Chapter 11

Ana scurries into Logan International. Her name was being announced over the intercom. Speedily, she got to the desk. The attendant checks her boarding pass, before escorting her towards business class.

Thank God, Wi-Fi was on board. She emailed Lily her flight details, per her directions. Scanning over her calendar. It seemed she was going to be busy in the next month. Elliot had responded to the pitch sent out. He was satisfied. Thank God. He was a simple client that knew precisely what he required. Some clients took months to choose, basic things. However, he had it down.

Ana answered e-mails, securing appointments and approving designs. She kept her staff apprised of the various projects along with their time margin.

Interaction for Ana was simple. That combined with designing concepts created something special. When IP House launched, it was clear, she was working in a man's world. But it immediately became visible she could work among the big guys. From that, her company expanded into one of the best advertising firms in Seattle, Boston and Chicago. There were moments when she contemplated going bigger, but this was good enough.

Ana smiled, thinking of all she has achieved.

The flight was quiet and moderately relaxing. Ana nods in acknowledgement while the hostess inquired if she was okay. Her eyes began to close. The busy week had left her sleep deprived. Hence a nap was not a bad idea.

Three hours later she was landing at JFK airport. She collects her luggage to meet Hector her diver.

"Hello, Ms Steele. Did you have a pleasant flight?" he inquired accepting her cases.

"Yes, I did."

Lucky for them the traffic was not onerous. Soon, she checked in at the St. Regis Hotel. One of her favourites. The bellhop carried her bags to the Madison Suite, her usual. The room was bathed in bright natural light which overlooked Madison Avenue. The living room was large, isolated from the bedroom by a foyer, and two full bathrooms. She also had access to their signature 24 hour Butler service.

She was sharing her suite with Lily, which was on her way. The door opened and there stood her best friend wearing a cute skirt with a puffed sleeve top.

"Oh my God! I've missed you."

"It shows" Ana responded laughing.

"Our last conversation ended abruptly. What happened?"

"I needed a nap. My thoughts were going crazy with everything I had to do. Next, there was Christian."

"I have the solution right here. We are having dinner at the Astor Court. Next, you are going to call Christian and ask him what he wants. Pair his answer with yours and progress from there." Lily answered.

"That's insane! I can't do that Lil, I'm scared," she explains. "I understand. Still, you must handle your feelings toward Christian. Ana, it's making you crazy" Lily countered. Ana shrugged and dropped herself aggressively on the sofa. "I'm a mess, " she murmured.

"You were not a mess for awhile. I was going to enrol you in a convent, to simply observe how long you'd last." Lily declared flopping down beside her friend. They both burst out laughing.

"Now, tell me about you and Kevin," Ana questioned, placing her head on Lily's lap.

"We broke up two days ago. He cheated with his assistant. Remind me to never trust a Gynecologist."

"Lily. I'm sorry. What a jerk." Ana perched upright comforting a crying Lily.

"Thanks," she returned, wiping tears from her eyes.

The girl chat continued. They caught up on everything, it was like being back in the dorm. A great evening.

"Ana the makeup artist and her team are heading up."

"Okay. I'm going into the shower. Show them where to set up."

Both girls, massaged, waxed and peeled every inch of their bodies. The makeup artists did a wonderful job. Their makeup was natural and understated. It was time to go down for dinner.

Lily was dressed in a daring red Prada floor-length gown with plunging V - neck and revealing back. Ana wore a curve-hugging high-neck sleeveless gown with a seductive side slit. The dramatic long designer dress revealed a peek of the open back including a dramatic train. They entered the restaurant and were seated with menus. Shortly after, the waiter took their orders, leaving them with a complimentary drink from a gentleman by the bar. During dinner, they laughed and chatted some more.

Dinner was lovely. The ladies enjoyed every morsel. Hector came just as they were stepping out. Halfway to the vehicle, Lily turned to Ana.

"Don't be mad, but, I invited my brother's friend Grayson Tiller to escort you. He's an Art major at NYU. He has a really nice body. Perhaps he'll distract you from Christian. Last detail he's in the car. Love you".

"I thought you'd pulled something like this. So I booked a spa day at Juvenex Spa on your credit card. Love you." Ana returns.

"One hundred point for the moxie friend" Lily answered laughing

Hector stopped by the entrance of the red carpet and opened the door for the ladies. They stepped into the excitement of flashing lights from journalists probing questions on what design each attendee was wearing. Lily presented the invitations to the security by the entrance, who ushered the trio in the museum. Greyson was intrigued with the abstract compositions. He was an art major, therefore, this was the holy mecca for him. Some of the arrangements were paintings and expressive pieces done by high school children, who wouldn't have received the opportunity otherwise to show their pieces to such an audience. The money collected, would go to their school's or recreational centres art program.

He was reverenced by the quality painting created. He took a few pictures of displays with the children's allowance. Ana was pleasantly surprised by him. Grayson was six years younger than she was. Through dialogue, she discovered he had a girlfriend studying at Brown University, recently engaged. She saw it strange that at twenty-three years old, he had his relationship figured and she was uncertain about where she stood with Christian.

They move around looking at the displays. She greeted former clients and gave her business card to prospective clients. The attendees were asked to watch a presentation by a street artist who was painting the gala live. His canvas was up, and each stroke he made was sure and confident. Everyone stood and observed attentively, as he worked. Every now again, Grayson would whisper something amusing that a pretentious person said simply to solicit a laugh.

Christian entered the museum, collecting his champagne on his way. He had always admired this sort of exhibition. It was modern and contained genuine emotions. Each brush stroke carried a story. Each photo displayed a sentiment. Most importantly, this was the only time the children display their work to this class of audience. He placed bids on several pieces. Several persons, he was familiar with stopped him along the way to engage in conversation or to seek business. This type of events normally brought together a good clientele. Christian was talking when someone grabbed his attention. He excused himself from the crowd to get a closer look.

"No this couldn't be," he mused.

As he stepped closer to the person giggling hysterically, he realised it was certainly Anastasia Steele. She was in a gorgeous dress that had a plunging v neck. His dick twitched in his pants as he admired her. Before he could approach her Lily accosted him, "I see you're ogling my best friend Mr Grey. Treat her well," with that she walked away, leaving him flabbergasted.

He watched as the strange lady approached Ana and the gentleman. Christian felt his pulse rising, jealousy was the only emotion he was able to conjure. This boy had his hand all over the woman he was trying to charm. He stood there watching as the three interact. The young man whispered something to Ana. She gave a nod and he stepped towards the restroom. Christian took this as an opportunity to engage his competition.

Grayson was leaving the stall to wash his hand when he was approached by the Christian Grey.

"That's a beautiful lady you're escorting"

"Yeah, she is. She's an advertising consultant from Seattle. Sharpe as a whip." he answered smugly. Trying not to embarrass himself around the billionaire.

"Lucky you. How long have you been dating?" Christian pry. But before Grayson answered his phone rang. He excused himself to answer his call leaving Christian pissed. He couldn't help but be upset at Ana. "What was she thinking?" he pondered. "She's thinking that she's a single woman, who can do as she please you idiot" his subconscious hissed.

Ana turned and saw Christain exiting the restroom. She sauntered over to him with a perplexed look on her face.

"Christain, what are you doing here?"

"I come here every year to view exhibits and bid on a few pieces." He returned.

"So where's your arm candy? Isn't he too young for you?" He inquired, jealous.

"What?" Ana shouts.

"Isn't the gentleman whispering to you earlier, too young for you? If it was a younger man you needed Ms Steele, you could have told me," Christian repeated irritated by Ana.

"Oh my God! You're an ass! A crazy ass. Yes! he is a too young for me. Also, Mr Grey, he's engaged and a student at NYU. I have no interest in him whatsoever. My interest lies in a man who no less than a minute ago accused me of being a cougar " she responded, leaving Christian on spot.

Christian was speechless. "What the fuck just happened?" he asked himself. He felt ashamed that Ana had just called him out on his bullshit.

She was interested in him, just as he was in her. He walked towards Ana and the lady that spoke to him earlier. "Christian Grey. We meet again" he introduced himself to Lily.

"Lillian Marcus. Nice to meet you" she responded, shaking his hands.

"Ms Steele. May we speak outside, please?" he begged.

"Sure! I'll do you one better. We can speak at my hotel." She answered sternly. He watched her, as she kissed Lily on the cheek, saying goodbye. He was in awe of this woman. She always had to be in control.

"Are you coming?" Ana asked halfway through the exit. Christian smiled and shook his head, meeting Ana at the car waiting. He texted Taylor to follow the SUV, as Hector opens the door for them.

"The St. Regis please Hector" Ana informs her driver.

There was something about the way that Ana looked at him. It called to him. Her beautiful blue eyes kept him up at nights.

"Look, Christian, I like you. God! I like you a lot. I, however, do not know if it is smart to pursue what I'm feeling for you." she spoke nervously.

"Ana, I like you too. More than you know."

"Enlighten me then" with that, he holds her face firmly, pulling her in for the most intense kiss he has ever given to any woman.