I am still working on Healing Touch, but the subject matter is pretty heavy at the beginning. Considering the state of the world right now, we could all use some fluff and light-hearted content. The plot for this story came to me while selecting college visits for my daughter. There will be minimal drama, no cheating, and a HEA for Christian and Ana. I will try to update once a week.
Chapter 1
I grab my packed lunch from the refrigerator and place it in the thermal carry tote. I mentally check my schedule for the day while I pour coffee in a to-go cup. Staff meeting at 9, new hire paperwork from 10-12, lunch, then an afternoon filled with weeding out resumes for a newly created position.
"Mom, can you pack my lunch, please? I am running a few minutes behind," Phoebe yells at me from the top of the stairs.
"Sure, do you want anything special?" I yell back.
"A sandwich and some fruit will be enough," she answers. I frown. That will not do. I reach into the refrigerator and grab the items I need to prepare her lunch. I get everything neatly packed in her lunch bag just in time for her to come flying down the stairs. I hold out her lunch bag, and she kisses me on the cheek.
"Thanks, mom. Have a good day. I love you." She is out of the door before I can answer her.
I reach for my purse and lunch, then get in my car for the short drive into work, dreading another dull day. Don't get me wrong. I do love my job, but I am in desperate need of a challenge. All of my employees have my quirks down pat and do everything I ask, sometimes without asking. Maybe I should change things up a little bit in the upcoming months. I shrug to myself as I take the elevator to my office.
"Good morning, Miss Steele. Here are some applications for you to look over. They were in the generic inbox this morning." My assistant Claire hands over the documents, and I walk into my office.
I am the Human Resources Director for a large marketing firm in the suburbs of Washington, DC. I have a corner office that overlooks the city, and I never get tired of looking at the view. Thankfully, my condo is not far from here, and traffic isn't an issue.
Before I can get settled, my cell phone rings. I check the caller ID, hoping it isn't Phoebe calling with a problem. She left so fast this morning, and I'm hoping she didn't forget anything at home. I see Ray's name on the caller ID.
"Good morning, Dad," I greet while I put away my purse and lunch bag.
"Good morning, Ana. How are things in the big city?" I sit down at my desk and take a sip of coffee before I answer.
"Oh, same old same old. How are things there?" I hear him sigh, and I know the talk is coming.
"Things here are alright, I guess. When are you going to bring my granddaughter to see me?" He tried to speak in a serious tone but ends up chuckling.
"I'm sorry, Dad. We have to plan some college tours soon, and we will come and see you, too. I don't have an excuse for why we haven't been there. I guess we are just doing the same things every day and not taking time out for the important things. I promise we will come to visit soon."
"I know you are busy, Ana. I am just giving you a hard time. I have a right to do that, you know."
I nod my head and laugh. "I know. I will be in touch once we have plans set for school visits." I see a reminder on my computer for the 9:00 meeting. "Dad, I hate to cut this phone call short, but I have to get to a meeting."
"Of course, Ana. I will talk to you soon. I love you."
I clear my throat, trying to ease the lump that suddenly appeared there. "I know, Dad. I love you, too. Talk soon." I end the call and take a few breaths to gather myself.
The rest of my day goes off without a hitch. Phoebe is taking care of dinner tonight, so thankfully I don't have to stop on the way home.
I walk through the door and smell the aroma from our favorite restaurant as it invades my nostrils. "Phoebe?" I call as I walk through the door.
"In the kitchen," she answers as I place my purse and briefcase on the couch.
I walk into the kitchen and see Phoebe putting our food containers on the breakfast bar. We live in a modest two-bedroom condo, with an open kitchen concept. We have lived here for five years, and I love it.
"Hey, Mom. How was your day?" I shrug my shoulders and reach for a wine glass.
"Oh. That kind of day?" She laughs.
"I didn't have a bad day. I just feel like my job is turning into something boring. You know how I love a challenge. Lately, my job has not been challenging. I am considering writing a new policy on something just to give my people something to fret over. How was your day?" I take a healthy sip of cabernet.
"Well, my day was good. I used my free period to research some more on where I want to go to school. Can we discuss them while we eat? I'm starving." I nod, and we each grab our food and take a seat at the bar.
"What are the schools you are looking into?" I take a bite of chicken parmesan and moan my approval.
"Don't have a cow. Harvard, Stanford, and Pepperdine." I am barely able to swallow my food without choking.
"You want to go to school across the country? I am barely going to be able to handle you graduating high school and leaving home. How will I be able to cope with that?" Phoebe pats me on the back and smiles.
"Mom. You can always come with me." I shake my head and laugh.
"Dear daughter, I have already gone to college. Even though I had fun, I don't think I want a repeat performance." Her face falls, and I know what she is thinking.
"I'm sorry I ruined your college life, Mom." She looks down at her food, and I put my hand on top of hers.
"Phoebe, look at me." Her tear-filled eyes look into mine.
"Having you did not ruin my college life. If anything, it made it better. I was able to focus on graduating and getting a job to support us. Your grandfather helped me when it came to needing a baby sitter." I smile and wipe a tear from her cheek. "I think our lives have turned out great, honey. Now, about your list."
She wipes her eyes and continues to eat. We make plans to visit each school in the upcoming months. She is worried about me being able to afford to send her to the west coast. I haven't told her yet about the money I have set aside for her to use just for college. I will save that surprise for later.
"So, on paper, which school do you like the best?" I ask while cleaning up our dinner trash.
"Honestly, I like Pepperdine. The weather is fabulous year-round, and they have the major I want. I have heard when you visit the campus that fits; it will be obvious. I hope that is the case. I don't want to visit more than three schools.
Two weeks later, we are boarding a plane to Boston to tour Harvard. I know the choice is hers, but I hope she doesn't go to Harvard. Her guidance counselor suggested the school, stating she would have no problem getting accepted. Yes, I agree getting in is essential. But the school needs to be a fit for what she wants. A Harvard degree would be prestigious, but I don't think Phoebe will like it. I shake my head to clear my negative thoughts. The choice is ultimately hers.
We arrive at Harvard after lunch, and it is a beautiful campus. The leaves haven't changed color yet, but there is a chill in the air. "Well, what do you think so far?" Phoebe asks while looking at the map on her phone.
"I think it's beautiful. More importantly, what do you think? This place will be your home for a while." I look around at the old buildings that should be outdated given their age but look good despite it. It appears the alumni have been giving back.
Phoebe shrugs. "I don't know. I need to take a look at the dorms and food choices. I am not sure about spending winters here. You know how I love warm weather." I nod my head, and we continue to walk around until we have to meet in the convocation center.
As we get closer to the center of campus, more parents and prospective students are walking around. We all file into the convocation center like soldiers and find a seat somewhere in the middle of everyone.
The Dean of Students is the first one to speak. He starts with an exercise that encourages us to interact with each other. The gentleman and his son seated in front of us both turnaround and reach their hands out. I place my hand inside the older guy's and feel a tingle run from my fingers to my toes. I gasp and look up into a pair of beautiful gray eyes. I am speechless.
"Christian Grey." His baritone voice sends chills down my spine. I feel Phoebe elbow me in the ribs. I clear my throat and try to speak.
"Anastasia Steele," I say, "and this is my daughter, Phoebe." Christian looks away briefly, then brings his gaze back to mine. My hand is still in his, and he gives it a light squeeze.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. This is Theodore Grey, my son. He goes by Ted." Christian's eyes sparkle when he introduces Ted. I pull my hand back from Christian's grip and immediately miss the warmth of his touch.
"So, Phoebe. What other colleges are you looking at?" Ted asks Phoebe, and I steal a glance at Christian. Our eyes lock, and I feel my entire body light up.
"Pepperdine and Stanford. How about you?" I turn my attention to Phoebe and Ted as they discuss their potential major and other colleges. Before the conversation can continue, the Dean asks us to return to our seats. He keeps talking for another hour before we are dismissed.
We file out of the building in search of food. Phoebe and I are walking arm in arm as we discuss what we want to eat. Christian and Ted walk up beside us and ask what our plans are.
"We were just discussing that. Where are you two going?" Phoebe asks, and I squeeze her arm. She looks at me, and her eyebrows knit together.
"My dad went to school here. There is a nice burger joint a couple of blocks away that has been around forever. Do you two want to join us?" Ted asks, and I look at Phoebe. She smiles, and I nod my head.
"We would love to join you two. Thanks for asking." Phoebe releases my arm and starts to walk next to Ted. They continue to talk about college and other stuff. Christian walks beside me, and I can smell his cologne. He smells delicious.
"So, Anastasia. What do you do for work?" He grins at me, then looks ahead to Ted and Phoebe.
"I am the Human Resources Director for a marketing firm in the Washington DC area. What about you?"
"I work in mergers and acquisitions." Hmm, his answer is short and sweet. There has to be more to it. But I won't ask him about it. Besides, what are the odds we will see each other again after today?
We continue to walk side by side in silence, following our children. We reach the restaurant, and Christian holds the door open for all of us. We find a table near the back and a waitress quickly takes our drink orders.
"Are you staying the night in town or what?" Ted asks Phoebe while he browses the menu.
"We are staying the night. Our flight leaves at 9:00 am tomorrow. What about you two?" Phoebe looks between Ted and Christian.
"We are flying back tomorrow morning as well," Christian answers before Ted does. Something seems weird about Christian, almost like he is hiding something.
"Where are you from?" Phoebe asks while resting her chin on her fist.
"Seattle," Ted says before his dad can answer. Christian rolls his eyes and takes a drink of his water. The waitress takes our order and leaves us in awkward silence until Phoebe asks about Ted's mom.
"I have never met my mom. She dropped me off on dad's doorstep when I was a few days old and signed over her rights to me." My heart clenches for Ted. I swallow hard, trying to find the right words to say.
"It's okay, Miss Steele. You don't have to say anything. I can see how upset you are." He smiles.
"I am sorry, Ted. It must have been tough growing up without a mother around." He shakes his head.
"My grandmother made sure I got plenty of love. She spoiled me beyond belief but didn't let it go to my head. She's the reason I want to be a doctor." I smile, understanding what it's like to be influenced by a grandparent.
"Where is your father, Phoebe?" I sit and wait to hear what Phoebe says.
"I have never met my father. Once mom found out she was pregnant, he deserted us. Mom raised me by herself. She finished college and has supported me ever since. I owe everything to her." My eyes cloud with tears at her words. She has never told me how she felt.
"If he left you when you needed him the most, it sounds like you both are better off without him," Christian says while looking into my eyes. I look away, filled with embarrassment. I don't feel comfortable talking about my past to strangers.
The waitress brings our burgers out, and I savor every bite. They have to be the best burgers I have ever eaten. Christian keeps his eyes on me during the entire meal. It's like he wants to say something, but decides against it.
The waitress brings the check to the table, and Christian grabs it before I can. "How much do I owe you for our portion?" I ask, but he shakes his head.
"My treat. It was my idea to come here so I will pay for our meal. No arguing." He must have read my mind because I was ready to argue about him buying food for strangers.
"Thank you. You are very kind." He smiles, and I feel my body heat up.
"You are welcome." I look over and see Ted and Phoebe exchanging phone numbers. They talk for a few minutes longer. I am ready to go to the hotel, so I stand up.
"Are you ready to go to our hotel? I am a little tired." Phoebe nods her head and stands up. We walk toward the exit, as Christian and Ted follow behind.
"Where are you parked?" Christian asks and I tell him we are near the convocation center. "Let me drive you there, please. It's dark out, and I don't feel comfortable with you two walking alone." I smile at his generosity but politely decline.
"Thank you, but we will be fine. It's not that far, and the campus is well lit." He runs his hand through his hair and mumbles under his breath. Ted laughs, and I turn my head to the side.
"What's so funny?" I ask as we continue walking toward my parked rental car.
"Nothing. Dad is used to getting his way. He is just frustrated that you aren't cooperating." I shake my head and thread my arm through Phoebe's.
"Thank you for the offer." I stick my hand out to say goodbye. "Thank you again for dinner. It was nice meeting you both. Good luck with choosing your college, Ted."
"You are welcome. Maybe we will see you on some other tours?" Christian says, and I see Ted and Phoebe make eye contact. I get the feeling they are up to something.
I shrug. "Let's go, Phoebe." She waves at them both, and we turn to walk toward the rental car. Once we are far enough away from Christine and Ted, I try to interrogate Phoebe. "Okay, young lady. What are you and Ted planning?"
"Nothing, mom. We exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch. We are interested in the same major, and we will be looking at the same colleges." I sigh.
"Okay. It was generous of Christian to pay for our food. I can't believe we sat around and talked that long. Is Ted interested in going to Harvard?"
"I don't think so. Ted only came because his dad wanted him to. He wants to stay on the west coast and go to college. Honestly, I didn't like this campus very much. It's pretty and all, but I don't feel any excitement about it." I press the remote unlock, and the car lights up.
"Alright. Let's go back to the hotel and regroup." I get behind the wheel and drive toward the hotel.
Christian POV
I cannot get my mind off of Anastasia Steele. She is a beautiful woman. When our hands touched, I swear I felt a buzz from my hand down to my toes. Her daughter Phoebe is a carbon copy of her. I'm glad Ted talked me into taking them to eat. I could have spent all evening listening to her talk and watching her mouth move.
My computer pings with an email notification, and I see that the head of Human Resources has decided to give his notice. His reasoning doesn't seem likely, but he cites a poor working environment. I know that GEH is one of the best companies to work for on the west coast, possibly the United States. I dial Ros, my COO, and see what she thinks of this development.
"Christian, I was wondering how long it would take for you to call me. Did you see the email from Brandon? His resigning is out of the blue. Something else must be going on that we aren't aware of." I nod my head in agreement.
"Yes, I agree, but it was time for him to go anyway. Before we discuss this further, can you come to my office?"
"On my way." She hangs up the phone, and I stand up, facing the window behind my desk. My office door opens, and Ros waltzes inside.
"You wanted to see me?" she asks and sits down in front of my desk.
"We don't have a no fraternization policy in place, do we?" Ros's mouth gapes open, and I grin.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I met someone over the weekend, and I am interested in pursuing her." Ros shrugs her shoulders.
"Does she work for GEH or any subsidiaries? What is her name?"
"Not yet. But I would like to go after Anastasia for the newly vacant HR director position. I don't want to violate the rules in place for dating a co-worker."
She starts to laugh, and I roll my eyes. "You, Christian Grey, are going to go after a woman? Are you sick or something? She must be beautiful for you to go to these lengths."
I clench my fists at my side and start to pace my office. "No, I am not sick. It's hard for me to explain this to you, but this woman completely entrances me. She and her daughter toured Harvard this past weekend, and I can't get her out of my mind."
"Does she have experience in HR?" I nod my head.
"Yes. She has been the HR director for Capital Marketing in Washington, DC, for eight years. I think she would be a perfect fit for GEH, but I want you to go after her. I only gave her my name, and I have no idea if she knows who I am." I sit down behind my desk and grab a fist full of hair.
"I can't believe you are going crazy over a woman you just met. What if she tells you to go to hell?" I sigh.
"I still think she would be an asset to the company. Give her a call and see if you can get here for an interview." I hand over a piece of paper with Anastasia's contact information on it.
"Where did you get this?" Ros asks as she takes the paper from my hand.
"From the company's website. Ted and her daughter Phoebe exchanged phone numbers this weekend. They are interested in the same major and want to keep in touch."
"Are they interested in each other romantically?" I shake my head, no.
"I think it's more of a sibling relationship. At least that is what Ted told me. He also mentioned Anastasia being bored in her job and ready for a change. Her father lives in Seattle, so she may be up for relocating."
"Okay, I will call her when I get back to my office. What kind of salary are we looking at?" I steeple my hands at my mouth and consider the options.
"Add twenty percent to whatever Brandon is making. Then, offer to pay all moving expenses, including the corporate apartment at Escala."
"That's a little convenient for you, isn't it?" Ros grins, and I shrug.
"Let me know what she says." Ros stands and leaves my office.
I take a deep breath and turn my chair to look over Seattle again. Will she be interested in the position? Does she know who I am yet? I grab a stack of contracts and try to distract myself from thinking about Anastasia. Just her name is doing things to me. I hope Ted and Phoebe can help me out.
Ana POV
Monday comes all too soon, and I find myself daydreaming about Christian Grey. I get curious and google his name to see what comes up. When the search results come back, I cover my mouth and sit back in my chair. Holy shit! He is a billionaire! And a single one at that.
I read article after article about him and his company, Grey Enterprises Holdings. I decide to look at some images, and the pictures don't do him justice. He is hotter in person. I can't believe I met this man. His demeanor didn't reveal his wealth. He is down to earth and very polite. Interesting.
The intercom on my phone buzzes. "Miss Steele, there is a Rosalyn Bailey on line two for you." I think for a few seconds.
"I don't know her. Do you know what she wants?" I ask Claire and close out my web browser.
"No, she did not. Would you like me to take a message?"
"I will take the call. Thank you, Claire." I pick up the line.
"Anastasia Steele."
"Miss Steele, my name is Rosalyn Bailey. I am Chief Operating Officer for a company out of Seattle. We have an immediate opening for a Human Resources Director, and I would like to offer you a chance to interview. Would you be interested in coming out to Seattle for a face to face meeting? All expenses paid, of course." I take a quick breath of shock.
"How did you get my information? I didn't post my resume anywhere." I sit back, shocked.
"Actually, the CEO of our company recommended you for the position. Are you interested in an interview?" I am speechless.
"Um…When do I need to come out there? I have to fly out to California with my daughter to tour potential colleges in the upcoming weeks. Can I come out during that time? When are you looking to fill the position? I wouldn't be able to relocate until she graduates high school."
"The current director gave his notice today. We would like to get someone in the position as soon as possible, but we can wait for the right person. Talk things over with your daughter and call me back with your decision." She gives me her contact information, and I choke when she tells me what company she works for.
"I'm sorry, did you say you work for Grey Enterprises Holdings?" I ask once I clear my throat.
She chuckles. "Yes, Christian Grey is the CEO. He mentioned he met you over the weekend and felt you would be a perfect fit for the company." Oh, God.
"I will call you back tomorrow with my answer if that is okay."
"Of course. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a nice day, Miss Steele." She ends the call, and I almost fall out of my chair. I can't believe this. I open up my internet browser again and continue my search on GEH and Christian Grey.
I spend the rest of the day considering my options. I can go to Seattle and interview for this position or let it go. The more I read about GEH, the more impressed I am. It is an international company that concentrates mostly on technology but has other branches of business. I decide to discuss it more with Phoebe, then call dad to get his opinion.
As an individual, Christian is very philanthropic. He donates money and resources to third world countries, as well as his home city of Seattle. I can't believe out of all the people he knows, he recommended me for this position within his company.
I am closing my desk when my cell phone buzzes with a text message.
**Can you stop and get some Chinese food for dinner?** - Phoebe
**Of course. Your usual?**
**Yes, please** - Phoebe
I close down my computer and lock my desk. I feel guilty about not doing anything work-related today. I will catch up tomorrow. Claire is packing up her desk when I leave my office.
"Good night, Claire. See you tomorrow."
"You have a good night as well, Miss Steele." I nod my head and walk to the elevator.
The elevator doors open, and thankfully, it's empty. It stops on the next floor, and a few suits get on. I hear my name and look up to see John Graham from Finance looking me up and down.
"John, how are you?" I try to keep my voice neutral and not lead him on. He has been bugging me for at least six months to go out on a date, and I can't make him understand I am not interested.
"I great now. Would you like to go out for a drink?" His voice is hopeful, and he tries to smile seductively. The other suit turns halfway towards him and shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, John. I can't." He frowns.
"Maybe another time then?"
"I don't think so." I don't say anything else, hoping he gets the hint that I am not at all interested in him. He is cute, just not my type, especially after this past weekend. I have my eye on someone else.
He turns to face the front of the elevator, and the guy next to him laughs. "Told you, John. Next time, listen to me and save yourself the embarrassment." I smile and stifle a laugh.
I drop our dinner on the dining room table and hear Phoebe's voice in the living room. "Sure, that sounds great. I will talk things over with mom and let you know when we can come out there. She hasn't told me about the interview. What did your dad think of her?" Oh, those two conniving little things.
I clear my throat and drop my purse loudly on the table, making my presence know. "Oh, Ted, I need to go. Mom is home. I'll text later. Bye." She ends the call and turns to me with a guilty look on her face.
"What's going on? You two cooking up something?" I walk our dinner to the kitchen and kick off my heels.
"No, just trying to plan our college visits. Ted is nice, mom. He wants to go pre-med. His grandmother is a pediatric doctor, and he wants to follow in her footsteps. I am interested in sports medicine, which is giving us something in common." She shrugs.
"What about the comment involving his father and me?" I pull the take out containers from the bag and wait for her answer. "Phoebe." My voice is firm, but not mad.
"I could tell that Christian is into you, mom. You haven't been on a date in forever. What are you going to do when I go to college? I don't want you to be lonely." She starts to cry, and I take her in my arms.
"Oh, my sweet girl. I will be fine. There is actually something I need to discuss with you. I am going to change into some comfy clothes and we can talk while we eat. I'll be right back." I kiss her on the forehead and walk to my bedroom.
I sit down on my bed and take my head in my hands. Phoebe is right. What am I going to do when she goes to college? Especially if it's on the west coast. As much as I don't want to, it's time to start thinking about myself and my future.