Saved By You

Chapter 4 - An old note

Lydia Grey

I don't believe my eyes when I step inside Christian Greys office.

It gigantic. Way too big for just one person. It could fit at least a house party full of people in here. It's very stylish though. A mosaic of pictures hung on the wall in a square by the door I just entered through. My eyes shift onto the brightness of the room, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. I love that.

Pops places a hand on my back and I hear the door shut behind me, my bag drops from my hand. But I couldn't concentrate on Pops or my stuff yet, there is still more to see. The rest of the room is decorated with white paint which makes the room even brighter and clearer. I step into the room a little further and see the stylish furniture. Dad's got a white leather 'L' shaped sofa and situated next to it is a little dark wooden side table, which matches his overly sized desk.

I spin around to see Pops grinning at me as I take in the magnificent details. "All –of – dis –thor –you." The words are out of my mouth before I realise my speech is so messed up. Quickly I cover my mouth as if I said a bad word. That makes him throw back his head and laugh at my weakness. Douche.

"So how did it-"

Before he could finish, I shove him back playfully. He lurches for me and I know what that means.

Tickle fight!

Instantly, I run towards his desk helpless and stand behind his chair, whilst he's on the other side.

"Keep –your –mitz –to – yourselth!" My words smear out as we walk around his desk at the same pace. Pops gray eyes widen and his eyebrows jump up then fall back down. His hands go up in the air and I can see he's itching to tickle me as he motions his hands ready.

"Give up Lydia; you know I will win…" He tries to persuade me. I know he will get me at some time, but I can definitely give him the run around first.

"Like – thast- night- old -man."

Pops squints and lets his lips curl into a wince as if I hurt his enormous ego.

We continued to wander round his giant desk, staring at each other, ready to attack.

"Mr Grey," The speaker interrupted our entertainment. I paused and glanced down at the speaker in front of me. Not now Olivia. "I'm sorry to disturb you but your due for a meeting in ten minutes."

Pops was near me in a flash, using the distraction to get a grip on my waist to steady me onto my spot. I tried to move but he pulled me close to his side. Damn you. He hit a button at his finger tip and his voice said back, "Cancel the next two and rearrange them for Monday morning."

"Certainly, Sir."

Then I knew he had won.

Instantly, Pops tickles me. My ears suddenly become deafened by my own laughing screams, giving him all the satisfaction to hear the torture he's inflicting. I tug to get away but his powerful arms won't let me get away that easy. Falling to my knees, I hope to wiggle my way out. But Pops joins me and carries on pestering my waist with the unpleasantness. "Pops!" I breathe for air. "Please!" I start wheezing hysterically and I can hear Pops chuckle wildly too. I throw my arms at him, trying my best to get rid of his annoying touch.

Pops voice is soft and his breath tickles my ear, "Just tell me what I want to hear princess."

I give him what he wants, just for him to stop. "You're –Not –Old –At – All."

"And?" Pops nags for more.

"And – You're –The – Best – Pops – In – The- World!"

Automatically, he releases his handle and stands up lightly laughing. He shrugs his suit into the correct position before extending his hand out to help me to my feet.

I scowl at him as I stand up. I'll get you back for that one day. Watch your back Daddy dear. I shake my head at him before I cling onto him for a nice friendly hug. Leaning my head against his expensive but snazzy grey suit, I smell his sharp fragrance. I breathe the smell in before releasing, "I – Love – You Pops."

Pops rubs the arch of my back soothingly and responds in a whisper down my ear, "I love you Lydia."

We stand like this for a moment and I can't help but feel special. I'm so lucky to have Christian in my life. When he came back to me it was like sunshine. All my hope had been restored by one person, one amazing and talented person. Who didn't judge me for who I was or my history.

Pops finally broke the silence, "Do you have that contract of mine?"

Releasing myself from his caring hold, I smile up at him. "Yes – In – My – Bag." I skip the distance and opened my bag where I had previously dumped it.

Life couldn't get any better. Well actually no it could but I won't think about that now.

Searching through my bag I overhear Pops in the background. "Olivia?" He says in a solid bossy tone.

"Yes, Mr Grey," I hear her cheerful response through the speakers on Pops' desk.

Digging out the documents and zipping my bag up, I catch Pops order her, "Get Taylor to get us some pizza, he knows what we like." Bossy.

"Certainly, Mr Grey. Is there anything else I can get for you Sir?"

I stroll back over to him where he's now sitting at his desk. His gray eyes glance up at me and he snaps down into the speakers, "Coffee and a hot chocolate."

Don't say please then.

"Yes, Mr Grey."

Jumping onto his desk, I steal the spot at the edge next to his chair. I swing my legs backwards and forth while passing the contract over to him.

"Thank you very much Lydia, you have saved my bacon." So you will be polite to me but not your staff.

Out of curiosity and utterly out of the blue, I wonder in a slur, "Do – You – Have – One –Of – Those – Mini –Golth- Sets?"

Pops suddenly raises his eyebrows with total surprise at my random question. Ha. He wasn't expecting that was he. Pops doesn't answer immediately. He waits a second or two as he takes the time to study my features. It's like a staring battle between us. We all know who's going to win this old timer. Soon enough he removes his eyes away and finally airs his reply, "Is that what you think I do with my day, Lydia?"

My words stubble out in a rush, not wanting him to get the wrong impression, "No – It's – Just – Um – Films –Sugdest – Business –Men – Have – Them."

Now his gray eyes are occupied with amusement. Is he laughing at me? "I don't spend my day putting balls into holes. But for you anything…"

"What?"

Typically Pops doesn't answer. Watching him with curious eyes, I see him stretch his arm out again presing the button situated by the speakers. It's only till now that I realise his pictures among his office gear. He has a gorgeous picture of Mum and another one of Ted, Phoebe, Zakary and me. Aw real cute Pops. He's a real softy at heart. Is that why Mum fell for him in the first place? Apparently they met right here and she stumbled into his office. That cute.

Olivia answers straightaway to Mr Bossy, "Yes Mr Grey?"

"Can you get me a mini golf set for my office?"

I instantly moan, "DadnoIdidn'twant-"

Pops puts a finger to his lips to silence me.

Eye roll.

"Certainly, Mr Grey." She didn't even question why. "Refreshments are on their way, Sir."

"Thank you, Olivia." Oh, he does hold some politeness in him.

Shaking my head and folding my arms across my chest, I let him see my disappointed face. "You – Know – You're – Very – Demanding."

"What my Daughter wants, my Daughter gets."

Abruptly, I protest my innocents, "I – Didn't – Ask – For – You –To – Cancel – Your – Meetings – Or – Arrange – Pizza – Or – Get – A – Golf – Set."

He smirks, "I know that, Lydia."

Eye roll.

"Lydia, stop rolling your eyes."

Copying Olivia's merry voice, I say sarcastically, "Yes – Mr – Grey."

I enjoy Pops' company, even though I wished he hadn't cancelled his meetings just for me. They could have been very important. Next time I'll remember not to stay for too long so he can do some work and not play golf with me.

Dad demanded Olivia to set up a small picnic area near his window with a blanket and plates to eat our pizza from. Taylor got the best pizza in Seattle and the hot chocolate Olivia provided was just to die for. I was surprised Olivia found a mini office golf set for us even with Pops giving her the run around on top of it. When Dad got the box, he leaped into action and arranged the golf set up. Olivia gave me a warm smile as she leaves the office. She is probably thinking this is adorable that we're going to do Father /Daughter activity. I like Olivia.

Dad teaches me about golf and how to swing the club properly. Not that I could give it full whack in here. I'll probably break a window or something. Dad would flip. But as we enjoy our little game, Pops promises to take me to the country club to have a round of golf. That should be rather interesting.

Daddy paces backwards and forth along the wall with the broken window in my bedroom. His boots bang on the floor with a thundering thump. I wait for Daddy to speak or do something but he doesn't. He continues to pace. Up and down. I'm scared in anticipation, waiting for my second round of beatings.

Daddy pauses in front of the window, hands on his big hips as he looks down at the garden where Mummy and Alvin are lay. Daddy heavily sighs. That's a bad sign. I don't like it. Daddy terrifies me. Frightens me. Daddy bends down and his fingers pick some glass off the floor. 'Be careful Daddy,' I want to say but I'm afraid to even speak.

A moment later, he glances over his shoulder and in my direction with those alarming eyes. My body shakes with fear.

With the glass in his hand, Daddy stands up and steps closer, walking over the stains in the carpet. Instantly he pushes me back. I smack my head against the wall. It stings but I cope with it.

In a rough voice Daddy warns me, "Stay still."

I do as I am told.

Slowly I feel my top being folded up baring my flesh.

I'm aware of the glass still in his hand as he kneels over me, trapping me under his weight again. He's too heavy to push off. I'm weak.

Daddy shows me the glass in his hand. He turns it around in his touch. Around and around, seeing every angle of it. He pauses when a sharp point is facing me.

I shudder. NO DADDY DON'T!

I bolt up as my violent screams burst through the air, awakening me up from my evil nightmare. A thin blanket falls off me as I struggle to breathe, feeling completely panicked. Not concerned about my welfare, my eyes search Pops' office. He isn't here. Thank god. I then see a dash of yellow invading my vision. I take the yellow sticky note off my forehead as my body calms down. Like last night my skin is sticky and I can feel sweat dripping down my back.

The note reads in Pops' immaculate curly handwriting – Look who can't handle it now. Sorry I can't be here for when you wake up, meetings call. Sawyer is waiting downstairs to take you home. Play nice with him. See you later. Love Pops X

Security. I look around the room for cameras. Does Pops have cameras watching me? Olivia will know. I get up from the couch and quickly examine the damage to Pops' couch. This time I was lucky and I have gotten away from the sweaty Betty stains.

From the side cupboard, I grab our empty cups and then swing my bag over my shoulder before heading outside to the reception area.

"Oh, Thank you Lydia, you didn't need to do that," She said in her friendly voice.

"It's no problem. Um – Olivia –" Wow I've got my voice back.

"Yes, Lydia?"

Shifting my hair behind my ears I wonder, "Does Dad have security cameras in his office?"

She looked puzzled at me, not sure to why I have asked it.

"I'm just wondering because I don't want Pops seeing me snore," I give out a white lie. "He will use it against me and I can't have that."

"Don't worry, Lydia. I'll sort that out for you immediately and make sure Mr Grey doesn't find it."

"Thank you Olivia." I would kiss you right now but I'm not going to.

Downstairs, I return to Sawyer where he's still stood by the team of security guards but now there is not so many of them.

"Afternoon Mr Sawyer," I greet first.

"Afternoon Miss Grey," He says strongly just to annoy me. "Miss Grey, might I say that you don't look too well. Are you feeling alright?"
"Mr Sawyer I am fine. Please can we go home now?"

Sawyer nods his head, "Of course, Miss Grey."

Arriving on the drive way, I notice the familiar black 4x4. My Brother is home. When Sawyer stops, I thank him and dart inside.

Bursting through the door, I see Teddy jump in fright where he's been concentrating on a repeated soccer game. He turns his head and when he sees me he grins instantly. He stands up and I bolt into his secure arms.

"Woah!" he said with slight shock as I knock him back a couple of steps. "Someone is eager to see me!"

"Yes, that's because I haven't see you for ages!" I say elongating the word, 'ages.'

"It's been two weeks Sis, not a life time," He nuzzles his nose into my hair.

I squeeze him, "Feels like it!" I didn't want to let go of my Brother, I missed him a hell of a lot. Standing away from him slightly, I obverse him up and down.

"I haven't changed at all," he mutters, gesturing his hands down to his average figure.

"Mum won't see it like that…"

"Meaning?"

"She'll have to get the scissors on your hair. It's in your eyes Teddy. How can you see what you're doing?"

He brushes me off with a wave of his hand, falling back onto the sofa. "I manage."

"Mum's going to cut it if you like it or not, just like Pops."
"She'll have to catch me first."

"I'm sure she will."

"No chance," he said confidently, striking a hand through his messy copper hair.

I join Teddy on the couch and curl my legs over his lap and lay my head on his shoulder, wanting to be close to him as possible.

Teddy wondered as he keeps his blue eyes on the television screen, "What are you plans tonight?"

"I was going to see Jace, but now your-"

Immediately he cut me off. "Good because I'm going to a house party with the lads and you can be my alibi."

"You're going to use me?!" I make my voice sound upset and I put a hand over my heart as if I am wounded.

"It's for your benefit too! Anyway Mum and Dad will want to do that family bullcrap."

"Hey!" I object, my tone slightly shocked at his mini outburst. I always through Teddy liked our family time. I bet he thinks he is too old for it now. "Don't you knock our family time."

Teddy sighed and returned to begging me. "Please, I just want to spend time with my boys. I'll make it up to you I promise."

"Fine," I give in and roll my eyes, knowing I won't hear the end of it otherwise.

Teddy sweetly kissed my cheek. "You're an angel."

"I don't have wings."
Teddy's eyes remained on me, staring. "Are you feeling okay? You look kinda pale."

"Yes, super-duper fine," I flashed him a smile. What is with everyone asking me that? Stirring the conversation away I ask, "What's our alibi then Dr Grey?"

Teddy Laughs. Using his finger like speech marks, he says, "We're going bowling."
Okay. "And I'm going to speak to Uncle Elliot to see if you can crash there tonight."

"You're pulling an all-nighter," I blurt out, worried and not wanting to spend a night somewhere else. I quickly add, "Dad won't have it. Plus you're forgetting the security."

Teddy rubs his hand up and down my leg while his voice says gently, "I'll deal with Mr over protective don't you worry Sis."

"Won't Pops speculate over why we're crashing at Uncle Elliot's when we're just going bowling?"

"Yes he will. But when he asks I'll tell him that we took Jace with us."

Teddy had a plan for everything. He's just like Pops. A near spit image of him, in looks and personality – sort of.

"I'm going to get a bag ready," I state, shifting myself from his figure.

"No!" Teddy grabbed my arm pausing me. "No bag, Dad will think we planned it."

"But I need my… my… Pyjamas…"

"No."

Gulp. This is not good. I can't stay over at Elliot's and Kate's. "But-" But my big Brother needs me too, I can't let him down.

"Borrow something from Ava or a t-shirt from Jace."

You just don't understand Teddy.

Gail our kind housekeeper and Taylor's wife has cooked up another fantastic meal. Everyone else obviously enjoyed it as much as me, the plates were immaculate. I'm glad Gail announced she has ice cream for dessert.

After Mrs Taylor cleared our plates Pops asked, "So what family fun shall we do tonight then kids?"

I looked across the table at Teddy. Go on Teddy lie to Pops.

"Um –Dad, I'm taking my little kids Brother and Sisters bowling."

Dad automatically questions, "Don't we get an invite?"

I can't deal with the tension in the air. Clamping my lips together, I focus on my feet and fiddle with my nails.

"Nope," Teddy simply said.

"Why not?" Mum injected her voice filled with questioning.

Teddy is stumped for the first time ever which is very unlike him.

"Because Teddy thought it would be a nice for the both of you to have some alone time," I find myself answering, keeping my eye on Teddy. If I looked at Pops he would know the truth a mile off. "…And for us to have quality time together." Across the table, I wink at my Brother who responds with a 'thank you' smile.

"Fair enough," Mum says shrugging her shoulder letting her body relax.

Pops remained soundless. We all waited on his response.

The palms of my hands sweat as Pops rubs his face. His features till not letting off any king of emotion for me to tell what his mood is. Unable to take the wait anymore, I remain my stare onto my boots; they are the only things to keep me sane.

"Taylor will take you…"

I closed my eyes and I wanted to sigh. Now what Ted?

"Dad we don't need a babysitter…" Teddy groaned.

"Taylor is going," He says again but in a power demanding tone just like he did at work today.

"Give him the night off Daddy," Phoebe adds, fluttering her long eyelashes at him which usually works every time.

Zakary chips in too, "Yeah Dad give Jason and Gail the night off." He then points out, "What's the point of Teddy having that 4x4 if he can't even use it?"

Am I meant to say something to now to encourage Pops' mind?

Mum grabs Pops' hand and squeezed it gently, "They have a point."

He thought about it for a moment, still detached from showing his true emotions. "Fine," he agreed after much thought. "But you have to keep your phone on all time," He directed at Teddy. "You must call or text me throughout the night."

Mum, Phoebe and I all roll our eyes together at Pops' typical controlling attitude. He will never ease up from it.