A/N: Thanks Sherry xx

Chapter 44

Edward took me for pancakes and then to my appointment with Dr. Foster, which wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, not when I knew I had Edward waiting outside for me. After that he sat in the café while I worked. He said he wasn't going to leave me alone today, not even for a second. I appreciated having him around today and was thankful that Sue didn't seem to mind his presence

When I was about half way through my shift James and his crew came into the café. As soon as Edward saw them, he began to jump out of his seat, but I motioned for him to sit his ass down. The last thing I needed was for him to cause a scene at my workplace.

I took a deep breath and headed over to their table. We all lived in the same town; it was obvious that we were going to run into each other sooner or later. I figured that I had better get this over with.

"What can I get you?" I asked, coming to a stop at their table.

They were all laughing and joking, but all of that stopped when James looked up and saw me. "Well, look who it is. Slumming it today, are we?"

"No more than you," I said, curtly. "Are you ready to order?"

"Where's the boyfriend?" I never answered. James looked around me to see Edward sitting in the far corner. He waved. I glanced at Edward. I could tell that he was struggling to hold it together, his fists were clenched and he looked ready to pounce at any second, but I refused to let James win and cause a scene.

"Are you ready to order?" I asked him again. "Or do you need more time?"

He smirked at me before looking down at the menu. "No, we're ready to order. What are todays specials?"

I began to run through the specials when Sue came out from the kitchen. She took one look at James and marched over to the table. "I thought I told you that you were banned from here?"

"You did?" he laughed. "It must have slipped my mind."

"Get out," she snarled.

He shook his head. "I came here to eat and I am going to eat."

"Like hell you are."

I pulled Sue a few steps away from the group. I could tell she was upset and if this wasn't handled the right way things could get out of hand. "Why don't you let me handle them? I'll make sure he leaves." Sue reluctantly agreed.

I headed back over to the table and leaned into James' ear, whispering. "Why don't you and your gang get up and leave before I call the cops and tip them off about where you keep your stash, and if that isn't enough to motivate you, I could always let him kick your ass," I said, glancing over at Edward.

James glared at me and then glanced at Edward, who looked livid. I wasn't a hundred percent sure, but I had a hunch that James was afraid of Edward and I knew it wouldn't do his street cred any good to have Edward kick his ass again.

James sighed, tossing the menu down to the table. "Let's go," he hissed at his crew, standing up. His crew began to protest, but soon shut up when he glared at them. "The food isn't any good here anyway. I hear it's infested with rats!" he shouted the last part, probably hoping to discourage the rest of the customers from eating their meals.

"The only rat in here is you. Now get out," I said, pointing at the door.

It felt good to watch him walk out. It felt even better to know that I had dealt with his sorry ass myself, instead of dragging Edward into my shit.