Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters
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Chapter 6
Meetings
EPOV
I had Saturday off but the graveyard shift on Sunday which made lunch with my mom and the 2:00 pm meeting at Brandon and Hale fall right into my schedule. I just took it easy on Saturday, basically cleaning the house and doing laundry. Sunday came and I made my way to my parent's home in Beacon Hill.
I called ahead to let them know I was on my way. When I got to their house my mom was at their doorstep with a funny smile on her face. I got out of the car and made my way up to her. "Hi, mom!" I greeted.
"Edward, dear, how have you been?" she asked a little too excitedly.
"I'm good mom. Are the guys already here?" I hugged her tightly.
"They're also on their way. Come on inside." She told me as she led the way into their home. Once we made it to the kitchen and got back to the pie she was making she said, "So sweetie, your dad informed me last night that you have plans for the new wing. Please do tell." She simply stated.
"Yes, mom I do. I was thinking of getting Brandon and Hale to do it. I actually have an appointment with them tomorrow so I do need your inputs on what you want it to be. Like what you want to put in it and stuff. I can handle the medical part but thought maybe you wanted some recreation space for the kids or something," I explained.
"Well, we'll ask your dad what he wants done, or what the hospital needs. I just want a separate playroom and a waiting room for the companions. I'll leave the rest to you and your father," she said while putting the pie in the oven.
"Well, ok, maybe we can talk about it at lunch. Jasper can give his inputs for the therapy area." As I finished my statement, Emmet and Jasper arrived and my dad came down from his study. We helped my mom by setting the table and taking the food from the kitchen. When everythings was ready we all sat down and began to eat.
"Dad, I've told mom the plan with the new wing. Do you have something specific in mind of what you would want put in the space?" I asked him.
He thought for a while then said, "Well, we could have a few more rooms for the admitted patients, a room for play therapy and rehab as well. Other than that the rest of the space is at your disposal." He said. I nodded then turned to Jazz. "Jazz, will you have any requirements for the child psychology rooms?" I asked him.
"Well, not too much, I'll just need a few rooms, maybe three or four with one way mirrors. Then shelves for the toys and a table in the middle. Not much on my part." He answered me.
"Why all the questions?" asked Emmett.
"Well, I have a meeting tomorrow at Brandon and Hale about this. So I need all the ideas to let them know what we will be requiring." I answered.
Jasper was just looking down at his plate with a smirk on his face. "What, Jazz?" I asked.
"Who exactly will you be meeting with?" he asked me. He was always the perceptive one.
"Ms. Swan. Why do you ask?" I answered back.
"Hmm... Ms. Swan? Would this happen to be the Ms. Swan from the magazine? The Ms. Swan that I saw you staring at in the hotel in Seattle?" He cocked his brow. Emmett then caught up. "Bro, are you crushing on this Ms. Swan?" he said with a laugh and I noticed my parents smiling at me.
"What? It's not like you guys won't benefit from it. Do you have a better plan?" I retorted. They both looked at each other and shook their head no. "I thought so." I simply said.
At this point, my parents seemed to be at a loss and unfortunately, Jasper took it upon himself to explain. "Well, Uncle, Auntie" He smirked. "Your very dashing son, here to my left" he pointed to me, "has had a thing for this certain Ms. Swan since he saw her in Seattle." He went over to the pile of magazines and pulled out The Bostonian and opened it to our article.
"They were also in the seminar that we attended. While we were checking in, Edward was checking on something else." He laughed and I just looked down at my food and continued to eat. Emmett started laughing as well.
"What are you laughing at? You've had Rosalie Hale's number for over a month and still haven't asked her out," I spat at him. He stopped laughing and just looked down. Apparently my parents found this amusing and started laughing as well.
"Gentlemen, have I taught you nothing? You are three grown men and are afraid to ask these wonderful ladies out on dates?" my dad asked as his laughter died down.
"Shush, Carlisle. Don't embarrass them." My mother said, giggling.
"In my defence, I'm not in it as bad as these 2." Jasper said.
Emmett and I looked at each other. Then I simply said, "This, from a guy who after being greeted good morning started to read out loud the article for this Mary Alice Brandon looking like a love sick puppy." Then my parents started laughing again.
"So is this why you would want to oversee this project son? And get this specific firm?" my father asked of me.
"I guess its part of it. That's why I went to you and suggested you ask the opinion of the Jones' first. Just to be sure." I replied.
"Well, however you plan to proceed is fine with me. I believe that I, well, we have raised you to be very good men." My dad said patting me on the back and taking his plate to the kitchen. My mom did the same and kissed each of us on the head before heading to the kitchen.
We retreated to the living room and had some coffee and pie. After some chatting I said I had to go get ready for work and bade everyone good-bye. I got into my car and headed home. I took a quick shower, packed my bag, and headed for the hospital.
My shift was quite uneventful. Just the usual cuts and bruises form the drunken brawls. I went on at 7:00 p.m. and was off at 7:00 am. After checking all my patients and endorsing to the in-coming shift I made my way to the lounge to pick up my bag to head home. I could get some shut eye before the meeting, since the building was not that far from my home.
I got up a little after 12:00. I went to the kitchen, fixed a simple lunch then hopped into the shower. I dressed in a pair of black slacks with a blue button-down and I rolled up the sleeves to my elbows. At about 1:30 I gathered my things putting it into my pockets and made my way to my car. The drive was not too long; it was just five minutes from my place. I found a parking spot, got out of my car, patted my pockets to see I had everything and made my way to the fourth floor of the building.
I got off the elevator and saw the big brass sign of Brandon & Hale. I went up to the receptionist's desk and found that there were two females there. One was on the phone so I directed my question to the one that was unengaged. "Excuse me." I said.
She looked up at me and said, "Good afternoon sir. I'm Sharon, how may I help you?"
"Hi, I'm Edward Cullen; I have an appointment with Ms. Isabella Swan. I set it with Ms. Weber last Friday. I'm a bit early. It's supposed to be at 2:00 pm" I said.
"Ok, just a moment sir. Please have a seat." She said, gesturing to the set of couches behind me.
I took my seat and looked at her. She was on the intercom I assumed. I waited about five minutes when I saw a petite, fair skinned lady, with dark brown hair talking with Sharon. I saw Sharon point to me then the other lady turned and made her way to me.
"Mr. Cullen? I'm Angela Weber." She said as she held out her hand. I took it and said, "Edward Cullen. I'm a bit early, I hope you don't mind"
"Oh, not at all. Please follow me." I followed her down the hall and turned into a small office with a desk and a couch. There was another door which had the name Isabella Swan which I assumed was her office. "Please have a seat, Mr. Cullen. Ms. Swan is just finishing a call then she'll be ready for you. Can I get you anything while you wait?" she asked.
"No, thank you I'm fine." I said and waited patiently.
BPOV
I made it to the office Monday morning to find Angela already at her desk. "Ang, why are you so early?" I asked her.
"I could ask you the same thing. And you're supposed to be the boss. Anyway its 8:30, it's not that early" she said with a laugh.
"Well, you do have a point. Anyway, what time am I supposed to meet with Ms. Parker?" I asked her.
"9:30 is the appointment." she informed me.
"Oh ok, well, just send her in when she arrives." I said then went into my office. I sat at my desk, started up my computer and laid out my stuff for the day. My thoughts then went again to my afternoon meeting with Edward Cullen. For some freak reason I decided to Google this foundation he was representing. I checked my notes and typed in the name of the foundation.
They have a web site and I started to explore it. Apparently, the foundation is into supporting various orphanages and all sorts of rehab centers. It was put up by an Edward Masen, an old moneyed man, but made his own name in advertising. That was interesting. I clicked the link of board of trustees just out of interest. I was stunned by what came up.
Board of Trustees
Christopher Sims – Chairman
Esme Masen Cullen – Vice-Chairman
Thomas Miller – President
Roland Adams – Treasurer
Edward Anthony Cullen – Trustee
Carlisle Cullen – Trustee
Deborah Collins – Trustee
Donald Harris – Trustee
Wow, I wonder how old he is. He didn't look like he was over 30 and he's on a board. He must be really good. I was just staring at the screen when there was a knock on the door. "Bella, Ms. Parker is here." Angela informed me. "Ok, please, send her in." I said.
I stood up as she came, introduced myself and held out my hand. She shook it and introduced herself as well. I motioned for her to sit down in one of the chairs.
"What can I do for you today, Ms. Parker?" I asked her.
"Please call me Sienna. Well, we wanted to put a gazebo and a small extension in one of our venues for our club. We plan to hold a garden fair and the place we want is not big enough." She said.
"Ok, is there a specific design you have in mind?" I asked taking my pen and pad out to jot down notes.
"Well, we just want a simple gazebo, not too elaborate. As for the extension we want it like a sun room. All glass would be nice if that is possible." She answered.
"Ok then. When do you need to have this done?" I asked.
"Can it be done in two months?" she asked me
"I think that can be done. I'll have a look at the site this week; I'll draft up a drawing, and consult with my partner for the landscape. We should be able to get you a sketch by Monday or Tuesday next week. Will that he ok with you?" I informed her.
"Yes, that would be fine. What about payment? How will that go?" she asked me.
"Well, we have a department that handles that. Usually when you accept the proposal that we give that is when we start to talk about the payment plan. Will I be dealing with you for this project?" I asked her.
"Yes, I will be head of this project." She answered. I nodded Ok and called for Angela.
"Angela, can you please get the details of Ms. Parker as well as the address for the site. We'll send then a plan early next week." I told her.
"OK, I'll wait for her outside" she said then went out.
"Well, Sienna I appreciate your business; I'll get those plans to you as soon as I can." I said and shook her hand then led her to the door to a waiting Angela. I then continued out to Alice's office. "Hey, Mel, is Ali available?" I asked
"Yup, just go on in" she told me.
"Hey, Ali." I said as I peeped in.
"Hey, Bells, what's up?" she asked me.
"I just got a project for the garden club. A gazebo and an extension like a sun room. I might need some landscaping around the gazebo. I'll check on the site later in the week. You up for it?" I informed her.
"Yup, I can do the interior of the sun room as well if they want. When did you tell them they can get the draft?" she said
"Monday or Tuesday is what I told them." I answered her.
"Ok that works for me. Wanna get some lunch?" she asked me.
"Yeah, sure, let's go get Rose and head out." With that we both left to get Rose.
We headed out to Archie's Deli and we each had a sandwich and salad. I was wondering if I should let them in on my meeting with Edward Cullen this afternoon. But then I decided against it and wouldendure the questioning later. I didn't have much to tell them now anyway. We finished out lunch and headed back to the office.
When we got there I went to the bathroom and freshened up. I plugged in my iPod and sat at my drafting table and tried to get some ideas for the garden club project. I laid out my papers and got my pencils and rulers out then started drawing. Though I had not seen the place, I could just do the adjustments when I had the proper measurements. It's better than nothing I thought.
At about 1:30 I heard Angela call to me over the intercom, "Bella, your dad is on two." She said. Why would my dad call the office phone? I picked up the receiver, "Hello?" I said.
"Hey Bells!" he said.
"Dad, why are you calling the office phone? I have a cell. You don't have to go through our receptionist." I said to him.
"Well, I wasn't sure if you would be in a meeting or whatever so I just played it safe." he said.
"Oh, ok then. So to what do I owe this surprise?" I asked him.
"Nothing really just wanted to catch up." he said. So I told him about our projects and he told me about his business and my mom. We were chatting about fifteen minutes when Angela knocked on my door to inform me that my 2:00 had arrived. I told my dad I had to go, we said our good-byes and I promised to call soon. I put down the phone and thought, OK, here we go.
"Angela, please send Mr. Cullen In" I called into the intercom and stood up from my desk.
Oh, my, it is him. I guess there aren't that many Edward Cullens in town. "Mr, Cullen, good to meet you. I'm Isabella Swan. But please call me Bella." I said holding out my hand.
He took my hand to shake it then simply said, "Bella, please call me Edward. It's nice to see you again." He said. See me again? Where did he see me? Aside from the magazine that is, if that's where he saw me.
He seemed to see my confusion. He smiled and said, "You don't remember do you?" I just nodded and he continued, "We met at the airport in Seattle, after the leadership seminar. I was with a blond guy and a big burly one who knew your friend, Rosalie." Oh, ok now I remember.
"Oh, sorry, yes, I remember now. I apologize for not recalling. It's just been hectic since we got back from the seminar. Please have a seat." I said motioning to one of the chairs in front of my desk.
"I was told your foundation will be building a new wing at the hospital. Am I right?" I asked.
"Yes, that is correct, my dad is medical director and thinks the pediatric wing is too small and he wants to move around some departments." He informed me.
"Ok, then. What specifically do you want the new wing to be? I mean what would you want to put in it?" I asked, while readying my pen and pad.
"Well, we would want a few more rooms for the admitted patients, a play room separate from a waiting room, a rehabilitation room and three or four rooms for child therapy for the psychology department." He enumerated and I took it all down.
"Would you want it just one floor or will it be multiple?" I asked thinking I may not be able to fit all of the rooms in one floor.
"I guess what ever will work is fine. I'll leave it up to you after you see the site you can decide what will be best." He answered.
"Yes that will be best I suppose. So I will be working with two of my colleagues, Rosalie Hale and Alice Brandon. Rosalie is in-charge of the engineering part and Alice for interiors and landscaping. But the fee will just be one. We do not set different rates. We charge by project. Is there a budget we have to know about?" I said.
"No, Bella, we want the best quality of everything, there will be no specific budget." He said.
Wow, that's a first. "Ok, then, who will be our contact for this project? Will it be you or someone else?" I asked.
"I will oversee the project since I will be at the hospital most of the time but there will be another person you can contact if you can't get a hold of me." He said.
"Ok, please leave all the contact details and the site address with Angela. I'll pass by the site later in the week, then meet with my colleagues. I can have a draft for you my Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. Will that work for you?" I stated to him.
"Yes, that would be fine. How do we go about the financial aspect of this?" he asked.
"We have a separate team that handles that. When you have approved our design that is the only time we start to talk about finances. If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to know about us?" I replied.
"Honestly? I saw the article in the Bostonian and saw you are working on a project for the Jones' foundation. So I looked up your company and the appeal of just having to deal with one firm caught my eye. So I pitched the idea to my dad and he said you have done good work so I set up this meeting with you." He explained.
I did not know what to say to that. I was trying to remember of we had any prior projects with them "May I know the name of your father if you don't mind?" I asked.
"Not at all. Dr. Carlisle Cullen. He is involved in some other charities. Maybe you have worked on one of his orphanages or other buildings." He answered.
Hmm, I can't seem to remember any. "Oh, ok, the name does sound familiar. Anyway, I appreciate your business and I hope you approve our proposal. I look forward to working with you." I said.
"I don't think there's any doubt that we won't like your proposal Bella." He said then paused. "Bella, I would like to bring the rest of my family when you present the draft. I believe their input will be beneficial. Maybe we could set a meeting here with Rosalie and Alice. I think it will also save time." He mentioned.
"Oh, that won't be a problem. I'll let you know when I have the draft then we can set something up when your family is free. I guess that's it for now. Do you have any more questions?" I said.
"Nope, I think that's it for now." He said as he stood up. "It was a pleasure to see you again and I look forward to working with you. He said as he shook my hand. I then bade him good-bye and walked him out to Angela. I waited there until she had all his details needed for the file. He again bade me good-bye then made his way out.
OMG! Won't Rose and Alice just love this! I thought to myself.