Chapter 11
BPOV
I couldn't stop smiling all afternoon, even though the reunion hadn't necessarily followed the plan I had had in my mind, it was still sweet and I have to give him props for creativity. I struggled to get through the mundane tasks for the rest of my work day. I am sure I shuffled the papers around at least a thousand times before 5 o'clock finally rolled around.
"I'm out. Please hold all messages till the morning." I waved to my assistant as I drifted through the door, riding on cloud 9. "Of course, Ms. Swan, anything." She held out my coat as I hurried out the door.
My walk home was brisk; the fall atmosphere engulfed me. I loved the city in the fall, I loved the people, I loved the stores, the decorations, the leaves; I loved it all and most of all, I loved myself. I have always struggled with self esteem issues and self doubt, but what woman hasn't at one time or another? But, for once, I loved myself. I was at a great place in my career, I had a halfway decent boyfriend, and I had amazing friends. I was living the high life and there was nothing that could bring me down.
"You're going out with him?" Alice through down her magazine and her gaze met mine. "I can't believe you, Bella. After what he did to you? I can't believe it." Her mouth closed in a thin line.
I rolled my eyes, "You have room to talk, Miss I-dated-the-same-guy-for-three-years. Give me a break." "Which one?" I inquired as I held up two necklaces to my chest. "The pearls, they are classic. Yeah, but, still, he just doesn't call for two days and then shows up with a beacon of flowers and you instantly let him back in. That doesn't seem like you, that's all." Alice wrung her hands in her lap.
I giggled, "Of course, this isn't like me. Nothing I do with him is like me, but it's like he has this hold on me, this weird love crazed hold. I can't explain it, but it's there." I adjusted my dress, Edward would be here soon. He was always on time, which was something I appreciated about him.
"Bell, Edward's here" Rose's voice was sing-song as she let her fingers trace the door frame, "and he looks good." She half whispered and half giggled. "Tell him I'll be right out." I ran my fingers through my hair one last time as I started for the door.
"Bell, just hear me out. I know you really like him, but I have a strange feeling about him. He's…different in more ways than one, and you should be careful. I know him from somewhere, but I just can't place it, but please, be careful." Alice's grip on my hand was harsh and ice cold. I could tell she was serious about this. "Okay, okay, I promise. I'll be careful." I winked at her as I sauntered into the living room.
"Are you ready?" his voice was quiet as he peered at me. "Of course." And then we were off.