A/N: This chapter bounces around. It starts in Christian's POV, continuing from the last chapter and then goes into Ana's covering the week they are apart. Just as his week was covered. Thank you for reading and I love the reviews.


"I don't think a bath is needed, well for you it's a necessity. Why do you smell so bad?"

"I earned this stench by playing one hell of a game of baseball. I'll get things setup. You don't have to do a thing."

"Christian I need to talk to you."

"Ok, we can talk about anything and everything but let's do it soaking in a hot bubbly tub."


This feels so good. I used some of Ana's jasmine scented bath oils and filled the tub with bubbles. She's right this tub is huge. The only thing missing is my blue eyed angel. "Ana are you coming or do I have to get clean all alone?" I yell out to her.

"I'll be there is a few." Her voice drifts in from the hallway. I sink further into the water and close my eyes. I'm near sleep when I feel her soft fingers brush across my forehead. I look up and my face hurts from my smile. There's my angel in all her natural beauty, her hair piled high on top of her head in a messy bun. Reaching out my hand to help her in but she positions herself at the other end of the tub. "Why are you over there? There are more bubbles over here."

"I'm glad you had fun today. They like you. You should hang out with them more often." She deadpans. I don't like her tone.

"Baby, come over here. I need to hold you." She doesn't move. My pulse starts to race. Something major happened. "Ana, please baby. Why are you being distant?"

"I was fired today." She murmurs while playing with the bubbles. I'm not going to say this upsets me. I hated her in that job but I know she's got a strong work ethic. "What am I going to do? How will I pay my rent and take care of myself? That job was the best fit for my life right now." A few tears run down her cheek and I reach out to wipe them away but again she rebuffs any affection.

"You'll find something again and soon but in the mean time I'll make sure you're covered."

She looks at me with disgust. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Enough of this! Tell me what's going on. When I arrived you'd been crying now you won't let me touch you and acting like I offended you."

"I asked you what you meant by having me covered?"

"Damn it Ana! Do you think I'd let you struggle? Fine, I'll spell it out for you. By covered I mean I'll take care of your bills and everything else that may come up until you find another something else. You know I have a very well-paying job, so I'm not hurting for cash and I can take care of you. Hell, you don't have to work at all, you can concentrate on school." Her blue eyes widen and turn dark. I've never seen her like this.

"Go to hell Christian!" She tries to stand and I grab her by the wrist pulling her close so our faces are mere inches apart; our sudden movements sloshing water on the floor.

"I don't know what's gotten in to you but watch the way you speak to me."

"I don't want your money. I'm not some gold digger and I don't sleep around. I can take care of myself." Where did that come from? Her words catch me off guard giving her the opportunity to escape my hold. She quickly crosses the bathroom and is on her way out the door. "No Anastasia! Please! Don't leave me." She freezes. My plea has halted her exit. "Baby, I sorry you took offense. I just want to take care of you."

"Christian, I need to ask you something and you need to be honest with me."

"Yes, I will but can you come back in the tub?"

"No, I shouldn't have gotten in the first place. Finish up and come into the living room." She leaves and I'm standing there covered in bubbles. I'm sure I look like a complete idiot. How could things turn sour so fast? I jump in the shower to wash off the soap and throw a towel around my waist. Clothing is the least of my worries.

Walking into the living room Ana is in the chair in boy shorts and a tank top, leaving me the sofa all alone. "Baby talk to me."

"I was fired today…fired because of you."

"Me? What did I do?"

She takes a deep breath and looks me square in the eye. "Christian, who's Elena Lincoln?"

ANA'S WEEK (ALL HER POV)

Wednesday

"Luke thanks again for dropping me off and picking me up today from school. I hope this wasn't too much of a burden to your day. It was my first day and couldn't be late or miss anything. I'll bake you some cookies as a thank you."

"It's no problem Ana but I will still take those cookies." He flashes me the biggest grin, pulling into traffic. It was a stroke of luck that Luke was available this morning; at lease I think it was. He was just sitting on the porch like he was waiting for someone. Rachel parked her car further down the block and I had no idea how I was going to get down there. One minute I'm on the porch trying to mentally prepare myself to get going and the next Luke is shuttling me into the car like the paparazzi are following us.

"So, Miss. Steele is there anywhere else I can take you today?" I did want to swing by the mall but I can't do that with Luke. I need to go to Victoria Secret. "I don't have anything pressing for the rest of the day and Rachel doesn't get off till later. I can take you anywhere." He says.

"Twist my rubber arm, could you swing by the Galleria?"

"Sure and I'll go inside with you."

"No you don't need to do that. I'll manage." I can't have him going with me to buy lingerie for Christian.

"Ana, can I ask you something personal?"

"Depends."

"It's about the whole agoraphobia. Can you explain it to me? I know what it is and you just spent the past several hours in your classes with other people; how is that possible?"

"Wow, Rachel has filled you in on everything. It's not really agoraphobia, in the traditional definition. That's what I call it. I have a hard time going outside by myself not being around people. Going out at night is far worst and near impossible. Honestly, I get really scared and have a panic attacks. I'm sure she told you I was attacked this past spring. Did she tell you about that too?"

"Yes, I do know about your attack. I'm sorry to hear that but that also means there's no way I'm letting you go in the mall by yourself. Now I need to ask you one more thing."

"Sure, what else is on your mind?"

"What do I do about your friend Rachel? That girl is…."

"Crazy and a handful?" I say cutting him off. We both laugh.


The mall is a buzz with activity which is unusual for a Wednesday afternoon. The trip to Victoria Secret proved to be very fruitful. I bought several pairs of lacey underwear with matching bras, a white satin kimono style robe with black trim and a V-neck turquoise negligee with delicate at the neck line and hem. I spent a small fortune but this is well worth it. They're beautiful and I hope Christian will like them. Anything is better than the plain cotton ones he saw this weekend.

Exiting the store, Luke is standing there at damn near attention. His time in the military is evident. Reaching him, "Luke, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. Are you done?" I nod. "Let's go, walk this way." He walks close, barely touching me. I'm watching him. His eyes dart back and forth scanning the crowd. "Is something wrong? You seem distracted."

"Is that what you wanted to ask? No I'm not distracted. Just making sure that all is ok and we can get out of here smoothly."

"Is that why you're wearing a piece?" Luke stops mid step. "Don't look so shocked. My father is a Marine and I grew up with men that always had a weapon on them. I can handle a gun. I saw it this morning. That's what I wanted to ask you."

He pauses for a long time. "I have to carry it; just in case."

"In case what?"

"Nothing specific. I need to be prepared…I can't have someone hurt you."

"Thank you for the sentiment. I was caught off guard once. It'll never happen again. But, let me know if you need to know how to handle it. I can show you." I giggle at the surprised look on his face.

"And you call Rachel a handful. Let's get you home."


"Did you talk things through with him yet?"

"That's the greeting I get after a long hard day?"

"I'm sorry. I'll start again. Hi Christian. How are you sweetie? Did you talk things out with him yet?"

"You and that smart mouth. You're not going to give this up are you?"

"No I'm not. He's you're brother. You have to mend things with him. Be the bigger person."

"I don't want to." I can't but giggle at his childish response.

"Young man, are you pouting? Do as you're told or I'll put you over my knee." I hear the phone fumble and hit the floor. "Christian? Is everything ok?"

"Fine baby. I need you so much right now."

"Tell me, what are you wearing?" I ask in my most seductive voice.

"Oh Ana."

Thursday

Maury Povich is my one guilty pleasure. Once a week I allow myself to get lost in the shit storm that is the lives for those looking for DNA tests. I keep the volume down because no one can see or hear me watching this. The show is pure chaos and totally hilarious. "You are not the father" I mimic Maury's words popping another Oreo in my mouth. Seriously, how many potential fathers does this kid have?

My phone goes off and I immediately mute the sound. I'd never hear the end of it if Rachel caught me anywhere near this. The caller id lets me know it's my father.

"Who is this? My father should be at work and would never call me in the middle of day?"

"HI Annie. How are you honey?"

"Good. I have the morning off so I'm enjoying the quiet time until I have to leave."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Listen I wanted to talk to you about your birthday and the party. I hate to say that I won't be able to make it. I just got word that there will be no drivers available on Saturday which means I have to take care of it. I'm so sorry Annie."

"I'm not going to lie, I'm sad but I know it's something you have to do, the supervisor is always the one to cover when no one else is there. I'll miss having you here."

"I know me too. Could we do a belated lunch? Maybe you could bring that Christian boy up here and I could get a good look at him; besides my guns need some cleaning."

"Daddy, you can't shoot him."

"Annie, I would never shoot him intentionally but if he walked in the line of fire, that's just God's way of weeding out an idiot."

"Daddy! Not funny."

"Really? I used that with my bowling league guys and it was a hit. Fill me in on school. How was your first day of classes?"

"They were great. It'll take some time getting back into the swing of things. But overall, I'm excited."

"Take your time baby girl. There's no need to rush."

"Stop worrying Daddy. I'm fine."

"I'll never stop worrying. That's my job. I need to get back to work. I know you'll be busy, I'll call you on Saturday."

"Ok. Bye Daddy."

"Bye Annie."

Friday

"Ugh! I can't wait till this day is over. My feet are killing me." I complain to Maggie. Things have been nonstop I don't know what I was thinking about working a double shift. You need to pay for all the new undies you got, Miss. Slutty. One of these days I'll get this bitch out my head.

"Have those two tables left yet? Maggie questions. Somehow I was given two parties with more than eight people each.

"Only one is gone. They were a handful; eight rowdy coworkers out for a ladies night but they did leave me a really big tip."

"Ana!" The maitre'd calls out hurrying into the kitchen. "You have a new guest at table eight. Get out there quick."

"Come on, this is ridiculous. My tables have been full my entire shift. Give whoever it is to someone else."

"No can do honey, sorry. They asked for a table with a view and that's your section. You should make a move now, they seem tough."

"Fuck!"

"Ana, such language. You never talk like that." Maggie says surprised. Christian is rubbing off on me. He drops the F-bomb as easy as breathing. I don't have time to respond and make my way to the dining room.


"Good evening ma'am. Welcome to Caliente Maison. My name is Ana and I'll be your server this evening."

"About damn time. I'm dying of thirst." Whoa, where did the attitude come from? She's been here less than five minutes.

"My apologies ma'am. I'll get you some water." I start to walk away but her words bring me to a complete halt.

"Are you saying that I'm old and decrepit? Because I'll have you know; you're no match for me."

"Ma'am, I don't know…"

"Stop calling me ma'am. Do your damn job is all you have to do. Now get me some water, now." I don't know what to say. I want to punch her in the face but know I can't. I signal for one of the bus boys to bring over a pitcher of water. Ignore her, I repeat over and over. I've dealt with rich jerks before, she is no different.

"That will be enough." She dismissively waves her hand at the busboy sending him away. He gives me a sad, knowing smile. We both know she is going to be demanding and difficult.

"We have several chef specials this evening; all of them wonderful. Would you like to hear about them or have you made a decision?"

"I don't like being rushed." She glares at me. I wasn't rushing her. "Isn't telling me about what's available part of your job?" I can't answer her. I've never been treated so rudely in my life. "Not only do you keep me here waiting forever, now your refusing to answer my questions."

"No! No ma'am. It's that…"

"I've already told you NOT to call me ma'am. Obviously you're incapable of doing your job. I'll have the bacon wrapped scallops in maple glaze as a starter; the filet mignon with the chipotle salsa, medium rare; the roasted red potatoes and a glass of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Can you handle that?" I nod and get the hell out of there.

Entering the kitchen I release the breath I was holding. Oh that woman is just pure evil. "Are you ok Ana? You look like you've seen a ghost." Maggie walks back into the kitchen.

"Not a ghost but a demon from the hell. That woman is horrible."

"Who?"

"The bottle blonde with blood red nails and lips sitting at table eight." Maggie peers out the swinging door to see her sipping the glass of water. "She's been awful since the moment I walked up to her. She got pissed because I called her ma'am. I should have used her appropriate name, bitch troll. Geez!"

"Even from here I can see that she's all botoxed up. It's sad when women fight the signs of aging that hard. Maybe the facelift was pulled to tight and it only looks like she's mad." She chuckles.

"I wish. Something is wrong with her. I felt like it was something personal. She was glaring at me and told me I was no match for her. What's that about?"

"Buck up. Bring her the glass of wine and get the hell out of there. Maybe she'll be quick and leave."

I walk back into the dining room with her perfectly chilled glass of Shiraz. "Here's your wine. I've put your order in and the starter should be ready very soon. Is there anything else I could get for you while you wait?" I'm expecting another hateful response but instead her voice in low and she's attempting to be civil.

"It's been a long day. I may have come off a little brash Ana. It is Ana correct?" I just nod. I don't want to give her another reason to go off.

"Well Ana, I'm down here from Seattle taking care of a situation for a friend. Have you been to Seattle?"

"Yes but it was some time ago. I don't find much need to go up there."

"A pretty girl like you must have several boyfriends all over the place. I imagine you have your eye on someone there. It's a large city." I know how to read between the lines, she's calling me a slut. Who is this bitch?

"As I said, your starter will be out shortly." I disappear back into the kitchen.


"I can't take this anymore!" I scream walking into the walk-in refrigerator to help mask the string of profanity. Maggie follows me inside.

"Is it the same woman?"

"Yes! She keeps saying making veiled insults. She called me a slut, and then she questioned my integrity and intelligence." I do my best to hold back the tears. I've never met someone that is deliberately trying to upset me.

"Oh Ana, I know she's upsetting you. Did you speak to Tony?"

"He was no help. He's such a shitty manager. Apparently she's someone of affluence from Seattle and he's terrified she'd give us a bad review to all her high society friends."

"Listen my section only has one table and they're just ordering drinks. I'll bring the check to her and close her out that way you're done all together."

"Maggie you're the best."

I give Maggie about fifteen minutes before I go back out to the dining room. Other than the bitch troll I have two more tables to close out. I see that her table is empty and say a silent prayer of thanks for Maggie. On my way back to the bar, she's there. Shit! "Ana dear, you didn't come back to take care of the bill and I wanted to give you a tip." The words slither out her mouth. I don't want her money. I just want her to leave.

"Thank you but that's my job. Have a good night." I step around her attempting to grab the drinks I ordered.

"I would think you'd need this." She flashes a $100 bill. "You should really work on getting your own money. I guess you could continue to pursue monetary gains with someone susceptible like Christian but that's nothing to strive for." How does she know about Christian?

"Excuse me?"

"Darling, don't you see, I'm trying to help you. You shouldn't try to play in our world. I'm looking out for you, saving you from humiliation with this so called relationship you're trying to establish with him."

"You, ma'am, don't know anything about me or my relationship with Christian. Who do you think you are?" Her cold eyes turn glacial.

"Who am I? I know what he needs and I know that you are not it. He needs someone with culture, breeding and knows her place with a man like him. He doesn't need some mousey juvenile that will embarrass him and doesn't her ass from away little girl and leave this to the adults. Now take this $100." She's waving the money in my face.

That's it. I can't take anymore. I pick up the lemon martini from the bar and throw it in her face. "You're a wretched excuse for a human being! How dare you speak to me that way? You come in here spouting lies and try to tell me about my boyfriend. If you're the type of woman Christian had in his life, it's no wonder he came looking for me." She's in shock, good. Tony comes rushing over to us.

"Ana, what have you done? I'm so sorry Mrs. Lincoln. Your meal is on us and we will take care of cleaning expenses. Ana apologize." He demands.

"Never!"

"This is the type of people you hire." She holds up the money. "I was only trying to give this…this girl a nice tip."

"Ana, I said apologize now!"

"And I said no. She was rude, insulting all night and deserved every drop of that drink in her face."

"Mrs. Lincoln, please be assured that Caliente Maison is…"

She cuts him off. "Fire her." Everyone in the restaurant is now watching the horror show unfolding between the three of us. Tony is about to say something but she cuts him off again. "You fire her or I will do all I can to bring this place down."

"Ana, you're fired. Go clock out and leave immediately."

I can't believe this is happening. "Tony you can't be serious. She can't decide that I'm fired."

"I've decided. Go now or I'll have you escorted out." I can't move.

"Tony, this isn't Ana's fault. This…this woman has been a problem since the moment she stepped in the restaurant. She's a great server and doesn't deserve this."

"Maggie this is none of your business." He turns back to that horrible woman. "Mrs. Lincoln, please let me escort you out and once again my apologies for what happened here."

"Thank you Tony. I just feel so vulnerable right now." She says as she bats her eyes at him. The display makes my stomach turn.

"Ana, let's go. I'll help you." Maggie says putting her arm around me but I still can't put together what happened.


"Ana, can you tell me what happened?" I ignore Luke's question on the ride back to the house. My eyes are focusing on the passing scenery but my mind is in overdrive. I can't tell him what happened when I don't completely know the answer. It's obvious that bitch troll knows Christian. What did she mean that he has needs? A thought slips back into my head. One that I was trying to keep out; what if he's sleeping with her? No, no that can't be. My stomach churns again and it's coming up. "Luke, pull over please!" I plead. He pulls over without hesitation, I throw open the door and vomit.

"Ana, do you need a doctor?"

I heave a few more times before I answer. "No. I'll be fine."

"No you're not. You're throwing up on the side of the street. Should I call Christian or your father?" He's rubbing my back in small circles. Sitting back up in the car, he hands me a napkin to wipe my mouth.

"I'll be fine. An unfortunate thought came into my mind and made me nauseous. It was coming up no matter what."

"I don't want to push but what can I do to help you? I mean, something happened; you called me in panic to pick you up early, you're been out of sorts since you got in the car and then got sick. Come on Ana Montana; tell Uncle Luke all your troubles." I know he's trying to make me feel better. I give him a week smile. He turns on the radio to some classical station and pulls back into traffic. "Ok, keep quiet for now. Put your head back and try to relax. I'll get you home as quickly as possible." I do as he says but I can't quiet my mind. Christian is going to have to explain all this. I will not be the other woman.

Pulling up in front of the house, I take a few deep breaths. I know Christian is on his way down here for the weekend. "Let's get you inside."

"Thank you again for being there Luke. I really hope I didn't take you away from anything with my frantic calls."

"Stop thanking me." Luke walks me into the house and up to my apartment. "One more thing Ana, you know that I'm packing at all times. I can take someone out if you want. No questions asked." He gives me that big tooth smile of his and I do feel better for a second.

"I do appreciate the offer to murder on my behalf and in the future I may take you up on the offer but for now, I must decline."

"Alright. Don't say I didn't offer, now get inside."

I flop down on the sofa and cry. This has turned out be a real shitty day. See, it's too good to be true. No one as sexy as he is would have only one girl on his arm. I can't believe that. I won't believe that. That woman obviously has a few screws loose, but she definitely knew him. Face facts, he's not the perfect guy you painted in your mind. He is perfect; perfect for me. I wipe my eyes. I need answers. When he gets here, he needs to explain everything to me. My apartment door flies open and Rachel "the terminator" Parker barges in. "Ana, what's going on? Luke said something bad happened at work." I want to say nothing but I've never been able to keep things from her.

"I think Christian is seeing someone else."

"What? Why?"

"This woman came by the restaurant. She was horrible and she knows who he is. She's definitely upset that we're seeing each other."

"Shit. She came to the restaurant. Crazy bitch. Do you know where she is right now?" She asks sitting next to me and taking my hand.

"Not funny Rachel."

"I'm not trying to be funny. We can pay her a little visit and let her know to stay away from my girl's man. Luke can drive us. You know Nancy will come too." I can't help but laugh.

"I can see it now on the 6pm news; three twenty something females and their pistol packing ex-military friend were arrested when they attacked a middle aged woman because they thought she was screwing the dorky ones boyfriend. Thanks but I'd like to stay out of jail."

"She's middle aged?"

"She looks like she's in her mid-forties. Rach, what am I going to do? I thought we were getting serious."

"What did he say when you talked to him?"

"I haven't yet."

"Girl, don't stress. Talk to him, this will work itself out; one way or another." I tell Rachel everything that happened between me and that woman and the end result of being fired.

"After she left and I went to get my things, Tony came back over to scold me, again about what I did. Rachel she deserved every bit of it. I'm not sorry. I knew her last name because he had said it while he was apologizing over and over. Maggie filled me in on more info she got from the busboys. Her name is Elena Lincoln and she's a socialite from Seattle. She'd spent the night in the hotel. Rachel I think she was waiting for an opportunity to confront me."

There's a knock on the door. "I'll get rid of whoever it is." She says getting up to answer it. "Oh Christian, I'm so glad you're here. She is so upset right now." I hear her call out. I want to look up, but I can't. Looking into those pools of gray will be my down fall.

Elena POV

Friday

"You seem to be enjoying yourself Jason. Maybe you should join the scene." He doesn't respond but tightens the grip on my arm. I can't believe Christian threw me out and for what, some gold digging twit. The elevator opens and he pulls me forward to the lobby. "Jason I hope that maid of yours know how virile you are and can keep up. If not, I know of someone that would be a better fit."

"Don't push it with me lady."

"Now, now Jason, don't be that way. I was only saying that you shouldn't be wasting your obvious…talents with the likes of that maid. You have so much potential." We reach the door and he pushes me through the front door.

"I'm not HIM. I don't have a problem popping you in that piece of plastic you call a face. Don't come back." He spins on his heels and takes off. Christian Grey you bastard! You're turning into a weak little man over some girl. We'll see how this…this Anastasia stacks up.

Thursday

Isaac and I find a table at the back of the coffee house in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. I hate this neighborhood but for what we're doing it's perfect. I hired a private investigator immediately after everything happened. Christian needs to see that this experiment of his will have dire consequences. "Mr. Jones you better have something good for me today. I've rescheduled a beauty treatment for this meeting." I state as the little rat looking man takes his seat.

"Mrs. Lincoln, I am the best private investigator in the state of Washington I always deliver."

"Well?"

"There's still a balance due." I nod to Isaac and he slides over the envelope with the balance of his fee. If he has information on the gold digger, this will be the best $50,000 I've ever spent. "I don't like being kept waiting."

"I took your information and contacted an associate at the DMV in Portland. There were 10 Anastasia's that have valid driver's license in the city. I assumed that your guy wasn't in to old ladies or minors so it narrowed down to 4 women between the ages of 18 to 40." He passes me an envelope and what I see is exactly what I needed to know but the site is repulsive. "I took these Tuesday morning. She was the second Anastasia on my list to pay a visit. Her full name is Anastasia Steele. Looks like your guy spent the night." He has pictures of Christian kissing and hugging that girl on a porch. She's wearing kid pajamas; give me fucking break.

"What else?"

"I stayed till I saw him leave. By the way, he was driving a VW Beetle. Man with his money in that piece of shit car, sad. Anyways, she works as a server at Caliente Maison, an upscale restaurant in the Heathman Hotel." He passes me her work schedule. "I can get a more detailed report but that will be an additional $10,000."

"We're done." I get up and head to my car. "Isaac, book a room at the Heathman for tonight."

"Yes Mistress."


I love to hate Elena Lincoln. I have the outline for the next chapter, now I gotta get on to write it.