Chapter Three

EPOV

At exactly 4:45 the elevator door slid open, and I turned to see Bella striding towards me. There was no preventing my grin as I took in her appearance: black jeans, t-shirt, hoodie and sneakers. I was wearing the exact same outfit except that my hoodie was navy. She smirked a bit, but said nothing. I led the way silently across the street, and we approached the theatre. I adjusted my pace to hers, slowing down as she looked at the building, eyes wide.

I began telling her about the history of our theatre, and showed her the space starting from the front lobby, then on from the stage, backstage and dressing room areas. We went upstairs and took a look at the lighting grid and sound board, and I led the way through to the main Administration offices.

In the reception area of Admin, stood Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rose. They were all holding glasses of wine and bottles of beer, and I smiled as I saw Rose thwack Emmett up the back of his head for something that I couldn't hear, but automatically knew was either crude or childish. Alice turned as we entered the room, and she gave a little shriek as she ran up to us, embracing Bella like a long lost relative. Bella smiled at her indulgently and returned her hug briefly.

"Bella, I'm so glad that you're finally here!" Alice exclaimed happily.

"Thanks," Bella said softly, allowing my sister to drag her towards the others.

"Bella, this is my sort of husband Jasper, my big brother Emmett and his wife Rosalie, and of course, you've had a chance to get to know my baby brother, Edward. Everybody, this is Bella Swan." Alice was practically bouncing in anticipation.

Bella stepped towards Jasper and raised her eyebrows, "husband?"

He laughed and brought her into a quick hug, "I keep asking, she always says yes, but we have never actually gotten around to having it made official. One day, though, Bella, one day it will happen."

Bella smiled warmly as he slipped his hand into Alice's, and then she turned to Emmett and Rosalie. Emmett pulled her into a hug, and she stood her ground. Finally she punched him in the ribs hard and said, "Enough!"

Both Emmett and Rosalie laughed, and surprisingly to me, Rosalie gave her a quick hug as well, "I'm so glad that you made it. Finally, we'll get some order around here! Alice here has us running around like chickens with our heads cut off most days. I'm sure that you'll be able to work your magic and finally get us on some sort of actual schedule."

Bella smiled at her, "Definitely."

"Bella, can I get you something to drink? There's coffee, tea, beer or wine," Jasper offered.

"Coffee. Thanks," she said. Jasper led her towards the coffee maker and I watched as he murmured something to her to set her at ease with him. She stirred both cream and sugar into her cup, ignoring both the sweetner and low-fat cream option. Again, she surprised me with her choices.

I caught Alice staring at me again and I scowled, and went to the fridge to get a beer.

"Why don't we go into the conference room and we can get started?" Alice suggested.

She led the way down the hallway, and Bella paused to look at the posters we had hung of our past productions. She smiled at a picture of Rosalie dressed as Rapunzel, hanging over a window ledge looking down at a costumed Emmett. She looked fondly at a group photo of us onstage, taking a bow at an audience, and looked at me after seeing a black and white picture of myself at a grand piano dressed in a tuxedo.

"Snazzy," she murmured to me, and I couldn't help but feel fucking proud again.

Alice shot me a speculative look as I settled into a seat beside Bella and across from her and Jasper. I averted my eyes and reached for the folder that Rosalie had placed in front of our chairs.

"So, we've got a few weeks before our next production," Alice stated, getting down to business. "Jasper says that our take down has been completed, and once again we are left with a clean, orderly environment." She shot us all a glare, and Bella quickly ducked her head in amusement.

"I'm going to be spending the next week going over contracts and working through our promotion schedule. Jasper has agreed to inventory lighting equipment and complete any orders that may be required. Emmett is going to start construction on our new set, along with Rosalie, who will also be finishing up our past production binder. Edward is going to be working on the music for our new production at the studio up north and Bella can get started inventorying our storage area and acquiring props for the show, as well as setting up her office space," Alice said, looking at her checklist. "Are there any questions or comments so far?"

"I'm not going up north," I tried to sound casual, "I'll work from home, and here in the theatre."

Everyone stared at me, with the exception of Bella, who didn't understand the sudden silence.

"But you always go to the studio," Emmett said, "Why not now?"

I shrugged, "I can just as easily work from home, and if need be, make a trip up later, but for now, I figured that since Bella doesn't know her way around town, I can also become available for any assistance with her props search."

"Well, that's very thoughtful of you," Alice said after a moment.

"Yes, very thoughtful," Rosalie echoed.

Jasper only grinned and Emmett, for once, had nothing to add.

"Edward," Bella said firmly, obviously about to protest.

"Don't be absurd. It's the least I can do, and besides, someone has to show you around. I'm not as busy as everyone as this stage in production, so I'm the obvious choice. That's why I was able to get you from the airport today."

"Thanks," she said, and gave me a small smile.

"No worries," I said, and I stared down Alice who then smoothly continued with the meeting.

We all stood up from the table, an hour and a half later, and Alice said, "Bella, why don't you let Edward show you your new office, and then feel free to meet up with us later. We're going to head over to the pub down the road and chill for a bit."

"Okay," Bella nodded at the others, as everyone began to leave.

"Edward, would you meet me in my office after you show Bella her new digs?" Alice asked.

"Absolutely," I said, managing to remain casual.

I led Bella down the hallway brought her to her new office. "Wow," she stated, looking at the wide windows, filing cabinets, long desk, and the leather couch that was against one wall. She was speechless as she surveyed the room in length and width.

I smiled, "You've got tons of space because you are going to need it. Alice is a pretty strict taskmaster. She's gonna have you fill every single one of those filing cabinets in short time."

"Perfect."

I raised my eyebrows at her.

She shrugged, "I like to keep busy, and I know my shit. She might learn a thing or two from me, Edward."

"I don't doubt it," I breathed, impressed with her confidence.

"So, what time does everyone report in?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Let's just say, we don't do mornings," I told her, "A 5pm production meeting today wasn't just picked because of your arrival. Everyone usually comes in around 3 when we are in pre-production. Our start times during rehearsals are usually around noon. It's only around report times that we get here in the morning hours. For the next couple of weeks it's generally 3 – 11pm."

The look on her face stunned me into silence. She looked so happy, and her eyes seemed to glow, "Wow," she said again.

"What?" I asked, grinning, unable to take my eyes away from her.

"Sleep," was all she would say.

I couldn't stop smiling at her pleasure just from learning about a change of work hours. It was fucking glorious. "So," I said, leaning against the doorframe, "Do you want to walk over to the pub with me?"

"Okay."

We walked back down the hallway and headed downstairs, once again in silence.

We walked along the quiet street, and she breathed in deeply.

I did the same, "I hate the rain, but I love the rain," I told her, as she looked up at me.

She nodded but then stopped and reminded me with one word, "Alice."

I sighed. I pointed at the sign a couple of streets away and said, "That's the place there, the one with the Chimay lamp. I'll meet you in a few. Emmett and Rosalie will be there now, and probably Jasper, too."

"Okay," she said, and then blurted, "Thanks again for offering to help me out. You are thoughtful, Edward."

"Any time, Bella, any time," I managed.

She turned away and began walking to the pub on her own, and not for the first time, did I think how often Alice managed to shake up my plans.

"Edward Cullen, explain yourself," she demanded, as I entered her office, slowly.

"There's nothing to explain, Alice. I was only giving the personal Cullen touch," I said, mimicking her words.

"I do not want you messing around with her. I need her, Edward. She's going to be a very valuable asset to the company, and the last thing I need is for things to go to hell in a hand-basket because of 'the Cullen touch'," she protested.

"I object to your insinuation that I am going to mess things up for you," I said firmly, "and I have no plans on messing around with her. I am simply being polite, helpful and friendly."

"Why?"

"Oh, why the fuck not?" I said irritably, "We had a good conversation on the way home. She's interesting, accomplished and nice. Anyone would want to get to know her, so I don't see what's gotten you all worked up. What's wrong with me offering to give her a hand?" I questioned, running a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling a bit squeamish under Alice's harsh stare.

She sighed again, "Edward, I know that she's a nice person and she was hired because of her skills, but, and I mean this kindly, I know you. I know that you're not a true player, but you do have a small habit of getting quickly involved then heading for the hills. I don't want you to fuck this up. I need her, this theatre needs her, and if you even start thinking of needing her, I'd advise against it, this time."

I stared at Alice and it was her turn to look uncomfortable. I shook my head, "You know, I think that you owe me an apology. I've never been the type to hit on women at work. I keep things strictly professional. Any of the relationships that I've attempted have ended because they just weren't right for me. In this case, I am also going to state again, I just want to get to know her. I'm not going to fucking ask her to marry me."

Alice nodded slowly, "I'm sorry then, Edward. I do realize that the people you have dated weren't right for you. I just am worried that things will get uncomfortable if you start anything with her and it doesn't work out."

I sighed, "Alice, I promise I won't do anything that would prevent Bella from wanting to work here. In fact, I will back off entirely if you give me the order to do so. I can and will work up at the studio if you think it's best for the company, but my offer to help her out might actually be a good one. If I was in her position, I'd like the fact that someone was around to answer any questions she might have about the theatre. I won't hover, but I will be around enough that she will know how to get in touch with me if she does need any assistance, and I'm the least busy at the moment. You're going to be super -busy, as is Emmett and Rosalie. Jasper can lend a hand with her, though. Just say the word, and I'll get ready to head up north tonight, alone."

"Oh Edward," Alice said apologetically, "Really. I'm sorry I even mentioned a word about this. You are, as usual, right, and I'm glad that you've offered to help. I'm surprised, but I am very thankful. Why don't we just forget that I brought this up, please? Let's meet the others and get out of here."

For some odd reason, it looked like she was going to burst into tears, and I tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Don't overreact. Everything is cool."

"I know. Things will be just fine," she agreed, and threw her arms around me.

I hugged her tightly and said, "Come on. Let's go."

We entered the pub and I immediately spotted her sitting with Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper, along with some of the other regulars who had crowded around their table. My eyes narrowed as I saw Mike Newton, one of our stagehands, sitting alongside Bella, giving her cow eyes as Emmett regaled the table with probably the billionth dirty joke.

"Hey boys," Alice greeted, looking at Mike and Jacob Black, who also seemed to be immediately infatuated with Bella. In fact, everyone seemed taken with her. Emmett sat across from her, positively beaming whenever she smiled at him. She and Rosalie exchanged glances with each other when he cracked another joke. They both looked at him fondly and tolerantly. Jasper said nothing, but nodded in agreement at Alice's questioning stare.

"Alice, Edward," Jacob greeted lazily, not taking his eyes from Bella.

"Hey, why don't we get another table and pull it over?" Jasper said, as Alice and I stood, when the other guys showed no signs of leaving.

Bella stood up, "I gotta jet. I still have to unpack."

"I'll walk you back, Bella," Jacob immediately offered, "I'm heading that way, too."

I almost snarled at him possessively, and I could see Emmett and Rosalie exchanging smirks as I shook my head and said, "No, that's not necessary, Jacob. I'll walk her back."

Bella shook her head, "Ladies. Chill!" she called over her shoulder as she threw a twenty dollar bill down on the table, gave Alice and the others a wave and ran out the door, fast as lightning.

"Dibs," Jacob said to me, as he stood up from the table and threw down some money, and ran out after her.

"That motherfucker," I blurted, and bolted after them.

I heard a roar of laughter from the table behind me as I swung open the door.

I almost barreled into Jacob who stood in the middle of the sidewalk.

"Hey, watch it, Cullen," he demanded, "Now, where the fuck could she have gone so quickly?"

I looked up the street where Bella should have been but wasn't. I shrugged, and looked in the other direction, which was deserted, too.

We stood there for a moment and he said, "Well, better get in there. Emmett already ordered for you."

I ignored him and started walking towards The Bakery.

"Really?" he called after me.

I turned around, "Really. I just had a pretty long 24 hours. I'm going home. Feel free to have whatever Em ordered for me."

He looked at me suspiciously, but after a moment, walked back into the pub.

I sighed, ran a hand through my hair and started walking.

I had almost reached the front lobby of The Bakery when I heard footsteps behind me.

I turned and saw Bella walking towards me, not even bothering to hide the smirk on her face.

I raised my eyebrows at her, "And where did you take off to, missy?"

She shrugged, "Hid."

I snorted, "Really? That's pretty mature. Where?"

"Behind a parked car," she answered casually.

"Why?" I demanded.

We entered the building and headed for the elevator. She pressed the buttons to both 4 and 5, and I said, "I don't remember telling you that I lived on the 4th floor."

"Emmett told me."

We got on the elevator, and I said, "You still haven't answered my question. Why did you hide? Were you hiding from me or from Jacob Black?"

The elevator reached the 4th floor and she pressed the door button to keep it from sliding shut when I refused to move. She shrugged and said, "Neither. I just didn't feel like being walked home. I can do that shit on my own."

"You're a puzzling woman, Bella Swan. Some people would just think it was a pleasant opportunity to get to the same place at the same time with someone else," I said, casually.

"Are you going to your own apartment anytime soon?" she asked, looking pointedly at the button she was continuing to press.

"If you want me to," I said, still wanting to talk with her.

"You said you were tired," she remarked.

I shrugged, "I am. That doesn't mean I'm going to sleep right away, though."

"I've got nothing to offer here," Bella said flatly, "My shit's still in boxes, and I actually can't be bothered to unpack tonight. Besides, I'm not much of a conversationalist, if you haven't noticed."

"Yeah, what's that about again?" I asked, "Don't think that I didn't notice those one word answers earlier."

She sighed and she removed her finger from the button. The door slid closed again, and continued up to the 5th floor.

She hesitated for a moment, but then suddenly blurted out, "I don't like talking much."

"That's all right," I told her, "We don't have to talk. I could talk. Or we can hang out in silence. Either way is fine with me."

The door slid open, and she stepped out into the hallway, she shrugged her shoulders, which I was automatically taking as an invitation to stay with her.

We walked down the hallway, and she pulled her keys out of her jeans pocket. She opened the door, and made a motion with her hand, allowing me to pass by her. We entered the kitchen and she asked, "Drink?"

She opened the fridge and pointed out its meagre contents.

"A juicebox is good, thanks," I said.

She tossed me one and took out another for herself. She led the way into the living room, curled herself up at the end of one side of the couch after kicking off her sneakers. I smiled at her striped socks and she looked down at mine after I took off my shoes and lined them up neatly. I hadn't noticed that they weren't matching until that exact moment. I wore a black sock on one foot and a grey sock on the other. I had been in a hurry packing the night before and simply grabbed whatever socks I could find. An undecipherable expression passed by on her face, but she closed her eyes for a moment and then looked at me.

"This dislike of talking... is it because you are shy or you just don't want to?" I asked.

"Both," she admitted.

"How hard is it to only respond with one word answers?" I asked, teasingly.

"Easy," she told me, trying not to smile.

"Do you do this with everyone or just me?" I asked.

She shrugged again, "Edward. I can talk. I talk all the time. For work, mostly, but I'm a human being. I do talk to people now and then. I invited you in, didn't I?"

I nodded, "Yes, you did. Thank you."

"You're welcome," she said simply.

"What do you do when you're not working?" I asked her.

"Read. Write. Sleep."

"What do you like to read?" I fired at her.

"Classics. Dystopian fiction. 70s sci-fi."

"What do you write?" I questioned, watching as she began to twirl a strand of her brown hair around her fingers.

"Poetry. Articles. Stories."

"Do you publish?"

"Sometimes."

"Where? What have you published?" I asked, interested.

"Articles in a few magazines in Ontario. Once in Reader's Digest. A book of short stories with an independent press that went bankrupt almost immediately thereafter. Nothing much," she shrugged.

"And you got into theatre, how?" I questioned, unable to stop watching her playing with her hair.

"Writing. I wrote a couple of plays, too. I got offered some little gigs at a theatre in my hometown to help make ends meet. It kind of snowballed from there," she admitted.

"Really?" I asked, impressed. "Does Alice know that?"

She shook her head, "Nope."

I frowned, "Are you going to tell her?"

She shook her head again.

"Why not?"

"That was before. Not interested in plays anymore." she said firmly.

"Did you ever perform?"

She nodded, "A couple of times. I also played in a band. I'm done all that, though."

"You played in a band, but now, you're done?" I asked, in awe of her resoluteness.

She nodded again.

I stared at her, trying to imagine her onstage, acting in front of an audience, performing in front of one. I just couldn't do it. I held out my hands, questioning.

"It was a long time ago, Edward," was all she would say.

"Why did you come here?" I finally asked.

She sighed and slowly got to her feet, "Edward. I don't mean to be rude. And maybe, another time I'll answer that question. I think it's time for you to go home, though."

I nodded, knowing I pushed too hard. I was fucking glad that she was calm about it, so I bent down and put my shoes back on.

I looked at her after she walked me to the door and said, "Bella, I'm sor..."

She cut me off quickly, "No, please. Don't. I'm sorry. It was a good question. I don't know, actually. But I will let you know, once I got it all figured out."

She opened the door and I stepped into the hallway, "Bella, I know you don't have much food in there. I need to go grocery shopping at one point tomorrow. Will you come with me? Please?"

She stood there for a moment and then finally nodded.

"Great. I'll call you later. Let you sleep in a bit, if you want. Would 1:00 tomorrow afternoon be okay?"

"Fine."

"Goodnight, Bella," I said, staring at her intently.

She opened her mouth to speak, but then suddenly shut down. The brown eyes I was getting lost in a moment ago, looked to the ground, at the door, briefly at my face and back down at the ground again.

"Tell me what you were thinking," I pleaded, running a hand through my hair again. I didn't know how much more I could take of this.

"No," she said, shaking her head slowly.

"Maybe tomorrow?"

She looked sad, "No."

"You can tell me anything," I burst out. "You can ask me anything and I swear I will be 100% honest with you, too." I couldn't help looking into her eyes for some sort of answer.

She closed them briefly, and then let out a long, slow breath, "Thanks, Edward, but not tonight."

She gave me a small smile, and then gently shut the door. I stood there for a moment and looked down the hallway as the bell rang and the elevator door slid open. I frowned as I saw Alice and Jasper looking in my direction speculatively.

I shook my head and left them at one end of the hallway while I exited via the stairwell again.