'm drinking?

The bartender places our drinks on the bar and I hesitantly grab mine.

"Thank you."

The mysterious man leans casually against the bar and slowly sips his drink.

"It's my pleasure."

He doesn't ask for my name nor does he tell me his, but I sense that he is waiting for me to make the first move.

"My name's Bella..."

This is so awkward- why isn't he saying anything? If he's going to hit on me, he better get it over with soon.

"How apt. I'm James."

Ugh. Why do all men always feel the need to connect my name to my appearance? It's extremely overused and unoriginal.

"Dance with me?"

Whoa! Well, he get's straight to the point. He's obviously extremely confident, if not a little arrogant. I doubt he has even considered the possibility that I may say no. Why do I attract such pompous men?

I am about to decline, my natural response to such requests, but something stops me. Why should I say no? It's not like one dance automatically means we are getting married. Why should Edward have all the fun?

I nod my head in assent and James steers me toward the bar's adjoining dance club with one hand placed on my lower back.

I normally hate dancing, but the beat is pumping and my nerves are quelled by the alcohol flowing through my system, so I resolve to stop thinking and just feel.

James places his hands on my hips and pulls me back against him, making me sway to the music.

I close my eyes and forget about James and the club. I let my body feel the music and move accordingly.

I'm so enraptured by the beat that my eyes immediately pop open in surprise when James abruptly stops moving behind me.

It takes me less than a second to notice him standing directly in front of me. But he isn't looking at me- no, he's glaring murderously at James. His nostrils are flared and his eyes seem pitch black in the dim lighting of the club.

James decides to break the silence.

"Bella, do you know this man?"

It's kind of ironic that James is asking me this when Edward could be asking the same exact question about him.

Edward's face darkens even more, obviously thinking that James and I are much more friendly than we actually are.

"Uh, yeah, we work together."

This awkward confrontation is completely killing the mood. Edward keeps popping up everywhere and James seems to think that we are dating.

"I think my friend is calling me. I have to go..."

And with that, I escape from James' clutches and Edward's piercing stare.

The dance floor is extremely claustrophobic as I dodge people and make my over to where Alice is still chatting with friends.

I decide not to bother her and head straight to the bar to order a shot. When did my life get so complicated?

I've downed my third shot, when I feel his presence behind me.

"How much have you had to drink?"

The nerve! I haven't forgotten how upset I am at him, and his audacity just amplifies my anger.

"Why are you here?"

He completely ignores my question.

"Was that your boyfriend?"

Why does he always expect me to answer all of his questions, but he never answers mine?

I'm about to tell him where he can shove it when I see the blonde skank from the Thai restaurant floating around by the entrance.

Edward follows my gaze and then looks back at me warily.

"Did she come with you?"

He shrugs noncommittally.

"She's just a friend."

Yeah, with benefits.

This night was supposed to be about me getting my mind off of things, off of him. But it's only served to stress me out more.

"I've got to go."

And before Edward can say anything, I've pushed past his floozy and walked straight out the door.

I jump in the nearest cab and text Alice that I'm going home. This night wasn't what I would call fun, but it did make me exhausted enough to fall asleep straight away without mulling over Edward.

I don't know how our business relationship will be affected by all of this, but things will definitely have to change. More than anything, I need to decide if I want something more with him and if he's even worth the risk. I don't know if he's even interested in me or willing to change, but I am definitely not going to share. Maybe it would be easier if I just forget about him and move on, but I don't think I can...

Longest chapter yet and plenty to think about- Who's the blonde floozy? Are they actually just friends? Will we see James again? Is he a good guy? What's Jacob up to? When will Alice meet her Prince Charming? Where's Rosalie in this story? When will I update next?

Let me know your comments, thoughts, and speculations!

xXx Olivia