Disclaimer: I do not own Fifty Shades of Grey or the characters, as they belong to EL James.
This is my first attempt at writing fan .
Okay, so this chapter is a little more in keeping with the books, but there's still a surprise or two. I find Ana too easy. First relationship, first guy. I've been there, and yes, it's easier to fall back into old habits rather than stay strong, but this wasn't an easy break up, so she's going to stick to her plan of being anti-Christian Grey, at least for the moment.
And, yes, I've borrowed a little from the books... namely Christian's email to Ana, regarding Jose's show.
Next chapter, I'm changing it up a bit. I wanted to leave this one on a bit of a cliff-hanger but to do that I found myself rushing, so I'm stopping for the moment. Next update may not be for 24 hours. Sad, I know, but I don't want to miss anything, and this next chapter has the potential to either make or break Christian and Ana's relationship.
Don't forget to review, xox S.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Tuesday is much the same as Monday. A single yellow Rose turns up on my desk, delivered before I arrive, and I spent the rest of the day ignoring it, while concentrating on my job and the work Jack assigns me.
And on Wednesday it's much the same. Jack is starting to annoy me. I hope he doesn't think that because I have issues with an ex, that gives him an excuse to worm his way in, because that won't be happening. Besides, I'm still not over Christian.
Its then my email pings, alerting me to the fact that I have a new email. Please don't be Christian, please don't be Christian. I chant quickly under my breath, so that only I can hear.
But it is.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:05
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Anastasia
Forgive this intrusion at work. I hope that it's going well. Have you been getting the Roses? I note that tomorrow is the gallery opening for your friend's show, and you don't have a car, and it's a long drive. I would be more than happy to take you—should you wish. Let me know.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Jose's show! I hadn't forgotten, but at the same time I hadn't given any thought to how I was going to get to the gallery opening. Damn it! Why hadn't Jose called me? Oh, right. Stupid Blackberry, my phone was still on divert. I pull out both – my mobile – and the Blackberry Christian gave me. Switching the settings on the Blackberry, I find Jose's number and call, looking around quickly to make sure that Jack is still in his office.
"Hi, José. It's Ana."
"Hello, stranger." His tone is so warm and welcoming it's almost enough to push me over the edge again.
"I can't talk long. What time should I be there tomorrow for your show?"
"You're still coming?" He sounds excited.
"Yes, of course." I smile my first genuine smile in five days as I picture his broad grin.
"Seven thirty."
"See you then. Good-bye, José."
"Bye, Ana."
Next I type a response to Christian's unwanted and rather intrusive email.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:25
To: Christian Grey
Christian,
Yes, I got the Roses. I wish you wouldn't keep sending them, as it only makes this harder. I've already organised to catch a ride with a friend, but thanks anyway.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
I exhale, letting out the breath I'd been holding, partially unaware I'd even been holding it, and wait for Christian's reply.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:27
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Anastasia
Perhaps I'll see you there then.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
What? No! Damn you, Christian. Why can't you just get the message? Having him there, at Jose's show, would be a distraction. There's no way I'd be able to enjoy myself with him there.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:32
To: Christian Grey
Christian,
I'd much rather you didn't meet me there. I'm trying to get over you. What about the rules?
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP
His reply is almost instantaneous.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tomorrow
Date: June 8, 2011 14:33
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Anastasia
Forget about the rules. I just want you. I miss you, Ana.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I close my email in a huff, and get back to the work I need to complete for Jack. If Christian thinks it's as easy as nicely worded emails and Roses, he's got another thing coming. I can't help wonder why he's so insistent. Why am I so different than all the other fifteen? He didn't pursue them, did he? So why me? What have I got that they don't?
The thought continues to plague me. Trying to sleep seems pointless, and it isn't until a little after two in the morning that I'm able to drift off, but once I do, my dreams are far from restful Grey eyes haunt me. His face. That copper hair. Why couldn't I have just said yes when he asked. Even if I leave directly from work, it's still going to take three hours, at best. Which means I won't get to Jose' show until eight. As I don't have a car, or a much needed friend in Seattle to drive me, I'm going to be relying on a taxi, something which which Christian would never allow, if I were still with him. Freedom. Reason #3 AGAINST being with Christian Grey.
