Finding the Unexpected
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION! I DO NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS, THEY BELONG TO EL JAMES. THE STORY LINE DETAILS BELONG TO ME
CHAPTER 4
(A POV)
My first week working turns out to be great. Luke doesn't get back until Sunday, so I told him I would see him after Grace's dinner invite. Kate and I are now both going since she is getting serious with Elliot now. We both are on our way, but I know the invite is due to them still feeling bad with my accident. Kate told me I can take her car home if I wanted to leave early, which I intended on doing. I don't feel comfortable around here, I just don't fit in. I feel so out of place already. The help probably make more than I do, how sad is that? I put on a happy to be here face and hope I can leave soon. Mia answers the door with excitement as gives us both a big hug. Mia is so lovable, but she is like the energizer rabbit at times, but still easy to love. Grace makes her way to us and seems happy to see us. I meet Carrick her husband and I feel as if he is trying to get read off my behavior or something. I find out he is an attorney and now I see why he is acting like that. I start questioning the purpose of this invite. Do they still think I am going to sue them? As we are going to the dining room, Christian shows up. I internally groan and just want out of here now. I avoid him by talking to Kate nonstop and she knows to play along. I feel him watching me, but I am not in the mood for his bullshit. I sit between Kate and Mia knowing they will talk my ear off. We all go to the family room to hang out. I see my window approaching so I can take off soon. I am looking at a bookshelf with awe. I'm so lost in my own thoughts I don't realize that Christian is standing beside me. I bump into him as I move scanning through the titles.
"SHIT ... you scared the hell out of me."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you Ms. Steel. I just wanted to see how you are feeling?" Christian asks with sincerity and a smirk.
"I'm doing fine. No need to concern yourself."
He just stands there not saying anything; making this invite even more uncomfortable. I excuse myself as I walk towards Kate. I decide to use the powder room before I leave. I walk out and as I'm walking back towards Kate I hear someone mention my name. I stop by the door and listen.
"Did Ms. Steele tell you if she is still in pain? What is your opinion on how she is doing?"
"She seems fine dad, you need to stop stressing. Why are you asking me, the girl can't stand the site of me?"
"I just need to be prepared if we have a lawsuit coming our way. In your opinion, do you think she will sue us?" Carrick asks with concern again and not letting the conversation go.
"Honestly, I think you are stressing over nothing. Leave Ana alone already. The girl didn't even ask for mom to pay her medical bills, which by the way, she needs to. Taylor told me she even sold her car since she couldn't start her job that Monday. If the situation was reverse, hell you would have sued the same day, but since you are the guilty ones, you are more concerned of losing stupid money or getting a bad reputation. Seriously … leave Ana alone! If she ends up fucking suing you, then I'll give you the damn money so you can drop this shit already.
You know dad, you taught us not to judge people by their wealth, but only by the goodness that lies within, maybe you should have listened to your own advice at times." Christian yells with frustration and walks out disappointed in his father's behavior.
I am frozen hearing Christian stand up for me and don't realize he is now walking out of his dad's office. He stops as he sees me and we only look at each other. I blush on being caught listening and lift my head.
"Thank you Christian ... I appreciate you standing up for me and by the way, you're correct ... I would never sue them, it was only an accident."
I finally find Kate again and get the keys so I can get the hell out if here already. I'm looking for Grace so I can tell her thank you for the dinner and I bump into Carrick. Oh hell … can this day get any worse?
"I'm sorry Mr. Grey; I was looking for your wife." I shyly respond, but still annoyed as hell.
"I'm sorry Ana, I wasn't paying attention. My wife is by the piano." Carrick responds with guilt.
"Thank you Mr. Grey … um ... Mr. Grey I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to worry about me suing or asking for anything. It was all an accident, no one is to blame. I hope my presence didn't make you uncomfortable." I explain standing uncomfortable every second.
Mr. Grey seems stunned on what I just said and I quickly say good bye before he gets a word out. As I turn around I notice Grace heard every word I said and gives her husband a disapproving look. I really need to get out of here and thankfully Kate has been paying attention and rushes to me and makes an excuse to pull me away. We hug before I leave feeling my tears on the verge of releasing.
I'm now waiting for Kate's car and I feel someone standing close behind me. Not sure with everything happening today, I turn around to see who is standing by me. I'm speechless as I see Christian standing by me not saying a word. He looks so sad in front of me, that I don't know how to respond. Not knowing why I am feeling so sad for him and without thinking, I place my hand lightly over his heart and smile looking into his eyes.
"Thank you Christian ... I'm fine thanks to you." I blush with a smile.
Christian is looking at my hand with a shocked look, as if no one has ever touched him there before. He then smiles that it shines through his eyes making him look truly beautiful and at peace. He then puts his hand over mine looking at me as if nothing else in this world exists around us.
"Thank you Ana ... you have no idea that you just opened a window that I thought was permanently sealed. If only you weren't ... your car just arrived, please be careful driving home Ms. Steele." Christian whispers wanting to say more, but stops himself.
As he still holding my hand as we step away from each other, he opens my door squeezes my hand and takes deep breath. He then lifts my hand and lightly kisses my knuckle with his eyes closed as if not wanting go let me go.
"Have a safe trip Ana. It has been wonderful seeing you again." Christian whispers and closes the door and waves goodbye. I wave back speechless not understanding what just happened and I look back through my rear view mirror and I notice Christian wiping away his tears.
(Taylor's POV as he watches)
I have never been this speechless in my life. What I just witness with Christian has me not able to move a muscle. In all the years I have work for this easily- angered and never showing an ounce of emotion man, has responded to this woman as a completely changed man and not caring who has witness this miracle. I feel someone next to me and not even aware they were even there the whole time. Dr. Grey is standing there in tears not believing what she just witness as well. She only smiles to herself. "Finally ..."