FAGE 12. Never Too Late to Start Anew

Title: What's Cooking?

Written for: Chartwilightmom

Written By: Purlysurly

Rating: T

Summary/Prompt used: A talented chef preparing for a huge career opportunity finds inspiration in the garden of a quirky farmer, but what will happen next? Inspired by multiple prompts related to gardening, food porn, and a dash of Queen 80's rock for flavor.

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Bella's hips swing with a punctuated 'pop' to each side as she sings along with the music blaring from the speakers.

Alice walks into the greenhouse and rolls her eyes at the sight. "Bella," she calls.

Bella doesn't hear her as she finishes spreading a thin layer of fertilizer along one of the raised beds of her prized hybrid vegetables.

"Bella!" Alice bellows.

"Under pressure . . . " Bella sings along with the classic Queen song.

Alice stomps over to the docking station. She taps Bella's phone twice and the music stops.

Bella shoots a glare over her shoulder. "Hey, don't go cutting off my Freddie with no warning like that," she says.

"Oh, pshh. Freddie will be right here waiting for you after we talk."

"Fine," Bella says, snagging a towel off a nail and wiping her hands as she walks down a row of plants toward Alice. "What's up?"

"Well, you know Jazzy will be here soon –"

"Does he know you call him that?" Bella interrupts. "I mean, it seems like something he should know. Maybe he doesn't like nicknames."

"Don't be a pooper-party, Bella."

"It's party-pooper, Alice."

"No, I said what I meant. You play in shit all day and then you get a sick amusement out of sprinkling shit over other people, sucking the joy out of their lives so they can feel shitty. You are a full-on shit party, Bella!"

Bella laughs. "I'll take that as a no. Maybe I should fill him in."

Alice narrows her eyes at Bella with a warning look.

"Fine, fine. He won't hear about it from me," Bella concedes. "There you go, have a little of your joy back."

"Thank you," Alice says, with a bright smile. "Now, as I was saying before the joy thief visited, Jazz will be here shortly to see which of your hybrids are ready for harvest. He's helping a friend who is preparing for the career-launching opportunity of a lifetime."

"Career-launching, huh?"

"That's what I'm told. A chef who's been selected for a feature and photo spread in the upcoming special edition of a What's Cooking, Seattle?"

Bella's eyebrows rise. She's not easy to impress, but this is a big deal.

"I knew you'd like that!" Alice says, grinning brightly. "This is a real opportunity for you too, Bella. If he uses your produce, maybe we can get some kind of mention at the end of the article."

"Yeah, that'd be cool. Do you know what he's looking for?"

"Jazz says he makes magic with whatever he's given, but he's hoping for something to add unique flavor notes. If they add to the food porn for the pictures, all the better."

Bella nods, considering her words. "So, sexy with substance. I can show Jasper what I have. Hopefully, it'll fill the bill."

They both turn as they hear tires crunch the gravel on the driveway.

"Oh! Here he comes," Alice says bouncing slightly on her feet in excitement.

"That's a pretty serious pickup truck," Bella says. "You failed to mention that snazzy, Jazzy is a badass."

"Bite me," Alice replies.

"Who's with him?"

"I'm not sure. I thought he was coming alone."

Jasper drives the pickup to the greenhouse, turning to park in front of Bella and Alice with his door closest to them. He steps out and comes forward.

"Hello, Alice. It sure is nice to see you again," he says, smiling at her warmly.

"Thanks, Ja-sper." Her eyes flit to Bella as she stumbles over the name. "It's great to see you. I'm glad you could come out today. This is the owner of the farm, Bella Swan."

Jasper turns to her, extending his hand. Bella grasps it firmly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. Alice raves about the work you do here with your organic hybrids."

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you, too! And, I have to say, that truck there is pretty snazzy, Jaaaa-" she catches sight of the death glare Alice is blasting her way and decides to be nice. "—sper."

"Thank you, Bel-lla." His look is slightly confused but also amused.

"Sorry," she says, taking a small step back, "my stutter therapy is a work in progress."

The mild confusion morphs to clear confusion and she waves her hand in front of her face. "Nevermind, bad joke," she mutters.

The door on the far side of the truck cab slams shut and all eyes turn to the man walking toward them, just coming around the front of the vehicle.

The mid-afternoon sun is behind him, creating a halo of golden light outlining his entire body. He's tall, and evidence of toned muscles is clear, though his frame is lean. His walk is sure and confident. Bella imagines a movie soundtrack would be perfect right now. You know the scene where the main character and his buddies are strutting down the middle of the street to some music with a pounding beat? Yeah, that's what she wants right now.

It's only a second or two before he's close enough that the light shifts and the halo disappears. She comes out of her musical daydream, recognizing how ruggedly handsome the man is. But there is more to it than his good looks. There's an assuredness in his walk. The way he carries himself, it isn't cocky, but with absolute confidence in himself. And, damn if that isn't one of the things Bella finds sexiest in a man. She may be in trouble with this one.

"Everything all right?" Jasper asks him.

"Yeah, yeah. James is on his way. I tried to talk him out of it but no luck."

A shadow of annoyance crosses both their faces but then the man turns to face Bella and she notes the clear green color of his eyes.

"Alice, Bella, this is Edward," Jasper says. "He's the owner and chef at Destination PNW. Edward, this is Bella Swan, who owns the farm, and Alice Brandon, who clued me into this great place."

"It's very nice to meet you," Edward says, shaking each of their hands.

"So, you have a big food shoot coming up for What's Cooking, Seattle?" Bella asks.

Edward rakes his hand through his hair, and the nervous gesture is in direct contrast to the demeanor she just observed.

"Yeah, that's right. I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. But, it's a fantastic opportunity. As I'm repeatedly told." The last bit is said so low, Bella is sure she wasn't meant to hear it. She decides to get him talking about things he must love.

"Well, I'm sure you've selected your recipes. What types of produce are you looking for today?" she asks.

"You're right, the menu is set. I'd like to start by looking at any greens you have," he stands straighter as he talks, and Bella is pleased to see she was right to redirect the conversation. "I'm also interested in what variety of carrots, onion, and garlic grow you."

"Perfect, we can start in the hydroponic greenhouse and move from there," Bella says with a smile. She turns to Alice. "Alice, I'm sure you can take care of Jasper while I'm showing Edward around?"

"Sure, Bella, we'll be fine," Alice replies with a smile.

Bella leads Edward toward the farthest greenhouse. Just before they turn a corner, she looks back. Alice and Jasper are chatting, with Jasper's back to her. She catches Alice's eye, throws her hands up in the air, fingers spread wide, and shakes them dramatically while mouthing "Jazz Hands!"

Bella is pleased when Alice cracks a grin. She's so fun to tease.

It's not so fun, however, when she turns around to find Edward looking at her like she's grown a second head.

"You okay?" he asks.

"Oh, absolutely. Sometimes Alice and I use hand signals to communicate here at the farm when we're out of talking range."

"I see. Like a secret code?"

"Exactly! Anyway, the hydroponics are right this way." She starts walking again, leading him along a well-worn path. "All our produce is organic, and the greens are hand-harvested within 10 to 21 days."

"Perfect. So, Bella?"

"Yes?"

"What do jazz hands mean?"

She can't help herself and bursts out laughing. "Well, that's an interesting story and I'd have to swear you to secrecy. But, how do you think Jasper feels about nicknames?"

Bella snags several baskets near the door of the greenhouse and sets them in an old Radio Flyer wagon, pulling it behind her as they go. They continue talking as Bella shows him through all the vegetable beds.

An hour later, they emerge, a second wagon joining the first and both stuffed with produce.

"Well, it looks like this has been a productive trip," Jasper observes, hopping off the open tailgate of his truck where he and Alice have been visiting.

"Jasper, this place is amazing. Bella really does some spectacular work," Edward gushes.

"That's quite a variety you have there, Edward," Alice says. "I bet your dishes will be out of this world!"

"Thank you, but now that I've been here, I'm feeling inspired to modify my menu a bit. I can't wait to get back to my kitchen to experiment."

"I'm just glad you found things that will help you out," Bella replies with a smile.

"So, what do I owe you for all of this?" he asks.

"It'll just take me a minute to add it up."

After Bella figures the bill and Edward pays, she helps him load the produce into the back of the truck. When everything is secure, she reaches out to shake his hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Edward."

"You, too, Bella," he answers, grasping her hand firmly.

"Best of luck with the magazine article, I can't wait to see how your menu comes together."

"Thanks," he says, releasing her hand and placing both of his in his pockets. "You really do have a great operation here. I'm impressed and will tell other chefs about it."

"Well, that's the best kind of publicity." She smiles at him, but Alice quickly inserts herself into their private moment.

"But, if you really are impressed, you could get her a mention in the magazine," Alice says.

"Alice!" Bella chastises her, embarrassed by the pushy suggestion. "She was joking," she says to Edward.

"No," Edward replies, "that's a great idea. I'm sure we can manage that in some way."

"Really, Edward, that's not necessary," she says.

"Nonsense, I'm sure it's done all the time and would be a really great boost for your business, too. Consider it done. Subject closed." He looks at Bella and raises an eyebrow.

Bella briefly raises her hands in a surrender motion and smiles. "Thank you. Let me know if you need anything else. My card is in one of the bags."

"Bella, it was a pleasure meeting you," Jasper says, giving her hand a quick shake.

"You to Jasper," she replies.

He turns to Alice. "Alice, I hope we can visit again sometime soon," he says to her.

"I do, too, Jasper." Bella rolls her eyes at the breathiness of her voice and she and Edward share a grin as the men get into the truck cab.

As they do, Bella raises her hand to wave and calls out "Bye, Edward!" Then she raises her other one and waves jazz hands as she calls "Bye, Jasper!"

Through the windshield, she sees Edward laughing . . . and it makes her day.

"Bella, Edward is so hot," Alice gushes. "What did you guys talk about? Are you going to see him again? I think you guys would be great together. Please tell me he asked you out!"

"Calm down, Alice. Yes, he's definitely my type, but we just talked about the plants, mostly. He didn't ask me out and I don't know if I'll see him again."

Alice sticks her bottom lip out in a pout. "That stinks."

"I admit I'd love the chance to get to know him better. Maybe we'll have to go have dinner at Destination PNW sometime soon."

"Oh, I like that idea!"

"Hey Alice, thanks for setting this up for me," Bella says, sincerely.

"Oh, pshaw! They need you. No one else's stuff is as good as yours. If you want a quality product, you need quality ingredients," she says, pointing her finger like a teacher. "And Edward just go the best there is."

"Well, thank you anyway."

"You're welcome. Now, I'm off to town for some shopping. I'll call you tomorrow." They hug before Alice gets into her car and Bella goes back to the plants she was working with before everyone showed up. She taps her phone as she passes the docking station and Queen comes through the speakers again.

A short while later, Bella hears a car come speeding up the driveway. The loud engine says it's a muscle car, which is why she could hear it over the music. By the sound of tires skidding on gravel she's sure she's going to be raking stones out of the grass for the next couple of days.

She takes a few deep breaths and lets the sound of Freddie Mercury singing "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" calm her anger over the inconsiderate action. She's about to brush off her hands and go confront whoever just tore up her driveway when the music stops.

Her new-found calm disappears, and she narrows her eyes. No one touches her music except Alice.

She turns and assesses the man standing near the doorway. She has a moment since he hasn't spotted her through the greenery hanging down from elevated racks. He's tall and muscled with long hair pulled back in a ponytail. It's not a very thick ponytail either and she shakes her head. Why men with thinning hair think growing it long will hide that fact is a mystery to her. She takes a deep breath and walks toward the man.

"Can I help you?" she asks.

He turns to face her. She thinks she reads annoyance on his face, but it quickly turns to a leer as his eyes do the dreaded elevator thing. By the time he's checked her out – with an added extra second or two aimed at her chest – and finally makes eye contact, she's pissed.

"Well, hello there, gorgeous," he says with a smirk. He probably believes the smirk is attractive but it's so . . . not. Bella's objective enough to recognize that he could be considered handsome, but the smarmy-ness is radiating off him in waves, making him entirely repulsive to her.

"May I help you?" she asks again, coolly.

He walks toward her slowly. "Oh, I'm sure you can, beautiful. I'm James. What's your name?" He's just a smidge closer than polite distance, but Bella's not going to back up from this jerk.

"I'm Bella Swan. This is my farm." She glances over his shoulder and sees a black mustang convertible parked in the middle of the driveway. Of course. Asshole thinks he's the most important person here and no one would possibly need to get by.

"You seem like more of a city guy, James. What brings you here?"

"Well, I was coming here on business, but I think it's definitely turning more towards pleasure."

He winks at her.

Eww. "What business is that?"

"Oh, I do PR – you know, Public Relations." His voice drips with condescension. The type that says I'm being condescending, but I totally don't think I am. "I have a lot of connections in the city. Press connections, political connections – you know, all the VIP movers and shakers."

Bella can't believe how egotistical this guy is and has no idea why he is at her farm.

"Been doing this a long time," he continues. "I've got a really good reputation, known for helping people make the right connections. I've got a lot of clout. I might even be able to help you turn this little hobby into a going concern for you." He glances around her greenhouses and vegetable beds.

"Gosh, that's an . . . offer, but I think I'll have to decline. My little hobby is doing just fine, thanks."

His eyes do the elevator thing again.

"Are you sure? I mean, I can understand that you might be concerned about my fee, but I'd be happy to negotiate an affordable rate for you."

Just the way he says the word 'negotiate' makes Bella feel dirty and she's had enough.

"I am one hundred percent NOT interested in your services, your fee, or negotiating with you." And yes, she even uses the air quotes around the word. "But, you are on my property and I need you to tell me why, or leave."

Surprise crosses his face briefly before his expression turns to a scowl. "You're quite the witch, aren't you?" he asks, quietly.

She smiles sweetly. "Only when I have to be." She drops the smile. "Why are you here?"

He huffs. "I'm supposed to meet a client. A chef, Edward Cullen. Bit of a jerk, but he makes kick-ass food."

"Well, he's already been here. And he left about half an hour ago."

"Son of a BITCH!" The guy's anger flares in an instant and he starts pacing. "I told him I was coming and the fucker just leaves? What the hell is wrong with him? He'll get a piece of my mind, that's for damn sure," he rants to himself.

He turns to Bella. "Why the FUCK is there no cell coverage out here? I would have been here 40 minutes ago if my GPS didn't drop service. It's not my fault I got lost!"

"This is a rural farm. Rural. As in the country. Sometimes cell service is unreliable."

"Well, that is totally unacceptable. When are you going to do something about it?"

She can't believe this prick. Not only is he an egotistical asshole, but he's stupid, too. Might as well have some fun with him before she kicks him off her property. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she turns to her left, admiring the view across her little valley, and the pasture just beyond the barn. As if on cue, Clarissa, the sole sheep on the farm, comes meandering into view.

"Oh my gosh! You're right!" Suddenly she's all doe-eyes and contrition. "I'm so sorry and I know exactly what the problem is!"

"Yeah? What's that?"

She points to the sheep. "It's Clarissa."

"Who the fuck is Clarissa and how is she the problem?"

"Right there," she points again. "Clarissa's my sheep. But she's managed to remove her foil helmet again. It's the key to us getting any sort of decent cell service out here. When she wiggles out of it, service goes to crap. I can make another one quickly if you want to run out and put it on her."

She's not sure she can identify the expression on his face. It's sort of clueless (God, does he think she's serious?). Definitely annoyed.

She waits for a beat, her face a mask of polite blandness.

Then, the penny drops. "You are one loony bitch, you know that?" he asks coldly.

"And, now you will leave my property," she says firmly.

"Gladly," he spits, spinning on his heel and stomping to his car. He guns the engine, peeling out in a wide arc that shoots gravel behind him continuously until he reaches the road.

"Asshole," Bella mutters as she turns to go back to work. Clarissa lets out a loud 'baa,' making Bella smile.

A/N: There are three chapters total. More to come to come in a bit.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight, no infringement intended.