You didn't have me at hello

A/N So I don't own it – boo hoo

So I tried to put the picture of the dress in chapter 16 but didn't work. Let me try here

www[dot]dresses [dot]com/order/1157[dot]html

Yes, I know it is a little risqué for Bella but Angie dresses her up and when Angie gets mad, Angie is scary.

Anyway – here we go and since I like drama…hmm

Chapter 17 – Dancing – Dancing and mystery man 2

Bella POV

Well, I wasn't ready for this surprise – Demetri De Luca. He appeared out of nowhere and he actually took my breath away. I have never met a man with such beautiful and gentle eyes. It felt like I could read his soul through his eyes. I was taken back at the perfect specimen of male human form. He was like the statue of David with a permanent sexy smile. There was just something that he had that completely enveloped me into his presences. His personality was one of a kind and his laugh was genuine. After a few dances, I needed to know this man, so I invited him to talk in the VIP room.

I must be crazy, Bella. This man might be a lunatic and you are already introducing him to your "family".

Angie was on Brad's lap when Demetri and I went to the room. I introduced him and they actually took to him immediately. Angie whispered in my ear that she would keep the troops away and for me not to scare him off. I scowled at her.

He then met George, though George tried to scare him off with his over protective self. I had to giggle because I knew it wasn't jealousy, just him being protective over me so I wouldn't get hurt.

Alice, Rose, Emmett and Jasper all met him but immediately went to dance and left us alone. Demetri and I spoke for about an hour on the couch. I was drinking my vodka and cranberry juice and he was drinking whiskey on the rocks. He was just something. I felt that there was this strong bond with him and I didn't know why. I was feeling happy and scared, because I had never felt this way before in just a minimal short of time.

During our talk, I found that he was 30 years old from the coastal town of Brindisi, Italy. His parents are originally from Ireland but moved to Italy when they just got married. He is the youngest of four and had just arrived here a few days ago for business. He told me about his love of books and music and how he adored and lived for his nieces and nephews. He spoke English, Italian Spanish, Russian and French and was learning Japanese and Mandarin via online correspondence courses.

I felt like I was home. I didn't feel "alone" for once and I wanted to learn more. I wanted to give him my number, but after about an hour, something happened. I don't know what, but I must have looked desperate or he must have seen something better looking than me. He got up and apologized that he had to leave. He took my hand, placed a kiss and left. That was it - Prince Charming came in, saw what he believe was his princess, but left after realizing I wasn't the princess but the ugly step-sister. Ugh, impossible. I am destined to just have no one – I need a drink bad!

Edward POV

When I saw Bella dancing with a man, I was about to go ballistic. What the hell does this man have that I don't? Then she introduced him to everyone, including MY FAMILY and they just let him in with no problem. Ugh, WTF? Damn it. I need to find an easy lay to get this stress out, but I just tried that and I found nothing. Nothing excites me here, nothing gives me the urge. The only person I want is Bella and she is preoccupied with the wanna-be model. Ugh – I need a drink!

Tuesday, March 17th – St. Patrick's Day

Carlisle POV

"Jessica, is the team coming?"

"Yes, Dr. Cullen. I see most of them coming off the elevator. Bella called and she was coming in 5 minutes with the report you requested. Esme is on her way too – she is parking her car downstairs."

"Thank you Jessica. Can you arrange for refreshments for the meeting? The investors should be here in an hour."

"Yes, I have already submitted the order and it should be delivered within 20 minutes."

Why am I so nervous? Oh yes, these investors wants to pump in millions of dollars in SLR in order to find a cure and detecting test for two specific difficult ailments – Ovarian Cancer and Thyroid Cancer. After researching these investors background, the family had lost members from these two cancers.

Once "my" team was in my office, I updated the purpose of the meeting and the background. Bella seemed excited about this new project, though she wasn't looking well. I don't know what happen, but ever since the kids went dancing, she hasn't been the same. Her smile and laugh is not real. I need to ask Alice but we have been so busy here. I have noticed that Bella isn't sleeping as well. I have been getting work emails at odd hours.

About half an hour later, James, Jacob and Angela joined us and I explained the importance of this project. I emphasized to James and Jacob that whatever Bella and Edward needed technologically was to be provided asap. As Jacob was about to ask a question, Jessica knock on the door and came in with our investors. As they came in, I just heard Alice, Rosalie and Bella gasp and saw Bella take Alice's hand.

Alice POV

I could not believe it. One of the investors was Demetri. I looked at Bella. Her face was in shock but her eyes showed so much sadness. I could tell she was trying not to cry. I held her hand to help her get herself together. She mouthed me "Thank you" and we started to listen to the two investors. The other gentleman was Felix De Luca, Demetri's older brother. We all listened to their talk and they gave us all their support that we would be successful at the task at hand. During this time, I saw the report and I knew that Bella and her team were going to be extremely busy. As I looked at her, I knew she wasn't the same Bella. After Friday, she had closed herself off to everyone, including George. George was a little worried but Angie yelled at him to back off. As always, she was protective over Bella. I just hope Bella doesn't forget to balance work and life, but I have a very strange feeling that is what she is going to do.

After the meeting, we were standing up and chatting away with Felix and Demetri. I noticed that Bella was at first sitting with her head down reading the report on the De Luca's but in another moment she disappeared.

Bella POV

I had to get out of there. I had to be alone. I walked quickly to my office without anyone detecting me that I left. I sat down and took the report again and really started to read it:

"Felix De Luca lost his child, Carlos, to a form of thyroid cancer – Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer at the age of 10 years old. This particular cancer is easily confused as papillary cancer and the incorrect treatment is always provided. This is the most aggressive thyroid cancer and there is no cure or real differential test.

Demetri De Luca lost his wife, Carmen, to Ovarian Cancer, when she was 23 years old. This form of cancer seems to be a mystery to most physicians and researchers. By the time it has been detected, the chance of survival is minimal. Mrs. De Luca didn't know she had Ovarian Cancer until it had completely engulfed her reproductive glands. She died within 3 weeks of diagnosis."

He was married and he was hurt. Carmen was the love of his life. Why did this happen to him? He didn't show in his eyes? It was 7 years ago – has he forgetten about her?

How could I do this? I wanted to help him so much but I didn't know where to start. I knew right there and then that anything between he and I would be minimal.

'Knock Knock'

"Come in"

"Hello Isabella."

"Hello Demetri, please sit down."

As he sat down, it took all the energy I had not to get up and throw my arms around him and comfort him for his loss. I needed to be a professional. I never mixed romance with work and it wasn't going to start now. Whatever "feelings" I was conjuring up for him had to be placed in the back burner.

"I have read the reports and I will be inputting all my energy in this project."

"Isabella, aren't we going to talk about Friday?"

"Demetri, we danced and we talk. I understand what you did and why you left. Now, we are in a different scenario and you and your group are requesting a service from SLR."

"Isabella, what does that mean to me? I still want to get to know you."

"But I can't – I'm sorry, I don't mix business and pleasure."

I knew I was hurting him and I didn't want to, but I know my passion for my job is overwhelming and I can tell his wife's death has destroyed him. The only way I can help him heal is by throwing my full attention to the project.

"I'm not giving up Isabella." Then he left quickly – just like he did at the club. I didn't know what to do. I was in limbo, I wanted to cry – why did I let this happen? I only met him a few days ago and I allowed him to come into my dreams. I was delusional – no man like that would take a nerd like me. I need to place my focus in my work and work only. I have been wasting too much time on me.

"Ring..Bella?

"Yes Jessica."

"Mrs. Pittman is here to see you."

"Please let her come to the office. Thanks Jessica."

"No problem Bella. Um, are you ok?"

Damn, she could tell in my voice, "I'm fine. Thanks!"

Damn, I don't even have a poker voice. What is it with me? I swear that I think Angie has spidey senses too, just like Brad and George. She must have felt something. She came in and just came to me and gave me a big hug. "Hey, it's ok."

"How did you know Ang?'

"A sister knows. I could tell something was going on when you only sent me an 'ok' text on the phone 30 minutes ago."

I forgot about that.

"Ang, I need to get out of here, but I can't. I have some much work.."

"You get your shit ready.."

"But, Ang, .."

"Get your shit ready."

She left my office. I didn't know where she was going and I didn't care. I just needed to get out of the office. I packed up my bag and turned off the pc's and she came back.

"Come on, Carlisle gave you the rest of the week off."

"What! I can't Angie, I have so much to do.."

"You are about to have an emotional breakdown. You are coming with me. I have the rest of the week off and it is just going to be you and me."

I just started to cry. Angie and I just loved each other so much. When she had her days, Brad would call me and I would go to her and do whatever I needed to do to brighten her days. She would do the same.

"Let's go, Bella. Next Monday, you will be fresh and ready to conquer anything."

I just nodded as she held me and we left. I didn't look back. I needed to get out.

Alice POV

I knew something was wrong when Angie came into Carlisle's office. She loves Bella so much and it shows that she would do anything and everything for her. What I don't understand is how she knew?

"Carlisle, I am sorry to interrupt."

"Angie, not a problem, how can I help you?"

"You probably don't know what is going, but right now, Bella, she needs at least today off. I am going to take her.."

"Angie, is she ok?"

"No." Her face said it all. She was worried, extremely worried and sad for her sister.

"Take her for the rest of the week. Edward and I will start the plans for the project. Tell her not to worry. I will call her during the week and please, Angie, you are all invited for Thursday's family dinner."

Angie smiled "Thank you and I won't say no, I will just wait and see how Bella is doing first."

I couldn't stay quiet "Angie, please can I see her?"

"I don't think it would be good for you or for her."

"Is there anyway I can help?"

"I will call you later, ok?"

I nodded. I was still going to see her leave.

Immediately Angie left and I saw her take Bella with her. Bella looked so defeated and so small. This was so unlike Bella. I will call Angie later. I have a feeling why Bella got this way, but I just need to see if I was right.

When I came back to the dad's office, there was an argument brewing among the family.

"What the hell is going? I can hear you across the building!"

Rose as always has to chime in "Your idiot of a brother doesn't understand what's wrong with Bella."

He had to say something "Rose, shut it. I don't see it. So, Demetri is our boss, why does it matter or while Bella is upset? It's not like she slept with him or was going to sleep with him anyway. She hasn't even kissed him."

By now Carlisle has gotten the story of what happened and was quiet listening to us. I had to yell back. I was tired of my brother in law's insensitivity:

"Edward, shut it. Shut that trap up. You have no right to be thinking or talking about Bella. You aren't her friend and from what it looks like you will never be anything to her. It hasn't even gone through your mind to apologize to Bella for the things you did and called her, especially that word."

He was getting angry "Listen pixie, you mind your own business. What I do and I live my life isn't your business!"

Damn, I wasn't surprised Jasper was going to pissed at that one "Listen Edward, shut it or I will shut it for you!"

Edward was not having it "Try it Jasper."

I got in between "Edward, shove it. I really don't know you anymore. Is it that you don't love us or you just don't' love anymore? Bella deserve an apology especially after you called her a cunt in school. Do you know how demoralizing that was for a girl at her age? Then her family died. Can you imagine the hell she has gone through? I am surprised she is even standing among the living. Then Lauren doing the shit that she did and you – I see you, eating her up with your eyes, sending her those flowers. Do you really think I am so stupid Edward?

Stop the shit. You are a man not a boy so grow up."

He was quiet.

"As a matter of fact, let me ask you one question to maybe help you with your fucking problem – do you and have you ever loved your mother?"

He looked at me "Why do you ask me that? I love my mother – you have no reason.."

"YES I DO! Be honest with yourself, do you love your mother, the woman who carried you for nine months, the woman who endured pain to give birth to you, the woman who has been there no matter what, the woman that still accepts you as who you are? DO YOU???!!!"

Esme was there crying, because I knew that she wasn't sure. Edward looked at her and came to her and instead of answering me he told her in her face "I love my mother like no other woman. She is my life and my reason to live. She is the only woman who has accepted me for who I am and what I have become." He held her in his arms as Esme sobbed. BREAKTHROUGH.

"Ok Edward, now imagine, a person just out of the blue or anybody call Esme the same thing you called Bella. Imagine any man treating Esme as you have treated women in general. Imagine."

He thought about it for a minute and he finally got it and held his mother tightly.

I came close to Edward. "I'm sorry I had to be crude, but it was the only way Edward. First, remember the golden rule – do onto other as you would like to have do onto you. Secondly, treat any woman as how you like your mother to be treated. That is the highest respect you can give any woman."

Finally – he broke and started crying. Finally! I had to be a bitch and I know I will get it from Esme later, but I was tired of Bella be an object to Edward. I was also tired of Edward being an asshole.

I didn't know what had happened to Bella from the meeting until she left, but I thought maybe it was Edward. When I saw her as broken as she left, I hurt. It hurt so much that I couldn't help her. In a short time, she has become my best friend and another sister and I do not ever want to lose that – ever.