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Chapter 6 – Let's Get it Started, EPOV
Previously:
The elevator doors opened and we stepped into the reception area. Ms. Weber was already on her feet. Her usual smile seemed a bit forced and when she realized it was me she shot a glance at Mrs. Cope.
"Mr. Cullen," Mrs. Cope started, "The items you asked for are on their way up."
"Thank you --" I began, however she cut me off as if I hadn't spoken.
"Ms. Denali is waiting for you in your office."
I hesitated before turning to Bella.
"Bella, would you mind waiting here? Mrs. Cope will call up someone from HR to get you started on the necessary paperwork." I turned to Ms. Weber.
"Ms. Weber, when the items I ordered from IT arrive would you hold on to them?"
"Certainly, Mr. Cullen." Ms. Weber sat back down.
"Mrs. Cope, please hold my calls. Should Ms. Brandon arrive early let me know, otherwise I'm not to be disturbed."
"Yes, sir." I walked away from the three women in reception and opened my office door. This promised to be unpleasant.
I should have known that this would happen. I had spoken to Marcy, Tanya's publicist, early this morning. While I wasn't deluded enough to believe that Tanya had any substantial feelings for me, I had deluded myself into thinking that she wouldn't care enough about the breakup to actually show up here.
It wasn't unusual for Tanya to be here. She had her own passkey for my elevator. Ms. Brandon frequently dressed Tanya for events relating to my work as her usual wardrobe was a bit flamboyant for business events.
After making sure that Bella was settled with her paperwork and that Mrs. Cope would ensure my privacy I walked into my office. Tanya was sitting on my couch; her long legs were crossed and she had helped herself to a generous glass of Scotch.
"Edward," she purred as I walked into the room and closed the door behind me.
"Tanya," I replied, nodding.
"I had a very interesting conversation with my publicist," she started. "She's under the impression that we're no longer dating. Imagine my surprise since this was news to me."
"Tanya --" I began.
"Don't you 'Tanya' me," she cut me off. "What the fuck, Edward?" Her voice had risen in pitch. I wondered how much she'd already had to drink.
"After last night, I decided that this," I waved my hand between us, "wasn't working anymore. It was fun while it lasted, but it's not serving either of us anymore."
"You didn't see the need to discuss it with me before calling my publicist?" Her voice was still tinged with anger.
"You didn't see the need to discuss it with me when you told me you weren't coming home with me last night."
"Is that what this is about, Edward? You need to get off?"
"Tanya, you're being crass." As far as I was concerned, this conversation was over. I couldn't talk to her when she was like this. I walked past her and sat at my desk, glancing at the papers I had left there earlier.
Crash
I ducked as the lowball glass Tanya had been holding shattered on the window behind me, showering me with bits of crystal and sending the dregs of her drink running down the smooth glass. Christ!
I looked up in time to see her stalking over to the desk. Standing quickly, I cocked an eyebrow at her. "The fuck, Tanya?"
"You aren't breaking up with me, Edward Cullen," she hissed. "Do you know what people will say if they find out you dumped me?"
"Is that what you're worried about?" I was relieved. I couldn't care less what people thought, so I could certainly give her this one last gift.
"Have Marcy tell everyone you dumped me. I don't care."
That stopped her. She looked at me incredulously. Tanya lived in a world where appearances were everything and any sign of weakness would send one tumbling down the pecking order. She had gotten used to her spot near the top. Letting it get out that she broke up with me wouldn't hurt and could possibly help her status.
"You won't deny that?" she wanted to know.
"I have no plans on discussing our relationship with anyone but no, Tanya, I won't deny it," I said placatingly.
She eyed me suspiciously. I gazed at her steadily and eventually the tightness around her eyes eased.
"Fine," she huffed. I sensed that the drama was coming to an end. She began walking around my desk.
"Sorry about the glass," she offered. I waved off her apology.
"I actually have a lot to do," I said gesturing to the work on my desk, "so if we're done here…" I raised my eyebrow at her.
"Sure, Edward," she replied airily before pausing. I could see that she had something else she wanted to say. I sighed and looked up again.
"Yes?"
"There isn't anyone else, is there?" she asked bluntly. "No one will believe me if you're catting around town with some skank."
I swear every word out of her mouth was pure poetry.
"I'll arrange to only escort business associates around for the time being, if that will make you feel better," I assured her. No need for her to know I'd already made said arrangements.
I could see her mull over my assurance.
"Fine," she said.
I nodded. "Great. Okay, Tanya, listen, I am really busy today. I'm sure we'll run into each other at some point. I promise to be nothing but a gentleman when that happens."
"Bye, Edward," she said with an airy wave, her cell phone already in her hand.
I sighed as the door closed behind her. Shattered crystal notwithstanding, that went better than I'd expected. I waited a few moments, until I was sure Tanya had left reception before calling Mrs. Cope and asking her to send someone up from maintenance to clean the mess behind my desk. I then turned my eyes to the work before me.
Twenty minutes later I was interrupted by a page. "Ms. Brandon is here to see you, sir."
"Thank you. Send her right in." I braced myself. Alice Brandon was a talented and sought after stylist. She was also a force of nature. Having her ensured I was always properly dressed for any events. She was frequently full of advice, whether you asked for it or not and had provided clothes for both Tanya and myself as well as my brother and his wife for some time. Now I'd ask her to dress Bella.
The door opened.
"Mr. Cullen, so good to see you."
I stood up. "Ms. Brandon, always a pleasure. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Coke would be great!" Right. Caffeine. That's what she needed.
"Certainly, would you like a glass?"
"Nope, a straw would be nice, though."
After settling on the couch she asked about my message. I explained that Bella would be accompanying me to public events from now on and that I was hoping she'd be willing to dress her as she had Tanya. Ms. Brandon had only dressed Tanya from time to time, Bella would need outfits regularly.
"Ooh, someone new to dress!" She literally rubbed her hands together. I had to give her credit. I knew that the TMZ picture from last night would be common knowledge to those who cared. Despite what I was sure was raging curiosity, she focused on the task at hand.
"When can I meet her?"
"She should be here by four o'clock. I'm sorry, but there is a bit of a rush. We've got a cocktail reception this Thursday and the hospital gala next Saturday. I believe you were providing Tanya with her dress for the gala. Maybe you can use the same one for Bella?"
She looked at me as if I had sprouted feathers, before slowly shaking her head. I got the impression that she was questioning my sanity. A quick glance at the clock showed 3:59. Bella should be here any second.
Sure enough, I could hear Bella and Mrs. Cope talking in her office. A moment later she entered the open door of my office.
All she got out was, "Hello –" before Ms. Brandon kicked into action. She spun around to face me, "OhMrCullenshe'sjustperfectLookatherImeanshemustbeaperfectsizesixAreyouasizesix?"
Bella appeared stunned and just nodded her head. I heard Mrs. Cope laugh from the reception area. I couldn't help the grin that spread over my face. Ms. Brandon was something to behold. She rose to her feet and reached out to hug Bella.
"I'm Mary Alice Brandon, Mr. Cullen's stylist. He said that you'd need some clothes for upcoming events. I'm here to fit you and talk about what you'd like to wear."
Bella may have gotten out a syllable before she was being dragged off to my dressing room. I heard the door lock click and shook my head before turning back to the work on my desk.
It was more than hour later when Ms. Brandon came out from my dressing room. I looked up expectantly for Bella, but she didn't emerge.
"Mr. Cullen, we need to talk." Ms. Brandon spoke with uncharacteristic gravity. Uh-oh.
"Is there a problem?"
She hesitated and glanced back at the dressing room door before approaching my desk. She studied me for a second.
"I hate to presume…"
Yeah, right.
"I don't want you to think I'm nosy, Mr. Cullen, but I'm aware of the recent gossip…"
I sighed. "Yes, Ms. Brandon… your point?"
"Bel- Ms. Swan isn't like Ms. Denali." She was very reluctant to come to the point. I started to worry more.
"I'm aware of that," I started.
She cut me off. "Ms. Swan's needs are more basic than Ms. Denali's."
I understood from our earlier conversation, when Ms. Brandon looked at me like I had sprouted feathers, that Bella and Tanya required different dresses for events. They weren't interchangeable. But I had the feeling that I did not understand something here. Was she going to dress Bella in clothing that was more plain?
"Okay," I said slowly, "her needs are more basic…?" I repeated what she had said.
Ms. Brandon sighed.
"Ms. Swan doesn't have the same foundation as Ms. Denali…" she started. She looked at me expectantly, like I was being purposely dense.
"Foundation? Her background isn't really pertinent-"
She cut me off again, exasperated.
"Underwear, Mr. Cullen. Underwear," she practically growled at me. "The outfits I'll be providing for Ms. Swan require specific and sometimes, unusual undergarments. That was never a problem for Ms. Denali, her lingerie collection was quite extensive, but Ms. Swan doesn't have the same… stockpile to choose from."
Now, I don't embarrass easily. I didn't find the topic of conversation uncomfortable, really, but I was embarrassed by my previous lack of understanding. I was well acquainted with what Tanya wore under her clothes. And, having purchased a great deal of it myself, I was very aware of how much the undergarments Ms. Brandon was talking about cost.
She must have seen the dawning comprehension on my face because she continued.
"Now, as a stylist, it is my job to provide my clients with all they'll need to look fabulous. However, my understanding is that Ms. Swan will be borrowing, not buying the outfits I provide. I'm sure you can see the problem here. Panties aren't library books; one doesn't return them when one is done with them.
"No, no… of course not." My mind was spinning.
Ms. Brandon sighed. "I have her measurements and will pick up the appropriate undergarments for tomorrow night; however, she's going to need a decent collection of her own. She's also in need of a dress coat and jewelry. I'll let her borrow my silver bangle for tomorrow night, but you might want to call Tiffany's. Ask for Jules, I've worked with him before. I can order appropriate pieces and have them delivered here. When she's done with them have her leave the jewelry in your safe and Jules will arrange to pick it up."
I nodded thoughtfully at her suggestions.
"Well, then," she continued, "my work here is done. I'm meeting Ms. Swan tomorrow at two. I promise you won't be disappointed."
"I have complete faith in you." Ms. Brandon grinned at my assurance.
"See you tomorrow, Mr. Cullen."
"Ms. Brandon." I stood and nodded at her.
Ms. Brandon swept out of my office. As she closed my office door behind her, the door to my dressing room opened. Bella stepped out and approached my desk.
"So," I began, "what do you think of Ms. Brandon?" I sat back down and indicated the chair in front of my desk, inviting Bella to sit.
She smiled as she lowered herself into the chair. "She's quite a whirling dervish, isn't she?"
"That's a good description," I conceded. "She's got a lot of energy, but is very talented. She told me that she's meeting you here tomorrow afternoon?"
"Yes," she replied, "two o'clock."
"Great," I said. "If you'll come in at eight there will be plenty of time for Ms. Weber to train you on the scheduling software. I have an early lunch meeting but should have time to meet with you before Ms. Brandon arrives."
"Here," I said, holding out an elevator passkey. "Security made you a permanent key to use the elevator so you can get up here without having to bother the receptionist in the lobby each time."
She thanked me as she took the card.
"Leave the laptop and Blackberry here for tonight since you'll be back first thing in the morning," I told her.
"Okay."
"I think that's it for today. Thank you for coming in, Bella. It was nice meeting you. I look forward to working with you."
"Thank you, Edward," she smiled, "I have to admit, today wasn't what I expected."
No, I supposed it wasn't.
"Well, goodnight then," was all I said.
"Goodnight." She walked to the door and exited my office.
I let a smile creep across my face when the door closed. Today had gone better than I'd hoped. Bella obviously got along with Ms. Brandon, and Ms. Brandon seemed to like Bella. While Mrs. Cope and I hadn't spoken, she seemed to approve of her as well, if the glances we exchanged before I took Bella to lunch were any indication.
I sighed. I had no intention of discussing Bella's need for undergarments with her. Most contractors would have the ability to charge their own necessities and then submit expense reports for work related items. I had a feeling this wouldn't apply in Bella's case.
Picking up the phone, I called Jasper's office, but my call was routed to voicemail. I hung up and used my cell to call his. He picked up on the second ring.
"Hey, Edward, what's up?" he answered.
"Jazz, I'm going to need a corporate card for a new contractor."
"That's no problem. I should be able to get it by Monday. What's the name?"
"Isabella Swan." I could hear his pen scratching on a piece of paper.
"Got it. You still working?"
"Yeah, just finishing up. How 'bout you?"
"Just getting ready to head to the lobby. Feel like a drink?"
"Yeah. Meet me in the parking deck."
We both hung up and I pushed back from the desk and left for the evening. Jasper was leaning against my Vanquish when I arrived at the parking deck.
"Off the car, Jazz," I reminded him before unlocking the Volvo.
"C'mon, Edward, let's take the Vanquish."
"You wanna drive?" I asked him, raising my eyebrow.
"Can't. I brought my bike today."
"Then get in," I said, indicating the Volvo's passenger door.
He sighed heavily. "I hate the soccer mom mobile," he muttered loud enough for me to hear.
"You know I only use the Vanquish for special occasions and my car isn't a soccer mom mobile." He just rolled his eyes as he got in.
Jasper looked over at me as I started to back out of my space.
"Today could be a special occasion, Edward," he said. The smirk was evident in his voice.
"Oh, really? What's today?"
"Today's the day you could meet Mrs. Right." I sighed and shook my head. I should have realized that Jasper would know about what happened with Tanya and me.
"We don't pay you good money to surf the gossip sites, you know," I replied.
Jasper snorted. "I don't need the internet, I've got Emmett."
I rolled my eyes. I should have known.
We pulled up at our favorite local lounge. The valet approached my door. "Good evening, Mr. Cullen."
I nodded my greeting. "Take good care of her, please," I reminded him.
"We always do, sir."
Jasper and I entered the dark lounge. The hostess greeted us with enthusiasm, "Mr. Cullen, Mr. Whitlock, how nice to see you this evening." She flashed her overly whitened teeth at us.
"Hello, Bree," Jasper answered. I nodded at her.
"Will you be dining with us this evening?" she asked. I cocked an eyebrow at Jasper. I didn't have dinner plans.
He let out a sigh, "Sure," he answered, "why not."
Bree smiled again before leading us around the perimeter of the room and offering a table with a nice view of the darkening skyline. "Lucy will be right with you." She smiled ingratiatingly at us before sauntering off.
"So," Jasper began, "what happened with Tanya?"
"Christ, Jasper, jump right in, why don't you?" He shrugged.
"You know I don't bullshit around. If you don't want to tell me, then don't."
I didn't respond as the waitress came over and took our drink order.
"There's not much to tell," I started when she left. "We haven't had any kind of relationship to speak of in almost two months. I've just been too busy to make the effort to even break it off. Last night was the straw that broke the camel's back. We're both better off this way."
"How did she take it?" he wanted to know.
"Well, for Tanya. She only broke one glass." Jasper laughed.
"Sounds like you got off easy."
I nodded. "You know Tanya; she was only really worried about her reputation. I assured her I had no interest in talking to the press about our relationship. She'll move on by the end of the week."
Jasper just shook his head. We talked business for most of the rest of our time together. Dinner was pleasant. Jasper was easy to talk to and one of the most intelligent men I knew. It wasn't until the end of the meal that I thought about the cocktail party tomorrow night."
"Hey," I started, "is Charlotte coming to the party tomorrow night?"
"Nah," Jasper replied, "she's got some huge presentation on Friday morning. She'll be working late. Why?"
"I was hoping to introduce her to my date for the evening. I thought they might get along. She'll be joining us for the gala next weekend, as well, and I want her to feel comfortable with our friends."
When I didn't get a response, I looked up at Jasper. He had a very curious look on his face.
"What?" I asked, a little confused.
"You broke up with Tanya yesterday and you already have a date for the party tomorrow night. Have you been holding out on us, Edward?"
I shook my head with exasperation. "It's not like that, Jasper. Bella is a professional escort…" I had to stop my explanation as Jasper did a classic spit take at my words, spraying the tablecloth with very expensive Scotch.
"Professional escort! What? Like a hooker?" I couldn't blame his misperception. I had much the same reaction when Emmett made the original suggestion.
"No, Jazz," I explained patiently, "I mentioned her to you earlier, when I asked about getting the corporate card. She's an independent contractor that I hired today. She'll be handling my social calendar and will be accompanying me to most business and social events for the foreseeable future. I need to steer clear of personal relationships for awhile. Not all of us can be as lucky as you and Emmett."
Jasper's eyes narrowed and he nodded.
"So, I was just hoping to introduce her to Charlotte tomorrow at our smaller gathering before we attend the Gala next weekend."
Jasper nodded again and then got a thoughtful look on his face.
"How many people know you hired an escort?" he asked.
"Just you, my stylist, Mrs. Cope and my second assistant, Angela Weber. Why?"
"You might want to keep that information under wraps. If the society ladies know that you are on the market they're going to hound your every step. If you truly aren't looking for a relationship right now, they need to think you're off the market."
While I hadn't planned on announcing that Bella was just an employee, Jasper's suggestion made sense. I'd try to keep our exact relationship under wraps. I'd talk to Bella about that tomorrow before she met with Ms. Brandon. Business associate was probably a vague enough term. It was the truth and would satisfy my promise to Tanya, while her age would hopefully make most women leery of approaching me in case we were dating.
"You're right, Jasper. Good thinking."
He waved off the compliment as we both threw $100 on the table before heading for the door.
"I'm looking forward to meeting her," he said, as we waited for the valet to get my car. "Are you picking her up after work?"
"No," I replied. "She'll be in the office all day. We'll leave right from my office." Jasper nodded again as we got in the car. We drove back to the garage so I could drop him off to get his bike. We said goodnight and I headed home.
All in all, today had been a very good day.
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I'd like to thank the reviewers on both fanfiction and Twilighted. Please, if you like this story, drop me a review. If you don't like it, I'm begging you – tell me! I want to know why – in detail! Special thanks to the ladies at Project Team Beta and my junior validator on Twilighted, nikkipattinson.