"Gail, what smells so good?"
"Oh it's just some spare ribs I threw in the oven with some potatoes and carrots."
"Well it smells divine." She beams at me. Honestly, this woman is the best cook I know.
"Can I ask you something? And you can say no, you won't hurt my feelings."
"Of course Ana."
"Will you eat dinner with me? I hate eating alone." I blush. I really like Gail. She's like family and I don't see why we can't enjoy her lovely meal together.
"Well...I don't see why not. Jason still won't leave that bed, but I think he's milking it." She giggles and I join her. "I think I would really like that Ana."
"Great! I'm just going to call Christian and make sure he landed okay and then I'll be ready."
She nods. I walk out into the foyer and pull out my phone. He picks up on the second ring.
"What?!" he snaps.
"Christian? It's me, Ana. I'm sorry am I bothering you?"
"No of course not. I'm sorry baby. I'm just not in the best mood right now. What's up?"
"I just wanted to make sure you got in okay."
"Oh. Yeah, the flight was fine. Are you still mad at me?" Well that's cutting to the chase.
I sigh. "No Christian, I'm not mad."
"Good. I hate it when we argue. Look baby, I really need to go. I'm glad you called. I miss you already."
"I miss you too. I guess I'll talk to you later."
"Definitely. I love you."
"Love you too Christian. Goodbye."
"Bye."
I wait.
"Christian, hang up."
He laughs. "Bossy are we Miss Steele?"
"Who me?"
"Okay baby goodbye." The line goes dead.
Well, that was disappointing. I walk back into the kitchen and Gail has set the bar with all the food. She starts making the plates and I get the drinks. We both smile at each other as we sit down. I think I'm going to like girl time with Gail.
Dinner was perfect as usual. Gail and I really had a good time. I learned that her niece just had a baby and she can't wait to go visit. But she wants to wait till Taylor is better because he really wants to see the baby as well. I'll make sure to tell Christian to give them both a day off sometime next week. Gail apparently loves babies. She never had any and she really wants to have one. But she doesn't know how Taylor would feel about it. I told her I felt the same way. I want a baby. Maybe not for a while but eventually. However, I have no idea how Christian would feel about it. We laughed for a while at the idea of babies running around the penthouse. I feel closer to Gail now. It's nice.
I decide to skip the bath and take one in the morning. I climb into bed after changing into a satin gown. This bed is so big without Christian in it. I look at the time. It's only 10:15. I don't know what time it is in New York but I know it's later. Maybe he's already in bed. Would he pick up if I called now? I decide to email him instead.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Idly…
Date: June 23 2011 22:15
To: Christian Grey
Wondering what you are up to. It's bedtime for me.
I miss you.
Anastasia Steele
Editor, SIP
I wait 15, 20, 30 minutes and there's no reply. I decide to just go ahead and sleep. I turn the light off and cuddle Christian's pillow. It smells of him. It's his shampoo, mixed with his body wash, mixed with his pure Christian scent. I will never forget this scent. It's heavenly. I fall asleep and dream of Christian in the shower.
I wake up and I delay getting up. I'm still in the same position I was in when I went to sleep. I remember I need to shower and I jump out of bed. I race to the bathroom and start the water. I quickly shower, using Christian's shampoo and body wash. I laugh to myself. I feel foolish using it but it amuses me. I grab my towel and dry off. I pull my hair into a bun and walk over to the closet. I pull on a bra and panties. I decide on a pencil skirt and black blouse. I pick out my favorite pair of pumps and pull those on. I apply some light makeup and stand back to look at myself. I love this shirt. It pulls at my chest but then flows towards the bottom. It sits perfectly on my body and it's just so cute. Satisfied with my look, I go into the kitchen. Gail has set out some granola for me. I see her emerge from their quarters, and surprisingly Taylor is behind her. I see her wink at me. So she finally got him out of bed. He actually doesn't look too bad.
"Miss Steele."
"Taylor. You look so much better. How do you feel?"
"I think I'll be ready by Monday. Gail thinks I should get up and moving." I see him smirk at her and she blushes.
"Well that's good to hear. Where's Prescott? I'm ready to leave."
"Here, m'am. Shall I go get the car?"
"Yes, umm Prescott where's my bag?"
"What do you mean mam?"
"Well it's just that Sawyer…never mind. Yes please go get the car. I'll be down in a minute."
I run off to the library and gather my things. Sawyer always had my bag ready. I guess I just got used to it. I stop to think about this. How does he always know what I'm going to need for the day? I'll have to ask him when he comes back. I head down to the garage where Prescott is waiting. The ride to work is silent and a bit uncomfortable. Or at least, for me it is. It's not that I don't like Prescott, it's just…well she's not Sawyer. This makes me laugh. He really is my best friend.
Hannah is waiting by my office as usual. She hands me my latte and a stack of papers.
"You have a message from Roach. He said one of the writers is going to be in Portland and he would like you to drive there tomorrow and meet with them. You have one missed call from a Katharine Kavanaugh. She said just call her back. And this," she motions towards the stack of papers, "is something sent over from HR. They said to review it and then sign it." For a Friday morning this is surprisingly light. No sudden meetings, no authors trying to send in last minute additions, no piles upon piles of paperwork to do.
"Thank you Hannah. Did Roach give you any other details about this meeting tomorrow?"
"He said he would email the details later today."
We walk into my office and I place the papers on my desk. I'll look at those in a minute. I turn my computer on and open my email. Nothing. Just then Hannah clears her throat. I look up and she's holding another little red box. The last time I got one of those, there was that beautiful key that Christian sent me inside it. She hands it to me and I quickly open it. There in the box is a charm bracelet. I pick it up and inspect it.
I see a heart, a rose, a helicopter with the words "Charlie Tango" engraved on the side, a plane, a little tie, and a masquerade mask. I'm speechless. I see Hannah out of the corner of my mouth. Her mouth is hanging open. Of course she doesn't know what any of these charms mean but it's still beautiful regardless of the hidden meanings. I hear the familiar ping of my email. I run over to my computer and open the message.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Forgive me?
Date: June 24 2011 8:23
To: Anastasia Steele
I am so sorry I did not reply to your email yesterday. My phone is acting up and I didn't realize you sent me anything till this morning. Now back to business…
How do you like the bracelet? I took my time and effort in picking everything out so that it was just perfect.
P.S. Please put it on. Don't just stare at it the whole time. ;)
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
Oh fifty. He knows me so well. I have Hannah assist me in putting it the bracelet on. After it's on, she leaves my office, giving me some privacy. I go back to the email and reply.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Perfection
Date: June 24 2011 8:26
To: Christian Grey
Is exactly what this bracelet is. When did you do this? What is with all these gifts? First the flowers, then the key, and now this bracelet? What's next?
I just want you to know, nothing will ever top this bracelet.
Anastasia Steele
Editor, SIP
His reply is instantaneous.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Curious are we?
Date: June 24 2011 8:30
To: Anastasia Steele
I was actually out all morning yesterday putting this together. I am just showing you my love in one of the many ways I know how.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
I am grinning from ear to ear. I truly love this man.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: You…
Date: June 24 2011 8:32
To: Christian Grey
Are so amazing you know that? As much as I would love to continue, I just got an email from Roach and I have some papers from HR that need to be dealt with.
Oh, and I have to drive to Portland tomorrow for a meeting with an author. I promise to be good and take Prescott. Tell you more details tonight.
Now I know it's later in New York right now so go back to work. ;)
I love you
X
Anastasia Steele
Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Good girl?
Date: June 24 2011 8:35
To: Anastasia Steele
You are anything but Anastasia. But I love you because of that.
Yes it is later and I am currently in a meeting.
I expect ALL the details tonight.
Have a good day.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
As much as I want to continue talking to Christian, I have work to do too. I decide to see what Roach sent me. It's the details for tomorrow. Apparently, it's an author for one of my books so I have to go. They want to review the contract and decide on the direction of the book. I thought we already did this but whatever. It's not really a big deal. A reservation has already been made at the Heathman for an overnight stay. The meeting is at 7. So it's a dinner meeting. I would ask Christian if I could take Charlie Tango instead of driving, but he won't let anyone else take me in it and it's in the shop for inspection. I guess that means I'm driving. And since I'll be taking Prescott, I know she's going to want to drive but I'll make sure that doesn't happen. Prescott is such a slow driver. I don't think it's her being precautious. I think she actually drives that way.
I take a look at the HR papers. Oh it's the assessment on Hannah. Oh she's just going to love this. The report says that she's doing well and they can see her in an editing position in the next five years. That's just wonderful. I can't wait to give her the good news. I sign the papers and put them in my outbox. I pull out the manuscript I was working on last night and set to work.
Lunchtime rolls around and I've just finished my salad when my phone rings.
"Anastasia Steele?"
"Steele! What are you up to?"
"Kate! Hi! I was just finishing lunch. I'm so sorry I forgot to call you, I got busy."
"That's okay. What are your plans for tonight?"
"Well, I didn't have any."
"Word on the street is that Christian is out of town. That means you're free! Let's go out, just the two of us!"
"I can go out, even if Christian is here." I roll my eyes. I don't need his permission to do everything.
"Yeah but this way, we know he won't show up randomly and ruin our fun." She laughs.
"Oh Kate. Fine. Pick me up after work?"
"Yes, that's the spirit! What time?"
"I get off at 5 today."
"Awesome! We can go have dinner and then hit the club!"
"Club? How about we just go dancing at the bar?"
"Or we could do that…it's not equally as fun but still fun."
I scowl. "The club is fine."
I hear her squeal. "Perfect! See you at 5!" She hangs up the phone.
Oh god, what did I just get myself into? I call Gail and ask her to go into the bedroom and grab a pair of jeans for me. I tell her to send Ryan with them. He arrives within 20 minutes and I thank him. I can keep my blouse and heels on. But the skirt has got to go. I throw my jeans in my bottom drawer and get back to work.
It's ten till 5 and I know Kate will be here any minute. I decide to go change. I come back out and check myself in the mirror. I pull my hair out of the bun and play with it a little. There, that looks good. I apply a little more makeup. Now I'm ready to go out. I walk out and bump into Hannah. "Oh Hannah I have good news! I got your report back and it says you are doing great. They even think you could be promoted in the future!" She seems so excited and I see her pull out her cell and call someone. She must be so relieved.
I head down to the lobby and Kate is juts pulling up when I come out of the elevator. I see she's dressed in jeans as well, but her blouse is a little more revealing than mine. She too is wearing high heels and her hair is pulled back but it's still going everywhere. She looks amazing.
"Steele! You look HOT!" I blush.
"Shh, keep your voice down. Let's go."
We walk outside and I motion for Prescott to come over.
"I'm heading to dinner with my friend. We will be going to a club afterwards."
She just nods and heads back to the SUV to follow us.
We head to a steakhouse down the street from the club. Our meal is good, but not as good as Christian's restaurant or Gail's cooking. We get into the club and we turn heads as we enter. Kate is eating up the attention. We make our way to an empty booth in the corner and I see Prescott picks a table off to the side across from ours.
Kate orders us both Cosmos and I hesitantly look into the crowd. I don't really care who's looking at us, I only have eyes for one man. I see one guy staring at us hard and I just know he's going to try something by the end of the night. Our drinks arrive and I gulp mine down. I feel guilty. I have no doubt that Prescott has called to tell Christian where I'm at and I'm sure he's mad that I didn't call to tell him myself. But Kate really wanted to go out. Whatever, Kate pulls me up and we head to the dance floor.
We've danced for what feels like hours and it's getting really packed. We keep bumping into people and laughing. Out of nowhere a pair of hands appear around Kate's waist and grab her. I can see the guy behind her and it's the one from the bar. Disgusted, Kate spins around and slaps him.
"Get your hands off me you perv. I don't want you grinding your junk all over my ass." She starts to push him off and he just smiles.
"Oh come on baby, just dance with me." He keeps pulling on her and I step in, putting myself between them.
"She said lay off." We start to walk away when he grabs me from behind. I spin on my heels and I sock him in the mouth.
"You stupid bitch." He lunges at me and that's when Prescott steps in. Finally. She puts him in a sleeper hold and escorts him out of the club.
Kate and I make our way back to the booth. I can tell she's shaken up so I decide it's time to go. I start to gather my things when I feel it. That uncomfortable feeling. Sure enough, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up again. I turn around and that's when I see him.
I immediately take off after him. I weave in and out of the people. I can hear Kate calling after me but I ignore her. I've almost caught up to him when he suddenly turns out a side door I didn't see before. I nearly run past it and slip in the process. I balance and throw myself out the door.
What the? Where did he go? I scan the alleyway but it's empty. How did he do that? Kate comes busting through the door with Prescott at her heels. They both are looking at me like I'm crazy.
"Steele! What the hell was that about?"
"I'm sorry. I just…I thought…"
"Thought what?"
"Nothing. It's nothing. Let's go."
"Nothing? That was nothing?"
"I just need some air Kate. Come on." I grab her hand and pull her. She wraps her arms around me protectively.
"You can't just take off Steele."
I sigh. "I know."
We get into our separate cars and when I'm satisfied that this has been put to rest I relax. We make it about halfway home when the Kavanaugh Inquisition comes full front.
"Okay, Steele give it up. What the hell is going on with you?"
"Promise you won't say anything to anyone?" She just stares at me. "Okay look, ever since Monday I've been getting these weird feelings. I feel like someone's watching me but when I turn around no one's there. Except tonight. Tonight…" I sigh. "Tonight I saw Jose. He was looking right at me and then he just took off. That's who I was running after."
"Ana, Jose wasn't there. I looked where you were and I didn't see anyone."
"No Kate, I'm sure of it. I know it was him."
"Okay but why would he be following you Ana? He's your friend not a stalker." She laughs. "I just think you're being paranoid. Stop letting Christian rub off on you."
Oh no. Christian. I know Prescott has called Christian by now. Great. I know he's going to be in a bad mood when he gets back.
"Steele? Hello?"
"Huh? What? I'm sorry I was just thinking."
"Right. Let's get you home."
Gail is already in bed when I get to Escala. She's left out some cookies she must have made earlier today. Cookies and alcohol won't mix so I decide to eat some tomorrow instead. I make my way to the bedroom, calling Christian as I walk up the stairs. He doesn't answer. I go in and get undressed. I walk over to Christians closet and get out one of his nightshirts. It's soft and I can't help but frown. I miss him. I try calling again but he still doesn't answer. I just leave a voicemail.
"Hey baby it's me. I just wanted to let you know that I'm home and I'm about to go to bed. I have no doubt that Prescott has informed you of today's events and all I can say is please don't be mad. I'll be meeting with the author tomorrow at 7 p.m. and I'll stay overnight at the Heathman, just so you know. I love you Christian. Goodnight."
I really hope he isn't mad. Normally, I wouldn't be worried but Christian isn't normal. And with him so far away he's going to be extra cautious. I climb into bed and resume the position from the previous night. That night I dream of angry eyes and raised voices.