I'm staring out the window of the cab as I make my way to my mother's house. I haven't seen her in so long that I'm grateful to be spending a few days with her, hopefully to help clear my mind of everything that's been going on with Christian. He sent me a revised copy of the contract but I'm still debating if and when I will actually sign it. I feel like I'm signing my life away, something I never thought I'd be doing. I just hope it'll be worth it.
The cab driver announces that we've arrived at our destination so, pushing all thoughts of Christian Grey aside, I stow the contract in my bag and prepare myself to meet my mother. I could really use her right now. As we're pulling in the drive-way, I see my mom running out of the house with an excited expression on her face. I can't help my smile as well.
"There you are. You look so beautiful honey", she says as I'm climbing out of the car and returning her warm hug with gratitude. I've missed her hugs more than I ever thought possible. It's so good to see her again.
"Hi Mama", I reply back as I try to keep myself from crying. My mom pulls away and gently holds my face while using her thumbs to wipe away my tears.
"Hey, don't cry. You're here now and I'm so happy and proud to see you", she says as I wipe my nose with the back of my sleeve. Even as I'm crying, I can't help my happiness.
"Thanks, Mama. I'm happy to see you too."
"Come on in. We were just about to have lunch", she remarks as she goes to fetch my suitcase out of the trunk and I grab my bag in the backseat. I pay the driver before heading inside with my mom.
"Hey, Ana. It's good to see you again", Bob exclaims as he pulls me in for a big hug and I shyly offer him one in return. I really like Bob so I'm hoping my mom keeps him around for a while.
"Nice to see you too Bob. How're your knees?"
"Better. I never thought I could hurt them while playing tennis."
"First time for everything", my mom says as she gives him a tender kiss on the cheek. I gaze down at the floor before grabbing my things and heading up for the spare room.
The room is exactly the same as the last time I stayed but I'm more than grateful to finally get some rest after the long flight. Luckily, they offered champagne and massages so I took the opportunity to indulge in both and honestly, I've never been more relaxed. The man who did my shoulders was very good at what he did and I'm half-tempted to tell Christian that. Speaking of which, I take out my phone from the back of my jeans and send him a quick text.
I'm here. I very much enjoyed the first-class service and Antoine, my masseuse, was very good in ridding me of my knots. I hope he gets paid a large sum. TTYL.
Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I start to unpack and almost immediately I receive a reply. It's scary how quick he can be.
Glad you made it there safe. If you're trying to make jealous, it's working.
Smirking at his response, I reply back.
Only if you take me to the Red Room when I get back. ;)
Just as I'm finishing up and about to head downstairs, I hear my phone ping.
Oh, I plan to.
I don't know how he does it but I feel like a puddle at his words. Even when he's not here he's still leaves a mess in me. I finish packing, set my phone on the charger, and head downstairs to meet my mom and Bob. As I approach the bottom, I can hear them talking in the kitchen.
"Gazpacho is very healthy Bob. You'll get fat with all this sitting around so I'm just trying to lighten your spirits a little", I hear my mom say as I watch her pour some gazpacho into three separate bowls. Their fights remind of me Christian. It can be fun to banter with him.
"I know but it's basically eating a bowl of salsa and since we have no chips for salsa, I don't see the point in having it."
"Have a carrot. It's better for you."
"You're lucky I love you so much", he replies and I watch awkwardly as they share a tender kiss. I wonder if me and Christian will ever be like that. Not at this time, my subconscious remarks. I ignore her and carefully make my way to the kitchen.
"Oh! I didn't see you there", my mom exclaims as her and Bob break away.
"It's okay. Do you have any tea?"
"Of course. Third cabinet above the stove", she replies and goes to set our bowls on the table. I find the tea and faintly smile; Twining's. She knows me so well.
After lunch, my mom offers to take me on a walk while Bob rests at home. I go to change in a t-shirt and pair of shorts and meet her outside just as Bob is settling down.
"You need anything while we're out?", my mom calls out as I ponder over if I should take my phone or not. I want to talk to Christian but he'll have to wait. I haven't seen my mom in ages so I'm putting her first.
"No thanks. Have fun and watch out for bears", Bob replies as he heads to their bedroom. I roll my eyes at his comment and follow my mom out of the house. The weather might be shitty down here but it's as beautiful as I remember. Or maybe it's because I'm finally getting some much-needed girl time with my mom. Either way, I'm grateful.
"So, how's Christian doing?", my mom asks when we're about half a mile away from the house.
"Um, he's fine. It's really hard not working for him anymore but at least I have a job offer available for when I get back."
"That's nice. I'm sorry you couldn't stay there long."
"It's okay. I needed to get away so I think SIP is just an opportunity to do so. At least I'll still be close to Christian, so that's nice", I say as I let out a heavy sigh. Deep down, I'm happy for the escape but at the same time I miss working for him. Regardless of our current arrangement, he was an understanding and easy boss to work for so it's not going to be easy to be away from him on more occasions.
"Are you two doing alright?", my mom suddenly asks as we come to a nearby hotel about two miles away from her house. God, I could use a drink.
"Yeah, we're fine. He's upset that I had to leave but he didn't sound too angry about it though."
"Is he always angry?"
"What? No, he just, um, he just overreacts sometimes but it's never over-the-top in a way. He's a good man."
"I figured that but if something's wrong between the two of you then…"
"Mom, it's fine. We're fine I just…I just have to get used to this is all. It's only been a few months and I'm still trying to wrap my head around the situation, but really, I'm fine."
"If you say so darling. Just let me know if something happens, okay?"
"Okay. Can we get some drinks? I could really use one."
"Sure honey. I could use one myself."
"Are you and Bob doing okay?", I ask as I take a sip of my second Cosmopolitan, careful not to get myself drunk like the last time. I feel obliged to not tell Christian about this. I'm already breaking a rule in the contract.
"We're doing great. After his incident, it really gave me a chance to spend more time with him since both of us have been so busy with work lately. It was a nice change for a while."
"That sounds so good. I'm so happy for you two."
"Me too. Hopefully we can least for more than three years", she replies with a small laugh.
"Well, it's been almost four so I guess you have nothing to worry about", I laugh back as I take another sip. Damn this is good.
"Do you want another one?", my mother inquires as she finishes her second glass.
"No, I better not. The last time I had one of these I ended up getting drunk."
"Really? When did this happen?"
"When I was in New York with Christian", I say as I remember our first kiss while I was intoxicated. That was so embarrassing but at least he didn't fire me on the spot. At this rate, I'm almost wishing he had.
"You're acting as if something else happened while you two were down there." Shit. I really need to be more inexpressive in these situations.
"We, um, I", I stutter, trying to find the words to explain the situation. "I, um, I kissed him while I was drunk." My mom looks at me with wide eyes.
"You did? What happened?"
"I, um, I was taking in the sites while he was in some meetings and somehow he found me after I had one-too-many to drink. Guess I got lucky", I say with nervous chuckle as I stare down at my knotted fingers.
"Well, I guess that's one way to have your first kiss with someone. How did he respond to it?"
"Um, he was upset but he just gave me a warning to control myself for as long as we would be there. Honestly, I was afraid I was gonna get fired."
"Well, it's nice to know that you have an understanding boss. I'm glad things were looking up for you sweetie."
"Me too", I say with a blush.
"We should be getting back. Bob's probably wondering what's taking us so long", she laughs and I laugh along as well. We pay for our drinks and make the long walk back home.
Once we're back, I head upstairs to rest for a little while and decide to check my messages to see if I've heard from Christian. There's nothing but I do see that I have a voicemail from SIP left earlier this morning. I open it up and listen to the message.
"Miss Steele, it's Elizabeth Morgan from SIP. We're pleased to tell you that your resume has been accepted and we would like for you to start work on Monday of next week. We're so glad to have you working for us. Please call me as soon as you can. Bye." As the voicemail ends, I'm left completely stunned. I guess I should start buying lottery tickets if I'm this fortunate to get jobs so easily. I call Liz back and she answers in two rings.
"Hi Liz. It's Ana. I just got your message about the job."
"Hi Ana. I'm glad you called me back. Can you start on Monday or is that too soon for you?"
"No, it's fine. I'm just shocked that I got the job", I confess. Liz laughs on the other end.
"Well, considering who you're previous boss was I don't think it's a stretch for you to get hired so easily. Speaking of which, Jack wanted to know if he could see you either Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon to give you a tour of SIP. He insisted on it but it's also a requirement."
"Oh, um, I'm kind of out of town right now but I can come back early and meet him on Saturday."
"Good. Is ten too early?"
"No, that's fine. Enjoy your time and we look forward to seeing you start on Monday. We'll keep in touch."
"Thanks. Bye."
"Goodbye", Liz says before I hear the dial tone on my phone. Holy cow. I wonder if I should call Christian and tell him? He did talk about communication so if I want this to work, I think I should tell him things like this. He might not be my boss anymore but he still kind of owns me at this point.
Sitting down and taking a deep breath, I call him and wait for him to answer. He picks up after two rings.
"Anastasia?"
"Hi. Um, I just wanted to call and tell you that I got a job at SIP starting Monday so you don't have to worry about me being unemployed anymore. It looks promising."
"Congratulations, Miss Steele. Who's your boss that you're working for?"
"Um, Jack Hyde. He's about your age but he seems nice enough."
"Is he attractive?"
"What? No, I mean… I didn't mean it like that. You've kind of got me tied up here."
"Is that a pun, Anastasia?", he asks in a low tone and I suddenly realize what I've just said and laugh at my own comment.
"Maybe it is, Mr. Grey. What're you going to do about it?"
"I would like to do all things to you, Miss Steele, but alas you're three-thousand miles away from me so you'll have to wait until you return."
"Is the Red Room getting some attention or do I have to come back early?"
"I wish you would but you need to spend time with your mother. How is she and her husband Bob?"
"They're fine. Maybe you and I can have that kind of relationship if we ever get pass me being your Submissive", I chuckle. Christian says nothing and I wonder if I've again said the wrong thing.
"Hello?", I ask and feel a sense of relief when I hear his sigh on the other end.
"Do you want more from this? I thought you were signing the contract."
"I haven't yet Christian but I can't help but wonder what this'll be like three to six months from now. I don't want you to leave me."
"I'm more concerned of you leaving, Anastasia, but I told you that I don't do that hearts and flowers bullshit because I've never brought myself to do so. It's unsettling."
"Why is it unsettling?"
"You wouldn't want to know."
"Is it because of Mrs. Robinson?"
"It's not because of anyone, Anastasia, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to give a full commitment to anyone outside of what I find pleasurable beyond my expectations, meaning what I want with you. My tastes are singular and I have no intentions of going past that to something I know nothing about. It's just the way I am but I don't see it changing anytime soon." I let out a deep sigh and try to think of something to say.
"Do you not care about me at all?", I whisper and wait impatiently for Christian's response.
"Anastasia…", he begins but I stop him before he can continue.
"I have to go. I just wanted to tell you about SIP. Talk to you later."
"Alright. Congratulations on your new job. I hope Jack Hyde treats you well."
"Me too. Bye", I say in an attempt to be emotionless but fail miserably as I sit there thinking about his words. After all this, he doesn't want to go further and I feel like an idiot ever wishing that he would and that we could be a real couple. Why would I ever lie to myself like that?
Because you love him, that's why, my subconscious remarks but I'm not interested in listening. Even as the thought enters my mind, I start to wonder if it's true. Do I love Christian? I wish I knew if I did.