BE AWARE OF THE WALLS YOU BUILD AND WHAT COULD BE ON THE OTHER SIDE

Confucius, you kill me.

Texts intercepted from James Brown to Bella Hey there

Hey to you

We still on for Friday night?

Yep, I'm in…where are we going for dinner?

There's a great new Brazilian restaurant that opened that I've been wanting to try, how does that sound?

Do they walk around with meat on giant sticks? I think that's Argentinean…

Ah…either way sounds good to me…btw, the last of your furniture should be delivered Monday, I will be there to receive and place…

How much longer until the whole project is finished?

Except for a few pieces I ordered for the bedroom, should be all done by next weekend…ahead of deadline I might add…

Very good, will you be there to finish things in the bedroom? Stop it Jamie

I hate when you call me Jamie I know Jamie…see you Friday night EPOV

"So you're happy?" "I'm insanely happy,"

"You seem really happy," I smiled, ruffling Kate's hair. We were walking along Fisherman's Wharf, stopping at different food stalls and having an impromptu lunch. I hadn't seen Kate since we had broken things off, but after trading texts all week we finally agreed to meet and get caught up. She had a thing for watching the sea lions, and even though the wharf wasn't one of my favorite places in the city, I agreed. She'd talked my ear off for the better part of an hour about Garrett, and I willingly listened, pleased that my friend was in such a good place.

"So what's up with you and the other ladies? Since I have left your bed, are they keeping my man satisfied?" she laughed, taking my hand and dragging me over to the crab cart.

"Does Garrett know about me?" I asked, changing the subject as she and the vendor dickered over the price. She handed me her purse to hold while she juggled the crustaceans.

"He knows I have a great friend that I was involved with yes, he's cool with it. He also knows I was meeting you today, but he said you weren't allowed to try and have sex with me though," she winked, and took her purse back, leading me over to a bench.

"I'll try to keep my hands off his woman," I smirked, as she cracked a claw and offered it to me. "Are you trying to give me crabs?" I asked, deadpan.

"It's one crab, singular. Technically, I am trying to give you crab," she answered back just as seriously. We sucked on crab for a few minutes, enjoying the sunshine that had decided to make an appearance this afternoon. Fall in San Francisco could be fickle at best.

"So how are you? How are the other ladies, things good?" she asked again, picking a piece of crab off my chin for me.

"Um, good. Things are good," "Mm hmm, and your neighbor?" "My neighbor? What neighbor?"

"What neighbor, please Eddie Boy, this is your Katie you're talking to," she said softly, leaning against my shoulder as I wrapped an arm around her.

"Bella?"

"Yes Bella, how is she?"

"She's good. I mean, I haven't talked to her much lately, but I think things are good," "You are so full of shit it's not even funny,"

"What? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing love, nothing, wanna go to Ghirardelli's?" she laughed, standing up and offering me her hand.

"You want chocolate now? You just had crab!" I laughed back at her, taking her hand as she offered it and we headed in the direction of the chocolate factory.

"Hey! I lost 5 pounds, and Garrett noticed. He says he "likes a little cushion for the pushin'". His words, not mine," she giggled, and I stared down at her. She was actually radiant.

"Katie, you're the best, you know that?" I grinned, and hugged her.

"This I know," she said into my chest, as she wrapped her arms around me. She spun me around so I was facing away from her, and poked me in the back.

"Bend down," she instructed, and she climbed on my back. We walked, or rather I walked and she got a piggyback ride towards the other end of the wharf.

"Can I ask you something?" "Of course," she said into my ear.

"Did you know, I mean, when you met Garrett, did you know, I mean, did he seem-" "Did I know he was the one?" she mercifully interrupted.

"Yes,"

"I think I did actually," she said quietly. "Any particular reason you're asking?" "No, no reason," I muttered, shifting her a little on my back.

"Why Eddie, I believe you're blushing! The tips of your ears are red!"

"Shut it you," I warned, and carried her the rest of the way to buy her chocolate. "Bella, it's beautiful,"

"Seriously Bella, it's even better than I thought it was going to be,"

"Thanks guys, it turned out pretty great," I smiled as I walked with Jessica and Jacob through their finished master bedroom. We had started out down in Jacob's new man cave, and I think he may have actually drooled when he saw the XBOX station I had designed for him, complete with gaming chairs. Jessica had a similar look on her face when she saw the chandelier we had installed over her

soaking tub. All was good in the Black household this evening.

Even with the mix-up on the tiles, I had still managed to bring in the project very close to the original deadline, which was amazing considering the additional work we did on the home theater. I had sent them away to the Fairmont for the last 2 nights, on my dime, so they wouldn't see everything until it was completely the way I wanted it. I had pictures taken early this morning, and now I was ready to hand back their key and walk away. It was one of the best jobs I had ever worked on, and the bonus was I now considered the Blacks friends of mine.

"Here, let's have a toast," I encouraged, popping the bottle of champagne I had waiting on ice. I poured, and raised a glass.

"To the sassiest socialite couple in all of San Francisco," I offered. "And make sure you give me all the credit when your socialite friends ask you who did your remodel," I finished, winking at Jacob. After the walk through, they asked me to stay for dinner, but I was beat. It had been such a long week, I was very glad that tomorrow was Friday. Jessica walked me to the front door, and thanked me again for the work I had done.

"Hey, that's my job. I really am glad we got to work together, I'm a little sad that I won't get to see you all the time anymore," I said, giving her a quick hug.

"Oh hell no, we're gonna keep in touch, I still have an entire Rolodex full of men I want to set you up with," she giggled. I began to wind up as though I was going to punch when her husband let out a scream.

"Babe! Wait until you see all the channels I can get on this new setup!" Jacob yelled from within the house, and we both rolled our eyes.

"You realize your husband will now live in there, right?'

"I do, but I'll be relaxing in my new tub so what the hell do I care?" she laughed as I walked down the walkway.

"Wanna have lunch next week sometime?" I asked. "Or cocktails?"

"Even better, I'll call you," I winked, and as she waved goodbye I could see Jacob come up behind her. Through the glass door I saw him hug her from behind as she grinned and let herself be picked up by her husband. I had a feeling they might both be enjoying that tub tonight.

Too tired to walk home, I caught a cab and was outside my apartment door within 10 minutes. I could hear Edward's TV, and I was tempted to knock and see what he was up to. As I debated, I heard his phone ring, and heard his voice through the door.

"Irina? Hey, how are you?" he said, and I turned and faced my own door. Clive was waiting for me, and as I set my things down he told me all about his day, in cat speak. I interpreted for him, and it would seem that Clive's day consisted of a light snack, a nap, about 30 minutes of grooming, another snack, another nap, and then he watched the neighborhood for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Leftover takeout with Ina and Jeffrey on the couch, a quick shower, and I packed it in. I was in bed before 930, something I had not done since I was 12.

With Clive curled in between my legs, I went to sleep, once again with no music from the other side of the wall.

The following night I stood in front of my mirror, trying on different shoes for my date-not a date-of course it's a date-with James. I had almost called him twice that day to back out, but in the end, I pushed through it and got fancied up. The truth is, sometimes a girl needs to get fancied up.

I had been conflicted about this date-not a date-who was I fucking kidding it's a date-all week long, but in all honesty, I wanted to go. Was I using James a little? Perhaps, but I did have a good time with him, and maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for us to start back up again.

"Bella Swan, you heartbreaker," I whispered to myself in the mirror, and then actually cracked myself up. Clive was embarrassed enough for both of us, and hid his nose behind his paw. I was still

laughing when I heard a knock at the door. I slipped into my heels quickly, and made my way towards the door, Clive close at my heels.

I took a deep breath, and opened the door. "Hey James,"

"Bella, you look great," he murmured, stepping inside and catching me into a hug. As his arms went around me, I knew immediately.

This was a date.

James smelled spicy. I don't know why girls always say boys smell spicy, but some do, and it's a good thing. Not like he smelled like cloves or saffron, just warm and spicy. But not like potpourri…

I hugged him back, enjoying the way my body still fit into his, curving where it should. We always were good at the hugging, we got A's for our hugs.

"You ready to go?"

"Yep, let me grab my bag," I said, and knelt to give Clive a quick kiss. He tossed his tail angrily in the direction of James, and wouldn't let me kiss him.

"What's your problem?" I asked Clive, who turned and showed me his rear end.

"You know, that's starting to become a very rude habit Mr. Clive," I warned him, and picked up my purse from the table. I stuck my tongue out at Clive, grabbed James, and locked the door behind us. "OK, so dinner?" I asked, as we stood outside my door.

"Yep dinner," he replied, standing very close to me. We both stared at each other, for only seconds really, but it felt much longer. He stepped a little closer, and my breath caught. Of course, just then, Edward decided to open his door.

"Hey Bella! I was just, oh, hi, James right?" he said, the smile that had lit up his face when he saw me falling slightly when he saw my dinner date. Date, date, date.

"Edmund, right?" James said, offering his hand.

"Edward actually," he stated, declining to shake his hand as he was taking out the trash. "After you," he nodded towards the stairs, and the three of us began to troop down together.

"So, where are you two crazy kids off to tonight?" Edward asked, as we walked ahead of him. I could feel his eyes on the back of my neck, and as I hit the landing I looked back. He had a fake smile plastered across his face, and his voice was colder than I had ever heard it before.

"Bella and I are headed out for dinner," James answered, and I smiled back over my shoulder. "Yes, some lovely little Brazilian restaurant, sounds wonderful," I cooed, watching Edward's face carefully. He pursed his lips together more tightly as we made our way closer to the ground floor. "I am fond of Brazil myself, great food," he mumbled. I smirked to myself and followed James through the front door, as he held the door for me, and then for Edward.

"Well, have a good night," I said to Edward, as James walked me towards his car with hand on the small of my back.

"Night," he answered, lips tight. I could tell he was irritated. Good.

James bundled me into the car, and we were off. EPOV

were long and lean, little waist, tiny hips, soft breasts peeking out of the top of her shirt, all leading to a face that could stop traffic. I had truly never been with a woman more empirically attractive than Irina, she was exquisite. And brilliant as well; so often such beauty was accompanied by a tiny brain with a giant ego. Not Irina, she was always going to be the perfect combination of beauty and brains, and men would forever be falling at her feet. And speaking of feet…

She currently had her bare feet resting in my lap as we each enjoyed a glass of brandy. She had come for dinner, and while we cooked together she told me about her latest research for her dissertation. It was comfortable and easy, as it always was with Irina. I listened as she told me all about what was going on in her world, and she was just as interested in me and everything I had been up to.

It was great getting caught up with her, and now as it was getting later in the evening, as usual we were beginning to get a little bit…closer.

She sipped her brandy, and got a little more comfy on the couch, her feet staying in my lap but pressing a little more firmly, nudging purposefully against me. I pulled on my collar a little, I needed to talk to the landlord about the heat in my apartment; it felt warmer than it usually did…

"I missed you Edward, it feels like forever since I have…seen you," she purred, catching a drop of brandy from the edge of her glass with her tongue in a move I had seen before, and not just on a glass. My heart beat a little faster, was the brandy affecting me more than usual?

"Well, I missed you too, it's been awhile" I replied, running my fingers through my hair and noticing that my forehead felt a little damp. Wow, it really was getting warm in here.

"I'm just gonna open a window, are you warm at all? I feel warm, a little warm," I prattled, the sound of my own voice sounding ridiculous even to my own ears.

"Mmm, I do not feel warm, but I am definitely feeling a little…how do you say…flushed?" she purred, her eyes watching me as I battled with the window. As I struggled with the lock, I looked outside onto the street below and saw Bella and that stupid James Brown walking up to the front door. I stared at them, wondering whether he was going to be invited in or not.

"Edward! What are you doing over there, I am lonely on this couch all by myself" Irina called to me, extending one of her legs straight up in the air and pointing her toes. Her leg was about 10 feet long by the way, and lovely.

"Just trying to get this window open, just one minute," I called back over my shoulder, watching the pair on the sidewalk below. They didn't even stop at the front door, instead walking right inside, and the asshole didn't even hold the door for her. Heat flooded my face as I realized she was inviting him inside, up to her apartment, and she didn't even hesitate! No discussion, no awkward "So, did you want to come up for some coffee?" Nope, just straight in.

The window finally flew open, and I stumbled a little bit, knocking into a coat stand and almost toppling it completely before it righted itself. I turned back around to find a very beautiful Russian model starting to undress. The shirt was already unbuttoned, pushed back, and her black lacy bra was staring at me, taunting me.

Holy shit.

"Hey hey hey there, Irina…whatcha doin'" I stammered again, dragging my hand across my forehead and feeling it absolutely drenched with sweat. My heart was pounding, and I was almost a little dizzy. By now I could hear footsteps on the stairs, and as Irina began to stalk towards me like a cat, I could distinctly make out the sound of Bella…and she was giggling. James Brown was laughing too, a high pitched wheezing kind of laugh that made me want to vomit in my hand and smear it on his stupid face.

I was staring at the front door, almost willing it to become transparent so I could see through it when I felt Irina's hands sneak around my waist and pull me close to her. I let out a little squeak that

"Edward Edward, why are you so tense? Let Irina take care of you, yes? Mmm…" she moaned into my ear, and her hands began to travel south. Just as her hands reached the buckle on my belt, I heard Bella and Stupid Face reach the landing and begin to open the door. I strained to hear them as Irina loosened my belt and unbuttoned my pants.

"I think I still have some red wine, I know I at least have some white, let's see what I have," Bella said, and I heard Stupid Face chuckle.

"I will take whatever you have to give me," he said, and I could almost see his sneer. I walked towards the door, Irina following me with her arms around my waist and her tongue in my ear, and my pants around my ankles. Bella laughed, but I could tell even from here it was her that's-not- really-funny laugh.

Bella's door shut, and their voices were cut off. I couldn't hear anything, nothing! What was going on in there!

As I debated this at my front door, pants still around ankles, I then noticed that Irina's hands were no longer around me. I turned to see that she had disappeared. I began to call to her, when my foot stumbled across something. Bending down to pick up my jeans, I saw her discarded shirt. Looking further into the apartment, I saw her bra, skirt, and finally just outside my bedroom door…panties.