Beta'd by cejsmom, who I met this weekend and just adore :)

Chapter 12
EPOV

It's been almost a week and no response from my ad. I didn't really think she would see it, but I felt compelled to try to contact her. That's really not like me to care what a stranger thinks, especially a beautiful female. I do my best to avoid these awkward encounters and here I am placing an ad trying to find her.

I know I'm just kidding myself when I say that guilt or the desire to share these beautiful photos with her are the reasons I did this. To be honest I don't know why I did? Hopefully, the notion of finding her is out of my system and I can move on, or rather go back to how things were before she showed up at my beach.

Sunday dinner tonight at my parents and finally, Jasper gets to meet my family. Emmett and Rosalie will also be there and Alice as she is back from Europe. Jasper and I have a deposition with Victoria and her rabid attorneys in the morning, so we have a few things to go over tonight in preparation.

My parent's house is amazing, situated on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean. The whole back of the house has walls that slide open making it feel like there are no walls at all. They have a small spa and pool, a beautiful deck and a private stairway leading down to the sand. There are plenty of quiet places Jasper and I can talk. My family doesn't need to know the tedious details of my lawsuit. They know how hard I've worked to build what I have, and they would just worry about me.

Jasper and I arrive first and after introductions with Esme and Carlisle and grabbing a couple of beers we head out to the deck to discuss matters. Everyone else will be arriving in the next half hour or so, so we get down to business.

"You know Edward; this could easily go either way. The truth is with you, but the law is with them. Victoria says that people work in her buildings 24/7. You and I know that isn't true, but proving that is tricky. You are noisy; you guys "disturb the peace", every day, almost all day. It is disruptive, for a great cause, but disruptive. This is only the deposition, just to gather facts and share information. Thankfully you have the photos of the surrounding land from when you purchased and built. This proves that you were there first. If this goes to trial, we have to hope the judge is a member of the ASPCA."

"Thanks for telling me what we're up against. To tell you the truth she has some pretty scary looking people going in and out of her complex. I wouldn't be surprised if some illegal things are going on over there. But that is a separate issue in itself."

"True, but if you, we, could gather any evidence of anything illegal this could all just go away."

"I know Jazz, but I feel so vulnerable. I would hate to bring anymore potentially dangerous attention on us, and if there is something shady going on, shady people are involved. I don't think I can put us at risk like that, too many innocent lives involved."

"Well, let's see how things go tomorrow. We'll know how to proceed better after that."

"Hey, thanks again for taking my case. I really need someone I can trust with this. I stop and look around, "No one else is here yet, want a tour?"

The grand tour includes the third story bedrooms and bathrooms all with a spectacular ocean view, and a wrap-around balcony. We take the elevator down to the first floor. This is where the man cave is, when the ladies aren't around that is. There is a theater, concession stand, bar, pool table, jukebox and a few flat screens for watching various sports. Jazz is impressed, most people are. We host most sporting events down here, award shows, etc. My parents love to entertain and are generous with Alice's and my friends.

Heading back up to the second floor where we started we hear voices coming from the massive custom kitchen. Both of my parents love to cook, each has their own specialty. Tonight Dad is serving his famous pizzas, baked in his outdoor pizza oven. Right off the kitchen on the covered deck is an outdoor dining room, equipped with a bar, fridge, sink, barbecue and the famous oven. Dad prides himself on his crust and baking skills and Mom prepares all of the toppings and side dishes.

"We certainly know when Emmett and Rose are in the house don't we?" I kid with Jasper. Emmett is a big personality, with a big voice. You could hear him from the wine cellar.

Esme turns and smiles, "There you are, thought you got lost on your tour. Get everyone a drink please, Edward."

"Hey Emmett, Rose, what's your poison? Wine, beer, Patron shots?" I joke. This is a running joke, because Rose tends to shed her clothes when Patron is involved. Emmett, smiles, but rubs her back and whispers in her ear to calm her. I can tell she wants to take my head off but is holding back because of my parents. Perfect venue to tease her. I laugh out loud as she shoots daggers at me, which makes me laugh more. "Where's Alice?"

"She went to her room to rest, jet lag. She wants us to wake her when the food is ready." I nod at my mom's response, knowing all too well how hard time changes are on her. "So, Edward, anyone special in your life?" Here it comes, where's Alice when I need her.

"No Mom, things have been a little busy for me. No time for dating." I say obviously a little annoyed.

She doesn't continue to press me on the subject, but I can tell she is still thinking about it, because she keeps glancing at me with these looks of pity which I really hate. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. It's my life; if I choose to be single I shouldn't be made to feel bad about my choice. I know she only wants what's best for me, but I think I know that better than her.

"Come and get it," Carlisle yells. We all scramble for position in line to top our pizzas, even Rose gets in on it. Everyone wants their pizza in the oven first. My mom walks out of the room shaking her head and mumbling something about testosterone, she's probably headed to wake up Alice.

Jasper fits right in, the conversation flows easily. He and my dad talk business, he and my mom talk fundraising. When Alice joins us, looking tired and dazed the conversation is in full swing. She stops in the doorway, surveys the scene, glares at me, then Jasper and leaves without saying a word, odd.

"What's up with her?" I whisper to my mom. She just shrugs her shoulders as confused as me. No one else seemed to notice.

I'm about to go and check on Alice when she reappears, looking very different. She has cleaned up, changed her wrinkled clothes, brushed her hair and added some make up. Looking more like herself. She saunters into the room and takes the seat right next to Jasper. Before I get a chance for introductions, she turns to Jazz, and extends her hand. "Hi, I'm Alice, Edward's sister. You must be Jasper, where has Edward been hiding you?"

I have never seen a goofier smile on any guy. It's like someone turned on a switch in him. "Nice to meet you too, Alice, apparently I've been hiding until I could meet you." Smooth Jazz.

The table is silent as Alice and Jasper stare at each other. I turn to look at everyone and we all look at each other with raised eyebrows. Their instant connection did not go unnoticed. They didn't leave each other's sides the rest of the night. Good thing Jazz and I talked business earlier. I am happy they hit it off, but I can't help but feel left out. Once again, I'm the 7th wheel, or whatever wheel I happen to be that day. I have to remind myself this is my choice, but sometimes it's a lonely choice. So much for Jazz being my "date" for the Fourth of July hospital gala.

A/N

What do you think about Jasper and Alice's meeting? I feel bad for Edward.

Today is the big day! Autographs and pictures yesterday! I didn't get the greatest number for the black carpet. Hopefully, I will at least get some good photos and see the movie.

Thanks for the reviews. I loved reading them!