Chapter 32
Christian
I wake up reluctantly, taking in the faint outlines of my childhood bedroom. Instinctively, I reach over in bed for Ana, and as it does often in the morning, the sobering reality sets in that we don't share a bed anymore. Sometimes it feels like the last year was just a bad dream that I'm waking up from, but if it was, it hasn't happened yet.
It's Sunday, May 14th, which also happens to be Mother's Day. I wonder if Ana even remembers. She hasn't said a thing about it, and she has a history of forgetting days like these for herself. She remembers everyone else's birthday, but hers sneaks up on her almost every year. I've spent the last few weeks trying to think of the perfect gift for her. Last Sunday, I took Teddy and Phoebe out shopping for their gifts for her, but in the end, the gift that I decided on isn't something you can buy at the store.
Well, not one store, anyway. I really hope she likes it…
I get up and follow the smell of coffee downstairs. It's still early, only a little after 7:00. Teddy and Phoebe haven't even been dropped off yet. In the kitchen, I find Mia sipping a mug.
She smiles brightly when she sees me. "Good morning!"
"Who shoved a bluebird in you? I thought you'd be down for the count after last night."
"Oh, please. The Wendy's fixed me right up. As long as I eat and hydrate before bed, I'm good as new." She pours another cup and slides it over to me, which I gratefully accept. "I'm no Ana, though. She's at some spinning class with Ezra right now."
"She's not here?" A hollow feeling permeates my chest at this news. Does she think she has to leave because it's Sunday?
"She'll be back. I made sure last night. She literally forgot that it was Mother's Day, though." Called it. "He said he wanted to distract her and get some of her nerves out before she looks at her phone and sees what the media is saying. What better way than some early morning sweat?"
Early morning sweat with Ana. Yeah, those were the days… "I see."
"But if you look at this, I don't think she'll have anything to be upset about. And neither will you." She slides her phone across the counter to me.
In First Live Performance, Anastasia Steele Becomes the Star of Our 'Wildest Dreams'
Anastasia Steele Supported Behind the Scenes by Husband Christian Grey During Livestream for Charity: See the Sweet Photos
From Publishing to Performing: Anastasia Steele's Emergence to Lyrical Prowess and What We Expect from Debut Album
As I knew they would, they love her. I recognize a quiet fear bubbling up that soon she'll realize how much better she can do than me, that she'll turn her back on me once she sees what everyone else sees when they look at her. There's also apprehension towards hearing her lyrics on the rest of the album. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid of what unfiltered thoughts and feelings she's harboring over my despicable behavior. Wildest Dreams was extremely difficult to listen to, but at the same time, a pure pleasure. I find that I have the same fears of inadequacy I've always had, but overwhelmingly, there's simply pride in her success. Almost to my own surprise, I don't wish she wasn't doing this. Above my own chaotic feelings, I love watching her thrive.
"I feel like it hasn't even sunk in for her. She seemed pretty weirded out by what happened last night," Mia continues.
Yes, Ana did seem confused last night when we pulled into the drive-thru at Wendy's and both of the girls at the window started screaming like banshees. Apparently, they had just secretly watched her livestream while at work. She was very gracious, going inside and taking photos with them and even getting their contact information so she could send them some thank-you gifts. Of course she's been recognized in public before, but you could tell that it was the first time anyone had been starstruck by her. I'm hoping to pick her brain about it and check on her later, if I can.
"I didn't know she was such a good actress, though!" she cackles.
Even I smile in amusement at the memory of Mia's idea for a hilarious prank. When we got back to the house, we took turns blocking our phone numbers and pretending to call in sick to different businesses. Ana had a ten-minute long conversation with a McDonald's manager as she was pretending to be Danielle who couldn't come to work because she's auditioning for American Idol.
"I think we got the real Danielle in trouble," I say, shaking my head.
"But Danielle is going to be a star on American Idol! They should be happy for her," she snickers. "How are things going with you two, anyway? I'm guessing that video was… a lot for her. But you seem like you're doing okay? Still making out when no one is watching?"
"Things are… fine. She was shaken up by the video, but quick to forgive once she knew it was faked. We're going to start counseling soon."
"Oh, that's amazing! Do you have an appointment? You two honestly seem like you're doing great, all things considered. Have you… you know, explained the situation to her?" she asks gently.
"Not yet. That's not something that's ever felt appropriate to just spring on her. I've never found the right moment, so I'm waiting until we're in counseling. We don't have an appointment yet. I'm trying to let her call the shots. All I want to do is fix things between us, be a family again, but I'm afraid I'll move too quickly and end up scaring her away," I admit.
"I don't blame her for needing her space, but no one can say that you're not trying. It's obvious, Christian, and I'm sure it is to her, too. I've never seen you like this. No offense, but lately you've been more… considerate and thoughtful than I've ever seen you in your life. Whatever you're doing, keep it up. And try to be patient. I think maybe working on being civil and having a good partnership taking care of the kids is the first step before, you know, jumping into bed and moving back in. I'm surprised you haven't sealed that deal again, honestly. With the way you two used to go at it, I'm wondering if you've ever actually talked to each other before," she laughs.
I sigh in exasperation. "Please don't remind me, Mia. You think I don't miss that part of it? Of course I do, but I think we need to build a stronger foundation before we get back to that. And I want Ana to see that we have a relationship beyond that."
"Sorry, I'm just kidding around. And for the record, I doubt it's easy for her either. I'd better start breakfast, Mom will be up soon."
We then hear the front door open. I recognize Ana's voice first, then the producer answering her. Mia's face lights up like Christmas at this. Wait, what the hell? Did I miss something?
All thoughts of my sister and her potential crushes are forgotten when Ana walks in wearing a matching black leggings and sports bra set. Her skin has a light sheen of sweat on it and I swear her body is even more defined since I last saw it bared. Which was about a century too long ago…
"Oh! Good morning. I thought everyone would still be asleep." She smiles at me then glances between Mia and Ezra, a knowing smile spreading across her face like the Cheshire Cat. So, everyone knows but me?
"Good morning. Ezra, would you like to stay for breakfast?" Mia asks, batting her eyelashes. Oh, Christ.
"I'd love to, if it's not an imposition." Is he blushing?
"Okay, I'm going to go shower," Ana chuckles, rolling her eyes. "Be right back." I don't enjoy that she's leaving, but I sure enjoy watching her leave.
Mia smacks me with a towel. "So subtle, Christian. Put your eyes back in your head. Ezra, would you like to shower?"
"Um… sure. Let me just grab my gym bag, I think there's a change of clothes in there."
I decide to remove myself from this room that's suddenly reeking of pheromones and go for a run myself. Mia's plans to prepare breakfast appear to have come to a screeching halt since he walked in, so I know I'll have time.
I quickly change into running gear and slip out the back to do a few miles around the neighborhood. I need to do something with all of this… energy coursing through me at the mere sight of Ana sans a real shirt.
By the time I get back and have showered and dressed, Grace and Carrick are drinking coffee at the counter and Mia is in full swing cooking breakfast. I go into the kitchen to find that Elliot, Kate, and their children are here as well. Elliot is in a lively discussion with Mia and our parents, while Kate sits there with her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee looking sullen. Not unusual.
"Christian! Good morning," Grace almost sings. She's always in her element when the whole family is together.
I walk up and kiss her on the cheek. "Good morning. Happy Mother's Day."
"Oh, thank you, darling. Where's Ana?"
"Right here." Her voice sounds in the doorway, where she's just walking in with the producer trailing behind her. "Happy Mother's Day, Grace, Kate. Hopefully you didn't forget like me," she giggles.
Kate gives her a halfhearted smile and Grace motions her over for a hug. "Happy Mother's Day, darling. And have we ever officially met your friend?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Grey," he says smoothly. "I hope I'm not intruding. I went to an exercise class this morning with Ana and Mia was kind enough to invite me to breakfast."
Grace's face lights up. "No intrusion at all! The more, the merrier. And I want to say congratulations to Ana for the rave reviews that you're getting in the press this morning. Bravo, my dear." The room starts to clap and whoop, and Ana turns beet red.
"Okay, okay. Thank you, that's really sweet." She looks around at all the open chairs and pauses her gaze on the one next to me. I give her a smile and that seems to sway her decision. Yes!
I lean in and give her a kiss on the cheek. "Happy Mother's Day." She blushes and my heart skips a beat.
I want to say more, but the front door opens, and I hear the distinct cadence of Teddy footsteps. He runs into the room and launches himself at Ana. "Happy Mommy Day, Mommy!"
She laughs and helps him onto her lap. "Thank you, Teddy bear." Gail walks in holding Phoebe, who wriggles out of her grasp when she sees us, and makes a beeline to Ana as well.
"Mommy Day!" she squeals. I scoop her up onto my lap just as Mia begins to dish out breakfast.
We eat a sumptuous meal of Belgian waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, and fruit salad and then begin the gift exchange. Grace gets a small-batch chocolate subscription from Mia, a candle from Elliot, and a trip to wine taste in Napa from me. Mia gets both Ana and Kate some scented bath oil, and Grace gets them both a keepsake box for each child. Teddy proudly hands over the wooden flower planter that he picked out and he and Phoebe painted together, and Ana tears up in record time.
Soon, Grace and Carrick entertain the grandchildren while Elliot disappears with Kate somewhere, presumably to give her a gift or some shit. I really don't give a fuck, but I use the opportunity to pull Ana aside as well.
I walk her out into the garden, as the weather is pleasant, and we end up sitting on a bench near some of the bushes that are blooming.
I clear my throat and try to ward off the nervous palm sweat that feels like it's five seconds away. "I have a gift for you."
"Oh?" She looks at my empty hands and raises an eyebrow in amusement.
No use beating around the bush. "I want to build you a recording studio in the house."
Her mouth drops open. "You… a… what?" she stutters.
"A recording studio. This is an important part of your life and I fully support you. You deserve to have access to everything you need, whenever you need it. So, do you want it remodeled into the house, or as a separate building on the property?"
"You want to potentially give me a separate building as a Mother's Day gift?"
"The day is really just an excuse. I'd give it you on a random Tuesday if I thought you'd accept it. Will you?"
She continues to stare with her mouth half open, and I can almost see her mind racing through her eyes. Please say yes. Please say yes. Finally, she breaks into a sweet, beautiful smile, and simply nods.
I take one of her hands in both of mine and give it a grateful kiss. "Thank you."
"Surely you're not thanking me. This is… God, Christian, I didn't even know I wanted this, but… it's perfect. It's over-the-top, of course, but it's so… thoughtful. You really are fine with this?"
I know she's referring to her change in career, and I nod. "I admit there are things about it that worry me, but I can see that it makes you happy."
"Like what things?"
That you'll leave me for good. "The extra exposure you're getting. I'd like to get you more security."
She gives my hand a squeeze. "I can agree to that. It seems practical. Oh, didn't you say you needed to speak to me about something?"
My conversation with Taylor last night flashes through my mind again. I feel my jaw tighten. "Yes. It's somewhat along those lines, actually."
Her brows knit together. "What do you mean?"
"You remember the man I told you about, Brian Norwood? The bastard who leaked that deepfake?" She nods. "Barney did some digging into his personal cloud, and it seems he has an entire folder dedicated to you. He seems to have some infatuation with you, which, combined with his grudge against me for firing him, likely motivated him to create something like that."
"Jesus Christ. How does he even know about me?"
"The folder contained a lot of paparazzi photos, which he cropped me out of if we were together, and even some photos that I have of you in my office. He must have snuck in there at some point to take them, which means he has some ability to disable a camera if he wasn't caught."
"Will he be arrested?"
"He will be charged with harassment for the video, but it's only a misdemeanor and it's possible that he could use his mental health as an excuse and get the charges dropped. I'm doing my best to make sure that doesn't happen, but a fine is more likely than jail time at this point." Her face becomes paler than usual, and I take her other hand. "Ana, look at me." She does, her eyes wide. "No matter what happens with criminal charges, I'm going to sue his fucking dick off. He'll have nothing. He won't be able to get to you if I have anything to say about it."
She takes a deep breath and nods. "Well, no use worrying about it now. It's just some photos, maybe it's nothing. But the name sounds… really familiar. Norwood… fuck, I don't remember right now."
"If you think of any connection, let me know, but he's probably just another ensnared heart. And for that, I can't blame him."
She cracks a half smile at this. "While I have you here… I think it's time for us to try to find a couples therapist."
My heart flutters at this news. "Really?"
"Yes. I think it would be helpful, given the events of the last few days, for us to try to process some of this together. I was thinking I could have my therapist give me a list of recommendations, you can have Flynn give you one, and we'll see if there's any overlap and go from there?"
"That sounds perfect."
She smiles and gives my hand another squeeze. "Those pictures in the news… it looks like we fooled them. Now they don't know what's going on. Excellent work, Mr. Grey."
"It was a dirty job, but I think we were right for it… Miss Steele." She laughs at this. "But really, are you okay? You seemed thrown last night when those girls recognized you."
"You noticed that? Yes, it's… weird. Definitely not my favorite part of doing this, but I guess I'll take it one day at a time. They recognized you, too, though. Didn't you see the puddle of drool on the floor?" We laugh at the absurdity of the situation and she gets off the bench, holding out her hand to me. "Come on. Our kids are dying to watch Frozen, and I'm not going through that alone."
I shake my head in mock exhaustion. "Looks like we've got another dirty job to do."
A/N: This is the latest I've ever posted, but hey, it's done, so if you're awake, here's some light reading! I always find that my favorite chapters in stories are the kind of chill, family time ones. I got to do one of those for once. What do you think of Christian's gift? What's going on with Kate? Why does that name sound familiar to Ana? So many things to consider.
As always, thanks for reading, and don't forget to review. xo