CHAPTER 35: Make Yourself at Home

"Bella, welcome back! How was your trip? Tell me all about it!" Lucy practically runs up to me and hugs me like she'd been counting the days until my return.

Edward dropped me off only moments ago to attend the funeral for Tanya's grandmother who recently passed away. The breakfast in bed was a nice touch this morning before he and I had to get ready to start our separate days.

He promised Tanya he'd help set up the flowers and usher the guests to their seats. Although I'd rather we spend the day together, I understand his responsibilities to Tanya because he's probably the only real friend she has at the moment.

"Hey, Luces…it was good." I hug her back with less force. I'd been practicing on what to tell her and what to exclude before I arrived.

There are also two employees behind the counter I don't recognize. She follows my gaze and smiles. "Oh, those are new employees. Lauren quit and Eric is off for the week with family in town," she tells me.

"Lauren quit?" I'm actually shocked to hear the news. She was a pretty good employee minus her attitude.

Lucy rolls her eyes. "She got back with that ex-boyfriend of hers and decided to move with him to Hanford. Apparently, that's where he's stationed now—military guy."

The same guy she was giving me so much grief about because she thought I was flirting with him when I accidently knocked over his drink is in the military? I would have never guessed.

"I've never heard of Hanford?"

"It's because it's like a million miles away from here and there's not much to do there. It's about three hours from San Francisco."

"It seems so out of character for Lauren…" I comment, mostly talking to myself. I've heard her say many times admitting how she's high-maintenance and if the guy can't cater to her needs then she isn't interested. Moving for a guy-especially in the military-isn't something I'd ever picture her doing.

Lauren grew up from a well-to-do family and with someone with her upbringing, working at Starbucks wasn't exactly the ideal job for her—or working at all, for that matter. But, her parents wanted to instill some values into her like their parents did before them and have her get a feel for what it was like to work at a minimum wage job.

Both her parents worked hard to pay for their college education, which landed them in their careers. Her mother is now an oral surgeon and her father is a real estate agent.

All this I previously learned from Lucy when she and I became better friends.

Walking me back into her office, Lucy made quick introductions between me and the recent hires. I found out their names are Pat and Annie and this is both their first jobs. Lucy was looking for part-time help with Lauren quitting and with me still on vacation.

I don't know how to break the news to her that I'm also here to give my two week notice.

"Lauren kept going on and on about how they were in love," she says, as she sits down in her manager's chair. I sat in the seat across from her desk. "I've never seen Lauren like that before. She looked like she was on cloud nine the way she was gushing about him all the time. She was the perfect employee her last week here—always smiling and greeting everyone. She even agreed to train the newbies. I guess that's what love does to you…"

Lucy shrugs because she doesn't understand it due to most of her relationships failing before they even really started.

But I do.

I know exactly how Lauren feels for her boyfriend because that's how I feel about Edward. You learn to compromise for the one you love and take the good with the bad. He's probably changed Lauren for the better. The best relationships are the ones that make you a better person and I genuinely hope things work out for her.

"First off," Lucy interrupts my thoughts, "let's get down to business. Think you can start a swing shift tomorrow for four hours or so? Or do you still need a day or two to readjust back from your trip?"

"Actually…" I sigh, "My schedule is something I want to talk to you about. You know I love working here, especially with you as my boss…"

"Don't tell me you're quitting, too?" Lucy frowns, her lips in a pout.

"I wasn't planning on it—I promise!" I frown back. "My friend Alice offered me a job to be her assistant. She really needs one and she wouldn't take 'no' for an answer."

And because the Hobbit's practically harassed me into saying 'yes' to her.

"Alice…Brandon? Your designer friend?" her eyes lit up. "I love her designs!"

I nod. "I'll be sure to tell her."

"Well, I'm guessing working for a top designer and the perks that come with it are better than the benefits you have here. And I bet the pay is ridiculous."

I merely shrug because I actually don't know how much Alice will be paying me or what my actual benefits are. Health insurance I know for sure because we both know I need it. I haven't worked out the details with her legal office yet but it's on my to-do list.

"I can start tomorrow and be here for two more weeks or however long you need me until the new hires get the hang of things," I offer.

It's the least I can do with her allowing me to keep my former job while I was gone for three months, only to quit when I got back.

After we worked out my schedule for the next three weeks, she set it aside and folded her hands on top of her desk. "Okay, now that business is settled, tell me about your trip!" Lucy looks as eager as ever to find out what I've been up to. "I have to be honest with you...I saw you on TV a few times."

Trying to hide the horror and embarrassment on my face, I smiled. Awkwardly. "What do you mean…?"

I was really hoping to only tell her the fun parts about my trip without the parts about the media.

Even Lucy looks embarrassed to tell me. "You know I don't mean to pry into your personal life," she apologizes, "especially with you having a famous uncle and everything. And you know me, I respect your privacy."

"Yes, I know," I smile warmly at her. "And I appreciate it."

And that's what makes Lucy a great manager. She knows how to be a friend without blurring the lines of our professional and casual relationship.

"Well, I've seen pictures of you in Volterra with Edward Cullen with all these crazy headlines, which I know aren't true…and also some of Tanya Denali. I really can't believe the nerve of that woman!"

I can't help but laugh a little. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought her behavior around Edward was shameful.

I start off by telling Lucy about the sights I saw and what I did in Volterra and Milan with Alice and how I first met Edward, confirming we are, in fact, together. I also mention Jacob coming to visit me as well. I wanted to avoid bringing up Tanya and the media hounding us there, but I already knew it couldn't be helped since everything that happened there would also be news here.

Lucy was hanging on my every word, only stopping with interrupting questions when she wants me to elaborate more on something. She tells me I was living the dream that most people would love to experience even if not all my experiences were the best.

"They all mean something," she says to me. "I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Remember how you were so against going in the beginning? If you hadn't, could you really say you've done something exciting and worthwhile in your life?"

Taking in her words, I shake my head. "No…I suppose not."

I've always stuck to my comfort zone and never strayed too far from my normal routine. Doing something crazy and daring back in Forks always got me a lot of scraped knees, bruises, cuts, and a few trips to the hospital; something that always freaked out Charlie because he never knew what kind of trouble I'd gotten myself into again. And he knew Jacob Black would be right there next to me—equally as guilty.

If he and Jacob's dad, Billy, weren't so close, he'd probably forbid me to hang out with him after Day One.

All the things I did in Volterra, even in Milan, I'm still trying to soak in because it felt like someone else had those experiences, met the people she did, was pursued by the paparazzi, got to be in a movie, and most importantly, met someone so loving and caring who took a chance on her. Everything I've been through in the last three months I'll always cherish.

I definitely feel like a different person.

"You and Edward were meant to run into each other again," she adds. "It's fate."

I I I

After grabbing lunch with Lucy and saying our farewells until tomorrow, I call Edward to see if the funeral is in progress. I figure the ceremony would be over by now. If not, I'd leave a message instead.

"Bella?" Edward practically answers in two rings.

"Oh, hi. I didn't expect you to pick up. Do you have a moment?"

"Of course, I do. Hold on a second while I go someplace quieter."

I can hear background chatter so the ceremony part must be finished.

"Okay…"

"What are you up to?" I ask.

"Tanya is being greeted by people who knew her grandmother. The paparazzi are also outside so word's gotten out, but we knew it eventually would sooner or later," he tells me.

"Did they get tipped off or something?"

"Well, sort of, I suppose. The media knew Aton Romanov was arriving in L.A. yesterday but they didn't know why since he has no current business dealings here, so they started digging. But, only after they found out Irina was also flying in with him is when they really started to scramble for a story."

Most people knew Tanya and Irina didn't get along well but only a few know why and how they are half-sisters. Being in the same city and being seen around each other would definitely raise some questions.

"How's Tanya doing?"

I had no feelings either way but I thought I'd ask to be polite, at least.

"Better. She's been putting on a brave face for everyone."

"Well, I gave my manager my two week notice. I work part-time this week then my full two weeks until I'm officially Alice's," I say, changing gears.

"I'm sure she can't wait," Edward chuckles. "But remember…you're officially mine first."

I can't help but blush. "Of course I am."

"What are you doing now?"

"That's why I called—to see if you were free already? I have nothing else planned for today."

I don't want to rush Edward, but I also don't want him to spend the entire day with Tanya. I know I might be acting a little selfish, particularly at a disheartening time like this for her, but the scenario of Edward spending more time with his ex-girlfriend instead of his current girlfriend doesn't sit well with me.

However, I'm sure the media is have a field day with it.

"I'm sorry, baby, but I can't leave just yet. Once the reception starts and after I've gotten a chance to say hello to Irina I'll sneak out. Is that okay with you?"

Edward sounds like he's waiting for my approval to make sure I'm not upset that he can't get away to be with me. It was a sweet gesture.

"Yes, that's fine," I finally answer. I'm a little disappointed but I'm also trying to be understanding. "Question is—will that be okay with Tanya? Neither of you have to tell me but I know she wants you to stay with her until the whole thing is over."

It's obvious enough to see that the Victoria's Secret model has an even better excuse to keep Edward at arm's length. She might have told Edward she understands that he and I are now together but I don't see her giving in so easily.

Irina, on the other hand, I trust…although we've never officially met. If Edward was there for her, it wouldn't be bother me as much. Tanya must really think she has the upper hand on me because Edward's been with her since they both arrived back in L.A.

I can hear Edward smiling on the other end.

"I think I've done more than necessary for her these last few days. I can only do so much and you need me more. If she gets angry, she has the rest of her family here to console her."

"I'm sure she'd love that," I roll my eyes.

Irina comforting Tanya? I don't think so. Irina is a lot classier than her half-sister and I can't imagine her causing a scene or acting disrespectful in any way, even with their past history—but soothing her and acting like things are okay between them?

No way.

"Listen, Bella. I gotta go. We're heading off to the cemetery. I'll call soon—I promise."

"Okay," I sigh, not ready to get off the phone with him.

"Oh! And hey, Alice is expecting you back at her place."

"What?"

Why would Alice be expecting me back at the condo? I hadn't talked to her since yesterday, when Emmett picked me up. When did he talk to her?

"She'll explain, I have to go. I'll see you soon, baby."

Before I can say another word, he's hung up on me. Great. That was…weird. I call Alice as I walk to Aro's house.

My uncle's mansion is walking distance from Starbucks and I figured I'd head there first and find out what this is all about before I go see my Hobbit friend.

"Hey, Bella. Where are you?" she answers with a cheery tone.

"I'm walking home—to Aro's. See if he's home so I can say 'hi.'"

"Good. Stay there. I'll pick you up."

"I just got off the phone with Edward. He says you were expecting me at your place? I thought that since he and I are better, I'm just going back to Aro's instead of crashing over there. I know you have a lot to prepare for, too."

"You know you're always welcomed at my place…but if that's what you want, I won't argue. Go ahead and keep my spare key in case you need to get away for a while or go into hiding," she lightly jokes. "As my assistant, you'll probably need access to my place anyway should I need you to get something for me."

"Thanks, Alice."

"But for now, I'll come scoop you. I have something for you."

"What is it?"

"You'll see," I hear her beaming on the receiving end. Of course she's not going to tell me.

She's notorious for surprises and I'm not a big fan.

I I I

"Aro? Are you home?" I call out.

No answer.

He's most likely at the studio or holed up in his office. I never got the chance to tell him I was staying with Alice so I left him a note and a text message saying I'll be back home tonight. I also apologized for hanging up on him yesterday.

I'll just wait for that particular explanation when he asks.

Walking up to my room to find one of my books to read while I wait for Alice, I hear my phone buzzing in my pocket.

It's Jane.

"Hey, Jane," I greet her.

"Hi, Bella. How are you?"

I haven't heard her voice in what feels like a million years.

"I'm doing fine."

And I really was. Now that Edward and I are almost back to normal.

"That's good to hear. Listen—I got the text message you sent to your uncle," she says.

Huh? How'd she get it? Is she monitoring his calls?

"I'm holding all his calls…and texts…while he goes over some of the filmed scenes with the editors," she explains. "I'm glad you let him know, he was really worried about you yesterday so I called Alice and she explained to me what happened."

"Oh…did she now?" I raise an eyebrow Jane will never see.

"Don't worry, she didn't give me any full details, just the gist of it. Aro's says you're free to stay with Alice for as long as you like. It might be a better idea so you're not home alone all the time since your uncle will mostly be in the editing suite for at least a couple of months—if not longer."

"It's all right. I don't mind. I'm used to being home alone. I'm still working at Starbucks for the next three weeks, which will help keep me busy until I transition over as Alice's assistant," I reply.

"Oh, that's right. She told me the good news. Congratulations!"

"Thanks. I might need some pointers from you later down the road."

Jane was really the only candidate Aro interviewed for the position as his own personal assistant. She came highly recommended by a good friend of his. I was skeptical of her at first and because he didn't broaden his selection process. But now that I've gotten to know her and how well she handles his affairs, I can't imagine anyone else filling the position. And maybe that's how Alice felt with me?

"Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine," she assures me. "Alice seems like an easier person to manage. Besides, you've already established a friendship with her and have seen her in action. When I first started, all I knew was your uncle's portfolio. That's it. It took me a while to understand and learn his personality and the do's and don'ts of what he expects of me."

"I just hope I don't let Alice down."

I I I

"Hi!" Alice greets me with a hug as soon as I step into her yellow Porsche she had shipped back from Volterra.

"So, what's this big surprise of yours?" I ask, not paying much attention to her dangling something in front of me as I was more focused on putting on my seatbelt.

I've seen the way she drives.

When I finally do look up, I gasped. "My bracelet!"

"I got it fixed for you," she smiles. She takes my wrist and clasps it on for me. "There. Good as new. Edward will never be the wiser."

"Thank you!" I give her a tight squeeze. It means so much to me that I'm able to wear my bracelet again. Alice knows how important Edward's gift is but I had no idea she would do something so sweet as to get it fixed for me. "Alice, you're the best."

"Don't mention it," she waves my gratitude away with her hand. "Not a big deal."

"Well, thank you all the same," I smile at her.

She smiles back with a wink. "Ready?"

"We're still going back to your place?" I ask curiously. I suppose we do since I have to grab my luggage if I'm going back home to Aro's.

Alice doesn't say a word and takes off. What now? More secrets and surprises? I can never keep up with what goes on in this woman's head. She's always on the go or planning something in her mind. I guess that's how creative people work.

Staring out the window, I vaguely remember the streets we're on but the area looks very familiar. Turning to my friend I gave her a curious look. "Alice, where are we going?"

"Where do you think?" she asks with a smirk on her face.

The street sign we just passed gives me the clue I need. "Why are we heading over to Edward's? He's not even home. He's still at the funeral for Tanya's grandmother."

"I know," the Hobbit casually replies.

I got Edward's permission to reveal the big mystery to Rosalie now that the funeral was in procession. I did say I'd tell Rosalie if I found out what was going on with him, but not wanting to betray Edward's trust, I had to tell him what she wanted from me. In return, I'm sure she told Emmett and Alice.

"I have to give you something."

"I thought you already did—my bracelet?"

"This one is at Edward's."

This whole thing is getting stranger by the minute. "How are you getting in?"

"He gave me the access code for the gate."

"You and your siblings are masters of deception. You know that?" I slump into my seat.

"Yes, we are," she answers proudly. "It's a trait."

After Alice parks her car near the front entrance, she has me walk over with her to the car hiding under the tarp I noticed yesterday.

Removing it and throwing it behind the vehicle, I see it's a brand new black, two-door Volvo without any plates registered on it.

"Here you go," she says, producing a set of car keys from her purse.

"What is this?" I take it from her, examining the jingling keys on the key ring. They look like foreign objects to me as if I've never seen such things before.

"Keys to your new car, silly!" Alice rolls her eyes.

"What?" I exclaim, shocked and confused. "This is my car?"

The whole time I thought it was one of Edward's that didn't fit inside his garage because he already had two cars occupying each space.

"Mm-hmm," she smiles. "It's a new 2013 Volvo C70 coupe convertible that has the seat capacity of a four-door sedan. It also has a retractable hardtop and an awesome sound system. This model isn't available in the U.S. yet either. Edward had it shipped here from Europe. The plate case was only converted a few days ago…I think?"

I couldn't believe it. "When did he have time to do this?" I ask bewildered at the extravagant gift before me.

I had a used truck back in Forks that Charlie bought off Jacob's dad. It was red and had a lot of dents when it was passed down to me, but it had character. And she treated me well enough.

However, Charlie and Jacob both refused to let me take my truck to L.A. when I moved because it required so much maintenance. Jacob was my mechanic in Forks and he couldn't be here to fix her up whenever she needed some sort of tune up, and Charlie was afraid I'd be stranded somewhere unsafe.

That's why working at Starbucks was so convenient. I didn't need a car.

"Oh, and I put your luggage in the back of the car—just to be safe. I didn't want to leave it sitting around in case something happened to it even though this is a private property with the gate closed."

"Why did you bring my luggage here?" I give her strange look.

"Don't be mad," she says slowly, "but Edward asked me to bring them here."

"But why?"

What does he have up his sleeves?

"Instead of staying with me, he wants you to stay here with him instead," my friend explains.

She then flicks the set of keys in my hand. Taking a closer look I see extra keys on it I hadn't noticed before.

"Those are extra keys to his house. Only you and Edward have them…besides the housekeeper Rosalie finally hired that comes by twice a week. But the key she has doesn't give her full access to all the rooms or the garage—just the main areas she needs to clean. Rose made sure of that."

"What about you? Do you, Emmett and Rosalie have keys to his house?"

"No…at least I don't," she shrugs. "Don't need 'em. Not sure about the other two but I doubt it."

Staring at the car and the newly acquired keys I have to it and Edward's house, I'm still in shock. Edward's really gone out of his way to provide a mode of transportation for me when I didn't think I needed it.

I was always fine taking a cab or asking to borrow one of Aro's cars if I was travelling somewhere far. But having my own car again definitely makes getting around easier. It'll help getting away from the paparazzi a lot faster, too, instead of me trying to run another marathon.

Giving me keys to his house is just…wow. I can't describe how I'm feeling right now. My brain is still trying process it all.

"Well, I gotta go to my studio. I have to see my schedule and who my clients are for the month. I'll let you know when I need you," she waves goodbye with a smile.

"Wait—what am I supposed to do now? You're leaving to go to work and Edward won't be done for a while."

The Hobbit thinks for a moment then shrugs. "Make yourself at home."

Author's Note: Just a little filler chapter. Hope you guys liked.

Oh, and FYI - this story is still taking place in 2012, that's why Alice tells Bella that her new 2013 Volvo isn't available in the States yet.

Lastly, please don't forget to review!