And we are back. I was really astonished with the feedback. Thank you all very very much.
About my English skills; I'm getting better but kudos to my wonderful beta. It's her wicked sense of humour that makes this story come alive. Ro, you really ROCK!
Again, I do not own anything. Pure fun and English skills training )
Christian POV
Tuesday 12 May 2019
IN the safe cocoon of my Mercedes, I'm relieved to finally have this day end, but am anxious to the discussion I'm sure will be waiting me once Ana and I get home. Overall the evening went incredibly well, if not for a few mishaps; First my growing concern with Mia's attitude and behaviour and a close second Susannah the talkative bitch. For the latter, I don't need to elaborate further.
Elliot's mention of our sister distracts me from of my musings.
''That was a fucking fantastic night and aside from Mia everything went quite smoothly.'' Oh, thank Fuck Elliot wasn't around for our run in with Susannah. I can only imagine the shit he'd be spewing if he was.
''Anastasia, you were perfect. I admire how you handled yourself around Seattle's Finest. I knew you were smart, but fuck, you blew me out of the water with your impressive business skills. You'll make your father proud. Bravo!'' He applauds dramatically to Anastasia making her laugh.
It pisses me off slightly that Elliot can make her laugh. She seems to uninhibited and carefree when she laughs. I want to be doing that with her, but lately all I manage to do is piss her off. It's my newly acquired super-power.
''Thank you, for the compliment Elliot. I'm honoured.'' She puts a hand dramatically on her heart and tilts her head to the side slightly as if she's curtseying, drawing my attention to her cleavage. Good Lord! Now I've seen a great pair of tits in my time, a great many, but fiddlesticks this woman has the best pair of tits I've ever been drawn to. They're round, but not taunt like a balloon. They look soft and succulent and perfect.
''You're welcome." I hear Elliot say, thankfully shaking me out of my inappropriate thoughts. Honestly I was seconds away from coping a feel. "So, your friend who came tonight. Ms. Kavanagh, correct? She's nice." The idiot is smiling like some kind of loon. Ah Fuck Elliot. Please no. But the gods do not smile down on me because the next thing he says makes me want to smack my hand to my forehead. "Any chance I could pull a favour card and ask if you could put in a good word for me? That woman is insanely gorgeous. Not that you aren't Ana, but as I keep getting reminded, you're taken." Elliot turns and gives me a pointed stare.
Kate fucking Kavanagh! Seriously Elliot?! You need to raise the bar buddy. That woman is loud, pushy and abrasive. She's blonde, beautiful and stacked to be sure, but Push-Over Barbie's aren't my type. Did I mention, she's blonde. Yay. Nay.
''I'm surprised you've never met Kate before tonight. Apparently, her brother Ethan and Mia dated, although briefly. I was under the impression that you all associated in the same sphere so would've met before now, but I'll put in a word for you. After all, you are going to be my brother in law, but I'm still the favour card. If it works out, you so owe me.'' Anastasia answers playfully.
After we drop my brother off at his condo, I prepare myself for what I know will be a long and exhausting 'discussion' around the whole evening. I have no idea what it is about this woman, but for God-only-knows-why, I always feel off quilter with her. She makes me nervous and I fucking don't do nervous, ever; for anyone. I'm more than annoyed with myself, having just put on a very believable act, fooling the masses that Anastasia and I are a real deal, yet despite us both knowing it was all an act, it pisses me off that I have to stand in defence to a fake girlfriend for a situation I had no control of. Perhaps there's the rub. I'm losing control, and I'm very uncomfortable with that. So, instead of waiting for the inevitable, I decide to take the bull by the horns.
''Ana. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record here, but I am sorry. I had no idea Susannah would be there tonight. She was the last sub whose contract I recently terminated. She obviously didn't handle the closure well, but I never expected her to act in retaliation. It's an incredibly stupid move on her part."
Ana doesn't look at me. She keeps her gaze to the passing scene outside her car window.
"What do you mean, 'stupid move on her part'?" She asks all controlled and distant.
"There's a reason why those who practice BDSM are exceptionally discrete. Our tastes are not for everyone, despite the latest fad. It is a small, elite community Ana, and at certain levels, for members such as me, discretion is not just a rule, it is Law.
Susannah's little display out there was her death toll. She sealed her own fate in the community, and she knows it. First of all we were in a public forum. Second, she approached a Dom without permission IN a public forum.
If Susannah desires to seek a new Dom, she will need to get a reference from me, her last Dom. When word gets around to what went down tonight, she'll be lucky to get a job waitressing at a small-town pub, let alone on a list for a Dom. Her chances of getting signed up in this state is next to none, even less. You don't have to worry about her. She will be deal with."
Anastasia lets out a huge sigh and finally turns to look at me. I was expecting her to be livid or at least get on her high horse with a prepared set down, but instead I'm shocked to see that she is not angry. Just very tired and disappointed, and it's a look that's not sitting right with me. Not that I preferred her pissed either.
''You know Christian, when I agreed to do this, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I did my research on you and discovered how big a deal you truly are. Knowing this, I get that our 'coming out' story, would garner interest, but Christ on a cracker no amount of research prepared me for this level of craziness.'' She lets out a frustrated sigh.
''I prepared myself with the knowledge of your blackmailing ex, and that she would cause us some grief, but how many butt-fuck crazy playthings did you have? I'm wondering if I should be expecting more of them to come crawling out of the woodwork to harass me?'' I'm about to tell her that Susannah was a one-time thing, but she holds her hand up to keep me silent.
''You underestimate yourself Christian, and you underestimate these women who are undoubtedly obsessed with you. You truly are daft if you believe that the termination of a contract will be the last you'll hear from Susannah. There's a developing pattern here Grey, and I strongly suggest you take a close look and discover for yourself why these women are behaving the way they are.
There's also the issue with your sister. You really need to call her on her shit Christian. I get that she's your baby sister, and she's treasured. I also get that her and I will never Bestie's, but if she keeps up this acerbic attitude, I will seriously bitch-slap her condescending face, mark my words. Your sister needs a serious dose of self-respect, compassion and awareness. She's fucking twenty-three years old. She's embarrassing. I'm embarrassed for you.
Look. I don't want to rehash this. I'm mentally and physically exhausted and I simply don't have the capacity to give you a hard time for shit you already know. But for the love of all things holy, please, work your shit out.'' With that she turns back to the window, leaning her forehead to the cool glass, ending our conversation.
I'm left stunned. I was gearing for a shouting match and although I did get my ass handed to me, she did it in such a calm, collected and compassionate way.
I swear if I didn't see her background check personally, I would've never believed this woman is 19 years old.
My mind is whirling, processing this new perspective. I've honestly never met any woman like her before. She surprises me at every turn, and she's pegged me right for a fool. Not that I'll ever tell her that.
From the beginning, Elena instilled in my brain to always put myself first, no exceptions; no distractions. Keep to my own, keep control and never get personally involved in anyone else's affairs, not even my family's. I've always kept to that rule, until now. Going to my family in my moment of distress was the best decision I've made thus far.
I was pleasantly surprised, and honestly relieved, when Dad, Elliot and Gramps dropped everything to help me out. Like Ana just now, they didn't razz me, or belittle me. They're support was unexpected as it is welcomed. Yet, another point to discuss with my shrink on Thursday. I really should start viewing Ana and I as a team and stop treating her as if she's insignificant player. She clearly held up her end tonight, above and beyond any of our, no my expectations.
Thursday can't come soon enough. I have a novel of shit to work out with Flynn before my brain breaks down and does its own CTL; ALT; DELETE.
The rest of the ride to the penthouse was silent, as was the ride up in the elevator. I know I have to say something to make things better, like maybe an apology you dumb ass,but for the life of me I can't find the words, nor wrap my head around why I feel I need to.
''Goodnight, Anastasia.'' Is the only thing that pops out. Lame, you coward.
''Pleasant dreams, Christian.'' And without a glance my way she walks purposefully to her room.
Pleasant dreams; sure! I don't even know what that would look like.
With all that's happened tonight, and the last few days, I know any attempt of sleep would be fruitless, so I resign myself to my office.
There's just no rest for the wicked.
Mia POV
Wednesday 13 May 2019
Christ! What the fuck is all that noise!
I'm awoken by an incessant knocking on my bedroom door. I check the time on my side clock reading eight thirty. My brain is foggy from sleep, and I'm having a hard time processing why I am being woken up at an ungodly hour.
Someone better be fucking dying or something serious waking me up at eight-frickin'-thirty.
''Mia! Get up and be downstairs in fifteen minutes for breakfast. Your father wants to talk to you this morning'' I hear mom's voice behind the door. Fucking Fabulous.
If it was anyone else, I'd tell them to fuck off, but not mom. It's this unspoken rule. No one talks shit to your mom, especially if your mom is Grace Trevelyan-Grey. So, I haul my sorry ass out of bed and into the shower.
Holly hell what the fuck did I do last night! Oh yah. Fucking tequila does it every time. Fucking Amanda. I told her this would be a bad idea. Christ I'm so tired, but it was worth ditching the Gallery for the after party at the Foundation Nightclub.
I dress in a pair of sweats and a hoody making my way down to the kitchen all the while cursing for being woken up so abruptly.
Entering the kitchen, I see dad with his usual coffee and newspaper, and mom is busy with my breakfast. Croissants with cream cheese and salmon. Oh, fuck yes! Way to improve my shitty mood.
As soon as my ass is in the chair, Mom lays my plate and an iPad in front of me. I look up at her in question when she points to a news article posted this morning. The main page of the article is filled with photos of Christian and Anastasia. I tuck in with a smile on my face, anxious to read Anastasia's downfall with the social media.
This is going to be awesome!
E! News
Eighth Wonder of the World Discovered in Seattle
Yesterday at the Gallery opening for Jose Rodrigues photography showing Tuesday we all got the shock of our lives.
Wonders of Wonders! Miracles of Miracles, our very own billionaire and most eligible bachelor, Christian Grey, attended the show with a date. Yes, you read it right.
The mysterious and very private Mr. Christian Grey, who has never been seen in public with anyone outside of family, seemed very cosy siding up with a stunningly, beautiful young lady.
GEH PR camp confirmed that Mr. Christian Grey and Ms. Anastasia Steele are indeed in a committed relationship.
I'm sure all of us are wondering, 'who is this very lucky lady?'
Anastasia Steele is a nineteen-year-old heiress to Steele Advertising. She lived the last five years abroad in the UK with her father, the late Raymond Steele, and has recently moved back to Washington, for obvious reasons.
While the hearts of women (and some men) are breaking across the country I bet you're all wondering when did this happen, and how did she do it?
Well, we here at E! Want to know how did HE do it?
Christian Grey was named the most desirable man in the US for the last three years and had been featured on a number of covers for Forbes. He is sure to be a real catch, but we at E! discovered that Anastasia Steele is not your average debutante. At the tender age of nineteen, she holds two degrees from Cambridge and is preparing to take over as CEO of her fathers' marketing firm; Steele Advertising.
Beauty and Brains people. It's no wonder her charm and business acumen attracted the business genius Christian Grey.
E! Will be keeping a close eye on the new power couple. We are all very interested to see how this romance will play out. Will they fizzle out in a few months or is Seattle about to get our own version of the royal couple?
Stay tuned and get it all here on E!
What the actual fuck!
I had to read and re-read the article to be sure I understood this correctly. What the fuck is wrong with everybody? Seriously? This nobody is the new 'IT' girl.
My head must be still fuzzy from imbibing all those late-night tequilas because I can't wrap my head around this craziness.
I quickly go to 'The best dressed' section and I literally drop my breakfast onto my plate making a loud clattering sound.
Oh. You've got to be fucking kidding me!
My girls and I were dressed to the nines last night, glimmer and sass, but none of that hot ass shit is in here. What do I see? Page after page of Anastasia in that god awful, skanky dress from a no name designer and they're labelling her as the new social trendsetter. Her bitch of a friend Kavanagh is right there too in that ridiculous velvet piece from her mothers' shop.
OK. It's official. The world has gone mad overnight. This is unreal.
I'm scrolling through, clicking furiously to find any mention of me and my groupies, but find nothing. This is bullshit! Since I've been back from Paris, I've been the fashion icon of the town. Over my dead body will I let that skank take my place.
''I can't fucking believe this bullshit!'' I scream, completely forgetting both my parents are in the room.
''I take your outburst to mean you've read some of the articles about your brother and his girlfriend.'' Mom exhales. ''I'm particularly impressed with that dress Anastasia wore. It's as the saying goes, if you have the wares, showcase them to their best advantage.'' She shrugs with disapproval.
''She is one devious uptight bitch with zero class! Is Christian blind or something?''
''Enough! Both of you!'' dad slams his paper on the table, jolting mom and I in surprise.
What the fuck is his problem? That bitch was parading around almost naked yesterday and he wants US to shut up?
''Who are you? I don't even recognise you anymore!" Looking in my direction he asks, "When did you turn caustic?" Then turning to mom, he asks, "And when did you get all judgemental?" I watch my dad sceptically wondering what they fuck he's so upset about as he continues, "Yes, Anastasia's dress was a bit revealing, but the girl is nineteen. She has the looks that can pull a dress like that off, and it seems to have worked. If you read the article instead of just looking at the photos, it would behove you to know that the dress was a gift from a cancer survivor who Anastasia interviewed a few months back. Anastasia had promised to wear that dress at the opening to a fashion function in the UK, but because she moved here to be with Christian, she didn't have the chance to wear it there. Keeping her promise, Anastasia decided to showcase the dress at this event.
I find it admirable that she wanted to help that girl out. Ana in that dress was a success, and I'm sure that success will bolster the designer. It's a stroke of marketing genius, and if you've been paying attention to the things happening around you, instead of focussing on yourself, you would have known that.'' Dad says angrily. I'm about to make a rebuttal but Dad doesn't give me a chance.
''Sit down Grace; and you stay where you are. I need to address a serious issue with the both of you'' He tosses the paper he was reading my way.
There is a picture of Amanda and I from the club last night. The photo shows us dancing on the table with champagne flutes in our hands. I don't see an issue with the picture, but the headline beneath is disturbing.
Princess Mia Grey's Wild Night Out
While the oldest Grey, our favourite blonde Greek God Elliot has hung his partying hat, it seems the youngest baby Grey has picked up where her brother left off and took it to a whole new level.
I don't even bother to read the whole story. Seattle Times better watch out for the lawsuit heading their direction. No way in hell will dad or Christian let them print something like this, making me look ridiculous.
''This is bullshit'' I say emphatically.
''Mia, language!'' mom ever the lady, scolds me. Thankfully, she doesn't hear half the shit that goes off in my head. I'd be shitting bubbles with the amount of soap she'd most likely wash my mouth out with.
''I agree with you Mia. This is bullshit." I smile at my Dad silently thanking him for his support.
''The lifestyle you are leading is indeed bullshit. Look at this article Mia. Ever since you've been back from Paris, a year ago, what have you accomplished for yourself? This," he says pointing at the article, "is not my idea of an accomplishment. Shopping and partying until all hours, is not an accomplishment." Whoa! Wait-up. What?
I want to remind him how I was helping mom with the Coping Together Ball but once again I'm kyboshed.
''Don't give me your pathetic 'I'm helping mom with the Coping Together event'. You and I both know that you were working under duress. Your mother had to practically beg for your assistance, not to mention the amount of emotional blackmail you put her through to get it."
''Cary, don't be so harsh with her.'' Mom starts but again, but dad silences her.
What crawled up his ass all of a sudden?
''You know I'm right, Grace. I'm putting my foot down before this gets completely out of hand. Have you read this article Grace?" I can see Dad working himself up, and I know this isn't going to look pretty.
"You have, literally, been graced with a loving family who support you and provided you with opportunities that we felt would give you the tools for an exciting future. Your every whim, every dream, every idea, however unreal or asinine we found it to be, we allowed and funded.
We sponsored your education Mia, yet what have you to show for it? You have the Grey name to back you should you decide to apply to any business. You don't have a massive student loan holding you back from pursuing your potential, and you don't have to get by to survive the day to day. You, my dear, are living the dream, yet what have you done for yourself? Absolutely nothing.
You've had an entire year, Mia. A full year to settle in and organize yourself, yet what do you do with it all? THIS! I will not sit by and watch you make a fool of yourself, or this family."
Oh, fuck me, he needs to calm down before he bursts an artery.
I watch as my father looks away and takes a deep breath. I have honestly never seen him lose his shit like this before. Not even when Christian was a teenager has Dad gone this far, and never with me. Calmly, he continues.
"We, your brothers included, worked very hard to achieve our successes. You need to think about your future and focus on something other than expanding your closet. I know I'm to blame for your spoiled attitude, but I had hoped that with our help you would get your life on the right track. You've proven me wrong. You've become an entitled spoiled brat, and I'm not interested in feeding the selfish, self-important, I'm-better-than-you, manipulative person you've become. This shit stops now Mia. Your attitude and disrespect, to your family, and especially to yourself ends today. You will grow up, if I have to drag you to the waters and drown you in the pool of adulthood myself, I will make damn sure you take responsibility for your future.
Oh, what the fuck is this? Waco? What fucking pool? Did he drink some special Kool-Aid and wants me to take a sip too? I mean, what the fuck is he babbling about? What's wrong with my life? My life is perfect? So, I shop? I'm a woman! That's like in our gene pool attached to one of those 'x' chromosomes.
I'm staring at my dad like a deer in headlights, trying to blink the confusion out of my brain.
''I took the liberty of speaking with your brothers and your grandfather. They are cancelling the credit cards they gave you.'' WHAT. THE. FUCK. He has to be kidding me!
''You need to learn the value of money. You will get a job and learn to budget. Your days of mindless freeloading are officially over.''
''Cary don't be like that. Mia is still so young. I don't see a problem if she needs a bit more time than our boys did to find her way. Cutting her off financially won't make her more responsible.'' Thank fuck for mom. I'm having a fucking panic attack here.
Dad's statement leaves me speechless. While I know that Gramps and Elliot will follow his orders, there is zero chance of that working on Christian. Christian would never deny me anything.
''I'm not cutting you off completely Mia. The card I issued for you will still be in your use, just with a five thousand a month limit. If you want to spend more you are free to do so, but those funds you will have to earn yourself.''
You have to be fucking kidding me. That's it? Five thousand a month? That kind of pocket change won't last me a week. Why the fuck is this happening to me?
''I can't believe you're doing this to me! Since when did you see me as a selfish entitled brat? Why are you treating me like this, as if how I've been is anything new or different?! I really can't fucking believe this bullshit. You are a complete asshole!" with that I storm upstairs to my room.
I need to get to Christian as soon as possible.
Anastasia POV
I wake up from the loud blaring of PSY Hey Sexy Lady from my cell phone recognizing it as the ring tone I put for Kate.
Oh God. Please make it stop.
I reach over for my cell blindly, smacking my hand all over the night table before I finally find it. I gradually open an eye to look at the caller ID to see if my tired brain made the correct association, and yah. It's her. I had a hard time falling asleep last night after yesterday's craziness. I think I only got a couple hours sleep.
I'm so tired. Fuck Kate. This better be worth it.
''Morning Steele!'' a very chipper and enthusiastic Kate greets me on the other end. What the fuck time is it? I look at the time on my phone, and it reads 07:00AM. How anyone can be so energised this early in the day is beyond me.
''Kate?'' My voice is raspy and sleep laden. My throat is dry and in desperate need of water. I start shuffling myself out of bed, detangling my legs from my duvet and leaning myself up on an elbow.
Christ. I feel like death warmed over.
''By the sound of your voice I guess you're still in bed, eh? You probably didn't see the papers this morning either, right?''
''Yup and yup. For most part I don't really care about the details of the articles as long as the overall opinion is positive.'' I tuck my cell between my cheek and shoulder, reaching out to grab my elastic from my night-stand drawer. I quickly tie my hair into a top knot bun and rub my eyes forcing sleep from them.
''Oh, Girl, 'positive' is an understatement. You've hit celebrity status overnight. The public response to you is insane.''
I literally stop in my tracks on my way to my en suite bathroom. My phone literally drops from the side of my face, I'm in so much shock. Quickly bending over to pick it up I hear, "Steele! Hey, Steele. You still there?"
''Wait, what? I'm here. I'm sorry. I think I might have heard you wrong. Can you please repeat what you just said?"
"You, my friend, are the hottest thing since sliced bread. You are the cat's meow, the beef in beef stew, the cherry on top of the proverbial cake! Get it?"
"No. I mean…, yes, but why?" I would think that Christian getting a girlfriend is newsworthy, but why would people make a big hoopla about me? This has to be a joke. Kate's just pulling my leg.
"Very funny Kate. Stop shitting me. Celebrity! Please. You had me there for a minute. Ha. Ha."
''Trust me Steele. This shit is live and real. I'm a journalist. It's my job to give you the facts, and you, Anastasia Steele are in fact Grade A, Prime USDA certified, BIG NEWS. I. Shit. You. Not.
You have been labelled as the Guru of Fashion, and the Sage of Business Savvy. That was a seriously killer dress, and you fucking rocked it. Women want to be you, and Men want to do you! Poor Christian must be going nuts" She laughs. ''Listen meet up for lunch with me today and we'll chat more about it. I've got to head out. We seriously have lots to talk about."
''Holy shit on a stick. Yes. Yes. Ok. Lunch sounds good. Where?'' I'm so frazzled with this news I'm just standing in the bathroom scratching my head trying to make sense of it all. Then I remember Elliot and his favour and suddenly feel excited about meeting up with Kate.
They'd make a cute couple. They both crack me up. She's full of life and he's full of fun. I think they'd be perfect for each other.
''Meet me at The Pink Door restaurant at noon, the reservation will be under my name.''
''Perfect, I love that place. See you later." I giggle and blow kisses through the phone before I hang up.
I'm an idiot. Like she can see that. I'm blowing kisses to inanimate objects. Some celebrity I am. I'm fucking losing it.
I quickly go through my morning routine when my stomach rumbles. I quickly pick up my laptop and make my way to the kitchen in search of something to eat. To my surprise, I find Christian sitting at the breakfast bar with a steaming cup of coffee and today's paper. Mrs. Jones is busy by the stove cooking something delicious judging by the aroma.
''Good morning, Christian; Gail.''
''Good morning, Ms. Steele. What would you like for breakfast this morning?'' Gail is the first to acknowledge me.
''Whatever Christian is having is fine Gail, thank you. Gosh, it smells divine.'' I've never been a picky eater, but Gail takes home cooking to a whole new level.
''Morning, Anastasia. How are you this morning?'' Christian greets me with his usual scrutinising gaze. Yeah, yeah, I know I look more like a pumpkin that a princess this morning, sue me. Not everyone can just roll out of bed and look like him.
Totally not fair. I bet he doesn't even own a brush; his hair just naturally does that thing all on it's perfect own. Bastard.
''Tired, but I'm ok. I was woken up by a call from Kate. We've apparently made the news. How are you?" I say as I take a seat beside him and open my laptop to see the coverage myself.
''I'm good, thank you. Yes, my PR team was bombarded with calls since six this morning. I knew those bloodsuckers wouldn't be satisfied with the 'limited' information we released yesterday about you. Fuckers are hounding us for more information; how tall are you, how much you weigh; what toothpaste you use, and do you use whitener. I'm waiting for them to ask what brand you use to wipe your ass, cause that shit is news-worthy! No pun intended." His grumbling makes me laugh. He's actually entertaining when he is in one of his moods.
''What in particular do you find funny, Anastasia?'' he asks sarcastically with a raised brow. Good grief the man is mercurial.
''Actually, you. Bloodsucking Fuckers Christian? You can be very creative with your name calling. I find it funny. I didn't get a chance to read the news, but according to Kate, WE are the IT couple and making headlines. Must be a seriously slow day in the world of news if the media is headlining Christian Grey and his plus one." Gail places our breakfasts in front of us and after a quick 'thank you' she retreats to the staff quarters. I immediately dig into my food, enjoying a spiritual moment of being one with my food.
Fuck this woman can cook. How the fuck does she do this? It's a bloody egg white omelette. There's no bacon or sausage. Must be butter. There has to be butter in this to make it taste this good. Who knew I could get a Nirvana moment with egg whites?
''I've already read most of the articles, but for once the public couldn't care less about me. They're going crazy over you.'' I start coughing when the juice I was drinking goes down the wrong way. Christian gently pats me on the back. I'm coughing up half a lung before I finally calm down enough to ask, ''What about me? What do you mean? Why are people interested in me? You're the newsworthy big guy." I point to myself, "Side-kick; plus-one, remember?"
''Not me this time, Babe. This is all you." The fucker is actually laughing at me. "Get used to it. You, Anastasia Steele, have single-handedly become the poster girl for young ladies all across the country. Oh, and the dress you wore yesterday, can you believe, it has its own fan club.'' He starts laughing again at my astonished expression.
''I think it would be wise to have a meeting with my PR people today and have a plan of action in place. We need to stay in control of the media, or it can get very ugly very quickly.'' Having never received this kind of attention before, I trust Christian and his experience.
''If you feel that's necessary, then sure. With the amount of media coverage we're getting, your looney ex might come out of her hole sooner than we anticipated. I think it's a good idea to be prepared.''
''Can you come to Grey House at lunch time?'' Christian asks checking his calendar on the phone.
''I already have a lunch date with Kate. Would it be a big problem if we push the PR meeting for a couple of hours? Maybe later this afternoon? I can come around after lunch.'' Christian's displeasure is evident, but he wisely keeps his mouth shut.
''My schedule's tight, and the only opening I have today is at four p.m. Please don't be late.''
I sit up straighter and salute him. "Yes sir, boss man." His eyes widen and he stares at me hard.
What the fuck did I do now?
"Relax Christian. I won't be late. I hate tardiness myself.'' With that he gets up and puts the dishes in the sink, grabs his suit jacket and is out the door with Taylor hot on his heels.
That kid is a chocolate chip shy of a cookie. He seriously needs to chill out.
I finally get the chance to scan the media hoopla on the Gallery night, and holy shit, Kate was not kidding. Every outlet had an article about us. There are even Facebook pages and fan clubs for both of us.
My God, do people not have a life? I understand interest and a passing, 'oh, that's nice', but this overnight obsession is insane.
I hope the artist got some recognition for his work last night. I'm glad the reviews for the dress went well. Ok, Ana. All this attention is par for the course. For fuck-sake you're planning to be the head of a marketing and PR company, this is what it's all about. Grow a pair and handle it.
The car that I bought arrived today and I'm so excited. Christian tried to browbeat me into accepting one of his giants, but I'm pretty capable of buying myself my own car. He kept going on about safety, blah blah blah, so in the end I compromised and decided on a white Audi RS Q3. It's a great feminine sporty car. I was reluctant to let Sawyer drive my new baby, but he had a point that I'm not familiar with the city and with the paparazzi lurking about, it wouldn't be safe. I swear, I thought I saw a smirk and a twinkle in his eyes when I handed him my keys.
The Pink Door is on a small street called Post Alley and Sawyer insisted he park the car first before he escorts me in. I thought he was being a bit ridiculous, but I didn't put up too much of a fuss. Just an eye roll or two. Thankfully, Kate is already there, and I'm quickly ushered to the table.
''Ana! I'm so glad you could make it.'' My favourite blond energiser bunny jumps up to give me a bear hug which I return just as fiercely.
''I'm happy to see you too, Kate. We barely had time to exchange greetings yesterday, and you left pretty early too.'' I tell my friend pouting.
''Yep. Sorry about that, but it was a working function and you do understand that articles don't write themselves, right? So, tell me Dorothy, how does it feel to be the princess of Emerald City?'' she playfully bats her lashes at me.
''Ha-ha, very funny Kate. Aside from the press coverage nothing seems different. I mean, yes, the intrusion on my private life is a bit unnerving, but then again, I'm not ignorant to how it all works. I knew my being with Christian would garnish attention, not this much attention, mind you, but attention none the less. I went into this arrangement with my eyes open, so I'll handle it as it comes.
''I'm glad that you see it that way. And yes, relax and just go with the flow. It's not like you have some huge dark skeletons in your closet. Your boyfriend, on the other hand. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets have nothing on what Christian has. He'll be sitting in the hot seat should his closet door accidentally open.''
''That's just it, Kate. He does have a lot of personal stuff that isn't very pretty, but we're a team. So, if shit goes down on Christian, that'll reflect on me too. I don't want that to happen. Not to him, not to me. But fuck this it's exhausting. I've got crazies all over me. His ex's, his mom and sister. It's like I automatically have a target on my back by simply being with a man like Christian, so I have to be careful.'' Shit! Sharing it now with Kate made me realize how insane this actually is and now I'm getting myself all worked up.
''Hey, hey, hey. Relax honey. It wasn't my intention to upset you.''
''No. It's not you Kate. I'm just feeling so hyper-sensitive about it all." I drop my head into my hands and run my fingers through my hair to ease the tension and shake myself out of the emotional frenzy I just put myself in. Then I remember Elliot.
"Oh!" I say excitedly, "I actually have a question for you." Smirk. Hehe, this is going to be fun. "What would you say if I told you my future brother in law is interested in you and wants to ask you out?'' Now it is Kate's turn to get all flustered choking on an ice cube from the drink of water she was taking.
''Hell, the fuck no!''
"No?! Why not? Elliot is awesome, and he's like the only normal sibling of the whole lot. He's funny, easy-going, and he's built like a Nordic God, what am I missing?''
''He may look all yummy and sugar coated, but I'm not falling for that ginger house trick. Elliot Grey is the epitome of promiscuity. If you googled 'man-whore' Elliot Grey's picture would be the first hit. That man needs to get seriously tested because he's a walking STD! So, fuck no, thank you.'' I gape at her. I had no fucking idea. What is it with the Grey siblings that they're all so afraid of commitment? Now I really start to question Grace and Carrick's parental skills.
''I know more than I care to know about Elliot Grey. He had a short weekend fling with my ex-bestie Emma. Elliot has had more one-night stands than a nymph with a dildo. I've had those type of relationships before. Been there, done that and felt like shit after. I want to be with someone who's interested in being with me. I want a relationship that is meaningful and real, Nordic God be damned.''
''I had no idea he was like that. I completely understand. I may not have had the wham bam thank you ma'am experience, but I was never one to use sex as a tool for release the tension. That's as meaningful to me as leaning on my washing machine during a spin cycle. Pity about Elliot though. He's very smitten with you despite his past, and I think you two would've been perfect for each other. You guys would make cute babies.'' I wink and Kate being Kate counters with a gaging noise.
Putting the Grey boys aside, we spend the rest of our lunch chatting about Kate's next assignment and my photography. We really enjoyed our time just shooting the shit, so we promised each other to make time for regular weekly lunch meetings.
Lunch took a lot longer than an hour, but I still have plenty of time keeping my scheduled meeting with Christian. I can only hope that meeting will be as pleasant as my lunch with Kate.
Here's to wishful thinking.
"Thanks for your patience Sawyer. I imagine this CPO business can get pretty tedious for you."
"It's no problem ma'am. It's what I do." I stop dead and turn to Sawyer, forcing him to stop before he knocks his 6'3" frame into me.
"My name is Ana, Sawyer. Say it with me, it's not hard." I pat my hand on my chest lightly while emphasizing my name dramatically, "Aaaaa-naaah. Your turn."
"Yes ma'am" he says with a smirk.
"You do realize I'm only 19, right?"
"Yes ma'am."
Sigh.
Yep, this one turned a bit too long and in the future I'll try to contain myself )
Laters )