**Thanks for all the reviews and adds to story alert. This chapter contains cursing.
Isabella was awoken by a tiny body climbing into her bed, collecting Daniel's body to hers she sang to him until he fell back asleep. It was still dark in her room so she figured it was still very early. The kids were probably still jet lagged and it would take them a few days to get back on a good sleep schedule. She fell back asleep and woke up to the sound of Daniel using her bathroom. Hearing the sink being turned off she sat up and stretched, Daniel entered the room looking bright eyed and ready for the day.
"It's big breakfast day Bella" he announced.
"Your right, what should we make?" asked Isabella matching his excited tone.
"I want fruit" said Daniel.
"Sounds yummy, lets go down and see what kind of fruit we have" said Isabella. She grabbed her phone as she headed downstairs, at some point she was going to have to call Sam. In the kitchen she gave Daniel a banana and some blueberries to keep him occupied. Next she made some scones and popped them into the oven, the smells of freshly baking scones filled the kitchen. Edgar wandered down next and helped himself to a cup of coffee before snagging some blueberries from Daniel's bowl. Isabella pulled the scones out of the oven and set them on a cooling rack. She split one open for Daniel and spread some jam on it before handing it to him along with a glass of milk. He accepted it happily and was finished in a heartbeat. Isabella let him go into the den to watch some cartoons before he had to work on his homework. The other kids were no where to be seen so Isabella went upstairs to check on them. By the time she got back down Edgar had eaten two scones and was working on a third.
"These are great" he said spraying crumbs out of his mouth.
"They are even better if you actually swallow" said Isabella. Edgar finished swallowing his mouthful of food before speaking again.
"Speaking of swallowing are you going to call Jake Harris back?" asked Edgar.
"Speaking of swallowing? What is that suppose to mean?" asked Isabella.
"Nothing, just thought it would get a rise out of you and it did" said Edgar happily.
"You are so immature" said Isabella. "But to answer your question no I'm not going to call him back. I'm going to call Sam."
"Well I'm glad you took our little talk last night to heart" said Edgar seriously. "If you didn't I was going to have to bring over the Northwestern's official therapist."
"Who's that?" asked Isabella.
"Matt, he's really good" said Edgar.
"Really. I guess I could see that, he's a good listener" said Isabella.
"Are you going to see junior today?" asked Edgar.
"I don't know, I'll probably call him at some point" said Isabella.
"Did you spend a lot of time together this past week?" asked Edgar.
"Yes, almost every single day" said Isabella.
"I'm jealous but happy for you" said Edgar.
"You shouldn't be jealous, you got to spend the whole week with your wife. Although I'm sure the whole feel of the reunion was bittersweet" said Isabella.
"It certainly wasn't an amazing vacation at Disneyland but it was nice to see the family. The flowers you sent were really beautiful" said Edgar smiling. "You always know just what to do."
"Thanks, I learned from the best" said Isabella.
"Who?" asked Edgar.
"Louise" said Isabella with a smile. Putting the scones into a basket Isabella quickly washed the dishes and put them away. She showered and changed clothes before finally sitting down outside in the backyard to call Sam.
Sam picked up on the first ring, she'd been compulsively carrying her phone with her since she left Isabella in the hotel room back in San Diego. When Jake had offered to call the night before she'd thought it was a shot in the dark, but now that Isabella was actually calling her she felt like there was a ray of hope that they would still be friends.
"Hi Ella" said Sam.
"Hi Sam" said Isabella, her voice unnaturally cold.
"I'm so glad you called, I didn't think you'd ever speak to me again. I'm so sorry about the way I acted and that I tricked you into doing stuff you weren't comfortable doing" said Sam.
"I'm not going to forgive you for what you did" said Isabella. Sam's heart broke. "But I'm willing to move past it and try to salvage our friendship" finished Isabella.
"I can accept that, it's probably more than I deserve" said Sam contritely. "Will you come to dinner with the Harris's tonight?"
"Yes" said Isabella. She could hear Sam yelling at someone in the background and there was some sort of cheer.
"I can't wait to see you, we'll pick you up at 6 ok?" asked Sam.
"That sounds fine. What should I wear?" asked Isabella.
"Something sexy" said Sam.
"Try again Sam" said Isabella.
"A dress, we are going to a nice restaurant" said Sam.
"I'll see you later" said Isabella.
"I can't wait" said Sam. Isabella hung up the phone and stared off into middle distance wondering if she'd done the right thing. Edgar had been right, she needed to move on. She just hoped this dinner wasn't going to be weird. Walking back into the house she sat down in the den with Daniel and watched some cartoons. She called Jake to tell him she was going to dinner with Sam and the Harris's, he told her to have a good time and to call him later. The other kids came down a little before noon and Isabella made them a quick lunch, before they all started on their homework. Before she knew it the clock had chimed 4, getting up from helping the kids with homework she got up to get ready for dinner.
Edgar opened the door and invited Phil, Jake, Josh and Sam into the house to wait for Isabella. Edgar knew she was ready, he'd just taken her a shot of liquid courage to get her to come downstairs. When she'd heard the doorbell she'd gone white as a sheet and downed the shot. Isabella appeared in the foyer dressed in a cute dress that was just on the side of modest. Sam ran forward throwing her arms around her. Isabella froze for a moment before melting into the embrace. Edgar smiled at the picture the girls made, before checking out the looks on the other guys faces.
"Alright kids, lets get to the restaurant" said Phil.
"Have fun Isabella, but remember tonight's a school night" said Edgar.
"Thanks dad" said Isabella jokingly. In the truckIsabella sat up front with Phil while Jake and Josh sat on either side of Sam in the back seat.
"So Isabella, how was your week without the family?" asked Phil.
"It was nice and very quiet" said Isabella with a smile.
"I bet" said Phil. "It was nice to see you in San Diego, Edgar should bring you to more events."
"I'm usually taking care of the kids so he can go with Louise" said Isabella.
"True, but you should still try to come" said Phil with an easy smile.
"I'll tell Louise I'm willing to go just in case she doesn't want to" said Isabella.
"I suppose that's the best I can hope for" said Phil. Driving to the restaurant Isabella listened keenly to the conversation in the backseat. It seemed that Sam was happily enjoying the company of both Harris boys and had been for the last few days. The guys seemed less than thrilled to share her.
"They've been like that since she got here" said Phil.
"I bet they have" said Isabella with a roll of her eyes.
"It's nice of you to come, if you hadn't I'd be running interference between ding and dong all night. But since you're here I can just talk to you" said Phil.
"Thank God you just want to talk to me, for a second there I thought you were going to ask me to run interference" said Isabella.
"I like you too much to do that to you" said Phil. Arriving at the restaurant Isabella watched with amusement as Jake and Josh both got out of the truck and waited to see which side Sam would choose to get out on. Phil just rolled his eyes and handed the keys to the valet before offering his arm to Isabella.
The group sat at a great table overlooking the water, Isabella and Phil sipped at red wine and watched Sam and boys interact with each other. Isabella couldn't tell which one of the guys Sam was after or if she really did want both.
"Who's room is she sleeping in?" whispered Isabella.
"I have no idea, the boys have been with her at their place" said Phil.
"It's like watching an episode of Melrose Place, someone is going to end up in the pool" said Isabella.
"That reference is completely lost on me, but I agree that someone is going to be upset" said Phil. Isabella just smiled and turned back to the verbal tennis match between Jake and Josh.
"I have to go to the bathroom" announced Sam. "Will you come with me Isabella?"
"Sure" said Isabella. She knew they would have to talk at some point this evening at least it would be somewhat private in the bathroom. Isabella got up and she and Sam walked towards the bathroom. Entering the bathroom Sam pulled Isabella into the handicap stall.
"I've missed you Ella" said Sam.
"Are you having fun with the boys?" asked Isabella.
"They fight a lot but they are fun individually" said Sam with a smile.
"They are brothers I doubt that you are going to be able to get them into a threesome situation" said Isabella.
"I can try" said Sam with a devious smirk. "Maybe you could help me."
"Not in a million years" said Isabella. She debated telling Sam about Jake but decided not to, she didn't need her setting her sights on him too.
"Please forgive me Ella" said Sam pulling Isabella into a hug.
"I forgive you" said Isabella quietly resting her head on Sam's shoulder. Sam tilted her head and placed a soft kiss on Isabella's forehead. Isabella sensed the change in energy and quickly straightened up, she did not want to be caught making out in a bathroom stall.
"We should get back before the guys really start to miss you" said Isabella opening the stall door and moving to the sink to wash her hands.
"I hope we get to continue that later" said Sam. Isabella's only response was to walk out of the bathroom.
Back at the table Isabella took her seat next to Phil and took a sip of wine. Phil gave her a questioning glance and she responded with a smile and a small nod. Jake and Josh descended on Sam asking her what took so long.
"Did you two make up?" asked Josh.
"Yes we did. Isabella is the best friend ever" said Sam with a brilliant smile. Isabella just smiled back, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
"Did you kiss and make up?" asked Jake.
"Yes, that's why it took us so long" said Isabella. Everyone's mouths dropped open at the announcement even the waiter who happened to be refilling the wine glasses. Isabella picked up her now full wine glass and took a sip. There was shocked silence for a few minutes, but it was soon broken by the arrival of the food. Dinner was eaten slowly and the conversation moved forward easily. Phil and Isabella spent most of the night making comments to each other about the trio's actions. Before dessert arrived the guys all went out to have a cigarette leaving Isabella and Sam alone at the table.
"You and Phil are pretty chummy" said Sam.
"He's a really nice guy" replied Isabella.
"I bet he'd fuck you in a heartbeat" said Sam.
"I'm not interested in him that way" said Isabella.
"Who says you have to be interested, just think about how cool it would be to write in your memoirs" said Sam, her face taking on a wistful expression.
"I'm not really interested in living my life like a tell all book" said Isabella.
"I'd love to read your memoirs, I bet they are full of juicy nanny gone wild stories" said Sam.
"Not as many as you think" said Isabella. "I bet your memoirs will be full of Sammy gone wild stories, perhaps you will be adding another chapter to your Deadliest Catch section later this evening."
"Don't be a hater Ella, you could probably add to your chapter tonight too if you weren't so chicken shit" said Sam.
"Since when does having standards mean chicken shit?' asked Isabella.
"You fuck your married boss and have the balls to talk to me about standards" said Sam dismissively. "I love you Isabella, but you have a demented set of morals." Isabella's eyes hardened but before she retorted the guys returned. Phil sat down next to Isabella and leaned over to whisper in her ear.
"Are you ok? You look like you might jump over the table and start punching."
"I think your arrival just saved me from a very embarrassing and dress ruining cat fight" said Isabella.
"You ready to go? We can leave the young lovers to take a cab" said Phil.
"Yes, I'm ready to go" said Isabella.
"Alright kids I'm taking Isabella home. I trust that you three will be able to get home without incident" said Phil.
"Yeah pops don't worry" said Josh. "Goodnight Isabella."
"Bye Bella" said Jake. Sam didn't say anything, she just looked at Isabella with a mixture of disappointment and regret.
Back in the car Phil drove slowly towards Edgar's house. He didn't want to take Isabella home upset so he pulled into a parking lot and stopped.
"You want some coffee before you go home?" asked Phil.
"Sure" said Isabella with a small smile. The walked into the coffee shop and ordered, picking a table in the back they sat quietly until the drinks arrived.
"Honey, what did she say to make you so mad?" asked Phil. His voice was so full of concern that she considered telling him everything, but she didn't want to paint Edgar in a bad light.
"She said something about my moral standards. We've been friends and more for a long time and she really hurt me in San Diego and then to do this, it's just too much to forgive" said Isabella.
"I don't know what she said and I doubt whatever you've done would change my opinion of you. You are a really special girl and don't let some friend ever make you doubt that" said Phil.
"Thanks Phil" said Isabella.
"I'm proud of you for not crying or hitting anyone at the restaurant" said Phil.
"It was close, but I'm better than that" said Isabella taking a sip of her drink. She watched a few people come up and ask Phil for autographs and pictures. Phil turned back to her looking slightly embarrassed.
"Are you blushing?" asked Isabella.
"Probably. I'll never get use to people asking me for autographs. I'm not a star, just a crab fisherman" said Phil.
"Are you kidding? People love Deadliest Catch, they have a whole convention for it and you are one of the stars. It's only going to get more popular, soon you'll have to move to your own island just to get any privacy" said Isabella.
"My own island?" said Phil with a smirk.
"Yep, if not I'm going to see your face plastered all over the tabloids" said Isabella. "Like tonight would say something about you corrupting a beautiful young girl with coffee."
"Corrupting?" said Phil. "It would probably be young girl attempting to seduce Deadliest Catch captain."
"Hmm, could be. But I'd have to be wearing something lower cut or shorter" said Isabella.
"It may be worth any bad press just to see that" said Phil with a wink.
"Comments like that lead me to believe that my headline is more likely" said Isabella giving Phil a radiant smile.
"Now that you are smiling again, I think we should actually get you home. It is a school night" said Phil.
"Thanks for cheering me up" said Isabella.
"You are prettiest when you have a smile on your face" said Phil earnestly. Isabella flashed him another smile and stood up. The drive back to Edgar's house was quick and before they knew it they were parked in the driveway. Phil got out and walked her to the door.
"Thanks for a great night, I couldn't have survived without you" said Phil.
"The feeling is completely mutual" said Isabella standing on her tiptoes and giving Phil a kiss on the cheek. He wrapped his arms around her giving her a tender hug.
"Take care of yourself Isabella" said Phil as he walked back to the truck.
"I will" said Isabella as she unlocked the door.
Walking into the house she pulled out her ringing phone. Seeing it was Sam she debated answering it, deciding she'd had enough for one night she powered down the phone and slipped it back into her purse. It was just a few minutes before 10 and she wondered if anyone was up. She found her answer as she walked into the den and saw Edgar watching TV.
"How'd it go?" he asked.
"It was kind of horrible" said Isabella. She gave Edgar a quick review of everything that had transpired and watched the range of emotions play out on his face. She finished the story telling him how stopping at the coffee shop on the way home was the highlight of her evening.
"Jesus Isabella, I'm sorry I suggested you go" said Edgar.
"It's ok, at least I know what she really thinks about me" said Isabella.
"I have some news that might cheer you up. Jake called earlier, he wants you to call him when you are done dropping the kids off at school. He says he has a big day planned" said Edgar.
"Did he tell you what we're doing?" asked Isabella her face alight with anticipation.
"Nope, he said it's a surprise" said Edgar.
"I'm surprised you didn't demand to know" said Isabella.
"He caught me in the middle of making dinner so I didn't really have a chance to ask a lot of questions" admitted Edgar.
"Well I should go to bed, I want to get plenty of rest before my big surprise" said Isabella.
"Sweet Dreams" said Edgar.