Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx A
After a better nights sleep than I thought possible, especially with all that was playing on my mind, I pull up in front of the most beautiful house I have ever seen. Before I even have a change to even appreciate it, the front door swing's open, and a well groomed looking lady approaches me, smiling broadly extending her hand. I take it nervously and we shake,
"Hi... You must be Ana?... I am Dr Trevelyn Grey, but please call me Grace, do you need a hand with anything? I can get..." she look's toward a man stood in the doorway of the house, but I shake my head declining her offer,
"No it's fine, this is only a small job, so not much is needed, I can manage" I start to take the thing's I need, out of the back of the van. She turn's, nod's at the man in the doorway and he disappears back into the house, she smile's at me. She seem's lovely "Thank you anyway" I flush slightly nibbling on my lip, I hope to god he isn't here...
"Not at all, my pleasure, you have come highly recommended, not just anyone can please Mia" she laughs softly "So she has convinced me, that the firewall in the dining room, need's attending to... So please follow me" still chewing my lip and trying hard not to drop my things with shaking arms, we head for the house.
We enter the house and it's beautiful, warm homey, even in the harsh light of day, it's welcoming, full of love and I'm keen to see what I have to do, this place seem's perfect.
Entering the dining room, we head for the firewall, and I can't help but get a strange feeling and instantly visualize it now being red, my breath catches and it doesn't escape her,
"Are you ok dear?" she ask's with a slight frown, I smile,
"Yes fine... What colour have you chosen?" I ask, eager to begin, so I can get out of here,
"Well Mia suggested Red, she was very impressed with what you did at Christian's apartment, but I think that might close the room up a bit too much, what do you think?" she look's at me, awaiting my answer,
Totally against, having to use that colour again, I quickly agree "Yes your right" glancing around, taking in the room, my thought's flicker, "Do you intend to hang anything on the wall?" I ask,
"Well yes... I have a large painting that sit's above the fire, it is quite dark in colour"
"Well then you could use a rich cream, something warm, it will contrast well in here with the forest green walls you have now and give a neutral background for your painting" I look expectantly, awaiting her agreement,
"That's sound's wonderful, Gia sent over a variety of colour's, they are just outside, in a cage near the garage" I nod and turn to head out,
"Would you like a drink? Coffee, tea... Something cold? This must be thirsty work" she laugh's trying to ease me, can she feel my tension. I'm really trying to contain it, but she's a Dr after all, so can probably read my body pretty well,
"Tea would be nice, English breakfast if you have it, if not, something cold would be just as good" I blush slightly, god only know's why, but I get a really strong feeling, that she is being overly nice, and also that I am being watched much more closely, she nod's and smile's,
"How do you take your tea?"
"No milk or sugar, and with the bag out please" I look at her and her face show's amusement, she giggle's as she say's,
"So you want a cup of hot water?" she jokes,
I feel myself redden as I return her smile "Technically yes" I giggle,
"Okay coming right up" she leaves the room and I can't help but like her, she seem's such a nice lady, her son must be... NO... I haven't got time for daydreaming. The sooner I start, the sooner I finish, I go off in search of paint,
I head outside, this place is amazing, but I still feel uncomfortable being here, like eyes are on me constantly, I suppose that comes with the territory of the job, but I still can't help feeling it's more. I hope he doesn't know that I'm here, I need to get this finished as soon as possible. Thankfully, I notice Gia has sent over a good selection of neutral toned paint, she had the same idea. Grabbing what I need, I head into the house. After setting up, opening and mixing the paint, loading my tray I begin, I start to climb my small ladder, to begin cutting in the paint at the ceiling line, when I hear Grace enter the room,
"Here's your tea dear" she walks towards me, carrying a small tray containing two cups, I step off the ladder, place down my tray and accept the cup from her, a bit dubious of the second cup,
"Here, sit before you start" she offer's hopefully, gesturing to the dining table, and I realize I would like to, she's lovely, I smile,
"Thank you, and thank's for the tea, not many people have this hiding away in their cupboards"
"My housekeeper share's you taste's, but she doesn't take it quite so pale" she notice's my quick dip of the bag, and we can't help but laugh. I feel at ease with her, she seem's really nice, the idea of bombarding her with the endless question's I have about her son, hits me, but I soon bat that idea down,
"This is a lovely room, so welcoming..." I blush, saying the first this that enter's my head,
"Well thank you, we like it and it gets used quite a bit, so where happy" we both lift our cup's unsure of what to do now, a short silent sit's between us. I'm biting my lip, so that I don't let my need for information about her son embarrass me, she feel's it to, I think, so open's the conversation,
"Mia said you have worked wonder's with Christian's apartment, how did that turn out? I have no real detail's from Mia, I am keen to see the change's you have made" she sip's her drink, looking at me over her cup,
Blushing slightly, I can't help but gush "Oh I didn't do too much really, the place was wonderful anyway, I just felt it needed... Warming up a touch... Mia had her own ideas, but I used my own instincts and judgement, and used the colour's I felt the place needed... It felt lonely somehow... So I tried to change that, Mia was happy but I'm not too sure about Mr Grey... Not that I..." I flush, stutter and grab my teacup as a distraction, realizing I have said way to much, and once again here eye is sharp, as she notice's my reaction,
"Don't worry about Christian dear, his bark is much worse than his bite" she joke's, eye's gleaming,
"But he seemed so mad, I hope Mia isn't into much trouble, she meant..."
"She will be fine, Christian has a very large soft spot, for his over bearring and meddling sister, so please don't worry, Chrsitian must be very happy" she is trying hard to be reassuring. We're both quiet for a bit, I quickly try and finish my tea, she can sense my nerves I think, noticing I am eager to rise but before I can escape she engages me again,
"Was there much change needed at Christian's apartment?"
"No not at all, a few touch's of colour, a few accessories, on the whole the place was great" I hope he think's so too,
"Didn't you mind rattling around Christian's place by yourself? You weren't put off by the size?"
"No I didn't mind being there on my own" and it just dawn's on me, that not once did I feel alone either "I felt safe there somehow" I look up blushing, god what a brain to mouth malfunction, Grace just smile's sipping her cup, but her eyes are wide.
I never realized you were supposed to spend so much time with the customer, but if it help's her feel more at ease, that's fine, she is letting a stranger into her home after all. she does still seem a bit reluctant, to let me start working,
"So how did you become a decorator? What other job's have you had?" she breaks the silence again,
I am not sure what to tell her, god, this is only my second job, but the truth feels right,
"Well to be honest... And don't hold it against me, but your son's home was my first job" I bite my lip, her eye's widen and I don't know if it's disappointment or shock, but thankfully I can allow myself to smile, when she laugh's heartily,
"Well you have certainly landed on your feet, when I spoke to Gia earlier she sang your praises, Mia was very happy with Christian's place, which reflected well on her, so she is a very good contact for you to have, you should do well. I wish you lot's of luck in your new career" she nod's her head approvingly, I feel I can breath easy,
"Thanks" I stand, she follow's suit,
"Now I will leave you to it, just yell if you need anything" and with that she remove's our crockery and leaves the room, a wide smile on her face, that I can't help return, turning to the wall I finally make a start.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx G
As I leave the dining room, I can't help turn round to glance at Ana from the doorway. Watching her plug in her iPod and start to climb the ladder, paint tray in hand she start's to sing softly to herself. I sigh and wonder if Mia is right about Christian's interest, I can certainly see why he would be interested, she's seem's lovely. I turn, cross the hall and enter the kitchen and as I do the breath leaves me. Christian is standing in the kitchen, leaning on the main island looking lost at the box of Tea bags I dug out for Ana, he doesn't notice me as I enter the room,
"Christian what are you doing here?... Christian..." my voice finally reaches him and he frown's slightly, looking at the box in his hand, as he place's it back on the counter, before mumbling,
"I was just passing, so thought I would..." he approaches and I greet him, standing back I look at him, he never just drop's by, I wish he would, he's always so busy, so maybe... Just maybe... Mia is right,
"Christian are you going to explain to me why I have a woman painting my dining room at your insistence?" a thought occurs "Christian how long have you been in here?" I can't help ask, I notice him flinch slightly,
"I have just arrived" he states firmly, but I notice the slight blush and his agitation, just like when he was a small boy caught lying to his father. I contain my grin,
"Why is she here Christian? Not that I mind, she has a good eye and the dining room will look better for it, but..." he cuts me off, rushing his words slightly,
"Mother, I was very satisfied with what she did at Escala, so I wanted to make sure she was kept busy" I notice his agitation, still trying to fight through his hard perfected demeanor, "All tradesmen, or women, need to build up a porfolio, what better way to head that, than with recommendation's from two of the most..." his voice is authorative, but I'm not fooled,
"Christian be serious, it's Saturday... Why the insistence for urgency? We could have done this anytime..." I notice is hand's running through his hair, a sure sign that my guess is right,
"Mother I don't know... I..." I can't help but react to his apprehension, as Mia's thought's and optimism come's further to mind, I try to ease him, stepping toward's him closer, I gently rub his arm, he look's down at me, eye's wide,
"Do you like her Christian?" he seem's so lost, but then... He has never done this before, he has never brought anybody special home. No rumors of relationship's, I've never even seen a picture of him entertaining in the press, he need's this, he so deserve's to be happy. My heart bleeds, as I watch all sort's of emotions he can't control, flash across his face... Then he's back, the cold, hard CEO, that he hide's all of his insecurity's behind, the hurt and loneliness I know he feels, can never be hidden fully. I cheer inwardly knowing that Mia is right... Once he's composed, I feel him stiffen, I step back, his eyes soften,
"No mother I..." his soft voice mumbles,
"Christian... Come in and meet her, say hello, I will introduce you both" I look at him hopefuly but he stiffen's further and I know he feel's nervous, no matter how deep it's hidden. He look's at me and his eyes look so sad,
"No Mom... The last time we met I... I was so angry, I think I scared her... I don't want her falling off her ladder again, no matter how small these one's are" he look's sheepish, a very, very rare look, for Chrisitan, and my eyebrows raise. How does he know her ladders are only small?... He's been watching her, I knew he was lying, has he been here the whole time? I smile inwardly and decide to let that go for now, trying to lighten thing's I pick up on something else he said,
"Falling again Christian?" he frown's and shakes his head slowly,
"Never mind Mom... Mom would you... Would you talk to her..." his eyes soften, he steps forward and takes my hand's, such a rare gesture, and my heart wrenches. I so feel for him, I have never seen him like this before, so I need to help him,
"Of course dear... What about?" he look's at me so unsure of what to ask, but his face is so eager,
"Find out if... If I scared her, I screamed at her I... She must be..." his voice drifts off, he is just staring now at our joined hands. I have never seen him this out of sort's before, the cold hard CEO has well fallen away. In second's he is the boy I know, asking for thing's at Christmas he never thought he deserved... Oh when will he believe? I start to rub the back of his hand, looking him in the eye, I whisper gently,
"Of course Christian... Don't worry, stay and I..." he interrupts,
"No, I have to go Mother, I don't want to upset her...she's working I would only..." he shrugs, and looks resigned,
"Fine, I will ring you later" he turn's to leave but has second thought's. As he reach's into his pocket, he turn's back around and step's closer to me, doubt swimming in his eye's,
"Mom would you give her this?" he hand's me his business card for GEH, and I notice he's wrote his personal phone number down on the back along with a time of 11am. My eyebrow's lift, this is so not him, "Just give it to her Mom, when she finishes, but only if you think..." his face is torn, my face soften's and he realizes he is giving too much away, I sigh as his demeanor changes, as he collects himself, the negotiator is back, "Just tell her there is another job available if she want's it" he shuffles slightly on the spot and I think he is thinking about more than work, "Tomorrow my office... Tell her I want her to paint my head office, the same as my office at home... Exact same colour" a small smile is on his lip's, this means something to him,
"What colour was that Christian" I ask lightly, he looks into my eye's as he answers,
"Blue, powder blue" he seem's calmer now, but his anxiety is still there. What if she won't go? he would be so disappointed,
"You do realize that it is Sunday tomorrow, let the girl rest" I try to joke, but the look on his face make's me think, that even tomorrow isn't soon enough for him. He lean's in to kiss me goodbye, I willingly hold up my cheek. He kiss's me swiftly and squeezes my shoulders gently, trying to show his thanks, I wish he would just hug me, or allow me to just hold him, he needs the comfort. But as always he step's away. He quickly turn's to leave, but as he does, I stop him,
"Christian" he looks back at me, a slightly scared look to his face "Everything will be fine... I will talk to her, but I don't think you have anything to worry about, she seem's fine, you didn't scare her too much, I'm sure" his eye's widen hopefully, "Go Son... We'll talk later, I love you Christian" I tell him truthfully, he smile's widely for the first time,
"I know Mom, Thanks I..." he shrug's looking a little uncomfortable and marches out of the kitchen.
Maybe... Just maybe... Mia is right... And a little meddling is needed.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx C
As I drive away from my Mother's house, I can't seem to calm my breathing. I pull over and notice my hands are still gripping the steering wheel tightly. What if she won't come tomorrow? Maybe I should go back, have mother introduce us... I need to meet her... But no I can't... I feel so out of control right now my mother would surely notice, if she hasn't already that is. What would I say?... I sigh heavily and rest my head on the steering wheel.
From the minute she arrived, I was transfixed. I got to Mom's early, parking at the side of the house out of sight, waiting eagerly until she arrived. Once she entered the house, I then slipped into the kitchen, ignoring the strange glance's, I was getting from Mom's housekeeper.
I hid in the place I use to, when I was a child and needed to hear Mom and Dad talk about me, when I needed reprimanding. God I still felt like a child, but I didn't care. I so needed to hear her voice, it was soft, musical, beautiful, and her giggle... I was so thankful Mom was chatting to her, making her feel at ease. I could see her tension as she drove in, but Mom helped open her up... When I heard her talk about Escala, what she thought what she felt... I was hanging off her every word, she said she felt safe, was that as true after she saw my playroom? I hope so... I so wanted to meet her but I couldn't.
In the last 24hours, this woman has soaked into every pore of me, seeped in deep and I don't think I would of been able to control my need to touch her If I was close to her. I have so many questions, so many things I want to say...but I can't frighten her further, I need to talk to her alone... I so hope she comes tomorrow.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx A
I step off my ladder and reach for the fan, just then I feel a presence behind me, I look up quickly and relax when I see it's just Grace. She approaches smiling, looking very happy, I hope it's because of the wall, but I feel it's something more,
"How you getting on dear?" she looks around approvingly,
"Fine, I just need to let the fan's do their job for half an hour, with going over such a dark colour, a few coat's are needed but it shouldn't take long, I was just going to go and sit in my van and eat some lunch" I see her eyebrows lift,
"There's no need for that, please share lunch with me, my husband just called he is still caught up, so won't be coming home, I would enjoy your company, so please join me" she ask's hopefully and I find that I want to,
"If your sure" I question,
"I'm very sure" and she gently rub's my arm "Come I will show you where you can wash up,"
Unzipping my white's, I step out of them, thankfully, I am wearing jean's and a not so skimpy T. I follow her into the hall and she leads me, to a down stairs cloak room. After nipping the loo and washing my hands and face, I quickly head back to the main hall way. The man I saw earlier appears, he smile's,
"This way Miss Steele" and jestures with his arm, for me to enter a corridor. Heading down the corridor, I notice lot's of other room's each lovingly decorated and attired. At the end of the corridor, it open's out into a lovely sunny glass morning room, full of wicker furniture and large potted plants, it is a wonderful space,
"Come Ana sit down" Grace is seated at a small table near the window, I reach her and sit down,
"More tea?" she offers, I nod, she nods down at the table, "Please help yourself, you must be hungry?" in front of me is a selection of sandwiches and finger food, I dig in as best I can, I'm still uneasy but you do work up an appetite, with a physical job,
"Mia has been on the phone" she looks at me, a slight flush hit's her cheeks, "She want's me to invite you for dinner..."her face fall's slightly, as I blurt out an attempt to refuse,
"Oh I couldn't possibly..."
"Mia insisted, said she wanted to really 'Thank you' for cheering Christian up ..." I tune out a little, as a thought cross's my mind. I thought Mia was going to avoid Christian? How does she know he's happy? She must of given in and spoken to him. He probably pesterd her to death, or sent his right hand man to retrieve her from the spar. I glance up and flush, as I see Grace studying my face,
"Please Ana... Mia would really like to thank you" she simply states but I have that feeling once again, she is trying to say more,
"But I couldn't possibly intrude, I could meet Mia in a rest.." my voice falters, as she talks over me,
"You wouldn't be intruding Ana, honestly... Mia suggested Monday night, she is home then so..." I tune out again, as my thoughts start swirling. She's inviting me to dinner, what on earth do I say? Half of me would love.. oh..
"I'm so sorry... but I already have plans for Monday evening" I say gratefully, sighing with relief,
"You do?" she seem's so disappointed, I nod,
"Yes, my room mate Kate, has been out of town, and well... She is home on Monday, so we have arranged to go out to celebrate..." I flush "My new found career" her face light's up,
"Well, what would be a better way... Than having dinner, with your first, two very satisfied customers" she gushes, this is getting weird now,
"I am sorry, but I couldn't let Kate down, she..." I try to turn her down again,
"Bring her with you" I raise my eyebrows, she really doesn't want to let this go, is Mia that hard to say not to? Or do they always open their home to relative stranger's? I don't know what to say now, our conversation has bantered back and forth, like a tennis match and I don't really know, where I stand now,
"But" is all I can manage,
"It's fine dear honestly, the more the merrier, Mia love's to make new friend's just look at you" she smiles openly, I can't help but smile back. I did enjoy my night out with Mia, she was fun, loud, but fun, I don't think I could party with her all the time, I thought Kate could... Grace's voice pull's me from my thoughts,
"Shall I tell Mia, you can be here Monday night, she will..." I don't know where it comes from, but before I can stop myself its out there...
"Will Mr Grey be here?" biting my lip I hold my breath, and glance up at Grace, her face is warm her eye's soft,
"Have you met him Ana?" I know my face is on fire, so I look away,
"Sort of... But it didn't go very well" the heat is still in my cheeks "He knocked me off my ladder" I hear Grace gasp, so I quickly continue "He caught me though...I" my voice drifts off.
At the memory of that physical contact we shared, my mind goes blank. I notice Grace smile and the glint in her eye gets brighter, "He was so angry, I couldn't even speak... I felt..." I halt my words quickly, I have said way to much... Again,
"Don't be afraid of him Ana... As I say, his bark is much worse than his bite" she places her hand on mine, which I am nervously wringing in my lap "Ana... Christian is good man, if you look past the hard, business man, exterior, there is a good man buried in there, a kind hearted man. Granted he has a temper... But for those he cares about, he... Well he is my son... So I am biased of course... But..." she flushes, and I know she is now worried, about having said to much herself.
I can't help my smile, and I feel a bit better. Knowing that the good man, I thought I felt in that apartment, is in some ways true. No matter what that room may mean to him, be a part of him, he has a good family behind him so...
"Please Ana come to dinner... Christian won't be here, and Mia really would like to see you again, please feel free to bring your friend, your both more than welcome" and I can't help my nod. I feel I need to make her happy and for some strange reason, I know this does. She smiles brightly, happy in herself,
"Okay, thank you... Now I think that wall will be dry, so if you don't mind I will just carry on, thank you for lunch" I stand, smile and head out of the room, wondering what the hell just happened. She is as persuasive as Mia, I can see where she gets it from, shaking my head I reach the dining room.
The wall is finally covered and drying, it does look good, works well. I notice the painting that hang's there, leaning covered in bubble wrap against the opposite wall and yes it will look good hung up. I have gathered my thing's, loaded my van, written out an invoice and I am now standing in the hall, waiting for Grace,
"Hello... Grace..." I call out, she appears from a room close by,
"Are you finished dear?" I nod and she pops her head into the dining room before reaching me, she nod's, "It look's wonderful, thank you"
"You're very welcome" I say as I hand her my envelope, she places it on a nearby table not even glancing at it. She approaches me cautiously, playing with something in the hands,
"Here" she step's to me and hand's me a small business card, a small pale grey business card, for Grey Enterprises Holding. My heart pounds and my breath hitches, Grace pretends not to notice. I turn the card over in my hand, it has a number and time on the back, I look at grace and she read's my puzzled expression,
"Christian asked me to give you this... He has a job for you, tomorrow, if you want it... He will understand, if your prefare not to work on a sunday, but he thought it best, with no staff under your feet" I feel her willing me on, I try to speak and can't. I open my mouth to speak so many times I must look like a demented gold fish.
My thought's are everywhere, why would he?... "It seem's you have impressed him, he mentioned wanting the same colour, that you used in his home office, in his main office at Grey House" I still stand there shocked, even more so now, he liked it, he understood, he...
"What colour did you use?" she asks quietly,
"Blue" I whisper, then find my voice, "Sorry... Blue, a soft powder blue" I'm still just staring at his card in my hand, I raise my eye's, when I hear Grace's soft chuckle,
"What is it?" I can't help ask with a frown, she just shakes her head softly and smiles,
"Nothing dear... Look... I'm keeping you, think about tomorrow, 11am at that address, Ana it will be fine, don't worry and don't forget to charge him double time" she joke's with a reassuring smile,
"Thank you grace" I mumble,
"No, thank you dear, it has been a pleasure to meet you, I will hopefully see you on Monday" she smiles warmly and we shake hands as we part, but I swear she would have hugged me, given half the change. My thought's are still scrambled, as I leave the house and attempt to drive home.
Half a mile down the road I have to pull over, my thoughts are to distracting that I should not be driving,
My head is resting on the steering wheel and I breathe deeply, trying to calm myself. I let out a scream and jump in my seat, as my phone starts to ring. Pulling it from my bag, I sigh, relieved to see its Kate,
"Hi Ana, how's it going? I'm definitely home Monday, everything has gone great here, so nice early flight home..." she gushes, as I interrupt,
"Oh Kate, I'm so sorry... I have sort of been talked into going for dinner on Monday night I... I'm not sure though... What if?... She said he wouldn't but what if he is? What if he?..." I'm mumbling now, not even making sense, to my own ears,
"Ana what the hell's wrong with you? You sound all over the place, what's happened?" she shout's urgently,
"Kate... Well I got another job and now they have asked me for dinner... And Chrisitan Grey has given me his card, he want's me to work at his office tomorrow and..."
"Whoa back up Steele, Christian Grey want's you to what..." she asks,
"Paint his office... But I don't know if I should, what if?..." I don't even know what I'm thinking, never mind saying, but Kate has her opinion obviously, she shout's, clearing my head slightly,
"Most definitely go Ana, hey I have a file at home on him, dig it out and memorize the questions, that I have had out lined for him... since forever, there is also a little recorder..." I gasp, unable to truly tell, if she is joking or not, god I hope so,
"Kate I couldn't possibly... I" she laugh's easing me,
"I'm joking Steele... Look start at the beginning, you're still not really making much sense"
I take a deep breath and try to clear my head and make sense of all of this, "Well first, I did Mr Grey's apartment, them Mia told her Mom, so I have just finished working there... As I was leaving, she informed me that Mr Grey, wanted his main head office painting, just like his home office so... No I can't... Kate the place will be empty... It's Sunday, what if..." the thought of being alone with him, fills me with dread, I so want to meet him, but I don't think I could, I...
"What on earth can happen Ana? Go stay professional... You obviously impressed him so..."
"But Kate he can be so... I can't be alone with him" I hear her huff,
"Of course you can Ana, what could possibly happen? Look... I know where you are, if you have not rang me, after a certain time, I will send in the national guard, how does that sound?" I hear her amusement and I can't help my giggle, as I know Kate probably could get them to swoop in, "But Ana, where does Monday night fit into all of this? Who has asked you to dinner?" her tone is more than a little bemused,
"Well that's just it... It's his Mother... She..." a gasp leaves her, causing me to smile,
"What Dr Grace Trevaylan Grey have invited you to dinner... On Monday night... And your really considering turning them down... God Ana, if they had..." her voice is loud, shocked,
"They said I could bring you, I try'd to explain you were home and that I have plan's with you, but Grace didn't want to take no, for an answer... What should I do kate?... Do you want to go to dinner at the Grey's?..." I jump and pull my phone from my ear as I hear Kate Yell,
"FRICKEN HELL...YES...".