Author's Note:

Huge shout out to Lizzie Paige for the awesome banner for this story!

Also, thanks to all who have reviewed! If I haven't replied, please forgive me, but know that I appreciate you all!

I do not own Twilight…nothing's changed here, unfortunately.

Chapter 3

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower while I cursed myself for the third glass of wine I'd had the night before. I hadn't been drunk by any means, but the indulgence had left me with a headache. At least it was Friday, and the headache wasn't anything a couple cups of coffee wouldn't cure. I had the first after my shower while I got ready for work and poured the second into a travel mug to take on the go. I didn't have any meetings scheduled for the day, so I could have gotten away with working from home, but I went to the office anyway.

Just after lunch, I was working on edits for a new author we had recently signed when my phone signaled an incoming text message. I looked and was surprised to see Edward's name. I swiped the screen and read the message.

Hey Bella, just reminding you about game night tonight. Rose and Em's place. Same time as usual. See you there! – E

I laughed at his confidence that he'd see me later that evening, but I realized that I really wanted to go. I shouldn't have pulled away the way I had over the last year or so.

Fine, you win…I'll see you there! – B

After responding to Edward's text, I texted Rose to see what I needed to bring that evening. When she responded, she told me they had the food covered and she was glad I was coming. I was glad, too. I needed to get back to my normal life. I had moved on from Jacob but isolating myself had become too much of a habit. No more avoiding the people who loved me or life in general just because my husband had turned out to be a cheating asshole.

Feeling light and carefree with my new resolve to live my life, I finished the edits I'd been working on and decided to cut out a little early and treat myself to a manicure that afternoon. I left the office and headed for my usual salon and spent the next couple of hours pampering myself. I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure, along with a facial since they had just happened to have an opening. I headed home after the salon to change into something more comfortable for the evening. I didn't have much time, so I threw on my favorite jeans, a lightweight gray sweater, and a comfy pair of black flats. Noting the time, I pulled my hair into a ponytail, swiped on some mascara, and grabbed a bottle of wine to take along and headed for Rose and Emmett's house.

When I pulled up to the house, I noticed that I was the last to arrive. I parked at the curb and got out of my car, then took in the picturesque tree lined street and the large modern craftsman style home. The area was homey and well-kept and a great place for families. Edward lived just a couple of streets over. I had always loved the neighborhood and had actually looked for a house here when I was buying my own place last year. There hadn't been anything for sale at the time, though, so I'd settled on a place across town. I reached the front door and rang the bell a second before the door swung open to reveal a statuesque blonde.

"Get in here! You know you don't have to ring the bell," Rosalie said and pulled me into a hug. Her blue-gray eyes glittered as she pulled back and smiled. "I'm so glad you're here, Bells."

"Me, too," I said with a smile and then followed her back to the kitchen.

"Everyone's out on the deck," she told me. "We're taking advantage of the decent weather before the cold hits. Em's grilling."

"Sounds good." I stuck the bottle of wine I'd brought in the fridge to chill and followed Rosalie out onto the deck.

"Jelly Belly!" Emmett bellowed, then stepped over and pulled me into a crushing hug. The guy was a teddy bear, but he was huge. He looked like the quintessential linebacker he had been in high school and college. He was broad and well over six feet tall with dark hair and a friendly face. He stepped back and slung his arm over his wife's shoulders.

"Hey, you made it!" Edward greeted me with a smile and pulled a beer from the outdoor fridge when I walked outside.

"Thanks," I said and took a drink after Edward popped the top and handed it to me. I turned toward Alice and Jasper and stepped over to hug Alice.

"Hey, Bella, I didn't think you were coming," Alice said as she stepped back, only to be replaced by her husband.

"Hey, Bells, long time no see," Jasper said.

"Hey Jazz, it hasn't been that long. You all act like you haven't seen me in years." Jasper's hug was calm whereas Emmett's had been exuberant, but it was no less welcoming.

"Sometimes it feels that way, but we're glad you're here," Emmett interjected. "I was so glad when Eddie here told me you were coming."

I glanced over at Edward and giggled as I caught him rolling his eyes at being called Eddie. I knew he hated that nickname. Emmett knew it too, which is why he made a point of using it. Emmett lived to give us all a hard time whenever possible.

After the initial greetings, we all chatted and caught up while Emmett got the grill going. I noticed more than once that Alice seemed upset, but I didn't want to ask her about it in front of everyone. I got my chance a few minutes later when Alice announced that she and I would go in and get the condiments and sides ready to go while Emmett cooked the burgers. I followed Alice into the kitchen and started to ask her if she was upset or something, but she cut me off before I could speak.

"What's up with you and my brother?" Alice asked as soon as we closed the door.

"What do you mean? Emmett?" I asked, completely clueless as to what she was talking about. I turned to start pulling vegetables and condiments from the fridge, along with the pasta salad Rose had prepared for the night.

"Of course I don't mean Emmett, I'm talking about Edward," Alice snapped. Her tone of voice prompted me to turn and look at her. She was looking at me with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised in question. I was more than a little taken aback by her posture as I couldn't figure out what could have possibly upset her.

"What are you talking about? There's nothing up with me and Edward."

"Well, he obviously knew you were going to be here, but you told me the other day that you weren't coming." Alice replied.

I struggled not to roll my eyes, but she looked like a child on the verge of a tantrum. "I didn't plan to come when we talked about it the other day, but I changed my mind."

"For my brother."

"No, because of your brother maybe, but not for him. I don't really know what you're insinuating with this, but Edward asked me to come yesterday when I ran into him after visiting Tanya, and then he texted me earlier today, and I realized I had been avoiding everyone and I'm tired of doing that. You guys are my friends, not Jake's, so it's time I move on and start acting like it," I told her, still unsure of what the problem was.

"I've been telling you that since the moment you left that asshole, but you wouldn't listen. Why is it so different now that Edward has said it?" she asked me, looking more hurt now than mad.

"It's not different, Ali, I just finally took it to heart. I don't really know why I ever felt awkward without Jake since he never came with me all that often anyway, but I did. I just finally realized that it's time to move on. I'm over him, have been for a long time, and I want to get back to my life." I explained to Alice, hoping it would soothe her apparently wounded pride and the subject would drop. As we finished loading the rest of dinner on a tray to take outside, Emmett stuck his head in the door to let us know the burgers were about ready. I told him we'd be right out, then turned back to Alice.

"What is up with you?" I asked her. "I don't really understand why you are so upset. I thought you'd be happy that I'm ready to truly move on."

Alice narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "I guess it depends on your definition of moving on."

With that, Alice brushed past me and walked back outside with the others. I paused for a moment, thoroughly confused by Alice's cryptic comment. I shook my head and picked up the tray just as Rose opened the door to check on me and the rest of the food.

"Everything okay?" she asked with concern as she glanced between me and Alice's retreating form. I grabbed the tray I'd put together and shrugged before I carried the food to the outdoor table and sat down to enjoy my evening with my friends.

As soon as we were all seated, Alice spoke up. "So, Bella, are you excited for your date tomorrow night?"

"Ugh, not really," I responded with a groan. I really wasn't looking forward to the date, and I also suddenly wished I'd never mentioned it to Alice.

"Who are you going out with?" Rose asked.

"Just a guy I met through work. He's a nice guy, I'm just not really all that interested in him. I just finally gave in after he'd asked me out several times."

"Don't be silly! It's going to be great" Alice said.

"Whatever," I responded with a roll of my eyes. "I'll go, but I'm not really holding out any hope for this one."

I quickly changed the subject by asking Rose about the kids and inwardly cringed when I noticed Alice's stormy expression at my obvious lack of enthusiasm for my upcoming date. Despite the waves of tension rolling off Alice, dinner was still a jovial affair with funny stories of kids and jobs, and I only had to deflect Alice's attention from my love life once more.

A little later, we were still sitting around the table, and I was telling everyone about my meeting the day before with Cynthia Thompson and laughing about how dramatic she could be when Edward pulled my empty beer from my hand and replaced it with a fresh one. I flashed him a smile in thanks and continued my story. As I wrapped up my tale, though, I caught the glare that Alice was shooting my way as she observed the exchange. I still had no idea what her problem was, but while she was generally bubbly and chipper, her being moody wasn't unheard of. I decided to put her behavior out of my mind, figuring she'd be back to normal in a day or two as usual.

The evening wore on and got cooler, so we moved inside and pulled out a deck of cards when Emmett declared it poker night. A couple of hours later, I glanced at the time and realized it was getting late and I needed to head home.

"Well," I said as I gathered my winnings and pushed back from the table. "I figure I've taken enough of Emmett's money for one night, so I'm going to head out." I grinned as I looked over at Emmett who had his beefy arms crossed over his chest and a pout on his face. He looked like an overgrown toddler.

Edward barked a laugh as he observed his brother's expression. "Yeah, she kicked your ass tonight, man," he told Emmett.

"I want a rematch in two weeks, Swan," Emmett said.

"Wow, Rose, I had no idea your husband liked getting spanked by a girl," Jasper teased.

"Well, we usually keep it in the bedroom," Rosalie quipped with a laugh.

We all burst into laughter at that and started to say our goodbyes. I hugged Rose goodbye and made plans to get together for lunch or something soon. I said goodbye to the guys and looked around for Alice. I assumed she had slipped away to the restroom or something, so I made my way to the door. Edward followed me and offered to walk me out. I said a final goodbye to the group and walked out with Edward on my heels. As I descended the porch steps, I felt his hand at the small of my back and I was shocked to find myself noticing the warmth of his palm through my sweater as we walked to my car. I reached for the door handle and turned back to Edward before getting in the car.

"Thanks, Edward. I'm glad you talked me into coming tonight," I told him.

"I'm glad you came. We haven't seen enough of you lately," he replied then pulled me into a hug and wished me goodnight.

I got into my car and thought about the evening as I drove home. I really was glad I had gone and promised myself that I would not skip any more of our game nights. This group of people were my best friends. I had always looked forward to hanging out with them and I wouldn't let Jacob ruin that for me anymore. The only blemish on an otherwise fantastic evening was Alice's bizarre behavior. She had been quiet most of the night, which was unlike her, and more than once I caught her watching me with an odd look on her face. I had known Alice most of my life, so I knew she was upset about something, but I still couldn't make sense of the things she had said before dinner. I had no idea why she would have an issue with Edward and I having coffee, so I decided to just chalk it up to a mood and let it go.

The next day, I spent the day doing housework and wishing I could get out of my plans for that evening. As I'd mentioned to Rose the night before, I had met Eric Yorkie, an author, through work. He had asked me out several times and I'd always turned him down, but last week, I had run into him as he was leaving a meeting at the publishing house. At the time, I had just returned from lunch with Alice who had been encouraging me to start dating more, so with her pep talk fresh in my mind, I had caved when he asked again and agreed to meet him for dinner. Now that the date was upon me, though, I wished I had never agreed. Since I couldn't turn back the clock and tell him no, I resigned myself to the awkwardness of a first date and got ready to go while trying to convince myself it wouldn't be that bad.

Three hours later, I knew I should have listened to my gut. It was that bad. Eric was a nice enough guy, but the common ground we had in our respective careers just wasn't enough to build on. Eric was a talented science fiction writer, but apparently, he had zero other interests. If he wasn't talking about his books, then he was talking about his favorite sci-fi TV shows or movies. As I had little interest in the genre and couldn't get a word in edgewise, I spent the evening nodding and humming in agreement just to be polite. This wasn't the first date I had been on since Jake, but it was much like the other couple of times I had tried and didn't instill any confidence that I'd be finding my happily ever after any time soon. Good thing I was happy on my own and not as worried about finding my elusive Prince Charming as Alice was. Oh well, at least the food is good, I thought as I twirled pasta around my fork and mentally counted the minutes until I could escape.

The following week passed without much excitement. I had dodged a couple of calls from Eric before finally answering and telling him in no uncertain terms I was not interested in another date since my gentle letdown Saturday night had apparently fallen on deaf ears. I had a productive week workwise and by Friday I was more than ready for the weekend. I wrapped up a few loose ends Friday morning before I grabbed my things and left to meet Alice for lunch. I waved goodbye to Angela and the other editors in my department and walked out into the cool fall breeze. I decided to walk since the bistro where Alice and I were meeting was just a couple of blocks away. I was looking forward to seeing my friend as I hadn't seen her since the week before at game night when she had been acting so strangely. I had stuck to my plan and given her time to get out of whatever mood she had been in, and she had finally texted me in the middle of the week acting like nothing had ever happened.

I scanned the crowd when I entered the restaurant and saw Alice sitting at a table near the back. I heard her tell the waitress we'd each have a glass of white wine as I neared the table. The waitress retreated as I sat down, and I raised an eyebrow at Alice.

"Wine at noon? Rough day?"

"No, not really, just glad it's Friday and they have our favorite here," she replied.

"Well, I can't argue with that logic," I said as I picked up my menu. "But I have to go back to the office, so I'll have to stick to the one glass."

"Yeah, I have to go back to the shop, too. One of my girls is sick, so I'm shorthanded." Alice owned a high-end clothing boutique and though she rarely worked on the floor anymore, I knew she didn't really mind when she had to play sales associate for a day.

We made small talk as we waited for the server to return with our drinks and take our order. Once she had delivered our wine and left the table after jotting down our orders, Alice eyed me as she took a sip of her wine.

"How was your date last weekend?"

"Even worse than I anticipated," I remarked.

"Well, it was worth a shot," she said with a shrug and then was quiet for a few moments as we each sipped our wine. I was surprised but grateful she let it go so easily, considering I'd expected a lecture on giving him a chance and getting myself back out there. Finally, Alice spoke again.

"So, have you talked to Edward?" she asked.

I drew my eyebrows together in confusion but answered her. "No, why?"

"Just wondering," Alice said, but I noticed she was still eyeing me in speculation.

Much like the previous Friday evening, I found myself wondering why my best friend was so concerned with the fact that I had run into Edward and had coffee with him. I had brushed it off the week before, but it must have been the reason for her behavior since she was bringing him up out of the blue. I decided to get to the bottom of it instead of letting her continue whatever train of thought she was on.

"Why are you so being so weird about me having coffee with Edward last week?" I asked her. I should have known I'd unwittingly made the problem worse when she narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not being weird, and I didn't know you had coffee with him. It's just not normal for you guys to hang out," she replied.

"We don't hang out. Like I said, we ran into each other leaving Ridgemont and had coffee on the spur of the moment. And even if we did hang out outside of the group, what is the big deal? We're friends." I was more than a little annoyed at Alice's attitude and I guess she could tell she was making an issue out of nothing because she let it go and changed the subject.

"Speaking of Tanya," she said, "are you busy tomorrow morning? We need to go see her."

"I just went last week," I reminded her.

"I know, but I haven't gone yet since missing last week and I want you to come with me," Alice said.

I thought very seriously about lying and telling her I was busy, but I figured there was no point in having to keep up with whatever story I told her. I wasn't busy, and it wouldn't kill me to go with her, so I reluctantly agreed.

The rest of lunch passed with no further drama, and I found myself back at my desk an hour later. I had a quiet afternoon, and I was reading a new manuscript when my phone buzzed with an incoming text message. I picked it up and smiled when I saw Edward's name and unlocked the screen to read the text.

Hey Bella, I just finished a client meeting not too far from you. Thought you'd be off soon and maybe want to meet up for coffee? – E

Sure, sounds good. Where and when? – B

I sent him a thumbs up in agreement when he named a coffee shop a few blocks away, then checked my email one last time before I gathered my things and left work for the day. Arriving at the coffee shop a short time later, I saw Edward just sitting down at a table near the back corner. I walked over and he hugged me in greeting.

"Hey, Bella, I got you a chai latte like you had last week. Hope that's okay."

"Yeah, that's perfect. Thanks!" I said as I took my seat.

Edward and I made small talk, asking each other about work and life and he told me a funny story about the client he had just met with. Edward was an architect and owned Cullen Construction and Design with Emmett. Edward handled the design side, while Emmett, a licensed general contractor, ran the construction side. They had also brought their mother Esme into the business as an interior designer and Rosalie ran the office, so it was a true family business. I asked him about Maggie and admired how his face lit up at the mention of his daughter. It was clear he was a great father and Maggie was the light of his life.

We spent a pleasant hour talking over our coffees and I found myself noticing the way the lights played off the bronze of Edward's hair and how his eyes went soft when he talked about the people he loved. I'd always recognized that he was a handsome man, I wasn't blind after all, but I was suddenly aware of details I had never really noticed. My eyes were drawn to the way his Adam's apple bobbed as he drank his coffee and the fine crinkles at the corners of his eyes when he smiled that only enhanced his good looks. Since when were Adam's apples and wrinkles sexy? I felt like my train of thought had jumped the tracks, so I mentally pulled the brakes on my musings. I didn't know what I was thinking, and I wasn't sure I had any business exploring those thoughts, so I pushed them away and finished my coffee. Once we were both finished, we tossed our cups, then Edward walked me to my car. I turned to tell him goodbye and found him closer than I expected. My cheeks flushed and I suddenly felt warm as he leaned forward and kissed my cheek. He softly told me he'd had a good time and would see me soon. I murmured a goodbye and watched in a daze as Edward walked toward his truck. As soon as I was in my car and on my way home, I started to analyze the thoughts and feelings I felt bubbling to the surface, but I reminded myself that Edward was married and there was no way he saw me as anything other than a friend. With that thought, I pushed any inappropriate feelings down deep and willed myself to forget about them.

Author's Note:

Think she'll really be able to ignore these feelings? Let me know what you think!

Next chapter will be Edward's point of view. It's time to see what's going on in that pretty head of his. :)