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Keep in mind that things aren't always as they seem. (This is for you, guest reviewer.)

Chapter 3

Waking up the next morning, I feel relaxed and refreshed. I managed to sleep the whole night, yay me!

I briefly wonder if it was the sleeping pill I took or if my neighbor didn't have his friend over last night for once.

Opening my curtains wide to let in the fresh air and sunlight, I strip off my top and grab a bra from the dresser. I'm about to turn to go to the bathroom when I hear a gasp, followed by a muffled curse and turn to the window fully exposing my naked breasts to my neighbor.

A hot, pink blush floods my cheeks as I quickly cross my arms across my breasts. While I am mortified, he can't seem to stop staring. What a pervert! I mean the guy has a girlfriend, he should ogle her naked breasts.

This being said, a part of me can't help but feel a tad bit wanted. I have to squash that feeling deep deep down before I let it go to my head so I give him my best bitch brow and storm off into the bathroom, thanking the lord that I hadn't dropped trou.

Though I love Heather, she isn't fit for men's viewing right now.

Again I debate giving her a haircut, but what's the point? Sadly for her she's become a no man's land. I finish my shower and wrap a towel firmly around my naked body. I don't want to be giving away anymore free shows today. I have to admit, even to myself, I'm a little disappointed that he isn't still at his window when I come out of the bathroom.

That night, there is no reprieve. The loud banshee screaming goes on and on, lasting until about four in the morning. By then, I'm ready to either go over there or call the cops and report a murder.

This is so not the night for this to be happening. Of all the nights I really need a good night sleep tonight is one of them. I don't do well on lack of sleep. I really am quite crabby. I regret not taking a sleeping pill, but those things are highly addictive and I don't think I need any more reasons to be in therapy.

I manage to get about two hours of solid sleep in before my alarm goes off. Showering quickly in hopes to wake myself up more, I end up downing an entire pot of coffee anyway.

I sigh and get dressed, putting on one of my nicer outfits. The big wig is coming in today. James will be on fire for sure and the last thing I need is him getting on my case about what I'm wearing and how it's "not an appropriate look for our company" and "we don't want our clients to think we employ hobos, Isabella." I've heard that speech enough in this lifetime, thanks.

It's a good thing I'm good at what I do, otherwise, I'm pretty sure James would have given me the boot a long time ago.

James has been up my ass-not literally-this morning about impressing this new client and I'm about ready to claw out my hair. I mean this guy can't possibly be that important can he?

James sent me back to the bakery twice this morning because they didn't give him the type of pastries he ordered. It's madness. Nobody can be worth this much trouble. I've slept two hours, drank about two pots worth of coffee and the result is that I'm a twitchy, jittery mess.

James has been pacing the boardroom now for the last fifteen minutes because the asshole is late. When I see someone finally enter the boardroom, I snort, James shoots me a glare.

"Sorry I'm late," the man calls out while looking at his phone "I got stuck in traffic."

I lift my head slightly to see who this person is that's made my work life hell for the past week and when I see who it is, something in me snaps. It's bad enough I've had to jump through hoops at work for this douchebag, but I've lost sleep over him too. Precious, precious sleep that I will never get back, all because he can't gag his bitch.

I blame my lack of sleep and over indulgence in coffee on what happens next.

"You!" I yell out pointing my finger in his face. "You are the most inconsiderate, bastard I have ever met in my entire life!"

I can hear James stuttering out an apology behind me but it doesn't stop me. "You keep me up all night, every night, when day after day I have to come into this hole and bend over backwards to make this presentation outstanding for you!" My breathing is labored and my hand shaky, but I plow through. "You, who doesn't even have the decency to show up on time!"

James is grabbing my arm now, hissing something in my ear but I'm on a roll. I am in full on lack of sleep, lack of filter mode. "Of all the rude, ignorant people to ever grace my life, you Mister, take. The. Cake!" I punctuate my words by poking him in the chest. "If you can't control your girlfriend I am going to come over to your place and cut off your dick."

At this James slams his hand down on the table and yells, "ISABELLA, ENOUGH!" His voice is so loud, I jump, frozen on the spot, mouth open, eyes wide.

What the fuck did I just do? Edward looks mortified and I want to crawl under a table and die. James is red in the face, breathing heavily. It takes him about five minutes to finally say something, five of the longest minutes of my life. All of us seem too stunned by my outburst to say anything. Screaming at a co-worker is one thing, but this, this was a client.

"Isabella?" James says, calmly now. "I can see that the money I've spent for you to see Alice has worked wonders for your disposition." He's being sarcastic, in case you couldn't tell. "This is the last time you will threaten a man in my presence young lady. You are an excellent employee, and very hard working and it pains me to have to do this, but you're fired."

I gasp in shock at his tone and his words. I mean, I know I deserve it for what I did and said, but all the lack of sleep caught up to me. I can feel the tears welling in my eyes as I turn to gather my things. As I go to exit the room I feel a light grasp on my elbow halting my movement.

"Wait," I hear Edward say. "Mr. Hunter, I can understand what it's like to be over stressed and over tired. I don't want anyone losing their job over me. Please reconsider. Perhaps I could drive Isabella home and she can get some rest and we'll reschedule our meeting for another time? I'm still very interested in seeing what your company has to offer."

I'm stunned. I think James is too, because he sputters for about twenty seconds before turning to me and saying, "Today is your lucky day, Isabella. You get to keep your job." I know better than to jump for joy, though, but I really want to. "Please go home, get some rest and be back here tomorrow ready to present to Mr. Cullen."

I nod my head quickly and turn to rush out of the room. Just as I'm passing through the door I hear James call out, "And I'm paying for another year with Alice!"

I jump and dance a little jig when I hear those words. Sure, it's pathetic to have a paid-for best friend, but she's the only one I've got.

"Ready to go?" Edward asks as he holds the door open for me.

I didn't think he'd actually go through with driving me home.

"I can drive myself, thanks." I walk past him and make my way down the hall toward the elevator leading down to the parking garage where my car is parked, my key poised and ready to unlock the door for a quick getaway.

"Hey, listen, can we talk?" His footsteps are loud as he keeps his pace with mine. "I'm sorry, okay? If it's any comfort, she broke up with me last night which is why I was late this morning." He's trying in vain to keep his voice low as we pass by a few cubicles.

I halt my steps and turn abruptly, nearly knocking him out with my purse in the process. "You're sorry? It's a little late for that, but thanks. Maybe next time, try to keep your noises down to a normal level, would you?" I'm in his face, my words coming out a little too loud. The hush of the office around us dulls down and I know these people are listening intently. Fuck my life.

He runs a hand through his hair, seeming uncomfortable for the first time since this morning. "About that, I didn't know everybody could hear her." He looks around and ducks his head. He seems almost bashful as his cheeks turn pink. He'd be cute if I weren't still pissed off.

"Yeah, well I could and I don't even live in your building." I quirk an eyebrow. "As you well know." His lips turn up at the corner and his eyes go from my face to my chest. That bastard. I roll my eyes and continue, "My eyes are up here, buddy."

His head snaps up and he clears his throat. "Sorry."

"I'm sure you're sorry." I huff and storm away, not giving him a chance to catch up. I hide out in the women's washroom for a good twenty minutes before figuring he would have left. I still peek out the door slowly to make sure he didn't follow me and is standing in wait.

I play Mission Impossible down to my car, complete with humming (don't lie, you just hummed the theme song too), and with an exhalation of relief, start my car and head home.

I get a call from Alice pretty much as soon as I get in the door. I was expecting it, but not this soon. I'm only a little nervous when I answer the phone.

"Isabella Marie Swan," she spits as soon as I've said hello. "Did you not learn anything at all from me in all the time we've been seeing each other?"

"I couldn't help it, Alice-" I sputter, only to be cut off.

"Yes, you could have. You're supposed to use your breathing exercises. You're supposed to go to your happy place. You're NOT supposed to threaten people's manhood."

"But, Alice," I whine. "You don't understand. It was him! He of the "screeching banshee," and I'd had two hours of sleep due to his disrespect of the neighborhood."

She starts to chuckle, which turns into a full blown laugh. She's gasping for breath by the time she's done laughing at me, and I have to say I'm more than just a little upset about that.

I huff and stomp my foot.

"Did you … did you just stomp your foot?" she asks, laughing louder.

"I'm hanging up now, Alice," I hiss, before pressing the end call button on my phone.

She calls me back fifteen minutes later, apologizing for her "lack of decorum" and tells me she's upping my sessions to twice a week for the next month at James' request.

I get off the phone and decide to take a hot shower to try and relax myself. It works and after a quick dinner, I get ready for bed.