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After earning the bucket of ice cream from gramps and embarrassing my family with my all too honest answer, we move the family time into the living room and enjoy the rest of the night. Grandma brings out coffee and tea, but I decline and lick my ice cream filled spoon, enjoying how everyone continues to avoid my gaze.
"So, when do you start work Phoebe?'' Aunt Mia asks as we all begin to settle down.
"This Monday," she answers happily.
"So soon?'' Dad questions, still not entirely happy at the thought of his baby girl working, "You just got back from Europe, I'm sure you're still on Monaco time…"
"I need to be trained daddy and besides, I've been traveling since I was a baby. Jetlag has nothing on me," she replies from her spot on the floor, where she and our cousins were playing a round of poker.
"I'm just-"
"Oh, Christian. Let her be, she's an adult and having a job will do wonders for her," grandma smiles, running her hands through Phoebe's copper hair.
Dad grumbles, knowing he won't win against any Grey lady. They were fearsome creatures, the lot of them but they were all loved.
"Exactly what are you gonna do anyway Phebes?'' Uncle Elliot asks.
"Planning the art shows, setting up which art should be displayed, helping with the galas, and selling the art to rich people," she tells him as she wins the first round of the game.
"Your dad doesn't count, Phebes," Elliot teases.
"They never said to whom I had to sell the art to," she smirks and then looks at us all, "but you're all going to buy a piece from me, right?''
We all laugh at her question, knowing well what our answers had to be. Phoebe Coleen Grey always got her way and God forbid she didn't. We would all be adding new artwork to our homes in a matter of weeks and it didn't matter if we wanted it or not.
"Of course darling," gramps replies.
"As long as you sell me the picture where the dogs are playing poker, I'm in," Elliot jokes, earning a horrified face from my sissy.
"Uncle Lelliot! That is not art!'' She huffs.
"Well, someone made it," he shrugs.
"Just because someone can color without getting out of the lines, does not mean its art," she glares, telling him to drop the subject.
"I don't know Phe…That art piece is known all over the world," Uncle Ethan adds.
"You two know NOTHING of art," she fires back, throwing a pillow at them.
"Stop teasing her," Aunt Kate giggles at her brother and husband, before glancing at Phoebe. "We'll take whatever you say is in style."
"Don't tell her that. By Monday your house might look like Liberace's," I laugh.
"I have better taste than that," Phoebe says, turning her glare towards me.
"So you say," I tease, earning a pillow to the face.
"Just because of that, I'm going to get you the sad clown painting," she smirks.
"Phoebe don't call yourself a clown, it's alright that in your first Christmas picture you were crying like a banshee," I laugh as she gasps.
"DADDY!'' She shrieks.
"Theodore, don't call your sister a clown," he orders me, but I know he isn't mad. His eyes hold that fatherly love, the one he always gives us no matter what mess Phoebe or I created.
Phoebe smirks as dad defends her; till this day she was a daddy's girl and she loved every minute of it.
….
….
….
"I win again!'' Phoebe yells as she collects her money.
"What the hell!'' Uncle Elliot shouts. "How did you win again?''
"Please, she's the mogul's daughter. She knows how to get the cash," Aunt Kate teases her husband as he pouts, handing Phebe's the money.
"She's always been smart at making money,'' dad agrees. "Remember when she sold us lemonade for a hundred the cup?''
We all laugh, remembering the time Phoebe opened her own lemonade stand. She had been about six at the time, after watching her cartoons where the main character opened her own lemonade stand, Phoebe Coleen Grey had to do the same. Of course, dad would never allow her to actually sell lemonade to complete strangers or look like she needed the money, so instead she sold it to us. Only problem, the lemonade was pricier than most. Everyone thought she would love the business world like dad, but she had given up lemonade to take up jewelry making and that had been a bust also.
"The most expensive lemonade I've ever had to purchase and it didn't even come with alcohol," Elliot agrees.
Phoebe giggles at the memory, she really was the cutest kid. After me of course.
"I don't come cheap," she smiles, counting her winnings.
"You guys keep playing and Phoebe will own your car," mom jokes.
"My car isn't pink," he chuckles, knowing Phoebe's world revolved around all shades of pink.
"I can always have it painted," Phoebe shrugs, making Elliot go as white as a ghost.
"You wouldn't," he says.
"Try me. One more round or are you a chicken?'' She taunts, looking just like our dad when he knows he's about to win.
Everyone "OH's'' at her comment, knowing Elliot Grey doesn't step out of a dare.
"You're on. If you win, you get my truck but if I win…''
Phoebe nods, telling him to go on.
"You have to dress like a tomboy and go out in public,'' he tells her, laughing like a madman.
Phoebe gasps in outrage. Hell would have to freeze over for her to dress like a man. She was a total girly-girl and it was all thanks to dad.
"Chicken?'' Elliot mocks.
"Fine, but you won't win. When I have your truck, she's going to be pink and I'll even name her Princess Buttercup Sprinkles,'' Phoebe replies, cracking her fingers.
"I hope you like plaid,'' Elliot counters.
A final bite of ice cream and one round of poker later, the victor is made known.
"YES!'' Phoebe shouts, jumping up and clapping.
"NO!'' Elliot shouts back.
"I won! Oh yeah, Phoebe won," she sings, holding out her hand to our childish uncle.
"Good job dad,'' Ava laughs alongside her mom and everyone else.
"2 out of 3!'' He yells out, not wanting to hand over the keys.
"Nope,'' she replies, popping the "p".
"How about a game of rock, paper, scissors?'' He challenges and does all the hand movements for the games, and loses when he picks rock and Phoebe paper.
"Cough it up Uncle Lelliot or I'll get daddy," she warns, giving our dad a glance with a pout.
Everyone knew that you don't make his little girl pout without dying first.
"My truck," Elliot cries, handing Phoebe the keys.
"Come to mama, Princess Buttercup Sprinkles," she giggles.
"Give him premium only and-"
"Her," Phoebe says.
"Take care of her," he cries harder, pouting his way to grandma.
"You were never good at betting, Elliot," dad laughs as Phoebe shows off her keys to him.
"I'll have to add some bedazzlement to these," she says, making a face at the simple black key set.
Elliot cries even harder at her words and grandma tries soothing him as best she can, while Phoebe asks dad if she can get the truck new pink rims.
I shake my head at my family in amusement. They were annoying at times and invaded my privacy, but God did I love them. I wouldn't change them for the world.
"Speaking of cars," Aunt Mia turns to Mila, "we can't drive you tomorrow to the city. I have to go to the restaurant and your dad is going with Declan to that convention thingy…''
"Mom! I told my friends I could go," Mila huffs, looking like a little girl that didn't get her favorite dessert.
"You will just have to go some other time,'' Aunt Mia shrugs. "Your car will be out of the shop next week.''
"Where were you going to go?'' I ask.
"It's my friends B-Day, we were gonna hit the streets and give Seattle our byes before we leave for college," she pouts.
"You can come stay at Escala," I offer.
"Really?'' Mila asks, giving her parents a pleading glance.
"Oh, Teddy, we wouldn't want to ruin your day. Mila can wait," my aunt replies.
"I have nothing to do until midday. I can drop her off wherever she wants,'' I smile.
"Please mom, please daddy," Mila pouts.
"You don't even have clothes-"
"I have some over there. You can grab whatever you want," Phoebe says, cutting off Aunt Mia.
"See? Please, pretty please with sprinkles on top.''
"Fine," they say in union.
"Yay!'' She jumps up and hugs me. "Thank you, Teddy bear!''
I laugh and hug her back, "You're welcome."
"We can have some cousy time, before I leave," she tells me, happily.
"We are not watching Legally Blonde," I warn her.
"I was thinking Burlesque or maybe The Notebook…''
"No,'' I shake my head.
"Dear John?''
"No, Mila.''
"Fine,'' she pouts.
"But we can go to the farmer's market tomorrow and have breakfast at the wharf,'' I offer.
"Okay!'' She smiles, resting her head on my shoulder.
"Which reminds me. Nickolas says hi, Phoebe," I tell my sister.
"Who?'' She asks and I almost want to call Nick and tell him: I told you so!
"Nickolas Holden," I offer up.
"Oh, is he that cute dark-haired lawyer at GEH?'' She asks.
CUTE? Did she call him cute?
"That's the one,'' I nod.
"Why would Nickolas say hello to Phoebe?'' Dad questions, looking very unhappy.
"Daddy,'' Phoebe whines, "don't start.''
Christian Grey would never stop thinking of Phoebe as his little girl. The little girl that ran to him when she had a problem or needed a hug. The little girl that loved her tutus and carried around her unicorn stuffed animal. Don't get me wrong, Phoebe has gone on dates but she never got passed the first date. Never brought a guy home and always told dad, he was her number one man.
"Tell Nick not to put his attentions where they shouldn't be,'' he tells me, earning a slap to the shoulder from mom.
"Oh, Christian,'' she huffs.
I laugh as they start to discuss Phoebe's love life and for once, not mine.
….
….
….
"Bye nana. Bye gramps," we all say, giving our adoring grandparents hugs and kisses.
"Goodbye, my loves,'' grandma smiles, giving us our respective kisses.
"Bye Uncle Elliot! Thanks for the new car!'' Phoebe waves as our uncle pouts his way to Ava's car.
"Be gentle with him,'' Elliot calls.
"HER!'' Phoebe shouts back, before moving towards me and giving me a hug.
"We need to hang out. Lunch?'' She asks after pulling away.
"Of course. I always have time for you, Phee.''
"I'll stop by the office, Tuesday?'' She asks.
"Perfect,'' I reply, and turn to mom and dad.
"I'll see you guys later,'' I tell them, giving each their own hug.
"Have dinner with us on Sunday,'' mom orders and I have no way out.
"Yes, mother.'' I kiss her on the temple and with Mila in tow we walk towards my car.
"Can I drive?'' She asks, looking at the Audi.
"You wish," I laugh, opening the passenger door and letting her in.
Waving at the family, I pull out of the Bellevue estate and towards Escala. Tonight was something I had really needed and I felt happy.
…
...
…
"Can we watch a movie, pretty please,'' Mila begs as we walk into the elevator.
"Fine,'' I concede, she like the rest of my girl family members had a way of making me do anything they wanted.
"Yes!'' She pumps her fist in the air.
"It can't be something corny,'' I mock glare.
"Phantom of the Opera?'' She asks from under her dark lashes.
I sigh but otherwise agree, walking out of the elevator and into my apartment.
"Mr. Grey,'' Marie greets alongside Thompson.
"Evening,'' I greet back. "Mila will be staying the night, please have the guest bedroom ready for her.''
"Certainly, Mr. Grey. It's a pleasure to have you here, Ms. Kavanagh.''
"Call me Mila, Marie,'' she smiles back at Marie.
"If you wish Miss- Mila.''
One long and tearful musical later, Mila was out like a light and I was heading down the same road.
"Mila,'' I whisper, shaking her gently.
"One more minute, mom,'' she says, swatting me away.
I hold back a chuckle and shake her a little harder, "Mila, you're going to hurt your neck.''
"Huh?'' She mumbles, opening her green eyes.
"You fell asleep. Time for bed,'' I tell her, helping her stand and switching off the television.
"Okay,'' she yawns.
"You'll be staying in Phoebe's usual room, it's the one at the end of the hall. Her clothes are in the closet,'' I tell her, leading her towards the staircase.
"Sounds good cousy. I'll see you in the morning,'' she smiles, pecking me on the cheek.
"Bright and early so we can catch the fisherman at port.''
"K-kay,'' she says, walking up the steps before turning to face me. "Thanks for letting me stay, Teddy. You're the best in the world.''
The best in the world. Why didn't Lillian see that? Did she ever see that?
Olivia's POV.
"All set," I tell Sydney as I finish securing the tent over her stand.
"Thanks, doll. You know you really didn't have to help. I thought you would sleep in after your long week of work,'' she says as she continues placing sweets on the table.
"I love helping you out and the farmer's market is my favorite place to be,'' I smile, remembering all the times my parents and I would spot the fisherman as they docked with their nets loaded of seafood.
"If you say so, but I still think you should have slept in. You've been running all over the place with your new job.''
I shrug her off and sigh as I think of work…as I think of him. This entire week had been spent being ignored by the man of my dreams, literally. I would try my best to please the boss, but he only nodded his head and threw more work my way. I knew we had a rough start but I thought that with our one and only lunch outing…I don't know what I thought.
"Hey, Earth to Liv,'' Sydney calls out, waving her hand in front of my face.
"Sorry, lost in thought,'' I whisper.
"Must've been about your dream,'' she says, throwing a wink as she arranges and rearranges the pastries.
"My what?'' I ask shocked.
"I went to get a glass of milk and I heard some strange sounds coming from your room,'' she replies honestly.
"I…uh…I don't know what you're talking about,'' I blush.
"Maybe this will ring a bell. Oh God, please. More. Uh…faster,'' she laughs.
"Sydney, shush!'' I cover her mouth, worried that someone would hear about my embarrassing night.
"You had a wet dream,'' she giggles.
"Sydney! Please,'' I beg her to quiet down.
"Who was in the dream?'' She continues.
"Sydney! Shut up! I did not have a wet dream about anyone!'' I growl and freeze as I hear a deep chuckle come from behind me.
"What a surprise to see you here, Ms. Hart,'' a beautiful and deep voice greets.
Oh God! Please let this be one of those dreams. The one where I'm standing naked and then I close my eyes to realize I'm not really awake.
I gulp and quickly turn to face the bane of my existence. The man that haunts my dreams. Theodore Grey in all his perfection and next to him a vivacious raven-haired beauty, both dressed in athletic wear but still looking equally beautiful.
"Mr. Grey,'' I whisper, trying not to stare at his lovely companion.
"You work here?'' He questions, glancing at Sydney's pastry filled stand.
"Help. I help here. My cousin,'' I point to Sydney, "she owns it.''
"Sydney Hart,'' my cousin smiles, sticking out her hand for him to shake.
"Ahh, the cousin. Nice to meet you,'' he replies, shaking her hand.
I feel a twinge of jealousy at how easy it is for my cousin to smile and be her confident self, while standing in front of this very intimidating man.
"So you've heard of me,'' she smiles once more.
"Only a bit, but all good,'' he laughs before looking my way, his blue eyes more brilliant than ever.
"Oh, Teddy! You have to try this,'' the raven-hair girl moans, pressing a sample tart to his lips.
I want to rip off her arm as he take a small bite, giving his own little moan. She smiles an annoyingly pearly-white smile his way and licks off the remaining crumbs off of her dainty fingers.
"Can we get some?'' She asks him.
"Get whatever you want, Mila,'' he smiles at the annoyingly pretty girl, before looking at me.
"Where are my manners? This is my little cousin, Mila Kavanagh,'' he introduces the girl and I can already feel myself blushing once more.
Cousin. She was his cousin. Not his girlfriend.
"Oh, cousins,'' Sydney repeats his words, "you don't look anything alike.''
"Sydney!'' I chastise.
"It's alright,'' Mila giggles. "Our parents are adopted siblings.''
"That's right. I'm sorry,'' Sydney blushes.
"Its fine,'' he says, waving off her mistake and then looking back at his beautiful cousin. "Mila, this is Olivia Hart, my assistant.''
"Nice to meet you,'' she smiles politely.
At least she's nicer than his mom.
I offer up my own smile, but I feel like a slug next to her. Even dressed in athletic wear, she stands out with an obvious beauty to her. Just like his mother, Mila holds the same elegance that comes with years of being wealthy.
As an awkward silence begins to set in, Sydney as only she can quickly takes hold of the situation and turns to Mila.
"So, what can I get you?'' She asks Mila.
"Some of these tarts would be great and maybe some of the…''
I don't hear the rest as my attention is kept otherwise occupied by my boss. His blue gaze burning a whole into my face, but I can't look away. I don't want to look away.
"You look lovely,'' he says simply, offering a small and charming smile.
I blush feeling self-conscious as I look down at my simple outfit, consisting of a strappy-back tank, jean shorts, and flip-flops. I wore no makeup and my hair was in a messy bun, nothing like my usually polished self.
"I look horrible,'' I whisper, trying to avoid his gaze.
"Nonsense. You look real,'' he responds back, pulling my gaze back to his.
"Real?'' I ask.
He nods his head as if what he said was the most obvious of comments.
"Your secretary Barbie look isn't as appealing as you are now,'' he says.
"Should I be flattered?'' I ask after a moment.
He shrugs, looking like a bad boy over the future CEO he was to be.
"You do, though. Look lovely, I mean.''
"Thank you, Mr. Grey,'' I whisper again.
"Theo, will do. We aren't at the office and I'm not my father,'' he smiles down at me.
I smile back shyly, but before I can say anything to him our cousins cut in.
"I'm all set,'' Mila tells him, coming to stand by his side.
"Good. How much do I owe you?'' He asks Sydney, pulling his gaze from my person.
"Twenty dollars,'' she replies as she boxes the items away.
"Keep the change,'' he says after handing her a fifty.
"Oh, I couldn't,'' she objects, trying to give him change.
"I insist,'' he orders in his no nonsense tone.
"Please keep the change,'' Mila adds. "The sweets are amazing! I'm going to tell all my friends.''
"Thank you," Sydney smiles at the praise, handing Mila the custom made polka-dot box.
"We should go, Mila,'' he tells his cousin before looking towards me.
"It was nice seeing you, Olivia.''
I almost come undone as he purrs my name, each syllable rolling off his tongue like a musical note.
"You as well…Theo,'' I say, trying out his name.
His eyes flash with an unknown emotion as I whisper his name, as it comes out of my mouth like a prayer. A beautiful prayer.
"It was nice meeting you, Ms. Hart,'' he says to Sydney, looking away from me to acknowledge my cousin.
"Same, Mr. Grey,'' she smiles and then looks towards his cousin. "I hope you enjoy the sweets.''
"I'm sure I will. They look absolutely divine!''
"Let's go, Mila,'' Mr. Grey tells his cousin, taking the box from her and carrying it himself.
As they walk away from the booth and towards the docks, Sydney turns to me like she had just discovered the hidden treasure of some Egyptian pharaoh.
"The dream was about him, wasn't it?'' She asks.
"No!'' I say a little too loudly.
"Oh, no,'' she says, smiling like a Cheshire cat, "it was about him."
"Sydney,'' I growl.
"You like him,'' she says over my growl.
"No!'' I tell her.
"Yes you do!'' She sings.
"No!''
"Yes!''
"No!''
"Yes!''
"Yes, yes I do,'' I sigh. "I like him.''
Small chapter but its better than nothing. I hope you guys enjoyed it!