I made a promise to myself when I was a teen, I would never be like her I will give my children the world, I would pay attention, I wouldn't let any harm come to them. My husband will cherish, protect and honor me. I'm nothing like her; we're more alike then i would ever admit.
Can't believe today is finally here. I'm getting my chance to prove I'm more than an Administrative Assistant, I had what it took to be a Project Manager. This project could catapult me to new heights, an escape, a opportunity for a better life. All the training, seminars and conferences and hands on experience I knew this is my time. I have to look, feel and do my best. I have a lot riding on this promotion. The salary would cover my student loans, I could finally move out of the town home i share with Kate even though it's amazing I've never had anything of my own, always working but never really depending on myself. This time it's going to be different than my mother. Looking into the mirror I couldn't help but see her face, I was more like than i would ever admit. Big round brown eyes, full lips, smooth caramel skin, I was identical to Her.
I'm different, This is my life, I will do better, I'am better, live today as there is no tomorrow is my daily mantra as I prepare for the day sometimes throughout the day if i'm being truthful. There's only one thing holding me back. Something deep inside that's waiting to break free. There are moments when I feel like I'm her, free, truthfully enjoying life, being myself without judgement. Being loved, cherished, a partner in every since, I wanted that life. It's always the same scene music, dancing, alcohol, no cares, no responsibility just enjoying the moment. I don't know if there is someone out there for me, who can tame both of me?
No wasn't the time to fight my demons. I had tot get his promotion, this is the moment i've been waiting for. Its been long time and a lot of hard work but i did this and there was no way it was going to slip through my fingers. Putting on my grown woman panties and getting the job done is my task for today. i looked at myself one more time before getting ready. Black lace bra and pantie set; makes me feel so powerful and sexy. Sliding my pencil skirt over my hips, silk tank top and fitted blazer, picture of business; this side never loses when she puts her mind to it. Diamond stud earrings, diamond tennis bracelets, i love spoiling myself. The money from my mom doesn't hurt, i'll accept her guilty money but work hard for my own. Hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail grabbed my tote and out the door.
walking into the kitchen i grabbed breakfast, Kate was already typing away on her computer sipping coffee her daily routine. Kate was a great journalist and had success in her field already while still in her 20s..
"Ready for your next big story Kate?, I love the outfit totally serious journalist."
"Oh gosh Ana you look lovely, so glad you took my advice and dress like a big girl. I know you like your vintage, business, casual styles. You can mix them and still look like a million dollars."
" Why aren't you a fashion consultant Kate i know you could help a lot of us. "
She came to hug me " You'll do great Anna don't start panicking, take a deep breathe you got this". i hugged her and emptied my plate. grabbing my things i head to the garage as Kate is heard rather than seen hitting the Seattle traffic. She loves her fast cars, I just like watching.
Getting out the car for the valet was different for me today, it felt like i was handing him keys to my future. smoothing my skirt once more, i looked up at the magnificent building that was Grey Holdings. I've been here for 3 years and never saw it for what it was in Downtown Seattle. Shining windows glistening metals it was quite a structure. I loved our doorman Mr. Lopez, he was always happy and making our days better as we enter. " Hi Lopez, how are you today? How was your doctors visit?"
"It went well I will find out the results next week, but you know i put it in gods hands and everything will work out just how it's supposed to be." I thought about what he said for a moment, some things couldn't have been as it should have been. Scars that run deep making me less than a whole person my entire life. Something that has been taken from me, nothing could ever bring back the part of me it's gone, gone forever. I try to feel that void but it's never enough. I knew when this Opportunity presented itself there was no way I was going to let it get away. When i was first hired on, there was a project revamp for a publishing firm and the company turned out be a Fortune 500 with steady growth year after year. The man who was promoted has gone on to become one of the honorable and successful project managers and also my mentor. I knew what was riding on this and there was no way it was going to slip through my fingers.
Stepping off the elevator was like walking into the twilight zone, a lot of activity but in perfect order. My good friend Jalise called me over i couldn't help but to look around to see what i could find would be the cause of this.
"Don't panic, literally Ana ok, but Mr. Grey is in Mr Reinhold's office and will sitting in on the pitch's today, and i heard he's going to be overseeing the project as well but that is a rumor at the moment." I knew my friend would have the scoop on anything but i couldn't believe this, no wonder everyone was doing there jobs and in a quitter more businesslike manner. I started to breathe a litter faster and got really hot.
Jalise grabbed my arm and pulled me to the ladies room, speaking briefly to coworkers as we passed. " Calm down Ana, this is your moment to really shine. I know is very intimidating and a real iron fist but you can do this. This is your ticket to the life you've worked so hard to attain. Look what happened to the last project manager and it's been 3 years since, you have the experience go in there girl and do what you came to do today ok."
After the pep talk i walked to my office on the right side of the floor near the back for all of the administrative personal up to execs. I walked passed my assistants desk and grabbed my mail for the day. I loved my office being on this side of the building allowed us to have a glass wall and the view was amazing, this corner was great but i could imagine what i could do with a suite of my own. Sitting down to open my notebook i start my presentation for the third time today to make sure everything was perfect. Responding to all of my emails took most of the morning, i turned in my request for our major accounts. Hanging up from my last call of the morning my assistant came in and to inform me that Mr. Grey has moved up the pitches and i had 20 minutes to get ready for conference room C."
"Are you kidding me right now? the blows just keep coming today i'm almost at my boiling point, Damn you Mr. Grey. I started to sweat and pace my office. I have to calm down, taking deep breaths i take myself to my happy place giving it all up. I can't blow it now, shaking my hands i start to relax after what felt like forever i opened my eyes to my office almost clear of my presentation for the pitch. Jalise hugged me and said "You got this go let Mr Grey know this is your job and just because he's here doesn't mean you will cower down go get em girl."
I felt his eyes on me as i entered the room, I see everyone knew of the early meeting but me. I was to nervous to look him in the eyes, so I said a general hello to everyone " " I nodded and headed to the front taking out my notebook i started my presentations slides, i saw that my assistant Miriam handed out the folders on my pitch my board for pictured detailing on what needs to be replaced renovated and removed. I couldn't get any better than this.
"Ana that man is so damn hot I can't believe my eyes, you can tell his body under the suit is amazing, look at those eyes."
"Would you stop undressing him with your eyes and focus on what we came to do Miriam. I couldn't but help to blush getting a mental picture of what she was saying.
This was my first time seeing Mr. Grey in person and so close but yet so far away. Those eyes called to you, promising things you can only wish for. My smile died as i caught the serious look on his face as he looked at me, his gaze swept over me burning a path across my skin. A questioning brow and intense stare had me rooted to the spot lost and even more nervous than before. it also turned me on like no man's look ever before. I quickly looked down and began to type and straighten papers that didn't need to be bothered.
" Well it look likes someone has caught the boss's eyes. " Stop looking at him Miriam you'll going to give our boss the wrong message."
" Oh no i know what message i want him to get but, I'm a good girl i know when to behave ok." I needed to relax so i turned my back on the rest of the room to look over my pictures of the site that would be my future home for Mia's restaurant if everything went according to plan. The site a four story boutique hotel on the river. it would be a great location and can be seen from across the bay and as tourists came down the river. It would bring in so much business and help improve the area and bring in more luxury businesses.
"Ana, Ana it's time for the presentation." I turn to find everyone in the office looking at me waiting for me to start, oh know i'm completely flustered now how long had i been standing there. I'm so sorry i got lost in my vision after looking at the scenery again. "my name is Anastasia Steele and I know you're going to love what i have in store for you, The folders in front of you go into great detail about the structure, remodeling costs, future revenue, charity opportunities, revenue from increased use of the entire space. With great success it could be a relaunch for the riverside community."
"Ms. Steele before we go any further, i would like for you to go over what was going through your mind when you were so distracted." As he said the word distracted i cringed . "It had to be amazing to have you zone out at such a time."
" Of course Mr. Grey, my presentation includes everything i was thinking about, details my vision to great specification. Before i could say anything further he interrupted me by raising his hand like a king, I couldn't believe he felt so superior and i actually obeyed oh my.
"I'm sure your presentation is amazing, you have come highly recommended. I was told to expect greatness and be prepared to be knocked off my feet and that's what I'm waiting for. Ms. Steele or is Anastasia preferred."
"Ana is fine".
" Anastasia it is, turn your back to us again and look at those pictures i know it takes you to a place where none of us are there. Close your eyes and let me know what this space is like and what have you done for the creation of the restaurant. How do you picture opening night?"
I closed my eyed and took a deep breathe to recall the scene in my head. The dark brick gleaming from the lights around the exterior of the restaurant. the accent color went well with the scheme of a food wonderland. Sidewalk path of lights flowers and focal pieces.