AN: Hi everyone, sorry for being absent for a while. Sadly my father passed away the 12th of April.
It's been a busy time dealing iwth everything and helping my mother. So I hadn't had time to really write, let alone upload chapters.
hopefully, I'll be able to write a bit more now, but things might still take a while. sometimes my head still isn't really in it.
So thanks to everyone still reading and for your patience with me.
Here's the next chapter. Hope you'll enjoy it.
Chapter 25
EPOV
'Edward!' someone yelled. My head snapped up to the sky and I quickly located the ball flying towards me. I ran, veering off the course I had plotted. It was a sneaky hit this one. But I was sure I could catch it. I kept my eye on the ball as I sprinted down outfield. Then as the ball started coming down, I set my feet and jumped up. The ball landed in my glove with a resounding thwack. I fell back down to the ground, rolled and sprang to my feet again, throwing it to Tyler who was guarding second base. But of course he wasn't paying attention.
As the ball left my hand I yelled his name, desperately hoping he'd be able to catch it in time. He slowly turned towards me and his eyes widened as he saw the ball heading his way. He tried to get ready, but it was too late. The ball soared past him.
The runner stole a base.
I cursed.
Emmett blew his whistle. 'Tyler!' he bellowed. 'What the fuck?!'
'Sorry coach!' Tyler yelled back. But Emmett wasn't having it. 'Get your ass over here now!'
Tyler's face contorted into a sneer, but he obeyed the order. He trudged off field, and I could see Emmett lay into him in the dugout. Laurent took his place.
I regarded Laurent for a moment. He was a better player than Tyler, that much was obvious. But I was still wary of him, not having forgotten his covert conversation with James Hunter.
Emmett called the session into play again and Laurent kept his eye on the ball.
That is, until Bella walked onto the field.
The moment she walked out from the entrance walkway my eyes were drawn to her. she looked good.
No, she looked incredible, in a formfitting dress and heeled boots that reached her knees, but she also seemed better. Like she was taking better care of herself.
There was another woman with her and I was curious. The woman had a severe look about her. she wore a grey pantsuit and stood next to Bella with her arms crossed. Emmett went over to them and they all started talking. As I focussed back on the game, I noticed Laurent's eyes were still on the trio. His eyes were narrowed. I decided to head closer infield.
'Who do you think that is?' I asked Laurent casually when I was close enough.
He started, apparentely he had thought no one had noticed him staring. When he saw it was me, he shrugged. 'don't care.' He muttered.
I narrowed my eyes at him, but didn't comment anything else. His shoulders were tense as he returned his attention to the play as well.
Emmett blew his whistle not long after. Bella and the mystery woman headed back inside and we all headed over to the dugout to get our feedback from Emmett and pointers on what we were doing.
Emmett quickly ran through his notes before dismissing us to the locker rooms. I stood up to follow the rest, but he quickly stopped me.
'Shower quick, if you can. Then head to B- I mean Ms Swan's office.'
I quirked a brow at him. 'what for?'
he shook his head, his eyes cutting to the rest of the players who were looking at us curiously. I nodded once that I understood. It probably had to do with the woman Bella had been with. I headed to the showers and got ready in record time, standing outside in my regular clothes within fifteen minutes. I headed to the elevators and quickly headed to the managerial floor. I fidgeted nervously on my way up, curious as to what was happening.
I knocked once at the door and Jake's bark from inside made me smile. The door opened and Bella was pushed out of the way as Jake was eager to get to me. I was glad he was getting this used to me. I gave him a few pats which seemed to pacify him.
'Hi Edward. Thank you for coming.' Bella said as she pulled Jake back inside the office again. She stepped back and gestured for me to come in too.
'Of course. Emmett said I was needed.'
'Edward, I'd like you to meet Leah Southwater.' Bella introduced and the woman in the grey pantsuit stood up and held out her hand.
I stepped towards her to shake it. 'Edward Cullen.' I introduced myself. She nodded back.
'She is my new PR spokesperson.' Bella said, circling her desk and gesturing for me to sit down as she sat down in her own chair again. Emmett was on the couch so I joined him there giving him a quick nod in greeting, which he returned.
'okay.' I responded, still unsure why I was here.
'Mr Cullen.' Leah addressed me. 'Ms Swan-'
'Leah, please call me Bella.'
Leah nodded once. 'Very well. Bella has informed me that together with Emmett and his wife Rosalie you all are frequently together.'
I frowned. 'yes?' I was confused as to where this was going. I glanced at Emmett and he seemed equally confused.
'As you both know the press has been stalking and hounding Bella, searching for a story. I am afraid that your friendship if it were to become public knowledge may damage her reputation.'
I looked to Bella, to see her frowning.
'what do you mean?' Emmett asked.
'I'm afraid Ms Swan may open herself up to slander, accusing her of nepotism by promoting you to head coach and Edward's father to team surgeon.'
My mouth dropped open. 'What?' I asked incredulous. 'My father got his contract before Bella took over. And Emmett deserves that job. He's worked his ass off for five years as undercoach.'
Leah pursed her lips.
'What are you saying exactly Leah?' Emmet asked, his jaw tight. 'That we can't be friends with Bella?'
Bella looked away from us, her lip between her teeth and her face set in a frown.
'Is that what you want Bella?' I asked before I could stop myself. Her gaze snapped to mine and I saw the pain there. This couldn't be what she wanted. I couldn't believe that.
'I am here to protect Ms Swan's reputation. That is the main goal here.'
'Not at her expense.' Emmett interjected. 'Bella?' he asked.
she cleared her throat. 'Leah, I told you that they are my friends. Stop getting them all riled up.'
she grinned then and leah did too. Emmett and I frowned and looked at each other. What on earth was going on?
'Sorry, boys.' Leah said, her face softening as she looked at us. The hardass from just a few moments ago was gone. 'I just had to test the waters a bit.'
I stared at her. 'What?'
'You both know the press has been hounding Bella.'
we both nodded.
'Well, I want to make sure that no one on the inside has been leaking information of her movements or stories to fuel the press. I just wanted to test how firm you were in your friendship.'
'That was a test?' I asked in disbelief. I stared at Bella and she gave a small smile and nodded once.
'Sorry' Bella said. 'I told Leah it wasn't necessary, but she wants to make sure everyone in my life is there for the right reasons.'
'Fuck me' Emmett blew out a big breath. 'that was rough, Bella. Warn a man first. Christ.'
I shook my head, my heart returning to it's normal rhythm. That hadn't been fun at all, but I could understand Leah's thinking.
'Now that I know you are both sincere I do want to warn you though. If someone were to leak information about the timeline of your friendship, or lie about it, the nepotism story could be published. I want you to be aware that this is a possibility. I will of course manage anything that would be published. And if and when something that hurts either of you gets pusblihsed I will intervene, but know that you might have to deal with public interest once it becomes known you are close to Bella.'
'I can handle the press.' Emmett said, his fists clenching.
'Punching paparazzi out won't exactly help Emmett.' I grumbled. Though I shared the sentiment.
Leah's eyes widened. 'No, I would very much advise against any physical altercations with the press. If anything happens, just ignore them. No comments, no hand gestures, no fighting. Just ignore them and report to me or Bella.'
We both nodded.
'Is there anything else I need to be aware of in your friendship?'
Emmett and I glanced at each other and shrugged. 'we have dinner twice a week usually.' Emmett said.
'And Bella and I sometimes walk the dogs together. Oh and she's been to my family home.'
Leah looked to Bella for confirmation. She nodded. 'yes, it was a business dinner with Carlisle, but turned more into a family dinenr with Carlisle's wife and daughter in attendance as well.'
'Not Mr Cullen?' Leah asked gesturing to me.
Bella shook her head. 'No, we felt that might not be wise if press got wind of it.'
Leah nodded. 'that's good. I would suggest not going to the family home anymore though. That might stir rumors unnecessarily. '
she nodded. I felt a pang in my chest. I wouldn't be able to have dinner with her and my family it seemed. And that was something I actually really wanted to happen. I wanted to see how she interacted with my family. From what mom and Alice had told me she had fit right in. I sighed inaudibly and tried to shake myself from the feeling.
'and I would suggest stopping walking the dogs together. It might be construed wrong as well. Keep the weekly dinners confined to one of your homes. No going to restaurants.'
Bella and I looked at each other. Her mouth was drawn down in a frown. I'm sure my face mirrored hers.
'The dogs really like each other, though.' Bella tried.
'I can understand that, however, if you are photographed together it might seem like you are dating. That will draw attention to you that I'm not sure you're ready for. Not to mention the whole nepotism angle getting a whole new spiel.'
'why?' Bella asked.
'because you own the club he plays at. It will call a lot into question. My professional advice would be to not date any of your players, Bella.'
And with that my hope that someday we might grow into something more, was shattered. Bella would not go against Leah's advice. She hated the press attention. There was no way I would be able to convince her now. I dropped my head with a sigh.
'Alright.' Bella said quietly. I didn't put up a fight. At least dinner with Emmet was still on the table. I would still get to see her then. And punish myself some more… god I was a glutton for it apparently.
Still she was kind and nice and fun. Even if we couldn't date, I still liked being her friend. That wouldn't change.
As leah went over some basics on how to handle the press Emmett and I listened and nodded. She had us sign some NDAs and then gave us her contact info. The moment we noticed any paps lurking around us we had to contact her. and she would contact us if she got wind of anything developing.
'good, now if you have any questions, just call me. and just lie low for the time being.' Leah said, dismissing us.
I nodded and got to my feet, giving Jake one last pat on the head.
'See you, buddy.' I murmured to him before glancing once at Bella. She was biting her lip again. Emmett clapped my shoulder and together we headed out of the office.
Emmett's hand stayed on my shoulder and he steered me into his own office before I could make an excuse to head out.
'It's not so bad, Edward.' He said as I sat down heavily in one of the chairs.
'isn't it?' I muttered.
'this is just for now. it's just temporary until the press dies down again.'
I quirked a brow at him. 'Emmett, she's an heiress. Young and beautiful. The press isn't going to leave her alone. Ever.'
Emmett frowned. Then let out a heavy sigh. 'At least we still have dinner.'
I nodded. 'I knew dating her was a long shot, anyway. Now it's just a definite no. At least I can move on now. I'll just be her friend, nothing else.'
'Can you? Just be her friend, I mean?' Emmett asked, crossing his arms over his chest. 'I see the way you look at her.'
I shrugged. 'I won't lie and say it will be easy, especially not at first. But if it's not possible, then I'll have to accept it.'
Emmett nodded. 'alright, then. Just know you can talk to me.'
'thanks, man.' I sighed and got to me feet. 'I'm heading out. I'll see you tonight.'
'Yeah, I'll be home around six, so drop by whenever.'
I nodded and with a wave left his office. I headed back to the lockerroom which was deserted by now and quickly gathered my stuff to head home. I was feeling slightly defeated.
As I pulled out of the stadium my phone rang. I quickly pressed answer on the dashboard.
'Hi brother!' Alice's cheerful voice filled the car.
'Hey Alice.' I greeted back.
'what's wrong?' she asked. I shook my head. She always knew when something was wrong, even when I was trying my damnest not to let anyone know.
'Nothing, Al. it's fine.' I assured her.
it was silent for a beat. 'yeah, I'm not buying it. But I can see you won't tell me about it now. so I'll leave that to when I see you on Saturday. So anyway, the reason I called is that I was wondering if you have Bella's number?'
I frowned. 'what do you need that for?'
'because I want to call her.'
'about what?' I pressed.
'sheesh, Edward, why the third degree? I'm not going to embaraas you to your new boss.' She said. 'we just got along great at dinner and I wanted to invite her over again.'
'She can't come to the house anymore.'
'why not?' Alice demanded.
'Because the press is after her, Alice. She's being hounded and they're making up stories about her. if someone sees her coming to the house they'll make up more stories, accuse her of favouritism.'
Alice gasped. 'is it that bad?'
'yeah… I just had a meeting with her PR person. It's bad, Alice. She can't do anything that will call her morality into question.'
Alice sighed. 'I guess I understand.' She was quiet for a moment and I was about to thank her for understanding, when she started up again. 'but still, give me her number. We might not be able to meet at the house, but there are plenty of other things to do and places to go. I want to be her friend, Edward. I have a feeling she could really use one.'
'she already has Rose.'
Alice huffed. 'So? You can have more than one friend, Edward.'
I sighed. 'I know Alice, I just want you to think carefully about this before you contact her. Not just for her sake, but for your own as well. You're dating Jasper, that might be called into question too.'
she was quiet for a moment. 'I see your point Edward. And I promise to be careful. I won't do anything to jeapardize either Jasper or Bella. I promise.'
'Alright. then I'll text you her number when I get home.'
'Thanks.'
'No problem.'
'You like her odn't you?' she asked suddenly, throwing me for a moment.
'What?' I chocked out.
'Bella. You like her.' Alice stated. 'I've never seen you this worried about a girl before.'
'Alice.' I sighed. 'she's my friend. Nothing more.'
'right…'she drawled. 'keep telling yourself that.'
'no, Alice' I hissed. 'I'm telling you that. Don't interfere.'
it was silent for a beat. 'Alright, fine. Text me her number.'
'I will, Alice.'
'Talk to you later.'
'Bye.'
