Under Construction

Chapter Six

Our journey is continuing with Edward, Bella and Garrett. I do have a blog for this story. It's a continuation of the Renovations blog. A link for the blog is on my profile. On the blog, there will be picture teasers, teasers and pervy picture teasers. This story is going to be quite steamy and it's pre-written. It will be updated on Wednesdays and Saturdays with teasers on Sundays and Thursdays.

Also, thank you to Christina Downs for her help with planning out the story and wielding her red pen (cursor). You rock, girlie! Mwah!

Chapter Six

The week went by quickly and before Bella knew it, Essie was at her office with her daughter, Alice. Bella was going to hang out with Alice while Essie worked with the Cope's in finalizing the design for their almost-finished kitchen and family room. Thankfully, Bella was finished for the day. She couldn't do much on her newest case since she needed information from her clients. She was assigned a custody case. A father was trying to get his wife's visitation rights revoked and filed for sole custody. Bella needed police reports, documentation and proof of the allegations the father was charging his ex-wife with. He said he'd have it by Monday.

That gave Bella the afternoon off to hang out with her goddaughter. Alice had grown up since she last saw her. She was a sophomore in high school and looked more like a college student. Bella treated Alice to lunch, a mini shopping spree at her favorite store in Seattle and then a pedicure. As they were getting a pedicure, Alice spoke up.

"Aunt Bella," she said, her eyes wide. "Um, do you have two boyfriends?"

I'm going to kill Essie, Bella growled mentally. "Where did you hear that?" Bella asked.

"I overheard Mom talking to you and she said that you're having a relationship with two men," Alice said, her face flushing.

"I'm dating two guys, but not at the same time," Bella said. "Nothing is really exclusive. Aunt Bella is just having some fun. When Uncle James and I broke up ... um ... talk to your mother." Bella smiled nervously at Alice before she dug out her cell phone.

I. Hate. You. Alice overheard your conversation with me and asked about E & G – Bella

Crap – Essie

I told her to talk to you. Fix. This. – Bella

Bella slid her phone back into her purse. "So, tell me more about this guy you're dating. He seems much more interesting than my boring love life," Bella said, deflecting. "Are you going to homecoming with him?"

"Oh my gosh!" Alice squealed. "His name is Jasper and ..."

That's all Bella needed to get the spotlight taken off her. Alice prattled on about Jasper, the love of her life, for the rest of the time they were at the nail spa. After their toes were dried, Bella drove Alice back to her house and gave her the grand tour. Alice hadn't seen the finished product. She loved every inch of the house, but wanted to get into the hot tub. Bella blushed, remembering all of the hot times in the hot tub with both Edward and Garrett. Bella said she had to treat it, but she could use it on Saturday.

Essie came into the house with Garrett and Edward on her heels. "I dragged these guys back with me with the promise of dinner," she snickered. Bella shot Essie a look.

"Esme is a miracle worker. She finally got Mrs. Cope to see reason," Edward said, his face flushed and giving Bella his signature crooked smile.

"And she said that she was hanging out here," Garrett smirked.

"I promised them pizza. Typical guys. Always thinking with their stomachs," Essie said, hugging Bella. "They looked so pitiful. They knew I was coming over, but they missed you. I know you can't ..." Essie hissed in Bella's ear.

"Shhh," Bella chided. "Thank you. They can stay for dinner and then we get our girl's weekend."

They all ate dinner together. Edward and Garrett inhaling a pizza each. Alice was shocked at how much they socked away, her eyes barely leaving their bodies. She also flirted with both of them, much to Essie's chagrin. Essie admonished her daughter, reminding her about Jasper and their fledgling relationship. After dinner, Essie brought Alice upstairs to get her settled in the family room. She also gave Bella, Edward and Garrett some time to canoodle before they drove back to their respective apartments near Seattle. After handling Bella's renovation, they decided to move closer to the city. There were more lucrative opportunities in Seattle than Port Angeles and Forks.

"This is going to suck," Garrett grumbled. "I'm happy that you're seeing Esme and your niece, but I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you guys, too," Bella said, wrapping her arms around Garrett's neck. "This is the first weekend that we're not spending together since you finished this place."

"But, you have fun with Esme," Edward said, kissing Bella's head. "I know that she's your only real family." Bella wasn't close to her mother and hadn't spoken to her since her wedding to James. "Call either of us. Anytime."

"I will," she smiled, kissing Edward briefly before doing the same to Garrett. "Have fun doing the guy thing." The three of them hugged each other before the guys got into their respective cars, driving away from Bella's home. She went inside and spent the rest of the weekend with Essie and Alice, having some girly time with her family.

On Saturday, after Alice had gone to sleep – they'd shopped most of the day, searching for her homecoming dress – Bella and Essie were in the living room, talking about Bella's relationship with Edward and Garrett. "So, tell me. Honestly. How is it with both of them?" Essie asked.

Bella blushed. "Amazing," she cooed. "I never imagined being so loved before."

"That's because Garrett and Edward think with more than just their dicks," Essie chortled. "Unlike the ex. Fucktard."

"Don't hold back, Essie," Bella laughed.

"Okay, I won't. James was a materialistic prick who broke your heart and your spirit, especially after you found out that you couldn't have kids," Essie growled. "He screwed around on you and made you feel like less of a woman. I hate him and I'm so grateful that you are no longer with that monster. If I had my way, I would stick my stiletto heel up his ass and twist. I hate him. I hate what he did to you. I hate him."

Bella blinked a few times, shocked at Essie's tirade. She knew that she didn't like James, but not to that extent. Essie saw Bella's stunned expression, immediately feeling guilty. She hugged her friend. "I'm sorry, Bells. I'm so sorry. Too much alcohol and free reign to blurt my feelings. I suck."

"You're right, Es," Bella whispered into her best friend's hair.

"About me sucking? Yes," Essie blubbered, tightening her embrace around Bella's shoulders.

"No, you goof. James," Bella said, pulling out of her arms. "With Edward and Garrett, I feel like a woman. They treat my life a woman and make me soar to new heights that I never knew existed." Bella told Essie about everything they did and how it made her feel. She prattled for an hour, maybe more. Essie listened as her sister from another mister described feeling loved for the first time. Bella looked up at her friend, her eyes glistening. "I'm in love."

"I know that," Essie smiled, wiping her tears away. "Are you going to tell them?"

"Okay, let me clarify. I'm in love with Edward. I love Garrett. Don't get me wrong, but I feel closer to Edward," Bella said. "With both of them, I finally feel like I make sense." Bella played with her hair, idly twisting her fingers in it. "I don't want to say anything yet. It's too soon."

"I'm happy for you, Bells," Essie beamed. "You deserve some goodness in your life. I love you."

"I love you, too," Bella replied, hugging her friend again.

A/N: Bella shared her feelings with Essie about the guys. Are you surprised? And who wants to pummel James? He's a grade-A prick. Just saying. Leave me some!

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