Friends with Benefits

Chapter Eight

Things I own: my sanity, not enough time to write and incredible friends and family!!

Things I don't: Twilight, Edward and Bella (Damn. It.)

Chapter Eight

EPOV

My day in court with Eleazar was nothing short of amazing! I learned so much from him. We also worked well as a team. It was odd to have such a respected attorney ask me for suggestions, ask my questions I had during his cross examination and treat me like an equal, not some lowly associate.

Once we got back to the office at three, Eleazar pulled me into his office. "You've got some really insightful thoughts, Edward. I truly enjoyed having you next to me. The next case I get, I want you to sit second chair with me. And if Garrett is sick again, be ready to join me again on this case."

"Thank you, sir," I breathed. "Today was...there are no words to describe how amazing it was. I learned so much from you."

"I saw you scribbling," Eleazar snickered. "Taking down notes and tips?"

"You could say that," I smiled. "I truly appreciate the opportunity, Mr. Denali."

"Edward, call me Eleazar. If I have my way, you're going to have this office when I retire. You're that good," Eleazar beamed. "Now, I've got to finish my closing statement because I think the case is going to wrap up tomorrow. I have to take what I learned today and add it to my statement. Then, I'm going home to spend time with my wife. I'll see you tomorrow, Edward. Great job today!"

I left Eleazar's office, floating back to my desk. I checked in with Felix, the attorney I was working with on the insurance fraud case. He said that Seth had compiled the data for us and that we would be ready for our trial next week, if the woman didn't try to get another continuance. I looked over Seth's work, pleased with how he organized it. I saved it to my flash drive before logging off my computer and going down to the parking garage.

"Edward!" chirped Jessica, giving me bedroom eyes.

"Yes?" I responded, slipping my bag over my shoulder.

"I saw that you paid for two tickets for the benefit. Do you need a date?" she purred.

"Nah. I'm going with my, um, girlfriend," I responded. Please, Bella. Don't castrate me.

"I didn't know you were dating anyone. According to your Facebook profile, it says that you're single," she said, wrinkling her nose.

"You're Facebook stalking me? That's a little weird, Jess," I grumbled. "Besides, it's really new, not that it's any of your business." She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Look, I'm late for a date with my girl. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Turning hastily, I got onto the elevator. The first thing I did was log into Facebook from my phone, unfriending Jessica and blocking her. Stalker! Then, I sent a text, telling Bella that I was on my way home.

Apparently, I had to officially ask her to go to the benefit. And seriously, I prayed that she wouldn't castrate me when she would have to pretend to be my girlfriend. After dealing with her asshole ex-boyfriend.

And the day started off so well.

Parking in our assigned garage, I walked into my apartment. I could smell dinner being made and it made my stomach rumble. I hadn't eaten anything since my protein shake at the gym. I was hungry. The apartment was filled with the scents of garlic, basil, and other Italian goodness. Following my nose, I groaned when I saw a large pot on the stove. Lifting the lid, I grinned at Bella's grandmother's secret recipe pasta sauce. Or gravy as Bella called it.

"Get your fingers away from my sauce, Cullen!" Bella barked. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun and she was dressed casually in a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt.

"I though you loved me," I pouted adorably.

"I do love you, BFF, but it's got an hour to go before it's even remotely edible," she said, pushing me away from the pot. "I wanted to tempt Paul with he could be missing. He loved this sauce and now he'll never have it again." She stirred it with a large wooden spoon that she inherited from her grandmother when she passed. "His loss is your gain, Edward."

"What time is asstard coming over?" I asked.

"In a half hour. He tried to come earlier, but I told him that I had detentions after school, followed by a meeting with mydepartment head," she smirked. "I just wanted to buy myself time to pick up the necessities for this and actually make it. I'm pissed that I had to use pre-made meatballs and sausage from Jewel, as opposed from the good shit from Frankie's. I thought we had a pound in the freezer." She shot me a glare.

"Um, we did. But, the weekend you went to visit the Chief over Memorial Day weekend? Alice had a barbeque at our place, using the sausage for sandwiches," I blushed.

"That is sacrilege! Frankie's sausage is too good for mere sandwiches. Remind me to kick your sister's ass," Bella snarled. She was a bit scary when it came to food. It was stemmed from her Italian heritage. Food is love. Love is food. When you love someone, you cook for them. Simple as that.

Or in Bella's case, you use food as a form of revenge.

Cupping my dick, I was afraid that she'd use it in her sauce after I told her about the benefit that she was going to attend as my girlfriend. I really didn't want to be eunuch.

A/N: It's true. Italians believe that food is love and love is food. It's why I'm so chubby. I'm well-loved. *snorts* Sorry about glossing over the attorney stuff. I'm not a lawyer and I don't want to portray them incorrectly. I'm reading up on different attorneys along with case law, but I'm not an attorney. So, if you are a lawyer and are willing to answer my questions...please send me a PM! Reading can only do so much...talking to a practicing attorney is infinitely better. Anyhow, find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and on Twitter: Tufano79. Leave me some!