I feel like Ana and Christian got back together too fast in the beginning of Fifty Shades Darker. This is just something I thought would be more interesting to see. Christian should work harder to win Ana back, if he even can. What's a story without some friendly romantic competition? ;)

I don't own anything and all rights belong to E. L. James.

It has been five days since my leave from Escala, and from him.

In the confines of the apartment's bathroom I can see my reflection. God I'm a wreck! Underneath worn out sweats, stands a wide eyed, pale girl who looks miserable. With bags under my eyes and a rat nest hair style that shouldn't be seen by the light of day, I couldn't be in any worse shape.

But, I need to stop with the sad crap. I should think positive! I'm young! I'm single! I have a great job that pays well! I should be happy! Why can't I then? It's time to move on Steele! I chant in my head.

My first day at SIP went well. My cow workers seem friendly enough. Jack is kind towards me. This is what's best for me.

The door buzzer suddenly rings.

"Delivery for Ms. Steele." A bored voice calls. I feel sympathy for whoever has to see me in this mess of a state. I open the door.

"That's me."

"Sign please."

After signing, I'm handed a package. Carrying it up the stairs, I can only guess who it's from. Inside the box holds two dozen white roses. And a typed card that reads;

Congratulations on your first day

at work.

I hope it went well.

And thank you for the glider.

That was very thoughtful.

It has pride of place on my desk.

Christian

How that hell am I supposed to react to this! I bet one of his many workers typed this. He probably didn't have anything to do with this. I bet right now he's fucking another brunette! I'm beginning to see red.

Suddenly, the landline rings. Not glancing at the number I pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Steele!" Ethan? Why is he calling?

"Hey, Ethan! What can I do for you?"

"You remember me coming down in a couple of days. Well I'm actually on my way now."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I figured I wanted to see you sooner and spend some time catching up."

"Really? When are you going to be here?"

"A half-hour or later."

"Okay. See you then."

Hanging up, I once again stare into the mirror and look in disgust at the reflection. I need to look some-what presentable. I change into some skinny jeans and borrow a pretty floral shirt from Kate's closet. She won't mind now that she is on vacation. I might as well wear some knee high brown boots while I'm at it. Looking at my hair, I decide the only way to calm it is just to braid it to one side.

I pinch my cheeks to add some color and hope for the best that sleep deprived eyes are the new style.

A couple minutes later the buzzer rings again, and I let Ethan inside.

Woah… Standing before my eyes is a tanned beauty. Barbados did wonders to the older Kavanagh. I can't help myself from staring. Snap out of it!

"Hi Ethan." My voice squeaks.

"Well, hello Steele." Ethan smirks. He looks me up and down, then frowns. I suddenly feel self-conscious. "You alright Steele? You look down in the dumps."

Damn it. He knows me well. Ethan and I have been friends for a long time. He knows when something isn't right.

Not wanting to go into detail. I simply say. "I'm just dealing with a breakup."

"What? Mr. Mogul and you decided to split?"

"Yeah." I sigh, staring at my hands.

"Well, we need to fix this, now don't we. Get into your pajamas. We are having movie night!"

I'm shocked. After all that travel, I would have thought he wanted to go sleep. "Ethan, you don't have to do this for me."

"I want to Anastasia."

I gasp silently. He never calls me by my full name. Looking up into his crisp green eyes with wonder; I see concern, care, and something more… What's is this?

So in this story, Ethan and Ana have known each other since they were young. They are much closer than they are in the book. When they were younger, they were just friends. They were always there for each other. Now that they are older, feelings could start to change. But, how does Christian fit in with everything?

Should Christian end up with Ana or should Ethan get a chance?

This is my first fanfic. So I'm open to any reviews.