Episode Seventy-Eight: Breakfast and Barney's

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Next: Episode 79

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Episode Seventy-Eight: Breakfast and Barney's 

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I woke up to Edward’s alarm on his phone gently singing. He had to record that day so we got up early together. We wanted the time together so that we could work out, and I could cook breakfast for us. I loved doing it for him. It felt so blissfully normal. 

After a good hour in the gym and an even better shower, I went into the kitchen to start cooking while he continued to get ready for his day. Edward was working on some business things as he did. He was talking on the phone while he did his hair and picked his clothes out for the day, pacing between tasks. I was just wearing his t-shirt, my wet hair pulled up away from my neck. Before I left the room, he pressed a kiss to my exposed neck, his free hand pulling me into a quick hug against his chest. 

“Pretty girl,” he whispered in my ear before getting back to his call. “Yeah, Zafrina, I hear you. I think that’s something I should consider for sure.”

I padded off with a dopey little smile. 

Edward loved eggs in all their forms, especially with cheese and some sort of sauce so I made him my own recipe for eggs in a thick tomato gravy with mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and tons of garlic with melted parmesan cheese on top. I served it with crusty toasted buttered Italian bread and a citrus salad with navel and blood oranges and grapefruit in a sweet, simple lime syrup.  

“Bells,” he moaned when he walked in with just his t-shirt and boxers on still. “I can smell that from my office. Oh, god. I’m so hungry.”

“It’s almost done if you want to start the coffee for me.” I smiled as I put the fruit and toast on the table. “I’m making you a big meal because I know you don’t stop to eat when you’re at the studio.”

“Thank you,” he said warmly as he returned my smile, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “So thoughtful.”

"You're welcome." I pulled away so I could take the eggs out of the oven and he made an ‘oo' noise when he saw what I had for us. There were two dishes of sauce, one with two eggs, and the other was larger with three. The shredded cheese was browned nicely. "So, today I'm going to make a list for the grocery store for the videos tomorrow. Do you need me to grab anything?" 

He paused for a moment, thinking with the just whistled kettle in his hand. “Get some more creamer. Maybe get something different. Whatever you want, though.”

"We should make a video where we make lots of coffee drinks," I said in passing, sitting down in my seat at the table after I put the food down. "Regular and liquor ones. I could do the recipe, and we could film ‘try’ videos with the guys. You know how they like coffee, too." 

Edward didn't say anything. Instead, he just pulled out his phone and began to type before he joined me with the coffee to go along with our breakfast. I smirked to myself. He loved it when I gave him more work way too much.  

"So, there is something I was just talking to Zafrina about, and I'd like to discuss it with you to see what you think," he began very seriously, and I could tell he was actually nervous for some reason. I couldn't understand why. It was his career. He could do whatever he wanted, and I would support him. 

“Go ahead,” I smiled at him reassuringly. 

“I was serious about launching your own channel next month. I’ve already started planning it out with Jasper, Seth, and Tyler. Are you okay with that?”

"Yeah, of course. What do I have to do?" I asked curiously.  

“Keep coming up with ideas and be your charming and lovely self whenever you feel like it.”

“I think I can manage that.” I grinned at his own charm. 

He cleared his throat as he cut into his runny eggs with the side of his fork before dipping his toast into it. "Yeah, I know you can. Very well. In fact, I think you're going to do so well that you're going to need someone else to manage everything else for you. All the things I can't manage or don't want to. And so does Zafrina." 

“What?” I asked slowly, looking at him. 

"Bella, we've been getting some offers to do some sponsored cooking stuff. They're sending it through her right now, but really, those are all because of you. You will need someone to manage the contracts and money stuff." 

“They just want you, Eddie.”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “No. They don’t. They want you, too.”

“Seriously?”

"Yes," he laughed. We were going to have this conversation a million times in a million different ways, but I wasn't ever going to really believe him, it felt like. 

I shook my head. “I’m just cooking for us.”

"Yeah, and you're entertaining as fuck while not even trying. It's crazy. I'm jealous. I work my ass off to be that person in the videos, and you're effortless," he said very seriously, taking another bite as he shook his head to himself.  

“Oh, do shut up,” I used his phrase. “What do you mean sponsored, though?” 

“A couple of grocery stores and a few companies have expressed interest in us doing a series of cooking videos using their products. They give us the product, we use it in whatever way we want.”

I felt taken back. “Can I ask which?”

Edward laughed again, “yes, of course, you can. Well, Aldi for one. Kroger’s. There were lots of food companies but the one in particular that I think the most interesting is from Nestle. Though the most random is the one from ‘big avocado’ as Zafrina called it.”

I laughed as well, covering my mouth. “Kroger or Nestle doesn’t want me to do nothing,” I said in a thick accent, disbelievingly. “They’re huge companies.”

“Honey, they asked for you in particular. Us. They actually want us together because we make such a good duo,” he said with a grin. “Isabella, you are going to be a star.” He tapped his long thin finger on the table beside me.

“No,” I scoffed. 

“Look at me, woman,” he said as he pointed at his nose. “I have seen your potential since the very first video we made together. You weren’t meant for Broadway, baby. You need a more personal stage. That’s why you love pictures so much. Now let me show everyone how bright and beautiful you are.”

“Edward,” I laughed again at his dramatics. He was in a mood already that morning because he knew I was going to argue with him somewhat. “Why would Zafrina want to sign me? Okay, maybe I’ll be something on YouTube. I’m not trying to be you.”

“And you shouldn’t! You’re great the way you are! Love… She came to me with the idea, but, to be honest, I’ve been thinking about it for a little while now. YouTube is just the start. It’ll lead to real cooking shows. Cookbooks. Commercials. You are charming, smart, quick, good with people. Fucking gorgeous to boot. And literally, you could talk to a wall for half an hour and make it an interesting conversation somehow. You are going to be sponsored out the ass.”

“And yet I just have to show up and be cute?” I asked with a raised eyebrow in his direction. 

“For now. And we’ll only do what you want, of course. You can pick what sponsors we take. We’ll get paid lots of money to play around in our kitchen together all day,” he said then pouted out his bottom lip like he was expecting me to tell him no. “If you just want to do YouTube forever, I’m fine with that. But you should make the money you deserve while doing it. Also, she could help you get photography work here.”

“Okay,” I answered, putting my chin on my palm.  

“Wait, really?” He asked in surprise. 

"Yeah." I cocked my head to the side as I smiled at him. "It does make sense, especially if she can help me with photography stuff, too. My store is doing great, but I would like to continue doing magazine work if I can. I enjoy it so much." 

“And she could help you with that gallery you were talking about.” 

I bit my lip for a moment. “That might be a little too much to think about right now,” I said in a little voice. “I still want to, but maybe after we get settled. I have so many pictures to edit. I’m so behind. I have thousands just from New Orleans, not to mention Australia, and then in La Push. I need to spend a week doing nothing but editing.”

“Well, the only thing you have to do for sure next week is to film out with the boys, and you’ll want to come because you’ll love it,” Edward said teasingly, taking my hand and kissing it. “And the Children’s Choice awards.”

"I am so nervous about that," I admitted. The event at New Years was one thing, this was another. He was going to have to really stop and talk to the media. People were going to look at me and care what I looked like later. They were going to judge me on a far larger scale. Edward was nominated for two awards too, so a lot of cameras were going to be on him. I knew he already had his clothes for it, but he picked them out far in advance to be tailored since he was so tall.   

“The kid’s ones are fun. Don’t worry. They’re really relaxed. As far as award show carpets go, it’s the easiest way to start,” he promised. 

"I've been putting off getting an outfit. I need to figure out what I want to wear. I'm worried no matter what I'll do, it'll be wrong, and I'll look stupid. I really wish Demetri could help me." 

"Call him. Invite him out for next weekend. Seriously. He can do your makeup, and I'll pay him for the pleasure. He'll jump at the chance for a little vacation. And we can consider it a business expense. Oh, in fact..." He pulled out his wallet and handed me a card. "For the food for the videos. Buy anything you need for the red carpet on here, too. And the videos from now on. It's easier to keep track of business expenses that way." 

The card had my name on it. “So, I’m really working with you now. It’s official.”

“Welcome to the entertainment industry, Ms. Swan. They won’t know what hit them,” he said as he leaned over to press a kiss to my cheek. “I love you. I can’t wait to work with you more. I enjoy it so much.”

“I do too.” I leaned my face closer his. I drew my fingers over his jaw, lovingly pressing kisses along his cheek. 

“Really?”

"Really," I assured him gently with a little smile. "Cookbooks, though? Really?" 

Instead of answering me, he shoveled a giant bite of food into his mouth. I laughed, covering my face with both my hands with just my eyes peeking out at him. “Thank you for breakfast,” he mumbled through his tomatoes and eggs. “I love the sauce.”

"I like it on chicken and steamed rice, too. With peas," I said when I moved my hands. He was grinning at me. "I'll make it for you soon. It's some of my favorite comfort food despite it being good for you. I usually make it really spicy though for Al and me." 

“Ehhh…” Edward drew out, his hand on his chest like he already had heartburn. “Let’s start mild.”

“Okay,” I smirked. “I need to get a good supply of hot sauce for the house.”

“Yeah, you do that. You sprinkle that shit all over your food,” he teased, taking another bite of toast. I giggled evilly. He raised an eyebrow at me challengingly. All it did was make me dissolve into real laughter. His answering smile was so sweet. 

When we finished eating, he kissed me soundly before dashing off to get dressed.  

“Zafrina will come over tomorrow morning and talk to you. Bring some paperwork for you to sign, if you’re ready,” he said when it came back in, looking very handsome and professional for the studio. 

“Sounds good.” I nodded, still sitting at the table as I enjoyed another cup of coffee and looked at the grocery store circulars. 

"I always love our breakfast talks." He kissed my forehead. "Have a good day and," he leaned down to whisper in my ear, "don't forget to edit those pictures for Jasper and me." 

My skin instantly flushed. "Mm… Yes, sir," I hummed. "Have a good day and good luck. I'll see you tonight."  

“I cannot wait.”

I made the grocery list I needed for the following day for our cooking videos and for the food we would need for the rest of the week, just for us. Then, as I got ready to go out, I decided to call Demetri. Edward meant his offer, and I wanted my friend around. I needed his advice at least.  

“Hi, honey. I have some business to talk with you,” I began right away. 

"Let's hear it," he chirped. "Are you at home?" 

"Yeah, in LA. So, Eddie has an award show next week, and I was wondering if you'd like to do my hair and makeup. He is offering to pay for everything. You can come for a quick weekend." 

"What? For real?" He asked excitedly.   

"Yeah, sorry that it's so last minute. Everything else has been going on. If you can't, I'll manage on my own, but it'll make it easier. Either way, I need you to tell me how to do my makeup." 

“I’d love to come to see you! A weekend in LA? Yes, please. I have nothing on this weekend anyway that I can’t skip. I miss you,” he gushed. 

“Oh, thank you! I love you!” I said, instantly relieved. 

“I love you, too!”

I laughed a little to myself. “Honestly, it might become a regular thing if we go to a lot of red carpet stuff. You’re my favorite makeup artist. I wouldn’t feel right going to anyone else.”

Demetri drew in a little breath. “I would be honored! Especially if he’s paying me to do it.”

I smirked. “He is. He’ll pay for all of your travel expenses, supplies, and for your time. And you know I’ll feed you.”

"I love that man." 

"So do I. Alright, I'm going to go out shopping today. Then we can go from there. We can use my makeup and buy anything I don't have. Okay, I'll talk to Eddie, and I'll text you with information later so we can figure out your flight. Do you want to stay here with us? Or would you prefer a hotel?" 

“Yes, please!” He practically squealed. “I’ll take the guest bedroom in a Burbank Mansion anytime over a Laquinta.” 

“Riley coming, too?”

My friend sighed heavily. “He’s out of town already. Work stuff. Boo, so boring. He’ll be gone for another two weeks. He’s even in the boring part of Europe.”

“What’s the boring part?” I asked curiously. 

"Someplace that I can't pronounce that doesn't like tourists." 

“That narrows it down,” I laughed at his vagueness. “Do you even know?”

He sighed again. "No, actually. It was so dull I tuned him out," he admitted. "I'm a terrible husband, but, after he said ‘no wifi' I just couldn't." 

"Well, there is excellent wifi here. Very fast. So, I'll see you next week?" 

“Yes. I can’t wait. I’ll talk to you later. Have fun shopping!”

I knew I had to spend a little more on the dresses I was going to wear for Edward's events now that we were more serious. Macy's clearance wasn't going to cut it. I decided to go to The Grove for the first time. Barneys was my first stop, but as soon as I got inside, I wanted to turn right back around. Everything was so expensive. I felt so out of place. 

As I was turning to go, my phone rang. To my surprise, it was Edward.  

“Hey!” 

“Hi. So, guess what?” He began excitedly. 

“What?”

"The director had a mini-meltdown, not at me, but because the recording equipment fucked up, and I get the rest of the day off! Where are you?" I could hear his joy at having an unexpected free day with me.  

“The Grove. Barneys right now, looking for a dress,” I explained quietly. 

"Oh, I know you just hate that. Well, I'll be right over, and I'll keep you company. I'm not far from there at all, actually. It'll just be a few minutes," he said in a rush. "Stay there."   

“Okay,” I said softly in a giggle. 

Edward hummed for a moment as he thought of something. “Maybe we can pick you out something sexy to dance in,” he said in a low voice.

“I’ll meet you in lingerie?” I offered, making him chuckle. 

“Mm, perfect. Be right there. Love you.”

“I love you, too.” 

I went to the underwear section first, but I found it rather dull. None of it had any color. Only a few minutes later, I felt his hands on my shoulders. He really was surprisingly close.  

“It’s all pretty basic,” I said as I leaned back against him instead of saying hello. 

“I don’t know. I see some stuff I like,” he answered thoughtfully as he picked out a black lace bodysuit with long sleeves. “Mm, like this.”

“That’s seven hundred for something that is barely there,” I laughed. “Honestly, I was probably going to go to another store. I looked at one price tag and gagged.” 

"I shop here all the time. This seems like a perfect place to get your red carpet stuff. And if we get it soon enough, we can have it tailored. Why don't we look again together? I know how you shop," he said, kissing my ear. "You know, I've just realized… I've not taken you out shopping." 

“Yes, you have,” I smirked. He was being purposefully stupid. 

“To Target.”

“We went to the mall in Sydney.”

He was unimpressed with my answer. "Yes, but with other people, and you didn't let me buy you very many things. We bought stuff mostly for the baby," my boyfriend said as if it mattered.  

“Your birthday,” I said with a smirk, walking over towards the dresses.

"That was all for me, and that was months ago. I can’t believe it’s almost April.”

“Are you excited to start filming?” I asked. His new movie was going to start on the first. 

 He grinned and wrapped an arm around my waist. “Yeah. I really am. Are you going to come to watch me on the set?”

“Can I?”

“Please. I want you to,” he said eagerly. I smiled to myself. “At least for a day. You don’t have to stay the entire time.” 

“I’d love to.”

"Yeah! Great," he smiled happily. His part of filming would take about three weeks. He learned his lines before we even got to Sydney. He probably had it memorized the entire script on the plane on the way to New Orleans right after he got the part. He wasn't one for practicing out loud, but rather in his head. He was nervous but also super excited. "Now, let me take you shopping. Please?" His smile was shit eating. "I like shopping."  

“I am so glad you make so much money,” I mumbled. 

“Mm, me too. Means I can buy you this little thing and maybe those heels to go with it,” he pointed at a display. They were patent leather black Louboutins. “Actually you’ll need a few new pairs to go with all your new dresses, probably. And you’ll need something to wear to the awards, both premieres, there are a couple of parties too. I’m sure there will be more. Hm,” he said thoughtfully, following me into the formal wear. I turned to look at him, we were very close. “What?”

“You are too much, you know that?”

“And you’ll need all the accessories, too,” he continued, pushing me along. “I really like you in gold. And in blue. And red. Actually, you’re lovely in any shade. Hi,” he beamed at the saleswoman that walked up to him. Someone must have had too much coffee that morning. Or Eddie met me at the mall instead of Edward. 

“Hi, can I help you?” She grinned at us both. Edward practically screamed money. He was wearing nice slacks and a button-down shirt with very sharp looking leather shoes. His hair was perfect, his watch was a Rolex, and he practically looked like a walking commercial for a Jaguar or BMW. He could sell you anything with his charming smile. She looked down at me quickly and then back at him. 

I was wearing Old Navy and Target. Not that she glanced long enough to really see me. She was more interested in Edward, not that I could really blame her for that. He was beautiful.

“My girl needs a few dresses for some red carpet events coming up. She will need several looks. Anything she wants, the sky's the limit.” Yup. Eddie was out to play. He hadn’t been able to let loose at the studio. 

“What kind of red carpet events, if I can ask? Are we going for more of a party or a formal look?”

"One’s a kid's award show. So I'll need something a little fun," I interjected. "Nothing too stuffy." 

“I’m wearing a tux for the two premiers though, so something more formal for that,” he answered for me. “I’m so excited to see you in a gown. You’re going to be even more beautiful somehow.”

“Aw,” she said involuntarily then quickly put her hand over her lips. “You are so sweet. Sorry. Um... Okay, I’ll start you a dressing room,” she fluttered off. 

“I wonder if she needs any more information than that. Like my size,” I said sarcastically. “Don’t dazzle the poor woman. She has to work today.”

He chuckled, “I didn’t do anything.”

"You exist, that's enough," I teased. "Okay. Fine. Go for it. I know it's what you want to do. Go pick me out some things. This wasn’t exactly what I meant when I said I wanted you to buy me some clothes, but you can play very expensive Bella Barbie. If I know you, you probably have an image of what you'd like me to wear in your head already anyway." 

He tried to look innocent for a moment, but his smile grew crooked to one side, and he rubbed his hands together. "Yeah?" 

“Yeah. It’s your money. Your events.”

We spent three hours with him picking me out dresses, shoes, and even some of the accessories to go with them. He obviously had fun. Edward overwhelmed every saleswoman he came in contact with. 

When we got to the car, he brought my hand to his lips and lightly kissed it. “So, what else did you have on the agenda today? Grocery store, right? What else?”

“Do you want to go to the farmer’s market with me?” I offered. 

“Sure. Do you want to take this stuff home and grab your camera? I know you like take pictures at those kinds of things,” he replied. “It is a beautiful day. It would be perfect for it.” 

I took his face in my hands, kissing his lips soundly for a long moment. “I’d love that. And then I’ll make you a nice dinner. And tonight, would you like to relax? Maybe we can play a game or something? Or, I can lay on you while you play video games. I like watching you.”

It was his turn to pull me into a kiss with his hands on my cheeks. He nodded, pushing his forehead against mine before lightly brushing his nose against mine. “I would love that.” 

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