Edward

It's odd that every aspect of life seems to be a little more positive when you've had a good night's sleep. I thought I slept decently but after having only a handful of hours, it normally makes me feel like death. But this morning, after waking up next to my girl I feel refreshed. I feel good. And it's surprising.

After I kiss Bella goodbye while she's still sleeping, I make sure to get a to-go cup of coffee for the road and get going.

By the time it's eleven, I get a bad vibe. Normally these clients come out for a little chat, or to discuss any new things they want around the garden. But today? None of that, only a meek little smile when the lady of the house noticed me trimming the roses while she made her morning coffee. It's as if one giant, ominous cloud surrounds me today.

It's then, when I desperately need a bathroom break, that her husband comes outside, carrying two cups.

"It's looking good, Edward," Paul says. He's got this uneasy look on his face. And it's like the sky darkens with clouds overhead.

"Look," he starts. "We've always been so happy with your work."

Oh boy, there it is.

"But, Emily and I are trying for a third and she's had to cut back on hours on doctor's orders."

"Are you guys okay?" I ask.

Paul stares off into the distance.

"Yeah, yeah, it's fine. She's just been incredibly stressed out and the doc said she needs to take it easier."

"That makes sense," I shrug. "I hope everything goes by smoothly."

"We ah…we'll have to stop our arrangement, though."

My eyes widen.

"Oh," I frown. "I see."

"We really could use the money, you know."

"No hard feelings, Paul. But be real with me," I take a deep breath before I drink from the cup, rich coffee filling my senses. "You're gonna work with someone else, right? I mean, this backyard needs a landscaper." It's true. They've got all sorts of exotic plants, high-maintenance shrubbery and flowers. Plus, this amount of grass? He'd be mowing all day if he did it himself.

"God, I feel so awkward," he admits, running a hand through his hair.

"Let me guess. You found someone cheaper?"

"Quite a bit cheaper."

I nod.

"I swear those folks will run me out of business," I mutter to myself.

Paul looks at me with an apologetic look on his face.

"Look, I know it's not your fault, Paul…It's just getting awfully tough out there. Who even are these people?"

"MNREnterprise…that's all I know, Edward."

I roll my eyes, downing my coffee in one go. It burns my throat on the way down.

"Did you see the owner?"

He shakes his head.

"They mailed me a quotation, and one of the workers came over the other day to look at everything."

I nod.

I return to my mother's home feeling like a fallen soldier. It's only when I see Bella's face and the flour on her maroon dress, that I smile.

"Hey, baby," I breathe, taking her into my arms. She smells like baked goods and perfume, and her presence makes me relax.

"What's wrong?" she whispers against my chest. "You look sad."

"I've lost another client to that godforsaken other company. They go way under my best price. There's no way I can give them a counteroffer, or I'd be working for free."

Bella backs away, a frown marring her face.

"Seriously, that's fucked up."

"It really is…I guess that's what I get for working on a fucking Saturday. They up and leave me for another landscaper instead of being grateful."

"I can't believe this keeps happening."

"Whoever it is, they're making a dent in my fixed clientele. I'll probably have to start marketing stuff again. To think I've been my own boss for over fifteen years…" I sigh, feeling pathetic. "Am I doing something wrong? Am I making mistakes?" I shake my head. "Am I just not good enough, anymore?"

Her fingers weave through my hair, forcing me to look into those bottomless, coffee eyes.

"Stop. That."

"I can't, Bella…" I say a little too harshly. It makes her flinch and I regret my tone immediately. "What am I supposed to do if my business goes belly-up? It's all I know, it's all I want to do…" I go on a tad softer.

"I understand it's driving you insane, I do. But we need to find out who this person is and why they're targeting the same audience as you." She seems deep in thought, leaning against the kitchen counter.

"Did you fire anyone, recently?" she asks.

"Not a one, baby doll. It's just me and Mike. He's the only employee I've ever hired. It's always just been the two of us," I shrug.

Then Bella frowns more, her bottom lip in between her teeth as she shakes her head.

"Then I don't know who it could be."

But then, the other shoe drops.

"Oh, fuck…" I mutter.

"What is it?"

"Mike…" I can't believe I'm even thinking this. "He's been weird the past couple of months. Taking time off, having odd phone calls…"

Bella's eyes grow wide.

"Does he know my mom?" she asks suddenly.

"What do you me—"

"Well, mommy dearest knew I was working at your office…I'm guessing you didn't exactly tell her since you left the house?"

I'm feeling a little lightheaded, and I run a hand through my hair.

"Do you think Mike told her?"

"He said he recognized me from the pictures my mom had at the house. But the only ones she's got out with me in them are from ten years ago."

"Then how did he know?" My brows knit together.

"Did you have barbecues at the house?"

"What, no way. Your mom hates stuff like that."

"Then he's lying," Bella says.

"Lying about what?"

"About how he knows m—" There's a blank look on Bella's face. It alarms me.

"What's going on in your pretty head, Bella?"

"He called someone when you left yesterday…it sounded all lovey dovey and he went outside to answer the phone."

I feel sick to my stomach.

"Y—, wh…" I'm not sure what to say right now, my further thoughts interrupted as my phone buzzes in my pocket.

"Charlotte?" I answer quickly, putting her on speaker.

"Well, Edward…" she starts. "I've got a name for you, darling…"