You Didn't Have me at Hello

A/N I don't own it.

You all rock! Just love your reviews. It gives me more of an incentive to write. Now I must let you know how my crazy mind works. Yes, Bella broke down but she is coming back stronger and better. The night she met Demetri, she felt something she never felt before – that is why she got scared, because he liked it. When he left her like that it really did a number on her and immediately began to wonder how any man would look at her that way. She resigned then to just bring him into her dreams – her only release.

Another reason she broke down is because she is lonely. Yes – she has loving friends and a 'family" but she still aches for that love. She is surrounded by loving couples and that reminds her how lonely she really is.

Concerning her avoiding mixing business with pleasure – well that is just part of her. You have to remember – she is first a well respected scientist and researcher and second she is daughter of Liam Denali, one of the most respected business man around. She would never tarnish her family's reputation.

[But since I am evil – that could change]

So here we go

Chapter 18th Storm before the calm

Bella POV

God, I love Angie. She knows me too well. When she took me home, she locked me in my room and told me I wasn't coming out until I had the cry I so deserved. It was true – I wasn't able to really release my sad heart properly. I wasn't able after my parents went home, after the Lauren situation or after the Cullen lunch. It was building inside and it finally came out.

When she finally (and yes I said she) thought I had no more to cry about she let me out. I gave her the biggest hug and once again thanked her and the heavens for giving me he. She cursed me out telling me no more crying for at least a year and then smacked my ass.

We left for a spa to get rid of the stress even more. The spa was delicious. It was actually based one edible aromatherapy. We receive a deep avocado and olive oil tissue massage and after got covered in dark chocolate. Then she surprised me.

"No Angie, I am not doing it."

"Bells, you have to. I already paid for it and you are going to do it"

"Why do I have to?"

"Sweetie, look at me. It's time – it's time to end this mousy Bella and be the beautiful and sexy Bella that comes out when you are around Brad, George and me."

"Hey, I already thought I was?"

She laughed "At a level of 1 to 10, you are a 4.5 so we need to get you up to a 14"

"Fine, but if I don't like the results, I AM GOING TO HAVE EMMETT TEACH MADDOX EVERY SINGLE PRANK HE KNOWS OF!"

"Bitch – you wouldn't"

"Try me!"

I knew she didn't want to – Emmett had already been teaching Maddox, Pax and Z some tricks to pull on their parents and on George. Brad and George knew it and loved it. Angie on the other hand wasn't too thrilled. She already had two overgrown kids in her life.

She told the stylists what to do. At that point, I didn't know what she was up to, but I knew she had her hands deep into it. Some of the prodding and poking was painful. I was surprised by having a Brazilian wax and body wax. They also did my eyebrows – which I loved since they knew how to bring out my eyes. The next step was going to be my actual hair which I was pissed at.

"Angie, I am going to kill you. I haven't cut my hair in years."

"And that is my point – it's time to get out of the Brady Bunch era and into the 21st century."

I knew she was right – my hair was down past my ass and lately I usually had it in a ponytail anyway. The stylist was really sweet and he asked what I did and what my lifestyle was like. Then, he agreed that since I was so physically active, it would be better to keep my hair long – so he cut about 6 inches and layered my hair. I actually had bangs and the haircut actually made me look pretty and not plain.

After the haircut, I got a lesson on how to do my face. I never actually got a lesson and this makeup guru taught me what colors are good for me and how to highlight my assets. When we were done, I felt like a million bucks and I could face any challenges presented. Angie approved the changes and then we went off to eat lunch. I didn't know where were going but I was happily surprised that we were going to a diner. I loved diner food and I wanted something really bad and greasy with a milkshake. Once we got there, my other surprised was revealed – Esme, Rosalie and Alice were going to join us.

I was really delighted that Angie, Esme, Rose, and Alice got along so well. Angie had not done too well after her mom passed away. I was there for her as much as she allowed me to. Angie had her limits as did I, so we never crossed those boundaries, but when we had to, we had to and it was just an unwritten law between us that we accepted. Now, I see that Angie has taken to Esme more as a mother figure which I was very happy about because though Angie was a really great mom, sometimes she need advice and recently the kids were a little bit to deal with. Esme has been great on giving her advice and I noticed that Angie was even closer to Brad than ever before.

We ordered our food and it didn't take long for the touch love to come about. Rose would have to start.

"Ok, Bella, so what is the deal?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about?"

"Don't give me that crap. You know that I don't like that shit. What is up with Demetri? Why did you just dismiss him like that? I mean I saw how you both were talking on Friday? Did he like piss you off or what?"

"Listen Rose – he didn't do anything and I didn't do anything. My personal stance is I don't mix romance with business. The De Luca's are providing the SLR donations and I am going to provide them a service."

"It sounds like you're a prostitute."

"Rose, it's not like that. I don't want to take that chance and I respect Carlisle and you all and I don't want to mess anything up."

Esme was listening and held my hand "Sweetheart, listen to me. We don't condone that sort of stuff in the SLR. I mean if we did then Rose, Alice and I would not be able to work there. Carlisle understands completely. Do you understand how many marriages and romances have come out of this place?"

I didn't think about it.

She continued "Here is a great example – Angela has been working with us since Carlisle moved the lab to the new building. When we moved, Carlisle hired Ben Cheney to be our new IT director. During the setup of the building, Angela and Ben work very long hours and became very close. We were ecstatic when they announced their engagement and now they have been married a little over 3 years without any drama or problems."

I didn't realize James' boss, Ben was that Ben. Angela never changed her last name.

Alice then spoke "So please think about not dismissing Demetri ok? Just think about it – ok? I have this strange feeling that he really likes you and I KNOW you are smitten with him."

"Smitten – wow I haven't heard that word used in a while."

We all laughed. I understood what they were saying and I was seriously considering their suggestions. Angie saw me and whispered "Stop thinking and do it." She knew me so well.

Rosalie POV

Lunch was really great. God I just love how tough Angie is. She is really good for Bella. She shows her tough love – which is needed. I noticed that Bella was a little different and I hope she took it to heart that we just loved her and we want to see her happy. Personally, I Ioved Bella a lot. She was good people and I know she was a great researcher. If anyone would be able to find a cure to anything, she would be the first. She also deserved so much including true love. I hope Demetri isn't one of those playboy types. I have a very strong suspicion that he wasn't and if he was, I would take his balls and feed it to the sharks.

We all went shopping and I was surprised how Bella was enjoying it. Angie called us to help change Bell to the real vixen that she was. She is a vixen and I love it. I have seen it – how she acts with George, Angie and Brad. She has known them longer and she trusts them on how she acts. She tried on everything we gave her and she bought a lot of outfits, shoes and accessories. The fun part was going to Victoria's Secret. We all picked out a lot of nice sexy stuff for her and Esme went to pay for it. Bella wasn't too happy, but she responded by paying her back somehow. What she didn't know was that Angie, Alice and I got together that night before and ordered a whole new slew of sexy suits and dresses from Victoria's Secret website. The order included shoes, more lingerie, sleepwear and clothes. We knew she was going to kill us, but we were planning this weekend to have all her outfits organized for her.

We were all done and were going back home. Jacob text Bella and told her that Leah baked and he had just left her famous chocolate cake. She squealed.

"What Bells?"

"How about you all coming over? Jacob just left me chocolate cake at my place."

We all smiled and our mouths got watery. It was chocolate cake day, but when we got there we weren't ready to see what happened to Bella's apartment.

Alice POV

Demetri is on my good list here. Man – he is such a romantic. We got to our building and Seth and Embry were smiling brightly when they greeted Bella. We didn't understand until we got to Bella's apartment. When she opened the door, we all gasped – her apartment was completely covered with all types of flower arrangements. It looked beautiful.

Bella was shocked "What the hell? How did this get here?"

Angie realized "George must have let them in? Who sent them?"

Esme was amazed "Who are they from Bella?"

I was looking for the card "Here Bella" The card had a number one. She read the car and whispered "My god – this is so beautiful.""

"Read the card Bella."

My dearest Bella, I know we must talk but I wanted to send you a small token of my admiration. I hope you will allow me in and get to know you better. Please say yes. Sincerest – Demetri

We started to take all the cards and they were different romantic poetry and prose's hand written. He was extremely sweet and I know how Bella glowed that was very smitten.

Thursday – Family Dinner

Bella POV

I have so enjoyed these past few days. I have been able to catch up on sleep and reading and mail. I have enjoyed spending time with Angie and her kids. I also had lunch with my George twice to catch up on stuff. During our talk, we declared our love and adoration for each other as the closest friends that we were. We will always be able to count on each other and I know our flirting will always exist. The flirting actually make me feel sexy and it makes him feels sexy too, because we know that it isn't to get into each other's pants. We will always question ourselves how it would be romantically and sexually together but we knew that would break our relationship and we didn't want to lose that.

It's Thursday and I spent the entire day with George. I talked to him about Demetri and he gave me a lot of advice and actually told me to take a chance. If worse came to worse, I could find another job or he would marry me and support me as I should so deserved. I love this man. I agreed and now the next step was to get in touch with Demetri but how – since I didn't have his number.

It was around 4 when we got home and I got ready quickly to go up and help Esme with dinner. Dinner was expanding as of today. She had invited everyone including Jacob, Leah, Jakey and Billy. I got into a comfy mode so I got into my new skinny blue jeans and a magenta v-neck sweater. I let my hair dry naturally and placed some makeup very quickly. When I came out, George jumped out, took me in his arms and as always complementing "Bella, as always you take my breath away. Let's stay and let me show you how much I love you." He kisses my neck. Man that man and his lips.

"Oh baby, thank you and you know how much I LOVE to take your breath away but let's come down to the real world and admit you can't handle me." I had to be a bitch and gave him a gentle kiss on his lips.

He smiled "You are an evil minx and I will get you somehow – someway."

"Bring it on!" as I laughed and left.

That's my boy – always make me feel good.

It was around 6 when Carlisle, Alice and Jasper showed up. I was getting the table ready when Rosalie. Emmett and Edward came in. Jacob, Leah, Jakey, and Billy next and then George, Angie, Brad and the kids. It was so great. I saw how Esme and Carlisle loved the commotion and laugher coming out of every corner in their apartment. Esme and I decided to have Italian night. I made my spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna and she made a delicious sausage dish and an Italian meatloaf. We also made appetizers and salad and rice. Leah brought over 2 chocolate cakes. YUMMY!

I was having a nice glass of wine as I was talking to Esme when Edward came in. I was surprised that he acknowledged my presence.

"Hi Bella."

Well he is in a good mood. "Hello Edward, how are you?"

"I am fine and yourself?"

"I am good. "

"Bella, may I talk to you?"

Esme smiled and left the room. She gave me an eye to watch our dishes that were in the oven.

"Yes, Edward what can I do you for?"

"Bella, I know this is very late and well I wanted to apologize for being such a jerk and an ass. I should have apologized a long time ago but I was just afraid. Actually what happened in the past should have never had happened. I know you have every right to be pissed at me, but I hope you can have the heart to forgive me. I would like to be your friend if you let me"

I was surprise. The EDWARD CULLEN was apologizing little old Isabella Swan. "Edward, thank you for apologizing. I am going to be honest though, our friendship is going to take longer to establish, but I will give it a try – but all I ask as I asked your brothers and sisters – let's take it day by day, ok?"

He nodded and smiled. I extended my hand and we shook. I guess I had been running around to much that there was an electric shock between the two of us and he felt it too. We laughed it off and just started to talk a bit.

Dinner was great and the food came out really yummy. We had a great time talking and laughing. I felt so much love and care in the room. I was just so happy – it has been such a long time. Jacob was sitting next to me and saw that I was quiet and observing.

He whispered in my ear "Penny for your thoughts babe."

I grabbed his hand and he kissed my palm. I smiled – he was my heart and my best friend. His grin and hugs made me forget everything and remember all the love. He would always be my best friend and brother.

I whispered back "Just thinking how happy I am – we have a family Jacob."

He smiled – "I know – who would have thought, Bells. I love you – you know that?"

I guess he was told what happened "I know and you know I love you."

He nodded and held my hand tighter "Just be happy Bells – open your heart and should and let love in."

I knew what he was talking about. Jacob and Leah were one of the few couples I admired so much. They were usually quiet but in their silence you can see their strong and loving bond. I envied that and they deserved this much love.

Alice, Rosalie and I were starting to clean up and Angie and Brad were cleaning up the kids when the doorbell rang. George was joking with us in the kitchen as we were getting the dishwasher ready for the big load. We were laughing after George was trying to get me back for this afternoon when Jasper came in "Bella there is someone to see you."

"Who Jasper?"

"Come on." He took my hand and led me back to the living room. He was pulling me to walk faster.

"Jasper, why the hurry…"

I smiled - it was him – Demetri. He looked so handsome – his eyes still gentle, looking at me with care. When I noticed, no one was around us and Jasper left the room.

"Hello Isabella. How are you?"

I had to smile – so handsome, so caring "Hello Demetri. I am good. How are you?"

He stepped a little closer "Worried about you. Did I over do it with the flowers?"

He was worried – but he never left a call back number. "I love the flowers, Demetri. I am still enjoying them and I would have called you immediately, but, you never left a number to call you back."

He looked dumbfounded. "I'm sorry Isabella. I wanted everything to be perfect and forgot an important piece."

I stepped closer to him. I didn't know where this boldness was coming from. It was taking everything I had not to go running to him and give him a big hug, but I wanted to take it slow. I looked at him as he looked at me and I took my finger and curled it so he can come down a bit. He over towered me since he was so tall. As he came down a little, I gave him a loving kiss on his cheek and whispered "Thank you Demetri. They were simply beautiful."

His smile was precious and it took my breath away. He took his hand and gently stroked my shoulder. He whispered "Anything for you my Isabella." It felt like we were the only people on this planet. Then Shiloh came screaming "Auntie Bella! Auntie Bella! Help me. Emmy is trying to eat me!" She jumped in my arms and I held her tight in my arms. She nuzzled her head in my hair taking a deep breath of my freesia shampoo. Emmett came out of somewhere and gave me a look "Sorry Bells, I didn't want her to interrupt." He gave me that eye. Demetri laughed as did I.

"No problem Emmy."

Then I thought as I gave a loving look to Demetri. He nodded.

"Shiloh – why don't we both try to get him?"

She laughed and nodded yes. Yes life was good.