A/N: Stephanie Meyer owns the Twilight characters, I'm just having fun playing 'dress up' with them!

Thank you to Patty for being an amazing beta and helping me out with the things I suck at when it comes to writing. This story wouldn't be half as good as it is without her!

Thank you to all the readers as well! You are the ones that rock my socks and keep me wanting to write more and more! Hugs and kisses for you all! If you'd like to know me better then come follow me on twitter (at)RobinsFF I'll follow you back if you just ask!

When we left off Bella had just had her first 'Victoria' experience!

Chapter 3

I begin pacing from the living room to the kitchen and back again as soon as we get home. I'm still on my adrenaline high from the dance class. With all of this pent up energy and excitement inside, I don't know what to do to release it. I can't possibly stay still, so I bounce into the kitchen and start drumming on the counter.

I also have a ton of questions ricocheting around in my head.

Where exactly did 'Victoria' come from? Was my performance or whatever that was tonight just a result of my not worrying about what the others thought? I wonder if I can do that again.

"Bella!" Alice puts her hands over mine to stop the incessant drumming. "I'm still not sure what came over you, but damn girl! Bella, as Victoria, is hot!" She goes to look for food in the fridge. I start drumming my fingers again. My vertically challenged friend sticks her pierced tongue out at me.

Suddenly the front door crashes open, causing us both to jump at the intrusion.

"MARY ALICE BRANDON!" Rose yells. "WHERE ARE YOU?" An angry Rose can be a bit scary. "HOW COULD YOU LET HER DITC…"

Rosalie turns the corner as I take the wig off my head. She makes her way through to the living room of the condo, her sharp blue eyes zeroing in on me.

"Bella?" she looks stunned. "That was YOU?"

Wow. Guess she really didn't know it was me.

"Well ain't that some shit?" she huffs, throwing her tall body onto the overstuffed brown couch. "I totally thought Alice let you sneak out the back. I didn't think you'd actually put on a costume to come to class. And I never would have guessed you'd dress like a Pussycat Doll willingly." She's still eyeballing me.

I shift my weight from one foot to the other. We all look around at each other for a minute, I stop my drumming, Alice ceases her snack hunting and Rosalie sits up straight, on the edge of the sofa.

A small smile begins to play on my face. Then all hell breaks loose at once as we begin talking, screeching, and squealing at the same time. We sound like a group of teenage girls.

"Oh my God! Bella, I've never seen moves like that come from you," howls Rose, while at the same time Alice is saying "Do you think she could do it again? I've never heard her sing so well before either!"

"Bella was on fire!" Rose agrees. She's bouncing in her seat.

Alice repeats her earlier words, "Victoria is HOT!" She joins Rose on the couch, and grabbing her hands, they bounce together. It's always a little wild when Alice goes off her meds.

"It's was a ONE TIME THING!" I try to yell out over the hyenas chattering to each other. "And shit! Stop talking about me like I'm not here!"

I want to be angry, but I can't be. They're right. I was on fire tonight. Rather, Victoria was. But since I am Victoria it's the same thing right?

Wrong. If it was the same thing you wouldn't have needed Victoria to sing and dance the way you did, without feeling embarrassed.

"Whatever. Talk. I don't care. Just don't expect to see Victoria again," I say, practically spitting the name out. "I'm going to shower, why don't you two make yourselves useful and order some dinner."

I realize that I may have come across a bit bitchy, so I added, "Please," as an afterthought as I half-stomped to my room.

They resume their gossip girl chattering as I close the door to my room. I know they'll be talking about me behind my back for a few days now. I don't mind, because I know they would never say anything mean. They'll probably try to get me back up on stage now, thinking that this Victoria stunt has brought me out of my shell.

Yeah, that is so not going to happen.

I turn the water on in the shower, peel off the skin tight outfit and step in. I let the hot water cascade down my back, erasing the day's stress from my body. As I soap up my body and hair, my thoughts drift toward work. I should have a fairly light schedule for the rest of the week. Edward is still getting settled in the new office, so he doesn't have much on his schedule yet. When his work slows down, so does mine. I briefly wonder exactly what Edward wants to discuss with me in the morning. Surely he didn't mean he wanted to talk more about my Freudian slip up about wanting to work him well.

You know you want him, Bella.

I sigh, pushing all thoughts of work and Edward Cullen from my brain, and wash off my face. That is one place I cannot allow my thoughts to go. He's my boss, and I'm not willing to jeopardize my well-paying job because he's handsome.

Handsome? No. Charlie is handsome. Wait, no, Billy Burke is handsome. Edward is a Sex God sent down from Sex Heaven.

I do not need to be thinking of my father and sex God Edward in the same thought. Quickly, I rinse off. I turn the shower off and step out of the stall, tightly wrapping my body and hair in fluffy white towels. I wipe some fog off the mirror and look at my reflection. Alice had caked on so much makeup that I find the need to wash my face again, even though I've just done so in the shower.

I pick up the borrowed sexy clothes, tossing them into my closet so I don't have to see them. I un-wrap my hair and comb the tangles. Throwing on some flannel pajama bottoms and a tank top, I turn to the mirror, assured that all traces of Victoria have been erased. It's just Bella staring back at me. Plain, normal, shy and predictable Bella.

I pad back out to the living room, the smell of pizza penetrating my nostrils. My stomach growls in approval.

The girls are sitting on the floor, the pizza box between them. I walk over and take a seat next to Rose. She smiles at me; I put my head on her shoulder. I feel bad about deceiving her.

"I'm sorry I tricked you with that whole Victoria thing, Rose. I honestly never, ever thought you'd fall for it," I apologize. "I really thought you'd just laugh at us and let it go."

"Bells, please. There's nothing to apologize for." She puts her arm around me and hugs me briefly. "In fact…" she trails off, looking across the pizza to Alice.

"Sweetie," Alice continues, looking at me now. "We think…" she sighs, looking back to Rose. I know what they're about to say. They think I should try performing on stage again.

Nope. No way. No how. Not happening. Bella Swan will not be performing on stage.

"Nope. No way. No how. Not happening. Bella Swan will NOT be performing on a stage," I finish for them, echoing my thoughts.

They both shake their heads at me, sharing a giggle that only they seem to understand.

"What am I missing?"

"Bella, Bella, our dear Isabella. We don't want you to perform on stage," Rose begins explaining.

"Yeah, Bells, we know how horribly the stage fright is for you."

"I'm not following you two. You don't want me to perform on stage? Then what's with all the secret smiles and giggles and non-conversation?" I'm still confused but I'm curious as well. I have no idea what they're getting at.

Maybe I should sniff their breath; it's entirely possible they started taking tequila shots while I was in the shower.

"Have you guys been drinking without me?" I lean into Rose and not-so-subtly sniff around her mouth. She shoves me away playfully.

"No, Mom. We haven't been drinking. But we can start, if you like?" She stands and walks into the kitchen, coming back with three bottles of beer. I shouldn't drink, because I have another early day tomorrow, but I could really use the alcohol.

I take a gulp of the ice cold brew and grab myself a slice of pizza.

"Okay, so spill. What are you trying to tell me?" I say with a mouthful of pizza. I have to know. Now.

"We don't want Bella to perform…" Rose begins again.

Alice finishes, "We want Victoria to perform." She clasps her hands in front of her, bringing her two index fingers to her lips. Rose is nervously shifting her weight from side to side. Their expressions are pensive yet hopeful.

They want me to WHAT?

"I'm sorry," I say, shaking my head. "I don't believe I heard you correctly."

They can't be serious.

I look at each of them again.

Nope. Not a hint of humor in either one of their faces.

"Um, okay. So let me get this straight. You want me, your best friend, the shy one, the quiet one, the…" I'm interrupted by Alice.

"Our best friend, the talented singer, the amazing dancer and, the one who just needs a little bit of a confidence booster to do what she's always dreamed of doing. Yes, that would be you."

"…to dress like a red headed slut and sing and shake my ass in front of a crowd of strangers?" I finish, ignoring Alice's interjection.

"Yes. Yes we do Bella. And you will do it. For us," Rose states, her voice rings with finality. She's not to be messed with when she sounds like that.

"I CAN'T GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN!" I all but yell. "That thing tonight was a ONE TIME deal! I was surrounded by people I know! There's no way in hell I can be like that in front of a huge crowd!"

"Well, you're going to have to try. We kind of already signed you up for a karaoke contest thing on Friday night. The one we were going to go check out anyways. At that new club, Nicci B's."

"Wh…wha…what did you say? You signed me up for a contest without my permission?" I can already feel the panic setting in. Just the thought has me almost hyperventilating.

Can't breathe. Panic setting in.

"Deep breaths Bella. Alice, go get her a bag to breathe into," Rose instructs.

Breathe… Inhale, exhale… In and out… Breathe… It'll be okay.

"No, I'm fine. Really. You just caught me off guard."

I take another sip of my beer. The cold feels great traveling down my throat. I take a few more deep breaths before continuing.

"You guys can't do that. You can't just sign me up for something like that without asking me!" My fury begins to set in...

"We didn't," Alice feigns innocence. "We signed up Victoria." Her grin is as wide as the Cheshire Cat's.

"Okay, enough talk for tonight. You have until Friday to psych yourself up. You can do this Bella. We'll help you re-create Victoria. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work," she shrugs.

I nod slowly. Maybe I can do this. If I can grasp back onto those feelings of sexiness and confidence that emerged when I was dressed as Victoria, then I might just be able to pull this off. Just this once.

"I'll think about it," is the only answer I can give my friends.

I head back into my room. I am exhausted all of the sudden.

It's been a long, crazy day girl.

You're telling me. Great. Now I'm answering my sub-conscious. This can't be good.

It's only bad if you answer out loud.

Sure, whatever you say.

I lay down in bed, snuggling into my purple down comforter and fall fast asleep.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

The remainder of the week goes fairly quickly. Alice and Rose keep me busy preparing for Friday's show. Edward has been keeping me fairly busy at work.

I've come to find that Edward's actually a really good boss. I have no idea where all the rumors about his temper toward his PAs came from. I certainly don't see it. He's been nothing but polite and professional to me. Perhaps his former PAs just weren't able to handle such a stressful position.

I have some time to research him during some down time and I learn that he has a keen eye for finding the "the next big thing" as they call it around here. He often attends open mic nights and shows for local bands, looking for new talent, even though it's not part of his immediate job description. From what I've read, he's brought in eleven new artists or bands to the label in the six or so years he's been here. All eleven have since gone on to release albums that went multi-platinum. Of those eleven, eight of them have won Grammy awards.

You also learned he's single, never been engaged, is 27 and that his favorite color is blue. Google and Wikipedia have been your friends.

Shut up. There's nothing wrong with researching your boss.

There's a difference between 'research' and looking up images of him to see if he's been publicly photographed with a girlfriend.

I'm ignoring you now.

I ask him about his "skill" during one of our lunch meetings. His eyes widen and his mouth curls into a sly smile. He seems pleased that I know such a thing about him.

If only he was aware of just how much you really DO know about him.

He shrugs my inquiry off as if it is not a big deal, but the glimmer in his eye and the excitement in his voice tell me otherwise as he reveals that he likes his job and that he likes being at the top, but he also likes to get his hands dirty. Figuratively speaking, of course. And apparently, it impresses the girls. Not that he needs help impressing girls. The man is drop dead gorgeous with a panty-wetting smile.

Yeah, he makes your panties wet on a daily basis.

Yes, yes he does. Sigh.

It's Friday afternoon. I've been a nervous wreck all day. I can't stop thinking about what I have to do this evening. Rose put a flier for the contest in my bag before I left this morning. There's a five hundred dollar cash prize to the winner. She must have thought it would motivate me somehow. Instead, it only makes my nerves worse.

"One Night Only! $500 cash prize Karaoke Contest" is emblazoned over the top of the flier.

I read through the rest quickly, panicking when I see how the contest is set up. Only twenty performers can enter. Those twenty can sing a song of their choosing, but will be cut off at the three minute mark no matter what. The audience will decide which ten get to continue. Those ten will then get to sing another song of their choice; they will be able to sing the whole thing. Five will be eliminated, by combining judge's scores with audience appeal. The final five will perform a song that will be picked for them. The winners will be determined by the judges.

I know I'm a good singer. I know there's a very good chance I will be expected to sing three songs. In front of an audience. And judges.

Cue the hyperventilating. My head falls down onto my desk.

"Isabella?" Edward is standing over me, gently shaking me on my shoulder. "Isabella? Are you alright? What's going on?"

Crap.

I prop my head up, my forehead in my hands, elbows on the desk. I don't have the ability to speak yet. I glance back down to the desk and see the offending flier. I let out a groan as my breathing accelerates again.

"Shhh. Isabella, calm down. What's got you so upset?" Edward asks me, he's nervous. I can tell he wants to do something to help, but doesn't seem to know what that something would be.

Silently I pick up the flier and hand it to him.

"The karaoke contest at Nicci B's? I'll be there tonight. I'm one of the judges," he responds, casually leaning his hip against my desk. "Are you singing?"

I nod. I'm trying to forget the first part of his statement. If I think about that, I'll never get my breathing under control.

Breathe Bella. Breathe. You slipped up, you're not singing, Victoria is.

"Isabel…" he starts again. I hold my pointer finger up to him, indicating to give me a moment. He does.

A full minute of deep breathing later and I am able to sit upright in my seat.

I smile at my boss. "Thank you, Edward."

"Umm… you're welcome?" he replies, "I'm not sure what for though."

"You just gave me an out for tonight. I can't very well sing in a contest that my boss is judging now can I? It wouldn't be fair to the others." My smile grows wider.

Edward laughs. "I suppose you're right, we don't need a conspiracy hanging over our heads now do we?"

We laugh together for a few moments.

"So, you'll be at the club tonight? Maybe we can have a few drinks together?" his smile is genuine, but nervous.

Play it cool.

I shake my head no.

"Of course, drinks at a club with your boss is probably not the best idea," he sighs dejectedly.

"No, that's not what I meant. I meant I won't be there. Not that I object to having drinks with my boss." Uh oh. I shouldn't have said that last part. It just came out. I just don't want him to think I didn't like him or something.

You luuuuvvvveee him.

Shut up. I do not love him.

Well, you at least lust for him.

So what. He's a very attractive man. How could I not lust after that hot bod?

Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

"So, you don't mind having drinks with your boss?"

"Edward, let's not go there. Not right now. Please?"

"Of course. Are you sure you're feeling alright?" He gently touches my shoulder. "I'd hate for you to get sick. Why don't you head home and get some rest?"

How sweet. He cares.

I smile. "Thank you. I think I'll take you up on that offer, of going home, if you really don't mind." I am kind of tired. And I have to work myself up for possibly singing not one, but maybe two or even three songs tonight.

"Of course not. I was planning on leaving early myself. Let me grab my briefcase, and I'll walk you to your car."

"Sure."

Edward disappears into his office. I set the email to deliver its automatic "out of office" reply and gather my belongings.

"Are you ready?" he asks quietly, bending down slightly to look me in the eye. His concern is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

I nod yes and we walk towards the elevators. The ride down is silent. The walk to my car is silent. Edward opens the driver side door for me and waits for me to get in before he gently closes it.

As I'm getting ready to back out of the space he taps on my window.

Rolling the window down I ask, "Yes, Edward?"

He leans over onto the open window. "Drive safe, Isabella," he says softly as he brushes a stray lock of hair off my face.

My breath hitches at his touch, a wave of heat is left on my face where his finger had briefly touched me.

His eyes are twinkling. He leans in slightly. I find myself leaning towards him.

HHHHHOOOOOONNNNNKKKKK

We're both snapped out of our trances. My elbow had leaned into the horn.

"Um, I should go."

He backs away from the car, I back out.

I chance a glance in my review mirror. I see Edward, handsome in his jet black suit, red power tie loosened around his neck, scrubbing his face with his hand. He raises a hand and waves, as if he knows I was looking.

What was that?

I have no idea.

I want those lips on me.

So do I.

I drive home thinking about Edward and what his kiss would be like.

A/N:

I hope you guys enjoyed that! I sure do love the tension between Edward and Bella! But wait! What happens when Victoria enters the picture? There's only one way to find out... review review review! Chapter four is heading to the beta soon!

On a sad note- chapter 4 will NOT be posted as quickly as I would like. I will be going on vacation in a couple of days and will NOT HAVE INTERNET SERVICE *gasp* while I'm away! (I KNOW! RIGHT?) HOWEVER, chapter four and hopefully five as well will be sent to the beta before I leave so you I can update as soon as I get home!

Love you all! Thanks again for reading!

PS: I'm going to start rec'ing stories with chapter 4- so if you have something you want me to rec PM me! Just remember, I won't rec stories I haven't read yet!

Hugs n Kisses! ~RobinsFF~