Chapter 9 – Friends In All The Right Places

Early one Saturday evening, she places a heaping spoonful of a medley of penne pasta with tomato sauce, chopped seasonal vegetables and diced chicken on a decorative plate. She adds another spoonful before sauntering over to the breakfast bar and places the plate in front of him. He is preoccupied…checking email on his laptop. Even though he is barefoot and wearing ripped jeans with a black t-shirt, he still looks every bit of the confident, authoritative CEO that he is.

"Would Master like more Sancerre?" she says with a quiet willingness to serve.

"Yes…please. Thank you, Candice," he speaks warmly, but doesn't take his eyes off of the laptop screen. Candice is wearing a white apron littered with tiny fruit, which shields her chest down to her thighs. She is stark naked underneath, exposing her deep rose-colored derriere when she glides over to the wine fridge to retrieve the already opened bottle.

One may ask how she could have any strength remaining in her bones to prepare a full meal and subsequently serve the owner of this vast penthouse apartment after such an intense afternoon in the playroom. Earlier, she was bounded, gagged, suspended in the carabiners, caned relentlessly, and fucked senseless…multiple times. Yet, she has never felt so energetic and willing to serve this beautiful, young, quiet, enigmatic billionaire (she also has his personal trainer to thank, whom she works out with four times a week, for such endurance). She sincerely hopes that there is more to come before she is summoned by him to report to her sleeping quarters for one last night before returning home to her modest apartment tomorrow evening. It's pretty standard for one to long for the weekend during the work week. However, for her, that sentiment has intensified tenfold. Monday through Thursday…and even for most of Friday, she anxiously looks forward to Friday evening and the moment that her red Audi (one of the many lavish gifts from her Master) pulls up and parks in the parking garage at Escala.

"Candice, fix you a plate and join me for dinner," he commands. He looks up at her and pats down the empty chair directly to his right. She is taken by surprise. She has never joined him for a meal. She has always eaten alone in the kitchen after he was through.

"Yes, Master," she responds, as she quickly grabs a plate out of the cupboard and places a small spoonful of the pasta dish on her plate.

"That's not enough. Put more on there," he demands, monitoring her. She does so. Candice places the plate and then silverware on the breakfast bar by the empty chair and then fetches herself a glass of wine. Once settled, she slowly takes her seat, still smarting from the earlier activity.

"Do you need Advil?" he asks after noticing her wincing.

"I will take some after dinner, Sir," she vows. Without notice, he springs up from his seat and walks away from the kitchen. She watches his back as he exits and saunters in the direction of his bedroom. He promptly returns with his left hand balled up as if holding something tight. He then places two tablets on the surface before her and immediately turns towards the cupboard to retrieve an eight-ounce glass. He smoothly glides over to the fridge, fills it with cold water and places it right next to the medicine.

"Take it now," he commands with authority. She obeys.

As she places both tablets in her mouth and chases them down with the glass of water, she reflects back to just two hours ago. She was lying down on her stomach, completely spent, over the red satin sheets in the playroom while he deeply massaged her bottom thoroughly with arnica cream. She had never experienced such tender aftercare from a dominant. He made her feel absolutely well cared for and…sated. And now this. He literally got up from his chair and served her. Candice is beside herself.

"Thank you, Master," she says as she places the empty water glass down. She lifts up her fork and digs in and he joins her.

"Candice, have you applied to medical school yet?" he asks.

Whoa. He's talking. It's not like he's never spoken to her about her personal life before. However, each time he does so, it never ceases to shock her. It's still so rare.

"Yes Sir – I have. I've been accepted to UW," she says, matter-of-factly, but showing very little emotion.

"So, when do you start?" he probes. Her head drops down.

"I…I don't know," she says nervously.

"What do you mean?" he responds, concerned. She takes a deep breath in order to think the question through.

"Candice," he says in stern warning. She snaps into shape at his tone.

"Sir…I can't afford to go to medical school right now. I'm going to work full-time and save money so I can maybe start in about a year or so," she says clearly, but the pain she feels inside is apparent.

"If you were to register on Monday, when will classes start?" he asks. Her eyes round at him in confusion.

"In a month, Sir," she says quietly.

"Good. I want you to register for medical school on Monday. Don't worry about cost," he says simply, placing another forkful of pasta into his mouth. She watches him eat, feeling mixed emotions of adoration and anxiety.

"Sir?" she questions his mandate.

"You are a very good submissive, Candice. I want to cover the full cost of medical school for you. Call it a scholarship," he smiles at her.

"Master…you are way too kind," she starts. However, before she can form the words to decline his kind offer, the look in his eyes discourages her from speaking out. She knows that a major punishment would be on the horizon if she objects to his more-than-generous gift.

"Thank you, Sir," she smiles shyly at him.

"You are very welcome, Candice. Now, finish your plate. And if you aren't too sore afterwards, I would like to revisit the playroom," he says absolute in a low tone of voice.

"Yes Master," she beams as she begins to plow into her meal.

From a distance, an authoritative figure in a spendy black wool three-quarter length coat enters the corridor and walks with purpose towards the waiting room. The sight of him abruptly pulls Bridget out of her reverie as she spectates from behind the nurses' station. It's as if her dreams have finally bled over into real life. Her heart stutters. She blinks several times in order to reassure herself that she is not in fact dreaming. 'It's him. It's really him.' It is the first time that she's laid eyes on him in close to six years. He's every bit of what she dreamed he would be – and then some. 'He hasn't aged a day.' Butterflies begin to flood her stomach. 'He can't see me here. He won't be fooled by a haircut, a dye job or rhinoplasty. He'll know who I am right away. He knows every single inch of me.'

….

Ana embraces her husband as he enters the waiting room and introduces him to Delores Roach and her family.

"Mr. Grey, thank you so much for your kindness. Your mother has been a great comfort to us," Mrs. Roach breathes in solemn gratitude.

"Jerry is a long-time valued leader of the team and a mentor to my wife. We will assure that he gets the best treatment possible as well as all of the recovery time that he needs," Christian says warmly. Mrs. Roach smiles tenderly at his kind words.

They all take their seats and Christian sits next to Ana.

"Mom phoned me on the way here with an update. Surgery's going well so far," Christian informs. Ana smiles and nods.

"Grace is a godsend. How are the kids?" Ana murmurs.

"Good. Wore Ted out playing with the train and then playing catch with the Nerf balls. He was more than willing to crash for his nap," Christian chuckles. Ana beams.

"Phoebe napped as well?" she inquires. He nods.

"Good job, Daddy," Ana gleams at her husband, rubbing his hand.

"Piece of cake," he brags, placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Oh! Speaking of Phoebe, Bridget from the book club works here. She said she'll be around. You can meet her and thank her for her advice," she smiles brightly.

"Good," he responds warmly.

Two more hours pass by. Taylor has brought Mr. and Mrs. Grey their laptop computers so they can work while they await news on Roach. Mrs. Roach's sons and daughters-in-law finally convince her to step out and eat lunch with them. Ana promises to call her if there is any news on her husband.

"You're a good boss," Christian murmurs lovingly to his wife.

"And you're a good husband," she flirts.

"Oh yeah?" he arches a brow at her. Ana is startled.

"Stop that!" she snaps.

"Stop what?" he says, feigning innocence.

"You know what!"

"No. Tell me."

"That look. The last time you did that here, we were very naughty. That's not happening ever again," Ana says firmly.

"Okay," Christian says, pouting purposely.

"Stop it!" Ana scolds, trying to break the spell. Christian quietly chuckles.

….

Lurking from a distance, Bridget witnesses Dr. Trevelyan who works mostly in PEDS heading toward the waiting room for cardiac patients. Bridget inconspicuously follows behind her and watches her enter the room. The doctor embraces Master Grey and kisses him on the cheek. Bridget sees him mouth what looks like the word 'mom.'

'Dr. Trevelyan is his mother? Dr. Grace Trevelyan…Grey?' she ponders. Bridget leaves and decides to check in at the nurses' station in another wing of the hospital in order to maintain her cover.

"Bridget," a nurse with curly brunette hair warmly greets.

"Lisa. Hey, do you know Dr. Trevelyan?" Bridget softly inquires.

"Of course! Who doesn't! She practically runs the joint!" the brunette scoffs, seemingly appalled by the very question.

"She's awesome. And her hot son dumps an s-load of cash into this place on a regular basis. You know…billionaire Christian Grey?" Lisa says.

"Really?" Bridget says with wide eyes.

"Yes. They're the nicest family you could ever meet," Lisa raves.

"Did you just say 'Christian Grey'?" another voice speaks out. It's Nurse Charlotte, an older woman with short blond hair. The other two nod.

"He's here right now! I just saw him come in earlier. He's absolutely dreamy!" Nurse Charlotte swoons.

Bridget narrows her eyes feeling very uncomfortable with the conversation.

"Yes – my word! Mrs. Christian Grey is one lucky broad. She gets to touch that fine piece of man candy every single night," Lisa sighs longingly. Bridget's heart drops all the way down to her black Dansko shoes.

"Girl! He even knocked her up twice in two years! I'd give birth to all of his babies if I could!" Nurse Charlotte snorts. She and Lisa burst out in laughter. Bridget gapes in sheer horror.

"I'd bet he's a god in bed," Lisa whispers. Charlotte concurs with a gasp.

"Excuse me," Bridget says with a broken whisper before scurrying away from the station. Lisa and Charlotte glare at each other in confusion. "Did I say something wrong?" Lisa frowns.

When she enters the ladies' room, Bridget promptly locks the door behind her. She stares into the mirror with fire raging in her eyes.

"Keep it together, Candice! Be strong!" she coaches herself through gritted teeth.

"He is mine! He is mine! He is mine!" she chants, denying her tears the opportunity to surface.

"I have to keep it together so I can win him back. I need a plan. One will come," she says, now calm and resolute.

….

"Everything is still going fine, but there's still quite a ways to go. But so far, so good. Dr. Peterson will give us another status in about an hour or so," updates Dr. Trevelyan.

"Thank you, Grace," Mrs. Roach breathes in gratitude.

"Cardiac bypass surgery is quite involved. So imagine the intricacies involved with a quadruple bypass. But rest assured…you've come to the right place. It's going well and Dr. Peterson knows exactly what he is doing," comforts Grace.

"Thanks, Mom. Keep us informed," Christian says. Dr. Trevelyan beams and nods at her son before exiting the waiting area.

"It's going to be different in the office while Jerry's away," Ana murmurs wistfully to her husband. Christian sighs.

"I loved it whenever he approached me saying: 'Ana! I have a quirky new idea to run by you!' I love how he challenges me. He's the reason why I couldn't stay away from GP," Ana breathes, bordering on tears.

"He's going to be fine, Ana. He'll be back at work before you know it," Christian simply says.

"I know," she replies, hopeful but distant. He wraps his arm around her and pulls her in tight, kissing her on the temple. A thought suddenly crosses her mind.

"I wonder where Bridget is. I haven't seen her in a while," Ana frowns.

….

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, Jerry Roach slowly opens his eyes. Although heavily medicated, he can feel pressure all over his chest area. He slowly becomes aware of his surroundings. Taking inventory of the private hospital room, he witnesses that his wife is fast asleep in a reclining chair right by his side.

"Delores," he whispers softly with a rasp. By some miracle, she stirs.

"Jerry?" she says, clearing her throat.

"You warned me about eating that extra slice of rhubarb pie," he jokes. Mrs. Roach springs up from her chair and kisses her husband on his forehead.

"Gerald H. Roach – don't you dare do that to me ever again! Do you hear me?" she says, scolding him. She begins to weep on his shoulder.

"Hey…Bug – I'm as good as new. It won't happen again," he says weakly patting his beloved wife on her back.

Mrs. Roach presses the call button to inform the nurse that her husband is now awake. A few moments later, Bridget enters the room.

"Mr. Roach…welcome back. My name is Bridget. I'm going to check your vitals now," she informs him kindly.

"Hey, you're quite the looker, Bridget," Mr. Roach flirts at the young lady right in front of his wife. Delores chuckles.

"Don't mind him, Bridget. My husband has a thing for skinny blondes," Delores giggles. Bridget shyly laughs as she places her stethoscope in her ears.

"Well…I'm not really blonde. I just play one on TV," Bridget says in jest. The Roaches both chuckle.

"Honesty! I love it! You remind me a little of my boss. She's about your age…maybe younger," Roach reveals. Bridget blinks.

"I may know her. Anastasia Grey," Bridget says nonchalantly.

"You know Ana?" Roach says with squinted eyes.

"I'm in the women's book club," the blonde reveals.

"Well I'll be! I'm so glad to hear that. The club was my idea…you know. Did Ana tell you?" Roach says proudly.

"She speaks very highly of you, Mr. Roach. That's probably why she was here practically all day yesterday," Foxy Blonde reveals. Jerry is taken aback.

"Everything sounds normal. Hold your right arm straight out. I'm going to check your reflexes," Bridget orders. He obliges.

"She was here? All day?" Roach says in wonder. Bridget smiles and then nods.

"Yes she was. Her mother-in-law is a doctor here and she made sure that you were well taken care of. Mr. Grey stopped by as well," Mrs. Roach fills in. Jerry smiles warmly.

"Ana's like the daughter I never had. I love that kid," Roach breathes.

Bridget's heart skips a beat and she presses her mouth in straight line before tapping his elbow with the chestpiece of the stethoscope. Roach's arm slightly jerks all on its own.

"Good," Bridget says. She then checks his eyes, ears, nose and throat. "I'm going to fetch the doctor on call. Dr. Peterson will be in later in the afternoon for your post-op check," Bridget informs the couple. She exits the room.

….

Early afternoon, a swarm of visitors from Grey Publishing begin to flood into the hospital to see Jerry Roach. Ana has yet to show up this morning, but Bridget suspects that Mrs. Grey will be making an appearance soon. And if her husband so happens to tag along with her – unlike the day before – Bridget has a solid plan of escape.

Since only four visitors at a time are allowed in Roach's room, many visitors from GP await in the lobby for their turn. Among those are editors, Randy Durham and Tyler Schmitt. They are two fairly attractive young men who like to have a lot of fun, both inside and outside of work.

"I don't know if the Seahawks are going to make it back to the big dance next year, bro. They have so much to work on," argues Randy.

"I have faith in my Hawks! They'll be back," Tyler says, assured.

"Hey…I'm surprised that Ana isn't here," Randy says with a frown.

"Hannah said that she was here for like 13 hours yesterday," Tyler informs.

"Wow, that's crazy," Randy gasps.

"Yeah, they are tight. He's like another father to her," Tyler adds.

Something suddenly catches Randy's eye and he does a double take.

"Speaking of tight. Look right over there," Randy gestures with his eyes towards the blonde woman in light blue scrubs standing just outside of the waiting room entryway chatting with a colleague. Tyler looks and his jaw practically drops to the floor at the sight

"Hel-loooo nurse," Randy catcalls. Tyler, the quiet brown-haired, brown-eyed young man is remains at a lost for words.

"Excuse me – Nurse?" Randy calls out loud.

"No, no, no, no," Tyler whispers frantically to his friend. Bridget spins around and approaches them. Tyler secretly punches Randy in his arm. "Ouch," the blond buzz cut editor winces.

"Hi...Bridget?" Randy says, clearly reading her nametag.

"My name is Randy… and this here is my good friend Tyler," he says with a smirk. Bridget looks confused.

"You're here to see Mr. Roach?" Bridget quizzes.

"Yes. He's our boss," Randy states matter-of-factly. Tyler looks as if he wishes that the floor would open up and swallow him whole. Bridget quickens at the news.

"And you guys work with Ana Grey too?" Bridget inquires.

"She's the owner and CEO. Our boss' boss," clarifies Randy.

"I see," Bridget responds warmly.

"You know Ana?" Randy inquires.

"Yes. She might even have something that belongs to me. Hey, does your friend here talk?" Bridget says, throwing a curve ball in the end. Randy shakes his head trying to gauge if he missed something until Tyler breaks him away from his thoughts.

"Yes, I talk," he says with a newfound confidence.

"You do," she smiles.

"And what is it that you guys do at the publishing house?" she inquires, looking directly at Tyler.

"I'm a non-fiction editor," he answers.

"And I edit the cool stuff," Randy interjects.

"Let me guess…science fiction?" she smirks. Tyler chuckles.

"How'd you know?" Randy says, taken aback.

"Wild guess," she frowns. Tyler laughs louder.

"I have to get going. It was nice meeting you both," Bridget says. She smiles brightly at Tyler, but ignores Randy as she walks away.

"Reeeejected!" Tyler taunts.

"What?" Randy gapes.

"Never mind," Tyler tries to brush off.

"Hey – I didn't see a ring on her hand!" pops Randy. Tyler simply shakes his head in pity.

Close to thirty minutes go by and a male nurse enters the waiting room.

"Four more visitors for Mr. Roach," he announces. Three people spring up.

"Go ahead. I'll wait," Tyler says to Randy.

"You sure?" Randy winces. Tyler gives him a head nod, reassuring that he is perfectly fine with waiting longer. Randy exits the waiting room with three others.

A short time later, Bridget walks back into the room and sees Tyler sitting alone on the couch checking email on his phone. There are a few others in the room, also off to themselves. A few other GP employees have decided to make the trek over to the cafeteria for lunch.

"You're still waiting to see Mr. Roach?" Bridget says, breaking Tyler away from his phone. He's stunned that she is even addressing him.

"Yes," he says simply.

"Do you mind?" Bridget says, motioning over to the empty seat beside him. His eyes round out in surprise.

"Not at all," he says, insisting that she takes a seat.

"He's doing really well. Very lively man. He's one of my patients," Bridget beams at him.

"I'm so glad to hear that. He's a great guy. One of my mentors," Tyler reveals.

"I can see you being like a son to him. You remind me a lot of his two sons that were here yesterday," she smiles. Tyler beams at her.

"So, how long have you been here? You said you were here yesterday, right?" Tyler inquires.

"I only went home for five hours, then I came back early this morning. We're sort of short staffed, so I volunteered to work the extra hours," Foxy Blonde explains.

"You must be exhausted," he sighs in empathy.

"Not really. My secret? Double espresso. That stuff is a godsend," she says in jest.

"Oh, I know it! I should buy stock in Starbucks," Tyler jokes. Bridget laughs in agreement.

"Hey…I'm due for a break. You want to grab lunch? I can get you right in to see Mr. Roach as soon as we return," Bridget proposes.

"Uh…sh…sure," stutters Tyler, surprised by the offer but flattered at the same time. The two stand and leave together.

….

"Between you and me, I don't drink enough water," Roach confesses.

"Well, you'll definitely have to turn over a new leaf. It's pretty much a requirement now since you've had a quadruple bypass and all," Bridget chuckles. It's early evening. Mrs. Roach has left for dinner with her sons while Foxy Blonde examines Mr. Roach.

"I was so happy to see all of those young folks from Grey Publishing stop by to see this broken old man," he says gruffly.

"Everyone absolutely adores you. Many wouldn't have waited four hours to get in here if they didn't," she winks.

"I'm getting up there in age, but I can't ever see myself calling it a day for good. I love my job and the people I work with," Roach confesses.

"It's never work if you truly love what you do," advises Bridget.

"Exactly," he beams at her.

"Hey…I don't see a ring on that finger, Miss Bridget. Why hasn't a handsome young suitor swept you off of your feet yet? Explain yourself," Roach scolds in a paternal tone of voice. Bridget sighs shyly.

"There is one that I am waiting on. In the meantime, I met a new friend. We're going out tomorrow night," she reveals.

"I can't see you needing to wait on any man. They should be waiting for you," he frowns. Bridget chuckles.

"This one guy is very special. He's the only man that I ever truly fell in love with. But he's in a situation right now…well let's just say that he's not able to be who he really is. When we were together, he was able to be himself. So I'm just waiting on him to wake up and realize that he can have his cake and eat it too," she says simply. Roach narrows his eyes at her.

"He doesn't sound like a very smart young man. Bridget, you're smart and beautiful. Don't wait for anyone. You deserve better. Tell me about this new guy," he prompts. She shakes off her frown.

"He actually works for you. Tyler Schmitt?" Bridget says. Roach's eyes and mouth round out in surprise.

"Tyler? He's a splendid young man! He's a gentleman. When did you meet?" he inquires.

"This afternoon. We had lunch. He's a nice guy," Bridget smiles warmly.

"Very good choice. I'll make sure he treats you well…or he'll have to answer to me," Roach threatens playfully. Bridget chuckles.

"Did Ana come and see you at all today?" Bridget says in a change of subject.

"Actually, no. But I spoke to her on the phone. She may stop by tomorrow or Monday. I told her that you've been taking good care of me," Roach beams.
"You're too kind, Mr. Roach," Bridget chuckles.

"It's the truth. You were the first to tend to me after I woke up from surgery. I'm so glad you joined the book club and that you're hanging out with Tyler. That means we're going to be pals for a very long time," he smiles.

"Oh – I hope so," she sparkles at him.


A/N – Faithful Readers: If you haven't figured it out by now, this chapter lays the groundwork for Bridget/Candice to do her dirt. It's important to know who she is first so you are able to better follow along. This character is very interesting and has even more layers than my previous villain (BA) did. There are more flashbacks to come as well as a well-executed plan that will present some major frustrations for our favorite couple.

I can't wait to reveal the plan that will completely flip the script! Will the situation make or break our favorite pair? Only time will tell!

Please comment! – ST2