Disclaimer: I don't own them...

Thanks to SunflowerFran3759 for making this look pretty.

Edward:

A quick knock on my door breaks me from my daydreaming.

"Edward," my grandfather says with a smile.

"Hey, what a nice surprise," I stood, and embraced him.

"You have time for lunch?"

"Of course," I answered, turning to lock my computer and desk.

We stopped in my dad's office to invite him along and then headed over to Allen & Son, at my grandfather's request.

"Do not tell your mother about this," my grandfather said sternly." Tell her we went to some boring salad place," he continued grumbling about my mother's restrictions on his diet.

"She's just worried about you," I laughed.

"I'm as healthy as a horse. The last time I went to the doctor she had a list of questions for him and suggested getting a second opinion on my 'healthy' diagnosis!"

"Well, Mom is a little crazy," I agreed. "But you know she's gonna know you were up to no good as soon as you walk in the house."

"Don't I know it, she's just like my Lizzie; nothing gets by her."

My father was laughing, and shaking his head. "You both know she's going to smell the barbeque on us, right?"

My grandfather made a face and then shrugged. "It's worth it."

We ordered and sipped on sweet tea, enjoying the atmosphere. It wasn't too busy but there was a family with kids having a late lunch, as well. The kids were a little wired. They couldn't sit still and were talking and yelling over one another.

I smiled when the little girl looked over at me and waved. I took a shaky breath and then looked down at the table. My hands shook as I thought; my child would have been a little over a year old.

I snapped out of it quickly, and my grandfather gave me a sad smile before we started discussing the renovations on the estate.

"So, Edward," my grandfather said with a slow smile. I was immediately nervous. "How are things going with Isabelle?"

I felt warmth fill my cheeks. "Fine."

My dad raised an eyebrow at me and took a bite of his sandwich. The men in my family are the worst gossips.

"Just fine? You spent the whole weekend with the girl, and things are just fine?" He asked, and then looked over at my dad. "Carlisle, Isabelle is just gorgeous. And she's smart. Every time she opens her mouth, I'm captivated. If your son isn't going to make a move, I may have to step in and ask for a space on her dance card."

My Dad was chuckling as my grandfather talked.

"Pouring it on a little thick there, aren't you?" I shook my head. "Fine; yes, Isabelle is...amazing. We've been talkinga lot, getting to know one another. And we are going on a date this week."

"When do I get to meet this amazing Isabelle? It's all anyone can talk about these days; I'm feeling a little left out. And just wait until your mother finds out she's the last to know," my dad said with a nod.

I groaned and threw my head back, while my dad and grandfather laughed.

"Hey, Ed," Rosalie tapped on the door and walked into my room.

"Hi Rosie, what's up?"

"So...dinner with Isabelle?"

I looked at her with wide eyes. "Who told you? Does mom know?"

Rosalie laughed and shook her head. "Mom doesn't know. I talked to Emmett a little while ago and he told me you and Isabelle had a hot date."

"Yeah, I'm nervous."

"Don't be. She seems like a nice person. Just go out and have a good time. Don't put unneeded pressure on yourself. You are just two friends, having a romantic dinner, looking into each other's eyes, love songs playing in the background..."

"Okay, okay, I get it," I cut her off. "Thanks so much for helping me with my nerves, Rosie."

"You're welcome," she sang and walked out of my room giggling.

My hands were shaking when I reached Isabelle's apartment. I took a few deep breaths and then got out of the car.

I said hello to a couple on the sidewalk before walking up the steps to her front door.

I knocked and the door opened quickly, surprising me a little.

"Hi," I barely got the word out before she pushed me out of the doorway. "Is everything okay?"

Before she could pull me down the steps, the door flew open and Emmett stood in the doorway. I didn't know what to think as I looked at him. He was wearing sweats, a tank top, a baseball cap and he had a bat in his hand.

"Emmett?" I asked, wondering why he was holding a bat.

I looked down at Bella who had her face buried in her hands. "What's going on?"

"Edward," his voice was deep, and loud.

"Yes," I responded.

"What are your intentions with Isabella?"

I stared at him a moment before glancing at Isabelle. She looked angry, embarrassed, and amused all at the same time. So I decided to play along.

"Well, I like Isabelle, a lot. I'd like to get to know her a little better."

"Mmhmm, what do you mean by get to know her a little better?" He asked, tapping the bat in his free hand.

"Become friends with her of course, hold her hand. Maybe get a kiss at the end of the night," I looked down at her and winked. She was smiling and her cheeks were flushed pink.

"Hold hands? That sounds a bit forward," she whispered.

I couldn't hold in the laugh. When I looked up, Emmett was standing right in front of me. Baseball cap flipped backward and bat aimed at my chest. "Shit," I whispered, as I jumped back from him.

He stood still for a few seconds, before his laughter rang out into the night.

"Aw man, I didn't even get to threaten you," he was still laughing, leaning on the bat for support.

"You scared the shit out of me. How did you move so fast?" I laughed, but my heart was beating out of my chest.

Isabelle shook her head, but she was still smiling. "All right, you had your fun. We're leaving."

"Okay, have fun you guys. But not too much fun, Edward," he pointed the bat at me.

I waved at him and opened the car door for Isabelle. As she got into the car, I leaned in slightly. "You look beautiful," I said as I kissed her hand.

"Damn, that's smooth. Imma borrow that, Ed."

"See ya, Emmett."

When I finally got into the car, I looked over at Isabelle; and we both started laughing.

"I'm so sorry. He and Jasper had this routine, like from that movie Bad Boys, remember that? They did it to me every time I went on a date. Jasper was so bummed he didn't get to participate this time."

"At least I'll be better prepared next time. Ready?"

"Yes," she smiled brightly.

We made small talk during the short drive to the restaurant. I have to admit that I was more than nervous about our date. This is the first date I've been on in eight years; that's a really long time. Emmett's joke was great because it helped distract me from myself and I was able to focus on being happy that I was going out with Isabelle tonight.

I parked the car and walked toward the restaurant. Just before we reached the front door, Bella squeezed my hand and stopped me.

"In case I forget to tell you later, thank you for a wonderful evening."

I couldn't help but smile. I leaned in to kiss her cheek, lingering a little longer than appropriate. Hoping she could feel my gratitude and affection for her.

We continued and I held the door open for her to enter. I led her toward the hostess, "Hello, I have a reservation for Cullen."

"Of course sir, just one moment please."

Another hostess walked up, "right this way, sir."

She led us to a table in the corner. The room was open, and did not allow for much privacy but I was glad that we would not have people on both sides of us.

Our menus were placed in front of us and the sommelier walked up a few moments later. He was very nice and gave us his suggestions on the best wine pairing for each dish.

We placed our orders and then sat quietly for a moment. I think we were both calming our nerves a bit.

"Edward."

"Isabelle."

We both started at the same time. Laughing, I gestured toward her to go first.

"I'm nervous," she made an amused face. "Thank you for being so understanding this past weekend. It turned out better than I could have imagined."

I nodded. "It did. Charlie and his wife seem like nice people. How were your parents afterward?"

"Relieved is the best word, I think. My dad was so worried that it would turn ugly and Charlie would attack him. He didn't, and I'm glad. I am pretty sure I would have asked Charlie to leave."

"Did you end up meeting for lunch?"

"No. Some things came up on both sides, so we postponed. He asked about coming here. I think he wants to see what I do for a living. It's so strange you know, I never thought I would meet him."

"You can never have too many good people in your life."

"Edward," a woman's voice called out to me.

I looked up, and my stomach dropped. "Alice."

Her eyes traveled back and forth between Isabelle and me and I could see the fire growing in her eyes.

"I didn't know you were in town."

I didn't answer her, unsure what she expected me to say.

"Are you going to introduce me?" she gave me a pointed look.

"Isabelle, this is Alice Dailey. Alice, this is my date, Isabelle."

"Date?" she squealed.

"Yes. Do you work here?" I asked, confused as to why she was here.

"What? Oh, yes. You know I have always wanted to own my own restaurant. I'm learning the ropes as I finish school. What about Kate, Edward?"

Her words were flying quickly and I rolled my eyes. She was always a little too nosey and excitable for my tastes.

"What about her?"

"Well, don't you think she and the baby need you? How could you just leave her in New York like that?"

"Baby?" I whispered. Isabelle touched my knee and I looked over at her.

"Should I give you two a moment?" she asked.

The concern on her face was enough to remind me that this woman was what I should be focused on right now. Not Alice and her malicious words or Kate and her...baby.

I shook my head and took her hand in mine.

"Alice, I don't know what Kate has told you, but I haven't seen her in over a year. If she has a child, it isn't mine."

"Edward, she told us-," she started, and I raised my hand to stop her.

"I don't care what she said Alice," I said in a slightly elevated voice, making Alice's eyes widen in surprise. "Kate left me. She packed a bag, took our emergency cash and disappeared. I stayed in New York longer than I should have hoping she would call me and tell me she was okay but she never did. Whatever's happened to her since she left is not my concern."

"How can you be so callous?"

I chuckled and then gestured toward our waiter. "May I have the check please?"

"Is everything all right, sir?" He asked, while looking at Alice with narrowed eyes.

"Yes, our present company has ruined my appetite."

I placed enough cash in the billfold to cover our dinner, drinks and a hefty tip for our waiter and thanked him.

"Alice, you have no idea what happened between your sister and me. Do not presume that I am the bad guy here. Maybe you should talk to her so you can get your facts straight."

I held out my hand for Isabelle's and led her out of the restaurant. My hands were still shaking but Isabelle's fingers were gently running up and down my arm.

"How do you feel about diner food?" I asked her.

She smiled brightly, "diner food sounds awesome."

I smiled and hugged her to my side as I led her to the car, leaving Alice and the drama I knew was coming behind me.

a/n: Hi there! I hope you liked this. Part 2 of the date will be in Bpov next weekend.

Thanks so much to all of you who reviewed. I truly appreciate that you guys take the time to let me know what you're thinking. Thanks again to Rob Attack's for featuring my story a few weeks ago and welcome to all of the readers who found me there. :)

I am currently addicted to a story called Lose The One You Love by Discordia81 & Kherisma. Not your typical boy meets girl and falls in love, but totally worth the whirl of emotions I feel while reading. It is a WIP and updates regularly. Check it out if you haven't yet. :)

Take care, you guys! See you next week.