You didn't have me at hello

a/n I don't own it boo hoo hoo

Thanks for the reviews. So how many do you want George to continue on hmm? I love Rob, but George is closer to my age. I would be robbing the cradle with Rob. Anyway, I can only dream.

Anyway, let me know if you like George to come back. I am thinking of bringing Angie and Brad and helping Bella, especially since she has no experience.

Chapter - And the Fun begins

Bella POV

It's 8am. I had my morning run, I have had two cups of coffee and read the Seattle times to relax. Let me take one last look before I leave for my new job. I think I look professional enough. I need to look it, since Carlisle told me I was to manage a staff of about 10. Let me see, I think the grey suit, with the midnight blue blouse looks great and gives me an aura that I am "your boss, but you can come and talk to me about anything look". The boots look like they have their shine back. The hair looks good, shiny and it smells nice and clean. Makeup not too overly done. I think I am ready.

I got a cab from downstairs and arrived in 20 minutes. When I arrived, the security guard greeted me and told me that I should meet Carlisle in his office first. I got on the elevator making sure I was still presentable. Jessica was there at the elevator.

"Ms Swan, so good to see you again."

"Hello Jessica. I hope you had a good weekend. Please call me Bella."

"Yes, Bella, Dr. Cullen is ready to see you."

We entered into his office and as always he greets me with his welcoming smile and hug.

"How are you Bella?"

"I am doing good, though a little nervous, but that should go away soon enough."

"Very good. We have a lot of things to go through in a very short amount of time. Please sit down."

We sat down on his couch and the first discussed was my parents safe arrival in London. They had called me around 11pm the night before to let me know they were ok and they missed me. We decided to email each other as much as possible and call at least once a week. We then talked about my responsibilities in the SLR more in detail and that he expected that I don't work 80 hours per week. He urged or demanded that I do have a life outside of SLR. After about 2 hours of talking, it was time to meet my team. They were gathered in a huge conference room a floor below us. Once I was introduced to all of them, I made a small announcement to the team that I was looking forward in working with each of them and I would schedule some time to meet each member in order to get to know each of them. I was completely happy that Angela was on my team. Once we were done, Carlisle dismissed the team.

"Bella, I think it's time for you to see where you will be working."

"Sure, I would have thought it would be with my team."

He smiled "Well, you do have a small office in the lab, but your real office is upstairs."

He led me to an office that took my breath away. It was about half the size of his office, but it was still a big office. The view was of the Pacific Ocean. I had a beautiful cherry wood desk that any person would admire. The artwork was of my favorite artist, Salvador Dali and there was a huge bookcase that contained many medical, biology and chemistry books. As well, it also held a Bose Ipod system so I can listen to music. I found 2 computers and a laptop in my office. There was also a blue couch and cherry wood coffee table.

"Carlisle, is this all for me."

"Yes, Bella, it is. Do you like it?"

"Carlisle, I love it, but I am not worthy of so much. I …"

He took my hands "I don't ever want to hear from your mouth that you are not worthy. Isabella, you deserve this and so much more. You have worked very hard to get here and you deserve it. Esme and I consider you like a daughter we adore you and love you dearly. We think you are going to go very far here and you will bring excellent results for the medical community. We believe in you."

I looked at him as he was saying this to me and I believe him. "Thank you Carlisle."

He hugged me and then he left, letting me absorb the office and start getting situated with email and reading paperwork. Around 3pm, there was a knock on my opened door….

Jasper POV

Emmett and I had been in a meeting since 8am this morning with investors and some pediatric doctors. We were reporting on the findings and status of the experiments that had been acquired at the SLR. During the meeting, we informed them of Bella's hiring and that they would have the pleasure in meeting her next time. The doctors congratulated us in getting Bella in joining our team. Anyone involved in Pediatric Medicine knew of Isabella Denali and her strides and dedication in research and development. Edward did not join us in the meeting since his face was pretty much black and blue from the punches that Emmett provided. Thank God Dad sided on us.

It was around 2 when we got back to the office. I was starving and I know Emmett was too. We went to our offices to check on voicemails and some emails. Emmett came by:

"Hey Jazz, I am starving. Do you want to go out?"

"That's a good idea. I wonder is Bella has eaten."

We went to her office and her door was opened. She had her reading glasses on, biting on the tip of a pen, completely engrosses in paperwork. I had to actually knock on the opened door – she didn't realized we were there. She looked up looking so cute. I understand why Edward could feel attracted to her.

"Hey Bella, how is your first day?"

She smiled so enthusiastically. "Great. I am like reading and catching up. How about you both – enjoyed your meeting?"

Emmett laughed, "Yeah, they were more excited that you would join us on the next meeting."

She laughed. "Listen Bella, we're going out for lunch. Have you eaten?"

"What time is it?"

"It's almost 3."

"Wow, and now that you say lunch…"

We heard her stomach growl. "I guess that is a yes."

We left for the diner and began to look over the menu. The girl could eat. She ordered a pizza burger and fries. Emmett was surprised,

"Bella – you can eat all of that?"

"Yes, Emmett, I can. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I know Rose and Alice do not eat like that and well, how do you remain so tiny?"

She laughed "Emmy, I run about 2 hours daily. If I have more time at night, I would do free weights and practice kickboxing."

We were shocked and both questioned "Kickboxing?"

She laughed, "Mum and dad thought that kickboxing would give me more confidence and coordination. Don't you remember I was so clumsy?"

That's right, Bella was always falling down or bumping into things.

"By the way, are there any kickboxing places around here Jazz, Em?"

I thought about it "I think there is, I will send you the data later."

We spoke about other stuff, work, her interests and goals. Emmett and I wanted to warn her about Edward, but I just didn't think spilling it out like that would be too good. He was our brother, even though we knew he didn't deserve Bella.

"Bella, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure."

"Well, not for nothing, I liked him and I know the family did too, but what is George to you?"

"George is just a good friend and that's it. He wants to be more but I refuse, even though he is very sweet and caring. We both care for each other but that would always be it.

Emmett got curious "So you never kissed him or anything?"

She smiled "No, never. He is very attractive and all, but …"

Then she stopped. I didn't know why until I noticed that she was trying to fight the tears.

I felt she had self esteem issues from some of the conversations we have had in the past few weeks, but I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable with us. I was so happy that she had accepted us in her life. I took her hand…

"Bella, you don't have to continue.."

"No Jasper, it's ok. Alice and Rosalie have already cornered me on this too, but it's hard sometimes to talk about it. George, he is so handsome and debonair. I am not right for him and even though if thinks I am good for him, when he realizes that I am not right, I know he would give up on me. See guys, I have never really kissed a man and I don't have any sexual experience. George does and I want to wait. I don't want to give up the one thing I can only give that is worth something to just anyone. That is the only gift I can give to the love of my life."

"Sweetheart, I envy you. You have such a great head on your shoulders. You deserve love so much and I hope you will find that true love. I understand your convictions and I admire your tenacity. We just wondered about George because he was just a little flirty with you."

"He always is and I do like it. I like the attention. Believe it or not, it gives me a little more confidence. When he says those thing, it gives me the opportunity to believe for a second that I am not that bad looking."

I had to give her a hug. Edward is not touching Bella. He has not right over her and if I have to come in and tell her Edward's intentions with her, I would. She doesn't deserve him.

Bella continued, "You know the arrangement I got on Sunday, I think it's from him. He is always like that. He surprises me with flowers all the time, since he knows that I love flowers."

If she only knew who the flowers were from. We continued our small talk and we finally went back to the office. We got to our floor and Jessica was meeting us at the elevator.

"Bella, there is a surprise for you at your office."

Bella was reacted with a big smile, "Really? What?"

"You will see. I would suggest you for to your office first."

Before we got to her office, James interrupted us. "Well, Jasper and Emmett, how are you both." I growled, "Fine James and yourself?"

"Very good, just finished meeting with your father. Who is this beauty?"

Ugh, he needs to stop that shit. "Bella, this is James, head of our IT group. He is Jacob's boss."

I saw Bella's frown as she extended her hand as he did his.

"Bella, what a fitting name. If you ever need anything, please feel free to call on me, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

"Thank you for your offer, but I think I will be able to handle any problem."

"Feisty aren't we? I like the feisty ones. Well nice to meet you and good luck. I know we will be seeing more of each other."

He left and I saw Bella's face of disgust. Bella then stated to us "If I have any problems, I will call Jacob."

She definitely has a good head on her shoulder, but I still didn't like the vibes James gave off of.

Emmett and I were still curious on Bella's surprise. When we got to her office, we found 2 beautiful but different flower arrangements. One arrangement was a flower arrangement of Asters, alstroemerias, and gladiolus. The second arrangement was an arrangement of amaryllis, heather and snapdragons. I knew what each flower meant. The first arrangement meant complete and true friendship with each flower representing patience, friendship and strength of character. The second didn't represent friendship but more desire since the flowers represented splendid beauty, admiration and desire.

Emmett's needed to know, "Bella are there any cards?"

She found two. The first arrangement was from George. She read the card:

"Dearest Bella, hope these flowers brighten your office even more, though that would be difficult since you alone brighten this world. Just wanted to say good luck and I miss our talks. Please call and I hope to see you soon. Please count on me for anything. Love you, GC"

The second one was similar to the arrangement from the night before. "Just wanted to let you know that someone cares for you and hopes to get to know you more…" She thought is was George, but I saw the handwriting and I knew who it was. Damn the man!

Carlisle POV

I was in my office catching up on email when Jessica buzzed. "Dr. Cullen, Jasper and Emmett are here and would like 5 minutes of your time."

"Thank you Jessica, please let them in."

As they got in, we talked about how the meeting went and how excited the investors were after acquiring Bella's services. Then they continued talking about how they found Bella engrossed in her work before taking her out to lunch. They commented on what happened with James and then the flower arrangements. I am about to serious kill Edward. He doesn't think – he thinks with his dick rather than with his head. It made it worse after Jasper told me about George, but I think Bella is strong enough to fight Edward and I place money on her that she will win.

Bella POV

It was around 5pm and we had a meeting to discuss the next steps that were needed to be addressed in the immediate weeks. We met at the conference room and Alice, Rosalie and Esme were already there. We were chatting for a bit when the rest of the team came which was Carlisle, Jasper, Emmett, James, Angela, and Jacob. Lauren wasn't there as of yet, but Carlisle decided to start on the meeting. Jessica was there as well recording the minutes.

First, Carlisle apologized for Edward not attending due to a sudden illness. Then we started to discuss the next items that needed to be addressed in order to meet a couple of deadlines in the lab. James and Jacob updated on the projects they were working on and Angela provided a status on the next few fundraisers we were going to hold and attend. When Emmett and Jasper were updating us on their meeting from this morning, Lauren barged into the conference room, looking very upset. She sat down and kept quiet. If looks could kill, Lauren would have been dead by Carlisle's hands. Jasper continued with their updates. Once he was done, Carlisle asked if there was anything else and Lauren spoke,

"I want to know if any one of you knew?"

Carlisle answer "Knew what Lauren?"

She angrily stated "That Edward was going to break up our engagement."

I saw their faces and nobody was surprised. Once I heard that I knew I should leave. This was to be a family matter. "I'm sorry, I will leave you with this personal matter."

Lauren yelled, "Oh no you don't – you aren't leaving! This is all your fault! Everything was fine in Edward and my life until you showed up! For the past few weeks, nothing has been good for me and I know you must have a hand in this! Do you think you can just come in and destroy lives and sweep every man's feet? EDWARD IS MINE, NOT YOURS!"

I was shocked. I didn't know what she was talking about. "Lauren, I have no clue what you are talking about. I haven't done anything to you or to Edward."

Lauren laughed and approached me as I was trying to head to the door.

"You are such a fucking liar. As a matter of fact you are just a two bit whore. I know your type – coming in with your little attitude and trying to get every single man wrapped around your little finger. But let me tell you Isabella Denali or let me reiterate – ISABELLA SWAN, you are just a whore who got to where you are by being adopted and sleeping with any man you could get your hands on. You probably got Liam to love you by sleeping with him. Edward was right – you are just a cunt!"

Everyone gasped. I don't know what got into me after that but I took my hand and I slapped her with all my strength. Emmett got up and held me and Carlisle yelled to Jessica, James and Angela to get out. I started to cry from the anger. How could she say those things? Did Edward call me that again? What right does he have to call me that?

Once Jessica, James and Angela left and closed the door, Carlisle started to yell

"Lauren – you have stepped over the boundaries here. You are gone from this company and from our lives. You step anywhere in any building we own and you will be arrested for trespassing. You are the piece of trash here. We have endured your attitude and your stupidity. You are nothing to us and you are worth nothing." Then he took the phone and called security.

Once security left with Lauren screaming obscenities at me, I was in a state of shock. I couldn't even cry. I was tired of crying. Emmett was trying to get me out of it. I saw his face and I whispered "Is that what you all think of me? Please tell me now. If it is, then I will leave, but tell me the truth."

Emmett POV

I didn't know what to do. I really didn't. Here was the sweetest woman I could have ever met completely destroyed in a few minutes. She looked so defeated in my arms. When she asked me if we believed what Lauren had just yelled out, I was in save Bella mode. I scooped her up in my arms and took her to dad's couch. I placed her on my lap holding her tightly and whispering to her things that would get her out of this.

"Bella, please sweetheart, you are the best thing that has come into our lives. Bella, Lauren is a bitch and a monster, who has nothing going for her. Bella, please, you are beautiful, smart and deserve all the best things this world could offer. We love you Bella so much."

I tightened my hug to let her know how much she meant to me. I was fighting the tears but they were flowing.

I saw Jacob looking at us trying to figure out how to help Bella. Jasper was behind the couch and had his hand on her shoulder as Bella was finally crying in my arms. Carlisle and Esme were holding each other, comforting each other and worried about Bella. Alice and Rosalie were trying to make some tea for Bella.

Then Jacob came to us and knelt down and started talking to her.

"Bella,

look at me baby."

He stroked her cheek wiping any tears away.

"Don't cry for that piece of crap. She isn't worth your tears."

She nodded because she understood what he was saying but I know that is must have been a shock to hear that word again.

"Bella, I trust them. Trust them too, they won't ever hurt you again. Ok, you can trust them as much as you trust me. Do you understand me?"

Wow, for Jacob to say that he must trust the Cullens. I knew he had trust issues with us and when Bella entered in our lives, we all understood why. For him to come out and say that with so much confidence, it blew my mind.

Bella started to come out of it. "Thank you Jacob. Thank you everyone. Let me just wash my face and get back to work." She gave me a big hug and wiped my tears away. "Thank you Emmy", she whispered in my ear.

Carlisle then stopped her and gave her a big hug, "No, I think it's time for all of us to go home ok."

Then I heard Alice, "Come on Bella, why don't we have dinner together, all of us?"

We knew she needed the company. "That would be really nice."

Alice gave her a huge hug and lead her out. "Good. Let's go."

Bella POV

I was feeling a little better, but it was going to take time to forget those words. At this point, I was also angry, angry at the fact that I allowed this person who wasn't worth shit to hurt me. I was also hurt with the idea that Edward thought of me that way. He was a piece of crap before and he is still a piece of crap. Thank god I didn't have to work with him at all and I hope never to work with him ever again. He is definitely on my shit list.