A/N: Thank you for all the love and support:) This chapter has a lot of clues as to what Bella's secret is.

Song suggestion: Call It What You Want by Taylor Swift

"Oh my fucking God, Bella! You're insufferable. Everything I've tried to teach you has gone right out the window, hasn't it?!" Jane yelled, throwing her hands up and almost hitting the vase on the console table. Always very animated. "Just like Mom," she spat.

Jane knew that bit would crush me. Becoming like your parents wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but if anybody had ever met ours, they would understand why this was such an insult.

Jane turned her back on me, huffing as she grabbed her backpack from the floor and muttered, "pathetic." As she headed for the door, something told me to go after her.

I pulled myself out of my stupor and closed the gap between us, taking hold of her arm and spinning her around so that we were face to face. "That's not fair, Janie, and you know it," I shouted back, pointing my finger in her face. "You're never around anymore. You're out there doing God knows what with God knows who. And guess what? I'm here by myself. I'm so fucking alone. What did you expect?!"

It was the first real fight we'd ever had. The first time I ever went against what she was saying.

Sure, we fought over trivial matters but this—this was big.

She didn't approve of who I was becoming.

She didn't approve of me.

All my life I'd sought approval from my mother, and when I realized I would never get that, I'd grasped onto Jane.

I looked up to my sister, admired her sense of self. Her values and beliefs weren't something she compromised for money or notoriety. Two things that were vital in my mother's world—my world.

Jane felt betrayed that I was not only partaking in high society but that they'd welcomed me with open arms.

I was the golden girl. The IT girl. She insisted it wasn't something to be proud of. I would only learn later that she was right.

"Bella, get your finger out of my fucking face," Jane muttered through gritted teeth.

Her tone and the serious expression on her face told me she wasn't messing around. Jane could throw down. I'd seen her wrath and didn't want to be on the receiving end, so I put my hands up, conceding defeat. I truly didn't want to fight—not with her. I didn't want to hurt her. She was all I had.

"Everything I worked to protect you from—all for nothing." Jane shook her head in disgust. "Go right ahead—wear your expensive rags, Bella—but news flash, you're no better than the rest of us."

I jolted awake. This dream—nightmare really—was recurring. I couldn't shake it. No matter what I did, it followed me.

The frequency had lessened as time went on, but it was always the same dream. Always the same ending.

I was terrified that I would have the nightmare when I spent the night at Edward's, but oddly enough, I slept better than ever.

But I felt guilty. Dirty. I was lying to him. Maybe not blatantly but I still was lying. At the very least by omission.

He had a daughter to worry about and protect, and here I was, the mess they probably needed protecting from.

Not really. Maybe. Who knows. I should probably bring it up at my next therapy appointment.

I preferred AA to therapy though. Especially since it was anonymous. Even though I wasn't truly addicted to anything, I liked the sense of community. Yes, I'd done drugs, partied excessively, and drank. Hell–I still drank. I didn't have a problem. Sure, I'd lost everything because of one night of all those things combined, but it wasn't because I was addicted.

It didn't take me long to realize therapy wasn't for me. The only reason I was still going was because I'd been forced to, in yet another attempt by meddling people to try to restore me to the good graces of society. It would be "good," I was told. It might "teach me how to cope with things." What a crock!

Throughout the past year, I'd had my brain picked over enough. I knew there was nothing seriously "wrong" with me. Aside from no self esteem and maybe a bit of depression, but that was normal considering everything that'd happened.

Still shaken by the dream, I rose from the bed. I glanced at the clock: 5:30 AM. The old me would have popped a sleeping pill and gone back to bed for the entire day.

But I was trying to be a better version of myself—a new and improved me—so I decided to turn to my newest vice. I picked up my phone and sent Edward a text.

The poor guy never slept. All hours of the night, I'd get text messages, even though he never expected a response. Edward just wanted me to know he was thinking about me.

"You awake?" I added a winky face emoji for good measure.

Not even a minute later, my phone rang. I almost dropped it as I tried to answer just as quickly.

"Hello?" I said a little breathless.

"Hello, baby," Edward whispered. "Bree crawled into my bed once I came home from Bar, so I haven't gone to sleep yet. Later after I drop her off…" He trailed off. "What's got you up so early, or did you not go to bed either?"

"Bad dream." I sighed. "I also missed you. We haven't seen each other at all this week." I pouted even though he couldn't see me. I hadn't dropped in to the bar because things had been so busy lately and it was getting difficult to spend actual time together when he was technically working and networking.

"I know. I miss you too, baby," he said softly. Edward took a deep breath on the other end of the phone. "I hate to tell you but it seems like this week might be just as hectic. Seth is still suspended."

Edward started calling me baby after our sexy time together, and now he was saying it more and more freely. I loved it, although it scared me a little as well.

"Why is Seth suspended?"

Edward groaned and I heard fabric rustling followed by a door being shut. "Because the dumbass got caught making out with Emily in the back stockroom."

I gasped. "That's ballsy."

"Yeah, but that's not even the worst part," he said. Now he was talking in a normal tone of voice. "Apparently Sam has been going after Emily too. So of course, Sam was working and all hell broke loose. They are both suspended until further notice or until they can agree to be civil," he explained.

"So you're down two bartenders? Jeez, that sucks." I winced, thankful he couldn't see me.

I was really looking forward to some time with him this week. When I found out he had a daughter, I knew that would make our time together limited, but now that there'd been all these emergencies at the bar, I was afraid we would never see each other. But I mainly felt bad that he had zero time for himself.

"It does. Jared and Jake already agreed to pick up some of the slack, but after I take care of the mountain of paperwork, I'm gonna help out as well. I'll miss having my nights free, but you gotta do what you gotta do, y'know?" I heard rustling from his end of the line.

"I can pick up a shift or two," I offered.

What the actual fuck? I've never had a traditional job. Let alone bartended or waitressed. I could make Edward lose business.

"Really?" He sounded surprised, and I couldn't blame him.

I thought about that sexy face and then heard the tiredness in his voice.

I nodded and proceeded to speak. "Yep. At your service, boss."

He chuckled. "Bella, you can't say shit like that to me."

"I know I still owe you for last time," I teased, probably adding insult to injury.

He groaned and I laughed. "Come on, good things come to those who wait," I promised.

"No, it's not that. Bree's up. I gotta go, baby. I'll see you tonight at five. Wear something comfortable and that you're willing to get dirty."

And with that he was back in Dad mode.

I have to say, even though I knew I'd never have him 100% to myself, I kinda loved how devoted he was to being a father.

I looked over at the alarm clock on the side table and saw it was only ten minutes to six. Fuck! This was gonna suck but anything for Edward.

What the hell did I get myself into though?

Also what was I gonna wear?

I really hoped I didn't botch this.

SDSD

Why did I think this was a good idea?

So as if it wasn't bad enough that I'd agreed to work for Edward, I decided to take the subway for the first time by myself.

It was a Thursday night, one of their busiest nights of the week, and I was running late.

Edward was gonna think I was the biggest flake.

I finally got on the train after pushing through a crazy amount of people. Jesus Christ, it smelled so bad down here. Like piss and body odor.

The train was still stopped but there were no empty chairs. It couldn't be that hard to hold onto the pole. Although touching the pole seemed a bit daunting.

"Holy shit!" I blurted, as I almost went flying into a guy's lap.

Then I heard the overhead speaker announce we were heading to the Bronx. Fuck!

I started panicking. I must have mixed up the abbreviation for Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Moments later the train made its next stop and I pushed my way off.

Just as I settled on the platform, looking for anybody more educated than me, I was tapped on the shoulder.

I spun and saw none other than Tyler and Beth Crowley. Tyler was a hedge fund executive who managed some of my mother's money. Beth was one of the "ladies who lunch" with my mother, which really meant they sat around and judged everyone—including each other.

"Hello, Isabella," Beth greeted, giving me a fake air kiss. She gave me a once over and made a face of disgust. I was wearing a pair of Reformation ripped jeans and a white Vince tank top, along with a flannel I'd purchased from the vintage store two blocks from my hotel. Thank God, they opened early this morning.

I gave her a small smile as I proceeded to look around before I spotted a sign for Brooklyn. I needed to get to Edward and away from anybody associated with Renee.

Somebody shoved into me, knocking me into Tyler. "Sorry," I muttered.

"It's fine. We have to take the subway to our acupuncture appointment. Our driver has the day off," Tyler explained.

Beth jumped in, "Oh Isabella, how is your poor mother doing?" She made a tsking sound and shook her head. "This past year must have been hell for her. I can't even imagine. I don't know how she gets out of bed in the morning. I hope you appreciate her." She gave me a pointed look.

Staring blankly at her, I wrung my hands. I was frozen in my tracks. What could I say to that? Nobody wanted to hear my side of things. It was just easier for them to assume the worst. My mother certainly hadn't corrected the narrative.

Thankfully Tyler looked at his watch. "Mother, we're going to be late. You know how Dr. Gerandy hates tardiness."

She nodded and turned to walk up the stairs. "Goodbye, Isabella. Give my best to Renee."

I wanted to run home and curl up under the covers. Forget everything and everybody. However, that wasn't an option. Instead I shook my head and squared my shoulders, pushing thoughts of judgmental socialites and pitying looks out of my mind. Edward needed me.

A lady with a stroller passed by, and I asked meekly, "Do you know how to get to Williamsburg?"

She provided me with detailed directions, telling me where I'd need to switch trains, so I gave her my thanks and hurried off. Once I'd transferred to the L train, I tried calling Edward but the service underground was shoddy so the call failed.

Off to work I go…

SDSD

I ran up the street to Bar. When I glanced at the time on my phone, I made a face. I was thirty-five minutes late.

I opened the door to the bar and was greeted by the smell of alcohol and the sound of the oldies playing on the jukebox.

"I'm so sorry!" I panted, out of breath from all the running.

Edward walked around the bar and gave me a hug before he rubbed my arms up and down. I inhaled deeply, getting lost in his scent. I really needed to get the name of his cologne and spray it on my pillow.

"No worries. I figured you got caught up or changed your mind. Maybe hanging with your other boyfriend." He shrugged. But it seemed like he was a little bothered.

I then realized that when he told me last week that he wasn't seeing anybody else, I didn't return the favor.

Caressing his cheek, I whispered, "There's nobody but you." It was the truth. As of late, all I needed was him.

He looked into my eyes—I guess searching for confirmation—and whatever he saw must have pleased him because his lips met mine.

For a moment, I struggled to keep up but soon got into his rhythm. Once we broke apart, there were catcalls.

I did a once-over of the bar and only saw a few regulars, one of whom was Dirty P. He still freaked me out, but I was going to do my best to be polite.

Edward led us over to the bar where he grabbed a piece of fabric from a hook and then walked behind me. "I was worried you were scared off by a little hard work. You know if I could eat those freaking snails, you can work a shift," he joked, tying the apron around my waist.

"Hey Bella!" Jared, Edward's assistant manager, called from the doorway of the stockroom.

He was a taller man, with a muscular build. He had a buzz cut and always wore polos, trying to be professional I assume. I'd say he had a preppier vibe than the rest of Edward's staff. While Jared's face was serious, when he got to know you, he was actually very kind although he still was soft spoken.

Jared was the friend who first took Edward to Bar on his birthday all those years ago. They had been friends since childhood.

Edward showed me a few things on the cash register, but I was semi-distracted by him and his close proximity.

"Bella, are you listening?" he asked, an amused smile on his face.

"Yes, I'm listening!" I defended, crossing my arms like a petulant child.

"Then what did I just say?" he challenged, mirroring my pose.

I bit my lip, and he chuckled, as he brushed my hair off my shoulder.

"Come on. Let me show you the stockroom."

Edward walked ahead of me and held the door open.

Before entering, I asked, "Are you sure?"

He gave me a confused look and proceeded to nod once. "Why wouldn't I be?"

I shrugged. "I've heard this is where the magic happens." I couldn't even keep a straight face.

He slapped my ass and warned, "Watch it, you!"

SDSD

Edward had me acting as a runner and waitress, and depending on how hectic it got, I even poured a few drinks. Okay—fine, they were only shots but still. I barely spilled anything on the counter.

Okay—maybe a little Casamigos.

In between patrons, I tried to open up to Edward more. We stuck to safe topics. Like Alice and our tumultuous friendship, boarding school drama, and even stories from my modeling days.

Apparently Edward had a thing for Adriana Lima. When I said I could introduce him, he said he'd pass since he already got his dream girl. Man, he knew how to make me swoon.

Vic had just walked into the bar, and once she settled into her usual spot, she said, "Hey you! He's got you working now too." She turned her attention to Edward, who was closing out a couple's tab. "Have I not taught you anything about how to get the girl?" she scolded.

I tried not to snicker too loudly before coming to Edward's defense. "I volunteered," I said proudly.

Vic seemed taken aback by that revelation, her face showing mild shock at the fact that I'd willingly signed up for this. I couldn't blame her—I'd surprised myself by my offer, but it turned out I was having fun.

Sure, my feet were killing me and I was pretty sure I'd broken a nail or two, but seeing the look on Edward's face every time I dropped off an order or chatted with a customer was priceless.

He was proud of me. I was proud of myself.

I never saw the appeal of hard work before, but I guess it was the company who really mattered, and looking around at the people in the bar, with the exception of Dirty P, I was in some really good company.

A/N: So Bella's a working girl;) Let me know your thoughts and predictions:)