A few thank yous: Kristi28, from Project Team Beta, who betas this story for me, has been pimping me out. I owe many of my new readers to her Twitter pimping. Thank you, Kristi! I'm IronicTwist67 on Twitter, but I really have nothing interesting to say. socact, the amazing author behind Same Time Next Year, is doing a little prereading for me. She made a suggestion that I turned into a 16-page one shot, loosely based on Taylor Swift's "Love Story." Stupid song is stuck in my head! I might post it at some point, so put me on author alert so you'll know if I get up the courage. Finally, to CellaCullen, who also preread this chapter for me. Her story, Raising Bella Swan is almost complete. I was lucky enough to preread the ending and I don't think that anyone will be disappointed. She's also starting a new story called Starting Over. The first chapter if so incredibly hot I had to dump water over my monitor to cool it off! Srsly! Put her on author alert so you can get in on the ground floor!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognized characters, setting, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 9 – Go
EPOV
I glanced at Bella while driving across town to tonight's party. The setting sun cast a pink shadow across her face as she looked out the passenger side window. Twilight's glow leant her an ethereal quality that, if possible, made her even more stunning.
I thought back to when she had stepped out of my dressing room earlier today to use the bathroom.
I had mistakenly assumed it was Ms. Brandon when I looked up. The sight of her in a silky red robe, bare feet and not a drop of makeup on had surprised me, and I know I visibly reacted. As soon as she locked the bathroom door behind her I left the office so as not to be there when she made the return trip.
I decided a visit to Emmett was in order to avoid embarrassing either of us. On my way to his office I used my cell to call Demitri. I had parked my Volvo in a convenient spot out front when I returned from my meeting earlier so that we could access it easily when it was time to head to the party. After seeing her looking so lovely with her hair pinned up and a faint blush on her cheeks, I decided that the Aston Martin would be more appropriate. I instructed Demitri to switch cars for me.
I was waved into Emmett's office as soon as I arrived. He offered me a drink and asked about my earlier meeting.
"Everything went well," I told him. "I've already sent the parameters to R&D. I'm confident we'll be able to meet their needs in the time allotted."
He nodded his head and pushed aside the papers he had been perusing.
"So…," he started. I just looked at him.
Silence.
"So what?" I finally asked.
"Is there anything you'd like to tell me?"
Confused, I shook my head slowly. "Nooo…," I dragged the word out as my mind raced to understand his question.
He stared at me steadily.
"Emmett, I guess I'm a little slow today. What do want me to tell you?"
He let out an exasperated sigh. "I spoke with Jasper earlier."
"So?" Then it clicked. "Oh! Bella."
"Bella?" he repeated.
"Yes, Bella. You're asking me about the escort I hired? Bella Swan."
If I had just confessed to bank fraud Emmett couldn't have looked more stunned.
"You hired an escort?" he asked evenly. Years of brotherly conversations clued me in to Emmett's true feelings, though his voice remained controlled.
"Why are you so shocked? It was your idea."
"Yes, an idea that you shot down as soon as I mentioned it. What happened to 'No class, Emmett. How long do you think it will be before she sells me out to the Inquirer, Emmett?'" He mimicked my voice pretty well, I have to admit.
"Why is this taking you by surprise? You said you spoke with Jasper earlier."
"Jasper knows that you hired an escort? He just told me that you had a date for the party tonight."
Of course. It was Jasper who suggested I keep the exact nature of Bella and my relationship under wraps. I just didn't realize he included my brother in the circle of ignorance.
"Yes, Jasper knows."
He feigned a look of despair. "I'm hurt, bro."
"I intended to introduce her to you tonight. I think you'll like her."
"What does that matter? She's an escort, she's paid to like who you like. How are you getting around the whole exposure thing?"
"Bella's not like that. She's not a professional escort; she's just a nice girl who's agreed to accompany me to business and social events to maintain appearances and help keep the hellcats at bay."
"Uh-huh," Emmett replied, eyeing me speculatively. "Where did you meet this 'nice girl'?"
"Actually, she used to work for the company that we contract to clean the building every night."
"You're dating the maid?
"No, Emmett," I answered exasperatedly. "She no longer works for the cleaning company and we're not dating. She's just a nice girl who's agreed to accompany me –"
He cut me off. "Yeah, yeah, I got that. I think you need to start at the beginning."
So I told him the whole story. I told him about the shower, her quitting her job, our lunch, the meeting with Ms. Brandon, my discussion with Jasper -- everything. It took surprisingly little time. That's when I realized I'd known her less than 48 hours. It seemed much longer.
"There was a naked girl in your shower while we talked on the phone yesterday?" He shook his head, almost sadly and then sighed. "If you can get people to buy this 'relationship,' Edward, you'll be the best salesman I've ever met."
I laughed.
"What?" he wanted to know.
"You sound just like her. Bella said we'd need to 'sell' the relationship also."
Emmett's mouth quirked into a half-smile, "Really? Huh, maybe I will like her."
"I have no doubt. Would you clue Rosalie in? She can be…intimidating until you get to know her. Ask her to go easy on Bella."
"Hey, that's my wife you're talking about," he said with mock indignation.
"I know."
He laughed. "Yeah, yeah… you're right. So, where is she? Is she meeting us there?"
"No, she's up in my office getting ready as we speak. Ms. Brandon is with her."
"Well, let's get up there. I can't wait to meet her."
I paused a moment, considering what Bella had been wearing the last time I'd seen her. I wasn't sure she'd be up for meeting my brother in her robe.
"Actually, Emmett, it's getting late and I need to get ready, too. I'll make sure to find you as soon as we get to the site tonight, 'kay?"
"Sure, sure," he replied, "I guess I'll see you in a few hours."
"Edward?" Bella's voice pulled me out of my reverie; I glanced over at her and noticed that her expression was somewhat worried.
"Is there anything else you think I need to know before we arrive?"
I thought quickly. "I guess you should know that Emmett and Jasper are both aware of the true status of our relationship. Emmett is going to tell Rosalie, so she'll probably know by tonight as well. I'm not sure if Jasper told Charlotte, but since she won't be here tonight we can cross that bridge when we come to it."
"Okay," she answered, this information seeming to put her more at ease.
"Also, I think that maybe you should stay close to me tonight. That should help us both keep the story straight. Just because most of the guests work for me doesn't mean that they'll be that blind if we aren't careful."
"I'd planned on it."
Pulling up to the venue, I smiled as I watched the brief scuffle the valets engaged in as they decided who'd get to park my car. One valet, probably smarter than the rest, made his way over the passenger side door and held it open for Bella. Bright kid, I'd go for the girl instead of the car, too.
My door was pulled open. As I stepped out as the winning valet said, "Enjoy your evening, sir." I pulled $20 out of my wallet and stuffed it in his hand.
"Take good care of her."
"Yes, sir!" he replied, hopping into the front seat.
I walked around the car to where Bella stood. She met my eyes when I offered her my arm. I watched the last trace of the worry I'd noted earlier slip away, a small smile taking its place.
"Let's do this." Her voice was strong.
We walked the path together, not hesitating as the door was pulled open in anticipation of our arrival. After dropping our coats off at the coat check, we were led towards the gathering by a discrete server. The doors to the reception area were open and I could see many familiar faces.
Up-tempo music was playing softly from the overhead speakers when we entered the brightly lit main room. Well-dressed executives were mingling with their husbands and wives. A larger group was gathered around Emmett who was holding court at the bar, as usual. I could hear soft laughter and quiet conversation all around.
As we walked through the gathering our presence began to garner attention. I saw several people bring their heads closer to their partners' in hushed inquiry. A gaggle of younger women, mostly trophy wives, twittered together excitedly and made no attempt to hide their curious looks. Everyone here was aware of my break up with Tanya, or rather "her break up with me," and they were dying to know who Bella was.
I tilted my head towards Bella and she turned slightly to give me her attention.
"We seem to be causing quite a stir."
"We certainly are," she answered, a smile in her voice.
I began nodding to colleagues around the room and steered Bella towards Emmett.
"Edward!" he greeted, clapping me on the back as the crowd around him parted.
"Good evening, Emmett," I responded. "I'd like to introduce you to Isabella Swan."
Bella held out her hand and smiled brightly at Emmett. I could see his appraising look.
"Bella," I continued, "this is my brother, Emmett Cullen."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Emmett."
He cocked his eyebrow at her. "The pleasure's all mine," he replied in a deeper than usual voice, stepping closer to Bella and raising her hand to his lips.
I heard a thwack. "Down, boy!" That came from Rosalie and garnered a laugh from the surrounding crowd.
"Ow, Rose!" Emmett reached over to rub the back of his head.
"Don't go scaring the young lady off, you big oaf," Rosalie continued, before stepping towards me and kissing me on the cheek.
"Hello, Edward. Congratulations on your success."
"Thank you, Rose. I'd like you to meet Isabella Swan. Bella, this is my sister-in-law, Rosalie Cullen."
"It's lovely to meet you, Rosalie." Bella held her hand out to Rose, but Rose stepped past her offered hand and hugged her instead. I let go of Bella, in amazement, so she could return the gesture. Rose was not a touchy feely kind of person. It often took her months to warm up to someone. She's already touched Bella more in that hug than she did me in the whole first year I knew her.
Bella stepped back.
"Can I get you a drink?" I asked her.
"White wine, please, Edward. Thank you."
"I'll be right back." I took two steps towards an empty spot at the bar and beckoned the bartender before turning back to watch Bella and Rosalie. Rosalie was chatting up a storm and Bella seemed wholly interested in what she was saying. You'd never know it was their first meeting unless you'd heard me introduce the two of them.
Emmett sidled up next to me. "She's hot, man."
"Don't let Rose hear you say that."
"Rose is cool—she knows I know how lucky I am." He paused, "So… Edward, eh?"
"How ridiculous would it sound if she called me Mr. Cullen?"
"You really need to let that go, bro."
I sighed. Emmett had hit on a nerve. I was 29 years old and the CEO of a Fortune 10 company. Most guys my age were two steps out of the mailroom. The fact that I practically inherited my position when our grandfather retired didn't win me any respect, though I hoped my job performance did. Frankly, I worried if I let everyone call me Edward they'd mistake me for an overdressed copy boy.
"You're too uptight. Look what you did to that poor receptionist. Did you have to bust her down to the front desk just 'cause she called you Edward?"
"Lauren was coming onto me a like a ton of bricks every day. And this was when I was still relatively happy with Tanya." Huh, I guess what Bella said earlier was true—being in a committed relationship wouldn't stop the women from approaching me. I hadn't thought of it that way before. "It was all I could do to keep Mrs. Cope from smacking her. And, she didn't call me Edward, she called me Eddie. You know how much I hate that."
"Your drinks, sir," the bartender interrupted us as he placed a glass of white wine and a neat Scotch in front of me.
"Thank you." I turned back to Emmett. "Thank Rosalie for me. It's nice of her to make such an effort with Bella." I glanced over my shoulder to where Rosalie had slipped her arm through Bella's. They were drifting slowly away from the bar while engaged in idle chatter.
Emmett was about to answer, "I'll tell her—" when I cut him off with a hushed, "Shit!"
He looked at me with wide eyes. Following my gaze he realized who had just arrived.
"Did you know First was coming tonight?" I asked him.
"No," he answered. "It's not too surprising, though. Cracking the Fortune top 10 was always a goal for him. I'm sure he's proud."
Our grandfather was an amazing man. He'd built Cullen Enterprises from nothing. Some minor health issues had forced him to retire before he'd planned. He was nothing if not supportive of my efforts, but....
"I hadn't planned on introducing Bella to him tonight. I really wanted to prep her a little bit first."
My grandfather wasn't a hard man to get along with, but he had some very old-fashioned ideas when it came to personal relationships. I knew I could count on Bella's discretion, but wasn't sure what she'd do if my grandfather cornered her to talk.
"Rose and I will distract him; she's got about a million pictures of EJ in that bag she's carrying. Go talk to Bella and then join us."
"Thanks." The two of us approached the ladies. I handed Bella her wine as Emmett pulled Rose across the room.
"Bella, I'm sorry about this. My grandfather is here. I didn't know he was attending this evening."
"That's fine, Edward. Let's not be rude. Introduce me."
"There's a slight problem. Grandfather has very strong opinions about personal relationships. I've been a bit of a disappointment to him in that department. Family is very important to him and he puts women on a pedestal. I'm not sure if he knows that Tanya and I broke up, though he'd never be rude to you. He might pump you for information about the exact nature of our association."
"I'm glad we got our stories straight before we came here tonight, then." She sounded calm and assured. Again I was surprised by her demeanor. Maybe I was making too much of this. Bella seemed confident that we could talk with my grandfather without causing him distress or exposing our charade.
I offered her my arm once again and we made our way slowly to where Emmett and Rose were sitting with our grandparents, entertaining them with tales of EJ's sleeping habits. Pictures of the baby were spread on a small cocktail table and I could see Grandmother slipping a few in her bag.
My grandfather seemed to sense our approach. He caught my eye briefly before looking at Bella. He stood as we neared the table.
"Good evening, Edward," he greeted me. "Congratulations on your success, my boy. I'm very proud of you."
"Thank you, First. It's a pleasure to see you here tonight."
I dropped Bella's hand as he hugged me. When he released me I moved to where my grandmother sat.
"Grandmother, you're looking radiant tonight." I bent to kiss her cheek.
"Ah, Edward, such a charmer. It's wonderful to see you, dear. I've missed you."
"Grandmother, First," I said, stepping back to Bella's side, "I'd like to introduce you to Miss Isabella Swan. Bella, these are my grandparents, Elizabeth and Edward Cullen."
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen."
"Isabella," my grandmother replied, "what a beautiful name."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Oh, please call me Elizabeth."
"Elizabeth, it is very nice to meet you." She seemed so natural conversing with my family. I'm sure she was nervous but she hid it well.
"Likewise." My grandmother moved her gaze to my grandfather as he stepped forward.
"Miss Swan, good evening."
"Please, sir, call me Bella." She reached out and grasped my grandfather's hand.
"Bella, then," he said, not letting go of her, "it's a pleasure to meet you."
"You're too kind."
He smiled at her faintly and she returned the expression before turning away slightly to look at me. Charming.
"Enough, First," I said jokingly as I took Bella's hand from his.
"I'm going to run to the restroom," Rosalie interrupted, "would you care to join me, Bella?"
"Excuse me," Bella said softly as I released her hand.
I sat in Rosalie's chair as my grandfather settled down while the ladies left.
"She's lovely, Edward. Who is she?" my grandmother asked once the girls were out of earshot.
"Bella's a contractor for Cullen Enterprises."
She nodded.
"Edward, it's not good business to date employees." My grandfather's voice was stern.
"We're not dating, First—"
"Why not?" he interrupted me. His self-contradiction was typical. I'm sure he was so successful in business because he always analyzed a situation from all sides. He could often incorporate the arguments from opposing views and make a cohesive whole. It was a rare talent and one that ingratiated him to everyone he met. He firmly believed that it was bad business to date colleagues, but would find a way to make it work if he felt it was in one's best personal interests.
"We were both attending without escorts tonight and simply decided to come together."
"Mmm." He looked thoughtful. "Where's your lady friend, Ms. Denali?"
"Tanya and I are no longer seeing each other."
He nodded, but I could have sworn I heard my grandmother say, "Good," under her breath. Emmett snickered.
"It looks like your 'non-date' is returning. You should make the rounds. Your grandmother and I won't be staying, I just wanted to offer my congratulations, son. You," at this he turned to include Emmett, "you both make me proud."
Bella and Rosalie rejoined our group.
"Bella, it was delightful meeting you. I hope we'll meet again sometime."
"Good bye, Mr. Cullen."
"Call me First, my dear. It's silly, but everyone does."
She cocked her eyebrow in question.
"I'm sure Edward will explain it to you. Rosie," he continued, turning to Rosalie and kissing her cheek. "When you're ready to leave my grandson here, give me a call."
Rosalie laughed. "I'm not sure Elizabeth would appreciate that."
"Dear," my grandmother interjected, "if you truly want him, just let me know."
Everyone laughed as my grandmother rose to her feet and took her husband's arm.
"We'll see you at the Gala next weekend." Rose kissed my grandmother on the cheek, as did Emmett, before First shook both my and Emmett's hands.
We turned as my grandparents made their way out the door.
"Well, Bella, ready to meet everyone?" I asked.
"Absolutely. See you later, Rose."
"Bye, Bella. Don't let the fogies bore you to death."
RPOV
I watched Bella and Edward walk away. He inclined his head towards her, speaking quietly. She turned her face slightly towards his to hear him better.
Hmmmmm.
- - - - -
Remember last A/N where I said there'd only be one chapter between the cocktail party and the Gala. Seems I was wrong. The cocktail party itself will be at least two chappies. Right now my plan is for two, but, once again, WTF do I know?
Check my profile for the three stories that dragged me into fanfic: Isle Esme, The Second Night and Practice Makes Perfect, all by nightdancers. They are three of the 'fade to black' scenes from Breaking Dawn. They could be written by SM herself. Every detail from the book is touched upon in these stories. And, they're hot has hell.