The One That Got Away

Chapter Thirty-Two

For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results ... first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.

Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado ...

This is the beginning of the extension of the original contest entry. ALL NEW! Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy this!

Up next will be some time with Bella, talking with Alice and telling her the decision to move. Plus, we're also going to talk about Bella's time off, spending time in Tampa. Oh, and FYI ~ Tumblr is being a butt, not letting me post pictures. All pictures are on my BLOG. Link for that is on my profile. You can also access that from my Facebook page, Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation.

"I think you'll enjoy this, Mrs. Marcosi," Bella said, handing the historical romance to one of her favorite patrons. "I read it in about three days. I didn't sleep I was so enthralled by it."

"I'm looking forward to it. Thank you for calling me to let me know it was in," Mrs. Marcosi beamed.

She tucked it into her faded library bag and scuttled out of the library. Alice glided in past her, tucking her umbrella into her purse. It was raining cats and dogs, as per usual in beautiful Seattle. "Hey, Bells. You ready for lunch?"

"Yeah. Let me get someone to relieve me from check-out hell," Bella snickered. "There is a nasty strain of the flu going around and we're all-hands on deck, filling in for all of the sick staff members. I miss my quiet corner on the seventh floor."

"Oh, I know. Jasper is downright miserable and he does not have the flu. He's moaning like he's on his death bed, but he's got a fucking cold. The man is such a pussy when he gets sick," Alice chuckled, rolling her eyes. Bella called up to Linda's office. A few moments later, Linda, her boss, came down and relieved Bella for her lunch hour. Slipping on her coat and grabbing her umbrella, she and Alice walked a few short blocks to a small café. After ordering their food and settling into a booth near a window, Alice asked, "So, what's up? You were very secretive in your email, Bella."

"Sorry about that," Bella said, taking a sip of her soup. "There are a few things that I want to make you aware of. First off, here are my first ten chapters for Out of the Darkness. Let me know what you think about it and if I need to do anything. I'm not sure about the pacing and such." Bella took out a silver flash drive, sliding across the knotted wood table.

"Awesome, I can't wait to read this," Alice smiled, palming the flash drive and tucking it into her purse. "What else?"

"You know that Edward came to visit a couple of weeks ago," Bella murmured, a warm blush covering her cheeks. She so missed him and was desperate to see him again.

"And you walked with a limp for a week," Alice quipped, waggling her brows. Bella rolled her eyes, tossing a chip at her best friend. "What? That man sexed you up real good. It's about time you got some good loving."

"Anyway," Bella sang. "Besides having sex, we spent a lot of time talking while he was in Seattle."

"Were you naked?"

"Mary Alice," Bella groaned. "Can I finish?" Alice took a bite of her sandwich and Bella continued talking. "During our conversations, we discussed our future. Having a relationship while living on two separate coasts – it's just not feasible. I know I'm miserable and honestly, so is Edward."