Twilight is still, unfortunately, owned by Stephenie Meyer. I wish I owned these characters…I would make Rob be my personal masseuse…those fingers…
Anyway…
Sorry for not updating, but at one point I had three jobs and only came home to sleep. Now it's getting better because I have ONE job, lol.
Also, I finally figured out how to reply to reviews. I know, I'm a genius, aren't I! So, let me know what you think ;)
"Did you really have sex with Demetri?" Rose screeched into the phone. The message wasn't even in my outbox a full two minutes before she rang my cell phone.
"No, of course not." I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see it. "But it's good to know that's what your focal point on the message was."
"Bella, I don't know if there's anything I could do," she replied honestly. "I mean, it's his company's IT system, so it'd be really hard to prove anything…plus I'm sure the IT department would manipulate something in order to not get in trouble."
"Relax, Rose…I'm not going to take legal action. That would be stupid considering I want to move up in this company…I just want to scare him shitless."
"I'm sure he's shaking in his boots," Rose joked, causing me to frown. "Bella, really, Cullen is a pretty powerful man. His family practically owns Chicago and aside from the Pritzkers, they're the wealthiest family in the state of Illinois."
"Fuck."
"Fuck is right. I know you don't want to sue him, but if you did, it would take you, your mama, and your grandmamma a lifetime of turning tricks before you could pay my lawyer fees. And I'd be giving you a best friend's discount."
"Shut up, bitch," I joked, "I have to go. I'm leaving before the shit hits the fan."
We said our goodbyes as I gathered up my things and turned my computer off. I knocked on Edward's door and didn't wait for a response before I walked in. He was pacing the room on his cell phone, clearly looking disturbed. Seeing me, he raised an eyebrow and gestured for me to hold on a moment.
"Listen Jenks, I have to go," he paused and listened to the person on the other line before speaking, "yes, tomorrow at 9 am…I'll be looking forward to it." He ended the call and placed his Blackberry on his desk before turning his attention on me.
"I'm leaving," I spoke quickly. "For the day, I mean. I'm just going to go to like…Starbucks or something and finish up."
"Listen, Bella," he gulped and I watched his Adam's apple bob up and down.
"No," I said holding up my hand. "I really can't concentrate here with Jessica running in and out of my office every five minutes."
"Jessica?" he looked confused. "I can send her home for the day."
"No, I'm sure you need your assistant here today more than ever…so I'll just see you tomorrow." I didn't give him a chance to respond before swiftly carrying my ass out the door.
I didn't end up going to Starbucks. Instead I went straight to Neiman Marcus to visit Alice since I hadn't seen her in almost a week considering she had canceled Hump Day lunch with us because of a huge project she is working on.
I spent most of the afternoon lounging in her office listening to her go on and on about how amazing Jasper is. It was cute. Alice was always a serial monogamist, but she'd never been this head over heels for anyone – ever. It reminded me of my early relationship with James.
Here's hoping Jasper doesn't like strippers.
It was about 5:15 and I was watching Alice gather her things for the day when my Blackberry chirped. Reaching into my work bag, I quickly retrieved it and unlocked it. A new text message.
Ugh. From Edward Cullen.
Taking legal action, I see?
I quickly responded:
Whatever do you mean, Edward?
Less than a minute later my phone chirped again.
Cut the bullshit, Bella.
Ugh, always playing the victim, I see.
Stop reading my emails!
Stop using up company time to send personal emails and maybe I wouldn't have to.
Nice try, but that email was unbeknownst sent to me. You're creepy. I'm working from home tomorrow.
Don't think so. In the office 8 am.
Oh…wait. Jacob Black is coming in tomorrow, too, right? Mmm…maybe I WILL be there ;)
I giggled at my response causing Alice to look up and quirk a brow. Shaking my head at her I mumbled, "nothing."
Ooh, response!
Do you ENJOY what you do to me?
Very much so! Xoxoxo :*
Come over here and I'll show you a kiss for real.
I rolled my eyes.
Keep it in your pants, Cullen.
Did you really sleep with him?
I'll see you at work tomorrow, Edward.
And with that I turned off my Blackberry and turned to Alice.
"We have a problem," I stated.
"I'm listening," she responded.
So, on the way home I explained the entire situation to her. From the beginning to the recent text messaging events to my feelings on how I should feel embarrassed and violated, but instead was feeling a bit wanted and turned on. At one point while we were on the train I turned to her and said, "Alice, really…what kind of woman am I that I'm so turned on by his possessive spying on me? Shouldn't I be reporting him or something? I mean, isn't this what women have been fighting for, for centuries?"
"Bella," she responded patting my arm affectionately, "It would be harassment if you weren't playing into it. The flirting, the calling him names, the bending over slightly so he sees your cleavage. If he generally was doing this and it was one sided, I would say you should talk to Tanya, not that I think it'd get you very far. You'd probably get a severance package or some sort of settlement. Like, hush-hush money…which is gross and wrong, Bella," she was going on and I had to bring her back to the task at hand.
"Alice, it's not one sided. I will admit I definitely feed into it," Ugh. I was that girl. "And now I'm scared it's really fucking up stuff. Cause like, ok, I figured it was harmless flirting, but now he's getting possessive. And trust me, it makes my hooha dance and my inner goddess is throwing her graduation party, but I still have to work with him for five more months!"
"Well, maybe you should go out with him," she shrugged. "I mean, there's all this sexual tension and awkwardness already. It couldn't possibly get worse, could it?"
God, I hated her. She was my best friend, my sister, my non-sexual soul mate and she knew me better than anyone. She also liked to tell me things I knew, but didn't want to admit to myself.
It was 7:15 on Friday morning and I had officially been standing in front of my front door, bag on shoulder, coffee in hand, for a good ten minutes.
Come on, Bella. It's Friday. Just make it through today and you won't have to see him until Monday.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave. I figured, since he'd been a little prissy all week, I could easily avoid him all day by holing myself in my office and sneaking out the door at 5 pm.
WRONG.
When I walked into my office, he was sitting on my desk, smiling up at me like he had slept with a hanger in his mouth.
Ew, did I really use that expression?
Nonna Swan, is that you?
"Edward," I greeted sarcastically as I made my way over to my desk.
"Well, Bella," he greeted me back. "You look a little flushed this morning."
"Sex dream last night," about you. "About Demetri." I made sure to purr out the Demetri part and snickered internally when I saw Edward briefly stiffen and then quickly regain composure. I had previously decided to take it easy on him. Not knowing if he was after the chase or if he wanted me and not bothering to find out. Because when I did, it would have driven me nuts not being able to do anything about either. And oh, since I got a praising email from Tanya about my article, I was rather keen on keeping my current position.
But now that he read my personal emails? Which, in hindsight, I know was stupid of me to give Rose my work email because she's a hound – and very inappropriate- but I was going to mess with him and make him rue the day he decided to spy on me.
It kind of was creeping me out, too, that he just showed up to Twilight. My overactive brain was running wild. Did he want to get me drunk so I would sleep with him? Is that why he wanted to personally escort me home?
"Right, well," he stammered, breaking my thoughts. "I brought something for you." He reached into his backside pocket, giving me ample time to check out him ample goods, and pulled out an envelope before plopping it on my desk.
Tentatively I reached to grab it and opened it. Two tickets to the Monet exhibit at the Art Institute for Friday January 9th. Tonight. I looked up and gave him a curious look.
"I guess it's wrong to presume you didn't have plans," he said sheepishly sticking his hands in his pocket. "But, it's opening night at the exhibit and I thought we could do some…uh, research."
"Wow," I breathed, taking a seat in my chair. "I really wanted to go to this," I traced the tickets slightly with my finger tips, "I took an Art Appreciate class in college and fell in love with Monet."
"His work is exquisite," Edward agreed, taking a seat opposite of me on the other side of my desk. "So, you'll go?"
"Of course," I snapped my eyes up to look into his.
"Ok, well, it's not until 8…so we can maybe grab some dinner beforehand," he paused. "If you'd like."
"I don't know," I hesitated. "I don't think that's such a good idea, given the circumstances."
"Circumstances?"
"I just don't know if it's appropriate to do non-work related activities," I shrugged my shoulders.
"Right," he chuckled to himself, shaking his head slightly.
"Why is that funny?" I quirked a brow.
"Bella, your mixed signals? They're giving me fucking whiplash," he stood from his chair and placed him palms on my desk, leaning towards me. "You're hot, you're cold. You're flirty and coy, then you're cold and distant. You sometimes look at me like I'm the only thing you see, then other times like you want to murder me…I just don't get it."
"You've picked up on all this in, what, a week and a half?" I rolled my eyes. "Edward, you don't know me…and sure, maybe, maybe if we didn't work so closely…or if I were still at Vanity, I would come to dinner with you…but, I don't think it's such a good idea. I don't know what your intentions are and I'm not into casual sex. It's not my thing."
"One dinner. No sex."
"No."
"I'll buy."
"Obviously," I rolled my eyes.
He chuckled. "Please."
"No!"
"What if I said it's a business dinner?"
"We'll discuss business now, then."
"You know, I never put myself out there like this. There's only so much rejection a man can take."
"Edward. Admit it to yourself…it's just the thrill of the chase. You want what you can't have," I stated. "And you can't have me."
"Accuse me of playing games, when you're doing the same, Bella."
"I'm not playing games, Edward, believe me," I looked into his eyes and tried to relay my sincerity there. "I – I…just can't. Not with you, at least."
"You can't what?"
"I just can't."
"You keep saying that, Bella," his nostrils flared. "But that's not a fucking answer."
"I can't get involved with you. I'd say, maybe, we could wait until June, but I doubt you'll be interested in me then."
"There you go again," he muttered, throwing his hands into the air, then gripping his hair. "You think you know me. You think you know all about me and my 'type', right?" he paused looking at me. "Well, you know what? Fine, Bella, don't go out with me. But it'll happen. And then you'll be thanking me for being so persistent when I show you what life can be like when you're with me."
I snorted, "I like my life just fine, thanks."
"I'll pick you up at 7, be ready." He ignored my last comment.
"I can meet you there."
"This whole independent thing used to be a turn on, but now it's really annoying. I'll pick you up at 7."
With that he walked out the door and somehow, even though, technically I won, I felt like I still lost.
What the fuck? I needed to get out of Chicago. People in the Midwest are crazy.
It was 6:58 when my buzzer rang.
Well, he's nothing if not prompt.
I took one last glance in my hallway mirror before exiting my apartment, making sure to lock the door behind me. I walked out of the building and saw him leaning against his Bently. He was holding a bouquet of pink roses and ushered to my side as soon as I reached the curb. He handed me the flowers and opened my door so I could get in the car.
"Roses?" I quirked a brow.
"I thought red would be too presumptuous, but every pretty girl deserves flowers," he shrugged before closing my door and walking to his side and getting in.
"They're very pretty," I responded taking in a whiff of the aroma. "Thank you, Edward."
He gave me a genuine smile before quickly glancing to his left for oncoming traffic and weaving through the streets of Chicago.
We made it to the Art Institute in record time thanks to the maniac behind the wheel. As we were driving, we weren't even holding a conversation because I was mentally throwing a will together to write in case I made it home alive.
I'd give Rosalie my jewelry and Alice all my shoes…which really were her shoes on recycle. And I suppose my mom would get all the things I got from her mother when she passed and my dad…
"Bella?" Edward tapped my shoulder. "We're here."
"Ok, showtime," he said lowly in my ear as we walked in. Surveying the place, I noticed it was mainly couples.
"Ok, right there," I whispered pointing to an older man and a much younger woman. "Is either a father and daughter or a gold digger and her sugar daddy."
"I'm gonna go with gold digger and sugar daddy for $1,000, Alex," Edward whispered back as the man placed his hand on the woman's behind and gave it a firm squeeze.
"Oh, for the love of…In an Art Museum?" I mockingly covered my eyes with my hands.
"She looks like she'd rather be anywhere but here," Edward chuckled.
"Maybe she's not a fan of Monet?"
"I'd like to think she's not a fan of the old pervert molesting her ass with his stubby fingers."
"Let's go talk to them," Edward suggested, grabbing my arm and leading me in their direction. I tried to protest, but struggling in three inch Louboutins was not something I was skilled in.
"Beautiful piece, no?" Edward broke the ice as we approached the couple. Being so close, I could get a good look at the two of them.
The man, in all honesty wasn't too unfortunate looking, but he was clearly geriatric. If I had to guess an age, I'd say closer to sixty than fifty. The girl had long blond hair and beautiful blue eyes. Her lips were a bit thin, but other than that she had gorgeous features. And instantly, I felt a bit sad for her. Maybe she had a shitty personality, or maybe was extremely self conscious.
And then it hit me on how superficial I am. Maybe they were genuinely in love? What is age? A number. I mean, look at Demi and Ashton, right? But then something flashed in her eyes when she saw Edward. Lust, desire. I knew what that look was. It was the same look every girl gets when they see him. It's the look Jessica has to mask in order to fully do her job properly and I'm sure it's the look I have on display 5 days a week when we work together. And then again at night when I think of him. Or in the morning, before work, when I think of him…
Ok, well she could be in love with her…partner. And just be into Edward. Because, clearly, who wasn't? Or maybe these two are just on a first date and I shouldn't make assumptions.
Or , ew, maybe she's a hooker. Ew. Do they have high class places in Chicago? Is it being a hooker if it's really an escort?
I felt a hand on my lower back and a warm musky smell invade my senses.
"Bella, do I need to have your doctor prescribe some Adderol?" he chuckled in my ear prompting me to give him a curious look. "You've been spacing out all day."
"I'm sorry," I whispered. "Sorry." I smiled apologetically to the couple in front of us and held out my hand. "Bella Swan."
"Charles Rutherford," the man clasped my hand. "And this is Cara Winters."
"Charmed," I smiled at both of them. Girlfriend was too busy undressing Edward with her eyes to notice me. Couldn't blame her, though.
"Edward here was just informing us about an article?" Charles said.
"Oh, yes. We're doing an article on, erm, unconventional couples," I responded.
"How long have you two been married?" Edward asked, pointing to the ring that was so clearly hanging on Charles' finger.
"Oh," and then the old man actually reddened. "This isn't my wife."
"But you're married?" I gasped.
"My wife and I have an open relationship," almost eye roll on my part.
"And what exactly is that?" Edward spoke and I had to bite my tongue from calling Charles a disgusting womanizing pervert whose penis should crust off.
"Let's just say we've been married for 31 years and faithful for about four of them."
"Then why wear a ring?" I asked incredulously and felt Edward's hand on my lower back, patting it in a signal which meant for me to check myself.
"Because my wife would be upset if I didn't," he looked at me like I was from another planet.
"You know what?" I began. "This is actually good material for an article I'm writing." Edward shot me a curious glance, but I ignored him. "Why men and women cheat. Clearly, we're not evolved yet to be monogamous creatures, but it has always been instinctual for a man to spread his seed. So why are so many women cheating? Is it because we've evolved enough to know whatever a man can do we can do as well?"
"I have an open relationship. I'm not cheating," Charles blanched.
"I thought open relationships were strictly ruled to having sex outside of your marriage, not taking your, uh, girlfriend to Monet exhibits?" Edward asked.
"We haven't defined it," Charles shrugged and grabbed another glass of champagne from the waiter.
"And you're okay with this, Cara?" this girl looked around my age. Maybe younger, but definitely not older.
"Listen, you approached us, " Little Miss Kind Of A Homewrecker defended. "We don't need to explain ourselves to strangers."
"You're right," Edward cut in and looked at me. "She's right. We're not here to judge. Clearly, whatever kind of relationship they're in, is still a relationship. So we would like to know more about it. Because this is definitely more unconventional than just the age difference."
"You'll use pseudo names, right?" Cara asked, eyes wide with fright. "Because my dad thinks I'm taking out student loans to pay for school…if he found out that I was dating Charles to p-"
"Cara!" Charles interrupted smacking his forehead with his palm.
"Oh my GOD," I grabbed Edward's arm as we walked to the furtherest corner of the exhibit we could find.
"She's dating him to pay for school?" Edward breathed out.
"He's fucking her because she looks like his wife pre-botox and bad boob job?"
"He wears his socks while they're having sex?"
"He used to be her professor!"
"Oh my God. I didn't know things like this really happened," Edward was clearly beside himself at the present moment.
"I don't even know if we should publish their story. I mean how many couples do you know with that story enough to label them anonymous and hope no one recognizes it?" I laughed.
"We'll just say they're from California. Done and done."
I laughed along with him for a beat until it quieted down and we were left in a sort of silent reverie. I looked around us and recalled the night. After Charles and Cara, we met Don and Linda, who were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this upcoming weekend. Then there was Adam and Phil, partners for 10 years and just adopted their second child.
Not all of them were unconvential couples, obviously, but we had good material and a new article about making love work was spinning through my head. How can people be married, faithful, and happy for 40 years? Is it possible or just a myth? As we're starting the 21st century, are more same sex couples getting the rights and respect they deserve? I wonder how that will bode in our magazines. Maybe it'll draw a bigger audience? What makes some relationships last and others not? Why do some couples choose to be in open relationships while some can remain faithful – both physically and emotionally- for forty years?
"I had a good time tonight," Edward spoke softly.
"Me, too," I agreed. "Beautiful exhibit and I think my writer's block is officially gone. For now at least."
"Unconventional couples?" Edward questioned.
"Nah, just couples in general. There's so much love here tonight," I sighed. "It's beautiful."
"Who knew a Monet exhibit could erase twenty five years of cynicism," Edward teased.
"I prefer to label myself as a realist, thank you very much," I joked back.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Edward spoke again. "I meant I had a good time with you."
I turned to look at him and noticed he looked slightly apprehensive.
"I had a great time with you, too, Edward."
He smiled shyly back at me and I almost had to take a step back. Was this the brooding cocky Editor I worked with every day? Or was this the real side of him? No, it couldn't be because technically we were only on work premises when he approached me.
This new, shy Edward seemed genuine, but I knew his type.
James.
Annnnnd guard is back up.
"Well, it's getting late," I nodded toward the bell clock. "We should get home."
"How about a drink first?" Edward seemed flustered.
"We've been drinking champagne all night," I laughed. "I don't think vodka and Dom Perignon mix well."
"We can go to a lounge. I know a great bar in Lincoln Park," Edward pressed.
"I'm really sorry, but I think I want to go home and write while the story is still fresh in my mind."
I could tell he was disappointed, and really, there was nothing more I wanted to do than go drink with him and possibly take him home. But, I stood my ground.
He nodded slightly, giving me a silent approval, before placing his lower hand on my back and leading me out the door.
When we pulled up to my apartment, he placed the car in park and turned to look at me.
"Well, thanks for taking me," I smiled then held up the flowers in my right hand. "And the flowers, too. They're gorgeous."
"You're welcome, Bella," he said quietly. "So, I guess I'll see you Monday. Unless, of course, you'd like to do other work related activities this weekend?"
Is sex work – related?
Not unless you're a hooker, Bella.
Ugh.
"I'll see you Monday, Edward," I smiled and quickly exited the vehicle, not letting myself exhale until I saw him pull out of the curb and onto the streets of Chicago.
Thank you all for reading, reviewing, and putting me on alert! The next update should be sometime next week...
Also, please check out my other fic: "The Girl You Left Behind".
Thanks! Until next time...:)