All mistakes are mine: special shout out to Hope, thank you
Ana POV
Friday passes and I avoid Christian like the plague. I don't know why, but I don't feel like dealing with him. I sent him to Portland for a meeting with a new tech company. If he wants a chance to shine, this would be it.
It's going to be an uphill battle and he's going in there blind with only the notes I had. To be honest, I just couldn't handle it today. But, I have a feeling he'll be ok.
The first time I can admit to myself that I know he can do it. I'm sure he'll come back with another company under our umbrella.
I just hate that he saw me crying and saw me at my weakest moment.
He's the last person I want to see me like that. I can't believe I forgot to lock the doors.
I just can't look at him and maybe by Monday I'll feel better about it. Maybe I'll work up the courage to talk to him, come to some working agreement. I just have to do everything in my power to avoid him tomorrow night.
For now, I lay in bed, and try to talk myself getting out of bed.
Christian POV
This morning Ana sends me an e-mail for me to Portland. I'm to deal with a Tech firm that's in desperate need of help and try to buy them out.
She e-mailed me everything I needed on the project so I could leave straight from my house. Unfortunately, it doesn't give me much time to prep and I try to do research and study on the drive. Luckily, she provided me a driver so I'll have time to look over everything.
Why I do I feel like she's setting me up?
Then I think about the state that I found her in yesterday. Something upset her to her core. I'm going to take a guess and figure she didn't want me to see her that way. I just wonder what the hell could've happened to her that upset her that much.
Maybe I should've stayed to comfort her, but I have a feeling I was the last person she would want around.
I have to shake it off and not worry about it right now. Maybe when I get back I can talk to her.
I almost laugh at myself. She hasn't been able to talk to me before, why in the hell is she going to talk to me now about her problems.
I arrive in Portland and do my best to hold my head up high. I arrive at the building that holds KRH Technology and Development.
"Mr. Grey?" An older gentleman with a shiny bald spot greets me. "I'm Doug Simpson. I was made aware that you will be filling in for Miss Steele?"
"That's correct. It's nice to meet you." I offer my hand for him to shake.
"Alright, let's see what you have to offer young man."
He guides me into a conference room with six other distinguished gentlemen who are sitting around a glass table.
This is my chance to prove myself.
Is it hot in here?
I shake off the nerves and start my presentation.
Three hours later, I'm walking out of the room with my first deal. As of next week, Steele Enterprises are the new owners of KRH. I was able to lower the selling price by a couple a million and work it out that all the employees can stay on board.
The first thing I do when I get back to the town car is call Miss. Steele. She doesn't answer and I leave her a message knowing the success of the company.
When I arrive back to the office, I'm informed by Kayla that Miss Steele hasn't been in today. That she was telecommuting from home.
Whatever happened to her yesterday must've been major if she is skipping a day of work. Everyone has told me she hasn't missed a day since day one. I try calling her again and I'm met with a voicemail.
I can't let what I'm feeling in the moment affect me. I have a hundred and one things to do, then I still need to find time to pick up my tux for tomorrow night.
I have another late night ahead of me. But, at least today has been a success. Hopefully, Miss Steele will see that.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Saturday:
I don't know if I mention how much I hate going to these damn events. All day I've been helping my mom and dad help me set up. I don't understand why I have to help. They hire people to do this. All while my princess of a sister sits around and gets all dolled up.
I will admit that it's nice to already have a break from work. Four days in and I already feel like I'm getting gray hairs.
So, now I'm standing outside of the huge made up tents to greet all our guest with my parents, sister, and brother. I've shaken what seems like a hundred hands, and feel in need of some hand sanitizer.
"Holy shit, bro." Elliot says as he nudges me in the side.
"What Elliot?" I shove his elbow away.
"The babe at twelve o'clock" He whispers.
When I look up, Ana is walking towards me in a off the shoulder emerald green dress that sweetheart neckline. The dress hangs to her every curve, her hair curls around her face. She looks nothing like the woman I've seen in the last five days. She was good looking before, but tonight-
"Wow." I say softly, but more to myself.
I shake it off and remember just who I am gawking over.
"I know. I wonder if she's single."
"You can't date her Elliot." I say sternly.
"Why ever not?"
"She's my boss."
"That's your boss." He stutters. "You lucky bastard."
"Don't let her looks fool you, she's a tyrant and she's been out for my blood."
"Well, it's about time some gave you a run for your money." he sniffles a laugh as Ana approaches my parents. She exchanges pleasantries and walks over to my brother and sister and shakes their hands. When she comes to meet me, she drops her hand.
"Mr. Grey." She says curtly. She nods her head and breezes past me into the tent.
"Well, you were right about her not liking you. What did you do?"
"I don't know how to explain. But it was a long time ago. Can you just drop it?"
"Of course." He raises his hands and goes back to greeting the guest.
The hours have past, dinner has been served, and I have notice Ana has been doing everything to ignore me. Is this all because of Thursday, or is this really because she hates me?
I haven't heard anything from her since Friday morning. No e-mail or anything to acknowledge what I have done.
My mind wanders to that day she touched me. I haven't really thought about it much in the last couple of days. However, as I watch happy couple dance across the dancefloor, I wonder if it's something that I could have with someone. I mean I can dance, but I'm talking about the woman's head against my chest, the little touches against my skin. Being able to love someone without any fear.
"Seems like Mia got your boss to participate in the dance auction."
"Really?" I asked surprised.
"Yeah. Mia seems to like her. Mom really likes her. I guess it's just you. Because I liked her too. Maybe-"
"Don't even think about it." He laughs at me.
"Does my brother have a little crush?" I roll my eyes.
"Just shut up Elliot."
"Oh, defensive. That speaks volumes bro." He stands up and walks away from me.
Well, I'm glad to see she might actually be human.
I look over in her direction and her eyes catch mine. She blushes before turning away from me, embarrassed? She says something to the woman she was talking to after the announcer says something about the dance auction starting.
Ana makes her way on stage for the dance auction. This is my time to see if her touch is a fluke... Plus, this might be my chance to talk to her. Try to make amends so we can start over maybe. I want us to be able to be civil with each other. We don't have to be best friends, but we need to be able to get along.
Because I don't know how much longer I can take of her holding this grudge against me.
The auctioneer calls Ana up and explains who she is. She looks absolutely stunning when she walks up to the front of the stage, a shy blush creeps on her face. I see a couple of other guys walk closer to the stage and I have a feeling I'm going to have to throw some money down to win.
One dance. I think it's all I need.
The bidding starts at 1,000 dollars. It quickly gets to 8,000. The bids are slowing down and I know it's time to make my move.
"$10,000" I holler.
Ana catches my eye and shock is written all over her face, before she yells out "No!"
Well, talk about a kick to the stomach. Everyone is looking at me now. I have to say she has now successfully embarrassed me.
Ana's POV
"10,000 dollars" I hear Christian's voice ring out.
"No!" I say and cover my mouth quickly. Realizing I said it out loud. I can't dance with him. I just can't. But I really didn't mean to blurt that aloud.
Everyone turns to look at Christian, even the auctioneer stops to look at him.
Nobody else is bidding now. I'm sure I just embarrassed myself. Now nobody is going to try and outbid Christian.
Great, just fucking great. I was doing everything in my power to avoid him and now I'm being thrust into his arms for a dance. I'm still not ready to face him.
Why the hell is he bidding on me anyways?
"Going once, Going twice. Sold to Mr. Grey."
Fuck.
I make my way down the stairs and Christian joins me at the bottom of the stage.
"Listen, I'm just going to put the money in for the dance. I really don't think we should dance together." I start to walk away and he grabs my hand and pulls me to a corner where no one is, since everyone is still paying attention the auction.
"How many times will I have to say I'm sorry? It was seven years ago." he snaps.
"It's just a little too late for sorry. Plus, I don't want or need your apology." I start to turn and walk away from him.
I really don't need his apology.
"God, you need to get over yourself." he mumbles. His words cause me to spin around and look at him.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me?"
"I did. But I was giving you a chance to change what you said." I snap.
"No, I won't. I've had enough of this. With all this shit, you've been doing to me, you are no better than what I was in high school. Did you just hire me so you could stick it to me?" he seethes. "was this a part of your little plan to get even. I don't know how many times I have to tell you I'm sorry. But I guess you can't move on. Maybe if you stuck around instead of disappearing I would have told you I was sorry back then. You need to grow up Ana. Stop playing the victim. Because at this point you're nothing but a bully." with that he turns away and leaves.
I watch as he storms to the bar and orders himself a drink.
He's right. I wanted him to fail, I wanted to be on top for once and command all the power. A little payback for his help in making my life hell. In the end, I really am no better than he was.
No matter how much I like to think that I might have wanted him to do well, overall a bigger part of me just wanted him out of my life. Just his face his like a picture of horrid memories. But, I hate to admit that his face is something nice to look at it, and I think I was blinded by hate and payback for him, it was hard to see how good looking he really is.
He does wear a tux quite nicely.
God knows Lana was trying to tell me about the fine specimen I just hired. I laugh thinking of all the terms Lana came up with Christian's ass. But, she can read people like a book. Lana tried to tell me he was good people. But I couldn't hear it. I closed my eyes and all I could see him smirking at me after one of his friends drew pictures of pigs and cows all over my locker, then filled my locker with lard.
I have no idea how much hand he really had in that, but god knows he was an instigator.
Then I see my ex-stepbrothers' evil face on top of it all.
I plop down in a chair and cover my face. I just need to talk to him. God know that's all he wanted from me. My heart is telling me trust him, my head well, it's got other ideas.
I think I need to talk to Dr. Lark again.
I watch as some girl comes up to him, she's absolutely stunning with long blonde hair and a body to die for. Something I'm guessing is just his type.
And for the first time I think I'm jealous.
Jealous how he's easily starting a conversation with her. The busty blonde throws her head back and laughs at something he said.
Must be nice just to talk to people, not have to worry about people judging your every step. Hell must be nice to just be able to flirt.
The last time I tried to open my heart was with Tim and well that ended up like a thousand knifes in the back.
The lady starts touching his arm and I see him flinch a little at her contact. That's really odd. Her hand starts moving to the center of his chest and he backs away completely.
What the hell is that about?
Christian looks uncomfortable. Like the bitch isn't backing off. I can see him stepping back from her inch by inch as she still tries to come closer and closer.
I don't know how it happens but my feet start to move and I find myself standing next to Christian.
"Honey is everything ok?" I ask him. Christian looks down at me and I swear his eyes are going to bug out of his head.
CHRISTIAN POV
I don't even know where to begin at this moment. She embarrassed me in front of everyone. Most of these people I've known all my life.
Am I really that horrible?
Just everything from this last week has come to a head. She's been out to get me since day one, and she makes it no secret to how much she detests me. Her yelling out 'No' and then not willing to dance with me was the final straw.
I've done everything I can think of to tell her I was sorry for being an asshole in High school but how long is she going to hold a grudge. When will she try to stop making my working life hell? Wait till I quit?
I wouldn't quit though. I still won't. I'll stick around just to annoy the shit out of her.
Then again, she could just fire me.
However, she needs me, she needs my help and I know that's a big part of the reason she treats me the way she does. What person wants to ask the person that bullied them to help them.
I glance over at Ana, and my heart constricts slightly. Some of the memories of high school float in my mind. I remember the things I did to her; the things other people did to her. I spent the last seven years trying never to be that person anymore. However, Ana doesn't know that. I'm sure in her eyes, I'm still the asshole that helped I'm sure make her life hell. She never once cried after, I think she amazed me then how strong she was. Or was it just an act?
Is that why she snapped the other day?
I look back down at my empty glass and sigh. I was really hoping that if we could just dance I could get her hand on my chest. I need to know. I need to know if it's possible, or if I should give up all hope that anybody will ever be able to touch me that way.
I guess it also doesn't help the fact that I find myself attracted to her. I have this draw to her. I can't explain. Because, I don't think I would put up with this shit with anyone else.
I decide the best option now is to drown myself in bourbon. I think it's the only way to make the rest of this night salvageable.
I throw my first drink back when a good looking busty woman approaches me, "Hey sugar. You look lonely. I would be more than happy to help you with that."
"I'm fine. Just a long night." I turn to the bartender and ask for another drink. I'm thankful when he quickly refills my drink.
"Do you want to dance?" The girl purrs at me.
"No, I'm not much of a dancer." she throws her head back and laughs.
Did I miss something?
"I highly doubt that. I bet you're a wonderful dancer." She reaches out to touch my arm. I flinch and back away from her touch.
She can't touch me. I'm in a mood I don't think I have any control over.
Her hand moves closer to my chest and I back away completely, "What's wrong sugar?"
"I really don't want you touching me." I tell her. It's like she doesn't hear me and starts inching closer to me as I keep backing up.
"Oh, come on. I can rock your world…"
"Honey is everything ok?" I turn my head to Ana's voice and I'm pretty sure my eyes are as wide as saucers.
Did she just call me Honey?
"Yes, everything is fine, hun." I do my best to give Ana my winning smile. In this moment, I'm grateful that she's here.
The blonde looks between us both and storms away.
"Do you think we could talk?" She asks me after I down my drink again. I twirl my finger so the bartender knows I want another.
"So, now you want to talk? I thought it was all a little too late." I snip.
"You're right, I kind of been kind of a bully. That's not what I want. I thought maybe I could explain to you where maybe I was coming from." she looks uneasy and I can it's not easy for her. She's bouncing from foot to foot and twiddling her fingers.
As I look into her blue orbs and I can see the pain that she holds onto swimming in her eyes. It almost breaks my heart, even though all I want to do is be mad at her.
I should blow her off like she has me, but I know that wouldn't do either of us any good.
"Fine, we can go out to the docks."
"Why so you can drown me after?" She smirks.
"If I have too. You have been driving me crazy this week. I'm sure I could get off on an insanity plea."
The bartender pours me another drink and before I can get to it, Ana takes it and downs it herself.
"I have a feeling I might need this too."
I lead her out to the benches that sit out on the dock. I used to come out here all the time when I was a kid. I found it quite peaceful, especially after a nightmare.
We sit down and we're both quiet for a few minutes watching the light from the party reflex off the water. I watch as Ana twist her hands in her lap. This is not the same woman that I've been working with all week. The cold-hearted tyrant that runs a boardroom, she's almost like that lost girl, from high school.
I admit I don't like seeing her this way. I want that strong, hold no barred girl back. I'm about to say something when she finally opens her mouth.
"Everytime I see you it dredges up memories that I wish to forget. It's almost like a time capsule. You came back in my life and it dug up the past I hope would have stayed buried." she says ever so softly.
"I know I was an asshole in school, but it's been years. I feel like you should've moved on for it. I mean look at everything you have accomplished. Why are you holding on to what happened between us so badly? Make me understand. Please"
"Yes, you were in an ass in high school, but it's not all what you did to me. It's the fact that you were part of the recipe of which made my younger years were hell. And trust me I've been trying to move. I wish it could be that easy." she mumbles the last part.
"What?" I ask looks confused. Who else hurt her?
"I'm sure you remember Marie". I nod. "And how she was cheating on you with my step brother." I nod again
"Well, I found out about them five months before I told you. I caught them in the act." She takes a shaky breath and continues.
"They told me to keep my mouth shut or else. First thing they did was destroyed my laptop, that had everything I was working on. My original ideas for my startup, essays, reports, years of research. Destroyed. Well, on top of that my step brother became aggressive towards me, along with my step father. He was the worst. But that's another story. So, I became somewhat of a punching bag and also my step brother liked to humiliate me." I watch as the tears start to prickle in her eyes, I can see she's doing everything in her power not to cry. "He loved to do things in front of people, especially in front of Marie knowing full well she would have leverage if I ever told you. You were played like a fiddle by her. It just made me so mad that you would just play along with the things she would do to me. I mean everyone in that school did."
"I don't believe all this." I say softly. "That's why you left?"
She nods her answer and continues. "When I finally left, I was able to find everything they had on me and deleted it and burned it. I called my dad and he took me away. Well, not before I videotaped Marie and Mac and showing it to everyone." I see a small smirk appear on her face. "I know it would be enough to return the humiliation they caused me and also pay you back for how you treated me. Because you humiliated me too."
I bow my head. She was going through hell at home. She goes to school to get away and we only added to her pain. If I could go back and time and change it, I know I would.
I have a feeling there's a lot more to her story. I just think it's going to take more time to dig into that mind of hers. I'm just glad she's finally letting me in.
"Ana… I'm sorry. I was just a dumb kid."
"I'm starting to get that now. It's just when your name came across my desk I was hoping it wasn't you. Seeing your face again just brought back every painful memory. Kate convinced me to hire you, but I wanted you to earn my trust, make you work for it. Not everything was meant to be spiteful. You had some things to learn. Like with the Jameson report. I wanted your reasons and proof for whatever it was you're going to tell me. However, I had already decided what I wanted to do with it. I kind of also used it to see what you had."
I had a feeling that was what happened. I kind of get that though
"The load of work. Well that's what I deal with all the time. You wanted your own company so that's what to expect from it. Sending you to Lana and not giving you any warning on her handys way was so she could give me her thoughts on you. She can read people like a book. Well, she missed something about Tim in the beginning. Even she was trying to tell me how brilliant you were. But I didn't want to hear it. I was hoping she would tell me you were a rat and get rid of you." She softly chuckles and I do too.
"Yeah, I had to put Ms. Lana in her place. However, it wasn't the first time I've ever been hit on by an older lady. My grandma friends have a tendency to pinch my cheeks and call me cute. I had one just do that about an hour ago." I chuckle.
"I guess you would be a granny's wet dream." She smiles. A true genuine smile.
She's absolutely beautiful.
"Well, someone has to keep their hearts pumping." I say back, trying to keep that smile on her face.
"Well, anyways, I admit part of me yes wanted you to fail, to show you I won. Leave you crying in you Wheaties. Then there was a part of me that didn't either. But mostly, I think I also hoped you couldn't handle it, quit, and I could find someone else. You did show me what you can do this. Especially, yesterday on last minute notice, and not much time to prep. As much as I hate to admit you have impressed me."
Ah, so she finally admits it.
"I hope you know I am sorry. If I could take what happened back I would. You know the phrase when someone is a bully it's more than likely they're jealous or going through shit and they end up taking it out on others."
"I guess. Yeah."
Now that she's shared with me, I feel like I can do the same. Explain why I was such a prick back then.
"Well, I guess you could say I was hiding behind being a asshole to protect me from my past.
This whole ball was started because of my first four years."
"What do you mean?"
"I was adopted into the Greys. My biological mother was a crack whore. She had this pimp that abused me and I suffered from nightmares because of it. I hid behind that tough exterior because it was better than being the vulnerable one. It wasn't till that day you confronted me that I really saw what I was doing as wrong. I really did want to apologize. After that day. I stopped being a bully. I mean I was still a bit of an ass mind you. But I stopped picking on others. You helped me get rid of Marie who was only bringing me down. I found people liked me better and well it made me start therapy."
"Then I'm glad I could help. And I'm sorry too. I should've given you a chance to explain. I just couldn't. I guess we're kind of alike in some ways."
"It's ok."
I think I understand a lot better now.
"It's not. Kate even tried to tell me how much you changed after I left. I just couldn't or wouldn't hear it."
"Overall, I can't really blame you. I think if it was reversed I would've done the same thing."
"Just don't think I'm going to go soft on you now. I will still give you a hard time and tell you how it is if things aren't done right. You're smart, but you got a lot to learn."
"I wouldn't want it any way else, Miss Steele. I kind admire the way you run your business and command a room. Just know I'm here to help you, not work against you."
"I appreciate that."
"Can I ask what had you crying on Thursday?"
She takes a deep shaky breath. I can see her putting the walls back up. She's quiet for what seems like the longest time. You can hear the frogs croaking in the sound. She's looking everywhere but me, trying to buy her time. When she finally looks at me I can see the unshed tears welling in her eyes.
"My dad has cancer." She breathes out, her shoulders shagging. "He didn't tell me and had been going through radiation for the last couple months. I was mad he didn't tell me but then the thought of losing my dad. I didn't mean to snap at you, well I did. I just hated you seeing me that way. I was embarrassed. Seeing you in that moment was too much." She starts to sniffle back tears and in a moment, I enfold her in a hug.
I'm hugging her. But, I don't have enough time to think about it, as I rub my hand up and down her back, trying to comfort her.
"I feel like we should sing kumbaya now." I tell her which causes her to giggle. She pulls back out of my hug.
"Do you think we can be friends?" She asks shyly. "Maybe start over?"
"I would like that."
She starts to stand up and I join her, "So, friend I think you owe me a dance."
