Disclaimer: I own everything but their names.

June 19, 2001 – Santa Cruz, California

Charlie was so thrilled to hear about my productive day that he offered to take me out to dinner – a perk in that I wouldn't have to throw together some kind of meal. All through dinner I listened to his praise and certainty that I'd do fantastic, but inside I was panicking. Especially when it dawned on me that I'd never bothered to ask Edward what time to actually be at work.

The next morning I dressed early and decided to check the internet, hoping the hours for the shop would be listed somewhere. There was no way I was going to mess up on my first day. At ten on the dot, I was waiting outside when Edward rolled up in a Jeep open on all sides with no top in sight… and a surfboard sticking out of the back.

I guessed he took his work seriously, then.

Sporting an outfit very similar to the one he'd had on the day before, he hopped out of his ride without even seeming to take notice of me. His hair was still wet, plastered to his forehead like he'd just stepped out of the shower.

My heart pounded out a steady beat as he came closer. I had no idea my body could react the way it did just by looking at someone.

Something told me there were a lot of things Edward could make my body do without even trying.

Stop it, Bella.

Reaction or not, the guy – man, my freaking boss… he had a kid, and more than likely, a wife. A family. I wasn't even on his radar. I told myself he shouldn't be on mine, either.

Instead I shoved my hands deeper into the pockets of my hoodie, anxious when Edward stopped and looked at me for a second. His gaze shifted to his wrist, looking at a watch that didn't exist.

"Are you trying to butter up to the boss already?" he asked, his voice all morning-soft and gritty.

I sputtered in response, and there may have been some flailing. When he laughed quietly and shook his head, I couldn't help laughing too.

Edward moved past me toward the door, leaving the scent of sun and sand in his wake. Amending my earlier assumption of fresh-from-the-shower to fresh-from-the-sea, I closed my eyes and inhaled. He even smelled good.

"Come in, I'll show you around before customers start showing up."

He gestured toward the door and waited for me to walk ahead before following me inside. He flipped the closed sign over and walked toward the back. The shop was dark and quiet and I hoped he couldn't hear how hard my heart was beating in response to his nearness.

"We have this area set up for kids to come in and just chill or whatever. It keeps some of the locals out of trouble. Surf boards." He pointed to them and then nodded to the doorway I'd seen him come out of the day before. "Back there's my office and the warehouse where we keep extra stock. If you need anything, just ask."

I nodded and tightened my ponytail. "Okay."

Edward buried his fingers in his hair and led me to the glass display cases. "We've got jewelry and sunglasses over here. I think until you get more familiar with how everything works, you'll probably be more comfortable working on this side. Jasper usually takes care of the skate stuff, and Paul—" he stopped and a look of confusion passed over his face. "I'm not exactly sure what Paul does."

I laughed as I peered down inside the case, if for nothing else to avoid staring at him. I knew I should have probably asked questions, or said… something, but I had no idea what ridiculousness was bound to come out of my mouth if I'd opened it, so I played it safe by zipping it.

An awkward silence filled the space between us for the next several seconds. When the door to the shop opened and the blond I remembered walked in, the heavy weight of awkwardness disappeared. We had a buffer. I rolled my shoulders and smiled at him.

Edward cleared his throat. "You've already met my brother," he snickered. "Jasper, this is Bella. Bella, this is Joey—I mean Jasper."

"Dude, you're never going to let it go, are you?" Jasper asked.

"Nope."

Jasper discreetly flipped Edward the bird and I covered my mouth to hide a laugh. Apparently that was the standard way of dealing with coworkers around this place.

"Good morning, Bella," Jasper purred my name and I rolled my eyes. I could tell we were going to be good friends.

"Morning," I replied.

"Is Grumpsalot giving you a hard time yet?" He jerked his thumb in Edward's direction.

I looked over at Edward nervously. I wasn't comfortable enough with them yet to say anything but the truth. "No."

"You just let me know if he does. I'll handle him for ya." He flexed a little and pumped his fists in Edward's direction.

"Bro, you're an idiot. Bella, I've got some things to do in my office. If you have any problems, Jasper's here to help you."

And then it was just me and Jasper. He talked almost nonstop while making his way around the store with a clipboard. I just kind of stood there awkwardly, looking at everything and feeling unproductive. I itched for something to do.

Until the morning rush began, anyway. What started as a slow trickle of customers turned into a room full of regulars, loud and joking and totally "in" on the atmosphere I wasn't. I'd barely had time to catch my breath as the last morning customer flip-flopped their way out of the shop before the afternoon rush began.

Save for a "break" when Edward pulled me into his office to fill out some paperwork, Jasper was really the one who taught me the ropes of surf-shop culture. I tried not to be disappointed that almost the entirety of my first day had been spent getting to know the wrong brother.

By the time we'd closed the doors that night I was exhausted, and all-together glad that closing wasn't too much of a hassle.

Fifteen minutes later, Jasper locked up the door behind us and turned to me. "What do you think so far?"

I covered a yawn and offered him a sleepy smile. "It's fun. You guys get some very… interesting people in here."

The sun had dipped into the horizon, leaving the night cool and breezy. Jasper reached up and pulled his hood over his head. "Oh yeah, we get the best of them."

"Kinda like people watching at the airport."

He smiled like he knew exactly what I meant.

"You got a ride home?"

I shook my head. "I walked…"

"Who's picking you up?"

"Nobody," I said.

"You're not in… wherever it is you came from anymore, sweetie. You can't just walk home alone at night. Where do you live?"

"Over on Kaye." I shrugged. "It's not that far. I'll be okay."

"You're crazy if you think I'm letting you leave here alone. Let's go."

"You really don't have to walk with me," I argued.

He gave me a look that clearly said he didn't care how much I complained, he was coming whether I liked it or not. I sighed and nodded my agreement before turning to lead him in the direction of our house. For about half a block, he walked quietly at my side.

My mind worked in circles, searching for a way to casually inquire about Edward's relationship status... or, well, anything about him, really, but I didn't want to appear obvious. Not with his brother.

Lucky for me, he broke our silence first. "So, where is it that you're from?"

I laughed softly, surprised it'd taken him so long to ask. "Washington State."

"What brings you to Cali?"

"My dad's company made some changes."

"That sucks."

I kicked a pebble and watched it roll into the street. "Nah, I wanted to come. High school's over. Time for something new. I was headed somewhere soon anyway."

"You just graduate?"

"Yep." I nodded, smiling at the easy way Jasper made me feel after only one day.

"Me too. College in the fall?"

"Yep. UCSC."

"Sweet."

"You too?"

He shook his head. "No college for me right now. I'm taking some time off to help E at the store."

"You don't sound very thrilled about that."

"It's still a pretty new development," he responded softly. "My… our dad, well, the shop was his thing. His and Edward's. I never wanted anything to do with it until I kinda had no other choice. But," he hesitated and stopped walking. I turned and looked at him. "It was his legacy, you know? I couldn't let E close the doors, not after…"

He didn't need to say any more, I understood immediately what he meant. "I'm really sorry."

"Thanks," he responded, picking up his pace again. "It's been tough, but we're making it. Mostly."

"Mostly?"

"Like I said, it's been tough." His voice had an edge to it that made me even sadder for him. I hated knowing that what seemed like two pretty good guys had been through what sounded like a really rough year.

In an effort to change the subject, I said, "I'm really glad your brother decided to give me a chance."

Jasper smirked. "You're pretty lucky he did."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean… since his divorce, he hasn't really liked anyone or anything. Except for Lisle. And me – but only on occasion. Clearly you made an impression."

We rounded the corner of my street and approached our new house. I bit my lip to hide a smile – I had my answer... well, one of them, at least.

There was still the question of Edward's age and a big 'ole ethical dilemma left. I did know one thing, though: I wasn't sure what had caused Edward to take a chance on me, but I was really glad he had.

So, he's divorced. Good news? Maybe? Just how old is this dude, though? ;)

You guys. YOU GUYS. Not only am I still blown away by how awesome each and every one of you are, but Rob was on TV with Betty White last night and I'm now shipping them. Don't flounce me.

Thank you for reading! Reviews are love, and who doesn't like getting love?

Until tomorrow!

xx