Beta'd by cejsmom and preread by Twi-mom12292005

You all know who owns these characters. No copyright infringement intended.

Here's a long one for you.

Chapter 15

BPOV

I was so happy to be out in the fresh air. I hadn't been out of the house for days and the sun and breeze felt wonderful. I was even happier when Alice suggested a restaurant by the water with an outdoor patio called The Beach House. I desperately needed some sun and human interaction.

Before I have a chance to give the valet my key, Alice grabs me into a big hug, "Bella, I'm so glad you could meet me for lunch. You look pale, are you okay?" She questions, showing sincere concern.

"Alice, I'm fine. I've just been indoors for days. Nothing a little fun and sun can't fix." I laugh.

She hooks her arm in mine and we walk together into the restaurant. We get the perfect table in the corner of the patio.

Alice starts right in with the run-down of her time since she returned from Europe. She talks so fast it's hard to keep up, but I'm enjoying every minute of it. She has such a zest for life and a confidence that's infectious. I can't help but smile as she talks.

"I met the most amazing man, Bella. He's cute, funny, shy, sweet and so hot. He's a friend of my brother, Edward, and our friend, Emmett. Emmett has known him for years so I know he's a good guy. Neither of these guys would let him near me if he wasn't."

"I'm so happy for you, Alice. Are you going to see him again?" I ask.

"Well, he hasn't asked me out, but we've talked on the phone a few times, texted and emailed. The conversation just flows; I'm so comfortable with him, and the sexual tension is amazing. I've never felt this... connection before. My mom hosts a big Fourth of July Gala for the hospital. Edward is bringing him. All of our friends come. Oh, Bella, you have to come. It will be so fun! Do you have plans for the Fourth?"

"I hadn't really thought about it. Where is it?"

"It's at the Montage Resort here in Laguna. We have the garden on the bluff and a ballroom reserved. There will be food, flowing drinks, dancing, fireworks; you just have to come."

"How can I deny you, Alice. You make it sound so fun. And believe it or not I can walk there. I live on the hill, across PCH from the Montage."

"Then it's settled Bella. It starts at four pm. I have to go early to help with the decorations, but just come on down whenever you want. We can always use another set of hands."

Our afternoon together goes too quickly. I really like Alice. I haven't made many girlfriends here in California. She takes me to her parent's house in Laguna. It's not a house, it's a resort. They could rent out rooms for vacations. I would stay there.

I meet Alice's mom, Esme. She is poised, beautiful and kind. Not the least bit pretentious considering the money they obviously have. Alice seems to have a friendly, loving relationship with her mom. It makes me miss my mom, even with her irresponsible ways.

"I hope you're coming to the Gala, Bella. It's always so much fun and it's for a good cause. Come as our guest. Everyone will be there. You can meet Alice's brother, Edward. He's such a sweet boy." Esme says with a glint in her eye. I sense a set up here. We say our goodbyes and I thank her for inviting me to the gala. Alice walks me out to my car.

"Hey, Alice. Your mom seems to want me to meet your brother, Edward. I have to let you know that I don't really date and I definitely don't do relationships."

Alice busts out laughing.

"What?" I ask, getting defensive. My love life is anything but funny.

"Sorry, Bella, you sound just like Edward. How ironic. My mom is always trying to set him up with someone. It's her goal in life right now. He hates it. I'll talk to her and get her to back off, both for you and Edward."

"Thanks, Alice. I certainly don't want or need a man. No offense. I'm sure your brother is great. But just NO men."

"I understand Bella. Edward is... complicated anyway. He's just as opposed to a relationship as you are. My parents just can't accept that, especially my mom." I see sadness in Alice's eyes as she talks of her brother. We hug goodbye. Alice is fun to hang out with.

MMB

I decide on a white cotton halter dress and some high strappy sandals for the Gala. Buddy seems a bit on edge from the fire crackers, so I put him in the bathroom with food, water, his bed and the radio blasting some music. Hopefully, the noise from the radio will mask the imminent fire crackers and fireworks.

It's a beautiful day and a quick ten minute walk to the Montage. The breeze is gently blowing, not the usual afternoon gusts we can get here by the ocean. The Montage is a breathtaking resort. It is known for its location, amenities and price.

I find Alice exactly where I thought she'd be, in the center of the ballroom, directing whoever would listen to her. I jump right in and do what I can. The men in particular jump when Alice asks them to do something. I could learn something from this girl.

"Bella, let's get a drink and then I'll introduce you to everyone." Alice says as she drags me outside to a reserved table situated on the edge of the bluff. "There are some perks to having a mom that plans these events." Alice laughs.

Drinks in hand, she leads me around introducing me to more people than I will ever remember. She lowers her voice to a whisper as we near a group of people about our age. "That girl right there is, Tanya. Her parents are best friends with mine. Our parents have been arranging a marriage between her and my brother since they were toddlers. She follows him around like a little puppy. It's actually quite sad. Edward has tried to let her down gently, but she still seems to be waiting for him."

"Sounds familiar." I snort. "Well, kind of anyway, not the puppy part." I don't like referring to Jacob as a puppy. It makes him seem pathetic, which he's not, he's just persistent. I notice she's a cute girl; tall, slender, strawberry blonde hair. She doesn't seem like the desperate type.

Carrying drink number two, we make our way back to our table. Seated at the table are five of the most beautiful, handsome people I've ever seen.

"Guys, this is Bella, the girl I met in Europe. Bella, this is my dad, Carlisle, our friends, Emmett and Rosalie, my brother Edward, and this is Jasper. She beams when she says Jasper's name. I give her a quick smile and turn to greet them. I barely remember shaking hands with each of them, because I am completely preoccupied by the familiar, gorgeous guy with an infuriating smirk and the most beautiful eyes.

Alice takes the seat next to Jasper and they immediately go into their own world. The only open seat is next to Alice's brother, Edward. I hesitantly sit, trying to seem interested in my drink, but I can feel his eyes on me.

"Edward, there you are. I've been looking all over for you. Come dance with me." The voice is whiney and pleading. I immediately guess who it is, Tanya. Sure enough, she is practically in his lap when I glance over. I can tell he is uncomfortable, but he excuses himself and goes with her anyway.

"So, Bella how did you meet Alice?" Emmett booms across the table making me jump. He has a huge smile on his face that instantly puts me at ease. I tell the story of how we met. Emmett is very sweet. Rosalie, on the other hand, doesn't say much and gives nothing away from her facial expressions. We chat for a while and I excuse myself to find a restroom and get another drink.

I find myself looking around for him, and angry with myself for doing so. As I pass the dance floor on my way to the restroom, I spot them. Tanya is rubbing her body all up and down Edward. I can't tell by the expression on his face whether he likes it or not.

Alice catches up with me at the bar. "Bella, isn't he just perfect?" Alice orders cocktails for everyone at the table and a bottle of water.

"He seems nice, Alice, but I didn't really get a chance to talk to him."

"We'll just have to fix that." Alice says as I help her carry the drinks back to the table. Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper and Edward are seated, no sign of Tanya. I breathe I sigh of relief. We pass out the cocktails. Edward gets the bottled water.

The conversation flows more freely with Alice involved. I start to feel comfortable with everyone, except Edward. I sense him still staring at me, but we haven't spoken directly to each other. I try my hardest to pretend he's not there, but the air is thick with tension. And then it happens, just as I expected, a smart ass comment.

"So Bella, been to the dog beach lately?" Edward smugly says.

I can feel my face warming from my blush. I don't feel like reliving that day, and here I sit next to Cute Abs Guy, and that's what he wants to talk about.

"Nope, and I don't plan on it anytime soon." I snap.

"Didn't you have an interesting day at the dog beach recently Edward? Some hot girl?" Emmett booms, seemingly oblivious to the connection. My face is on fire from embarrassment as I look for an escape route. The only thing that keeps me from bolting is that he apparently described me as "hot" to his friends.

"Actually, Bella is the girl from the dog beach," he proudly announces.

I literally want to crawl under the table when almost in unison they all say, "You're the Dog Beach Virgin?"

They're all laughing hysterically when I get up to leave. Edward grabs my hand, leans in and says. "Is it too soon to laugh about it? Sorry for bringing up an uncomfortable subject. That was stupid of me. Please don't go."

Stunned, I stop. His hot breath and closeness causes my body to visibly shiver. My mind still wants to leave, but my body is betraying me.

He gives my hand a squeeze and sits back down. I feel frozen in one spot. The laughter has died down and everyone at the table is looking at me expectantly, waiting to see what I will do.

"Yes, but you didn't see the photos I took of her. She is amazingly photogenic, even when she's having a bad day." Edward says, giving me a wink.

I'm surprised by his unexpected flirting and don't want to cause a scene so I sit back down. The conversation about the dog beach and the focus on me seems to have passed. We relax into comfortable conversation.

Just before the fireworks show, Esme walks to the podium to address the crowd. As soon as I hear her voice through the microphone, Edward abruptly leaves the table, almost knocking over his chair. No one at the table seems to notice his departure except I catch Alice and her dad make eye contact, look down and shake their heads.

"Thank you all for coming and supporting our wonderful hospital. I'd like to thank a few special benefactors. These people have been instrumental in elevating our level of care through their very generous donations. The Masen Company, Denali Innovations and Edward Cullen of the S. C. A. R., for his continued contributions to our state of the art Burn Unit and Pediatric Unit. The crowd erupts in thankful applause.

Silently, Edward returns and sits next to me during the firework show. The fireworks are spectacular but it's a little awkward sitting with three cozy couples, as Esme and Carlise are now sitting with us too.

I thank Alice and her parents for inviting me and say my goodbyes. As I turn to leave Edward catches up with me.

"Can I walk you home?" Edward says shyly.

"Sure, but you don't need to. It's not that far." I say, hoping I don't discourage him too much.

"I'd like to. I'd like to see how Buddy did with the fireworks."

"Yeah, me too. I'm a little nervous to see what my bathroom looks like."

"I know about dogs, and that was really smart to put him somewhere he would feel more secure and be sheltered from the fireworks. So many dogs really freak out from the noise and even run away," he says with admiration.

"How do you know so much about dogs?" I ask.

"I run an animal rescue in Huntington Beach."

"I thought you were a dog walker," I blurt out without thinking.

"Why Bella, is that why you treated me with such disdain that day at the beach? Did you think I was a lowly dog walker?" he smirks.

Feeling my face heat up again I decide to come clean. "Actually, I did think you were a dog walker, but that was fine. I just felt if you had been watching your dog's better, that disaster wouldn't have happened to me."

He stops walking and bends over laughing. I keep walking, I hate being laughed at.

"Look Bella, don't be mad. I'm laughing because this whole time you thought it was one of my dogs that did that to you, but it wasn't. I swear, it was one of those labs. The owner threw the ball too close to you. I think he was trying to get your attention."

The sincerity in his voice is hard to ignore. I take a deep breath and say, "Well, if that's the case, I owe you an apology for jumping to conclusions and assuming it was one of your dogs."

I don't usually like apologizing, who does? But this is different. I feel open, lighter. The feeling is exhilarating and terrifying. We walk in comfortable silence until we get to my door.

"Hey, I have an idea. Let's start over, you know, a clean slate." He says, putting out his right hand. "Hi, I'm Edward, and I'm not a dog walker." He says with a big smile, looking directly into my eyes.

"Hi Edward, I'm Bella and I'm not a bitch." We both burst out laughing as Edward's cell rings.

I go in to check on Buddy while Edward takes his call. I find Buddy sound asleep on his bed, while listening to the Beatles.

As he wakes up when he hears I'm home, I take Buddy out front to find Edward talking frantically on the phone. Buddy does his business and I only catch pieces of his phone call.

Edward hangs up and looks at me in a panic. "Um, can I borrow your car? I know this is awkward, but someone broke into the rescue and they think some of the dogs got loose. I would get my car, but it will take forever to get it from the valet at the hotel."

"Of course, but I'm coming with you. You may need my help. Just let me put Buddy back in the bathroom. He'll be fine for the night. Oh, and you better drive, I drank too much."

A/N

Well... most of you guessed that Alice is who Bella met in Europe. And some were even correct about them meeting up again at the Gala.

How do you think it went between them?

And now you know what Edward does and why he is noisy. Surprised?

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing :)

I plan to get a teaser up on Fictionators tomorrow.