i hope i'm still keeping you interested.

Disclaimer: i own none of these wonderful characters.

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Chapter 7

Visits

BPOV

I had my meetings on Monday. Then I scheduled my site visits on Wednesday and Thursday. My plan was after I visit the sites and take my measurements I could have the afternoon to draft something up for the end of the week meeting with Alice and Rosalie.

On Wednesday, I went to the site for the Garden Club. It was to be located in Brookline, about a fifteen minute drive from the office. I took Tyler with me to take the measurements. It was a good site, not to hard to build on and the landscaping would be a piece of cake for Alice.

I grabbed a sandwich at Au Bon Pain before heading back to the office. I parked my car and made my way to the office. Angela was on her way out when I got there. "Hi, Bella, I'm on my way to lunch. Do you want me to bring you back anything? Dessert?" she asked me.

"No, thanks Angela. I'll have a coffee but I like the one here so I'll just have that." I answered.

"Ok. then." She said then turned back to me as if remembering something. "Oh, Bella, a Ms. Mary Lewis called. She's from Child's Hope Foundation. She was asking when your site visit will be cause she was instructed to accompany you." She said.

"Accompany me?" I asked puzzled. "Why?

"Oh, I didn't ask why. But I told her you plan to visit on Thursday morning. And she asked me to tell you to call her when you're on your way." She answered me.

"Weird. But ok, I'll just get her number before we call it a day. Have a good lunch." I said to her then I made my way to my office.

I ate in peace while thinking about what I would like the Garden Club structures to be. After eating, I made my way to the pantry to get a cup of coffee since Angela was not back yet. I found Alice also getting a cup for herself.

"Hey, Ali, you're hyper as it is. Are you sure more caffeine will do your body good?" I asked smiling at her.

"Hey Bells. Well, if you must know, yes it does my body good," she answered back with a laugh. So how is your day so far?" she asked once she calmed down.

"It's going. The Garden Club project will be easy. Not much work for you too either." I said as I prepared my cup of coffee.

"Oh, that would be great. I have to do the landscaping for several parks in Chestnut Hill. For some reason they would not like anyone but us." She said as we started back to the office.

"Well, you are one of the best Ali. And I'm sure the magazine article was nothing but good to rub that fact in." I complemented her and she just smiled. "I'll get going so I'll have a drawing for you by Friday. I'll see you later." I waved then I turned into my office as she went into hers.

I got the number of Mary Lewis from Angela before heading home yesterday. I'll have to go to the site alone today since Tyler had to check on a project in Roxbury. I dialled on when I was on my way and set the phone in the cradle in the car. I have one of those car kits so I don't have to put the Bluetooth ear piece.

"Hello, this is Mary Lewis, how may I help you?" a sweet voice answered me.

"Hi, this is Isabella Swan from Brandon & Hale; I was told that I was to call you when I'm on my way to the site." I answered her.

"Oh, yes Ms. Swan. I have been expecting your call. I can meet you in the hospital entrance just opposite of the parking lot if that will be ok with you?" she said.

"That would be nice. I'll be there in about ten minutes." I told her.

"Ok, I'll be waiting. Drive safe." She said then ended the call.

True enough I was reached the hospital in about ten minutes. I found a parking space and pulled in. I gathered my things out of my trunk and made my way to the entrance. I found a lady waiting by the door. She was about 5'7" with brown hair, similar to mine, blue eyes, and carrying a leather folder.

"Ms. Swan? I'm Mary Lewis; it's a pleasure to meet you." she said as she held out her hand.

"Hi, just Bella, please. It's a pleasure to meet you too." I said as I took her hand. "Can you show me to the site?" I asked her.

"Yes, of course. This way please." She smiled then we started to walk to the hospital. We were quiet for a bit when I decided to ask her why she was sent to accompany me.

"Ms. Lewis, I don't want to seem unappreciative of you coming with me but I wanted to know what brought this on? I'm not accustomed to being accompanied by a client this early in the project." I asked her.

She just smiled at me and said, "Please call me Mary. And to answer your question, this is a first for me too. Mrs. Cullen called me and said she would like me to accompany you." She replied and I just held a blank stare.

"How does she know of me? I still have to meet her." I asked again.

"She told me that Dr. Cullen asked her for me to accompany you?" she stated with a smile.

"Dr. Cullen? Carlisle Cullen? I have yet to meet him as well." I told her.

She laughed and simply stated, "No, ma'am. Dr. Edward Cullen. His mother said I am to accompany you to the site."

Now I'm more puzzled than ever. Edward was a doctor too? Is that why he said he would be at the hospital and would be able to supervise the construction? Why would he think that I'll need someone to go with me to the site? Wow, this is getting to be really weird. Mary brought me out of my mental questioning by letting me know that we were at the site.

"Bella, were here. I'll just stay here so you can get to your work." She said then stepped aside.

I just nodded and smiled at her. I stood then closed my eyes to shift my mind to work mode. I opened them again and looked around. The space was on a new lot that the hospital had recently acquired. I moved around and started to take measurements. Looks like I'll have to do a multi-level building, I thought to myself.

After about an hour I was done. I turned back to Mary who I found on her mobile phone. I gestured to her that I was done. She hung up the phone then smiled at me. "All done? Ok, I'll walk you to your car then" she sweetly said to me.

"Oh, that won't be necessary. I'm sure you have other things to do." I told her.

She just laughed at me and said, "Nonsense. It's a perk of being a personal assistant. Especially if my boss happens to be sponsoring the wing." We then got to my car. I told her again what I had told Edward and said that I would call her to set up the meeting next week.

I got into my car and decided to go by the Boston Common before heading to the office. I decided to call Angela and let her know my plans. "Isabella Swan's Office. This is Angela, how may I help you?" she answered.

"Is that how you really answer the phone Ang?" I answered her laughing.

"Oh, hey Bella, yes that is how we are supposed to answer the phone. Some customer courtesy or something" She said laughing as well. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, I just wanted you know I'm done with my site visit. I decided to pass by the Common for a while and walk around. It was a puzzling morning; just want to clear my mind." I told her.

"Are you ok? Did something happen?" she asked with a little worry in her voice.

"No, nothing bad. I just want to sort something's out. I'll tell you soon I promise. Oh, can you make sure about the scheduled end of the week meeting tomorrow? I really want to get the drafts out early next week" I replied.

"Sure, no problem. I'll see you later then." She said and hung up the phone. I made my way to the Common, parked then walked around. I decided to head back to the office about 11:00. I grabbed Spinach, Feta & Roasted Red Pepper Phyllo Pie served with Side Salad from Rebecca's cafe before heading back to the office.

I bumped in to Rose and Alice in the elevator. "Hey Bella" Rose said looking at the package in my hand. "Oh, I guess you're having lunch in. We're headed to Rebecca's too. Would you want us to bring back some desert?" she asked me.

"Oh, I didn't think of that when I bought food. I think I'd like a Chocolate Raspberry cupcake please." I answered.

"Ok, hey are you ok? You seem out of it?" Rose said.

"Yeah, just a lot on my mind. Don't worry I'll let you both on it tom at the meeting." I said.

"Ok, see you later then." They said then waved and went the opposite direction.

I went into my office then ate my lunch. I cleaned up and laid out new papers on my drafting table. I set my pencils and rulers in their spots then pulled out my leather folder with my notes. I took in that the Cullen's wanted then started to form the design in my mind. Once I was set, I then started drawing. I was interrupted by a knock on my door.

"Bella, it's 5:30. Are you not going home yet?" Angela asked as she poked her head in.

"Oh, is it already? Well, I could ask you the same question" I answered.

"Well, you're still here so that's my excuse." She said tsmiling at me.

"You can go ahead; I'll just put my stuff away and head home. Alice and Rose left already?" I asked as I started to put my things away.

"Yes, they passed by but did not want to disturb you. So they just had me tell you they would take care of dinner so you don't have to worry. And the meeting is set for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m." she told me.

"Thanks Ang. Well, I think I'm set. If you are too then let's hit the road." I said as I took my bags and headed out of the office. We locked up and made our way home.

Friday came around and I was finalizing my plans the whole morning. I had my drafts and ideas in order for the meeting. We grabbed lunch them made our way to the office to get ready for the meeting. "Bella, its ten minutes to 2:00. Would you like anything else prepared for the meeting?" Angela called over the intercom.

"Just coffee for me Angela, please. And see to it that Tyler and Eric will be there." I called back.

"Ok" she replied. I then gathered all my things and made my way to the conference room.

I made my way into the room and started to set up my stuff while waiting for Alice and Rose. I was to present first since I needed all their inputs. I set up my drafts on the white boards then hooked up my laptop to the projector to show them the actual pictures. When we were all situated, I took a sip of my coffee then started the meeting.

"Ok, so this week, I accepted two new projects. One for the Cambridge Garden Club and one for the Child's Hope Foundation." I started then made my way to the Garden Club draft. "So the Garden Club wants a gazebo and a sun room. Not much building here I think, but Rose is better to decide that part." I then continued to explain the project, letting Ali know how much space she had to work with. They all nodded in agreement to the plans.

I then moved to the Hospital wing. "Next is a hospital wing at BUMC. It's being sponsored by the Child's Hope Foundation." I started then began enumerating the wishes of the client while I pointed out the specific spaces on the draft. "Ali, since it's a children's wing I think there might be a lot to the interior and this one will need an elevator so a bit more engineering." I said to them.

"Ok, that's no problem." Alice said then paused. I took a sip of my coffee again then said, "They have a request to meet with us in person to hear our ideas even if it's the first draft. So when we're ready, we will set up a meeting with the involved parties and conference with them here. Will that be ok for both of you?" I asked Ali and Rose.

"That should not be a problem." Rose said while taking down notes. The meeting went on, Rose updating us on the Jones' project and Ali with her parks. It was about 4:45 when we were done and we decided to call it a day. As I was fixing my stuff, Rose and Alice cornered me in the conference room.

"Bells, is everything ok?" Alice asked me.

"It's just been a weird week. You guys wanna go somewhere and I'll tell you about it?" I asked them.

"Yeah, sure, you want to go on a picnic in the Common? It's a good night out?" Rose suggested.

"That would be great. We could pick up something at D'Angelos" I said then we made our way to our cars.

We passed by D'Angelos and picked up dinner. We got a chicken quesadilla, assorted wraps, salads and I had soup. We found a spot in the park then laid out our picnic cloth, sat down and put out or dinners. "So what's up Bells?"Ali asked.

So I started to tell them about last week's acquisitions, how the Foundation heard of us, how Edward remembered me from the airport and ended with my being accompanied to a site. They just kept eating and nodded once in a while. After my story, Alice looked deep in thought. After a while she started talking.

"Maybe the guy likes you Bella. Not everyone can remember one meeting from more than a month ago. And I feel there is deeper reason why he chose us for the wing. It can't be just because we're an all-in-one thing or we were recommended. And he personally met with you. It must account for something." She said.

"You're over thinking this Ali. How can he be interested in me? There's nothing to be interested about." I said.

Her eyes grew wide then went into slits. I swear if looks could kill I would be on the way to the morgue. I thought she was going to say something, but Rose was the one who spoke. "Isabella Marie Swan! How can you say that? There's a lot more to you than meets the eye. A person would be crazy not to like or get to know you." she said and looked at me with her eyes in slits a swell.

"Ok, let's say yeah, he's interested. Let's not push this ok. Let's just go with flow and see where it goes. No matchmaking from either of you." I said in my most authoritative voice while wagging my finger at them. They just nodded and made faces at me. We finished our dinner and went home.

When we got home I said that I was going to soak in the tub and call it a night. I thought over the week that had passed and what is to come. I decided to just take it easy with Edward if there was something to take easily. I thought about if I was ready for whatever this was and in the end decided to take my own advice and go with the flow.

I got out of the tub when the water got too cold. I brushed my teeth, put on my boy-shorts and wife beater then settled under the covers and fell asleep.

Monday came by too quickly. We stayed home the weekend had a girls night and did some work so we could get the drafts out. We made it to the office and we all started to work. We got the Garden Club done by end of Monday so we could send it out on Tuesday morning.

Tuesday we worked on the hospital wing but decided we would need an extra day. We then decided we could be ready for them Thursday morning. So that's when we decided to call the meeting. "Angela, could you please set the meeting for the hospital wing Thursday morning if all the parties needed will be available? And also apologize for the delay," I called out to the intercom.

"Sure Bella. I'll get right on that and get back to you." she replied.

After about two hours Angela knocked on my door then stepped inside. "Bella, they can be ready for you guys Thursday afternoon about 3:00 p.m. I called Ash and Mel and Rose and Alice will be free at that time. Your schedule with me says you are too unless something came up?" she said, waiting for my reply.

"No, nothing came up. So it's set then. Just let them know please. I think I'm done for today I'll be heading home. You should get going as well." I told her as I stretched out myself and stood up to get my stuff.

"Ok, Bella, See you tomorrow. Drive Safe." She said to me then turned to leave. When my stuff was ready, I made my way to the elevator, then into my car and made my way home.

EPOV

It was Tuesday afternoon and I was just finishing my shift when I got a call from my mother.

"Hi, Mom. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?" I answered her.

"Oh, my Edward. Always the charmer." She said with a laugh. "Anyway dear, Mary already got a call from Brandon & Hale and said they would be ready for us on Thursday morning. Are you available?" she asked me.

"Thursday? I have the morning shift but I can make it in the afternoon. Will that be alright? I asked her.

"That will be fine sweetheart. Your father will also be in a meeting in the morning. I'll tell Mary to let them know and get back to you." She said.

"Ok, mom. But I'm heading home in about an hour so you can just call me there." I replied.

"Ok dear, I'll call you later. Bye" she said

"Bye mom" I said then hung up the phone.

I finished y shift and made my way home. When I got home I started to run a bath and thaw some steaks that I had marinating in the fridge. I got into the bath and lay there until the water was cold. I must have dosed off cause my answering machine was beeping when I returned to the kitchen.

I pressed the button and heard my mom's voice. "Hi sweetie, I set up the meeting for Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. I checked with your father that your shift is until 2:00 so you'll have time to get ready. Have a good night dear." Beeeep..... end of message.

I got to the hospital at 6:00 am Thursday for the start of my shift. I had a grin on my face just thinking about now I would get to see Bella later today. I went into the lounge and was greeted by Mike. "Morning, Edward. you seem to be in a good mood," he said.

"Yeah, I have a meeting later today with the firm for the new wing." I said to him.

"What's so great about a meeting? Is it a female?" he asked me. Why does he have to be perceptive about these things?

"Well, if you must know, yes. It's the architect to be specific." I answered him.

"Anyone I know?" he asked again.

"Well, she was in that article in The Bostonian." I replied simply, hoping it would end there.

"Oh, I see. Well good luck with that. Let us know how it goes," he said with a smile.

"When I know where it's headed, I'll let you know. Let's hit the floor." I said as we walked out of the lounge.

The shift was relatively benign. No mass accidents just simple cuts and bumps. Of course there were the usual advances of the nurses that Mike kept laughing at. Lauren was starting to flirt with me again as I was finishing my charts. I just ignored her but she was relentless. Thankfully, I saw Garrett coming up to me since he was on the next shift.

"Dr. Cullen," Lauren said while rubbing my forearm. "Would you happen to be free tonight? Maybe we could grab a drink." See, relentless. I was taught to always be a gentleman, but this was too much. Then a plan formulated in my head as Garrett stood next to me.

I took her hand and placed it on Garrett's forearm and said, "I'm sorry Lauren but I'm busy tonight, and every other night after that. I'm sure Dr. Thomas would be more than willing to take you out." I said to her then looked at Garrett who seemed to catch my drift.

"Yes, Lauren sweetie, I would be happy to take you out as long as you are willing for your nose job to meet the fist of my girlfriend. Do we have a date?" he asked her. She looked dumbfounded and just turned and walked away.

"Thanks for playing along man." I said to Garrett.

"Hey, no prob bro. But you owe me a confession? Is there really a girl who has caught the eye of the infamous Dr. Edward Cullen?" he said to me, smirking.

"Since you saved me then yes, there is someone who has caught my eye. But as to where we are headed I'm not sure as of the moment." I said to him.

"Fair enough. I'm sure if something juicy comes up the tabloids will be over you." He said laughing.

"No need to read the tabloids. I'd willingly give you the details personally." I said smiling at him. "Shall we see my patients that are soon to be yours?" I asked

"Yes, we shall," he said then we went through the curtains so he could see what step each patient was in. After they were properly endorsed I made my way to the locker room and changed out of my scrubs and into a pair of dark jeans and green button down shirt. I washed up my face a bit then sprayed on a little cologne. As I was heading out I saw my dad in the ER.

"Hey, Dad, I was just on my way out to head to Brandon & Hale." I said to him.

"Oh, I'm glad I caught you then. Something came up and I can't make it to the meeting. Since it's your project I'll just let you update me on how it goes. As I have said, the decision is yours, and well, your mother's." He said.

"Oh, ok Dad, I'll let Mom know," I replied.

"Thanks son," he said to me then patted my back and went the other way.

I made it to Brandon & Hale at about 2:45 p.m. Mary was already there with my mother and Jasper. I told my mom that my Dad had an emergency and won't be joining us. Ten minutes after I got there Emmett arrived as well. Mary then headed to the receptionist to let her know we were complete.

She called over the intercom and after a short while Angela appeared and led us to a conference room. There were two other females in the room. Angela introduced them to us as Ashley and Melanie, assistants of Rosalie and Alice. Mary introduced us and we all took a seat. Angela brought in coffee and tea and some pastries. At 3:00 pm on the dot the three ladies walked in with smiles on their faces and papers in their arms.

Bella approached me first and held out her hand, "Edward, nice to see you again. These are Rosalie Hale, our engineer and Alice Brandon, our interior and landscape designer," she said as she pointed to the blond then the dark haired lady.

"Pleasure to see you again. This is my mother Esme Cullen, my brother Emmett, and my cousin, Jasper." I said pointing to each of them.

"A pleasure to meet you all. Shall we get started?" Bella asked. We all nodded and took our seats.

She then started with the draft on a white board explaining each room she made. She made a three floor structure. First floor would have the waiting are, playroom and offices, seconds floor she put the rehabilitation and therapy rooms, and the top floor was for the patients rooms. The third floor was to connect with the old building through the current pediatric ward. They gave us an option if we wanted an indoor garden for the first floor or a roof top garden.

After her explanation, Alice projected her ideas for the interiors and landscape. It was nothing short of spectacular. And I looked at Jasper who seemed to be in awe as well. I'm just not sure if it was the girl speaking or her drawings. Rosalie's main concern was the materials we wanted as well as what machines would be put in if any. We all agreed to the plan and opted for both the indoor and rooftop gardens.

"Ok, when would you like to start with the ground breaking?" Bella asked us, but was looking at me.

"Oh, Mom, when would you like to start?" I asked my mother.

"As soon as possible I guess. But we'll have to ask your father to be sure," she said.

"Well, we could start working on the needed permits which will take about a week. We can begin anytime after that. You can just get back to us when Dr. Cullen gives his ok," Bella suggested.

"Oh, that would be great! Edward can you talk to your father tomorrow? If he had an emergency he'll be out of it tonight" my mother said to me.

"Yes, mom, I can do that." I answered her.

"Ok, great. Oh, look at the time. It was a pleasure meeting all of you, but I have t excuse myself. I have a dinner engagement at 7:00. I look forward to working with you." My mother said shaking each of their hands. Angela then brought her and Mary to the elevators.

By this time the ladies were fixing up their things and Emmett seemed to be making his move on Rosalie and Jasper on Alice. I guess it was now or never. I walked up to Bella and said, "Excuse me Bella."

"Yes, Edward, or should I say Dr. Cullen?" she said with a smile. Hmm, smile is good right?

"No, just Edward, please. I was wondering if you had any plans tonight. I wanted to take you out?" I said while looking at the table. I waited for her answer and when I looked up everyone was looking at us.

"Oh, uhm, guys do we have plans?" she asked the girls and I noticed she was lightly blushing.

"No, we don't and Emmett just asked me out as well so you go on ahead." Rose said.

"You have no plans with me. And Jasper also asked me out so I think you'd be better go with Edward or you'll be home alone... again." Alice said. Wonder what that meant.

Bella just stared at them then looked at me. "Well, I guess you have company for dinner." She said to me smiling again. "I just have to get some stuff from the office then we can be on our way." She said and walked out of the conference room headed toward her office. I just walked quietly behind her.

"Ok, I'm ready. Shall we?" She asked me.

"We shall," I said and held the door open for her. After I stepped out she locked her office and we made it to the reception area where we found the other couples.

"Ali, how are you getting home? You rode to work with me." She asked Alice.

"Oh, I was going to ride with Jasper." She said turning to Jasper who just slapped his palm to his forehead.

"I rode here with Auntie Esme. I was going to hitch with Emmett," he said. Then I got an idea.

"Why don't Alice and Jasper take your car and I can take you home. If that will be fine with you of course," I said looking at Bella.

Before she could answer Alice started to jump up and down. "Oh, that's a great idea. Bella, keys!" Alice said reaching out her hand.

Bella was a bit hesitant but handed them over saying, "You better take care of my car like you take care of yours or else!" she said in a somewhat authoritative tone.

"Or else what?" Alice retorted.

"Or else your Jimmy Choo's are going in the dumpster!" Bella simply said.

"Ok, ok, no need to be hostile with my babies," Alice said then we all got into the elevator and made our way to our cars.