A/N: Thank you all so much for your reviews and support! I couldn't resist writing chapter 2 for you guys. Hope you all enjoy!

FYI: All the chapter titles are going to be direct quotes from the book Pride & Prejudice, in case you were curious :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 2: My good opinion once lost

Throwing that big party left Ana and her sisters feeling pretty exhausted by the next morning. After spending hours socializing and meeting new people, the girls spent the rest of the day cleaning up after the party, throwing away all the trash and packing up all of Ray's gifts. It kept them busy for the rest of the day, so today (Sunday) all that could be done by the Steele girls was sleep in late and snack on the leftovers.

"Oh, that party was so much fun," Carla said happily as she stood at the sink washing dishes. All three of her daughters sat at the dining room table, Ana and Kate both sharing a slice of birthday cake while Leila simply sat texting on her phone. "I got to talk to so many people I haven't seen in years! We should definitely do this again next year."

"It was fun, but I'm glad it's over now," Ana stated, licking a glob of frosting off her fork. "It was exhausting - I almost pulled a muscle in my shoulder carrying all of Dad's gifts to the car."

"Well, even so, I know that Dad had a good time," Kate said fairly, taking another bite of cake. "It seemed like everyone did."

"It really was a wonderful party you girls threw for him," Carla said with another smile. "And Kate, I couldn't help but notice you talking to that cute blonde boy… who was he again? Your father's work associate?"

Kate blushed. "Elliot."

"Elliot," Leila pretended to swoon.

"Stop it, Leila," Kate said, her face still red. "He was just being nice, that's all. I think he and Dad are just working on a construction project together for the next few weeks, and that's how they know each other."

"Well, a few weeks is plenty of time to get to know someone, darling," Carla said with a coy smile toward her oldest daughter. "I saw that there was another young man who came to the party with him too. Christian, I believe?"

Leila snorted. "Yeah, Mr. Jerkface."

"What do you mean?" Carla asked.

"He said something rude about Ana," Kate explained, and Carla bristled.

"Did he really?" she asked, indignant on behalf of her daughter.

"It's fine Mom. I didn't really care," Ana smiled. "I could tell he was just the kind of person who's generally unpleasant to everyone around him."

"Even so… as long as his behavior doesn't rub off on other people," Carla said, turning back to her dishes. "Especially that friend of his. It's too bad this Christian fellow couldn't be as nice as Elliot…"

Kate blushed again, but didn't say anything more. As Carla continued to chatter on, Kate met Ana's eyes, conveying the silent communication that she wanted to speak to her about something, and Ana nodded in understanding. After a few minutes, the two girls soon excused themselves and went upstairs to Kate's bedroom, where they would have the most privacy.

"Tell me the truth," Ana said as soon as the door closed behind them. "Are you and Elliot in love already?"

"No," Kate said, though she grinned and looked down, picking at her nail. "But he and I have been texting all day today."

"Kate!" Ana laughed in astonishment. "You didn't tell me you gave him your phone number! Why would you hide that from me?"

"Shh," Kate shushed her, smiling. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it from you. But I just wanted to get to know him a bit better before telling you."

"But you do like him?" Ana asked eagerly.

"Yes," Kate grinned excitedly. "Oh my God, Ana - he's like the sweetest, most amazing guy I've ever met! The moment we started talking yesterday, it's like we clicked, and even just texting him today I felt it. I never knew it was possible to feel that kind of instant connection with a person after first meeting them!"

"Kate, that's amazing," Ana walked over and hugged her sister, genuinely happy for her. "Has he asked you out yet?"

"Well, that's the thing," Kate said, pulling away. "He asked if I wanted to have a drink with him tonight at that bar over on Brady Street."

"What? Seriously?!" Ana squealed. "Kate, you have to stop hiding these things from me!"

"I'm not! He's apparently going there with some friends, and he asked if I wanted to join them," Kate explained. "I was actually hoping you'd come along with me."

Ana raised her eyebrows. "Really? I mean, I'd be happy to go out for a drink with you guys, but I don't want to be in the way."

"You won't be," Kate insisted. "Elliot even said you could come along if you wanted. Honestly, I want you to come - I'd be a lot less nervous if you were there with me. And if it turns out one of his friends is a hot girl who he wants to hook up with, I'd feel less embarrassed being there if I wasn't by myself."

"Stop it, Kate. I doubt he would do that to you," Ana said firmly. "I'll come along with you tonight if you insist. What time are we meeting them?"

"At around seven," Kate said with a grin, and she giggled excitedly before taking Ana's hands in her own. "Oh my God, thank you so much Ana - I'm really excited for tonight now!"

"Yeah well, now you can owe me one," Ana smiled, squeezing her hands back. "Come on, I want to help you pick out a cute outfit so Elliot will drool all over you tonight…"

After spending the rest of the day going through their closets, trying on different outfits, and finding the best makeup look, Ana and Kate finally headed out to the bar. They had told their parents they were just going out for a drink alone tonight, which Ray and Carla didn't question - Ana and Kate had gone out for drinks quite often since Ana turned 21 last September, and since both of them only worked part-time jobs, their outings were rather sporadic throughout the week. Kate was currently wearing a cute dark purple halter top with skinny jeans and round-toe heels, while Ana opted for a graphic t-shirt with black skinny jeans and ballet flats.

"Don't be nervous," Ana instructed her sister as they walked down the sidewalk toward the bar, which was packed with people. "Let's just have a good time tonight, alright?"

Kate nodded, but didn't say anything else as they squeezed their way through the doorway. This bar was called The Regiment, and it was currently packed with people, either sitting at tables or milling around the bar area, loudly cheering at the football game that was on TV. Ana and Kate glanced around the place for a few moments before they saw someone waving from a nearby booth.

"Kate, Ana - over here!" Elliot shouted brightly, and the two girls made their way over.

Ana had expected a group of people to be with Elliot, but as soon as they got close enough, she noticed only one other person there, sitting across from him at the booth. It was Christian, the rude guy from the party yesterday.

Shit.

Ana almost wanted to turn around and leave, since she'd much rather bail than have to put up with Christian again. But Kate had insisted she come, so at the very least she was willing to stick it out for her.

"Hi," Elliot smiled at Kate as soon as she and Ana approached. His eyes cast over her body, admiring her figure, and Kate blushed.

"Hi," she said. Elliot got up from his seat, allowing Kate and Ana to slide into one side of the booth together.

"Hi Christian," Ana greeted politely, setting her purse down beside her. He smiled politely back.

"Good evening," he said.

"Can we get you ladies something to drink?" Elliot asked expectantly, still standing beside the table.

"I'll have a vodka soda," Kate requested.

"I'll just have a light beer," Ana said.

"Comin' right up," Elliot grinned, clapping Christian on the shoulder. "Come on dude, help me out with the drinks."

Without a word, Christian got up from his seat and followed Elliot to the bar. Ana and Kate looked at each other.

"Ugh, Kate - you told me this was going to be a group thing," Ana complained, keeping her voice low in case they came back. "You didn't tell me only Christian was going to be here."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know," Kate apologized sincerely. "It really sounded like Elliot was bringing a whole group of people here tonight. Maybe they're coming a bit later?"

"I hope so," Ana said despondently. "'Cause now this feels like we're on a weird double date where I'm stuck with the jerk."

"Don't say that," Kate said. "I'm sure Christian is nice once you get to know him. Elliot says that he can be a bit quiet sometimes, but at his heart he's a very kind and loyal person."

"I think I'll be the judge of that," Ana said stoutly. At that moment, Elliot and Christian returned with their drinks.

"Thank you," Kate blushed and smiled as Elliot set her and Ana's drinks in front of them.

"You're very welcome," he smiled before he and Christian sat down across from them. "So how have you guys been since we saw you yesterday?"

For the next half hour or so, the four of them engaged in pleasant conversation, talking about everything ranging from Ray's birthday party to how Elliot and Christian liked being in Portland. Elliot, Kate, and Ana carried most of the conversation, with Christian choosing to just mostly listen, and talk only when asked a direct question. Elliot, thankfully, was the opposite of his friend: he was very charismatic and friendly, and Ana enjoyed talking and laughing with him and Kate. Ana found herself observing her sister and Elliot as they chatted, and was happy to see an expression of admiration in both of their eyes.

"Oh, Kate - did you want another drink?" Elliot suddenly asked, noticing her vodka soda was empty.

"Oh, I can get it," Kate offered, moving to get up.

"No please, allow me," Elliot said, getting to his feet and helping her up. "I'll come with you to the bar. Do either of you need a refill?"

Ana and Christian both said they didn't, and Elliot and Kate walked away together toward the crowded bar.

There was a short, awkward silence between Ana and Christian now that they were alone. Ana took a sip of her beer, wishing Kate and Elliot would hurry up.

"So you're finishing up college this coming semester?" Christian asked after a moment, picking up the conversation where it had left off before Elliot and Kate walked away.

"Yeah. I've been taking online courses at WSU for the past three years now," Ana explained. "I'm finishing up a semester early and graduating summa cum laude."

"Impressive," Christian nodded. There was another short pause.

"Where did you go to college?" Ana asked.

"Harvard Business School," Christian said, in a tone of voice that didn't make it sound as impressive as it really was. "I graduated about four years ago, and then I came back to Seattle to take over my father's company."

"The acquisitions company," Ana said, remembering him mentioning it yesterday. He nodded. "Sounds like you really got it made."

"I guess so," Christian said impassively, but didn't go on. Ana couldn't help but bite back a smile.

"So I'm talking to a Harvard graduate," she mused, taking another sip of her beer. "My online English degree from WSU probably seems rather insufficient."

"Why would you say that?" Christian asked, taking a long pull from his own beer.

Ana, a bit surprised by his question, had to think about her answer for a moment. "I guess because you went to an ivy league school knowing what you were going to do when you graduated. I can't really say the same."

"I'm not one of those people that think vocational training is a necessity in college," Christian shrugged. "While it is useful, college is also a time to grow and explore new things while figuring out the kind of person you are."

"I agree, but taking online courses doesn't exactly lend itself to those crazy college hookup stories you always hear about," Ana pointed out.

"I suppose not," Christian said. "Hooking up with people doesn't necessarily have to be a part of your college experience, however."

"It doesn't?" Ana asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "So you don't have any of those stories to tell?"

"No," Christian said simply.

"You didn't meet anyone in college?" Ana asked in surprise. "Really?"

"I met people," Christian assured her. "I even dated a few girls, but I've just never been one to party too hard and do crazy things just because I could. I'd hardly be setting a good example since I was already poised to take over my father's company when I first went off to school."

Ana didn't say anything for a moment - she had wondered if Christian was always this arrogant and stuffy, and apparently she was right. "How responsible of you," she said lightly.

Christian gave her an odd look. "You're laughing at me."

"No I'm not," Ana assured him. "You had said before that college was a time for people to explore themselves and learn who they are, and then you said you never partied too hard or hooked up with random girls. It speaks a lot to the kind of person you are."

Christian raised his eyebrows at her. "And your comment speaks a lot about the kind of guys many girls in college tend to associate with," he said coolly. "Call me old fashioned, but I wouldn't want to date a girl unless I really liked her."

Ana didn't answer as she took another sip of her beer, unable to help feeling sorry for whatever poor soul he ended up dating.

At that moment, Kate and Elliot finally appeared back at the table. "Hey guys - a pool table just opened up. Do you want to play a game?"

Ana, all too happy to end this conversation, got to her feet, and Christian followed suit. The four of them then made their way to the nearest pool table, which no one was occupying.

Christian hadn't been too thrilled at the prospect of going out for a drink with Elliot and Kate tonight, but in the end he reluctantly agreed, simply because Elliot was so determined to get to know Kate better. And Christian wasn't sure if it was this bar or the beer he drank tonight, but his conversation with Ana left him feeling a little vexed. He couldn't say why she cared so much about what he was like in college or how much he dated, but something about her manner of speaking made him want to keep talking to her. And it didn't help that her pretty blue eyes distracted him more than he liked.

Kate, Ana and Christian now stood around the pool table, watching Elliot line up his shot, and Christian's eyes couldn't help but gravitate to Ana, who had one hand tucked in her back jeans pocket and the other holding her beer bottle. She smiled as she watched the billiard balls clack together and roll in every direction, and she brought the beer up to her lips to take a sip.

Christian forced himself to look away as he took a pull from his own beer, hoping the alcohol would distract him from his unwarranted thoughts.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed chapter 2! If you did, please review :)

I'm currently writing another story called Anastasia, Pop Princess that I'll be wrapping up in about five or six more chapters. Once that story's finished, I'll devote more time and energy into this one :) Thank you all for your wonderful love and support!