Chapter 9: Into the Fire

For those that don't recall Renee is being played by Madeline Stowe

Chapter 9 Teaser

They stood in front of the townhouse her mother had bought ten years ago when the market was good. It was a modest two bedroom with an enclosed garage, small yard and old fashioned stoop. Bella took Edward’s hand in hers as they started walking up to the door.

“Out of one fire and in to another. We must be gluttons for punishment,” Bella said only half joking.

Edward gave her a half-hearted smile as he knocked on the door. Renee answered almost immediately. She was dressed to the nines in a sharp blue dress with diamond accessories. Her hair was down and flowing in a way very similar to Bella’s. She smiled brightly for her daughter who she hadn’t seen in so long before she pulled her into a tight hug.

“You look tired,” Renee immediately said.

“I am. You look wonderful mom.”

Renee grinned and stepped aside so that they could enter her home. She then smiled at Edward. She was determined to make this work. She didn’t want to fight with her daughter about Edward any longer. Renee had accepted that he wasn’t going anywhere. Now all she needed was to stifle her thoughts that Bella was a meal ticket for him.

“Can I take your coat, Edward?” she asked politely.

“Thank you,” he said removing it. He then helped Bella out of hers. “You have a beautiful home Ms. Swan.”

“Thank you Edward. Can I get you both a drink?”

“A glass of wine would be fine,” Bella stated, arching her brow at Edward.

Renee nodded and went to pour them a glass. Bella was pleasantly surprised that her mother was being so nice. She suddenly felt wonderful at the prospect that she had finally accepted her relationship with Edward. When Renee returned she had three glasses on a small sterling silver serving tray. Edward took two glasses and handed one to Bella.

“What should we toast to?” Renee asked.

“How about,” Bella smiled at Edward and then raised her glass. “How about we toast to mine and Edward’s engagement?”

Renee looked between them. “Your... what?”

Chapter 8: Keep Your Enemies Close

Corso Coffee

Wake up and smell the coffee—right off the Paramount’s lobby. Even if you aren’t staying in the hotel, our Italian-style coffee bar, Corso, is worth a special trip. It proudly serves a superior line of locally roasted, artisanal Corso drip coffee and the city’s first-ever wood-roasted espresso, Anèri Tricaffè

source: Corso Coffee

How about we take a look at some of our 

New York Cast

Jacob Wolfe is being played by Collin Farrell

Alec is being played by Alex O'Loughlin

Chapter 8 Teaser

Jane veered Bella and Edward to the left towards the conference room down the hall. The door was ajar and they could hear lively conversations going on inside including some laughter. Jane stepped through first and then motioned for Edward and Bella to enter. Once inside all conversation ceased. 

There were four people in the room. Two Edward immediately recognized and two he did not. Not wanting to stand there looking useless he immediately brought his hands to the neckline of Bella’s coat and helped her out of it. She smiled at him as he positioned it over the nearest chair. He then removed his coat and placed it over his arm, looking across the table.

“Why is he here?” Alec stated with loathing.

“He’s with me,” was Bella’s immediate reply.

“He can’t be here!” Alec continued as he walked around the table to confront Edward’s intrusion into what he had hoped would be a re-acquaintance of sorts with Bella. “You don’t belong here,” Alec seethed.

“I belong wherever Bella is.” Edward stood his ground.

Alec stepped closer. “You can play dress up all you like, rapist, but you’ll never belong with her,” he whispered out harshly.

Alec saw that the muscles in Edward’s arms twitched so he knew that his fists were now clenched. Alec didn't waver though... 

Chapter 7: A Bitter Cold

 The Paramount Hotel

The bustle of the street disappears as you step inside the Paramount Hotel. The chic, two-story lobby, with its reflective fireplace, dramatic lighting, and rich textures, sets the stage for a hip, indulgent experience. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the Paramount makes a stylish, comfortable, and centrally located home base for all of your adventures in New York City. 

source: Paramount Hotel

 Patzeria Perfect Pizza

A favorite of the area’s theater, broadcast and business communities as well as the cast and crews of Broadway’s best shows, Patzeria has become a true phenomenon among regulars seeking to sate their appetites.

source: Patzeria

Chapter 7 Teaser

The weekend seemed to drag on endlessly. Bella was stressed out which meant Edward was also stressed. He had spent the last few days enlightening her on his theory that basically stated that Senator Newton and Jacob were in cahoots with one another. It’s not that Bella didn’t also believe there was something going on but she was trying to think positive. Something that was becoming more and more difficult to do.

“Bella, I think you have to accept the possibility that everyone at that office you worked at is corrupt.”

“Edward, Garrett was a good man. I don’t believe that.”

“He turned a blind eye to whatever Jacob was doing with Newton. So he’s either an idiot or he was a part of it.”

Bella stopped stirring the food and turned to him. “Why? Why couldn't the possibility be that he wasn't aware of what was going on and he found out about it and tried to stop it but was murdered before he could,” she yelled, indignant and full of anger.

Edward arched his brow and then smiled, “there’s that unbridled optimism in full force. I was beginning to wonder where it disappeared to.”

Bella involuntarily smiled. “Oh, fuck you, Helios,” she replied playfully.

“Promise?” he smirked.

Bella laughed. It was one of the sweetest sounds he ever heard. She had been so melancholy over the weekend. Saddened by the turn of events and less hopeful than her norm. She let out an exaggerated snort and waved her mixing spoon up and down.

“As if I’d ever turned down all of that sexiness,” she said kissing the air.

He laughed and turned back to the table where he finished setting it. Bella refused to believe that Garrett was corrupt. If Jacob was doing something behind his back then she would not hold him responsible for that. No, if something illegal was going on she could almost guarantee that Jacob was a part of it and that the Garrett she knew would have tried to stop it. As Bella started plating their dinner the phone rang.

“I got it babe,” Bella said picking up the cordless in the kitchen.

“Hello,” Bella answered, not recognizing the number.

“Hello Bella.”

Bella cringed at hearing the familiar voice.

Chapter 6: Hard To Say Goodbye

Bella and Edward's Engagement Dinner

 

Lamb cutlets with mint, chili & golden potatoes

INGREDIENTS

500g/1lb 2oz baby
new potatoes, washed and halved but not peeled
3 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried chili flakes
1 tsp dried mint
½ tsp celery salt
8 lamb cutlets, preferably organic, trimmed of fat
100g/3½oz rocket
1 tsp sea salt flakes or ½ tsp pouring salt
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

DIRECTIONS

• Put the halved baby potatoes on to steam.
• Get out a large dish – in which the lamb cutlets will fit in a single layer – and first pour into it the olive oil and sprinkle in the chili flakes, dried mint and celery salt.
• Using one lamb cutlet as if it were a wooden spoon, smoosh the oil with its sprinklings around a bit, so that it is rather better mixed, then place the lamb cutlets in a single layer, turn them instantly, and leave to marinate for 10 minutes.
• Heat a large, heavy-based, non-stick frying-pan – big enough for all the cutlets to fit in – then duly place them all in it (the oil that clings to them from the marinade is plenty enough for them to fry in) and fry over a medium heat for five minutes. While the cutlets cook, check that the potatoes are tender, which they should be by now; in which case, turn the heat off under your steamer.
• Using tongs (for ease), turn the cutlets over and cook for a further three minutes. If you are going to make this an entire one-plate meal, strew the bottom of a large serving platter with rocket, or any other leafage you desire, and when the lamb cutlets are cooked, but still juicily pink, remove them to the salad-lined (or, indeed, naked) plate. Obviously, cook for longer if you like your lamb well done.
• Tip the steamed potatoes into the pan and fry for three minutes, then turn them over and fry for another three minutes, shaking the pan every now and again to make them tumble and turn in the hot, spiced fat.
• Using a slotted spatula or similar, transfer the potatoes to the plate of cutlets and sprinkle with one teaspoon of sea salt flakes (I like these plenty salty, but if you have more austere tastes or are feeding small children, then decrease the salt or ignore the command altogether) and the chopped parsley and mint.

source: BBC-Food-Recipes

Blackberry-Pinot Noir Sorbet

INGREDIENTS
4 (6 ounce) containers Driscoll's Blackberries
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups pinot noir wine
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

• Combine the blackberries, sugar, wine, and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool 15 minutes.
• Transfer cooled blackberry mixture to a blender and puree. Pour into a bowl through a wire mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Stir in lemon juice. Place in the refrigerator and chill at least 3 hours or overnight.
• Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturers directions. Transfer to an airtight container and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to allow sorbet to firm up.

source: Driscoll's

And, yes, let's take a moment for Garrett. Poor guy!

Chapter 6 Teaser

“Bella, baby, tell me what’s going on?”

He was trying desperately to mask his concern but was failing miserably. Seeing Bella distressed caused a great deal of anxiety for him. It was never something he handled well. He tried to think about what could have happened in such a short amount of time. He remembered her phone going off like crazy as he stepped out of the room and wondered if she had gotten a phone call. Some sort of bad news. He gently ran his hand up and down her back.

“Did someone call?”

She nodded and tried to bury herself inside him.

“Is everyone okay?”

She shook her head and Edward froze. Panic and fear enveloped him. Scenarios related to something terrible happening to the people he loved immediately flooded his mind. Had something happened to Grans or possibly Carlisle or Esme? Had  Jasper or Alice been injured or even worse little Ellie? He wondered how quickly they could get to Ireland if that were the case. His brow furrowed as he worried about the Whitlock’s and even Seth. He had been doing so well. Had he succumbed to temptation?  Edward couldn't take it anymore. His mind was his worst enemy at the moment. He pulled back from her and held her face in his hands. Her eyes were red and tears were still running down her cheeks.

“Bella, TELL ME!” he stated louder than he intended.

Chapter 5: Better With You

Big Bear Mountain

Edward and Bella stayed at Snow Lake Lodge. Of course they tried their hand at skiing as well as snowboarding.

Bella's Engagement Ring *sigh*

You make a bad day better than good

You make me feel better than I should

You understand when I’m misunderstood

Like no one else ever could

Better With You

Kris Allen

Thank You, Camellia, 2012