Bella's POV

"Lexi, let's go!" This child is on my last nerve today. She is a good kid but who knew 5 year olds had so much attitude? So we are headed to the park to meet Jake so she can run some of that attitude out.

"Jake!" She screams as soon as we are out of the car and she runs to him and hugs him them runs off to play.

I brought a book but Jake is too talky to concentrate.

"So Leah says you're ignoring Sam's calls." I like Leah but sometimes she gets on my last nerve too.

"I've been busy Jake, and I told you I didn't want to be set up." So shut up now, I'm thinking even though I know that will never happen.

"But you liked him Bella, I could tell. And so did Lexi. So why not just talk to him?" I really did like him. So I doubt I can convince Jake otherwise. I'm just not ready to be involved with anyone.

"He was OK. But like I said I'm busy Jake. I have photo sessions almost every day and when I don't I have a daughter. Or did you forget about her? I'm not going to spend less time with her just to make you and Leah happy."

"Way to be a bitch Bella. I have never forgotten about Lexi. And this isn't about me or Leah. He made you laugh and you spent the whole time at dinner with him. And Lexi loved him right away and you know how shocking that is. You should have seen them before you came in. She showed him all her stuff and he was so good with her. So sorry for thinking you should give him a chance and answer the damn phone when he called." Aggh! Sensitive much Jake? But he's right and he only gets like this when he knows he's right. It's one of his greatest flaws.

"Jake I'm sorry. I know you love her. And I did really like Sam. I'm just not ready for anything like that."

"Stop being so stubborn Bella. You are never going to be ready! I know Marcus screwed you up but you can't let him stop you from being happy. Just call him back. Please?"

"I will think about it." I say quietly.

"Doesn't the fact that he's do much older bother you Jake?" I know it does so maybe I can get him to drop it that way even though it doesn't really bother me.

"It did at first. But then I thought if he makes you happy then why should it matter? It's not like he's about to drop dead or anything."

I did really like him. He's funny and smart and he has a good job and he's really hot. He was great with Lexi and she did really like him. But Marcus really hurt me and I don't want to do that again. Now I have Lexi to worry about too. I don't want her getting attached to someone and then they walk out on us. Wouldn't it be better if I waited until she was grown and on her own? That's only like 15 years away.

"What's his story Jake? Why is he even still single?" Maybe he has some deep, dark secret.

"Leah said something about him finding his fiancée in bed with another man." Poor Sam. But maybe he is broken. I'm not going to be the rebound girl.

"It was five years ago though. He's dated since then but he just hasn't found anyone else." Damn, he's killing all my excuses.

"Call him Bella."

"I promise I will. Later today." Unless I "forget".

"Now, Bella." Sometimes I hate him.

So I walk away from where we're sitting and call hoping he doesn't answer. But of course he does. We make plans to go out tomorrow night. And I can't even feel guilty because my dad was already taking Lexi for the night.

We drag Lexi away from the park and meet Leah on her lunch break. She is of course thrilled about my date tomorrow. Even Lexi seems excited I'm going to see Sam again. I just hope their hopes don't get too high. I doubt this will work out.