Chapter 38 – Prince Charming and the Beast
Saturday July 23, 2011
Seattle Nooz
Last night Christian Grey introduced his beautiful fiancée, Anastasia Steele to Seattle's Society crowd at the Seattle Children's Home Fundraiser hosted by Pete Carroll and Paul Allen from the Seattle Seahawks Football team. The event was also attended by many Seattle Seahawk players, the Mayor and Grey's parents, Carrick and Grace Grey pictured above with the power couple.
Steele was stunning and caught the eye of everyone in the room dressed in a raspberry Stella McCartney gown. Grey couldn't take his eyes off of Steele surprising the crowd when he danced with her and kissed her several times and whispered in her ear. The couple is rumored to be getting married sometime in the next week although details are very limited. Miss Steele was seen mingling with her future in-laws most of the evening but Grey made sure he introduced his future wife to every power player in town. Said Bill Whitman, CEO of Borman Enterprises one of Grey's affiliate companies, "She is a beautiful and stunning woman. She is very gracious and I can see why Christian has fallen for her."
The Nooz will be on wedding watch all week and as always welcomes any reported sightings of Miss Steele or Mr. Grey.
Elena POV
That bitch! Christian must have spent a pretty penny finding that mousy hag a stylist. She didn't look that good when I saw her. I understand that rag the Nooz covering a story about Christian and Miss Mousy but why would The Seattle Times and Entertainment Tonight care about her? God, please tell me he isn't really going to go through with this wedding. I need to call Mary Ellen. I see from going through the Seattle Children's Home website photos uploaded this morning that she was there talking to that other bitch Grace Grey. I should have been at the event but I have told all my friends I have a personal crisis going on in my life and that is why I have had to suddenly resign from all my associations. I told them I will be back better and stronger in a few months. Of course they all want to know what is going on and I am not telling them the truth. I have led them to believe I have a serious health issue that is too traumatic to discuss. I have received flowers from several, but not as much sympathy as I had expected. I'll bet that bitch Grace is sticking it to me whenever she can.
"Mary Ellen love, it is Elena."
"Oh. Hello Elena." She doesn't sound happy to hear from me.
"I see you were at the event last night, it looks lovely. I so wish I would have felt up to attending." I wait for her to tell me how much she missed me. She doesn't say anything. What they hell is that about. "Yes, well do tell me who you talked to and the latest news."
"Oh you know the usual people. It was lovely." She doesn't say anything else. For fucks sake quit being so obtuse.
"I noted on the website you chatted with Carrick and Grace. They must be busy planning for their son's wedding." Maybe she will spill the beans and I can figure out just when the hell Christian plans to make the mistake of his life.
"No, she didn't share any details other than it will be a small private affair. It was quite something to see Christian with his fiancée, she is just precious. So friendly and there wasn't a man in the Palace that wasn't mesmerized by her. Have you met her Elena? She is just gorgeous. So nice to see he is so happy after seeing him so unsociable and miserable as a teenager and in his early twenties." Mary Ellen tells me this and I want to scream "he was happy as a teenager!" I fucked his young brains out and taught him everything he knows how could he not have been happy? But I have to listen to this shit and bite my tongue.
"Well isn't that lovely." It's is like I have to swallow my own vomit to say that. "So did Grace mention me? I haven't seen her in weeks." I want to find out what that bitch is saying about me.
"No, not that I can recall." She's lying. Fucking status climbing bitch. "Listen, Elena I need to go but I wanted to let you know that I have asked Eileen Martin to be my new tennis partner at the club. She plays at my level I hope to be more competitive this year. I am sure you understand dear. Great talking to you."
I can't believe this. She just dumped me as her tennis partner. We have been partners for three years. Grace is ruining me. I need to get to Christian. He would never let this happen to me or tolerate my being treated this way. I am sure he is ignoring me because that little gold digger has threatened to expose him. I told him not to deal with her until he got the paper work and now she has trapped him. Next she will show up pregnant. And Christian has no business being a father. He would surely make her terminate any pregnancy. I don't even worry about that. I have to figure out how to get to him before it is too late and before I am totally ruined in this town.
Christian's POV
"Baby, here for your reading pleasure." I show Ana the various articles about us last night. "God you looked so beautiful. Thank you for making me so proud. And thank you for giving me everything I needed last night." I feel so much better this morning. I needed the playroom time and Ana met every one of my needs and more.
I put my arms around her in the kitchen as she is cooking us breakfast. I rest my head on her shoulder and she leans her back into me. "Do you feel okay this morning?" I worry that I may have fucked her senseless. After the playroom we fucked in the tub, then in bed and then again this morning. She is safe from me for awhile; even I am a bit sore.
"I feel okay, just cramps. I got my period this morning. So say goodbye to the big boobs Grey."
I reach down and pull her nightgown down and try to suck on her breast. "I like them either way." She swats me away and sighs. What's that all about? She pulls her gown back in place and ties her robe tight. "I am headed out of here in a bit to pick up your Dad's gift and find something for my dad. Then I plan to work on my vows. We should talk about the readings sometime this weekend. I found a few I would like to share with you." I massage her shoulders as she works on my omelet.
"Okay. I worked on my vows the other day and I found a few readings as well. You know I have done some things Christian. It's not like Mia has done everything." What's that about? "How about tomorrow morning before we go on The Grace we share the readings we each reviewed and get that finalized?" Ana tells me this as she keeps cooking and moves around like she is pissed off slamming things on the counter.
"What are you doing baby?" I shake my head as she jumps up on the counter next to the stove and opens the cupboard. She leans back holding on to the oven vent and reaches for the ground pepper mumbling about how stupid it is that we keep the spices out of reach. "What's out of reach? I reach over her and grab the pepper that I think she was trying to get. "You're going to hurt yourself Ana. Let me just get it for you."
"Well you're not always here. I hope you will consider building cabinets for people under 5'5 in the new house. These top shelves are ridiculous." She slams the cupboard. Okay someone is cranky this morning. I just look at her. "What Christian?"
"Have I done something? You seem a bit crabby or pissed about something." I regret saying that as soon as it comes out of my mouth. The one thing I know from having a sister is that you never tell a women in PMS mode that they are crabby and my gut tells me that is what is going on. I back up to my seat at the breakfast bar and sit down.
"What? I am not crabby." Ana puts my omelet with wheat toast and cut up fruit on a plate. "Anything else I can get you Mr. Grey." She gives me this look like she wants to pick a fight. I can't help it I want to start laughing but I also know that would be mistake number two and I am smart enough not to make that mistake. It is so odd to see her pissed off when she is never like this and intellectually I know I haven't done anything wrong but I can't possibly win with her like this. So I am trying to play nice and not say a thing.
"No I am good. Thanks Ana, this looks great." I smile at her.
"What Christian? Why did you say I was crabby? You know what? I am going to take a shower. I am not going to listen to this shit." She storms off towards our bedroom. Are you kidding me? I have been amazingly calm for me in spite the fact I would like to spank the shit out of her for her bad temper right now. But too soon she comes storming back into the kitchen. "No, Christian. Seriously, I want to know what you meant." Okay now I am starting to feel out of my league. If a sub would have acted this way, I would have had them on the floor begging for forgiveness and then punished them for hours. When Mia acted like a little bitch with me or Elliot whenever she had PMS we would just tell her to fuck off or do whatever we could to torment her even more. When Andrea or Ros get all wacked on me, I just stare them down letting them know if they want to work at GEH then they need to leave that PMS shit at home. But, this is foreign ground for me. A girlfriend on a rampage.
I look at her and I don't smile or make any facial expressions. I am actually nervous. Who is this beautiful little beast stomping her 110 pounds in front of me. I need to escape to my office. I don't say a word.
"Christian are you ignoring me because that is rude." Oh fuck me. This is the perfect day for me to be busy somewhere else. I take a bite of my omelet. I am starting to get a bit pissed now. She didn't act this way last month. What the hell? It is like a demon has possessed her little body. Thank fuck my phone vibrates and I am saved by a call from Elliot. Ana is standing in front of me with her hands on her hips.
"Hey Elliot, what's going on."
"Are we on for tomorrow?" I forgot to call him.
"Oh, yea, I was going to call you. Just meet us at the marina around 11:00."
"What do you want us to bring? And you're cool with me bringing Amigo right?
"I don't care what you bring. Gayle is off this weekend but I thought I would have Mac pick lunch from SP's Place and have it onboard for us. Sure bring Amigo. It will be fun."
"Also in my truce with Mia, I told her she could invite Ethan and we would be nice to him." Elliot snorts. "I guess I would rather have her date him where I can keep an eye on things rather than have her run around with someone I don't know anything about."
"So they are going to have a go at it again." I guess that is better. I will have to quit being such a dick to him. I still don't like the way he looks at Ana. But, I will try to be more accommodating for Mia's sake and see if he treats her any better. "Okay, I will play nice too." Elliot and I talk for a few minutes and I see Ana still staring at me from the corner of my eye. I am hoping if I talk long enough she will get tired of waiting and go take a shower and chill out.
"Okay bro, I have shit to do. Including writing my best man speech." I try to engage him in more conversations telling him about a few of the players at last night's fund raiser. Anything to keep away from Ana the Hun. "Seriously, Christian I really have shit to do. You're a regular chatty Cathy this morning dude, but I have to run."
"So, how is the house coming?" Don't hang up bro. She is still giving me the evil eye.
"What the fuck Christian. You haven't talked this much to me in your whole life. What's going on?" I get up and put my dish in the sink and walk towards my office. Ana is actually following me. For Christ sake.
'Um yea just stay the course. And you know Mia and her blue Nikes." I am trying to talk in code. Mia threw her Nike at Elliot last year during a PMS rampage and knocked over the dining room centerpiece. I am hoping he will remember what I am talking about.
"Mia's there?"
"No, I am saying in similar circumstances it is ironic how we find ourselves in these strange situations." I know I might as well be talking in Greek.
"What the fuck are you talking about Christian?" Elliot sounds frustrated. "Oh wait. Are you talking about Ana?
"Yea that sounds good."
"Oh and she is PMS?"
"Yea that is exactly what I was thinking." I sit down in my office and look up and demon woman is smiling at me shaking her head. Damn she is way too smart.
"So, you got a bitchy woman on your hands. I had that the other day. Christ I almost called Taylor for added security. I thought Kate might kill me."
"Okay Elliot, all is cool. I will see you tomorrow." I hang up and look at Ana. Don't know if I should laugh or duck.
"Christian, I know you were doing code and talking about what a bitch I am being." She comes over to me and crawls on my lap. "I'm sorry baby. I don't usually do this – don't worry. I am sorry."
"What do you mean you don't usually do this?" I want to make sure we are talking about the same thing."
"I usually don't get this crabby when I get my period. Dr. Green said the depo shot can affect your mood swings around your period. Maybe that is why I am like this." I still don't say anything. My mom didn't raise a fool. I shift her a little bit because she is sitting right on my balls and I need to move her a bit. "Am I too heavy?" She looks completely freaked out.
"No, are you kidding me. You were just sitting on me and I needed to move you a bit. But no you're hardly too heavy Ana."
"Are you sure? Do you think I am fat? Just tell me."
Oh fuck. Isn't it time for her to get ready to pick up her mom. We might have to revisit this fucking shot if it turns her like this every month.
"Ana, you are not even remotely fat. You're perfect. So I think I will head out in a little bit because I want to work out this afternoon. Do you want me to go with you to pick up your mom?" I know she doesn't because they are going shopping and out to lunch. But I think with her mood being what it is I should probably at least ask.
"No, you have things to do and I doubt you want to go shopping. I was hoping Gayle would go with us but she had to go see her sister. I would like to buy her a dress for the wedding and surprise her and get my Mom something for the GEH reception your employee's are having for us on Tuesday." Oh shit, I forgot about that and I invited Mia out to lunch. I will invite her to breakfast if she will get up that early.
"That sounds good. Have you let Caroline know your coming?" I have arranged to meet with Caroline Acton after Ana and I get back from our honeymoon. I believe she is interested in having me invest in her own business. I will consider it if she has a good business plan in place.
"Yes, my mom arrives around eleven, right?" Carla is on the GEH jet and Sawyer told me they left on time. Taylor has the rest of the weekend off to see his daughter. He showed up early this morning at Jeremy Boding's house to get the rest of the money but he wasn't there, so we will deal with him on Monday.
"Yes if you leave here by 10:30 you should be good."
"Christian can I please drive my car today. Please?" Ana curls up in my lap and kisses my neck. She is trying to butter me up and in light of her wacky mood this morning; I know she is totally playing me.
"I know what you're doing Ana." I move her hair from her ear and whisper. "No. You may not."
"Christian I said please. This is crazy. I would like to spend time alone with my mom and you said we were short security this weekend. Who are you taking with you today? And are you driving yourself?" The tone of her voice is back to argumentative. I don't give a shit, she's not driving. I am not going to get into the whole sabotage concern with her and she won't win this.
"Actually, I am driving myself. I am taking the SUV to buy some fishing gear for your dad and I am sending Sawyer and Reynolds with you."
She looks at me and clenches her fist and scrunches her face. I have to look up so I won't laugh. "Christian, this makes me so mad. Why do you get to go alone and I don't?"
"Because I can." I am not arguing with her. She starts to get off my lap but I hold her in place. She pushes against me and I hold her in place with one arm while I grab my cell phone with the other. Hell if I can hold her in place with one arm not even trying, does she not see how vulnerable she is.
"Well then I can too. And there is nothing you can do to stop me Grey. You can have them follow me but I am driving. Let me up."
I rub my chin against her back. I haven't shaved yet and she wiggles shrugging me off, rolling her eyes at me. She is trying my patience. "No Anastasia you are not driving and if you want to get up, then get up." I look at her challenging her to get off my lap. She tries pushing my arm away and I start whistling. She isn't going anywhere.
"Christian, stop it. You are making me crazy." She is yelling at me now. And she looks furious.
"I think that ship sailed baby." I stand up with her in my arms and carry her to our bedroom. "Ana, I have had enough of your shit this morning. You are not driving, and you are wasting time arguing with me." I walk into our bedroom. "Quit acting all bad ass because you're fucking not. You can't even get away from me and I am only holding you with one arm." I am yelling at her now. She starts kicking and pushing. I lift her higher and throw her over my shoulder and smack her hard on her ass. "You are taking security with you, they are driving and that is the end of it. Quit acting like a child."
"Put me down right now Christian. I mean it!" I open the bedroom door and toss her on the bed. I quickly crab her and pull her over my knee and pull her nightgown up and smack her hard on the ass again. "Ouch I can't believe you just did that."
"Are you going to quit this shit Ana or do I give you another one because my palm is itching big time right now and I am done playing nice."
"Fine." She sits up and crosses her legs on the bed Indian style and folds her arms and is in full fledge pout. I lay back and pull her down tugging her pouty little face up to look at me.
"Hi I am Christian Grey. Do you know where my girlfriend went to?" She elbows me and tries not to smile. I kiss her. "Baby don't get mad at me for saying this but are you fucking possessed?"
She laughs. Thank god. "I know. Let me go take a shower, I'll feel better. I'm sorry. Don't get mad at me, but please while I am in the shower will you just think about it."
Think about what? Oh for fucks sake is she back on the car again. I crab a pillow from the bed and cover my face. I point towards the bathroom and yell out in a muffled voice. "Take a god damn shower Ana."
Ana's POV
Oh my god I think Christian is right, I feel possessed. I have never felt this way but I am in full fledge PMS mode. I think I am crazy. I walk into the bathroom and look through the medicine cabinet. I don't suppose Christian would have any Midol or anything. I have never needed any before. I turn on the shower and spend about thirty minutes just letting the water jets hit my back. It feels good. When I come out Christian has wisely disappeared. I make the bed since Gayle is out. I wonder if he would ever even think to make the bed. Fat chance.
I find Christian in his study and give him a big kiss and again apologize for acting like a total bitch. He reminds me that we will need to leave for his parents at six- thirty. I head out with Reynolds and Sawyer.
My mom gets off the GEH jet and Sawyer helps her down the stairs and takes her bags and places them in the SUV. I get out of the SUV and give her a big hug and my mom moves my hair and gives me several kisses on my cheek. She places her forehead against my forehead and the tears come from somewhere and I cry my eyes out. I have been so good and haven't cried in days. I rest my head on her shoulder and we just hug for a few minutes. She drives me crazy but I love when my mom just lets me be her little girl.
We get in the car and I catch her up on everything including my theory on the Depo shot turning me into a psycho this period. She nods, "That explains the waterworks." She tells me that her friends were so excited to see the People magazine article. I tell her about the event last night and promise to show her the photos when we get back to Escala. Christian made reservations for my mom and I at the Harbor Club and I feel a little uneasy because it's a bit pretentious and I wonder if they will be curious what I am doing there. I am wearing a coral linen halter dress that tastefully lies several inches above my knee but not too short, and orange and pink strappy sandals with a matching clutch bag and several bracelets. I am wearing several thousand dollars of clothes. To think two months ago the most expensive clothing item I owned came from Walmart and was $29.99. My mom is wearing a wrap dress and sandals and looks really nice.
"Is that a new dress Mom?" She smiles at me and nods. "I thought we might get our pictures taken and I could be in a magazine so I bought some new clothes. I hope that happens. My girlfriends won't believe it." I smile at her. I am sure we can make that happen.
"Miss Steele, Sam just called and informed me someone tipped the paparazzi that you were having lunch with your Mom at the Harbor Club today. Evidently there are quite a few waiting for you. Do you want to switch your reservations or proceed as planned?" Sawyer turns in his seat to look at me. Just then my cell phone vibrates and it is Christian. I hold my finger up to Sawyer.
Christian tells me the same thing Sawyer just shared with me. I tell him we will stick with the plan. He just wants to make sure my mom doesn't slip up about the wedding and that I feel comfortable sticking with the plan. I hang up and tell Sawyer to continue to the club.
"Mom the press is pretty sneaky so don't answer anything they ask and just smile. Don't look them in the eyes or give away anything about the wedding. Sawyer and Reynolds need to be on both sides of us before we can enter the club and just hold my hand." She looks so excited and I can't help but giggle.
"Sawyer when you get out of the car will you tell them to back off and that I am with my mom? I don't want them to touch her."
"Of course Ana. There is one guy that might get to meet my fist if he is there today. That idiot that yelled out that he loved you last night. I want to see his credentials. I never saw him before last night. In fact if he is there I am going to examine his credentials before I let you out."
We arrive and I am shocked to see so many paparazzi for a Saturday afternoon. Sawyer makes the same comment and we both wonder if something is up. The SUV is recognized instantly and Sawyer gets out of the car and pushes everyone back. He opens the door and tells Reynolds that he is going to have to leave the car in park and come around. This is not typical protocol, but Sawyer is concerned because the crowd is much larger than any of us were expecting. What is going on? Reynolds helps push the media back and I can hear them yelling their questions.
"Is Miss Steele in the car?"
"Is it true the wedding is this Thursday?"
"What is Miss Steele doing here at the club?"
"Who is with her?"
"Is it true that Mr. Grey has added Miss Steele's name to all the GEH entities making her worth $5.5 billion dollars as soon as they are married."
Neither Sawyer or Reynolds give away anything.
I almost choke hearing about my soon to be net worth. I can't handle hearing these things. My mom looks pale. Who tipped them off about the wedding? I see Reynolds almost push one photographer down who gets too close to the door. Sawyer has one of the paparazzi pulled out of line by a few police officers that have shown up. I can see them all talking and the guy looks nervous. Sawyer jumps in the car and shuts the door. "Hold on Ana I want the police to calm this crowd down for a second and I need to call Welch. The cat is out of the bag about the wedding and the jerk that yelled out to you last night is here and he doesn't have any credentials."
Sawyer calls Welch and gives him the name on the driver's license he is holding, Joseph Rizzo. All of a sudden there is quite a commotion as the guy breaks away from the police and makes a run for it.
"What the fuck." Sawyer looks up but he knows he can't leave me in the car to go after the guy. Reynolds however takes off and tackles the guy the same time the police have him. "What have you got for me Welch, the guy just tried to make a break for it." I hear him sigh and swear. "Well good, glad we checked him out. Thanks." Sawyer steps out of the car without telling me anything and tells Reynolds to come back to the car to block my door. I see Sawyer talking to the police for about ten minutes and then they handcuff the man. I take my mom's hand and smile like this is just an everyday occurrence. After a few more minutes Sawyer gets back in the car. He is talking on the phone again.
"Yes sir…. I won't. ….No sir….. She's fine. Yes, I think we can easily get in now that Seattle PD has sent over about five of their guys and the perp is under arrest…..Yes sir… Thank you Mr. Grey I appreciate that… Yes I just recognized him from last night and had a bad feeling… Yes Sir… I appreciate that." He hangs up. "Okay, are you ready Ana?"
"Wait, aren't you going to fill me in?" I have my hand on his shoulder trying to hold him from getting out of the SUV.
"No Ana, you know I have been instructed not to. Mr. Grey will fill you in when we get you back to Escala."
I sigh. "Sawyer, I have a right to know." My Mom raises her eyebrows at me. "I know you don't want to get into trouble with Mr. Grey but can you tell me anything. Please Sawyer?"
"Ana, please let Mr. Grey fill you in. I will only tell you the guy is not media and he posed a risk to you. But he is obviously under arrest and Welsh is on his way to the police station right now to file a restraining order against him on your behalf and file a complaint in case he is released. There are other details as well but Mr. Grey will fill you in. Please. Let's get you safely into the club." Sawyer gets out and pushes the paparazzi back again and Reynolds opens my door.
I shake my head in frustration but want to enjoy lunch with my mom. I exit the car, Reynolds takes my hand and quickly hands me off to Sawyer, my mom follows and I take her hand with my free hand.
"Miss Steele, do you know Mr. Rizzo." That question is asked at the same time by about twenty paparazzi. For Pete's sake how would I know him? Why do they think that?
"Miss Steele can you confirm that you will be getting married this Thursday?"
"Miss Steele, how does it feel to know you will be a wealthier woman than Oprah Winfrey."
"Oh my lord." I hear my mom mutter.
It is taking us forever to get to the front door. Sawyer shoves two of the paparazzi who have gotten in front of us out of the way rather roughly.
"Mrs. Adams, are you here for your daughter's wedding?"
"Mrs. Adams, you could be Miss Steele's sister, how does it feel to know your daughter will be one of the wealthiest women in the world?"
"Mrs. Adams, are you paying for the wedding." I hear some of the crowd laugh at that question. My mom does great she just smiles and holds my hand. Finally we get to the front door and we are greeted by the general manager of the club. Christian has introduced us before but I don't remember his name.
"Miss Steele, it so lovely to see you again. I am so sorry we didn't get a handle on this crowd before your arrival. We have your table ready and a bottle of Dom Perignon waiting for you at your table compliments of the club." He personally escorts us to our table and treats me like royalty. Once again I hear the whispers of the other club members.
"There's Christian Grey's fiancé."
"That must be her mother."
"Her mother is so young, they could be sisters."
"She is so beautiful. She looks like her mother."
We are seated and my mom is smiling from ear to ear.
"Why are you smiling Mom? I am glad, but I thought you would be flipping out."
"Well sweetheart the security issues seem under control. Those boys really protect you so I have you're soon to be husband to thank for that. I am smiling because I feel like a movie star. And I love that people think you're beautiful and better yet, that I could be your sister." She starts giggling. Oh so she is into all of this celebrity stuff. I must take after Ray, because I don't like it and he would be furious right now. My mom gets serious and grabs my hand.
"I don't know Ana. You are going to be such a wealthy woman. I am surprised that Christians' lawyers haven't come out in full force to make you sign pre-nups." I fill her in on that whole issue. "Well, if that isn't a testament to how much he loves you, I don't know what is. Bob and I read that there wasn't a pre-nup but we couldn't believe it. Wow, I like Christian more each day. That tells me so much about him."
The General Manager returns with a huge center piece of roses attached with a card. I take the card and ask him to put the beautiful arrangement behind me on a ledge over the round booth we are seated in. I note the card actually says, Mrs. Carla Adams and I hand the card to my mom. I smile. "Mom, these are for you." She opens the card and reads it out loud.
Carla, Thank you for being here to share the excitement of this week,
and more importantly, thank you for giving me Anastasia. Christian.
"Mom smiles at me. "Could he be any sweeter? Baby girl no wonder you fell for him. I am so glad you found that your first love is your true love." I smile thinking how lucky I am.
"I know Mom. I love him more by the minute. I am the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. And in five more days I will be married to my one and only forever and ever." My mom makes a toast and we hold up our Champagne glasses.
"To Christian, who loves Ana, and to my baby girl who has found her Prince Charming."