Chapter 7

Ana

We are seated at our table in the restaurant. Our private table. From the window we look out over the lights of the city. It's romantic and intimate, surrounded by candlelight. We fall into an easy pattern of conversation. I get the faint impression that Christian isn't used to this kind of small talk and neither am I. We are novice but strangely comfortable conversationalist. The waiter brings champagne to our table and Christian proposes a toast to me and to us. I blush slightly but hear the words with pleasure. Everything about the night is perfect; the food looks delicious, tastes sublime and the gentle light from the candles makes the perfect mellow atmosphere.

Christian

As the meal draws to a close I decide to ask Anastasia to meet my family this weekend. I know Mia won't be satisfied until they have met and I'd like my mother to know how happy I am. So I say, "Ana, I was wondering if you would be free for lunch on Sunday. I'd like it if you met my family and I know they would like the opportunity to get to know you." Ana looks down briefly, and then gazes at me through her eyelashes. "Christian, I'm overwhelmed." She pauses a moment before continuing, "You've been so patient and kind to me, and I thank you for that. I'd love to meet your family". We smile at each other, enjoying the moment. I wonder how I went from distant dominant to wooing this beautiful woman in the space of a few weeks. There are moments when it feels like an outer body experience but the truth is I'm happy to be in this body and having these new and wondrous experiences.

Ana and I make our way back to Taylor and the waiting car. Perhaps if she hadn't had such a long day I would suggest a night cap because I'm not quite ready to let her go. However, I know she was up early and I guess she probably isn't used to the wine and champagne. When I ask her where she lives I am horrified by her response. How can she live in such a rundown area of town? Without doubt her salary is more generous than that. When the car pulls in I ask Taylor to wait and say, "Anastasia, I would like to walk you to your door, ensure you get home safely." She nods slightly in response and I follow her into what I'll kindly describe as an antiquated building. As we walk up several flights of stairs my anxiety for her increases. How can I get her out of here without overwhelming her with my natural desire for control? How can I get her out of here without treating her like one of my submissive? Ana stops to unlock a door near the end of the corridor. She seems timid and quiet again, maybe wondering what happens next. "Anastasia, I thought we could have lunch together tomorrow, in my office again unless you would like to go out" I say. "I'd like that" she blushes. Slowly and tenderly I take her hand, I lift it and turning it slightly I rest the back of her hand against my chest. My fear of touch hasn't vanished but I can't bear the idea that I won't see her for hours and I want to remember how she feels.

Ana

I knew Christian would want to see me home, but I wondered what he would think of where I live and what would come next. I've never brought anyone here, not once in Seattle or any of the other places I've lived. He takes my hand and somehow I know he won't push me beyond what I'm capable of, right here, right now. Still holding my hand he leans down, his lips find mine as his body presses mine lightly against the door. The kiss is tender but deeply passionate and as it finishes I feel light headed. Christian watches me as I unlock the door and then bids me goodnight as I walk into my small apartment.

I remember that kiss all morning on Friday. The look in his eyes, the touch of his lips and every moment from yesterday would be enough for me to survive on for months. Then I smile because I know we will be having lunch together today. I'm not sure what time to go to his office and as the morning passes I consider emailing him or perhaps calling upstairs. Would they put me through to him or could I leave a message for him to call me back? I'm anxiously considering this a few minutes before one when Christian strolls up to my desk. It's like the first day we had lunch together but this time everyone in the office knows that Christian Grey and I are... Well, they know something is different.

Christian

I couldn't resist going to her desk on Friday to collect her for lunch. I want everyone to know that she and I are involved. I want them to see and acknowledge what an amazing person she is. Beautiful and kind. Strong and understanding.

On Sunday I'm driving us to my parents' house, holding her hand and trying to prepare her for Mia and Elliot's predictable reception. As I pull the car up my father opens the door. He stands on the threshold watching us as I make my way round to open Ana's door. I take her hand and give it an encouraging and I hope reassuring squeeze. My mother appears as we approach the door and they both greet us warmly, but as we walk into the hallway Mia and Elliot pounce. I slip my arm around Ana's waist so she knows I'm there for her as Mia hugs her and begins her onslaught of questions. When Elliot moves in I need to take a step back but I keep a hand on the small of her back so she feels me, so I can feel her. Over the course of the lunch she endures it all with a smile. She giggles at Elliot's sporadic reference to her being my first girlfriend, the sound is a joy. I need to explain a little of my past to her, the impression she is getting is a little disingenuous and I need her to know me, everything about me.

Ana

Lunch has been the most enjoyable experience. I can't deny that their reception was intense but I knew Christian was there and I enjoyed meeting everyone. It felt like a real family reunion and for me having spent so long alone, hardly remembering the joy a family can bring, it was emotional. After dinner Christian offers to show me the grounds and we walk hand in hand down to the bottom of the garden. Slowly and quietly he begins to explain about his adoption, about Grace and Carrick and how their family was drawn together. I'm touched and I take a few moments in the fresh air to process everything he has said. I'm beginning to realise why we came to understand each other so quickly. I wonder if Christian could understand where I've come from, could he hear it without it changing or damaging our relationship?

As I stand with him, mulling this over his phone begins to ring. At first he makes no move to answer it but I briefly smile at him and he reaches into his pocket to retrieve it. "Grey" he says, all the while looking at me. Then the world seems to tilt, his posture and expression quickly change. Gone is the easy, affectionate man who was there moments before, in his place is an intimidating, dark and angry soul. I can't help it but I take a small, almost imperceptible, step back. When he hangs up the phone I'm not sure what is about to happen but I decide to ask him, "Is everything ok" I mumble. Christian turns his head to the left, then looks at me again, "Ana, there has been a possible intrusion at Escala, will you come back to the city with me?" I feel a momentary relief, I'm not certain what or where Escala is but I'll go with him if he wants me. "Yes, Christian. Yes of course" I respond.

We depart hastily from Christian's parents' home, briefly exchanging words with them and making casual arrangements to see them in the week. On the drive back Christian is tense and pensive. I'm not afraid of him but this mood change, however understandable, has made me apprehensive. I don't want to make things worse or provoke a negative response. He holds my hand and gently caresses my knuckles with his thumbs as we travel in the elevator up to his apartment. This is Escala, his home.

When the door opens Taylor seems momentarily surprised to see me and his eyes quickly dart to our hands before sweeping back to Christian's dark expression. Christian addresses me as he leads me through the apartment, "Ana, can I pour you a glass of wine? I'd like to speak with Taylor for a few moments". "Of course" I respond immediately. Christian pours two glasses, leaving one on the counter and bringing one to me. He guides me to a sofa in the large living area, briefly kisses me on the cheek and follows Taylor into a nearby room. I sit and settle on my seat, taking a sip of wine. From the next room I hear Christians raised voice and my anxiety increases. I have never heard him raise his voice before and although the sound is muffled I feel my heartbeat increase. I try to remain calm but I know I'm now sitting rigid in my seat. When I hear his voice again I stand and turn to face the door, just as it opens. Christian's eyes are ablaze as he makes his way towards me. It takes all my will and courage but I don't step back, I don't retreat from him this time. When his eyes meet mine I see the burning intensity and I can't help it but I gasp.