Kate's Birthday

After shopping in Kate's closet, I settle on a maroon halter dress. The fabric is flowy without being swishy. It pairs well with my go-to nude patent heels. The collar ties behind my neck and leaves my back exposed.

Elliott has pulled out all the stops for Kate's party. We have a private room at the fancy Canlis restaurant. There's a long banquet table set with vases of white calla lilies, Kate's favorite flower. Candles flicker throughout. In appreciation of Kate's extroverted personality, Elliot has set her not at the head of the table but instead in the middle of one of the long sides. I'm seated space across from Kate. Elliot is seated to her right. Flanking both sides of the table are those she loves dearest including their parents, her brother Ethan, Jose, Mia, Christian, me, and a few of Kate's work friends.

The wine flows as freely as the conversation. Even Christian seems to be in a good mood. Course after course of delicious food is served to our group. I find myself relaxing into easy discussions with those around me. To cap off the meal, a stunning two-tier cake alight with sparklers is brought out. Pictures are taken. The cake is sliced. Once we each have a piece, Elliott stands and taps his knife to a his wine glass. The usually jovial Elliott looks exceptionally nervous as he begins his toast to the birthday girl.

"As you know, Kate and I met at my family's annual Coping Together charity ball. I had no idea how that one night would change my life. In previous years, the evening was spent in an uncomfortable tuxedo making small talk with my parents' friends. This year, I found myself mesmerized by this beautiful lady. As the night wore on, I found myself desperately seeking ways to keep the party going. I could not bear the thought of this princess boarding her carriage to return home alone. I never wanted to wake from this dream. It has been five wonderful months since this fairy tale started. Kate, will you do the me honor of becoming my happily ever after? Say that you'll marry me, babe."

Kate nods her head yes, muted by her tears. Elliott produces an iceberg-sized diamond ring and slips it on her finger. He is crying. Kate is sobbing. I look around to see everyone dabbing at their eyes.

What. The. Fuck. Is. Happening? Despite the rest of the guests obvious joy at this turn of events, I suddenly feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. My head is spinning. I can't feel my legs. I gasp for a breath that I cannot catch.

"Ana, are you okay?" Christian whispers in my ear. He places his hand on mine and looks at me with concern. As the rest of the table stands to hug and congratulate the happy couple, I am unable to keep the room from spinning.

"Ana, smile. I am going to help you stand up. Focus on me, Ana." His hand goes around the small of my back as he wraps his arm around my waist. My whole body is trembling. His fingers press into my hip and I feel just grounded enough to follow his commands. "Ana, look at me. I am going to walk you outside to get some air."

I nod and allow him to lead me out into the courtyard. There is a small quartet playing jazz music and a bar on the far side. He guides me over to a spot at the end of the bar. He grabs my elbow and helps me up and onto a bar stool. He summons the bartender to bring me some water.

My hands are shaking too much to hold the glass so Christian brings it to my lips for a sip. I swallow and close my eyes. For the first time since Elliott took a knee, I am able to inhale deeply. When I open my eyes, the room is no longer spinning. I open my eyes and realize the I am eye-to-eye with Christian. His grey eyes are clouded with concern. Our faces are just inches apart.

Embarrassed, I lower my forehead to his shoulder. Did I just have a panic attack? Is that what this was? Whatever just happened, I wish that I could instantly disappear. I. Am. So. Embarrassed. I am happy for Kate and Elliott. I really am. I just do not do change well. This is a whopper. Soon, I will be losing my roommate of five years and best friend for life to the institution of marriage. I am not ready for this. Geez, could not Elliott have warned me before stealing my best friend?

I am surprised to feel Christian's hand slide up my back to hold my neck. With my head still on his shoulder, I feel his lips brush against my ear. "Don't worry, sweet Ana," he murmurs. "Just breath." And so I follow his command. I breath in his scent. How have I never noticed how manly he smells? Over and over, I take slow breaths of his sandalwood and citrus scent. Err, mah, gawd. Christian Grey smells like hot sex and wealth and private jets and carnal desire. How is this scent even legal? I lift my head and lean back in my chair before this sexy-as-hell man-god senses that I am sniffing him like a bloodhound tracking an escaped convict.

I take another sip of my water and when I lower the glass, I find Christian staring at me. His face gives off no clue as to what he is thinking. He just stares at me. I stare back because what's a girl to do? I am not even going to pretend like I don't want to be this close to Mr. Sex-on-Legs. I have never, and I mean never, wanted something more than I want this man standing in front of me. I cannot imagine a scenario that could dial down my desire. Okay, maybe if I saw him kicking a puppy, I would be able to reign it in. Holy hell, I'm going to need to change my panties.

Just as I am working up my nerve to ask Christian if he wants to blow this popsicle stand, he summons the bar tender and orders two Bourbons, neat. Who does this? Who drinks Bourbon straight? Christian Grey and Ana Steele, that's who. I sip my drink and feel sexy as hell. Who is this girl sitting in my seat? Where is the virginal bookworm named Ana?

I do not own the characters. The characters belong to E. L. James.