I will no longer be sending out the "conversation" between Edward and Jasper mentioned in the author's note for Chapter 29. I posted it on page 60 of my thread.
Twilighted(dot)net/forum/viewtopic(dot)php?f=44&t=7258&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Thank you, Kristi and Lisa!
Chapter 30 – Reconciliation in Three Acts
Previously on THTF…
EPOV
Finally, I shot my mom a look, silently asking if Bella'd done enough and I could take her home. My mom's gaze traveled between Bella and me, and I saw the wrong conclusion settle in her eyes before she smiled and offered a small nod.
"I'm going to pack up your laptop," I said to Bella quietly as she talked about UC's English Lit program with a woman whose daughter had been accepted to the school. She smiled and nodded at me, silently mouthing, "Thank you." A feeling of rightness settled over me, like helping this woman, taking care of her, was the way things were supposed to be.
A short time later I was helping Bella into her coat as she was bidding farewell to a few familiar faces. My parents approached us.
"Thank you, again, Bella. I can't say it enough," my mom said, as she hugged Bella tightly.
"It was my pleasure, Esme. I had a wonderful time and am so happy to have helped the cause."
"You two be safe. Careful driving home, Edward." My dad was nothing, if not practical.
"We'll be fine, Dad. Goodnight."
I slid my arm around Bella's waist as the two of us walked out of the hall. Bella was still wound tight, the air around her practically hummed. She managed to contain herself until we pulled away from the hall. As we turned the corner she let out a squeal that could only be described as gleeful.
"I did it!"
"Yes, you did."
"I was so nervous. I knew I could give the presentation, but I felt like such a pretender up there. Spouting off like an expert, even though I'm not. They believed me. They trusted me. Oh no! What if I'm wrong? What if the books don't help? They'll blame me. Your mother will hate me. Oh, I think I'm going to be sick!"
My head whipped around and I quickly took in Bella's expression. She was chewing her lip worriedly, but didn't seem nauseous. I reached over and patted her knee.
"You were terrific...are terrific. The people in that room tonight might not be experts, but they aren't idiots. They believed and trusted you because you were obviously well-versed in the subject. Your presentation was based on solid knowledge and research. You didn't lie to those people and you didn't lead my mother astray. Bella, don't sell yourself short."
She looked at me and I smiled at her encouragingly. She exhaled a shaky breath before offering me a tentative smile in return.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." I took in her expression. "You look like you could use a drink."
She laughed easily. "I was so afraid to have anything before I went up there. I hardly ate my dinner. And the champagne afterwards went straight to my head."
"Are you hungry? Do you want to stop and get something to eat?"
"I'll just have a snack at home."
"Don't be ridiculous. There's a diner a few blocks from here."
She continued to protest, but I ignored her, pulling into the crowded parking lot. She must have been hungry because it only took a moment to get her out of the car. Taking her hand, we walked towards the crowded diner.
"What's with all these people?" I wondered out loud.
Bella giggled. "When's the last time you were at a diner at 11 at night?" she asked.
"Years," I admitted, "not since undergrad."
She shook her head. "It's Thursday night, the unofficial start to the weekend. They're always this crowded on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. These are kids, getting something to eat before heading home after a date or a movie. After 2 all the drunks from the clubs will be here eating breakfast. The real breakfast rush will start around 5."
"Are you speaking from experience?" I teased her.
"Maybe," Bella answered with an overly innocent air. I chuckled.
We had approached the host while we talked. Bella turned to the host and said, "Two, please."
"Name?" the host asked.
"Bella."
"About 25 minutes, Bella."
I reached into my pocket to hand the guy a $20 hoping to shorten our wait. As I extended my arm, Bella reached out and grabbed my hand and pulled it away.
"Thank you," she said to the host, giving him a bright smile. He smiled back at her and I frowned. Was she flirting with this guy?
Still holding my hand she pulled me over to the wall near the entryway, where a dozen or so others were talking, laughing and otherwise waiting for their tables.
"This," she said, holding up my hand, still wrapped around the $20, "isn't going to happen here," she informed me.
"Why not?" I asked. "Do you feel like waiting?"
"I don't mind, 25 minutes isn't long, and I bet the wait will actually be shorter."
"Cause you flirted with the guy?" I asked, a little miffed by her behavior, though I had done similar stuff when the hosts were female.
She laughed. "No, not because I flirted with the guy, which I didn't, by the way. But because they always add a few minutes onto the waiting time so that you're happy when you only have to wait 15."
Mollified, I leaned against the wall. The entryway was crowded and Bella stood awkwardly near me, trying not to bump into the other waiting patrons. I reached out and pulled her against me so that she leaned on me while I leaned on the wall. She stiffened at first, but I held her until she relaxed into me.
"You did flirt with the host," I said to her quietly.
"I just smiled at him," she said with mock indignation.
"Smiling is flirting," I informed her.
"Not all of us go around the world scowling at people, Edward. You should watch that, you know. Frowning will give you wrinkles. You don't want to wrinkle up that handsome face."
She was teasing me. Now she was in for it.
"You think my face is handsome?" I waggled my eyebrows at her.
She rolled her eyes.
"You hardly need me to stroke your ego, Mr. Cullen. You know you're good looking."
"Maybe," I admitted, "but it's nice to hear coming from a pretty lady."
She flushed at my compliment, and I enjoyed the way her skin turned pink. I ran my finger along her jaw. She smiled but tilted her head away from my hand, breaking contact. My eyes followed the progress of her blush down her throat and to the exposed V of skin on her chest. I was once again reminded that she was wearing my shirt. I shifted Bella to one side so that she wouldn't feel the effect this fact had on me.
I raised my eyes to her face once more and noticed that she was watching me watching her. She cocked an eyebrow at me, calling me out on my blatant perusal. I shrugged unapologetically. I was a guy, after all. She shook her head and her lips twisted into a pretty frown, drawing my attention to them. I stared at her mouth for a moment, feeling an almost magnetic pull. I leaned in, wanting nothing more than to feel her lips on mine.
"Bella, party of two!" the host called.
Bella took a step back, breaking the tension between us. She cleared her throat and turned away, walking to the host stand. I followed a step behind. The host offered Bella a smile as she approached and waved his hand forward indicating that Bella should walk before him. As I watched the host tilted his head to enjoy the view of Bella's ass as she walked past him. On one level I could appreciate why he did it, on another I wanted to punch him square in the face. I hastened my step to catch up with her.
I was guessing that she didn't realize how hot she actually was in that tiny business suit. I'd have to buy Alice something nice to thank her, now that I thought about it.
Catching up with Bella I settled my arm familiarly on her waist, startling her. We approached a booth, and I stood back while Bella sat down before sitting across from her and immediately taking her hand from where it lay on the table. The host laid two menus down and offered us water before finally leaving us alone.
"If his behavior is the result of you 'not' flirting with him, he'd probably comp our whole meal if you did."
"I'm sure you're mistaken," Bella sniffed.
"I'm sure I'm not. Do you have any idea how appetizing you look right now?"
"Edward..." Bella's voice trailed off. She refused to meet my eyes.
"What? It's true."
"Enough," she replied, her face flaming. "Thank you," she added more quietly.
I grinned, though she probably didn't see that since she wasn't looking at me. I opened my menu to give her a break.
Diner menus hadn't changed in the years since I'd been to one. I wasn't really hungry but wondered if Bella would feel self-conscious if I didn't eat while she did.
"Hello. My name is Amber, and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?" If one were to look at Amber one would think I was alone in this booth. I didn't like it. I looked at Bella.
"I'll have tea."
"Two cups of tea," I informed the waitress, not taking my eyes off Bella.
"I'll be right back with that," she assured me.
Bella was quiet. I reached over and squeezed her fingers. She looked up at me and offered me a small smile. I smiled back encouragingly, hoping she'd share her thoughts.
"Is it true?" she asked me, finally.
I frowned. I didn't understand the question. I shook my head slightly at her to let her know I didn't understand.
"What you said, earlier, about the flowers?"
Oh. Oh!
"Yes."
"How come you didn't tell me?"
I sighed. Well, they said confession was good for the soul. I was about to launch into the whole sordid mess when Amber returned with two little metal pots of tea and a bowl of creamers and lemon wedges. She put them in front of me, and asked for my order, trying to catch my eye in the process. I indicated that she should attend to Bella, and then went back to ignoring her.
"Um…I'll have the Lumberjack."
"How would you like your eggs?"
"Over easy."
"Bacon or sausage?"
"Bacon."
"Toast?"
"Rye."
Dismissing Bella, the waitress turned back to me eagerly. "And you?"
"Nothing for me."
"Let me know if you change your mind." Amber smiled at me coyly. I turned to look at Bella and watched as she prepared her tea. She blew across her cup gently before taking a sip. She shivered.
"Are you cold?"
"A little," she answered, reaching for her jacket, which hung on a hook next to the table. Before she could take it, I shrugged out of my suit jacket and handed it to her across the table. She put it on at once and shivered again, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply.
"Better?" I asked.
She nodded. "Thank you."
We were quiet for a moment before Bella said, "Um, about the flowers…?"
I sighed.
"When I woke up last Sunday and you weren't there, I got upset. I realized I had treated you poorly the night before and wanted to make it up to you. I was going to call you right away, but Jasper said you asked that I not call you. I understood that you probably needed a little distance. I would have called you anyway, except he told me that you'd be in the office on Monday morning.
"I had this big apology planned. I had the desk brought from my place for you. I ordered flowers, and then you came in with that resignation letter and I kind of lost it. I really owe you an apology for that, too."
"It's okay," she forgave me.
"It's really not," I disagreed, shaking my head. "If I treated all my employees the way I treated you on Monday I'd have no one working for me. I didn't lie, your contract is pretty ironbound, but that would only be a problem if I decided to pursue legal action should you choose to leave me. I'd like to believe I'm a bigger person than that."
The waitress reappeared with Bella's food. I paid the server little attention as she set plate after plate in front of Bella. Before I could comment on the amount of food Bella had ordered the waitress turned to me.
"Did you change your mind?" she asked. "Isn't there anything I can get you?" Her double meaning was pretty clear.
"No, thank you, but some more tea would be nice." I gestured to the empty teacup in front of Bella.
"Sure." She removed the empty little pot and walked away.
"Um, Bella, that's a lot of food."
Bella shrugged, "I'm hungry."
Three over easy eggs were accompanied by three pancakes, bacon, home fries and rye toast. I watched as Bella stabbed her fork into her eggs, the liquid yellow center oozing out.
"I don't think it's safe to eat eggs like that," I told her.
The fork was already in Bella's mouth, but she froze and looked at me. Pulling the fork out of her closed lips she chewed and swallowed quickly.
"But it's so good," she informed me.
"You could get salmonella."
She rolled her eyes at me. "I've eaten eggs like this all my life. I've never gotten sick. Here." She held out a forkful of barely cooked egg, the congealed white coated in the runny yellow, flecked with the black pepper she had generously sprinkled on. I eyed it dubiously.
"C'mon, Cullen," she teased, "you're not going to let a little bacteria get between us, are you?"
It was stupid but my brain registered that giving in to her would somehow make up for a little bit of the grief I'd given her this past week. I leaned forward and she slid her fork between my teeth. I clamped down on the unappetizing egg, closing my lips over the morsel as she pulled the fork back gently.
I chewed twice before swallowing. She was right, it was good.
"It's good," I admitted. She smiled widely and grabbed the ketchup, squirting it thickly on her homefries.
"See. You can't listen to what everyone says. A little undercooked egg won't kill you."
"The next 24 hours will tell, I suppose," I joked back. Bella laughed and dove back into her breakfast.
The waitress was back with the tea. She set it down without a word this time, and left again.
After a pause Bella began, "So…." The atmosphere at the table was suddenly heavy again.
"So."
"So if I quit my job, you won't make my life difficult?" She studied the syrup she was dribbling over her pancakes instead of meeting my eye.
I shook my head before reaching across the table and grasping Bella's free hand. "I won't, but I hope that you won't quit. I…I like our arrangement; what's more, I like you. I would miss you if you left."
"Oh." Bella seemed nonplussed. "Do I still have to work in the office every week?"
I shook my head. "No. Not unless you want to. The desk is there if you need it."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." I paused, "Bella, you read the card that came with the flowers. What did you think it meant?"
Bella flushed. "I thought the flowers were from Jessica, for you. An apology for something. I shouldn't have read the card, but I was so annoyed with you." She shook her head, embarrassed.
I sighed and made a quick decision.
"Jessica was my first real girlfriend, Bella. I dated in high school, but nothing serious. I was always really focused on my studies. I took girls to school dances and stuff. I had female friends, but Jessica was the first girl I wanted to be with more than I wanted anything else."
"Edward," she interrupted me, "I talked with Jessica on Sunday."
"I know. Jasper told me. I just want to make sure you have the facts."
"You really don't have to tell me, Edward. It's personal."
I understood what she meant. She was reestablishing our relationship as a professional one. What I was about to tell her was something I would share with a real girlfriend. She wasn't my real girlfriend, she didn't need to know.
That didn't mean I didn't need to tell her, though. If I harbored even the remotest hope that we could one day have something more, then telling her now would be establishing a solid beginning.
I nodded, acknowledging her unspoken assurance, before continuing.
"It's stupid. I know it's my own fault. I've avoided her through the years perpetuating the idea that I'm still hung up on her. I don't still have a thing for Jessica and haven't for a long time. But, she does remind me of a time I'd rather forget, so I avoid her. Seeing her on Saturday reminded me, and I reacted badly. You received the brunt of that. I'm sorry."
"Edward, what happened…in the room…." She trailed off, looking down at her plate again.
I sighed. "Bella, my behavior…later was just as inexcusable. More so, honestly. I'm not going to insult you by pretending I don't remember what I did or what I said. I remember it quite well. I didn't black out. I was drunk enough to lose my inhibitions and good manners, however.
"Would you understand what I meant if I said I was only human?" I really hoped she wasn't going to make me say out loud that I was attracted to her, but I would if I thought it would convince her to stay.
But what if it drove her away?
Her face was down. She slowly raised her eyes to mine, looking at me through her lashes, before she tilted her head up to meet my gaze squarely.
BPOV
"Would you understand what I meant if I said I was only human?"
I took a moment to process what he was saying. This wasn't about the drinking or the scene in the ballroom, this was about him. And me. He was telling me he had needs or at least desires. And he found me attractive. Perhaps he was also saying that he enjoyed the kissing and the pretending more than he should.
Just like me.
I raised my eyes to his before finally lifting my head and meeting him head on. I nodded.
"I understand," I answered quietly. It was the truth, after all.
He looked away and sighed loudly. Maybe in relief? I stretched my hand across the table to touch the back of his hand with my fingertips
"Thank you for the apology and for your honesty."
He looked at me again before grasping my fingers in his own.
"Are you going to quit?" I heard the plea in his voice. Please don't quit.
I hesitated, pulling my hand away from his slowly. I felt like we needed to define his expectations before I could make a decision. I was about to answer when Edward continued.
"I promise…I swear nothing like that will happen again. I can control myself. My feelings that night caught me off guard. But I'm on my best behavior now."
He waited, but I still couldn't speak.
"Are you all right?" he asked tenderly, reaching out slowly, carefully, to place his hand back in mine.
I looked at his hand, and then at his eyes. They were repentant. I looked back at his hand before closing my fingers over his and squeezing gently. I looked up and smiled timidly.
His answering smile was dazzling.
With our agreement reestablished and our boundaries set, we talked more easily. We returned to my success this evening, and he talked about the charitable causes CE supported. We discussed the premiere next week.
"What are your plans for Thanksgiving?" he asked conversationally.
"I'm moving into Angela's place that weekend."
"I'd be lying if I said that didn't make me happy, Bella. That neighborhood you're in isn't safe. Are you moving on Thanksgiving?"
"No, just packing up. I'll probably nuke a Hungry Man turkey dinner for myself. What about you? What are your plans?" I asked him.
"We have a big family dinner. It's my turn this year." He rolled his eyes.
"I didn't know you could cook Thanksgiving dinner."
"I can't. I'll have it catered."
"What?!" I was appalled. "You can't have Thanksgiving dinner catered, Edward. It's…it's Thanksgiving! The meal is supposed to be homemade."
"This from the woman who's planning on eating a frozen turkey dinner on Thanksgiving?" He arched his eyebrow at me. "I can't cook, Bella, and I doubt anyone will care. At least catering means the food will be edible."
I shook my head in exasperation.
"I'm sure they'd prefer something you made yourself to anything you can get catered."
"Never let it be said I can't microwave with the best of them. Hungry Man dinners for 7, it is, then," Edward teased me.
"Seven? Who's coming?"
"My parents, First and Elizabeth, Emmett, Rose and EJ. I'll invite Jasper, but I don't know if he has other plans. He always did Thanksgiving with Charlotte's family."
I nodded.
"Would you like to come? I mean, if all you have to do is pack, maybe you can get it done on Wednesday? I can microwave you a dinner, too." He grinned at me.
"Edward, I don't want to intrude on a family dinner."
His smile dropped and he ran his hand through his hair, a signal he was uncomfortable.
"Actually, Bella, now that we're talking about it, it makes sense that you be there. Since we're still doing this…." He waved his hand between us half-heartedly.
He was right.
"Umm, I haven't cooked a meal for that many people in a long time," I protested weakly.
Edward looked horrorstruck.
"I wasn't asking you to cook, Bella. Christ." His voice was gravelly. "I mean as my guest, my girlfriend. We'll still get it catered."
I was about to protest when the waitress appeared as if she'd been called. Or watching.
"How are we doing?" she asked Edward.
"We're ready for the check, thank you." His voice was quiet, rougher, still reflecting the strain of our conversation. It seemed to muddle the waitress. Edward looked up, waiting.
"S-sure," she stuttered. "Here you go." She pulled a small note pad from the front pocket of her black apron and ripped off the bill, laying it on the table in front of him. "I'll be right back," she assured him before stepping away.
I reached over and snatched the bill from in front of him, fully intending on paying for my own meal since he hadn't even eaten.
"Bella…" he chastised, reaching across the table for the bill I was determined to pay.
I looked at the check in my hand and felt the blood drain from my face. Across the bottom Amber had written, "Call me. 773-824-.…"
I held it out to him. "This is for you," I muttered, looking everywhere but at his face. He plucked the check from my numb fingers. I heard his sharp intake of breath before he shifted and removed his wallet from his pocket. He threw some money along with the bill on the table.
"C'mon, Bella. Let's go." He stood swiftly and held a hand out to me. I took it and he assisted me to my feet. I moved to slide out of his jacket but he stopped me by sliding his arm around my waist. Grabbing our coats, Edward walked me towards the door. It wasn't until we were there that he stopped, accepted his jacket from me and then helped me into my coat.
We walked out to his car and he opened my door before walking around to his side and getting in.
"I'm sorry about that, Bella. She was way out of line. I hope you don't think…."
I reached over and patted his hand. "I was there, Edward, you did nothing to encourage her. She's just brazen. I just wasn't sure if you'd, you know, want…." I trailed off before shrugging.
"I suppose I deserve your doubt, but no, nothing's changed. I'm not looking for a relationship right now…."
I snorted, interrupting him. "I don't think she was offering you a relationship," I said with a breathy chuckle.
Edward stared at my obvious amusement before laughing quietly himself. "No, I suppose she wasn't."
We started driving when I thought of something.
"Can we go to your office?"
"Sure, do you need something from there? I can have it couriered to you tomorrow if you're tired."
"Well, I did leave a mess in your dressing room, but honestly," I paused, "I'd like my flowers."
Edward grinned at me before making a sudden left and heading back to the office.
"So, what do you say to Thanksgiving? We eat pretty early, usually. Two o'clock?"
"Thank you for the invitation. I'll certainly come, but you can't have the meal catered."
"Bella, really, I can't cook it."
"I'll cook it."
"Yeah, I already said that that's not going to happen."
I sighed in exasperation. "Fine, I'll cook and you can help. How's that sound? Wouldn't that be more couple-y anyway?"
I could see him wavering.
"It'll be fun. I'll do all the shopping. You can buy the wine. Since we're eating early, though, it would be better if I slept over the night before. Unless…." I paused, not sure if I was overstepping my bounds.
"No, that's fine. You can sleep in the guest room."
We pulled up at our building and made our way up to his office. It was the familiar smell of furniture polish in the reception area that tipped me off.
"Edward," I whispered.
"What?" he stage-whispered back.
"Victoria…." I nodded my head towards his open office door. A wicked grin crossed his face.
"C'mon, babe," Edward said loudly, grabbing my hand and towing me towards his office, "I want to get you home." He winked at me conspiratorially.
Shaking my head, I followed him with a small grin. We entered the office. Victoria was studiously ignoring us as Edward continued to play his part.
"Oh," he said with fake surprise, "sorry to interrupt you, we'll only be a minute." He turned to me. "Babe, as sexy as you look wearing my shirt, would you change into something else? The cleaners are picking up tomorrow, and I want to send it out to be dry cleaned."
"Sure," I replied, mentally rolling my eyes at the endearment while enjoying the way Victoria's eyes narrowed.
I turned to walk away. I had just taken a step when I felt Edward's hand on my ass. He slapped me painlessly, though the sound rang through the room. I let out a sound between a squeak and a shout.
"I'll get you for that, babe," I threatened as I continued into the dressing room.
"I'll look forward to it," Edward called to me as I closed the door behind me.
As soon as I was alone I pulled off my suit jacket and removed Edward's shirt. I hung it on a hanger and hung the hanger on one of the racks that lined the walls. I straightened up the mess I'd left behind earlier before putting my suit jacket back on over my bra and then covering the whole thing with my warm coat. I gathered the sweats I'd worn earlier today and stuffed them into my bag before going back into the office.
"I'm ready," I told Edward, who was sitting at his desk reading something on his monitor. Victoria was nowhere to be found.
I raised my eyebrows in silent question. Edward titled his chin towards the bathroom and I nodded in understanding.
"Let's go, then," he replied. "I'll grab your flowers."
"Thank you."
We gathered our things and left the office without further interruption from Victoria. I found myself a little disappointed when I remembered the last time we left the office while Victoria was around.
Too bad there was no need for a grand display tonight.
We pulled up at my apartment just after 1 AM. I waited as Edward walked around the car and opened my door. I glance up at my window and gasped.
"What?"
"The light's on."
Edward frowned, his eyes following my gaze. You didn't leave it on?
"I pay my own electricity; I'm very good about shutting lights off."
"Want me to come up?"
I bit my lip in contemplation. I would feel better if Edward came up, but I'd also feel worse. My apartment was a dump. A clean dump, but a dump nonetheless. Finally, I nodded. He'd be in and out in no time.
I led him up the stairs as I pulled my keys from my bag. We stopped in front of my door. Edward gently took the keys from my hand.
"Wait here," he said. He slipped the key into the lock and stepped into the room, leaving the door open behind him. I waited thirty seconds and followed him in when I didn't hear anything.
"Edward?" I called, when I didn't immediately see him.
"In here, Bella," he replied from the bathroom.
I walked over to the open door.
"You said your shower was broken? You called the super?"
"Yeah," I replied, the light dawning.
"Looks like he was here." He pointed at the new cold water handle.
"That explains it," I agreed, as we walked back into the main room.
Edward grimaced. "Thanksgiving weekend, you said, right?" He was obviously referring to my impending move.
I chuckled. "Yeah."
"What's Angela's place like?"
"It's great," I told him. "Two bedrooms, two baths, there's a balcony off the living room and a dining room. I'm so excited."
"I can't wait to see it."
Edward seemed to realize that his casual assumption that he'd get to see my new place was a little out of line. It didn't bother me, but I couldn't see inviting him over. That would be blurring the line, wouldn't it?
"Um, yeah," I responded lamely.
"Yeah, okay, uhhh, I should get going." Edward took a few steps towards the door. I followed him.
"Oh, yeah. Okay. Well, thanks for coming with me tonight. And for the flowers. They're beautiful."
"Anytime, Bella. You were terrific tonight. I'm surprised Esme hasn't called me to sing your praises already.
I laughed lightly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Okay, well then, I guess I'll see you next Thursday?"
"Um, yeah. I'll be at the office by six so the car can pick us up together."
"Great. We have a very hectic week coming up. I'll be ready for an evening out by the time Thursday rolls around."
"Oh? Is there a lot going on?" I asked while we stood at the door.
"Meetings, the unveiling of a project we've been working on for most of the year, plus the usually day-to-day stuff." Edward shrugged.
"Well, good luck with everything."
"Thanks. Good night, Bella."
What happened next was a comedy of errors. I leaned across him to open the door and he startled. I realized that the way I leaned in looked like I was going to kiss him, so I pulled back quickly and thrust my hand at him to shake. After he jerked back from my not-a-kiss lean, he leaned back in to kiss me, assuming that's what I wanted. He tried to stop when he saw my extended hand, but his forward momentum was working against him. I clasped his hand as his lips came into contact with my cheek. He kissed me lightly as I shook his hand, half-heartedly.
"Good night, Edward," I said as I swung the door wide.
"Bye," was all he said as he left.
I closed the door behind him, shook my head, and then went to change for bed.
The rest of the week was, well…boring. I stopped by the financial aid office at UC and learned that as a single woman making the money I did, I qualified for almost no help. The financial aid officer gave me some literature on loans, but I was leery of indebting myself now. Of course, the only way to get my teaching certificate and Masters was to go to school, so I'd have to bite the bullet, most likely. The officer did ask me if my employer offered some sort of tuition reimbursement. I reminded myself to talk to Jasper or someone at the credit union next week.
When Alice called to tell me that my dress for the premiere was ready we had a lovely chat. She went into more detail than I needed regarding her relationship with Jasper. She was in love and so, it seemed, was he. I was a little surprised, she knew Jasper even less time than I did. Then again, I rarely saw one without the other anymore, so they were making up in hours together what they lacked in history.
I already had the dress for the premiere, as well as all the accessories, so I had no reason to shop. I spent Saturday packing up my belongings. I was surprised by how many boxes there were, considering how little I owned.
I tried to shake the uneasy feeling I had whenever I thought about the move. Jacob Black was helping me get my stuff to my new place. I told him about the move when we were chatting together at the club during the costume party. He offered then, to help, but I just assumed it was a polite offer made to keep up conversation.
I was surprised when he brought it up again at the backers' dinner on Thursday. He really didn't give me a chance to say no, and promised to have a pickup truck and a few friends there around midmorning the Friday after Thanksgiving. I accepted his offer, as it would make the move significantly easier. I was a little concerned that Edward would object to Jacob helping me, but Jacob was just a friend; a friend with a pickup truck. I'd buy the guys a few pizzas and some beer when they were done. Nothing extravagant.
I had just packed up the last box on Monday morning when my Blackberry rang. It was Edward.
"Bella, I have a problem I'm hoping you can help with," he jumped in as soon as we finished exchanging greetings. "Remember how I told you this was a very busy week here?"
"Yes."
"Mrs. Cope is sick. Really sick. She's here, but she really needs to leave. Ms. Weber knows what to do to get me prepped for unveiling, but all the day to day stuff is already starting to pile up. I know I told you that you don't have to work in the office, but would you consider coming in until Mrs. Cope can come back?"
"I'm sure that there are others better qualified…" I started.
"Not really. Everyone is involved in this project, so all the assistants are busy. We could go to a temp agency, but that wouldn't be as good as having you here. Please, Bella, Ms. Weber is overdoing it, trying to be everywhere at once. If she passes out I'm really in trouble."
If it would help Angela…
"Okay, Edward, I'll come in."
"Great." The relief was evident in his voice. "Mrs. Cope's son is on his way to pick her up. How soon can you get here?"
I glanced at the clock. "About an hour and half, I think. I have to change and the next bus…."
"That's too long. You get changed and I'll send Demetri to pick you up. See you soon, Bella."
"Okay…." I answered, but he was already gone.
Twenty minutes later I was in the passenger seat of Demetri's car. We talked a little, explaining what it was he actually did for Cullen Enterprises. Besides managing the garage, he drove clients and executives when necessary, like today. He also acted like security. Various car dealers and car services were allowed into the garage to do mobile oil changes, tune ups and car washes. When someone had a service scheduled they'd leave their keys with Demetri who would make sure the job was done before contacting the employee to sign off on the work.
It took me less than 40 minutes from the time Edward called to walk into the office. Things didn't look like they normally did. The office seemed less organized and more frenzied.
"Hey, Ang."
"Oh, Bella. Thank God."
She gave me a quick rundown of everything I'd need to do, and then routed both her line and Mrs. Cope's line to the phone that was now on my desk in Edward's office. She handed me a printed list of everyone whose calls were to be routed back to her or to Edward. Everyone else was to leave a message. She handed me a box full of files and asked me to file them.
"People still have paper files?" I asked, surprised.
She laughed and waved at the large file cabinets in the back of the reception area.
"Would I be a huge bitch if I asked you to get me lunch around noon?"
"Of course, not Ang. Whatever you need. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, this is just a trial by fire, you know what I mean? Mrs. Cope was teaching me a lot of the stuff that they need for Wednesday, but I didn't expect to be wholly responsible for it."
"Let me know if I can help in any way, Ang. Please."
"Thanks, Bella, I will. You can go right in, Mr. Cullen is expecting you."
I carried the box of files and my stuff into Edward's office. He was on the phone, but looked up and smiled at me as I walked in. I went right to my desk and plugged my laptop into the outlet that had been installed under my desk. I hung up my coat and stowed my bag before picking up the box of filing and returning to reception.
I left the door open so I could hear the phone ring. Which it did. Over and over and over. I took messages and routed a few calls to Angela. The constant interruptions slowed down my filing. Before I knew it, it was lunchtime.
"Angela, I'll grab you some lunch now. What do you want?"
"Just a turkey sandwich, please. And one of those little bags of carrot sticks and a Coke." She handed me $10. "You might want to ask Mr. Cullen. He forgets to eat when he gets real busy like this. If you buy him something it's less likely that he'll starve."
I walked back into Edward's office. He was on the phone again. I mimed eating and he nodded, pulling out his wallet and handing me $50. "Anything," he mouthed before making a hand motion telling me to buy for me and Angela, too.
"Thanks," I mouthed back.
I walked back to reception and handed Angela back her $10. "Lunch is on the boss," I told her.
"Remind me to thank him," she laughed.
"Will do," I promised. I set my phone to go straight to voicemail so it shouldn't bother you."
"Great."
Twenty minutes later I was back with three bagged lunches. I'd gotten all of us turkey sandwiches, but made Edward's a club. What man doesn't like bacon on his sandwiches, I reasoned. All three of us also had bagged carrots as well as drinks. As a little treat I added chocolate chip cookies to each order. Things were hectic, and chocolate chip cookies made everything better.
I delivered the lunches and sat down at my desk to eat mine after setting my phone to ring. There were 8 voicemails and I had only been gone 20 minutes. I listened to them as I ate, giving two to Angela and one to Edward, and saving the rest for the end of the week.
If I thought that Monday was crazy, it was nothing compared to Tuesday. The day started when Edward took a call from Mrs. Cope's son. She was being admitted to the hospital for dehydration. I set up a floral delivery for the hospital and scheduled a fruit basket to be delivered to her house at the end of the week. People ran in and out of Edward's office all day. I kept the phones quiet and ran interference for Angela as much as I could. Once again I got lunches. Around three o'clock I sat with Angela in the bathroom, while she cried out her frustration and fear. I had confidence in her abilities. and Edward had been very encouraging and complimentary.
It was a long ass day. I didn't get home until after 10, and I left before Angela and Edward.
On Wednesday I held down the fort. Edward and Angela left the office around 8:30. It was very quiet in Edward's office as everyone knew he'd be out for the day. I answered a few calls, sorted mail, and updated Edward's calendar all before lunch. I ran downstairs and brought my lunch back to the office so that the phone wouldn't go directly to voicemail for too long.
It was almost four o'clock when I could hear a loud noise working its way up the elevator shaft. It sounded like someone was yelling. As it got closer I could make out Edward's voice, but not his words. I stood by the couch, eyes glued to the door. When the door opened the noise level went up exponentially.
Have you ever seen the clowns come out of the little car at the circus? That's what happened when the elevator doors opened. People came pouring forth. First was Edward, followed closely by Angela. A woman I recognized as sitting on the Board of Directors was next, followed by Emmett and Jasper and their assistants. Four more people followed and they hastily sent the elevator back to the lobby to pick up more.
I was instantly able to pick up the positive vibes. Edward was laughing with Angela when he spied me.
"There you are!" he yelled. He took two long steps towards me, threw his arms around my waist, picked me up and twirled me around.
"Congratulations?" I offered.
"Damned right!" Edward replied. "We blew them out of the water. No one else even came even close!"
The elevator binged and opened once more, spilling at least 10 more people into the office, including Felix who led a server from the cafeteria who was pushing a cart with bottles of champagne and crystal flutes. In no time corks were popping and people were spread out all over reception and Edward's office. I watched as Edward made his way over to Angela's desk. He leaned over and said something quietly in her ear. A brilliant smile came over her face.
The swirl of emotion that came over me as I watched their interaction surprised me. I was so happy for Angela and her obvious success. I was sure that Edward was just complimenting her or thanking her, but a small tinge of jealousy settled in the pit of my stomach. It intensified when he reached out and squeezed her shoulder in a familiar way. He said something else to her and she lit up even more before grabbing her phone and making a call.
I talked with Emmett and Jasper. They sang Edward's praises and thanked me for coming in to lend a hand. I brushed off their compliments, but they argued that every bit helped. Then they poured me another glass of champagne.
And another.
It was two hours later when Edward climbed on the coffee table, champagne bottle in hand, and started thanking people. The party had only grown once quitting time came around. Angela was still there, sitting on Ben's lap. Edward had told her to call him up to celebrate. A few other people, who hadn't gone to the presentation but were important to the process, were invited up. The only uncomfortable note was J.J. I caught him staring at me at one point. Later, he touched my arm when he spoke to me.
Emmett suggested moving the party to a local bar. A dozen of us agreed to the idea, and before I knew it I was back in the Cock and Bull. The atmosphere there was much less business, much more celebration. Alice joined us an hour later. She immediately curled up on Jasper's lap, competing with Ben and Angela for cutest couple. I helped Emmett deal with his drunken assistant, staying with her while he called her a cab. They had a great relationship fostered by his easygoing nature and Rosalie's approval of the fact that she was openly gay.
Jasper's assistant left shortly afterwards, followed by the various Board members who had accompanied us leaving just Angela, Ben, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Edward and me.
Eventually, Emmett decided to head home. He wanted to see EJ before Rose put him down for the night.
"And besides," he boomed, "I want to celebrate with my wife."
Edward shook his head at his brother's off-color remark. When it was just the six of us, we settled around a round table and ordered some appetizers. It wasn't long before Jasper and Alice decided to call it a night. I think the fact that she hadn't left his lap all night was a deciding factor.
"Angela," Edward started when it was just the four of us, "I can't thank you enough. You really went above and beyond this week. If I had any doubts about your ability to fill Mrs. Cope's shoes when she retires, you showed, this week, that you are more than ready."
"Thank you, Mr. Cullen," Angela said, simply.
"Bella, thank you so much for stepping in this week. I'm sure that Angela agrees we couldn't have done it without you." Angela nodded enthusiastically.
I shook my head, but smiled. "Thank you, Edward."
"It's getting late, Ang," Ben commented. "I'll walk you back to the office so you can get your car."
"Okay." Ben and Angela stood.
"Thanks again," Edward reiterated. Angela waved and Ben stuck out his hand to shake Edward's. "Goodnight, Mr. Cullen, Bella."
"Good night, Ben."
"Good night, Mr. Cheney."
The two made their way out of the bar, leaving Edward and me alone. We sat facing one another on one side of the table.
"We should probably get going, too," I told him. "I have a busy day with Alice tomorrow."
Edward frowned, his jovial mood evaporating.
"I wanted to talk to you about that."
My stomach dropped. Was he going to tell me he didn't want me to go to the premiere?
"On Thursday, I told you that you wouldn't have to work in the office anymore, yet you were gracious enough to step up when I really needed you. You've more than fulfilled your hours this week."
"Oh," I said, disappointed.
"Bella?" he said softly.
"Yes, Edward?" I asked, hoping he didn't hear the catch in my voice.
He leaned forward and took my hands in his, his face a few inches from mine. "Would you come to the premiere with me, not because I pay you and not because you 'should,' but because you want to? As my date?"
I could feel my disappointment drain away.
"Yes, Edward," I breathed. He closed the short distance between us, kissing me softly on the lips. My eyes fluttered closed, and I lost myself in the sensation of his lips on mine. I pressed forward a little harder and tilted my head a bit more, kissing him once…twice….
I parted my lips and felt him do the same. Our tongues touched, tentatively at first and then with more ease. Edward released my hands and brought his palms up to my face before sliding them into my hair. I dropped my hands to his thighs and ran my nails down them lightly, until I reached his knees. We sat like this for a few moments, kissing, touching each other familiarly.
Edward groaned and drew his knees together capturing my legs between his. He pulled his hands gently from my hair, sliding them down my sides until they rested on my waist. He drew me forward and I followed his urging, sliding off my chair and into his lap.
He held me tightly, raising his head to continue kissing me as my position shifted. I relaxed my legs, causing my left to move against his obvious arousal. This wasn't the first time I'd felt him like this, but this was the first time I'd sat in his lap. Our position was more intimate. A small wave of panic rose in me when I realized I didn't want to stop.
His arms tightened around me, crushing me to his chest, settling my ass firmly on his erection. This time it was me who moaned. My hand rested on his chest, my nails scratching him lightly through the fabric of his dress shirt.
He broke from my mouth suddenly, leaving me gasping. He ran his nose lightly along my jaw, his lips brushing the side of my neck. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply. I tilted my head against his as if I were resting on him. We sat like this for several long minutes, breathing deeply…calming down.
Finally, Edward sighed. I raised my head so he could raise his.
"Bella?" His voice was deeper than usual and raspy.
"Yes?" I whispered.
"We should go."
I swallowed hard before nodding. I stood on wobbly legs as Edward rose slowly to stand beside me. Taking my hand, he led me from the bar and out to his car. We drove to my apartment in silence. When we were in front of my building he got out to open my door and helped me out.
We walked to the vestibule. He waited while I dug out my keys.
"Um, congratulations on your success today," I said, trying to restart the conversation with something safe.
"Thank you."
"I'll see you tomorrow. Six, right?"
"I'll come get you here. You don't need to come to the office."
"Won't it be easier?"
"Maybe, but that's not how I treat my dates." He gave me a small smile.
"Oh, right. Okay. Well then, I guess I'll see you here at six?"
"Yeah."
"Good night, Edward."
"Good night, Bella."
I turned and entered the hallway. I stopped in front of the elevator and turned to look back at Edward. He was still standing outside the door watching me. I stared at him until the elevator door opened. I gave him a small wave, which he returned before I stepped in, cutting off my view of him.
~**~*
If something seems familiar, it's 'cause you've read it before. I referenced both Twilight and Midnight Sun in this chapter. Hope you don't mind. It fit and I' m a canon h00r.
Many thanks to Lillie Cullen who mentioned THTF during her interview over at the Altered Lions and Sacrificial Lambs blog:
alsltwilight(dot)/?zx=cf343d618ec8fcea
Lillie's Lessons trilogy is must read for serious fanfic connoisseurs.
I was asked to write a rec for 107yearoldvirgin's Decoy for the Fictionator's blog this week. Check out my rec and then check out the story.
fictionators(dot)com/2010/04/decoy-by-107yearoldvirgin(dot)html
107yearoldvirgin is one of the good ones, peeps. She updates regularly and writes fun and interesting stories.
Congrats to Stephenie Meyer for Twilight's inclusion on the ALA's list of most contested books of 2009. (She's #5 on the list.) Keep up the good work Stephenie! The fact that one of the arguments against her books is that they are sexually explicit proves that the people complaining don't actually read before making their accusations.
ala(dot)org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/2009/index(dot)cfm
I'm up for a Faithful Shipper award. Round 2 voting is done, but check out the site for some great fic recs. If I make it to the final round on May 2 I'll be sure to let you know!
Thefaithfulshipperawards(dot)webs(dot)com/