The shop was doing pretty decently for it's first couple weeks being open and I was beginning to get familiar with the town. Charlie stopped by on Wednesday to visit, taking me out to lunch by the river. He and Sue were doing well. They had been watching her grandson Seth, Emily's newest baby.

"Reminds me of when you were that little." he said, tweaking my nose playfully.

He stopped in the shop to see the progress I'd made. He was definitely impressed.

"I'm so proud of you Bells. This is good work." he smiled, patting my back. He stayed long enough to help me install my TV and the sound system upstairs in my apartment. I convinced him to take home some cookies I'd baked and told him to give Sue and Seth a kiss from me.

"Don't be a stranger," he said as he left. "I'll see you soon, baby girl."

I smiled and waved as he left, glad he still called me baby even though I was far from the little girl I was.

Thursday I caught lunch with Alice at one of her favorite bistros in town. We chatted away as we had the first time we met, learning more and more about each other. I liked spending time with Alice. Even with all the energy she came with, I felt so comfortable with her. She had originally grown up in Riverdale but moved away for college and then her new job. She was a fashion designer for a baby clothing line. By the time Jasper proposed she had enough status to work from home and was actually the head of her department. They decided to move back to Riverdale because she wanted to be closer to her family. Jasper had lost his parents at a young age. He had a twin sister, Rose who actually fell for Alice's older brother Emmett.

"Weird, right?" she said. "You know, Rosalie used to come off as...well...she came off as a bitch. After their parents died she became cold to everyone. Even Jasper. But when she met Emmett, she did a total 180. She is still very protective and definitely speaks her mind, but he brought out a softer, more vulnerable side of her that I'd never seen. Jasper still says that Emmett brought back the old Rose. He likes to say there's just something about us Cullens. I think he's right. Rose and Emmett will be married next year!"

Alice talked more about her wedding plans and I was happy to listen. I was careful with what I revealed about myself, not ready to explain why so much of my childhood memories took place in a hospital. Instead I told her funny stories from college and we swapped stories about old boyfriends. It was nice to have a real girl friend around to talk to.

There were a few times I found myself wanting to ask about Edward, but I didn't. I learned little things about him from Alice's conversations with me. He lived on a nice property by the river all by himself. He had lived with Alice's family since he was sixteen.

Though she wouldn't say what it was, and only spoke of Edward briefly, I knew that something had happened to him. I wondered why he moved in with the Cullens instead of staying with his parents. If something tragic had happened, or perhaps they hadn't been the best parents. I assumed from our encounter the other day that Edward Masen didn't exactly like people.

It was Saturday morning when I finally got around to the last heaping pile of boxes. I'd been avoiding them, knowing it would take me a few hours to organize everything. But now I was determined to get it done.

Books and old pictures were unwrapped and placed on my mantle. Clothes were sorted, folded or hung up in the closet. Shoes were unpacked and organized neatly. Linens, laundry baskets, cooking supplies, baking pans, my grandmother's recipe book, my CD collection, all my medications...everything out of the box and organized. Then I cleaned and dusted and cleaned some more, hoping to sanitize my new living space as best I could.

It was late in the afternoon by the time I had finished. I took a quick shower, hoping to get the dust and grime off of me as quickly as possible. When I got out of the bathroom I found my phone alight with a new voicemail with Alice's name on the screen.

"Bella! It's Alice. I was just wondering if you were busy tonight. Jasper is in town with me and we just finished moving into our new house. We are throwing a little house warming dinner party tonight at 7:30. I was wondering if you would come! It would be great to see you and you'll meet tons of new people. I've already gushed about how wonderful you are to all of my closest friends and Jasper would love to meet you too! The address is 117 Hollow Drive. Bring Jake and Leah if you'd like! Hope to see you tonight!"

I smiled at her cheery voice on the phone, happy she wanted to see me again. I called Jake and passed on the invitation. Leah had to work late but Jake said he would pick me up and come along. I knew he didn't want me to go alone.

I rummaged through my newly organized closet and pulled out a few things. What to wear to a dinner party? Judging by Alice's clothes the past few times I had seen her, I knew deep down I should probably wear a dress.

I settled on an old favorite. It was a dark purple dress with a conservative square neck line, but a low cut, open back. It was fitted perfectly around my waist and flared just a touch at the bottoms. Simple, elegant, and yeah...a tad sexy. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping to see Edward tonight. He was a mystery. A beautiful one. He may or may not be an asshole - the jury was still out on that one - but that didn't mean I wasn't going to look good tonight.

I threw in a batch of my favorite cookies to bring along with me. The apartment filled with the heavenly smell while I curled my hair and put on a light touch of make up. My eyes looked dark and shapely with the shadows and liner I picked. I wasn't half bad at being girly when I gave it a shot.

When the cookies were done I pulled them out to cool and skipped down to the shop, pulling out my sheers to try and put together something for Alice's housewarming gift. I went to the cooler to bring out my flowering canna flaccida orchids. They signified hopefulness. I thought it suitable for a new home and a new life, to begin with hope.

There. Perfect.

Right on time, Jake's horn beeped from the front of the shop. I signaled him in the window before running upstairs to plate the cookies and grab my heels and a black cardigan. I locked the doors behind me and hopped into Jake's truck.

"Well, well, well...Miss Bella Swan are you wearing make up?"

I punched him in the arm. He was looking pretty dapper himself.

"Jesus woman..."

"I wear make up, Jacob Black. I can be a girl sometimes!" I defended. "Besides, look at you. Are you wearing khakis? I didn't even know you own anything other than those nasty garage jeans jeans and boxer briefs."

Jake liked to walk around in his underwear constantly when he was at home. He had a million pairs, all with some silly graphics or glow in the dark catch phrases.

Jacob Black was a funderwear whore.

"Yeah...Leah got em for me. We had to go to a work party at her office and she wouldn't let me leave the house without them on. I was really banking on that pair of underwear I have that say 'Business Time' all over the front of them. I thought for sure she'd let me go in those."

I laughed as we pulled away from the curb and headed towards Alice's house.

But Alice didn't buy a house. She bought a miniature mansion. It was a pretty modern style home. Sleek, straight lines and lots of glass windows. It was absolutely beautiful. And the surrounding area was mostly wooded so it was a nice, private piece of land. Her front lawns were so green and well kept. I could easily imagine a beautifully landscaped garden around this house.

True to form, Alice met us at the door with big, giant, happy hugs for both of us.

"You came! Oh my goodness you look gorgeous! Oh Bella, I'm so excited for you to meet everyone!"

Alice looked stunning as usual. She was wearing a tightly fitted, beautiful dark blue dress and of course...as I learned from our previous conversations, she wouldn't be Alice without her ridiculously high heels. I was a pretty small girl, but if I was a short as Alice, I think I'd wear them all the time too.

She led me by the hand through their front foyer into the living room where a small group of people waited for us. Some sat on the couch chatting and sipping wine. Others mingled by the fire place or at at the table full of gourmet looking appetizers.

"I can't believe you brought flowers! They are so beautiful! Let's put them in a vase and then I'll introduce you to everyone."

Just as she led me out of the living, I spotted him. Edward was leaning leisurely against a book case with a glass of wine, watching me. A tall, gorgeous blonde stood beside him, chatting with him occasionally. Of course he has a tremendously beautiful piece of arm candy. Who was I kidding. He participated in the conversation, his mouth moving to answer her, but his eyes never left me.

I snapped out of it long enough to stop staring and to follow Alice into the kitchen. I looked over my shoulder for just a split second to find Edward's eyes lingering on my exposed back. But I didn't have time to even over analyze this - not while trying to keep up with Alice. She was talking a mile a minute.

"And you brought cookies! Oh I told you we would be the best of friends. I just knew it!"

Her kitchen was beautiful. I'd do horrible, horrible things for a kitchen like that. And I'd never leave it. I'd just cook and cook and eat and eat and get fat and die happy. That's how beautiful her kitchen was. So much counter space, marble tops, sleek black kitchen appliances, and deep, dark wooden cabinets.

Swoon.

Alice went to work finding a suitable vase for my arrangement while I brought my meager plate of cookies back to the living room to place on the table already brimming with gorgeous looking appetizers. I felt Edward's eyes on me again as I crossed the room.

I panicked for a moment, wondering if maybe I had something on my face or stuck in my hair. But Jake would have caught that and helped me out. Right?

Stop thinking about it, Bella.

I stood in front of the table for a moment, trying to figure out where on earth I would fit my dumb little plate.

"Oh did you need help with those?" I rolled my eyes as I watched Jake's grubby paws swoop down and pick up about six cookies off the plate. He was already stuffing his face by the time I turned around.

"Mmmmm...oh my god, Bells. I love these things...why don't you make em for me every day? I mean I could eat these literally every single day..."

I didn't blame him. I mean, they were my grandma's white chocolate praline pecan caramel cookies. Definitely drool worthy.

I giggled as I watched him snarf down the cookies and make silly faces at me.

"Such a gentleman, Jake."

"There's that smile, B." he said. "You seem nervous tonight."

I shrugged him off. Thankfully he didn't push it.

Instead he grinned and slung his arm around my shoulder when he was done eating. He nodded his head in the direction of Edward.

"Who is that guy, B?"

"Alice's cousin, Edward. Why?"

"I don't like how he's looking at you."

I felt my face get warm and looked over to see Edward watching my interaction with Jake. When he caught my eyes, he looked away, bringing his attention again to the blonde woman in front of him.

He looked amazing. A black buttoned down shirt fit his upper body quite nicely. When he moved his arm to take a sip of his wine, I could see his muscles shift with the movement. He wore what must have been tailored slacks. His legs looked long and lean in them. His hair was still a tousled mess, but tonight it was more tousle than mess. Everything about him drew me in.

I watched him sip his drink and even smile occasionally as he spoke.

"Please, Jake. Edward is not looking at me any which way. Can we just enjoy tonight? Please?"

Jake rolled his eyes but his wink agreed with me.

Alice introduced me to her parents, Carlisle and Esme Cullen. They were stunning people. I was beginning to think that maybe the Cullens had this beauty gene that hadn't skipped a single generation. Carlisle had dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He was tall and lean, much like Edward. Esme had darker, chestnut locks and the same blue eyes as Alice. Carlisle was a doctor at the local hospital. I wondered why I had never seen him before. He shook my hand warmly and introduced his wife.

"Hello Bella," she had a soft, calming voice. Everything about her was genuine and lovely. "It's so nice to meet you. We've heard so many wonderful things about you from Alice. Carlisle and I must stop by your shop! Lord knows I love fresh flowers in my house."

"Don't worry, Bella." Carlisle said playfully with a wink. "You and I will do wonderful business together. I like to surprise my wife now and then."

She laughed and kissed his cheek. For moment I felt that longing feeling creep into my chest. Anyone could see that Carlisle and Esme were truly in love with one another. Even now, after all of their children had grown, they were inseparable. I wished for that.

Jasper was a perfect fit for Alice. He was a perfect southern gentleman and he adored Alice completely. Sandy blonde hair, intense hazel eyes, and an almost militaristic physique...he was quite the catch.

"It's very nice to meet you Miss Bella." he said as he shook my hand. We chatted about how I was liking Riverdale and about his excitement for their upcoming wedding. I found out he worked for an architecture firm and from the looks of their new place...he and Alice were extremely successful.

He pulled Alice in close and kissed her cheek as the oven dinged loudly from the kitchen.

"Sugar, I'm gonna grab that roast out the oven. You tell Miss Bella that any time she likes she can come over for some of my cookin'." He gave me a wink and headed off to the kitchen.

Alice looked at me and visibly swooned. "He does all the cooking. Do you believe it? I totally lucked out. The only food I can cook is microwavable. And even then...I've destroyed a couple microwaves in my time." she giggled.

I met some of her neighbors and got a grand tour of the new house. It was beautiful. And humungous. They had at least four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

"We like having family over so these will be guest rooms until we start having children. If you ever need to you are more than welcome to spend the night here."

We walked down the beautiful hard wood floors of a hallway on the upper level to see the guest rooms. Beautiful bedrooms, each with their own private balcony.

Each room was minimalist in style, almost zen like. Alice could run a bed and breakfast here. Each room looked like a little hotel.

One of the doors towards the end of the hall was closed as we came to it. I could just make out the sound of a man's voice behind it. Someone must be on the phone.

"Oh, that might be Edward. Gosh...he never stops working. Even at my house warming party! Jesus. I'll be right out Bella, let me just get my idiot cousin off the damn phone."

"It's alright, Alice. I was just going to use the restroom, I'll meet you back here in a minute." I winked.

The bathroom door was just around the corner from the guest room Edward was in. It was incredibly clean and modern. Fluffy, monogrammed towels hung next to a massive glass shower with beautiful dark blue tile.

I paused for a moment from inside the bathroom, listening closely. I could only make out the murmurings of voices. I could tell when Alice was speaking and when Edward answered, but couldn't decipher the words. I could tell, however, that Alice was not happy.

I reached in my purse for my medication, taking my usual dosages. I was glad I had a moment to do this in private. I looked in the mirror and gave myself a once over.

I looked pretty damn good. My scar was concealed well under the conservative cut neckline. After some chap stick and a hair adjustment, I straightened my dress and walked out. I was just about to turn the corner when I heard Alice and Edward coming out of the guest room.

I froze mid step when I realized they were talking about me.

"Would you try to be social tonight and at least talk to her? God Edward, she's new in town. She doesn't need you and your attitude. You can brood all you want when you get home and get back to the studio. Tell Mac to give it a rest for tonight and stop calling you."

"I hardly think that some doe eyed flower child can hold my interest tonight, Alice. And you know Mac has got the Lifton Gallery in the works for me next month. I have to keep him happy if I want to show there." Edward replied with a growl.

Doe eyed flower child? What an ass.

"Whatever. Just...please. For one night, can you refrain from being a dick? I really like Bella, and I don't want you scaring her off tonight."

There was no audible reply from Edward, but I heard one set of heavy footsteps heading back down the stairs.

I heard Alice coming towards the corner and quickly composed myself. I leaned backward to close the door as if I had just finished. I put on a clueless looking smile and followed her on the rest of her mini house tour. All the while I was replaying Edward's words in my head. The tone of his voice. So condescending. So sure I would be some naive idiot. He didn't even know me!

If he knew half of what I'd been through, naive would be the last word he would use to describe me. I had seen the darkest parts of life and of death and lived to tell the tale.

Screw you, Edward Masen.

I gritted my teeth and kept up with Alice, trying hard to keep my thoughts from being displayed on my face.

When we came back downstairs, Jake had found a permanent spot in the kitchen, salivating over Jasper's roast. He helped Jasper set the table and I could see that the two of them would become fast friends, just like Alice and I. Most of the guests had migrated from the living room to the dining room as the smell of something heavenly wafted out of the kitchen.

Before we sat down to dinner, Alice pulled me along to introduce me to the tall, beautiful blonde woman I had seen Edward talking to earlier in the evening. I was so sure that this was Edward's girlfriend, but soon found out it was none other than Rosalie, Jasper's twin sister.

I was afraid at first of a less than welcoming introduction, but Alice was right. Rosalie was sweet as a peach with just a hint of her own spunk and attitude... and absolutely beautiful. Tall and lean, with the body of a swim suit model. She had kind, warm brown eyes and a pearly white smile.

"Hi Bella! So glad you could come join us. Alice has not stopped blabbing about you since you first met. We'll have to have a girl's date sometime. Pretty soon it will be my turn to discuss flower arrangements with the famous Bella Swan!"

I laughed and immediately felt relief. It was easy to feel at home here with Alice and her family and friends. Everyone of them was so kind and friendly... with the exception of Edward. I found out Emmett was a firefighter at the local station and was unfortunately on duty that night and couldn't make it to supper.

And yet, with all the friendly conversation and new faces, Edward Masen still had yet to speak to me. It seemed that besides Rosalie, he really didn't speak to anyone much. In fact I had no idea where he had gone until we were seated for dinner.

And of course, Mr. Masen was directly across from me.

The table was filled with conversation and wonderful food. Pork roast, potatoes, greens, zucchini, corn, thick slabs of home made wheat bread and pumpkin butter. We toasted to Alice and Jasper's new home and new life together before digging in.

Conversation flowed steadily throughout the meal. Esme asked more about wedding plans. The event would be beautiful. The talked about venues and dresses and food and cake.

"Mom, you should see some of the flowers Bella and I picked out. She's going to make it so beautiful I just know it." said Alice, sipping her drink.

"How long have you been in floral design, Bella?"

I told her about my botany studies in college and explained my rather lengthy list of experience in shops and landscape crews before I opened my own place.

"I like the design aspect of floristry for so many reasons. But I think the best part is meeting people and bringing them something they'll remember on a special day. Like a holiday, a wedding, a party, an anniversary, or perhaps even on a very sad day. People buy flowers for many reasons, but it always has to do with loving someone. I get to be a part of it in a small way and that's what I love most. Weddings are particularly my favorite."

In my mind I could still picture the flowers that were waiting on my bedside table the moment I woke up 9 years ago. It was a purple and blue arrangement. Peonies and forget- me -nots, with little yellow buttercups and Queen Anne's Lace. I smiled to myself.

I let my brain return to the present and looked up to see Rosalie smiling warmly at me. But it was Edward's eyes I could feel most, watching me intently.

"Alice was right. I definitely know where I'm going for my wedding flowers." Rosalie said with a grin.

A large bottle of harvest wine was passed around the table for anyone who wanted it. Jake, knowing that I didn't drink, passed the bottle over me to Rosalie.

"No wine?"

I was startled to hear the words come out of Edward's mouth. He had barely said a word all night but I had felt his eyes boring holes through my skull the entire dinner. I tried to hide the surprise on my face with a warm smile in spite of my annoyance with him and replied,

"No, I don't drink."

"You don't drink at all? Or you just don't drink wine?" He asked, watching me curiously.

I didn't drink because the alcohol messed with my medications. Since the surgery I was very careful about what I put into my body whether it be food or drink. Alcohol was on the 'no, no' list.

"She doesn't drink." Jake stated. He said it calmly enough, but I could see he was becoming irritated. Edward could see it too. He smiled cheekily at Jake.

"Thank you for reiterating, but my hearing is just fine." he turned back to me. "Does your boyfriend always speak for you?"

Just as Jake opened his mouth to no doubt say something smart back at Edward, Rosalie thankfully broke the tension.

"So Bella! Where are you from originally?"

I swallowed, still bristling over Edward's comments.

"I'm from Forks actually. My father is the chief of police there. I lived there all my life until I left for college in Seattle."

I tended to do this when I met new people. I often mentioned where I went to college, hoping that we could avoid talking about my childhood and just talk about my college years onward. Most usually took the bait, but I guess I was out of luck tonight.

"Forks, you said?" came Edward's voice across the table. The table grew quiet around me and all eyes were on Edward and I. His demeanor was still cool and collected, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that was new.

"Yes. You're familiar with it I'm guessing?"

"Too familiar with it I'd say. Lived there until I was sixteen."

He no longer held eye contact with me and the arrogant sort of air he had just held was beginning to disappear. He had answered me with his eyes fixed on his plate.

He laughed to himself humorlessly and picked up his fork, stabbing some roast and potatoes. I paused, unsure of how to reply to that, or if I should reply at all. I looked to Alice for guidance, who gave me a weak smile before clearing her throat and interjecting.

"Jasper, the roast is wonderful baby."

The whole table hummed in appreciation and agreement. But Edward wasn't finished.

"Funny, with only one school in that tiny town I'm surprised I never met you." he looked at me curiously, almost challenging me, his teeth clenched.

I tensed for a moment. Of course he didn't see me. If he left when he was sixteen, he probably just missed my return to high school. And I spent my childhood in hospitals, home schooled in my little bedroom by the tutor Charlie hired. What kind of dinner conversation would that be?

"She was home schooled. On the reservation like me."

Jake to the rescue.

I slowly let out a breath of relief, trying not to draw attention to my sudden anxiety. But I knew Edward noticed. His eyes narrowed and his head tilted as he observed me closely.

"The daughter of a police chief home schooled on a reservation? That's odd."

He was smirking at me now, as if he knew he was catching me in my lie and challenging me to keep my composure. I didn't like this. I squared my shoulders and didn't break eye contact with the man across the table from me.

"Well, living in a town where everyone knows everyone can be exhausting. Especially for a cop's family. No one mind's their own business. And it was my dad's impression that townie kids grew up to be nosey and bitter." I said pointedly.

I could hear forks clinking against plates, but it was clear that no one was really eating. I could see Jake grinning smugly in my peripheral vision.

Edward leaned forward across his plate ever so slightly.

"That's quite a generalization for one to make, wouldn't you say?"

"Well you've done little to prove him wrong." I said, keeping my voice calm and cool, the tone of it even and carefree. "But what would I know?" I laughed light heartedly, keeping my smile the entire time. "I'm really just a doe eyed flower child."

I held his stare firmly, unwavering. Letting him know that I was not to be underestimated.

Suck on that, Masen.

Alice almost spit out her wine as she looked up at me wide eyed. Rosalie laughed out loud. And I caught Esme smiling into her napkin. Edward continued his stare down with me but his smirk had vanished. Jasper leaned back and grinned.

"Well, well. Miss Bella's got the bark and the bite. I like her, Alice. She can come to dinner anytime." He raised his glass to me and winked. "Now, where are those delicious looking cookies...?"

I laughed, relieved that my last word hadn't been challenged and that the conversation had successfully moved on. Edward was brooding across from me and rolling his eyes at his family.

But he was the first to take one of my cookies before passing the dish.

What a strange man.

I couldn't help but be proud of myself for putting Edward in his place. Doe eyed flower child my ass.

Jake was still giggling about it on the ride home. Once I told him what I had heard upstairs, he laughed even harder. Needless to say, he was not a fan of Edward.

The truck moseyed through the woods surrounding Alice and Jasper's house, out to the main road and back to the village.

We had said our good byes after coffee and cookies with the Cullens. Edward had left before the coffee pot was ready, saying an abrupt and curt goodbye to everyone there. He only stopped to kiss Esme on the cheek.

I had watched him as he did it. For a fleeting moment, he looked at her as though he might have a heart. His small affection was such a surprise to me. It was clear to me in that moment that whatever his issues were, he had a deep respect for Esme and Carlisle. He shook his uncles hand before heading towards the door. For a second, I almost felt sorry for putting him in his place in front of them. In front of Esme.

But Esme had given me a warm embrace before we left and rubbed my shoulder as she said, "Sometimes he needs a good kick in the pants, Miss Bella. And I like a woman who stands her ground. Well done." She winked at me and I couldn't help but notice Carlisle nodding in agreement.

"Well," I sighed as Jake pulled up to my building. "If I had any left over cookies, they would be yours."

"Aww you love me or something?"

"Eh."

"Whatever, Swan!" he laughed as I opened my door and hopped out.

"Thanks for coming with me, Jake. I mean it." I said as I leaned on his side door, looking at him through the passenger side window.

"Don't mention it, Bells. I never turn down free food."

I rolled my eyes and tapped his truck once before waving good bye and heading inside.

It was late now, almost midnight. I slowly trudged up the stairs to my apartment, starting to feel the pain in my feet from those heels. I couldn't stop thinking about Edward. I was so annoyingly curious about him. What was his problem?

Why did he have to be such an asshole?

Why did he have to be such a beautiful asshole?

I splashed my face with cool water, brushed my teeth and put on an old t shirt and some underwear before sliding into my bed. My eyes were heavy but my mind was still up and running. So many questions. All of which were about him.