Model This

Chapter 2: Assholes and Apologies

-Model This-

"Isabella Marie Swan, you know that you have to stay with Edward!" Rosalie screeched from the other line.

I held the phone away from my ear and continued to eat my veggie burger. Rose is my publicist and she was more than pissed when I told her the ultimatum I gave Edward.

"Rose, I'm not going to keep up this façade if he's going to treat me like crap. I wouldn't let my real boyfriend and I won't let my fake one either."

I heard her sigh and the sound of shuffling papers.

"Bella, we both know how difficult it is to stay on top in this industry. You've already been there for a three months. Most models would have already crumbled from the top by now, not many making it back. You have to keep this relationship if you want to stay."

I chewed slowly and swallowed while thinking about what she said. If there was one thing I wanted, it was to be the best in the industry. She was right, though, that I'd been there for quite awhile. Another girl would soon try to take my spot. I hugged the phone to my shoulder with my cheek and brought my plate to the sink.

"And how much longer do I have to keep this up?" I inquired.

"As long as need be. Don't be such a sour-puss."

I was making faces at Rose even though she couldn't see me. She would kill me if she knew the thoughts that were running through my mind.

"Fine, Rosalie. But, don't expect me to like it."

She chuckled at my statement.

"You'll like it as long as there are cameras."

I heard the phone go quiet and noticed that she hung up. I chewed the inside of my cheek as I finished the dishes. I desperately wanted to stay on top. I had a photo-shoot tomorrow, and Edward was supposed to visit. It was a planned 'surprise' lunch for the paparazzi.

The doorbell ringing brought me out of my revere. I walked over and looked through the peephole, smiling at who was on the other side. I opened the door wide open and was instantly picked up in a tight hug.

"Hey, Emmett. What can I do you for?"

He grinned and I knew right then and there what he wanted.

"I already cooked dinner, Em. Plus, it was veggie burgers. I know how you like to have real meat."

He wrinkled his nose and plopped on my couch.

"That's okay. We can order a pizza."

I shook my head and sat down next to him. Emmett stood at 6' 4" with more muscles than a bear. Okay, that might be a smidge of an exaggeration. But, he is huge. He has short, cropped, brown hair and the bluest eyes I have ever seen.

Every Monday he comes over and we watch Hell's Kitchen and Master Chef together. Emmett can't cook to save his life, but we both love Chef Gordon Ramsay. Master Chef had just started when Emmett cleared his throat which made me sigh. I knew that he was going to want to talk about this.

"I'm sorry about what Edward said, Bells. You know he was just drunk and stupid and…"

I held up a hand for Emmett to stop talking.

"The only reason I'm staying, Emmett, is because I need to stay on top. It's hard being a model and his reputation helps me keep mine. It's the same for him, too."

He pursed his lips and we went back to watching TV. Once we found out that Josh was joining the team again Emmett stretched and stood up.

"I'd love to stay, Bells. But, you decided not to feed me and I'm starving."

I threw a pillow at him as he walked away.

"Bye, Emmy-bear!"

"Bye, Bella-boo!"

I got up and sighed again as I heard the lock slide into place. I hated Edward Cullen, and I still had to deal with him. Asshole.

-Model This-

"Work it, Bella! Put your hand on your hip and just do what feels natural. Yes, that's perfect!"

I continued changing poses and smiling when Phil told me to. At one point he got me laughing so hard I started crying and he told me I better stop before I ruin my makeup. I was doing a photo-shoot for JC Penny clothing. Their summer collection was due to come out in a month so here I am in a yellow sundress with a hat that won't stay on.

"Just give us one more good picture, Bella. Then, we're done for the day."

I put my hand on my hat to keep it from blowing off and I heard someone else call my name. I looked sideways to see Edward and I heard Phil start clapping.

"That was perfect, Bella! Great job today!"

My assistant, Angela, came over and put a robe around me.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Phil. Are we still going out Friday?"

He laughed at me while he sat down at his laptop to pick out pictures. Phil is a well-respected photographer in the industry. My mom hooked him up with her friend, Embry, from work. As they say, the rest is history.

I walked up to Edward and kissed his cheek. He pulled out a bouquet of roses from behind his back.

"I just wanted to apologize for my behavior a few days ago."

I nodded and smelled the roses, one of my favorite flowers.

"So, would you like to go out for lunch?"

I pretended to think for a moment. I knew that if I said no, Rose would be after me with a pair of pliers.

"I would love to. I just have to get dressed first."

He nodded and smiled as a shy fan walked up to him asking for his autograph.

I walked to my dressing room, putting on my peasant shirt and tan shorts. Once I got my black Converse on, Edward and I left to go to lunch. He took me to my favorite Italian restaurant.

The hostess sat us down and I couldn't help but notice how much she flirted with Edward. I knew I wasn't his real girlfriend, but come on. The waitress came over and I ordered mushroom ravioli while Edward ordered a personal pizza. Once she left he leaned in close.

"Bella, I wasn't just apologizing for the sake of the public. I really am sorry about my behavior. Being drunk is not a good excuse and I got way out of hand."

I played with my napkin while the waitress brought over our drinks.

"Just…don't do it again, Edward. I know we're not real, but I won't put up with you being an asshole towards me."

He nodded seriously and was prevented from saying anything else because our food came. I hoped he was being sincere.