APOV

Last night was by far the most restless night I've had in a while.. I spent most of the night tossing and turning, staring up at the ceiling and thinking of Christian. When I finally fell asleep I dreamt of Christian. This man is driving me insane and I don't know why. I've never felt like this before. I really want this lunch to go well.

It's no use to continue to stay in bed. It's still too early to wake Rachel up. She always says that any time before 8am doesn't exist so going to her place at 6am is a definitely no-no. I'm just so wound up. To pass some time I work on cleaning up my apartment. That doesn't take long. When you only have two rooms and a bathroom to clean, it doesn't take long. Looking at the clock, only one hour has passed. The bathroom is the last space I cleaned and since I need to try to calm down and get ready, I ran a bath. Soaking in the tub, my mind continues to wander to Christian. I hated dismissing him the way that I did last night but at the rate things were going, I would have woken up next to him this morning. Would that have been so bad? Getting back to the task at hand, I've plucked, shaved and smoothed all that I can. My makeup is minimal; a little eye shadow and tinted lip gloss. Rachel thought I should wear my hair up but I opted for a simpler side ponytail with a small flower clip behind my ear.

I'm in love with the outfit we put together. Rachel has such an eye. It's perfect for the summer. It's a white A line cotton dress with a scoop neck and spaghetti straps. Embroidered flowers and leaves start at the hem and fan out upwards to the waist. We paired the dress with a light weight dark blue cardigan with quarter length sleeve and a thin leather brown belt. I get dressed and put on my strawberry body spray and navy ballet slippers. I'm ready to go and nervous as hell.

After attempting to read and watch some TV to pass more, which didn't help, I finally go wake up Rachel. She's going to drive me to St. Mark's. She's less of a morning person than I am but she said that she was so excited for me; she woke up early to make sure I'd get there on time.

Walking into the kitchen of St. Mark's some of the other volunteers are already there prepping for lunch. We say our hellos and I'm off to Pastor John's office. As usual on Sunday, Pastor John is in his office listening to a baseball game on the radio. He says listening helps him concentrate. Standing in the doorway, he's sitting in his chair with his back towards the door. "You know it's not polite to watch someone when their back is to the door."

"How did you know I was here?"

"One, you're the only one that would ever come to my office and two strawberries Ana. Always the smell of strawberries" He spins around and his eyes go wide. "Hubba hubba! Te ves hermosa Anastasia. Why are you all prettied up today? You're overdressed to be slinging au gratin potatoes."

My face instantly flushes. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Sorry Pastor John, I won't be able to stay for the entire service. I promised I would be here this morning to help get the kids ready in the nursery but then I have to leave. I hate to do this on such short notice." Sitting back in his chair he folds his arms across his chest. His smile wiped from his face. He looks angry. I've never left him or anything to do with the church in a bind. This man has been such a support for me. He's listened to my fears and comforted me when I've cried. I can't let him down. "I'm sorry to do this to you but Christian…"

"Wait! Christian? You're standing there telling me that we'll be shorthanded because of that boy you worked like crazy yesterday? Are you going out on a date with him Anastasia?" Yes, he's definitely angry. He's never spoken to me like this before. I lower my head to hide the tears that are forming in the corners of my eyes.

"Anastasia, I have to say that I'm very disappointed in you. Do you know why?"

"Yes." I whisper. "I've let you down."

"You're right. I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed because you came in at all today." I shoot my eyes up because I know I didn't hear him correctly. "You heard me. I'm disappointed that you're not thinking about yourself. You're young Ana. You should be out there running the streets and raising hell like all the others your age and that Christian boy looks like the type that would make running the street lots of fun."

"Pastor!" I blush again.

"Oh don't Pastor me. I was young once ya know. I was what people used to call the bomb." He walks over to me and leans against the door jam. "Anastasia Rose Steele, you are an amazing young woman. You're smart, caring and beautiful inside and out. You've been through a lot and I want you to do more for yourself. This place will continue to stand if you miss a day or more. Now go! I don't want you here. Find this Christian, buy a bottle of cheap wine and remember I'll always have bail money ready for you." He takes a step back, points down the hall and closes the door in my face. Yes, this man is one of the best people I've ever met.

CPOV

"Taylor, we need to get flowers." I yell out to my head of security. I don't know Ana's favorite flower but roses should do. Don't all women love roses? "Taylor?" I call out again but he doesn't answer. "Damn it Taylor. I'm talking to you." Walking out to the living room, there's Taylor on the sofa, his arms crossed and eyes closed. "You know I should fire you for sleeping on the job."

"I wasn't sleeping. I was resting my eyes."

"Resting your eyes, my ass. Things better be in place for this afternoon."

"Sir, everything has been taken care of; reservations at the restaurant check. Transportation, check. Driver and security, check. Flowers will be picked up on the way to Miss. Steele, check" He says not moving or opening his eyes.

"I am your boss, you know. I sign your pay check."

"I'm well aware of that Sir."

"Then quit with the resting your eyes shit and go do some work." I'm not really angry with Taylor. I'm nervous and unsure of how this will go. Thought you were master of the universe. You can't handle lunch with a tiny little girl. I shouldn't be nervous. It's not like this is a real date. I'm not interested in her in that way. Liar!

Taylor finally opens his eyes. "Do you want some coffee? We still have 90 minutes before we need to leave." I nod and he gets up and prepares a cup. I take his seat on the sofa and try to keep my breathing steady. I know I have everything covered except Ana. I know she was in to me last night. I know she wanted me to stay. That kiss…damn that was the best kiss I've had in my life. If she tells me last night was a mistake, that's fine. I didn't expect anything from this anyway. Liar!

I've kept busy the past 90 minutes by reading emails and talking to Ros but it's not really helping. I can't focus. The time has been dragging on. Taylor steps into the suite, "Sir, it's time."

This is it. "Ok, I'll be ready in five." I walk into my room for one last look. I'm not dressed too casual and with what I have planned, this will work fine. I have on faded jeans, a white linen shirt, light blue blazer and a pair of white Chuck Taylor's. This is no different than how you'd handle anything else in your life. I tell myself. You are Christian Trevelyan Grey and you, Miss. Anastasia Steele will not throw me off my game.

Taylor arranged for one of the cars from the hotel. It's only a Maybach, not my usual preference but I have to work with what I got in this instance. There's a florist a few blocks from St. Mark's. Ultimately, I decide on a bouquet of wildflowers. They seem more fitting to her personality. We pull up in front of the church and once again it's a hive of activity. "Taylor, I'll go in and get her. No need to do a sweep." He nods and I walk past a few older women and one of them winks at me. Smile Grey, you've been with an older woman before.

I scan the sanctuary but don't see her. There are too many people. "Christian!" I hear my name and turn to see an older Hispanic man a few steps away from me. I saw him the last time I was here but don't know his name. He puts his hand out and we shake. "I know we didn't get a chance to meet and talk the last time. I'm John, the Pastor here."

"Yes, nice to meet you. Should I call you John or Pastor?'

"You can call me anything. Just don't call me late for dinner." He starts to laugh. Watching him is much funnier than the joke. I'm not sure what era this guy is from. He's got a tie-dyed shirt with the words "where's the beef" on the front. His shorts are unevenly cut; his hair is salt and pepper, very curly and past his shoulders. It wouldn't look that bad if he wasn't completely bald on top and are those Birkenstocks with socks. Ana sure does know some characters.

"So I hear you're taking our Ana out this afternoon, eh?"

Before I can answer, walking down the aisle towards us is my angel. Anastasia is breath taking. That part about her throwing me off my game, this girl is most definitely a game changer. "Hi Christian." She softly says my name and I release my breath. "Hi." That's all she's getting back. I can't handle any more than that.

"Are those for me?" She nods towards the flowers in my hand. I forgot that I was holding them. I pass them to her and I still can't talk.

"Oh wildflowers! They're beautiful and my favorite." Score one for team Grey.

"Give me those." Pastor John takes the flowers from Ana. "No need to lug these around all day. They'll be waiting for you in my office. Go now. I'll walk you out." Ana smiles at me and I feel like I could melt. You're not just a girl; you're a big ol' fairy girl. She takes my hand in hers and we head outside. We're half way down the steps and the same old woman winks again and gives me a little wave. "Stop smiling at that boy Betty. He's young enough be your great-great grandson." Ana and I turn to look at the bold pastor. He leans over and whispers in Ana's ear making her blush and smile. With that move, I'm starting not to like him. I snake my arm around her waist and walk her towards the car. "Hey Christian…" He calls out. "Please DON'T bring her home at a respectable hour." He grabs winking Betty by the arm and disappears inside.

"Did he really just say that?" I ask her.

"Pay no attention, he means well. He's just…just enthusiastic about life."

"What did he say to you?" I don't like how he made her blush. Obviously, it was inappropriate.

"Christian, please. It's nothing. Let's get some lunch. I'm starving."

"Tell me Anastasia!" My tone is more forceful than I wanted it to be. She instantly frowns. Crap, don't blow it already. I soften voice and ask again. "Ana, please tell me."

She explains their conversation earlier in which he told her that's he needs to get out more, be young and do wild and crazy things – things that could get us arrested. "When he whispered in my ear, he said he's a hottie. Look at Betty drooling over him. This is definitely the person you should do naughty things with." I take it all back; I really like Pastor John.

The car isn't out front. I look up and see Taylor. He's about a few parking spaces away from the building. I take Ana's hand again and walk towards him. "Hi Jason!" Ana shouts and waves. "Christian, why's your brother here? Is he coming with us?" Damn, I forgot. I let her think Jason is my older brother. I have to put an end of this. Explain that it was mix up. How do you mix up someone being your sibling?

"Ana, about Jason. When I introduced you, I said he's my brother. Actually he's not." She stops mid step and drops my hand. Total confusion is written all over her face.

"Why would you say that he is when he isn't?"

"Well…I mean…Jason is…"

"I'm not sure what's going on Christian. You don't need to make things up." She steps back from me. "Maybe lunch wasn't such a good idea."

I know I should have been up front with her in the beginning. Now, she's going to run. Just the thought of her not being in my life is sickening. It's at that moment, that very second, I know I will do whatever I can to keep her in my life. She's been on my mind and a part of me since we met. Any control I thought I had in this situation is totally slipping away.

TPOV

Some of the people wandering in and out of this church, oh man, they all look crazy with a capital K. If I didn't already know that they're all harmless, just here for a sermon and a good meal, there's no way I would have let the boss go in there alone. What the fuck? That guy barked at me. The boss better hurry up or I'm going in to pull him out kicking and screaming if I have to.

One of women that were sitting on the steps comes over to me. "Hi." She says. She's a tiny elderly woman, definitely less than 5 feet tall, with silver thinning hair and a cane looking up at me.

"Ma'am." I respond and give her a quick nod. I don't know what she wants but she's elderly no need to be rude.

"Are you going to come in or stand out here all afternoon? There's always room for one more. No need to stand out here all by your lonesome. I 'd be happy to show you around." This woman couldn't possibly be flirting with me. She's not a day under 80. No, she's someone's grandma. She's just being nice.

"Thank you ma'am but no I will not be able to attend."

"Ok. If you change your mind…come… on in…ask for Betty." She gives me a biggest wink and scuttles away back to her hen. Holy shit she was flirting. It's nice to know I still got it with all the ladies. A van pulls up and I have to back the car so the elderly and disabled it's carrying don't have to walk as far. I was able to back up a few spaces to an empty spot. The boss should be able to see me when he comes out.

"Hey Christian." I hear a male voice call out. "Please DON'T bring her home at a respectable hour." That's when I see them. Wow, that Anastasia is an absolute beauty. The boss better do right by this little girl; she seems too sweet and innocent for him. Whatever she is the boss is attracted to her like a moth to a flame. Watching them walk towards me, I have to admit they are a fine looking couple.

A few feet away, I hear the boss start to tell her that he and I have no familial bonds. Shit she's pulling away from. The boss looks like he'll pass out. If this woman leaves him, I don't think he could take it. He got himself into this mess. There was no need to starts things like that. Damn, he's stammering his words. I have to admit that seeing him act, what's the right word, human in interesting to see. But, I know how much I love my Gail and the thought of her leaving me; well I couldn't bear it either. It is my job to save his sorry ass from guns and kidnappers. Is a broken heart also on that list?

Stepping forward, "Good afternoon Miss. Steele is my baby brother being his difficult self again?" I ask giving her my best smile. The boss looks like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Jason, your so called brother is confusing me." He confused me too and now you're his accomplish dummy.

Looking directly at the boss, "Baby brother, what have you been telling this little lady? Disowning me again, huh?"

I try to visually convey to him that I got his back and not to mess this up. He turns to her, "Ana, it's not that we aren't brothers. It's that we're not…not biologically related. We're both adopted." That's right Grey dig that hole even deeper.

She's smiling at him again. "Is that what you meant; that you don't share a blood line. I don't care about stuff like that. Family is family no matter how it was created. I see Rachel as my sister. We're not related. We're not even the same race." She gives him a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm sorry Ana. I didn't mean to upset you. Please forgive…"

"No need to apologize Christian. Let's eat."

I open the door for her. "Thank you kind sir." She says with a curtsy. "Christian, I think this driver of yours is a keeper." I hear a giggle as she climbs in the car. Closing the door, the boss gives me this look and a nod.

"Sir, let's go."

A/N Thanks again for all the reviews & follows & favorites. Please let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.