Eek! A chunk of this chapter went missing when I originally posted it. I have deleted that version and added this corrected one instead. Please forgive the double notification. As usual, I am so very grateful for your support and encouragement.

-Ginnie

Invitations. . .

A soft knock on her door startles her from her daydreams. She blinks and realizes her lunch break is nearly over despite the fact she's barely touched her sandwich.

"Come in," she says, sitting forward in her chair.

The door creaks open and her coworker pops her head in. "Hey, are you busy?"

"No," she says, offering Tia a small smile. "Just having lunch."

"Alone?"

She shrugs. "It's one of those days."

Tia nods. "Got it. Well, I don't want to interrupt. I just wanted to let you know that my husband has decided we are having a Super Bowl party this year, and you're invited."

"Oh, okay. When is it? And who's playing?"

"Lord if I know," Tia says with a little roll of her eyes. "I'm even less of a sports fan than you are, but Benjamin's been ensured he has that weekend off and he thinks it will be a good opportunity to throw the party I wanted to have this weekend for New Years', but didn't since he's on call."

Bella laughs softly. "So it's going to be a black tie Super Bowl party, then?"

Tia scoffs. "Yeah right. But he was so excited about it that I didn't have the heart to correct him."

"That's sweet."

"Well, I try. I'm not as excited as he is, obviously, but it should be fun to put together. Will you come? Please?"

"I'd love to. Do know which weekend that is?"

"It's the first Sunday in February. The fifth, I believe."

"Oh," Bella says, biting her lip. "Um, yeah. I think I can make it."

"Well, let me know. I'd really love it if you could come, but I understand if you have plans."

"Thanks. I just need to check with, um, Edward. He's coming for a visit that weekend." Bella's cheeks warm slightly. She hasn't filled Tia in on everything that happened while she was home for Christmas. All she said when she got back was that it was nice and things with Edward were good. Well, she actually said very good, but she didn't elaborate and Tia didn't press her.

"I see," Tia says now, pushing the door open wider and leaning against the frame. "Is he staying the whole weekend?"

Bella shrugs and smiles. "That's the plan."

Tia appraises her for a moment. "I'm just guessing here, but it seems like you might have some things to tell me, little miss."

Laughing, Bella shrugs again. "Probably."

"From the look of that smile, I'd say definitely."

And cue the blush to match the smile.

"I'll fill you in tomorrow night when you come over," Bella says, raising her hands to her heated cheeks.

Tia laughs. "Wow. This must be major. I can't wait."

"You're still spending the night, right?" Bella asks, ignoring the remark and forcing herself to pull it together.

"Oh, yeah. I'm not getting out on the roads after midnight on New Years' Eve."

"Good," Bella says.

Tia smiles, but tilts her head toward the hallway behind her. "I'm gonna let you get back to your lunch now."

"Okay, thanks. And thanks for the invite. I'll mention it to Edward tonight."

"Good," Tia says, nodding. "Just make sure he knows he's more than welcome to come along too."

She backs out the door with a little wiggle of her eyebrows. Bella laughs even as her face flushes anew.

~(~)~