Friends

The weeks fly by quickly, and before we know it Independence Day is just around the corner. I am more than ready for the week off…glad for once that Christian is my boss. Today is Friday June 29…tomorrow we'll be off for a family vacation. Everyone will be staying at a beach house in Malibu courtesy of Grace's friends…and a place where the family has stayed before apparently.

We board Christian's jet at Sea-Tac prepared for the quick 2 and a half hour flight. Mia, Kate, and I discuss the ventures of shopping in Beverley Hill's. Although I am anxious to see the shops…it makes me sick to think of the prices that'll be paid. We arrive at LAX just before eleven and fill two Audi Q7s rented by Christian specifically for this trip. Safety is priority with fifty after all. We arrive at the beach house just after eleven and I find that it is as astounding as I thought it would be. Majorly white with palm trees speckled here and there…this place is daunting but not more so when you look at Christian and all that he has given me. Kate and I are the first to enter as we look around at the fabulously decorated estate of one Dr. Arianna Lacey.

Christian leads me by the hand to the room that well be sharing…apparently one Christian has used multiple times. I walk into the room that is on the second floor of the massive house. My first love is the walls which are a fabulous shade of cerulean blue outlined in a soft orange. Everything else in the room matches the walls and creates a very energizing home-like feel. I fall onto the bed noting its comfort and almost have the urge to jump on it like a child until I see Christian's gaze sweep over me. I am wearing my high-low skirt that he adores with a tight fitting brown cami trimmed in gold. My hair falls around my shoulders and I slip my shoes off scooting back on the bed a sultry smile drifting across my face.

"Why Mrs. Grey you look very becoming in this room." Christian says and untucking his white polo he pulls it over his head. My breath catches as Christian stands solely in his chinos the dark leather belt suddenly unbuckles and soon Christian stands in nothing but his close fitting boxers having slipped from his leather flip flops. He descends upon me and as he undresses me between kisses I float to the heavens and back several times by the time were done two hours later. We've been lying together just talking about what to do this week and things that lie in the future. Christian had tried to get Ray to accompany us and he had adamantly refused saying that L.A. was no place for a country man like him. So, instead well be spending this weekend with Ray at his house in Astoria. But, for now I set my goals and focus on this week planning on enjoying it quite well.

A rap comes at the door, "Move it along lovebirds were meeting Myles at the Ivy in an hour," Elliot calls through the door.

"Myles?" I ask giving Christian an eyeful.

"Myles Tab…he's like a cousin to us." Christian says standing.

"What's the Ivy?" I ask and Christian frowns.

"The very place Myles would choose to meet…he loves the attention as does Mia." Christian groans and pulls his chinos back on but switching the polo for a white button-down.

"There will be paparazzi…our pictures will grace the cover of some magazine tomorrow." Christian mutters nonchalantly dark. I stare confused and then standing descend upon my large pink traveling bag and decide on the new little black dress I received from Caroline Acton a week ago. It falls to mid-thigh and is simply black cotton until it arrives at my bosom where above that it becomes black lace and descends to halfway down my forearms. Cool and stylish for any occasion it is perfect. I slide into my coveted black Valentino Rose sling backs and observe myself in the mirror. I braid the swoop of my hair back and pin it to the side effectively freeing my face. I forgo on any make-up as it's a waste of time and Christian like me better without it. Grabbing my clutch I go in search of Christian and the others.

I find myself at the entry way standing with Ethan and Carrick as we await everyone else. Christian appears first sliding his phone into his pocket he smiles at me kissing my cheek, "You look ravishing Ana." He says.

"Oh stop being rakish," I say and swat playfully at him before he dips me into a kiss via the laughs from Carrick and Ethan. Suddenly Kate and Elliot appear followed closely by Grace and Mia. We exit and pile into the Q7s as Mia grumbles about not having her own ride and swearing she'll rent one tomorrow if she has too. The drive takes half an hour and by the time we pull up to the curb outside of the Ivy I am starving not having eaten since seven. It's now nearly 3 in the evening. Taylor pulls the door open and Christian climbs out then turns back to offer me a hand. As we all pile into a group we move swiftly as we can around the white picket fences…rather drab for such an upscale restaurant. Now that I see it I must admit…it's unimpressive I don't know why Christian was so worried. Christian keeps his arm protectively about my waist as the Maître de greets us.

"Ah, Mr. Grey welcome to the Ivy…Mr. Tab has just arrived." The man says and leads us swiftly through the tables a few people of whom I note are famous television stars. We arrive at the table and my jaw drops…I had no clue that by Myles Tab…Christian meant THE Myles Tab famous actor and comedian.

"Christian," Myles calls as we arrive and he greets all of the family likewise offering hugs, hand-shakes, and fierce back pats.

"Myles, I'd like you to meet my wife Anastasia," Christian says as I stand next to him shyly watching them all.

"Felicitations," Myles says taking my hand and kissing the palm. "Lady Anastasia I regret that I was unable to be present at your wedding…" He says smiling at me.

"Please, call me Ana," I say smiling and then take my seat as Christian pulls it out for me. I glance across the table and see Taylor standing in front of the picket fence ever watchful. Myles greets Ethan and Kate…and leaps for joy at the jokes he begins to crack when he learns they're brother and sister, receiving a slap from Mia for it and a head shake from Elliot. The men take their seats after the Ladies…true gentlemen. Sometimes I think it's nice to be around men with manners so much of the time. Soon, were ordering and three waiters and waitresses stand at the ready quickly scripting off our orders. As we await our food we sip champagne and Myles talks of his latest project. He is playing a Marquis based from some romance novel…and he adores the role having all the people call him your grace.