a/n Please note that all WitFit entries are unedited. No beta. I don't own Twilight.

***This takes place about 5 months after chapter 12, Bow and a week before chapter 5, Agonize.

Word Prompt: Advice

Scenario: Your boss opted for an open bar at your office's annual holiday party. Describe the shenanigans that ensue.

Complete the scenario in any way, in any style, and for any word count. Open your mind and follow where it leads, writing as you go.

"Dude. You think I have a chance?"

I followed Alec's eyes to see him staring at Heidi fingering Demetri's tie near the Christmas tree.

"Not sure but her guard is definitely down. She hasn't been without a glass in her hand all night," I said, finishing my drink. "I'm going for another. You want?"

"Naw, I'm good."

I left Alec to his drooling and made my way to the bar. People continued to wish me well and said they'd miss me. I had hugged more people tonight then the two and a half years I'd been employed. I'd consumed a couple of cognacs at this point so the hugs were returned happily.

"Hi Edward."

Except to Heidi. I didn't even bother with a smile and asked the bartender for another Rémy.

"I'm going to miss you here," she cooed, undeterred. "I even had a gift for you but forgot it at home. You want to come back with me so I can give it to you?"

The woman was going to make me sick. "That's too bad. I'm taking a red eye tonight so..." I tipped the bartender and sipped my drink. I shook my head pitifully at Heidi and mouthed the word "no". There were many reasons to be celebrating but one was definitely knowing I'd never deal with her come-ons again.

I headed back to Alec who I was sure would be disheartened about the exchange he likely witnessed. He was a decent guy and I never understood his fixation with her. She was pretty but fake and mean. That cancelled out any physical attractiveness she had going for her.

As I suspected, Alec was grumbling and stabbing the ice in his drink with a cocktail straw. "I don't know why you don't just go for it."

"I don't know why you don't just get over her. She's a bitch, Alec, and you're too nice for her."

"Are you sure you aren't gay?" I laughed and sipped my drink. "I know you aren't but you've never dated anyone since I've known you or talked about-"

"Cullen."

Aro's voice quieted the entire party, only the Christmas music ringing out. People's eyes looked like ping pong balls as they bounced between me and Aro. Jane had his coat over her arm and was heading towards the elevator. Aro nodded for me to follow and I walked through the crowd as the voices picked back up.

I hadn't spoken to Aro personally for months. Not since I made my request known. He never commented on my desire to leave, my inquiry about contacts or the two weeks notice I gave. I maintained my professional relationship with him and produced the best work I'd done in the last few months than my entire career. He knew the hits were good and increased my salary handsomely but that wasn't what I wanted. No amount of money was going to make me stay.

The additional pay went directly into savings and served to help me depart sooner. I didn't have a job but I had an apartment and enough money to get by for three months while I searched. I was nervous about abandoning my career goals but my life goals were at stake. Security and accomplishments meant nothing without Bella.

Jane helped him slip on his coat, handed him an envelope and went back to the party before the doors opened. I didn't think my notice went over well with Aro and I wasn't looking forward to the elevator ride.

"New York."

"Yes, sir."

"What's your plan?"

"I don't have one, sir."

"I have one." He gave me the envelope in his hand and took my drink.

I tore it open and pulled out the letter. It had The Village Voice header and my throat closed up as I scanned it.

It was an offer.

Addressed to me.

Aro finished off my drink just as the doors slid open.

"I'm hoping you'll consider freelancing for us in exchange for that," he said, handing me back the empty glass before stepping inside.

I was astonished by the enormity of his generosity and didn't know how to relay my gratitude. I started to stutter my thanks but he cut me off as the doors were closing between us.

"You're a fantastic writer and you'll be missed. Have a Merry Christmas, Edward."