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I walked out of Carlisle's cabin still in a daze when Rosalie and Jacob passed by me to go into the same cabin. I vaguely thought how Rose would have better company at her branch visit.

I slumped down on my chair and Edward leaned over the partition between our cubicles that I had started calling my cushion of safety [though it didn't provide too much safety].

"Bella…do you think we'll be able to manage Paris too," he asked. I glared at him.

"I don't think so Edward," I replied coolly, "Rome handles the operations of not only the whole of Italy, but also Spain, Greece, Switzerland and all the countries around it. It contributed to over 30% of the revenue. So I guess we could leave Paris to someone else."

"Yeah…but think about it Bella…you would get so much more exposure…the Paris branch handles the operations in UK too…and that's major," he smiled.

I was torn between the greed of getting more experience and spending 5 more days with Edward.

He continued, "Paris too contributed to 20% of the revenue and imagine how it would boost your chances of a promotion."

"Alright," I said slowly, deliberating each syllable, "but I'm sure Carlisle's already picked someone else for Paris."

"No he hasn't…he asked me to do it alone. But I think that your experience would help it go smoother," he smiled and sat back down on his cubicle.

I sighed and started downloading all the reference material for the two branches.

"Message from Alice Cullen," my screen flashed.

"I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU LET HIM TALK YOU INTO GOING TO PARIS WITH HIM," it said.

"All right…don't yell…it's going to do wonders for my career and you know that too," I sent her the message and got back to my work. She just frowned.

Rosalie and Jacob came out of the cabin after a while and Rosalie whispered to me, "India and Singapore for me! They are small branches, so it won't really matter."

At around 2 that afternoon, I got a mail from Angela Webber, from the Administration department. She needed my passport details so the tickets for Paris and Rome could be booked. I promptly sent her my details and at 5 that evening, I got another mail from her. This time, she had sent the e-tickets. I noticed that I was supposed to depart on the coming Monday i.e. the 7th of June. I was first supposed to go to Rome for 2 weeks and then Paris for another week. I was supposed to be returning on the 28th.

"Hey Rosalie," I called, keeping my voice low so no one else could hear. She turned towards me. "Did you get the tickets? When are you leaving?"

Rosalie checked her screen, "Yeah…Angela just sent the tickets. I'm leaving on the 30th."

"Oh! I'm leaving on Monday," I said.

"I think that's how it has been planned. So there isn't too much of a shortage of staff in here. Alice and James are going to Sydney after we return."

I just nodded and continued reading the Auditor's report of the Rome branch.

We left office at around 6.30 that evening.

We were in the elevator and somehow, Edward Masen was there too.

Suddenly Alice asked, "So what do I make for dinner? It's my turn."

"I don't know," I replied, "I won't be joining you guys for dinner. I need to go visit dad…it's been a long time, you see."

"No problem honey," Alice replied, "How are you planning to go though?"

"Oh…I'll go home first, change and all and then take the car to Charlie's," I replied.

"That's a cool idea," Alice nodded.

We walked home together and I had a long shower. I had been a stressful day and I wanted to relax my shoulder muscles which seemed to have cramped over the day. I hadn't realized how much time I took for the shower. Because by the time I dressed in my jeans and t shirt and packed some over night clothes and tomorrow's office clothes, Alice was already in the kitchen cooking.

I hugged her goodbye and picked up my car keys from the table.

"Say hello to Charlie," Alice yelled from behind me as I walked out of the door.

It was a good half hour drive from our place to Charlie's. I decided to stop by at a store and pick up some food for us.

I was just picking out some fruits for Charlie when I heard a voice extremely close to my ear.

"Hello Bella," he breathed into my ear. I didn't even have to turn around. I knew that voice so very well.

"Hello Edward," I said turning around and taking a few steps behind to increase the distance between us. He was still in his office clothes which was kind of a surprise.

"Fancy seeing you here," he smiled.

"Yeah, I was just picking some fruits up," I replied vaguely.

"But I'm sure you've got a store near your house. Why come here?" He asked

"I'm just visiting someone," I replied, getting back to the process of choosing the right fruits.

"Ah…your father…you were telling Alice about it," he mused.

"Uh huh," I replied walking toward the billing counter.

"I stay close by, you know. I just realised that we were out of beer…my roommate and I…big game tonight," he said, walking behind me.

Why was he telling me that? Wait a minute…did he just say big game tonight? Darn it…Charlie will hate to miss it…maybe I could watch it with him…I haven't met him for so long. And he is my father after all...I've always felt so guilty of not spending time with him.

I just nodded and emptied my basket at the billing counter. Edward was right behind me. I paid for the fruits and rushed away as he paid for his beer.

I noticed his silver Volvo in the parking lot. It was parked right next to my car. I had just kept all the fruits in the backseat of the car and was getting into the driver's seat when he reached his own car. He just waved out to me and I smiled back. He let me get out of the parking lot first, his car right behind mine.

I reached Charlie's house in another 5 minutes.

He opened the door with a wide grin.

"Hey Bella! How are you," he said, giving me a hug.

"Great dad," I replied. I never called him 'Charlie' on his face.

I was right. He hadn't any food in his kitchen. I quickly made a fruit salad and joined him to watch the game. It wasn't that boring after all…watching Charlie abuse as the rival team scored was kind of amusing.

After the game, I got into my old bedroom…it was just as I had left it. I was tired, so I quickly changed into my night clothes. The lights outside were bright and flooded my bedroom with brightness…so I walked to the window, drawing my curtains. I noticed Edward's silver Volvo on the opposite street. So this is where he lived. Why did he have to bring his car to the store? He could have easily walked. I just shrugged and drew the curtains and went to sleep.

So? What do you think? Let me know through the review button! Oh...by the way...I just found out about the concept of beta readers [I'm new here...cut me some slack!].

So anyone who wouldn't mind being my beta could either pm me or let me know through a review or whatever.

Also...I need a favor...I need to introduce a new character in the next chapter...the person in charge of operation in Rome...believe me...s/he will have a pretty major role n bringing Edward and Bella togethe. So do suggest a character...you can either send me the details through a PM or a review...I need some details like name, personality and appearance for sure...you can add more things to the character...toodles!