A/N: Thanks to Sherry & Tiffany x x

Chapter 20

I took a deep breath and made my way down the stairs. Edward and Jasper were standing in the living room talking. They looked so relaxed and carefree, like this setup wasn't weird. Was I the only one that was worried?

"There you are," Edward said, as he looked over and noticed me. He walked over to my side, placing a kiss on my cheek as he handed me a small bouquet of black roses. "I thought you'd feel more comfortable accepting them if they were your favorite color."

"Black is not-" I began and then saw him grinning at me. "Okay, thank you," I whispered.

"You're welcome. Beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl."

I looked down at the roses and then myself. Sure the flowers were pretty, in their own way, but I wouldn't class them as beautiful. I certainly wouldn't class myself as beautiful either, but I decided not to call him out on his white lie. I merely replied thank you and then went through to the kitchen to find something to put the flowers in and to give myself a little space.

"They're beautiful," Alice stated, looking over at me.

I nodded, noting the use of that word again. I wondered if it held any true value anymore or if it was just a word people overused.

"Do you want me to put them in water for you?" Alice asked, reaching for the flowers.

"No, I got it," I answered, knowing I was only stalling going back into the living room. I didn't understand why I was so worried and worked up, when everyone else seemed so relaxed.

After I put them in a vase of water, I looked around the kitchen. I had no idea what Alice was making, but she seemed stressed. I felt bad for not offering to help her cook before. I should be helping her more since she is pregnant, not having her running around after me. "Do you need a hand?" I asked, taking Alice by surprise.

"No, it's okay," she smiled. "I've got this. Why don't you grab the boys a beer?"

"Okay." I grabbed three bottles of beer and reluctantly returned to the living room. Jasper and Edward smiled reassuringly at me when I entered.

"Edward was just telling me that his father is looking for a receptionist for his office," Jasper said, taking his beer.

I nodded, handing Edward his beer before sitting down next to him. I noticed Edward sat back to look at me. "We were wondering if you would be interested in the position."

"Me?" I asked, surprised. "I'm not qualified. I don't know the first thing about being a receptionist."

"I'm sure you're more than qualified," Edward stated. "It would just be answering calls, making appointments, that sort of thing. What you don't know you will be quick to learn. It would give you something to occupy your time, keep you out of trouble and make some money."

"And your father's okay with this?" I asked.

"I ran the idea past him today. He would like to meet you."

"I think it would be good for you Bella," Jasper said. "You should go and meet Carlisle. You'll like him."

I eventually agreed to meet Edward's father the following day and consider the position. The boys didn't press the issue after that. They seemed pleased that I was willing to contemplate the idea.

The rest of the night passed smoothly after that. It was actually kind of fun. I had forgotten how well Jasper and I used to get on. For once, I went to bed with a smile on my face, looking forward to the next day.