Chapter 7
Jacob POV
I was not happy with how the Sinclair meeting turned out. I knew she was young going in and had been told she had been kept out of Mr. Sinclair's business for the most part so I was very surprised by how informed she was. I expected to be meeting with a mousy woman I could easily sway to do what I wanted. Instead I had a meeting with a barracuda who had looked as if she would gladly sharpen her teeth on my ass if I didn't let the Seattle thing drop. But did I let it drop there, no, no I did not.
It was a mistake crashing her meeting last night with the City Planner, she was not happy about that. I know she saw the confusion on his face at some of the questions she asked, I didn't have all of the needed permission to do some of things I had proposed but I knew I could get it if I could use the Sinclair name as the reason. I needed this contract, without it I am not sure how the company would survive. The Sinclair project would give the company the respectability and exposure it required to expand.
My father was always telling me I wanted everything now instead of doing it slowly and on solid ground. Fuck that I wanted that Sinclair contract especially after that prick Cullen royally screwed up, the icing on the cake would be landing it when he couldn't. When I first heard about the scene I was elated, then between the article in the paper and Isabella's refusal to discuss it I didn't know what to think. When I got the call to tell me about the board meeting I thought finally he is out, couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Again Isabella Sinclair saves his ass and I was pissed, so had I learned my lesson about keeping my mouth shut - no. I brought it up when I saw her and she was livid.
The City Planner had excused himself for a moment and I took the opportunity to pry a little. "So, Mrs. Sinclair I understand you were forced to save Edward Cullen's ass again."
"I'm sorry Mr. Black I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Rumor has it that after the gala the Board wanted Cullen out and you stepped in to save his job. Even if he can help with your bid, the man has been nothing but rude to you I would think you of all people would want him out."
"As I said I don't know what you are talking about I haven't left San Diego and besides the Cullen's hold control of the voting stock. I don't think his job was ever really in danger."
"Oh, when she said you called..."
"Mr. Black I am here to discuss The Sinclair Foundation. What happens with Swan Enterprises isn't your concern right now and my opinion of Edward Cullen is not open for discussion. Sinclair's Controller will be here by Thursday I would like for him to have access to all your files for this project. Does that create a problem?"
"No problem I look forward to working closely with you on this."
Not to long after that the meeting was over. I would have to be very careful with her Controller and her. I couldn't have her too suspicious, she had the kind of contacts that could shut me out if I pissed her off too much. I needed to see her in a social setting and show her I was a good guy. How to make that happen?
Emmett POV
I left the boardroom thinking WTF? At the end it felt like I was part of play but had no idea what it was about so all I could do was watch. It was nice to see Aro put in this place though. That was good it made me want to pump my fist - go Bella.
Rose and I discussed the meeting that night and what could Aro be after, it sounded as if he wanted Edward out due to some overseas contracts. As long as that was the case it didn't directly concern me and Jasper could worry about it in detail. We were just going to bed when I got a call from a friend of mine in San Diego. I answered his questions and went to sleep.
In the morning I got up and went to meet the guys at the gym to discuss yesterday. I was only half listening to their conversation because I could not get my mind off that phone call last night. They were wrapping things up, Edward was going to look more closely at the contracts Aro had pushed but not gotten Edward to go after, Jasper was going to look into their company in general and Carlisle would try to talk to Isabella to see if she would tell us what she knows. We were heading to the showers when I called, "Carlisle can I talk to you for a minute about something else."
"Sure Emmett. Edward, Jasper you two go ahead and I we will talk later on about this."
I waited for them to walk away before I said anything. "A college buddy of mine called last night, he works in the City Planning Office in San Diego. He was asking very specific questions about how we received federal approval for our environmental permits and our approval for other green measures we use on projects. He said there was a project he was consulting on and didn't think the contractor had the right credentials needed."
"Ok, I don't see where you are going with this Emmett."
"I thought what he was asking about sounded familiar and then this morning I remembered. What he was asking about are the exact things that would be used on the Sinclair Project. Isn't she in San Diego now talking with The Black Trust?"
"Yes, I am sure that is where she told Esme she was going. Do you think Black is making promises he can't keep?"
"I do think that but even more I have an idea. Sinclair said Seattle was out not Cullen Construction. I know the Foundation normally prefers to use local contractors but we already have all the approvals except those specific to San Diego. I want to make a pitch to her Carlisle. We leave Edward out of this and let her deal with me, at this point we have nothing to lose."
"I think you're right Emmett, put everything together and show it to me before you set up the appointment. We will have to bring Edward into this just to let him know it is happening but he will not have any contact with Isabella about this."
"You do realize Carlisle that if we take this project from Black and his on turf it will just piss him off more and probably at Edward."
"Well Emmett it is time he learned an important lesson. I believe the saying is 'if you can't run with the big dogs then stay on the porch' and we are just the ones to school him on that."
BPOV
I was looking forward to the weekend and the Shakespeare Festival, this had not been a good week at all. Starting with Jacob Black, he thought he would be dealing with someone he could easily manipulate and then to barge in on my meeting with the City Planner. Did he think I wouldn't notice the odd looks he got whenever I brought up the things we wanted to make sure it was a green structure? I am glad Allan is here and digging into everything, I expect to be told he can't do what his proposal says he can. The man will not leave me alone, I am not sure I want to do business with him so I damn sure don't want to see him socially. I have 'bumped' into him several times during the week but last night was the final straw. I was at the zoo:
"Isabella I can't believe you are at the zoo."
"Yes, well, I love the zoo. I find it very relaxing."
"Do you mind if I walk with you."
"Yes actually I do. Mr. Black I am not trying to be rude but one of the things I need to think about is possibly having Sinclair in San Diego and I find that hard to do around you. Please, just give me the space I have asked for."
"This is about Edward Cullen isn't it?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"I have heard all about how he is pursuing you. Don't play coy with me, do you really think she will allow you to get close to him? I am 10x's the man he can ever hope to be you need to realize that."
"Let go of me. I have told you before I barely know Mr. Cullen and I don't have any type of relationship with him. Just as I do not have any type of relationship with you, if you can not accept this then I will be forced to remove The Black Trust as one of the companies we work with."
"I am sorry Isabella I didn't mean to grab you. Edward Cullen and I have had run-ins in the past and I just... he would not be good for is what I am trying to say."
"I appreciate your concern but it is uncalled for. Good-day."
That was the second time in a conversation that he had said she told him something that he shouldn't have known. After the phone call I received from Chicago I had an idea who she was and she needed to be stopped. It was Wednesday morning when my cell phone rang.
"Hello Bella, it is Stella. How are you?"
"I am fine Stella. Is everything ok in Chicago. How are you grandbabies?"
"They are fine and keeping me busy but I miss my visits from you dear. Now, I am not one to beat around the bush Bella and you need to know someone is inquiring about you here."
"Do you know who it is or what they are asking?"
"Her name is Tanya Denali and she is asking questions about your personal life not business. Of course no one is telling her anything and she is having Carmen ask around too. But after the last scandal Carmen was involved in no one is talking to her either."
"Thanks for letting me know and tell everyone thank you for not talking. There is nothing to find but what I like most about my private life is that it is private. Kiss those grandbabies for me and I promise to visit as soon as I get back. Goodbye Stella."
So, Tanya was digging around and I had a strong feeling that she was talking to Jacob Black. It was time to do some digging of my own and then put Ms. Denali in her place. First I had to be 100% sure that Edward was not interested in her at all.
After placing a call that would get me what I needed on Jacob and Tanya I decided to call the person who could help find out about Edward, Esme Cullen. First I sent her a nonsense e-mail about something for Hope House and then I wrote out the fax I needed to send her. It asked about Edward and Tanya and also asked for her and Carlisle to meet me at my ranch in Mill Creek, California on Tuesday. I was going to send one of the Swan helicopters for them. The prompts I was using were to tell her about my weekend plans and ask her about her weekend plans. I also asked her not to tell Carlisle just to be sure he was on the helicopter and destroy the fax. As soon as she answered I sent the fax.
"Esme its Bella. How are you?"
"I am fine dear and how are you?"
"I'm good. I am sorry for asking this of you but I sent you an e-mail about Hope House. I forgot about some of the things that still needed to be done and I was hoping you could help me with them. I am also faxing you some information."
"That is not a problem Bella the fax is coming through now, just let me get it."
"Did it come through ok?"
"Yes, it did. So, are you enjoying San Diego? Do you have plans for the weekend?"
"I am actually going to the Shakespeare Festival at the Old Globe Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. I will be seeing King Lear & The Taming of the Shrew, I have heard the company is very good. Have you ever been?"
"No, we have not had the opportunity to go. You will have to let me know how it goes."
"I will. Do you have plans for the weekend?"
"Yes, actually it is Edward's birthday Friday so we are going out to dinner. He said that was the only time he is available this weekend."
"Have a nice weekend Esme. I appreciate you doing this for me on short notice."
"No Bella, thank you. You have already done so much for us this is nothing. Have a good weekend. Good bye."
So Edward has no interest in Tanya that is good to know. I hated asking Esme to keep this from Carlisle but I couldn't speak freely until I knew it was safe to do so. Edward and I had been e-mailing each other and he had neglected to tell me it was his birthday. I knew just what to get him and I would have everything delivered to Esme's so he couldn't refuse it. Here's hoping he has a sense of humor and no animal allergies.
EPOV
This week had been weird has hell, its up it's down by Wednesday I was rolling with it and hoping for the best. It was Friday and I was glad it was over, I was planning on surprising Bella in San Diego and I hoped it turned out ok. I booked myself into a different hotel just to prove to her it was a friendly visit I wasn't looking for anything.
The board meeting on Monday shocked me on several levels. Aro & I had not been getting along lately, he was pushing overseas contracts and I have never liked them. There are too many variables and it is extra hard to keep track of everything. So I wasn't surprised when he pushed for a vote but I was floored when he started suggesting replacements. I sat there defending myself watching my job slip away from me, one look at my father told me he couldn't believe either. Then the call came in from Bella and I had no idea what to say, I knew she wasn't doing it for me personally but I was bolstered by her vote of confidence. If a woman I had pissed off and insulted beyond belief had faith in my business sense I must be doing something right. I called her when I got back to my office to thank her.
"Isabella I just wanted to personally thank you for what you did today. I don't know how I can express the depth of my gratitude."
"Mr. Cullen, you're welcome but I must stress that this was purely a business decision on my part. When you receive the bid you will understand, it is very important that you understand my personal feelings had nothing to do with this, I did what was best for Swan Enterprises."
"OK. Please, I know I have asked you to call me Edward. Whatever your reasons I am glad for them."
"Edward, you have a great business mind and deserve to be in the position that you have. Do not let Aro or anyone else make you doubt yourself. I would like to warn you though, you need to check your own backyard Edward I don't think it is as secure as you think it is. Thank you for calling, goodbye."
I had no idea what to make of her crypt message but I took it to heart and started looking into things, especially the contracts Aro had been pushing. Something felt off about them put I couldn't put my finger on what it was. I tried to get more information out of Bella but she was tight-lipped about things.
It did however give me a reason to start e-mailing her and we had been doing that several times a day for the last week. They slowly turned from all business to a little more friendly as the week went on. We talked about giving me the chance to get to know her and she said that would be fine but she refused to get personal in any way other than face to face. It was in one of those e-mails I found out she was going to the Shakespeare Festival this weekend - perfect. I decided to fly down and surprise her at the Festival, I would fly in on Saturday and out on Sunday. A quick trip, no strings and maybe she would actually talk to me about things, I mean we would be face to face. I asked her what she thought of surprises and she said " I have found that with a sense of humor most surprises are fine. Don't you agree?" Then she laughed and flat out refused to explain any more, the woman was infuriating but I really wanted to spend time with her.
I was at my parents waiting for Alice & Jasper so we could go out to dinner, my birthday dinner, my 41st birthday dinner I was not excited about it. When the doorbell rang we just looked at each other and Esme went to answer it. "Edward the door is for you." and then she bursting out laughing. I cautiously went to the foyer and when I saw what was waiting I couldn't believe it.
"No, there has been some kind of mistake." I told the delivery guy.
"You are Edward Cullen?" I nodded. "Then this is for you. Happy Birthday by the way. Oh, we need to bring in her kennel, toys and food."
"No you need to take her back. I do not own a dog."
"Sir, I have a birthday card for you, the lady was adamant that we not allow the gift to be returned. This is not just any dog, she is a 100% pure bred AKC registered American Pit Bull. She is 12 weeks old and the woman who bought her had us check into her lineage and the mother and father were both very docile. She should be great company for you and here is her special chew toy the lady provided for her. Hey, this kind of looks like you with the hair and the suit. This is great wait till I tell the other guys."
"May I have the card please and the toy?" He handed them to me and left. I just looked at the dog, who was chewing that toy like it wanted to rip it apart. Esme and Carlisle were both laughing now.
"Oh Edward, read the card, I want to know who sent her. They must not be aware of your aversion to pets. She is a cutie though, I wonder what her name is?"
"I have no idea what her name is mom but here you can read the card."
I gave her the card and she laughed even harder when she read it. "This is priceless I think you will be keeping this dog Edward. Let me read you the card."
Edward -
A little bird told me it was your birthday and I struggled with what to get you.
It isn't everyday you turn 41, then I received a call about a friend of yours and in my mind I likened her to a dog with a bone and presto I knew what I wanted to get you.
She is a cutie and I will be hurt if you give her away, I actually have 2 at my primary home. The dog's name is Tanya and I named the chew toy Eddie. I had him special made to look like you and I think they did a good job.
Remember - a surprise is good if taken with a sense of humor - I wonder how good your sense of humor is.
Happy Birthday Edward- I hope it is a good one for you.
Fondly -
Bella
I turned to my parents, "I can't believe she gave me a dog."
"I think it is more the message behind the dog you need to worry about Edward." Carlisle said. I just looked at him confused. "Like a dog with a bone, that is not good Edward. Are you sure Tanya hasn't threatened her again?"
"I don't know but I will ask her."
Alice and Jasper arrived and we went to dinner, which was nice and relaxed just what was needed after the week of hell. When we returned to my parents I had to ask Esme if she would watch Tanya, I had to rename that dog, for the weekend as I was flying out in the morning. I didn't tell anyone where I was going, if things went badly I didn't want to answer a lot of questions.
I landed in San Diego late morning and dropped my luggage off at my hotel. Then I explored the city, I found her hotel and the Theatre, I hadn't realized it was an outdoor theater. As it got closer to time for the play I got more nervous, I had talked myself into leaving because it was a stupid idea several times already. The play would be starting soon so if I was leaving it had to be now, I was just about to stand when I felt a small hand on my shoulder. "Edward I had know idea you would be here this weekend, what a pleasant surprise." I turned and was looking into her beautiful brown eyes.
"Actually Bella I came to see you. I was hoping maybe we could have some face to face communication so I can have the chance to redeem myself and get to know you better." She looked scared as hell.
"Please don't be scared I just want to spend time with you. I am staying at a different hotel than you, I do not want you to feel any pressure. I am hoping we can watch the play, walk around some, have dinner and then I will drop you off at your hotel. Maybe have breakfast in the morning before I fly back to Seattle but to start I want to watch King Lear with you, ok?"
"That sounds nice Edward, let's start with the play and see how things go."
The play was good but the walk around afterwards to look at the Festival was better, she actually started to open up to me.
"Edward I need to be upfront with you. I am willing to tell you anything up to the point I married Edgar, that is off limits and will require much more trust before I can even think of sharing that with you. I don't want you thinking that I will never be able to get over him and that is why I won't share because that is not the case, I just need to know you are willing to be open minded if I ever share that with you. I will tell you that Edgar and I married for a lot of reasons but one of them was not love. We grew to care for each other very much and love was a part of that but not in the beginning."
I was shocked, when you asked anyone about them it was made out to be this great love affair. I knew it showed on my face because I could see her start to become unsure of herself over what she had just said.
"Bella, I just want to get to know you better. I will be happy with what ever you choose to share with me whenever you want to share it."
"Thank you Edward. I thought you said something about feeding me, I have to warn you though I am not the salad kind of girl I know how to eat and enjoy it."
"Good thing I am taking us to Donovan's of Downtown, it is a Steakhouse."
"Mmmmm steak. A man after my own heart." I knew she did not mean it like that but I couldn't help but agree with her.
It had been so long since I had been on a date with a woman I wanted to get to know I had no idea how to act, so I just asked questions and she answered them as long as I stuck to the rules.
We talked of her love of literature and my love of music. Her private tutors and my prep schools, our parents and her loss of hers, my siblings and her loneliness of being an only child, traveling the world and what we liked best of the places we had both visited. We lightly touched on my 'paranoia' as she called it of gold diggers and her need to save as many people as possible. We talked of my MBA and the fact that I was a MD and her college education.
"Edward I was always taught by private tutors, they traveled with us and were there year round. You don't have to be a prodigy when you have that kind of one-on-one attention. Even for college I challenge tested a lot of courses and once I got my bachelor's getting the higher degrees didn't take long. I have a MBA and 2 doctorates, one in behavioral psychology and one in sociology and they have helped me immensely in business, sometimes more than the MBA."
"When you put it that way I can see your point of view but still most young people are partying and having fun in college and it doesn't sound like you did that."
"I didn't grow up that way no and I think just as I getting ready to hit a rebellious stage my parents were killed and that put an end to that."
She looked as if she was getting uncomfortable with the turn the conversation had taken and it was getting late so I suggested we call it a night and took her back to her hotel.
"I had a really good time tonight Edward, thank you very much." She gave me a hug and stepped onto the elevator and just as the doors were closing I heard her say, "It was a good surprise but I think your birthday present was better." Then the doors closed, how I could have forgotten to ask her about the dog.
I went back to my hotel that night and had a very hard time falling asleep. Tonight was great, even better than I had hoped it would be. I knew I was falling for her and the more I learned about her the more I wanted to keep her with me all the time. I wasn't worried about the age difference as much any more, we had carried on intelligent conversation most of the day and I am not sure when the last time was I had laughed so much.
When my alarm went off in the morning it pulled me from a great dream of Bella, I was just reaching to unzip her dress. My morning wood was hard enough that a cold shower alone wouldn't make it go away. I dealt with it quickly and hurried to meet Bella for breakfast.
She was already at a table when I arrived at her hotel. "Good morning Bella, I hope you slept well." I said as I sat and squeezed her hand.
"I did thank you and did you sleep well? I am sure you will sleep better once you get back to Tanya." My eyes got big and she blushed.
"Ahh. Yes Tanya. I need to talk to you about her."
"Really, is she still unwillingly to take her teeth out of you?"
"Very funny Bella. What possessed you to get a pit bull let alone give me a dog at all?"
"Well Tanya reminds me of a pit bull, I mean the characteristics are there in both of them. I had no idea if you were a pet person or not but I figured if you were serious about getting to know me it was better to start small with something around all the time and build up to an actual human." And then she had the nerve to laugh at me.
I picked up her hand and held it in mine, "So let me get this straight. You bought me a dog to see if I could handle have something around all the time that I have to take care of?"
"Something like that, I really do own 2 pit bulls, Thor and Loki, they stay at the Chicago house. I should warn you though I have guard dogs at all my homes, they are Rottweiler's and once you get to know them they are real softies."
"You have guard dogs?"
"Yes, they have full run of the house and grounds. There are 4 at each house. Stick around long enough and you can meet them."
"Well I am changing her name. No way will I ever allow Tanya to live in my house." She laughed at the look on my face.
We had breakfast and just sat and talked about anything until it was time for me to leave to catch my flight. We walked outside to get taxi's, me to the airport and her to the Festival.
"I am glad I came Bella, I was worried about surprising you but I had a really good time. I hope I can see you when you return to Seattle next week."
As I held the door to her taxi open she gave me a hug, "I'm glad you came too Edward. This is a side of you I don't think I could have seen in Seattle and I like this Edward a lot." Then she stood on her tiptoes and quickly brushed her lips against mine before she quickly got in the cab and drove off. I was still in a haze as I turned to go to my cab so I hadn't realized someone was near me until I bumped into them. I looked to say excuse me and saw the face of Jacob Black.
"Black" I said barely being civil.
"Cullen, why are you here?" he growled at me.
I was opening the car door when I looked at him, "I came to visit a friend." then I climbed in and left, the only thing I could think the entire way home was she kissed me. She KISSED me!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.
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