Ana

"Come on Ana, it will give us a chance to see our new apartment in Seattle. My folks said we're going to love the place. Plus - I promise I'm not going to make you go on the tour at Grey Enterprises with me - scouts honor." Kate's pleads end with her placing her right hand over heart, looking as genuine as possible to the promise she just made. "I know you think Christian Grey seems put-off by you in person, but I swear, he doesn't sound that way on the tape. He's probably one of those intense control freaks, who takes his job way to seriously, since he's got money and power. That would put-off anyone, trust me. But something tells me if you were to go on the tour, he'd - "

She stops mid sentence when I give her a don't-start-with-me kind of stare. It's been several days since the interview with Christian, and during the drive home that day, I thought of a hundred-and-one ways to scold Kate about the questions she had me ask him. However, by the time I got home, I had simmered down and decided my best course of action was to only tell her what she wouldn't already hear on the tape. That meant, giving her as minimal information as I could by not disclosing her 'man' tips I tried on him when leaving his office. I'm still embarrassed that I may have made a fool of myself and I didn't need her giving me more advice on how to deal with the situation. I did however, made the mistake of not mentioning the office tour that he was going to give me that day, which she heard first hand on the tape recorder. After that, she was hell-bent on going back to his office and getting a personal tour for herself and that meant calling his office day and night, until it happened. He of course, was personally unavailable, but his assistant was more than happy to show her around and answer any further questions she might have. I cringed at what those questions could be, knowing she was already making a new list with a few personal questions added in, that she'd try to squeeze out of his assistant.

"I was just saying..., he'd probably be the one giving us this tour and not his assistant, if you were to go. I swear, from what you're telling me about the interview, and what I heard on the tape, the guy sounds into you. Why else would he want to know how you spend your free time?"

"Kate, it was one of your questions."

"That was strictly professional. He came out of the blue and asked that one on his own. A typical pick-up line, if you ask me."

"A handsome and successful billionaire interested in a college student? I highly doubt it Kate - he definitely seems like the cat-walk model type. And besides, he was just being polite."

She let's out a gruff and shrugs her shoulder, knowing our conversation isn't going the way she wants it, nor is she going to coax me back to his office to go on the tour.

"Well, let's still make this a girl's weekend then. We can check out the sites around our new apartment and get to know the place a little before we move in – maybe even meet some guys. We'll bring our sleeping bags, a few personal items, and grab whatever else we need at the grocery store that's around there. It's going to be our new home soon Ana - you have to come!"

Heaving out a heavy sigh - I know I'm just about to give-in to her. Why was she so darn persuasive? Especially, since I already had plans on spending my weekend in the library to study, with no deterrents attached. But she was right, it would be great to check out our new place and get a feel for the neighborhood.

"Ok, I'll go but I'm taking my books with me to study and I suggest you do the same. Have you forgotten we have exams coming up? It's not going to just be about partying this weekend. Ok?"

"Yes Ma'am!" She salutes me and then quickly heads back to her room to start packing. "But we're at least going to one bar and maybe to the mall," she hollers at me from her room. I shake my head, knowing damn well there's not going to be much studying done over the weekend, if she has her way. Yawning, I look over at the clock to see it's late. I gather my books and head to my room, knowing I'd better start packing as well, if we were going to get an early start in the morning.


We arrive at our new apartment early Friday morning and I have to say that I'm beyond impressed with our new place and how homey it feels. Her parents spared no expense when choosing a nice apartment for their daughter because the place seems bigger than what she and a roommate would actually need. There are three bedrooms (two with walk-in closets), two full baths, a large living room, a roomy kitchen, a reading nook, and a fantastic view of Pike's Market Place and the pier. Times like these, I can't help but feel spoiled myself, which is only by living vicariously through Kate. One thing I never do though, is take advantage of her family's generosity, I often express my gratitude to them, and when I get home, the first thing I'm going to do is send her parents a nice thank you card expressing just that. We decide since we have no furniture, that we're both going to sleep in the living room, while were there for the two days we agreed on, which doesn't include Sunday since we're driving home early that day.

After settling in, we walk over to Pike's Place Market and neighboring stores, to look around and stock-up on a few supplies. The place is bustling with excitement and we spend about a good hour of exploring and shopping. We head back home with ample supplies of food and toiletries that could last us a week. When we get there, Kate hurries off to get ready for her tour, while I unpack our groceries and familiarize myself in our new kitchen. I quickly complete that task and then head to my room to change into something warmer so I can start studying for my exams. I put on a two piece steel-blue color velour jump suit that my mother recently sent me as part of my early graduation gift. It's not your typical grandma jump suit but one where the pants ride a little lower on the hips and the legs slightly flare at the bottom. The top, which is basically a hooded jacket, has a curvy and fitted cut to it, which fits nicely to my shape when zipped up. I zip it halfway up my chest, revealing a lavender tank top I'm wearing underneath, making the ensemble look kind of sexy on me. My mother's always sending me clothes that have a subtle yet flirtatious look to them, with the hopes that I'll attract a boyfriend my way. But I have to admit, this is one of the first pieces that I've enjoyed receiving from her, but mainly because it's super soft and warm. I walk back to the living room and plop myself down on my stomach over my sleeping bag, that's comfortably resting on top of an air mattress, and flip open my literature book to start reading.

"So, what are you going to do while I'm out – just study? And what's up with the jump suit? You look like you're headed to the gym to pick-up guys."

I look at Kate over my book, watching her brush her hair while sitting on a flimsy lawn chair that she brought from home. She's now changed into a smart black suit, wearing stylish heels to match, that look way too uncomfortable to walk in. But to answer her question, I thought about exploring Seattle more on my own, since I was already bored from studying, which hasn't even been two minutes now.

"The outfits from my mom and I was thinking about going for a walk…, maybe even jog along the pier. I'm not really sure yet."

"Well, you look cute. And you're going for a jog?" She gives me a perplexed look. "Since when?"

"I don't know, since today."

"But the forecast say's it's going to rain."

"I'll be fine Mom," I scold jokingly. "I'll also probably stop and get a cup of coffee at one Seattle's famed coffee houses around here."

"Since when did you start drinking coffee? You're strictly a tea girl." She puts down her hair brush and stares at me, while furrowing her brows at me. "Who is this new Ana and what have you done with her?" She jokingly asks, with a serious tone.

I chuckle lightly and close my book as she stands to gather her items to leave. "If you must know, these last couple of weeks, I've been drinking a cup of coffee just before I get to the library to study. It's been helping me stay awake, more so than tea…, and gives me that edge I need." I'm joking about the edge part, but continue to give her a serious look of my own. "I hate to admit this, but the taste is starting to wear on me. And dare I say…I'm now a caffeine addict." I slap my cheeks and make a terrified face at her, as if I've just revealed a terrible and dark secret to her.

"Next you're going to tell me you're into hard liqueur."

"Well…"

"Oh - stop it Ana!"

"Just cheap wine," I chuckle at her, while standing to walk her to the door. "So, I'll see you in a few hours."

"Yep, be safe and I'll call you when I'm done."

"Sounds like a plan and good-luck with the tour."

"Oh - they're going to need it, all right," she jokes over her shoulder as she walks to her car and gets in. I wave good-bye to her and watch her drive away, and admire her ambitious nature, which is just so Kate. When she's out of sight, I quickly slip on my tennie shoes and lock the door to our apartment and step out into the sidewalk, wondering what I'm going to do with my free time. Not really knowing, I just start walking.


I first walked around Pike's Market Place again, which is still busy, and do a little people watching. I even catch a few guys do a double take my way, which I give myself an inward smile. Apparently, the jump suit my mother sent me seems to agree with the opposite sex, which she'd be proud of. I catch a glimpse of my reflection in a store window, realizing this shy and awkward girl, may just be growing into herself - whether she likes it or not. I head to the pier and feel inspired to go for a jog and see the sites, without appearing to look like a tourist. The air is crisp and clean smelling, motivating me to continue jogging further down the pier and the surrounding neighborhood. Everything seems so perfect.

Thirty-minutes has passed and I'm definitely feeling the burn of my workout. I had to slow my pace down twice from being out of breath, which now my muscles are screaming sorely at me, that I may have just pushed myself a little too far. I feel a light drizzle over me, and realize that's it's starting to rain, giving me the perfect excuse to head back home.

I hastily put my hood on and pick-up my pace towards home, hoping I can avoid a down pour. I've only gone a short distance, when the rain starts coming down hard, and thankfully I see a quaint little coffee-house that I can take shelter in to escape the rain. Running to the building and reaching for the door, I bump into a figure hard, who's also going inside the coffee-house.

"Oh excuse me – I'm so sorry!" I look up and hold my breath, when I see that it's Christian Grey I've bumped into. "Um – excuse me…Mr. Grey. I'm so sorry - I didn't see you." I repeat, fumbling for my words again.

"Miss Steele," he acknowledges. "It's I who didn't see you - so, I should be the one apologizing. Sorry about that."

"Ahhh..., that's ok."

"Getting some coffee?" He asks the obvious.

"And taking shelter from the rain - but yeah, I'm getting something warm to drink." I clear my throat, trying to politely smile at him, while not looking so nervous. He seems taller to me, and looks scrumptious with his hair damp and ruffled from the rain. He's oozing a confidence that screams sex appeal.

"Good - so am I…" he pauses. "Care to join me for a cup?"

"Ahhh…"

"Is that a yes?"

"Sure…ummm…yes…. I'd love to join you." Once again, I'm tripping over my words, falling right off a cliff. I watch him grab the door and open it for me. My stomach starts twisting in knots, knowing if I walk through the door, that there's a good chance I'll be making a fool of myself again. But I'm not interviewing him this time. I'm just having a casual drink with him and a nonalcoholic one at that. What could go wrong?

"After you, Miss Steele," he responds smoothly, waiting for me to enter.

I move towards the entrance, with my smile wiping off my face, when I realize that I'm feeling hot all over, especially..., down there...,again!. I groan inwardly, knowing my body's betraying me once more from being in this man's presence. I'm going to have to start carrying a spare panty in my pocket, as a back-up, should I unexpectedly run into this guy again in the future. Get it together, Steele! Left, right, left - you can do this - move it! My conscious screams at me, with a megaphone pressed to my ear. I walk inside the shop, feeling as though I'm headed back into the lion's den, but this time, I'm doing so by my own accord. Crap!

TBC ?