Friends with Benefits

Chapter Fifty-Five

Things I own: my sanity (though, that's debatable at times), not enough time to write and incredible friends and family!!

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

Chapter Fifty-Five

BPOV

The next couple of days were spent preparing for the first big Christmas celebration at my house in nearly a decade. Charlie was on medical leave until he got cleared by the doctor, so we were going all out.

I also spent the last few days avoiding Jacob Black. He had called my parent's house every hour on the hour seeing if I was home. I told my mom that I didn't want to talk to Jacob. Charlie scowled at me, but didn't push. Suffice it to say, I was washing my hair. A lot.

On Christmas Eve, we had my grandmother's fish salad. Since we were having an actual Christmas this year, I insisted we make it. Okay, I made it. I purchased all of the required fish along with some thick crusty bread. For my dad, who was such a meat and potatoes guy, I also made some linguine and clam sauce. There was no way he'd survive on just the fish salad.

We just finished dinner, putting the food away, when the doorbell rang. "I wonder who that can be?" Renee asked, genuinelyconfused.

Charlie smiled innocently and I just knew he was up to no good. "Charles Eugene Swan, what did you do?" I snapped.

"I invited a family friend over for dessert," Charlie quipped, hobbling to the doorway. He opened the door and on the other side was Jacob Black.

Ugh...really, Dad? You traitor!

"Come in, Jacob," Charlie urged. "Do you want something to drink?"

"Vitamin R, if you have it," Jacob beamed. I rolled my eyes, stomping into the kitchen to grab two cans of beer. While in the kitchen, I sent Edward a quick text.

My dad is toast. He invited Jacob over for dessert for Christmas Eve...I can feel him undressing me with his eyes ~ B

Slipping my phone into my pocket, I walked back out to the living room. I gave my dad and Jacob their drinks. My mom put out a platter of cookies that she had purchased from the store. "How are things, Jacob?" she asked.

"Good. Sam is looking to open up another shop in Port Angeles. He wants me to run it for him," he replied. "It should be open by February! They've also opened up a new high school in Port Angeles, Bella. It would be nice if you were closer to home."

"I'm happy in Chicago," I said blandly. "I'm doing well in my job. I've got a beautiful apartment, great friends and I'm happy." My phone chirped from my pocket. I pulled it out, seeing a text from Edward.

You can always use me as the fall back...I make a great pretend boyfriend ~ E

"Bella, put your phone away. It's rude to text while we have guests," Charlie admonished.

"Do you want me to cook tomorrow?" I asked, arching a brow. Charlie blushed and nodded. "Then, let me finish this and then I'll put it away." I tapped out my response, putting the phone on the table. Send me a romantic, cheesy text, Cullen. Something believable ~ B

"How is your Dad?" Renee asked Jake. "Is able to get around okay?"

"He's adjusting to the chair. Sam, Quil, Embry and I modified his house as best we could to accommodate his wheelchair, but he's just bitter," Jacob shrugged.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Billy lost one of his legs due to diabetes. His other leg has some significant nerve damage," Charlie explained. "The surgery was in September, right?"

"Yeah," Jacob said, frowning slightly. "Sue and Leah are helping him tonight and we're having a holiday celebration at the rec center. You're welcome to come." He looked directly at me as he said this. My phone chirped at the perfect moment. Jacob's eyes looked down, seeing the message, along with my wall paper on my phone.

Baby, I really miss you and wish you were with me, celebrating the holidays with me. We'd have so much fun under the mistletoe...I love you ~ E

Jacob's face grew hard and he glared at me. I looked at the message, realizing that Edward had laid it on thick, but it had achieved our goal of convincing Jacob that I was off the market. Jacob chugged the rest of his beer. "Thanks for the beer, Charlie. I, uh, really should head back to my dad's." He shot up, stomping out of the house and slamming the door.

"What the hell just happened?" Charlie asked.

"I have no idea," I said innocently, swiping my phone and stuff it into my pocket. "I'm going to bed." I darted up to my childhood bedroom and locking the door. Dialing Edward, I giggled.

"Was that too much?" Edward asked worriedly in lieu of a greeting.

"It was perfect! He definitely backed down quickly," I squealed. "It was a combination of the text and the picture that must have clued him in. Thank you, Edward. I owe you, big time."

"It's the least I can do since you were my pretend girlfriend at the benefit," Edward snorted.

"Well, I really appreciated it," I said, laying down on the bed.

"I also meant what I said in the text," he murmured.

What?

A/N: Slight cliffie...Pictures of what Jacob, Charlie and Renee are up on my blog/tumblr. Links for those are on my profile. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: tufano79. Leave me some!