Chapter 25: The Parents

It had been two weeks since I had declared that I was getting a job. It was now almost the end of July. I had gotten a job, several in fact, and Christian had made me leave every single one of them.

The first was a job as a waitress at a small cafe in town. Two days in and Christian had shown up 5 times, always picking a new fault with each visit. They made me work too hard, the pay was ridiculous, the hours were too long ect...

Next, I found a job at the theatre but Christian told me that he didn't want me working nights. It was dangerous and not safe. I agreed because truth be told, I kind of hated it there too.

Last but not least was in a bar and Christian completely put his foot down with that one. I worked for a total of 5 hours there before he practically dragged me out. He claimed that the boss was leering at me sexually and then I received an earful of, 'what are you playing at Ana? Don't you know the kinds of people that visit bars?'

I was so angry with him. He was purposely trying to ruin every single job opportunity for me so that I would be forced to just accept his money.

I stabbed my steak in annoyance that I was now eating. Stupid damn control freak.

"What did the steak do to you?" Christian asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

He was seated opposite me, wearing his relaxing clothes. Light wash jeans and a white t-shirt. I hated that I found him gorgeous right now.

"It's not the steak, it's you," I spat out as I took a bite.

"Me? What did I do?" He asked innocently between a sip of red wine.

"Don't play that card Christian." I glared at him as I put my fork down. It made a clattering sound against his expensive fancy plates.

"You've made me quit every job I've started. Why?" I asked.

"They are not suitable places for you Anastasia," he shrugged casually. Like it was no big deal.

I was never going to get a job with him at my heels. The money he had paid me from my time as a housekeeper would be done within the week and then I would have nothing. Which is precisely what he wanted, I knew.

"There was nothing wrong with the first one I got. The waitressing one."

"There was everything wrong with that one," he said, displeased. "The things that they expected you to do for such a ridiculous amount of money was appalling. They wanted you to clean toilets Ana."

"But that's how things work in the real world Christian. You work menial jobs until you're skilled enough to have better positions. Like when you have finished college."

"Ana, your skills go way beyond cleaning a toilet." He rolled his eyes and I had an urge to throw my fork at him.

I hated when his affluence and wealth and decadent upbringing started to shine through. It tainted his personality, being constantly stuck inside that Ivory tower of his.

I just glared at him.

"Don't be like that," he scolded, his own temper rising now. "You're lucky that I care about you so much to prevent you from getting into any kind of trouble. I couldn't bare it if anything happened to you because I let you go off to some pathetic job, that you don't even need!"

"Not everything is in your control Christian," I reminded him.

He needed to learn this. This was one of the many obstacles in our relationship that we needed to try and work on. Christian's incessant need to control everything and everyone.

Christian didn't answer me and then pushed away his finished plate.

"I need to go and finish up some work in my office," he announced as he got to his feet.

Obstacle number 2: never resolving an argument and always walking away. It was a trademark habit of his.

"Okay," I nodded.

He gave me a swift kiss to the forehead and then disappeared.

I sighed as I tapped my fork against the table.

After Christian had departed for the evening, I took to the cinema room with Tigger to watch some mindless comedy film. I must have fallen asleep at some point because I vaguely remember Christian carrying me into our bedroom and getting me dressed.

He really could be very sweet sometimes.

And hopelessly infuriating.

The next morning, Christian woke me with kisses. It was by far my favourite way to wake up.

"Wake up Ana," he murmured in my ear.

I couldn't help the sleepy smile that was now plastered onto my face.

"We're going to dinner at my parents house tonight," he said against my neck.

My smile immediately vanished and I sat up, wide-awake now.

"What?" I asked

"My mom called last night. I wanted to tell you but you fell asleep."

I took in his morning appearance. He looked extremely sexy with bed hair and no shirt. But this bombshell he had just dropped on me was not sexy at all.

"She knows about me?" I enquired

"Well no, but I'm bringing you. I'll introduce you as my girlfriend."

"Christian," I whispered. "What if they hate me?"

He wrapped his arms around me and I rested my head against his shoulder.

"Why would they hate you? You're perfect honey."

I almost snorted.

"Who's going to be there?" I asked after a moment.

"Mia will be there. My brother too. My dad, and Mia and Elliot's partners."

"Okay." Well that didn't sound too daunting.

I could only hope that they liked me.

Half an hour later I was dressed and ready for the day. Christian Left for work and then his new blonde housekeeper, Rhea, made me breakfast. I felt a little uncomfortable about it considering that I used to be the housekeeper. I tried not to dwell on it as I ate my eggs.

Later on in the day after spending the morning with my kitten, Kate called to go to the spa. I wasn't feeling up to it but I didn't want our friendship to just die. I knew she wasn't the greatest friend in the world but she was pretty much my only friend. She had been hurt with me moving out again and I guess I owed it to her to spend time together.

We went to one of the nicer spa's, which was a little drive away and Kate asked me endless questions about Christian.

"So, now that you're not Christian's housekeeper, what exactly are you doing?"

"Nothing at the moment. I'm looking for jobs."

"If I was sleeping with a billionaire, I'd never work another day in my life," she said airily as we had our pedicures done.

I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not just screwing him," I said annoyed, "he's my boyfriend and I love him. I'm meeting his parents tonight."

"Really?" She asked, impressed.

"Yes," I smiled triumphantly.

"Do you think they'll approve of you?"

"Why wouldn't they? I love him. That's all that matters."

"Not in the world of the rich and elite honey," she said with a shake of her head as she blew on her nails.

I didn't answer. I chewed on my bottom lip. Would they really not approve of me because I wasn't part of their world? Surely they wouldn't do that?

Once Kate had planted that seed in my head however, it was all I could think about all day.

By the time Christian had returned home, I was a nervous wreck. I had absolutely nothing to wear, I didn't know what to do with my hair and I was freaking out. Big time.

I lay on the bed, my face buried in the pillows as Christian approached me.

"Ana, we're leaving in 20 minutes. Why aren't you ready?" he asked, walking over to me.

"I have no clothes and your parents will hate me," I mumbled.

He pulled me up out of the pillows. He wore a baffled expression on his face as he looked at me.

"My parents aren't going to hate you," he said, strolling over to his closet.

Two minutes later he emerged with the most stunning blue cocktail dress I had ever seen.

"Is that for me?" I asked, sitting upright and staring at the luxurious item he held in his hand.

"Well, actually I thought I'd look pretty nice in it," he replied dryly.

"Ha ha Christian."

He placed the dress in my hands and I marvelled at the silk material underneath my fingertips.

"When did you buy this?" I asked.

"I had a personal shopper pick it up for you, there's some shoes too. I have more clothes as well."

I didn't know how to feel about that so I chose to just smile, say thank you and put the dress on. Being with Christian had definitely taught me a lot of things. Number one was that not everything required an argument.

Plus, the dress was really pretty.

The car drive to Christian's parents house was daunting to say the least. He clutched my hand tightly in his and I tried very hard not to be sick.

"Honey, would you just relax?" Christian said to me

"I can't."

I was fidgeting and restless. I just wanted to go back to the penthouse with Tigger. Kate was looking after her and I wanted her back. She kept me calm.

"I know something that will make you relax," Christian said quietly to me.

His hand started to trail up my thigh but I swatted it away.

"Are you crazy?" I asked. "Taylor is in the front!"

"He can't hear us."

He leaned over and started to suck on my ear. "You look completely delectable in that dress. It's driving me crazy."

I shoved him off of me. He just smirked. Horny boy.

Walking up the front steps to the extravagant house was terrifying.

"Ana, I won't let anybody hurt you," Christian said seriously to me this time.

I looked up into his eyes and they were nothing but sincere. I nodded shakily as he pressed his lips to mine softly.

"You'll be okay," he promised. I had no choice but to believe him.

Upon knocking the door, an immaculately dressed woman greeted us. She wore a deep purple suit, the skirt kind and her silver blonde hair was pinned back in a neat bun.

"Christian, darling," she greeted. She wrapped him up in an iron hug.

Christian made sure to not let go of my hand as we were swept inside. I heard the door shut behind us and I panicked a little. Christian pulled me to his side and kissed the top of my head, immediately sending a wash of comfort over me.

"And who is this?" his mother finally asked, pulling back from her son to ogle me.

"Mother, this is Anastasia Steele. My girlfriend. Ana, this is my mother Grace." Christian said.

The pride in his voice made my heart warm.

"Hello, Mrs Grey," I stuttered, extending my hand. "It's so nice to meet you."

She glanced at my hand and ignored it. I immediately dropped it back to my side.

"Anastasia your temporary housekeeper?" She asked Christian, not addressing me.

"Yes. Why don't we go inside," he replied. "Food smells wonderful."

I was trying not to feel dejected as Christian led me from the grand foyer into the even grander dining area. The table was all set and everything looked absolutely impeccable. His family were all seated and I felt extremely out of place, even in this fancy dress.

I didn't belong here.

"Anastasia!" Mia waved.

"Hi," I waved back timidly. I was acutely aware of all eyes on me.

"This is Christian's housekeeper, Anastasia," his mother said.

"No, she's my girlfriend," Christian replied, giving his mother a stern look.

"Really? Oh wow! I'm so happy for you," Mia squealed in delight.

She wore a fancy pink dress and a bow in her hair and she radiated warmth and friendliness. The others however, not so much.

"Oh, my apologies," his mother replied. "I wasn't aware you were bringing a plus one. I saved your seat next to Cara," she smiled.

Said Cara looked up at Christian with a loving expression as she tapped the seat next to her with her manicured hands.

"Anastasia can sit at the other end of the table." Grace added.

I looked at Christian and he looked back at me. I had no choice but to walk away from him and sit at the opposite end of the table. Christian settled in next to Cara and she embraced him in an intimate hug.

The sight made my blood boil. She was pretty, with brown hair like me , wearing a very short dress.

"Anastasia, let me make the introductions," Grace started. "This is Carrick, Christian's father."

Carrick sat opposite me. He didn't offer me a warm friendly smile but I gave one to him. He was rather scary looking in that perfect kind of way. Light hair, dark eyes, very sharp and defined features.

Grace continued. "This is Mia, whom you've met. This is my son Elliot and his girlfriend Daisy. And this is Cara, a much loved family friend."

The way she referred to Cara as a much loved family friend made it very clear that I was not.

I sighed as I got ready for the long evening ahead.

As soon as the entree was served; scallops, Grace started her inquisition.

"So how old are you Anastasia?" She asked.

Her timing was impeccable. My mouth was full and I had to swallow it rapidly, almost choking before washing it down with the white wine.

"I'm 21."

"You're quite a few years younger than Christian," she acknowledged.

"Yes."

So?

"I understand that you were my son's housekeeper," Carrick said, staring directly at me. His eyes penetrated through my own and he was very unnerving.

"Yes, only temporarily. I'm a student at WSU and I needed something for the summer." I replied politely.

"A college girl Christian?" Carrick said staring harshly at his son.

I placed my fork down and wiped my mouth with the napkin. I started to feel very uncomfortable. What was wrong with me going to college? I thought that they would have liked that.

Christian ignored his father and then Grace spoke again.

"So, what job is it that you're doing now?" She asked, through a delicate sip of wine.

And here it comes...Kate's little theory. She was completely right; they were never going to accept me.

"I'm still looking," I replied, staring into my wine glass.

My appetite had completely vanished.

"So you're currently unemployed?"

"Mom. Please, let's just drop it." Christian interrupted.

Carrick intervened. "Your mother is only asking her a question Christian. What are you doing right now for money Anastasia? Are you living off my son?"

"Of course she is," Grace responded sharply. "Where else would she get that Dolce and Gabbana dress?"

Everybody sat in silence. After a moment Mia piped up.

"I love the dress Anastasia. Blue is your colour."

"Thanks," I murmured weakly.

I wasn't quite sure how to bounce back from that comment. Christian's parents had basically just accused me of being a gold digger, the very thing I knew I was not. I was feeling extremely wounded and hurt.

"Cara is a doctor," Grace smiled fondly at the pretty brunette next to Christian. "What are you hoping to be Anastasia?"

I replied. "I'm not sure yet." I was not in the mood to discuss my future plans with two people that obviously hated me.

I counted down the minutes until this dinner was over.

Main was delicious but I only ate a few bites because I was feeling so awful inside. I couldn't even stomach desert; crème brûlée. After the inquisition, Christian's parents basically ignored me for the rest of the evening. Well, apart from snide little remarks and digs. They talked to Cara and Daisy, lavishing them with attention. Making it very clear that I was nothing like them and not good enough for Christian.

By the time the evening finally drew to a close, I knew everything there was to know about the immaculately affluent young women. Cara was a doctor; Daisy was an interior designer. Cara had toured Europe after college; Daisy had spent two months in Botswana helping the needy. Cara played the piano in her spare time; Daisy dabbled in the viola.

I was starting to feel very nauseous and lightheaded. I had never wanted to escape somewhere as much as I did in that moment.

At the end of the night, Grace actually had the nerve to ask Christian to accompany Cara to an end of summer charity ball she and Carrick were hosting next month. In front of me! That was just about the last straw.

I left in a hurry, trying not to let my tears fall. I had never felt so interrogated or humiliated in my entire life. The worst part was that not one person had stuck up for me. Not even Christian. Not really.

I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

I practically ran from the room and into the SUV where Taylor was waiting. Christian was behind me in seconds.

"I'm never going back there," I cried. "Your parents were awful to me."

He didn't say anything. He just helped me into the car and instructed Taylor to take us home.

I tried to put my seatbelt on but it just wouldn't work. I pressed down angrily but I couldn't see through my tears.

"Come here," Christian said softly.

"No," I shook my head, turning toward the window.

I didn't want him to see me like this. I had never been made to feel so insignificant in my life.

Christian ignored my protests and reached over for me, placing my head in his lap as I lay down. I kicked the shoes off and my hair dangled down, covering my face from the outside world.

"I'm so sorry Ana," he whispered, running his fingers through my hair gently.

What was he sorry for? That I wasn't wealthier? That I didn't come from a better family? That I didn't tour fucking Europe too?

Because I certainly was in that moment. I was extremely sorry that I couldn't be better. I was sorry that I could never be a girl his family approved of.

"Me too," I breathed.

Me too.

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