Fifty Shades or Not

Chapter Two: Blast from the past

Ana had no idea what to say to Christian. He was her boss and her ex, and hearing that tone in his voice he wasn't asking her to go on a friendly outing.

"Christian...I don't think that would be a good idea, especially since we decided to keep our relationship strictly professional."

He moved closer to her, standing in her personal space. "We both know that there is still something between us, Ana. It's just lunch."

"I can't…um... look, if this is going to work, your going to have to accept the fact that we're just co-workers and friends."

"Really?" Christian replied, moving even closer to her making her breath hitch. "Does this feel like coworkers to you? Can you honestly tell me you have no feelings for me at all?"

"What is this?" Ana asked. She began getting angry with him as she looked him in the eyes. "Now that Jose is interested in me you find it a challenge don't you?"

Christian laughed. "A challenge? You think I'm worried about you and Jose?"

"Yes, I do. You told me that when we worked together it would be strictly professional and you wouldn't interfere with my personal life."

Christian's breathing became more laboured. He stared into her blue eyes for a moment.

"That was before…" he started saying.

"No! You cannot do this to me, Christian. I won't let you." Ana was standing her ground. Christian couldn't have it both ways. He's the one who broke up with me, not the other way around. I won't let him do this to me.

There was a knock at the door as Jose peeked in. "Hey, Ana, are you ready to go?" Jose asked as he saw Ana and Christian in a standoff, noticing the tension between them. "Is everything okay?"

Ana backed away from Christian. "Yes, I'm ready, Jose. Excuse me," Ana said to Christian.

"Where would you like to eat?" Jose asked Ana.

"How about my brother and sister in laws diner. Its called Fifties. They serve the best burgers in town."

"Sure, sounds great," Jose replied.

He and Ana headed out to the diner. Her brother Elliot and his wife Kate ran the place. Once they got there they ate a meal and Jose told her about his family. He has a sister, her name was Cassie. Their parents died when they were teenagers, although they lived with an Aunt and Uncle they practically raised each other.

Unfortunately the diner got slammed and Kate needed some assistance. She asked Ana if she could help. Jose volunteered at the grill while Ana took orders. They worked together and got the orders filled. When Ana's dad, Ray, came in he saw how calm it was and thanked Ana and her date Jose. As the two of them sat to take a break, Ray talked to Jose, as he was trying to get to know him better.

"So, Jose, where did you come from?" Ray asked, wanting to get to know him better.

"What kind of name is, Jose, anyway?" asked Stavros.

Ray looked back at his daughter in law's father saying, "What kind of name is Stavros?"

"It's greek, Ray." Stavros replied. Ray shook his head and continued his conversation. "What school did you go to?"

"Yeah, and where do you think you will be working after today?" Christian asked, interrupting their chat.

"Oh no! We totally lost track of time, Christian. It's all my fault." Ana replied to her boss.

"No, it's my fault," Ray said to Christian. "I had an emergency and these two jumped in to help me."

Stavros chimed in saying, "Jose is not to blame, he is a good worker."

"Oh well thank you all very much, Mr. Rodriguez abilities are quite exceptional that's why he's moved so quickly through the ranks at Grey Enterprises. But, he's a little short of earning a three hour lunch." Christian snapped.

"I'm sorry...I feel really terrible," Ana began saying only Christian interrupted her.

"How do you think I feel, Ana? I had a desk full of contracts, the phones were ringing off the hook and I barely had time to get my tux on for tonight. Not to mention, I almost got my car towed from this rat trap." Christian argued.

"Alright, I said I was sorry!" Ana snapped back.

Ray pushed Christian back saying, "Hey, don't be yelling at my daughter and get out of here if that's how you feel about this place!"

As Ray and Christian began to argue, Ana got in between them as it was her fault that Christian was in a bad mood.

"Enough!" she shouted at the men. They both looked at her angrily.

Ana dragged her father into the kitchen of the diner telling him it was her fault that Christian had every right to be angry with her for taking a long lunch. Ray calmed down and told his daughter that he didn't like the way Christian was treating her.

"Dad, Christian is my boss and your treating like he's my boyfriend."

"He used to be…"

"He's not anymore. We're friends and we work together that's it. He had every right to be upset with me."

Meanwhile, Nadine who was Kate's mother in law asked Jose if she could get him anything else.

"Can I get you anything else?" Nadine asked.

"No, no thank you. I better get back before my boss takes me out of Grey Enterprises."

Christian looked over at Jose. "So you think this is funny, do you?" Christian asked not appeased.

"Look time got away from me, it won't happen again."

"You know, Jose, just because we're friends, it doesn't mean you can take advantage."

"Take advantage?" Jose asked. "I've been there one hundred percent, eight days a week. I've worked my ass off for you. Besides this was an isolated thing that just happened."

"Oh really, Mr. Rodriguez? I had to call on a contract which was your job to start with. If you had pulled this on my father…" Christian began to say only Ana came out to defend Jose.

"Whoa! Wait a second, leave Jose out of this. You're mad at me, Christian." Ana replied, as the two had a staring match. Oh you could cut the tension between them with a knife.

"Okay, fine. Jose, when you get back to the office I would appreciate if you expressed mail the first quarter figures to Nicholson."

"Sure, no problem." Jose replied to Christian and redirecting his look to Ana, "Thank you for a great lunch, we will do this again soon."

Ana nodded in agreement and turned her attention back to Christian.

"That was unfair," she said, looking at her boss.

Christian took off his bow tie while saying, "I thought it was completely fair."

"I thought it was completely unnecessary. I always do my work…"

"Yes, I know you always do your work, Ana."

"Then why did you have to come busting in here dressing me down in front of my family and friends?"

"I did no such thing…" he argued.

"Yes you did!" Ana shouted.

"Hey!" Christian yelled. "When did you become the injured party here?" Christian bellowed.

Ray came over to him to shut him up only Ana told her dad to stay out of it.

"Stay out of it dad," Ana said back to her father.

"I was the one who was left trying to answer the phones when all hell was breaking lose in the office."

"I get it, Christian. How many times do I have to apologize?"

"Ana...I'm a businessman…"

Ana mocked him by saying, "Yes, Mr. President."

Christian was appalled by her behavior towards him. "Wait a minute. What do you think I'm on this ego trip or something?" He began to get in the back of the counter saying, "Oh please! I used to fry burgers here and clean this grease trap long before you came to town sweetheart. I know what the diner is and what it means to people, but that isn't the issue here."

Ana followed him asking, "Well then what is the issue?"

"You want to know what the issue is?" he questioned.

"Yes, I would love to know exactly what the issue is?" Ana asked, while her dad sat and watched their exchange.

Christian was backed up against the counter while Ana got in his face. "Fine. The issue is…" he was trying to say but lost his train of thought. Ana was so close to him that he could smell her perfume.

Damn she's doing a number on me. She was so close to me that I could smell her perfume and it was getting to me. Okay, Christian, get it together.

"You work for me, Jose works for me, and I don't want any inter office relationships."

"Oh," Ana replied.

"I would have mentioned it before, but obviously its interfering with your abilities to do your job so…"

"So, what?" Ana asked, looking him in the eyes not backing down.

Christian looked into her eyes as he said, "So I don't want it to interfere."

"Fine." Ana replied back.

Christian looked back at her all cocky and smug. "What's fine?"

"Fine. Meaning, everything is just fine." Ana mocked him, as she backed off and turned the other way not looking at him.

That's it? Christian thought. That's all she's going to say to me is fine? He was slack jawed as he watched her sit on the bar stool close to the counter avoiding him. Ugh! She's driving me fucking insane! Christian pulled at his hair in frustration as he left the diner abruptly slamming through the door. He went out to his car, getting in, slamming the car door shut in his frustration.

Stay calm, Christian. Breathe. Don't let Ana get to you. Long deep breathes, he told himself.

Christian laid his head back against the headrest as he closed his eyes for a moment. A few minutes later, he showed back up in the diner as Ray told him that Ana had left. He went to the grill in his tux, flipped a burger and turned towards them saying, "There." Then left again with them rather confused.

Ana went back to Grey Enterprises and Christian went to the media awards ceremony. He was being interviewed as Ana watched from the TV at the office. Christian charmed his way through the people shaking hands and what not but kept thinking about Ana.

Ana was shuffling through some papers when her dad showed up. He apologized to her for trying to meddle. She told him she could stand up for herself and that Christian had every right to be upset with her. It was nearing midnight as Christian got off the elevator. He walked in further to see Ray as he was leaving. Ray patted him on the back as Christian came face to face with Ana.

"I figured you'd be here."

"Yeah, I came to make up for my three hour lunch today."

"I didn't ask you to."

"I did it for me, Christian. I pride myself on my work and I'm good at it. Besides, I'm surprised to see you here, shouldn't you be off getting your award?"

"I did the normal thing and left. Listen, the reason I came back was to apologize to you about earlier. I guess this whole day was a bit of distraction. Plus my dad calling me wondering why I bought out that computer company like I did set me off."

"I think you did exactly what you should have done, if your dad can't be supportive of that, he should back off."

"I'm glad you approve. As far as your work schedule, you can make your own hours as long as you get your work done."

"Thanks, I appreciate that. Tomorrow I will be leaving at five o'clock sharp as I have a dinner date with Jose. Happy reading," Ana replied as she walked off.

Christian watched her leave from her desk. He went to his desk and filled out some documents that had been left earlier. Only he couldn't concentrate as he dropped his pen and rubbed his face with his hands. He got up from his desk and stood at the window in his office looking out at the view before him.

How could I have been so stupid as to let her go? I have all these emotions running through me now and no idea how to deal with them. I have to get a grip on my feelings for Ana before I ruin our friendship.

Christian left the office and went to his yacht and called it a night thinking things would feel better in the morning. The next day Ana was giving him his schedule of all his meetings for the day.

"Here is the contract all proofread and ready to go," Ana told him.

"Okay thanks. I will need you to stay late tonight, please."

"How late?" Ana asked.

"Um...well… until you can get the rest of the contracts proofread. Is there a problem?" Christian asked.

"Kind of...I have that date with Jose tonight. But if you really need me to stay later…"

Christian interrupted her. "Oh my g...did you see this article that Elena wrote about me? She completely trashed me!" He yelled reading the newspaper. He began to quote, "Christian Grey son of Carrick Grey has taken over the presidency since his father stepped down. We feel that was a hasty decision on Carrick's part since Christian doesn't seem to have the experience to handle the job," Unquote.

Ana stood there watching Christian, she didn't know what to say or think. Ana had her qualms about Carrick to start off with, she hated the way his father always treated Christian.

"Look, Christian, you made a bold move, of course the press won't agree with you."

"It wasn't a bold move, Ana, it was the only move on my part. The company was going to get eat up by the competition anyway."

"Okay so tell them that, Christian."

"No one out there will believe it since that article undermines authority, Ana."

Ana picked up the newspaper and said, "No, it doesn't. It shows you're not afraid to make a strong decision. You're doing a great job. Don't allow this to get to you."

"That's a nice thought, but lets face it, it still ruins my credibility. How in the world would she get this stuff anyway?"

"I'm not sure what this means, Christian, but I saw your dad and Elena together the other day."

"You did? Where?"

"Right after you left. He took her out for lunch."

Christian didn't want to believe that his own dad helped her write that article about him.

Oh he took her out to lunch did he? Okay, I want to see what kind of game my dad is playing.

"I need you to get Elena on the phone for me. Make up something, tell her I will give her the interview, just get her here." Christian remarked.

Ana went to her desk as she dialed the number to the Seattle Journal. She was able to get Elena right away telling her Christian was going to give her that interview. Elena said she was on her way. Once she arrived, Ana showed her into Christian's office.

"You wanted to talk to me?" Elena asked Christian.

"Yes, thank you for coming on such short notice."

"No problem," Elena replied, as Ana just stood beside Christian.

"Ana, is there anything I can do for you?" Christian asked, noticing she wasn't leaving.

"No. I have work to do." Ana replied as she left his office.

Christian and Elena began to talk.

"I see you read the article?"

"Yes I did. And thank you very much for the glowing remarks." He replied condescending.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean, Elena. This article totally undermines my credibility. The board will have a field day with this."

"I only write what I see, Christian. If you have a problem with that…"

Christian paced around in his office. He looked directly at Elena not amused.

"I have a big problem with that. You totally trashed me."

"I tried to get an interview with you…"

"You didn't try hard enough, Elena. Not only did you trash me, but you went to lunch with my dad, I'm sure trading information behind my back."

"I did nothing of the sort!" Elena yelled back.

Meanwhile Jose came up and was visiting with Ana. They could hear Christian and Elena arguing about the article in his office as their voices carried.

"So yeah I used him to get the story, it wasn't personal!"

"Like hell it wasn't!" Christian yelled back. "You're not interested in writing a story about the facts."

"Oh please, Christian. I asked you for an interview to which you declined. You're just angry that I went to your dad instead of waiting on you!"

"No, I'm angry about the fact you wrote about something that wasn't true at all."

"What am I supposed to do? Write a story according to Christian Grey? I'm sorry it doesn't work that way."

"This was your way of getting even with me!"

"Getting even with you about what?"

"Me walking out on you that's what. Because I decided that I had enough of your games. After that new year's eve night, I would have thought you would be smart enough to know how much he manipulates you."

"So you really think I was having some sort of affair with your father while I was falling in love with you?" Elena asked, her voice quivering. "You can forget about that now, it's over."

Christian looked at her hard his eyes furrowed. "You bet it's over. Just like this interview. You know your way out." He replied.

"Thanks for nothing, Christian." Elena replied, hastily walking out of his office and punching the button angrily on the elevator. Jose and Ana were hanging out together and watched Elena leaving not very happy.

Jose leaned down asking, "Hey, are we still on for tonight?"

Christian came out of his office and rolled his eyes when he saw Jose. I'm so not in the mood for him today.

"Ana, I need that file on the Harrison account please?"

"Okay, right away."

Christian made some revisions on the contract that they asked for. However; he needed Ana to take a look at it to proof read it. He came out and threw the file on her desk.

"I need this proofread right away so it can be sent out," Christian said, as Ana looked at him funny.

"You mean by tomorrow morning, right?" Ana asked, looking back at her boss.

"No now. Is there a problem?"

"Yes there is. I have a date with Jose in about an hour and I still have to go home and change."

"Well, Ana, I guess that will have to wait. Sometimes work takes precedence over having a personal life."

She sighed out; knowing Christian won this round. Just as she was putting her stuff down, the elevator dinged, as a woman stepped out. She had pretty brown hair, green eyes and lit up like a christmas tree as soon as she spotted Christian.

"Well looky here, I can't believe it! Christian Grey, President of Grey Enterprises!" the girl exclaimed as she ran to Christian excitedly.

"Leila Williams! I don't believe it!" Christian said back excitedly as well, picking up the girl and twirling her around. Talk about a blast from the past!

"What are you doing here?" he asked setting her back down.

"I'm home from Europe. When I read you were president, I had to come and see for myself!" she said looking at the nameplate on his door.

Jose and Ana were looking on as the friends had their reunion.

"I'm impressed, Christian. I think its sexy on a man," Leila purred as she played with his tie.

"If that impresses you then you should see my office," Christian said, as he closed the door behind them. Only he caught Ana looking at him like 'what the hell is going on?' He smirked closing the door.

"Hmmm, well, I say the boss has quite a few lady friends huh?" Jose asked, while looking at Ana.

"Yep. I'm sorry about our dinner date."

Jose leaned into Anastasia saying, "It's okay. I'm sure it will be worth the wait."

Christian was having fun with Leila as they talked about old times. They remembered the time they went to Vegas, got drunk and had a quickie wedding at the chapel. The next morning they realized it would have been a big mistake, got a quickie divorce, and stayed friends.

"How would you like to have dinner with me?" he asked Leila.

"Sure. Can we go to that Italian restaurant? I hear they have great food."

"We can go anywhere you like. Let's go," he said, opening his office door.

"See you tomorrow, Ana," Christian said pressing the button to the elevator.

Ana stood from her chair asking, "What about that contract you needed me to look over?"

"Just read over it, make the corrections and give it back to me in the morning," he replied, giving her a smirk.

The elevator opened for he and Leila as they stepped in and she cuddled up to Christian. Ana was furious at Christian. Not only did he cause her to delay her date with Jose, but he was shoving this Leila person in her face. Well two could play at that game.

"Come on Jose, we have dinner plans."

"What about the contract?" Jose asked, confused.

"It can wait until tomorrow. I'm dying to go to that Italian place. It's my favorite."

Jose and Ana headed out to the restaurant. Christian and Leila were already enjoying their dinner. Once the maitre d was showing Jose and Ana to their table, Ana saw Christian with his date across the way.

"Maybe we should go somewhere else," Ana suggested.

"No way. We deserve to be here too. Don't pay any attention to them." He suggested as he pulled her chair out for her.

Christian saw the two sitting down. Leila noticed the vibe going on between he and Ana at the office earlier.

"Who is that girl, she looks familiar." Leila stated to Christian.

"She ought to, you just saw her while we're leaving. She's my assistant." Christian replied.

"Ah...I see. A little office thing going on. What's her name?"

"Anastasia Steele. Why?"

"I do believe she knows what kind of effect she's having on you," Leila suggested, wiggling her eyebrows.

"We're just working associates nothing more," he began to explain only Ana's laughter caught his attention.

"I get it," Leila replied back.

"You get what?"

"You're using me to make her jealous, only you're the one who's jealous. Am I right?"

Christian was looking back at Ana as she was smiling and seemingly to be having a good time with Jose.

"Okay, you're right."

Leila sat there smiling at Christian. "So what's the story between you two?"

Where do I even begin?

"Well lets see, a couple of years ago, we sort of had a thing," Christian started saying.

"A thing?" Leila questioned.

"Yes...we were romantically involved at one time. However; I broke it off because I felt she was too young for a real relationship."

"I see...how young was she?"

"She hadn't turned twenty one yet when we met." Christian answered.

"And now she's at the right age?"

Christian sighed. "What are you getting at Leila? It's a little more complicated than that. She...we… oh forget it."

"Wow! She really has gotten to you hasn't she?"

Oh you have no idea, Leila. I swear to god, Ana is going to kill me.

"Who's the guy she's with? Is that her boyfriend?"

"No. They just started dating actually. He works for me."

"Oh so the plot thickens. You're interested in her, but she's interested in him. Sort of like a triangle thing."

"Let's just say...that I'm not quite ready to let her go yet." Christian sighed, as he looked over at Jose and Anastasia. He saw Jose feeding Ana some of his dessert. Christian finally had enough of watching her with him.

"Let's get out of here," he suggested to Leila.

He left some money on the table as they headed out. He went to Ana and Jose's table telling them he'd see them tomorrow. As they were leaving Christian put his arm around Leila.

Ana was really enjoying herself with Jose and wasn't paying attention to Christian. The next evening Ana was sitting with her dad and Elliot. She wanted to know the scores for the other teams so she could impress Jose who liked sports. However; her brother told her to be herself. Jose walked in and saw her with her dad.

"Oh hey, Jose. You know my dad and this is my brother Elliot," she said, introducing them.

"Nice to meet you, Elliot," Jose replied then said hello to Ray. "So Ana are you ready to head out?"

"Sure. I will see you two later," Ana told her brother and dad.

The two said goodnight as they headed out. They decided to go to the Roadhouse which wasn't far from the diner. As everyone was dancing, Jose was talking to Ana about football then the Lakers. She really had no idea what he was talking about.

The next day, Ana arrived at Grey Enterprises. The phone rang and it was her friend, Mia. She was talking to her about the date with Jose. Ana didn't think the date went that well, as when she went to the bathroom she saw Jose talking to another girl. Ana was unaware that Christian was listening in to her conversation.

"Yeah, it was only our second date but it seems before it got started it fizzled out."

Christian smirked at the thought of Jose and Ana not working out. However; Jose showed up to the office with flowers in his hand. Ana hung up the phone quickly.

"Hey there," Ana said, excitedly. "Are those for me?" as Jose handed her the flowers.

"Yeah, of course. I came to say I had a great time last night. It's so rare to find a woman who will let you talk sports all night." Ana giggled. "Besides your cute, especially when you smile," Jose said, pouring on the charm.

Christian was getting sick again hearing this guy's smooth talk. He came out of his office to see Ana and Jose laughing.

"Hey there, Christian, just the man I wanted to see," Jose said to his boss.

Ana let Christian know he had a conference call in fifteen minutes which gave him time to talk with Jose.

Jose told Ana, "It's a crime to see someone so beautiful and efficient."

Christian led Jose into his office. Ana told Christian she would be back after putting her flowers into water. Jose picked up the newspaper the one with the article.

"This is the article that Elena wrote about?"

"Yep. You can just throw it into the wastebasket," Christian responded.

Jose began to tell Christian that his father Carrick came to visit. Christian made him aware that he knew about his father visiting. He asked Jose if they talked any. Jose explained that Carrick asked him questions about that computer company and Christian wasn't pleased about that. He told Jose next time he needed to ask him first before discussing details like that at all.

"I think it would be best if you could give me the report on the Jones account. We're close to closing that deal soon."

"I'll get that to you right away, sir." Jose replied, leaving Christian's office.

Christian dialed his father only his Aunt answered the phone. Once Christian spoke to his father, he requested his father's presence at Grey Enterprises. Carrick was happy to oblige his son.

A/N: Just to let you all know, Leila won't be in this story much, I just had to give Christian something. Poor guy is having a tough time. Wow! Over 100 follows for this story. Thank you all so much!