*I own the storyline and the characters I created for this alternative story. Everything else belongs to E.L. James*
"Ana you ok? You're a little pale...more than usual that is"
Well, you just blew my mind a little, give me some freaking time to adjust...
"Yeah. That was just unexpected that's all. So you managed to snatch Elliot Grey. He has quite the playboy reputation you know!"
"He's a very good-looking guy, comes from a very good family, he so happens to be funny and smart too. Of course women will be interested in him. Besides, you know I'm no prude anyway, so we're even. As long as he doesn't trick me I'm fine with his past. Now, stop deflecting Steele! I know your reaction wasn't about my Elliot. So, Christian Grey hun? How did that go?"
Deep breaths Ana, you know how Kate can be...just breathe and answer her damn question...
"Ok, two things. First, if he ever cheats or hurts you purposely, you already know what I'll do. Second but not least, it was a business meeting and that's it. I won't talk about it anymore. So stop questioning me about it"
We arrive at the restaurant, thank god! It felt like forever and I'm already feeling extremely uncomfortable about finding out Kate's dating the grey eyed mystery man's brother...
I hurry out of the car, glad to have some distance from the Kavanaugh interrogation and walk into the italian place, with Kate walking fast behind me. She has that look on her face and I just know this conversation is not even close to be over. Fuck! I'm gonna kill Scott!
"Miss Steele! Welcome! You look lovely. Please, this way, your table is ready"
The waitress recognizes me immediately and ushers me into my favourite table, next to the big window. I like privacy but I also enjoy eating with a nice view and this place is perfect for that. It's located in a hill outside town, the restaurant overseeing the entire Seattle. Takes a while to get here, but it's totally worth it!
The view is breathtaking and the inside is very cosy and welcoming. Has that true italian feel and I love authenticity. Probably one of the main reasons I bought the place. The owner of this place was struggling to keep the place afloat so I bought it from him and let him to manage it. He is a good man, italian descendent and has a true love for the place. It's his legacy apparently so I felt bad taking it away from him. He just needed some investing and I was more than happy to ablidge. I love this place so it felt like the right move.
"Miss Steele! It's been a while! I'm so happy to see you again"
Speaking of the devil, here he is. The man himself, looking extremely pleased to see me, I think...
"Hi Giovanni! How are you? This is my dear friend Kate Kavanaugh and she loves italian food so, of course I had to bring her here!"
"Of course! Welcome Miss Kavanaugh! Would you like to discuss what you're having or may I suggest something?"
"Well, what do you think Kate?"
"Oh, I'll love to hear your suggestions please"
Kate Kavanaugh, polite and compliant...something is fishy about this...
"Allow me to surprise you then! I'll be right back with some drinks"
And he's off. The man was clearly in awe to see Kate and having her being so nice to him. She is a real knock out, anywhere we go, men look and drool. I love her, but sometimes the effect she ahs on people annoys me. It's not really envy, but annnoyance. Men can be so easy to manipulate...too easy...
"Well, he sure was excited to see you Ana. Anything you want to share about that?"
Oh boy, here we go again...Men can gawk at her all day, but god forbid one forty year old man looks at me and smiles and she's on a hunt for a love story...jeez!
"Kate, that's the former onwer of this place. I bought it from him because this place was goind under and I left him to manage it. That's why he was so pleased to see me. He's just grateful that's all"
"This is yours? Wow, it's a beautiful place...But I didn't know you invested in Restauration Steele!"
"I don't. It was a one time thing and I did it because I love the place and the feel of it. He truly loves this place so I bought it! It would be a shame to see this going away or change into something else..."
"Yes it would. And the view, my god! Just beautiful. Good call Ana! Really nice of you to do it"
"Well you know me, I love to give and give and give..."
"Ha! Aren't you funny today. But yes, you are very generous Ana. That is a fact. Except when it comes to give your heart what he deserves..."
Oh not this again! Talk about broken records!
"Here you go. 'Olive mozzarella Bruschetta' and some 'Insalata con Gamberi' to start. Rosé wine will complement it beautifully. Enjoy ladies"
The good man comes, serves us and leaves again. Kate is momentarily distracted by the very yummy looking food in front of us. Thank god!
"Wow, this looks great. And smells even better!"
"Yes it does. Well, let's dig in shall we?"
She smiles widely at me and we start devouring the delicious appetizers. This truly is a wonderful place. The view is beautiful but the food is just to die for.
"So, back to what we were talking about. Why are you still closed off to love Ana? It's been too long. You have to move on."
"Kate, let's just enjoy this scrumptious meal and not dwell on gloomy subjects ok?"
"I just don't get it Ana. You're a beautiful woman. You're rich, smart, funny, incredibly generous and so kind-hearted. Why not let someone love you? It pains me to know you could be so much happier right now. You deserve more Steele. Much more"
"Kate, I'm happy. I do what I want, when I want, how I want, for how long as I want. My life belongs to me, and no one tells me how to live it. That is what I want and need. Everything else is just not for me. Just let it go ok? I know you mean well, but we've been through this more times than I would have wished for. I love you and I know you love me too. But I'm happy. So let's just drop it and have a nice, carefree day. Ok?"
She sighs, heavily might I add but complies. I know this won't be the last time she bugs me about my love life, but for now I can enjoy the day...
"How was that ladies?"
"Delicious Giovanni, as always. Good choice"
I smile and wink at him. He blushes a little but nods and goes to fetch our next meal.
"Wow, the man turned red. See? That's the effect you have on men! You should take advantage of that and use it on someone worthy of you. Maybe someone like Christian Grey?"
Oh boy. As one bomb gets disarmed, another pops up ready to blow on my face...This woman is relentless...
"Kate! You are a nightmare today! Did you wake up and decided you were going to fix me up with someone? 'Cause I'll have to disappoint you, again! Christian Grey is not what I want, not even close to what I want for myself. Drop it"
I glare at her, but she grins at me. We know each other too well, and for too long to get affected by each others tempers.
"Here we go. For the next meal, 'Risotto alla Marinara' and 'Pizza La Vecchia'. Enjoy ladies. If you need anything let me know"
Again, he comes, sets the plates and leaves again...Kate looks bewildered again, by the look and the smell of the food. I find myself licking my lips with sweet antecipation as well.
"Right. Because good looks, obscene amount of money, intelligence, power and a smoldering par of eyes are disgusting in a man..."
Oh boy, she's like a dog with a bone. Except a dog with a bone would stop barking and just enjoy the freaking bone!
"If you like him so much, maybe you should drop his brother and focus your attention on him. Maybe then you will stop bugging me about it"
I feel a sudden unwelcoming sting of jealousy after hearing her talk about him like that...Why the hell would I feel jealous? I don't know him at all...She's working my last nerve that's what...
"Anastasia Steele, are you jealous?!"
Of course, Kate misses nothing! Annoying trait!
"No! Of course not! I don't know him. And what I happen to know about his personality, truly annoys me. He's a very arrogant and self-absorbed man. Two traits I despise in men. So, there you go!"
"Wow, so defensive! That's a first Steele! And you know, what you call arrogance and self-absorption, I could call confidence and sense of self-worth. Elliot is a very confident man and I think it might be a family trait. Nothing wrong with that Ana. I actually think is pretty sexy"
Ugh...
"Kate, why are you insisting on this? You barely know Elliot as it is. Have you met Christian?"
"No, I haven't. But Elliot loves him and that tells me everything I need to know. Besides, you were the one telling me to live in the moment. Maybe you should do the same. 'Cause I doubt Christian Grey would bother to book your entire morning, under false pretenses, just to discuss business"
What? Damn it Scott! That little weasel! Oh I would love to kick him in those back stabbing nuts of his right now!
"Okay...I don't even know what to say to that. First, Scott is going to regret blabbing to you about this! Second, so we are clear, just because Elliot loves his brother, doesn't make him immediate marrying material. You know better than me, how much unconditional love can be blind and deaf. With that said, and seeing as you won't stop badgering me today I'll just tell you about the goddamn meeting. It was pointless. He wasn't interested in business at all. He wanted to know more about me and I didn't like it. I hate people messing with my life, let alone tricking me at work. So I shut him down and kicked his perfect ass out of my office. He wasn't pleased but fuck it. I don't appreciate dishonesty and that crossed a line. There, are you happy?"
"Ok...so he wanted to know you...Ana that's huge! He's Christian freaking Grey! It was a huge step for him to track you down in your office and try to know you better! Yes he lied, but it was for a good cause don't you think? Some might actually think it was romantic and brave of him to do so. And we'll talk about his perfect ass in a second don't worry..."
"Ok, stop right there! You might think it was romantic and what not, but I know better. He wanted to intimidate me, take me by surprise and exert his power over me. That's why he chose a work setting. Because he knows just how powerful he is in the business world. He knows I want to expand my own businesses and he used that against me. I resent that and frankly, he pissed me off with his dominating demeanour. He's not my type Kate so drop it. He has a nice ass and a very nice body to go with it. He has very piercing eyes and a very distracting mouth. It's a shame everything coming out of that perfect mouth annoys me so much. So are you satisfied or will you grill me a little more?"
"Hmm, for now that will do. At least you admit he's good-looking. It's a start."
She is full cheshire cat smiling at me now so I know I'm in the clear...for now...uff!
"Finally we can indulge on this delicious meal! Thank you god!"
She sticks her tongue out to me and I chuckle. How classy of her...
"Very mature of you Miss Kavanaugh"
"Oh suck it Steele! You know, this wine is divine! I'm loving this place! We have to come here more often!"
"I'm glad you like it. We can come here anytime you like. And you should bring Elliot here too. It's a very romantic setting"
"Of course! He will love it! He's a big fan of Italian food you know. See? Why are you so sensible to improve other people's relationships but so cold with your own?"
"Oh Kate, it's much easier giving advise than following it. So, tell me more about this Elliot wonder"
"Hmm, I get that. But I still think you should follow your own advises! Anyway, Elliot is just amazing. He's in the construction business so he's very good with his hands! He's incredibly easy to talk to and he can melt me with just one look. I'm bewitched and I'm loving every minute!"
Wow, handy with his hands? Too much information...but I'm curious...
"Really, bewitched? Curious choice of words...So, he's good in bed hun?"
"Good? Ha, that's an understatement. He's amazing! The things he can make me feel, god Ana! I've never have as many orgasms in my life. He's incredible! And he can't keep his hands off me. He's insaciable!"
"Wow, Kavanaugh, you got it bad!"
"So bad!"
"So ladies, ready for some dessert?"
"Please! Everything as been perfect so far! Thank you so much Giovanni"
"My pleasure Miss Steele. I'll be right back with some dessert"
"Wow, the man just can't seem to keep a composed face when you look at him and smile. He might be just a business partner or whatever, but he would love to get into your pants Steele!"
"Of course he would. Every man that looks me instantly melts and imagines undressing me and eating me up. How could they not?"
I can't hide the sarcasm in my voice. Kate is so annoying sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm attractive, I'm no fool. But I also know that men, once they learn my name and how rich and poweful I am, they usually come running. So it's not really a matter of attracting men. It's more about attracting the right men, with the right intentions. Or women...that reminds me, I have to figure this Angie deal. Do I really want to have a girl for a submissive? Maybe that would be a refreshing change of pace...but for how long? Because, let's face it, men have been quite pleasurable so far Anastasia. What they possess between their legs has been the perfect toy for you to play with. Of course you can always take care of business with some mechanical assistance, but that takes all the fun out of it. Anyway, I should probably figure this thing out before returning home...
"That was too sardonic even for you Steele. What are you thinking about? You look so far away..."
"Nothing, just some business I have to take care of"
Business mixed with pleasure...dangerous combo...
"Here we go, a classic 'Tiramisú', 'Panacotta' and our very own 'Mousse di Cioccolato Bianco'. I do hope you enjoy"
"Thanks Giovanni. It looks delicious as always"
He smiles and vanishes again. The man moves fast for his age...
"Yummy!"
"Indeed! Buon appetito!"
"Steele, you know Italian?"
"Sì che faccio, un po '."
"Wow, I am amazed! Is there anything you cannot do Ana?"
"Resisting your interrogations for once"
"Well, no one can so it doesn't really count."
"Really? Elliot suffers from the same faith?"
"When it's necessary. But he's a rather honest guy so I don't need to drill information out of him. He's kind of a blabber if you must know..."
"Not good for keeping secrets?"
"Horrible secret keeper! So maybe, I should keep your obvious attraction to Christian a secret...we don't want him running to his little brother and spill the beans now do we?"
The look she's giving me makes me feel unease. She's challenging me...almost threatening me to tell Elliot everything...that would be catastrophic! I still need to find more intel on him and the last thing I need is he knowing I find his ass deliciously looking! No, that cannot happen!
"Do that and see what happens Kavanaugh. What we say to one another will remains between us. Remember, betrayal goes both ways. And there's a lot I can tell sweet Elliot about you too. You keep that in mind"
I keep a cold and sharp tone in my voice, but still smile at her. I know I can get intense sometimes, and she's a dear friend. I don't want to scare her . I just need to keep our conversation secret. It's too dangerous to let him know anything. He already thinks he's got the power. Knowing he actually messes with my senses would ruin everything.
"Jesus Ana, relax! I was kidding! Of course I won't tell him! You're my best friend and I would never betray you in any way! Jeez, you should try yoga or something. You're too tense sometimes!"
"I know, I'm sorry. I just don't want Christian Grey to think I have the hots for him. He's already too cocky as it is"
"Ok ok! I got it! Omg, this mousse is to die for! I think I'm having an orgasm in my mouth..."
"Ew Kate! Keep your orgasms to yourself please! Or at least wait for Elliot to get his handy hands on you! Jeez!"
She looks at me and we burst out laughing, because the mousse is really orgasmic and Kate is really in love! This place never disappoints! I must come here again...
I have a sudden vision of bringing a certain grey eyed man here, to share an orgasmic white chocolate mousse with me...perhaps having him eat it out of my naked body...
What the fuck Anastasia...
"Hey little Bro! You look busy as always"
Great, my nosy brother chooses to barge into my office when I'm in the middle of reading the file Welch just got for me. Miss Anastasia Steele is the person of interest...and interesting she is...
"Elliot, what do you want?"
I'm already irritated at him. I was really enjoying reading about my blue-eyed dominating beauty...
"Well, nice to see you too!"
"Yeah yeah, what?"
"Ok! Are you coming to Mia's event tonight?"
What? What event?...Oh right...That event...
"I don't think so. Not really my scene Elliot"
"Oh come on! You know Mia will be really disappointed if you don't show up to support her!"
"She'll understand."
Elliot is eying me, probably thinking the same thing I am...no she won't. She will pout and sulk and annoy me for days because I wasn't there...fuck!
"Fine! I'll go, but nor for long!"
"Awesome! Kate is coming too! She'll love to meet you, outside of your office that is!"
Right, Miss Kavanaugh. What a feisty and annoying little girl! She grilled me in an interview for her college newspaper...she even had the audacity to ask me if I was gay! I could have taken her over my knee right there, if she wasn't so annoying and not my type at all. I have no idea what my brother sees in her, and by the way things are looking, he's really falling for the blazing woman. Lucky me...
"Whatever. Is that all? I have stuff to do you know..."
"Oh right! I shall leave you to your millions then! See you tonight little bro!"
"Bye Elliot"
And just like that, I'm left alone with Miss Anastasia Steele beneath my fingers...oh if only that was true...the things I could do to her...
"Thanks for lunch Ana. That was truly a delight. We have to go there again, soon!"
"You welcome Kavanaugh. Apart from your exhausting inquisitions, it was rather pleasant. The food was delicious like always. Now, shall we go shopping for the right mind-blowing dress?"
"Yes please!"
She actually starts clapping her hands. She's so excited. It's obviously because of Elliot. Elliot Grey...I guess the Grey men do have that effect on women...
"Ana, I was trying to ease this into the conversation but I can't wait any longer. I'm going to an opening party tonight with Elliot and I was wondering if you would like to come. I want you to get to know him better and you need to have some fun. So that would be a double win for me. Please?"
"Really Kate? The puppy dog eyes? Really?"
"Come on Kate! It will be fun! And maybe you'll meet someone there who knows!"
"I knew you had an ulterior motive! Look Kate, you're going with Elliot, I'll be the third wheel and that's not fun at all"
"Ana! It's not like we're in high school! We're not gonna make out in public or anything like that! Come on! Please"
Oh man, Kate begging is just adorable. Annying, but still adorable and so unlike her...what can I say...I do need to have some fun, but is this the right kind of fun to me? Whatever...I'll give it a shot...
"Fine! I'll go! I guess we need to find two dresses now"
"Yay! It's going to be so much fun! You'll see! We haven't gone out together in years! I'm so excited!"
"I really hope so Kate!"
Inside I'm actually excited and a bit nervous...that's odd. I never get nervous. Maybe it's because I haven't been in a social event in a while, surrounded by strange people, making small talk and what not...yeah, that must be it...
