Chapter 12

APOV

Since Elliot "found out" about Christian and me, I've started staying at Escala on the weekends. And, Christian being Christian, filled an entire closet full of clothing, shoes, and accessories. He said it's so I can stay over spontaneously. He even got me toiletries and makeup.

I've been talking a lot to Gail, his housekeeper, and she is the sweetest person. It turns out she and Taylor are engaged. She said I'm the only other person she'll allow in the kitchen. We've actually baked some things together when Christian was stuck in his office working or on a call.

Elliot has come over a few times to hang out. He's funny and nice but, unlike Christian he's very boisterous and outgoing. Kate has met Christian a few times when he's come to the apartment to pick me up. They don't really talk but they are polite to each other.

Kate and her boyfriend, Evan, invited us along on a camping trip Labor Day weekend. Although I know Christian despises camping, it would be nice not to have to hide in the apartment all weekend. We're going to Camano Island. Since it's over an hour away and there isn't much there we don't have to worry about seeing anyone from GEH or paparazzi.

The weekend is so much fun. We hike and roast marshmallows, and just generally relax. I think Christian is even enjoying himself. He's getting along with Evan as they are sitting by the fire drinking beer and talking about the Mariners while Kate and I are making a mess with s'mores.

On Monday, before heading out we stop at the Rockaway Bar and Grill for some lunch. There we have the best burgers ever and even tater tots. I think we were the most excited about the tots and it provided endless Napoleon Dynamite quotes. We're driving back to Seattle recalling the fun of the weekend when Christian gets a call.

"Grey."

"Christian! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Mia, what are you taking about? Tell you what?"

"That you have a girlfriend."

"Did Elliot tell you?"

"Elliot? No. You told Elliot before me? Anyway, your picture is online all over talking about your romantic weekend away."

"Fuck."

"So it's true?"

"Yes, Mia. I have to go. I'll talk to you later."

Just as Christian hangs up with Mia. His phone rings again.

"Grey."

"Bro. I told you that you should have told Mom. Big Mouth Mia told her that you have a girlfriend. Mom's going to be pissed she had to find out that way."

"I know. Look, I have to go. I'll call you later."

"Laters"

I'm a little nervous to ask since I feel at fault that he's in this position. "So now what?"

He looks at me with a smile and winks. "I don't know. I've never had a girlfriend before."

"Oh"

"I guess we tell people."

"Are you OK with that? People knowing you're with me?"

"OK? I'm better than OK. I'm glad I can now take you out and do things and not sneak around. The question is, how will your dad take it?"

"My dad?" I didn't think that. Calm down, Steele.

"You OK Ana?"

"Yeah, I was just thinking. My dad doesn't read those magazines or go online so I think we may have some time, especially if my name isn't mentioned."

"How about next weekend we to Montesano so you can introduce me to him. I've been wanting to meet Ray Steele for a while now."

I look at him puzzled. He's handling this better than I am. "You have?"

"Of course. I want to meet the father of the woman I love."

I think my heart stops. No way. There's no way I just heard him say he loves me. "Um, what did you say?"

He gives me a big smile. "I think you heard me. I love you." If he wasn't driving I would jump on him right now.

"I love you too, Christian. How long?"

"I don't follow."

"How long have you loved me?" I don't know why, but something inside of me wants to know the answer.

He laughs at me looking younger and relaxed. "I think I've loved you since you fell into me in London. I was just too stupid to know it."


CPOV

"Are you ready?" Ana looks beautiful, I walk up and kiss her on the cheek. She's fidgeting - she always fidgets when she's nervous. "You don't have anything to worry about. They'll love you."

We get to my parents' at Bellevue they are already waiting at the front door. I get out and open Ana's door helping her out of the R8. I take her hand, whisper into her ear that she'll be fine, and lead her to the door.

"Mom, Dad - I'd like you to meet Anastasia Steele. Anastasia, this is my mother, Grace Trevelyan-Grey, and my father, Carrick Grey."

"It's a pleasure Mr and Mrs. Grey. And please, call me Ana."

My mom looks at Ana and if I'm not mistaken I think I see a tear in her eye. "Ana, I assure you, the pleasure is all ours. Please come in."

We come in and are greeted by my brother. Strangely, Mia isn't around. Without warning a bright flash goes off and I hear Mia yell "Smile!"

"Mia, what the hell?"

"I figured if I wanted a picture I better sneak one." She runs up to Ana and gives her a hug. "Ana! I'm so excited to meet you! I'm Christian's sister, Mia."

"I think she figured that one out for herself, Mia." Elliot teases Mia and she sticks her tongue out at him.

My mom, who is always the referee, diffuses everything and says, "Ana, Christian, please come in. Dinner should be ready soon. Would you like a drink?"

"I'll have a glass of wine, please." Ana's voice is quiet and shy.

"Christian, would you like a glass of wine as well?"

"Yes, Mother, that would be great." Ana looks up at me and snickers. "What?"

"You're just so formal with your 'yes, mother and no, mother'. It's like you are from a different century." I lean down and kiss her temple. "You are lucky you're so adorable."

We make our way to the dining room for dinner. I lean down and whisper in Ana's ear, "I know you're nervous and probably not hungry but can you try to eat for me? I need to know you're not hungry."

She looks up at me, "I'll try."

Dinner goes well and everyone is relaxed. My parents ask Ana how we met so she tells them about London. Mia laughs and says, "That's so sweet! Christian, she literally fell for you." I roll my eyes and Ana blushes.

Luckily the rest of the evening goes just as smoothly. While driving home I say, "Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"

"No, I guess not."

"Yeah, no one made a habit to tell you he got perfect scores in marksmanship any chance he got."

Ana laughs at the memory. "I'm so sorry. I should have warned you that Ray can be a bit overprotective."

"Well, I can see why."