So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?
Up next will be a conversation between Edward and Alice, discussing his 'image', along with plans for rebuilding that image. We're also going to get some Bella/Edward time, too.
What I own: A SUV that's in desperate need of a bath
What I don't: Twilight
Chapter Twenty-Four
While Charlie and Bella reconnected over spaghetti and meatballs, Alice demanded that Edward drive them back to his apartment so he could change. Apparently, his dark wash jeans and t-shirt were not appropriate for the steakhouse Alice wanted to take him to. Despite spending the day at Bella's, helping her out, Alice was still dressed to the nines. She told him to put on a suit without a tie.
Wrinkling his nose, Edward went to change and put on a pair of black dress pants with a black dress shirt. He topped it off with a black leather sport coat. He also packed a small overnight bag and tossed his dirty workout clothes into his hamper. Spraying on some cologne, he walked out to his living room.
"Your place is very interesting," Alice said, giving him a wry grin and gesturing to the rustic décor. Her eyes lit up when she took him in. "Very nice attire, Masen. Most of the guys need to have their clothes labeled."
"This place was decorated when I rented it. I didn't want to buy something if this wasn't a good fit," Edward explained. "I sold my condo in Chicago with all the furniture. Fresh start and all that."
"Oh, thank goodness," Alice laughed, looking at his apartment. "This is all sorts of tacky."
"It's growing on me, but I prefer … not this," he laughed. "I'm not into this." He vaguely gestured to his apartment. "Cow horns? Nope. I like the wooden accents, but the rest? Meh." He went to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. "Do want anything?"
"Nope," she said. "We've got a reservation at El Gaucho at six. The steak is to die for!"
Nodding his head, he picked up his bags and keys, opening the door for Alice. They got back into his car and drove to El Gaucho in downtown Seattle. Alice told him to use the valet, plucking the ticket from the attendant. Walking inside, the host led them to a private dining room. "Alice, this is too much."
"I'm expensing this, Edward," Alice smirked. "Besides, I'm a month too late. I wanted to take you out once you arrived, but my dad said that to hold off until you got some more solid news on the head injury. Since you've started training, I think it's a good idea to talk about your public relations plan. But first, we need wine."
"Alice, I'm training," Edward argued.
"One glass will not hurt you," Alice chided. "I'll drink most of the bottle." She waved down their server. "Do you prefer red or white, Edward?"
"White. Less possibility of having a hangover," Edward said.
"Can we get a bottle of the Scarpetta, with two glasses?" Alice ordered without looking at the menu, flashing the server a grin. "Can we also get an order of the scallops, crab cakes, the tenderloin Diablo and pork belly to start?"
"Of course, Mrs. Whitlock," replied the server. "Only the best for you." With a flourish, the server left.
"So, I suggest either the steak El Gaucho or the Chateaubriand," Alice sang. "With a salad. We can split the tableside Caesar. It's delicious."
"I don't know where I'm going to put all this," Edward laughed.
"Charlie probably said you need to gain weight, right?" Alice asked. "You need protein to rebuild your muscles."
A few moments later, the server returned with their wine and took their orders. They decided on the Caesar salad, but Edward chose to get El Gaucho steak and Alice got the grilled halibut. Alice suggested they get a couple of sides to share, choosing some mac and cheese, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Any leftovers would be brought back to Bella's place.
"Okay, so a few things about your public image," Alice began. "I looked over your file that you brought over from Volterra, and you had contracts with Movado and Under Armour. Not to mention, an exclusive contract with Everlast gloves."
Edward wrinkled his nose. "I personally couldn't stand the gloves, but they had a deal with Volterra. They got the gloves by the gross."
"Well, the good news is that Movado and Under Armour are eager to work with you again. I also checked on some other endorsements, including Hayabusa gloves, Dior cologne and clothes, some natural protein powder company and Volvo since you drive one of those," Alice smirked. "The only company that hasn't called back was Volvo, but there's still time. The rest are eager to work with you. You've got a great face and a stellar reputation of being respectful, personable, and easy to work with. Though, Everlast was ready to take you to court."
"Why?" Edward asked.
"Because when you left Volterra, they raised holy hell that you broke their contract," Alice sighed. "I gave them Jasper's number and sent him an email with their bullshit claims." She looked at him, seeing his brow furrowed. "What is it?"
"Just Aro and Caius … they're so fucking money hungry," he sighed. "I get the need for endorsements, but I hate feeling like I'm a dancing monkey or side of beef."
"You're neither of those things," Alice chided. "Edward, you are a public figure, with an amazing reputation of having integrity, both in the ring and in life. You are a brand, and you can use that influence for …"
"More than selling expensive watches or overpriced clothing," he argued. "I'm willing to do that, but I want to do more."
"Like what?" Alice asked, sipping her wine.
"A foundation or some sort of nonprofit for children who have lost their parents, foster kids, children in the system …," Edward shrugged. "I don't know. I want to be more than just a great face, a famous boxer, and a stellar reputation. I want to make a change for the better."
"I like the way you're thinking," Alice beamed. She pulled out her tablet, opening up a new document.
They spent most of their dinner brainstorming ideas for this foundation Edward proposed. He agreed to do the endorsements, taking a percentage of his payment to begin this new foundation, preparing to do some sort of camp or event for children who had lost one or both of their parents. Jasper would work on creating the foundation, while Alice would spread the word on his social media. Edward agreed to create an Instagram, beginning to track his training, and come back into the ring. He was pleased with Alice's plan, and they took the first photo for Edward's new Instagram, which he gave Alice control over.
Over dessert, Alice sipped some coffee. "So, Bella."
"What about Bella?" Edward asked, keeping his face impassive.
"You like her," Alice sang.
He blew out a breath, spinning his coffee cup and remembering how she felt in his arms last night. "I like her, but she's …"
"She's been hurt, obviously. Jacob raked her over the coals," Alice snarled. "That asshole did not deserve her, and his actions cut her down. Her self-worth is in the toilet, but she deserves to be happy. You make her happy. If I had to hazard a guess, she makes you happy, too."
"Before she ghosted me, I felt something for her. I still do," Edward murmured, leaning forward on his elbows, and shaking his head. "As weird as it sounds, I felt more for her than I did for my skanky ex-girlfriend whom I dated for four years. Bella's actions hurt more than seeing my girlfriend having sex in my bed. I told Emmett and Jasper that I'd give her a chance, but …"
"Please, Edward," Alice murmured. "You obviously care for her. Don't be another person who gave up on her."
Bella's confession last night flashed in Edward's memory. He took a hefty sip of his coffee, trying to make sense of his feelings. His heart squeezed. "I won't," he whispered. "I don't have the power to stay away. I know I should be focusing on my come back, but …"
"Bella can be your biggest cheerleader. Hell, she can help you train," Alice said. "She's done some amateur fighting and she's really good." Alice chuckled. "Well, after she gets over her broken leg." She waved down the server, asking for the check. "Bella is one of the most amazing humans I've ever known, Edward. To be honest, I think you're amazing as well. I think that … you'd be an amazing team."
The server came with the check, along with their leftovers. Alice signed for the meal, but Edward left the tip since he felt weird having Alice pay for their meals. His mother had ingrained in him to be a gentleman. They left the restaurant, driving back to Bella's home. Edward parked in front of the garage, leaving space for Alice to leave. "Edward … I'm really glad you came here. I think Bull Dog is a good fit for you. You're exactly what we need."
"I think this is where I'm supposed to be," Edward murmured, smiling at Alice. He got out of the car, opening the passenger door for Alice. Going to the back of his car, he grabbed his overnight bag and followed Alice up the pathway to the front door.
Charlie opened the door, giving both of them a smile. "How did your dinner go?"
"We had a very productive meal," Alice said, breezing into the house. "We have leftovers." She went to the kitchen, placing the bags inside the fridge. "Charlie, can you drive me home? I drank an entire bottle of wine, minus one glass."
"She wouldn't say no," Edward deadpanned.
"Alice is quite persuasive," Charlie laughed.
"It smells good in here," Alice said.
"I made Bella some comfort food. Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread, salad, and some delivery tiramisu," he said. "Bella's got meals for days now."
"Where is she?" Edward asked.
"Asleep," Charlie replied. "She wanted to wait up, but her head was hurting." He checked his watch. "She should be due for her meds in an hour. Alice, are you staying?"
"I am," Edward said. "She, um, asked me to come back."
"Good," Charlie nodded. "Edward, come in the afternoon. We'll do an abbreviated workout and work on some footwork tomorrow. We can also do some planning for which fight you want to use as your big come back." Blinking to Alice, he smirked. "Ready, Alice?"
"Yep," Alice chirped. She skipped over to Edward, throwing her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "Tonight, it was fun, and I look forward to a long, healthy working relationship."
"Me, too," Edward said.
Alice and Charlie left Bella's house. Edward dropped off his bag into the guest room before heading into Bella's room. She was asleep, snoring lightly. He sat down on the bed, brushing his fingers down her smooth cheek. Her eyes fluttered open. She blinked up to him, yawning. "You came back," she whispered. "I thought …"
"You asked me to come back and I did," he said, giving her a crooked grin. He checked the bump on her head. "Are you okay? How are you feeling?"
"Still sore and embarrassed, but better," she replied, sitting up. "How was your first day of training?"
"It felt good to be back in the ring," he answered. "I missed it immensely and being able to spar?"
"Let me guess. My dad got in the ring with you," Bella laughed. "Did he kick your ass?"
"Actually, no," Edward smirked. "He's concerned about my weight loss and some weakness on my right side, but we're going to work on it."
"Weight loss?" Bella asked. "Can you grab my crutches?"
"I lost about twenty pounds of muscle thanks to my injuries," Edward said, getting up and grabbing her crutches. He helped her up. "I think I gained most of it back with dinner."
"Did you like El Gaucho?" she smiled, hobbling toward her bathroom.
"It was delicious," Edward answered.
Bella looked at him, sweeping her eyes over his long, lean form. His outfit was sleek, making him appear dangerous. "I think this is the first time I've seen you all dressed up. You're very handsome," she murmured.
He felt his face flame as she shyly gave him a compliment. "Thank you, beautiful," he said.
Before ducking into the bathroom, she turned to face him. "Thank you … for coming back and for … being you," she breathed.
A/N: A bit of a transitional chapter. I hope you liked it. Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can find a link for that on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79. I have to confess, while I was researching the restaurant Alice and Edward went to, my mouth was watering. El Gaucho looks and sound delicious.
Just sayin …
Up next will be a jump in time. We'll have some more training for Edward and a growing friendship/relationship with Bella. Will she be helping him train? Leave me your thoughts.
