A/N: So I hope my lack of updates haven't turned people away from my writing. If it did I'd be sad. Anyway let me continue and start writing the

real

first chapter. I've had this idea in my head since before I started "A Summer of Decisions" so it's pretty well thought out!

Chapter 1

You are cordially invited to the wedding of

Mr. Jacob Black

&

Ms. Conley Bolton

The wedding will take place at 1800 North street

At 4:00 pm on June 4th, 2009.

The reception will be held at the park side ballroom.

We hope you will join us on this special day.

"No way Jake, I'm already busy enough as it is." I groaned into the phone as I looked at the lacy invitation.

"Bel-la." He whined. "Come on you're my best friend. Please, it would mean a lot to Conley and me."

His offer was tempting. A week vacation in New York City and all I had to do was write a speech, plan the party, and be at the rehearsals. I glanced around my cluttered desk and reality busted my happy little bubble. Piles of papers were randomly scattered around the small room, my notebook with ideas was sitting in my lap, and the chapter in my novel I was working on was open on my laptop screen. I would be a fool to think I could leave all of this unattended.

"Come on Bella, we all miss you. How long has it been since you saw Alice? She's dying to see you." He paused letting the bait hang in the open water.

He was right. I did need a mini vacation and it had been months since I saw my bubbly best friend. I missed her like crazy and the too sunny California atmosphere was starting to wear on my nerves.

"Fine, but my publisher isn't going to like it." I groaned knowing Alley would give it to me when I told her. I was already in danger of missing my latest deadline.

"I knew you'd see it my way." Jake said. I could almost see the satisfied grin planted firmly on his face.

I sighed as the door opened and Riley strode through the door. "Okay Jake, I'll call Alice and make plans later."

He chuckled. "See you in a few week Bella."

I laughed to myself. "Yeah, see you then."

I hung up the phone and focused all my attention to Riley's expectant face. His expression was curious as he walked closer pulling me up from my seated position then pulling me back into his lap as he sat. "Hey, you look tired." He commented kissing my head softly. "Another long night?"

I nodded leaning back against him. "Kind of, I got an idea half way through the night and I couldn't get to sleep until I had it down on paper." I paused. "Then Jake called with interesting news." I gestured toward the lacy invitation. "I knew they were getting married, but he wants me to be his best woman." I couldn't help but laugh at the title.

Riley nodded. "Well it looks like we're going to New York." He said nonchalantly.

I nodded. "Yes, it'll be interesting to see what's been going on. I haven't seen everybody together since two years at camp when…" I trailed off not wanting to think that far into the past.

Riley pulled me closer to his chest; his eyes found my open chapter. "Wow, you got a lot written." I knew he was changing the subject and I was grateful.

I nodded. "Yeah, that teacher who told us to write right when we got the idea really helped me."

"Aren't you glad I sent in your application?" He asked out of the blue.

I glanced around my small office. There were pictures hanging on the wall of me with Riley, of me Alice and Rose, and some of me with Emmett. Along my desk were more pictures of me with Riley and then one of Conley and her gang along with Alice, Jasper, Em, Rose, me, and Edward. The memories were so fond and I missed the easiness of the summer after my senior year.

I focused my attention back on Riley and then smiled. "I really am."

He smiled back at me sweetly and his hand caressed my face. "I'm glad." He paused. "Are you sure you'll be able to handle it?" He asked.

I took a deep breath so I would believe my answer. "Yes, now go clear your calendar."

He laughed and leaned up to kiss me again. The kiss was much like they always had been and it sent chills up my spine. He smiled against my lips and pulled away. "How I ever got you, I don't know." He half grinned. "But I'm glad for it."

I leaned down to peck him lightly on the lips again and then I stood up to let him out. While I was up I grabbed my cell phone and hit speed dial 2 for my publisher and dear friend Alley. She was moody at times, but she was usually pretty confident in me and I loved her for that.

"Morning ladybug." Her happy voice came over the phone. "How may I help my best-selling author today?" She asked obviously concentrating on something else.

"My best friend's wedding is in a month and I need to be there." I paused. "I'm the best woman."

She sighed. "Bella, you can't do this to me." She groaned. "We need those chapters to make the deadline."

"I know, I know." I thought about it for a second. "How about I promise to work almost all the time I'm there." I amended. "Please, this is really important to him."

A sigh of defeat slipped through her lips. "Fine, but I expect some progress by the time you're back." She paused. "And lots of pictures!"

I couldn't help the smile that slipped on my lips. "Thanks Alley, you're a doll."

She chuckled. "Yeah, I know. Now get to working!" She urged and then the phone hung up.

I stood up and glanced at the unfinished chapter on my computer screen. I quickly saved it and closed the screen heading toward the bathroom. I brushed my teeth quickly to get the morning breath taste out of my mouth. Then, clad in pink fuzzy slippers and Areopostal penguin pajamas, I headed toward the bedroom to find some clothes.

Riley was there shuffling through his drawers contemplating the same decision I was. I glanced from my dresser to my drawer and seriously thought about climbing back in bed and pulling Riley with me so we could snuggle.

Riley caught my longing look toward the bed and he quickly walked toward me putting one hand on each side of my face. "No way, if I have to go to work, then so do you."

I stuck my tongue out at him and turned toward the tedious task of picking out today's wardrobe. Finding nothing wearable in my dresser, I walked toward the closet and my eyes scanned the clothes. I guess I should say the lack of clothes in my closet. I had to admit my wardrobe has suffered greatly ever since Alice hadn't been right next-door.

I sighed pulling out my favorite black ruffled shirt and then walked to my drawers to find my favorite jean capris. I silently crept toward the bathroom with Riley following closely behind. I climbed in the shower while Riley proceeded to shave and do whatever else guys did in the bathroom.

I exited the steaming shower and the scent of Axe wrapped around me filling my lungs. I followed my nose back to the room where I found Riley silently going through the routine of getting dressed in the morning. I continued getting dressed and fell back on the bed. Apathy tugged on my body and I fought the urge to just curl up in bed and sleep.

"Come on Bella, I'll even run you by Dunkin' Doughnuts and get you a hot chocolate." Riley tempted me with my favorite chocolately drink.

Riley's large hand wrapped around my hand and he pulled me toward his body. My wet hair left water droplets on his crisp black shirt. My eyes dropped and so did my head as I leaned against him.

The shrill ring of the house phone snapped me out of my dreamy trance. Riley leaned over and picked up the cause of the incessant ringing.

"Hello?" He answered laughing as I looked at the phone peeved. "Yeah, right here." He handed me the phone and I placed it to my ear.

"Hello?" I asked yawning.

"Bella? Are you still sleeping? Bella you're going to be late for work. Get your lazy butt up and get down to the school." The high-pitched bell like voice was unsurprisingly annoying this early in the morning.

"Ugh, Alice I'm up, I'm up." I answered heading toward the bathroom to do my hair.

"That's my girl." She giggled still being her bubbly self.

I rolled my eyes, glad that she couldn't see me, and then proceeded to question her. "What do you need Alice, I do need to get ready for work."

She squealed. "I'm so glad you're coming Bella, Jake's really happy."

I glanced around the bathroom and found my brush and started to brush through the tangles in my drying hair. "Okay, so your point?" I asked trying to get her to spit it out.

She laughed. "Oh Bella, I just wanted to let you know that I already have plane tickets for both you and Riley." She paused. "Also be prepared for yellow." She stated cryptically.

I processed what she was saying then brushed away that bit of information. "Okay, will do."

Alice giggled again. "I'm just so excited, I can't believe Conley and Jake are finally getting married. They already sound like an old married couple."

I had to agree with Alice there. Conley and Jake were just as feisty as an old couple yet just as passionate as young lovers. "Okay well Alice I really do need to go. I'll talk to you later."

Alice hesitated. "Okay fine, but we do need to talk," she paused again, "and not just about your wardrobe."

A/N: So, you finally figured out who sent in the Stanford application. Riley and Bella together? What happened at camp? What does Alice need to talk to Bella about? Most importantly… Where's Edward?

All this and more answers will be revealed… soon.

Review!

PS: The more reviews, the more drive I have to finish a chapter.

Kayla