Me and Mr. Grey…...part 1
Brenda walked over to the window, and looked out at the skyline of Seattle. This was her first time visiting the city. Honestly, she didn't know too much about it. She only knew they had some very lively fish markets. And that's about it. She actually learned that, by watching an episode of Real World, years ago.
She moved away from the window, walked over to the bed, and collapsed on to it. She looked up at the ceiling. She was a little tired. She had just arrived from Los Angeles. She had actually moved there a couple weeks ago. She'd been living in Rome, for the past eight years, but she missed the states, and decided that LA was the place she needed to be. She chose LA, because it was where her sister lived. She wanted to get to know her, because they were not that close.
Brenda still modeled occasionally, but she considered herself semi-retired. She didn't have to work, because she had been smart with her money. But she got bored, and since she looked younger than she was, she still booked jobs. *cell phone rings* She got up, walked out of the hotel bedroom, and went into the living room to answer it.
"Hello."
Brenda heard her friend's voice. "Tell me you're here!"
"Yes, I finally made it."
"Great, I'll be there in fifteen minutes."
"I'll be downstairs waiting."
"Ok, see you soon." They disconnect the call.
Her friend was Diana Sanchez. Brenda met her years ago in New York. They became fast friends. Diana was a makeup artist, at a salon Brenda use to frequent. She moved back to Seattle, because this is where her family was, and she desperately missed them.
Diana came from a wealthy family. In fact, her mom wasn't that happy, that she chose to be a makeup artist, but in time they accepted it. She was currently working at a high class salon in Seattle. She had been working there, since she left New York.
Once she learned Brenda was moving back to the states, and to LA, she talked her into coming to Seattle. At first Brenda really didn't want to, because she had just moved, and she wasn't settled yet. But it had been years, since they'd seen each other, so she decided to throw caution to the wind, and just go. Originally, it was supposed to be for a weekend, but Brenda decided to stay for a week.
They were going to some big charity event that night, so they were going to the salon, that Diana worked at, to get their hair and nails done.
Brenda walked out into the lobby, wearing a tank, and some Pink sweat pants. The automatic doors opened, and she walked through them, heading outside. She saw a Blue BMW pull up. She smiled and walked over to the car.
Diana jumped out, and ran to the other side. They embraced. They had not seen each other in years. Brenda looked at her friend. She looked good. She had gained some weight, but it was in all the right places. Brenda slapped her on the butt. "Look out J. Lo, Damn!"
Diana laughed. "Brenda, I missed you. And you look as beautiful as ever."
"I'd look even better, if I had your booty."
Diana laughed, as she walked around the car, to get back in. Brenda got in on the passenger side, and they drove out of the parking lot. The salon was not that far, from Brenda's hotel. They pulled up in a matter of minutes…
Brenda had her hair in a bun, when her stylist, Lydia, took it down.
Diana gasped. "Brenda! I had no idea your hair had gotten so long."
"Yeah, I decided to grow it out."
Lydia ran her fingers through it. "Your hair is beautiful."
"Thank you. I only use juice and berries." They laugh.
Lydia called over a girl, who had to be her assistant. She took Brenda to the back to wash her hair...…
After getting her hair washed, she returned to Lydia's chair. Diana was in the chair next to her. They were all making small talk, when all of a sudden, a hush came over the salon. This beautiful specimen of a man walked in, with a girl following. They hardly paid any attention to her, their eyes were all on him.
Brenda giggled, as she watched them walk by. "I didn't know they were growing that, in Seattle."
The ladies laugh. Diana tried to shush Brenda.
Brenda's eyes widen, and she looked at her. "What did I say?"
"He's part owner of this salon."
"So, he's still good looking."
"Brenda, that is Christian Grey."
"Soooo?"
Lydia looked at Diana. "She isn't from Seattle, why would that name mean anything to her?"
Diana started again. "He is a billionaire."
"Again, so."
"Never mind."
"I'm sorry, I was just having fun." And she was, he was attractive, but she had seen her seen her share of rich and attractive men. Diana decided to change the subject, and they all took her cue. But everyone was still very aware, that he was in the building. Brenda could tell, by the way some of the women, would talk and walk. She thought it was hilarious, but she didn't dare comment.
After getting her hair curled, and placed in rollers, Brenda moved to the nail/pedicure area. Diana was getting a facial, something Brenda had no desire to get. They always broke her out, so she decided to leave well enough alone. Plus she preferred her five dollar ,Queen Helen's Mint Julep Mask. They worked the best in her opinion.
Brenda was relaxing in one of the pedicure chairs, when she saw the girl and the guy walk in. The girl sat down next to her. He walked over, and told them what to do. Brenda found that unusual. But hey, maybe he liked his women looking a certain way. And the girl didn't seem to mind, so whatever.
He sat down in an empty seat, across from Brenda, and preceded to make a series of calls.
Brenda leaned back, and closed her eyes, she was so tired.
Christian looked around the salon, looking at nothing in particular, as he took phone call after phone call. His eyes stopped on the brunette sitting in front of him. Her eyes were closed, and her head was resting back against the chair, exposing her beautiful neck. His eyes make a path down her body, then back up to her gorgeous face. He had never seen her before, he was sure of it. If he had, he would have remembered…..
After finishing her nails and pedicure, they were ready for her to choose a color. They woke her up, and asked her which color she'd like.
"I don't really care, as long as it isn't hooker red or blue."
The girl pointed to their wall of nail polishes. She got up and walked over to it.
Brenda looked at all the colors. She would normally choose black, but since she was going to a charity event, she needed to tone it down. She looked over at the girl. "I'm going to a charity event, what do you recommend?"
"What color is your dress?"
"I don't know, I brought quite a few with me."
"Maybe a French manicure?"
Brenda shook her head. "I hate those. She grabbed a nude and a black. She walked back over and sat down. She handed them to the nail tech. "Black on the toes, and nude on the nails."
The girl nodded, and got to work. "You must not be wearing open toed shoes."
"I don't know yet. But I am obsessed with black, I have to have it somewhere."
Brenda looked around, the place was packed. She figured, it was because of the charity event. She wandered how Diana even managed to get off. She looked over at the guy, who was still taking phone call after phone call. Brenda thought he looked too young, to be a billionaire. Maybe he worked for his family, or something? He was definitely cocky. She could tell by the way, he just barked out orders over the phone. And the girl he came with….looked at him like he was Jesus. Brenda shook her head. At that moment Diana walked in.
Brenda yelled. "Hot mama, with the J Lo booty!"
Diana looked horrified. She looked quickly at the guy, and smiled an embarrassing smile.
"Mr. Grey."
He nodded.
Brenda noticed he was finally off his phone. He looked directly at her. Then his phone rung, he answered, and he was back to his barking. His female friend, had left, and went to the back.
Diana looked down at her toes. "Black?"
"Better than blood hooker red."
Diana shook her head, and headed to the back, where the guy's friend went. Brenda was just about to ask Diana, what was back there, but she left too quickly. Brenda grinned, she could tell she embarrassed her, with that booty comment.
The nail tech had just finished painting Brenda's nails and toes, and she's waiting for them to dry.
Brenda was curious about where Diana went, so she asked the nail tech. The nail tech informs her, that it is where the waxing takes place.
"Oooh, I will pass. That is the worse thing every created! It hurts like hell! I tried it once, and that was enough for me. I prefer Venus."
The nail tech was working on someone else, she looked up briefly. "What's that?"
"The razor."
All the ladies laugh. The guy shook his head and smiled. She looked over at him. "Have you ever tried it?"
"No, why would I need to wax?"
"My point exactly. God invented the razor."
He grinned. "No man, invented that."
"And God invented him."
He raised his eye brows, and nodded. Point to Brenda.
Lydia's assistant came in, and signaled for Brenda. She got up and left. His eyes followed her….
Brenda was done with her beauty treatments, but Diana wasn't, so she went next door to get a latte. She had just ordered, when the guy, they called Mr. Grey walked in. Brenda instantly noticed the reaction of the female employees. They were salivating. She giggled and shook her head.
After receiving her latte, Brenda walked over to an empty table, and sat down...
She sipped on her latte, and checked her emails. She felt strange, like someone was looking at her. She looked around, then turned in her seat. He nodded. Brenda smiled, and turned back around. She opened an email from her agent, then dialed her phone number.
"Hey, this is Brenda, so I have to be in New York next week?"
Brenda's agent's name is Claudia. She has been dealing with her for a very long time. "Yes, I'm sorry for the short notice. You're wanted for a beauty shot."
"I figured that, I didn't think you were calling me for runway."
Claudia laughed. "You would have made an insane amount of money, if you were a couple inches taller."
"Yeah, I know."
"But you've done really well, with that face of yours."
"I'm grateful, I'm not complaining. Just email me the details. Ok…..Bye."
Brenda disconnected the call.
"New York is wonderful this time of the year."
She turned again. "It's rude to listen to other people's conversations."
"When those other people, are shouting in the receiver, it's kind of difficult to ignore it."
Brenda rolled her eyes, and turned back around. His eyes darken.
"Are you from Seattle?"
Brenda turned. "No. I'm from a lot of different places. Kind of like a nomad."
"Where have you lived the last five years?"
"Rome."
He nodded. "Interesting. Are you still living there?"
"Actually I'm not. I am calling LA home now."
"What brings you to Seattle?"
"There is a charity event tonight."
"Leaving afterwards?"
She smiled. "You ask a lot of questions."
"If you don't know, you have to ask."
"Why do you care?"
He shrugged. "Just making small talk."
Brenda was really getting aggravated. There was something about his tone, that bugged her. He had a cocky way about him. She felt uneasy. And plus his girlfriend was next door, she felt extremely uncomfortable about that. Brenda was not the type of woman, to date a man who had a girlfriend. She decided to end the conversation. "Well, nice chatting with you."
"Leaving already?"
She nodded and stood up. "Yes."
He stood up, and followed her out of the coffee shop. "I know your first name is Brenda."
She stopped and turned. "Are you hitting on me?"
He seemed genuinely shocked by that question. "I don't HIT on anybody."
Brenda rolled her eyes again. "Where is your girlfriend? You know the girl you came in with?"
"I don't have girlfriends."
Brenda chuckled. "Really?"
He just stared at her. "Really."
"Well, I think it is in very poor taste, to do whatever it is you are doing, when you have someone with you." She turned and started back walking, and went straight into the salon. He didn't follow her, because the girl was on her way out.
Diana was done too, and her and Brenda, walked out of the salon seconds later. "Where were you?"
"Next door." She saw a really nice SUV drive up. He opened the door, and the girl climbed in, and so did he. Brenda and Diana headed to the parking lot. Brenda felt uneasy, she knew he was looking at her.
She got into the car. "Prick."
Diana looked over at her. "What?"
"Nothing."
It was late when they left the salon, Diana dropped Brenda off at the hotel. So she could get ready for the charity event.
Brenda had no idea what she should wear. She brought quite a few dresses. She had a red one, a black one, an ivory one, and a soft pink one. She really liked the pink one. It was a really pale pink. It would look good on her, because she had gotten a spray tan, before leaving LA. The dress was floor length, strapless, and hugged every inch of her body. It had beading all over it. She didn't have much time, so she decided on that one. She pinned up her hair, and took a shower. She did her makeup, which was done with a very light hand. She wanted to look natural, instead of made up.
Her makeup turned out great. Her skin ended up looking like it was sun kissed. Half of her hair was down, and the other half up. She wore a pair of diamond stud earrings, and a diamond bracelet. Nothing else. She didn't want to compete with the beading on the dress.
Diana arrived about thirty minutes later. Brenda stepped off the elevator, and all eyes were on her. She didn't really notice, she had no idea how stunning she looked.
She got into to Diana's car. "Brenda, you look so beautiful."
"You too." Diana wore a red loosely fitted dress. Brenda didn't know why she was hiding her curves, her body was amazing.
"Where did you get that dress?"
"In France, I think."
"It is lovely, especially against your skin."
"My fake tan, came in handy."
"What color is that?"
"Pink." Brenda looked at the time on Diana's car radio. "We are late."
"Just a little."
They pulled up to the venue. Valet took the car, and handed Diana a number. Brenda and Diana walked in, and it was some event. It was so crowded. It was a thousand dollars a plate. With eighty percent of the ticket proceeds, going to various charities. Brenda loved her charities. She felt like she was put on earth to give back. They walked up to a table in front, gave their names, showed identification, and they were each handed a ticket.
They were supposed to meet Diana's parents. Brenda looked around, and saw various tables surrounding the dance floor. They looked down at the numbers on their tickets. Brenda had table 56, and to their surprise, Diana had table 62.
Diana looked confused. "I bought our tickets at the same time, why wouldn't we be sitting at the same table?"
"It's fine, we aren't in junior high, I'm sure I'll manage."
Diana still didn't know how that happened. Brenda assured her that she'd be fine. They didn't go directly to their tables, because a lot of people were still mingling and dancing. They walked over, and got a couple of drinks.
They looked around the room. Diana sighed. "Look at all these rich folk."
Brenda took a sip of champagne, and looked at Diana "Yes, look at them."
Diana shook her head. "No, my parents are rich. I am upper middle class, and proud of it."
Brenda laughed.
She looked to her right, and saw him standing there, staring at her. She turned her back to him. "Well, if it isn't Mr. Beautiful. Prick."
Diana looked confused. She looked around and saw Mr. Grey, making his way through the crowd. And right towards them. "Are you referring to Mr. Grey? How do you even know him?"
"I don't. Just an observation."
"Did you two have a run in, at the salon?"
Brenda rolled her eyes. "I don't want to talk about it."
Diana grinned. "And did you really just call him, Mr. Beautiful? If he's Mr. Beautiful, then you must be Mrs. Beautiful." Diana thought Brenda was just as gorgeous, if not more.
Brenda sighed as he approached.
He walked up to them. "Diana."
She smiled. "Hello, Mr. Grey."
He looked at Brenda. "Miss Barrett."
Brenda smiled, but her eyes said something totally different. He grabbed a glass of champagne, and moved on. Brenda's eyes followed him. "Wait, I didn't tell him my last name?"
"Brenda, you were at the salon he owns, maybe he saw it on the appointment book. And what is up with you two?"
"Nothing."
"Why did you give him the bitch eye?"
"I don't like him."
"When did you get to know him?"
"We did have a run in. I just don't like men, that have girlfriends, and try to pick up other women. No matter how beautiful he think he is."
Diana laughed. "I don't think he has a girlfriend. Maybe women, but not girlfriends."
"Whatever."
There was a band playing, after they finished one of their selections, they announced that dinner was about to start. Diana and Brenda head over to their respective tables.
"I'm sorry we didn't get the same table, I'm still not sure how that even happened."
"It's fine Diana, maybe I'll meet some new and interesting people, and plus it's for charity, so who cares."
Diana smiled, as they made their way through the tables. Diana found her table. And her mother and father were already seated. Brenda said hello, and they also wondered why she wasn't sitting with them. Brenda assured them, she would be fine. She continued on to her table. She saw the numbers fifty six, and the table was packed, except for one empty seat. She walked over and sat down.
"So we meet again?"
She looked to her right, and there he was, Mr. Grey…...