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LadySharkey1 rocks my world by being the most amazing, kick-ass beta I could ever imagine.

Chapter 7

Made a decision and stuck by it…for a whole five minutes.

"….and mommy, you should have seen all those dogs; they were soooo cute!" Charlie's eyes were huge as she spoke, chewing around a mouthful of homemade pizza.

I sighed, knowing only too well where this story would lead. "Oh, really?"

Nodding furiously, Charlie continued. "There were some that weren't so nice but you should have seen this one puppy, Mom. It was so cute and fluffy, and it had these little beady eyes staring at me…"

There were little, puppy dog eyes staring at me, too, at that moment, but I wasn't falling for it. "I'm sure that if he was so cute, he's going to find a home real soon, baby."

Pouting her lips at my less than enthusiastic reaction, she pulled out the heavy guns. "Oh, I hope so, because Angela told me that when the dogs or cats don't find a new home, the people at the shelter have to kill them. They don't have space to keep all the pets that nobody wants anymore." My heart broke as her lips trembled, even though at the back of my mind I was pissed off that apparently—again—Angela was in cahoots with my daughter to do shit that affected my life, not hers. "Won't it be sad if they kill all those cute dogs and cats?"

"It is." I nodded, breaking off a bit of pizza crust. I'd spent my afternoon doing penitence for my debauchery by doing hours of kneading which meant that, apart from the pizza we were eating for dinner, there were five fresh loafs of bread sitting in the freezer waiting to be eaten. My arms were still throbbing from the force that had pounded the dough into submission.

"Angela has rescued two cats," my baby girl went on, studiously avoiding my eyes. "And Daddy says he would have rescued a dog if he would have been allowed to have pets in his apartment."

"Oh, really?" I scowled. Of course that smug bastard would have found an easy way out of this mess.

"Yes." Charlie nodded earnestly, munching on the last bite of crust. "So, I think it's our duty to rescue some of those pets, preferably both a dog and a cat but I'm open to negotiations."

Even in spite of myself, I couldn't stop myself from laughing at her proposal. Seriously, there was a bright future for that girl in the legal trade, if she went on like that. "You are, huh?" I smiled wryly, not exactly chomping at the bits at the prospect of having to let my sweet daughter down. Again. Damn that woman for putting ideas into her head! "But you know, darling, that dogs are very hard work and that I don't have the time to walk it or give it the attention it needs while you're at school." Time to pull on her heartstrings a little. "Don't you think it would be sad if your puppy is alone all day and during the weekends while you're staying with Daddy?"

She pouted, my argument obviously having hit its mark. It broke my heart, even though I knew it was the right thing to do. "And what about a cute little kitty, Mommy?"

Shit. "Cats like to go exploring, baby," I explained, really, really hating the fact that I had to be the bad guy. "And if your kitty would go exploring downstairs into the shop or the bakery, Mommy would get into really bad trouble with the health department if people complained about finding cat hairs in their cakes."

The disappointment on her face broke my heart and forced me to be more lenient than I wanted to. "But maybe we can see about getting you a pet hamster or some other cute, little thing. Provided, of course, that you are the one to take care of it." I already knew that the person who would end up having to clean the cage and make sure it wouldn't die of hunger or thirst would be me, but what was a little sacrifice if it meant keeping my baby happy?

"I can have a hamster?" The excitement in Charlie's eyes made me breathe a sigh of relief. At least she was happy with that.

"I'll consider it," I warned her. "If you can prove to me you can take care of it by feeding Grandpa Charlie's fish for two weeks."

"Cool!" she squealed, hopping on her chair. "Can I go tell Dad?"

"Of course, you can," I smiled, happy she was so close to Edward again that she couldn't wait to share every bit of news—no matter how small and insignificant—in her life with him. There had been times when things were different; busy times for him when he struggled to catch five minutes each day to talk to her.

As much as he had made the effort, and we had both worked hard to keep the two of them as connected as they could be with him living all the way in Seattle and struggling as a medical intern, I think some of his tiredness must have shown through in his voice because as Edward's internship got tougher. Charlie grew quiet on the phone with him, it worried me when she no longer ran to the phone when it rang or spent the first couple of minutes discussing her day at a dazzling speed.

It was probably part of why he was back—choosing to spend his residency at a small, county hospital when, judging from the jubilant stories his dad was so fond of sharing, he could have had his pick of big, top-rated medical centers.

Rinsing off the plates while I listened to Charlie talk to Edward, my thoughts drifted back to the previous night; my nipples grew hard when my mind recalled the way Garrett's lips had folded around them, my body shivered as it remembered his touch.

And then, the guilt returned.

What had I done?

Deep down I knew my remorse didn't have so much to do with Charlie but, all the more, because of the person she was talking to. We may not have been together in reality, but within my heart, I had been cheating on Edward by sleeping with some random guy. A very good-looking Australian guy, but a random guy none the less.

Which left me in quite the conundrum.

On the one side, I couldn't keep pining after Edward, hoping I'd move on and, sometime in the (hopefully) not too distant future, I could find a guy tolerable enough to make me forget him. Or I could stop moping right there and then and decide to fight.

Really fight.

Dirty—if I had to, but preferable just by crushing Voldemary with my superior wit and intelligence, because I had a feeling dirty fighting would really mess with my karma, but I had no fucking idea how to actually do it. I mean, engaging in slap fights was so…kindergarten…but if that wasn't it, then how the hell did someone destroy another living being without ending up in jail or proving a disappointment to one's offspring?

Coming up with a plan that didn't sound dangerous or ridiculous took up most of my Sunday night. That meant I had very little time to freak out about the new addition to the bakery staff until he was standing right in front of me, all smiles, muscles and too much freakin' body mass to belong to one person.

"So," Emmett started, his face excited as he looked around the place. "Where do you want me?"

After showing him the ropes and setting him to work, I took a few moments to take stock of the day ahead and get into the right mind frame before I started my own work. Finally finding my inner peace of mind, I set to work on the birthday cake for the Wellesely's little girl; a fairly simple one looking like a stuffed animal's tea party.

"I love the way you did that tablecloth." I jumped, hearing Emmett's voice behind me. In my rush of creation, I'd all but forgotten he was there. "It looks like real fabric instead of a piece of fondant."

I smiled, flattered by the compliment but even more relieved about the interest the boy took in learning the trade. "The trick is to roll it as thin as possible and drape it quickly," I explained, chuckling. "And believe me, I messed up a lot before I got that right."

"It's why I love my job," he grinned back, moving over to his workspace to offer me some of the batter he'd been mixing for the banoffee éclairs. "Even when you mess up, ten to one the result tastes amazing."

"And you get to eat it all by yourself," I added, remembering how in my first year of culinary school, I put on a whopping twenty-two pounds. "Having my own business, though, I found out real soon that messing up costs money!"

"I can imagine that!" Emmett nodded, pouring his mixture into a piping bag after I'd given my approval. "It's my dream of mine to one day to have a little cake shop where I can sell my own creations." He shrugged, his huge hands surprisingly nimble as he piped the filling into the choux pastry. "I know I've got a lot to learn before that happens, though. It's why I was so psyched to find out you were hiring. Ya know, since you're basically living my dream."

"It may come sooner rather than later," I countered, carefully placing the fondant stuffed animals and miniatures on top of the cake. "Look at me. I was barely out of school before I started my own place."

"But you were a legend among the peeps at Port Angeles Culinary School," Emmett argued. "I mean, to do what you do and establish a name for yourself within only two years? Man, I take my hat off to you, woman!"

"Thanks!" I could feel my cheeks heat up at his words, salvation coming just in time in the form of the phone ringing.

But, apparently, it was stick-feathers-up-Bella's-butt Day, because as I listened and stammered random replies, I could barely believe what I was hearing.

"Jeez, Bella! What the hell is going on?" Rose snickered, coming into the bakery to check up on us. "From the look on your face, you'd think you won the lottery."

"I think I have," I breathed, my heart pounding in my chest. "That was Marcus. It seems Demetri is hosting a huge banquet in Seattle next Sunday afternoon and since Marcus had to drop out at the last moment, he's suggested me as his replacement."

"Holy fuck!" Emmett's eyes grew huge, knowing what kind of honor that was. Demetri Kalashnikoff was the star teacher at the Port Angeles Culinary College. Having worked at a whole host of Michelin Star restaurants in the US as well as in Europe, he'd sacrificed his career when he'd fallen in love with a woman from the Pacific Peninsula. So instead of continuing on in the kitchens of El Bulli, the most famous restaurant in the world, or trying his hand at one of the other top restaurants around the globe, he'd settled down in Port Angeles to teach.

That didn't mean he'd lost any of his sharpness or need for perfection, though. During my first year, I'd been on the receiving end of some of his rants as my talent in pastry left something to be desired in all other courses. I'd learned so much from him, though.

And now he trusted me enough to put me in charge of dessert at one of the events he was hosting.

It was an honor, as well as a chance to really put my name out there.

"Yeah!" Inwardly I was squalling so loud I was almost sure Rose and Emmett could hear it, on the outside, though, my grin was so huge nobody could mistake my happiness. This…it was huge and daunting and just what I needed at that moment. Then, of course, the real world kicked me in the butt again with all the responsibilities holding me down. "But what about the shop?"

"You have to go, Bella," Rose argued, even before I'd come up with sufficient reasons to shoot the offer down. "It's on Sunday afternoon, so you'll only miss one Saturday at work, and I'm sure Emmett and I can hold the fort for that long."

Judging from the look that passed between the two of them, Emmett was as eager to become Rose's next conquest as my friend was to sink her claws into him. I hoped that wasn't going to cause problems in the future.

"Besides," Rose added, "with Charlie heading over to her dad's again this weekend, it will be good for you to have something on your hands. We're still set for Friday night, by the way, aren't we?"

I nodded, already looking forward to my daughter's soccer game. With Edward attending, it would be the perfect moment to launch my attack. "I'm just waiting to hear back from Edward about whether or not he's going to tag along to Giuseppe's afterwards."

Guiseppe's was the resident pizza parlor, owned by Joe (or Giuseppe, as he liked to call himself whenever he was serving his customers) Stanley. Being the only alternative to the local diner and the swanky (at least for Forks' tastes) Lodge, it was usually packed, especially on nights one of the local sports teams had a home game.

It was the downside to living in a one-horse town. It was great for bringing up your kid in a friendly, secure environment and have her enjoy the wonders of nature and all that but, as far as entertainment went, the offer was meager at best.

oOo

Standing in front of my mirror that Friday evening, I had to admit I was fucking nervous. Not only knowing Edward was going to be there for Charlie's game but he was also going to tag along for pizza afterwards. I knew that was my chance to shine. I borrowed an outfit from Rose and put in a lot more effort than usual as far as hair and make-up were concerned, I was dead set to showing Edward what he had been missing all these years and make him fall in love with me again.

Or, at least, that was my plan.

The only negative was that Voldemary would be tagging along with him like the good (and increasingly obnoxious) girlfriend she was.

At least I was prepared. My less than stellar performance at Alice's birthday party was still fresh in my mind and the knowledge I was going to be baking for Seattle's high and mighty under the guidance of a man who could rightly be called a Food God. That gave me more confidence then I'd had in years. Besides, I had the home court advantage this time, with both my parents and Rose backing my corner.

"I'm going to do this shit," I spoke to my reflection.

"Mom, are you ready?" Charlie yelled up, already pacing impatiently in the hallway. "We're going to be late!"

"No, we're not!" I shouted back, putting on a little more lip-gloss before finally giving myself the 'ok'. "You know, as well as I do, that we're always the first ones to arrive!"

Not much later, I delivered Charlie to Coach Clapp, I made my way over to the bleachers where Rose and my parents had already installed themselves in our usual row, a huge bag filled with hot chocolate and enough blankets to keep us warm on this chilly September evening sitting in front of them.

"Am I late?" Edward, apparently was hot on my heels. The sound of his voice made me shiver involuntarily as I sat down, barely resisting the squeal when he took the seat next to me.

Shaking my head, I went on to explain to him how I had to be here early to drop Charlie off and the rest of my family always joined me just so that we could catch up. "It's kind of a thing," I concluded. "Like pizza afterwards."

"And the Swans are anything if not traditionalists," Rose joked, her brows set in a hard line as she stared my ex down. "Hello, Edward. Long time, no see."

"Rose." Edward nodded in greeting. There had never really been any love lost between the two of them. When we had been together, the two of them had merely tolerated each other, knowing the importance the other had in my life.

"You must be Bella's parents." I barely resisted the urge to punch her as Voldemary leaned over me to shake hands with my mom and dad as she introduced herself. "Charlie was telling me how much she loves your Fish Saturdays."

Judging by the slightly scrunched up face, I could tell Angela's enthusiasm was as fake as a two dollar bill. Not that it surprised me—with her being little miss do-gooder and all that. She probably frowned upon fishing even if it wasn't just for the sport of it but also to put food on the table. I bet she's a vegetarian.

Fish Saturdays were a tradition in my family, though. With the bakery leaving me with little time to spend with my baby girl, my parents had stepped in to help me out. Dad usually picked Charlie up bright and early and took her out to the lake for some fishing and catching up before delivering her to my mom's kitchen where they would gut and fry the fish they'd caught.

It probably wasn't smart enough for someone from the big city, like Angela, but it was loads of fun to both my little girl and her grandparents, which made it one of the best ways to spend a day in my book.

"So, do I," my dad hedged, his eyes narrowing as they traveled over 'Miss Prim and Proper' who was dressed like she was going to attend a performance at The Met instead of a fifth grade soccer game, "It's a pity it's been a while..." A sharp look at Edward was meant to put him in his place, even if I disagreed with my dad in this case.

As much as I hated that he lost out on so much bonding time with his only grandchild, spending time with her dad trumped Fish Saturdays.

"Well…" Edward looked a little uncomfortable, his apologetic eyes made contact with me first before wandering back over to my father. "Perhaps they can be reinstituted this weekend, since one of the doctors is sick and I have to take over his shift tomorrow?"

"What?" I could feel my throat closing up in panic. No, no. This can't be happening…

"Ah, geez!" Dad grimaced as he went on to explain what I already knew. "If only we'd have known…me and Ren booked a little trip to Aberdeen. We're leaving after the pizza." It was something they'd done regularly did to 'keep the spice in their marriage'. They took little weekend trips to do God knows what and come back stronger than ever.

"Shit!" Edward cursed, stopping to cheer as the teams walked onto the field. "Dad has to work all weekend and my mom's still down with the flu. Bella?"

I sighed, feeling the tears burn behind my eyes. "I can't take her with me. She'd be all alone in a hotel in a strange city at night and that's not something I'm willing to do. I'll just…I'll call Marcus and let him know that I can't make it."

"No, you won't." Rose growled, grabbing my hand. "You're going and that's final. I'll juggle some of my shit and make sure I can take her."

"But Rose…" I knew that meant she was flaking out on taking her mom to the classic movie night at the community center. It was as much of a tradition as Game Night Pizzas were. Oh, and did I mention her mom suffered from early onset Alzheimer's?

"Mom will understand," Rose lied, squeezing my hand to the point of pain as she willed me to surrender. "And if she doesn't, she'll forget all about it before the sun has set. That's the good thing of having Alzheimer's!"

Squeezing my eyes shut, I cursed Fate for being such a bitch to me. Why ruin the one big break I'd gotten handed to me in God only knew how long?

"I can take her!"

It was at once a relief and a curse when the voice that had been mercifully quiet all through this conversation chimed in. Angela's disgustingly eager-to-please facial expression only added insult to injury as she leaned around Edward to catch my eye, forcing me to take her offer seriously. "I'm free all weekend, and with Edward away, I'd only be bored out of my skull. I'd be more than happy to have her for a sleepover."

The sound of the ref's whistle starting the game gave me some respite, my attention fixed on the early stages of the game as any good mother's attention would be, though inwardly my mind was waging war.

As much as I wanted to wave away the offer, it was the only way all of us could have our cakes and eat them too. And so, as much as it pained me and went against every solemn vow I'd made to myself this weekend, I found myself uttering the most unlikely word in the record of mankind.

"Okay."

Thoughts?