Chapter 14

Ana

I can't remember the last time I felt so light on a Monday morning.

Dinner with Christian on Friday night was… indescribable. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that he was thinking of me as much as I was thinking of him. To think that it was just a bunch of horrible coincidences that kept us apart is mind-boggling, but I almost feel that it makes the fact that we found our way back to each other seem even more significant.

So, we agreed to try to be friends in the real world, something we never got the chance to do back then. We've been texting and emailing back and forth a fair bit over the weekend, just conversing and catching up, but we haven't gotten a chance to see one another because he was working. I guess when you're everyone's boss, you never really have a day off.

Still, I walk in on Monday feeling hopeful. For years, I've tried to convince myself that knowing he was okay was enough, but who was I trying to kid? I missed his presence in my life, however brief it was. I always wondered what could have been. Now, I get to find out, and that makes me practically giddy.

Maya comes barreling around the corner hardly before my feet have even crossed the threshold into the building. "Girl! It looks like Caleb is stepping it up."

"What do you mean?" I ask. I didn't see him all weekend, a fact which threatens my good mood…

"Your desk!"

"My desk?"

"Yes! Go look!" She starts to push me forward towards my office, almost making me stumble.

I walk inside to find my desk nearly dwarfed by an enormous bouquet of yellows roses, sunflowers, and purple campanula. I freeze in the doorway, overwhelmed by the thrill rushing through me. Thoughtful gifts, flowers, notes… the small, attentive gestures that kept our love feeling brand new used to be a staple of my relationship with Caleb. These days, I honestly can't remember the last time he bought me flowers. I feel a smile spread across my face as I walk forward and pick up the card.

Ana,

Yellow roses and sunflowers mean friendship. Campanula mean gratitude.

I'm profoundly grateful for your friendship. To new beginnings.

– Christian

My hand flies to my mouth. Not Caleb. Christian. An old, familiar ache hits me at the realization that this wasn't the work of my boyfriend, but I find that it's assuaged by the kindness of the gesture from my old, cherished friend. It seems to fit in line with what I know of his character. Especially in his newfound life of extravagance, I could see him wanting to share that with others.

With another glance at them, my smile wavers. I hope this doesn't become a regular thing. This is gorgeous, but I don't want anything from him except him. This is all just confetti. Oh well. It probably won't. I gave him a cupcake, he gave me flowers. We're even now.

I move the bouquet to the far side of my desk, pausing to enjoy their aroma, then fire up my computer to check my work email and get started with the day. Speak of the devil, there's an email waiting for me at the top of my inbox from my new boss's boss's boss.

From: Christian Grey
Subject: Manic Monday
Date: July 19 2021 08:33
To: Anastasia Steele

My dearest Ana,

Happy Monday. I hope that you received the token I had sent to you this morning.

I'm emailing to inform you that I spoke to my parents this weekend and upon hearing the news that we've stumbled back into each other's lives, they insisted that I invite you to dinner at their house. They suggested Wednesday night. You'll meet my sister as well, but my brother has a previous engagement.

I guess they're as impatient as I was to see you again. No pressure, you can always say no. Either way, I'd like to see you again soon.

Your friend and coworker (of sorts),

Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Oh, the email banter. This is a side of Christian I can't say I ever expected, and probably the most delightful one so far. Talking to him in print now is just as effortless as it was in person all those years ago, as evidenced by the stupid grin on my face staring at my screen.

But dinner with the Greys? That's… daunting. You can't live in Seattle and not know their name. I've gathered some inkling of the standing that Grace and Carrick, or as I knew them, Christian's mom and dad, hold in the society circles, and I can't imagine that a dinner invitation is something a lot of people see from them. My stomach is in knots just thinking about it.

I'd have nothing to wear. I wouldn't fit in. I have to say no. I'd make a fool of myself, not knowing the right fork to use or how to sit properly.

The garish floral display on my desk catches my eye again, and it gives me pause. Is saying no going to isolate Christian already? He's clearly trying to share his world with me. Maybe I could go as a favor to him… I want him to feel comfortable around me like he used to, to show him that I am here for him and not the materialism. Wouldn't it be in poor taste to say, 'thanks for the flowers, but nah, I don't want to meet your family. Keep the gifts coming, though!' Surely, I could bear one dinner. I'd just have to borrow one more outfit from Kate. Besides, if memory serves, the Greys were very welcoming.

So, before I can talk myself out of it, I type up a reply.

From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: I Wish It Were Sunday
Date: July 19 2021 09:10
To: Christian Grey

My dearest Christian,

Thank you for the beautiful flowers and know that the feeling is entirely mutual. And they smell so nice! I feel very spoiled today. Is this how treat all your new employees?

I would be happy to meet with your family again. If it's anything like the dinner you had with me the other night, though, I'd appreciate some guidance. What would be appropriate to wear? Can I bring anything? Will I need to enroll in etiquette lessons?

I hope you're having a lovely Monday so far.

Your friend and loyal employee,

Anastasia Steele
Editor, Seattle Independent Publishing

I'm just pressing send when a voice nearly makes me hit the ceiling. "Well? Caleb did good, huh?" Maya asks with a smirk.

"Oh… uh…" She walks inside and picks up the card, her jaw practically unhinging when she reads it.

"Christian? As in the Christian who was in your office on Thursday? As in Christian Grey?"

"I, uh… I…" Cool as a cucumber, Steele. Wow.

She braces her hands against my desk and leans forward, entering full interrogation mode. God help me. "It's time for honesty, Ana. What happened when he was in here? Do you know him? Is he into you? I mean, my God, he sent you flowers! I've never even seen him look at a woman! He looks so pissed all the time."

"Maya!" I finally find my voice. "Okay. The truth is, Christian, I mean, Mr. Grey and I briefly met when we were kids. We became friends and then ended up living in different places and falling out of touch. That's it. This is just for old times' sake. God, he definitely isn't into me." Boy, would that be some strange alternate universe where someone like him liked someone like me. "We are just friends."

She leans back and crosses her arms, eying me speculatively. "Okay, Steele. Like I said… keep your secrets. It seemed too strange for it to be Caleb anyway. Dude has his head so far up his ass, he probably doesn't even know what flowers are."

"Maya," I scold. That's unfair to the Caleb I used to know. The one that she knows… well, probably warranted.

God, I need to do something about this. Waiting for the phase to pass is clearly doing nothing.

Don't think about it at work…

"Sorry. Okay. I'll go get to work, then. Maybe I'll be such a model employee that Mr. Grey will send me flowers, too," she says in a sing-songy voice, swaying her hips as she leaves my office. I laugh to myself and shake my head. She's too much.

My computer makes a light pinging sound, and I switch over to my email, surprised to see that I already have a new email from Christian. Wow. Our CEO has time to reply to a lowly editor?

From: Christian Grey
Subject: I Wish It Were Wednesday
Date: July 19 2021 09:17
To: Anastasia Steele

Ana,

It's how I treat all my long-lost friends and confidants. Namely, you.

Dinner with my parents is very come-as-you-are. No need to bring anything except yourself, and you can wear whatever you'd like. And etiquette lessons… that's funny. I'm sure Mia will be in bike shorts, slopping food on her clothing like the savage she is.

My Monday is better now that I'll see you on Wednesday.

Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I smile again at how sweet he is over email. Well… looks like I'll be calling Kate again. I exit out of my email so that I can actually get something done today. I don't know how much the new boss will appreciate my slacking, even if it's for him. And work will keep my thoughts out of darker avenues… for now.

I pull up through the Greys' front gate – yes, I did say gate – slowly, like my car is apologizing for stepping on this perfectly manicured driveway. Christian wanted to send me a car, which I didn't know was a thing that people actually did, but I preferred to drive myself, so he said he'd get there early to meet me. I can't even look for his car because I have no idea what he drives.

I park behind the last car and telepathically beg Christian to come out and find me. Bless his heart, he walks outside immediately, a smile spreading across his face when he sees me. I half-expected him to send one of his security people to get me. He seems to have goons for days.

He opens my driver's side door and I survey his attire. Gray suit, white shirt, no tie. Jacket slung over his shoulder and sleeves rolled-up. Okay, we're about the same level of formality. I chose a short-sleeved floral dress that I've worn to both work and happy hour with decent transition.

"You look lovely, Ana," he says, looking over my car when I look up. "Is this your car?"

"Nah, this was just sitting outside my apartment, and I stole it."

"Ha, ha. It doesn't look safe."

"Well, I'm here, aren't I?" I know that a new car is on the horizon, but I just had Wanda serviced. We'll probably survive another few months.

He eyes the car disdainfully. I've found that he's very particular about the quality of the things in his life, so I just wait for this moment to pass and pray he doesn't drag it out. "We should get inside," he finally says, taking my hand and helping me out. He gives Wanda one last stink eye as he closes the door behind me. "How is your week?" he asks, keeping my hand in his. I thought that part might be weird now that we're older, but honestly, it feels just the same. We always liked the little physical connection, so I'm not going to overanalyze it.

"Not bad. Busy trying to shape up for the new owners." I raise an eyebrow at him. "Everyone is on their A-game trying to impress you."

"You mean trying to impress my company? I won't be very directly involved in your operations."

"I mean you. Particularly most of the females in the office." I'm surprised Maya hasn't built a Christian Grey shrine under her desk. Maybe she has one at home that she prays to. "I guess they're all hoping that your management style is hands-on."

"Well, maybe I'll have to drop by. It'll be a good excuse to see you, anyway."

He says this so nonchalantly… like he's actually been thinking about it, and he wants to see me more. Well, I guess that's why I'm here at this house/museum. But it's still nice to hear. "I think my coworkers would be very confused to hear that we used to know each other. Probably best not to flaunt it. Although, one of them figured it out from that exercise in subtlety that you had sent to me."

"Do you really care if they know?" he asks, wrinkling his brow.

"I mean, don't you?"

"No. You're not a secret. You're in my life now, I'm sure they would find out eventually."

In hindsight, I almost feel foolish for ever thinking he didn't care about me anymore. All he's done since we reconnected is reference the permanence that this friendship is going to have. Maybe hope wasn't so dangerous after all… "I've just been trying to respect your privacy. I mean… when people hear your name, they listen. I didn't feel it was my place to start talking about your personal life, even just admitting that I know you. But if you're okay with it, of course I wouldn't want you to be a secret, either."

He smiles down at me, pausing outside the front door. "Well, I'm glad to hear that, given that my mother will probably be talking about you to everyone who will listen after tonight. Ready?"

I shrug. "As I'll ever be."

He smirks. "They don't bite, I promise." He squeezes my hand once and then opens the door, gesturing for me to go in first.

"Oh, Christian, is she here?" I hear a voice call. Grace comes around the corner, smiling widely. She looks mostly the same as she did when I met her… maybe a little less stressed. But just as friendly and welcoming. "Ana! Oh my goodness, look at you! You were hardly a slip of a thing when we first met and now look at you. All grown up and absolutely beautiful. I'm so glad you could join us tonight."

I take her outstretched hand. "Thank you so much for the invitation, Dr. Trevelyan-Grey."

"Oh, nonsense, dear, call me Grace. Please, come in!" She puts an arm around me and begins to usher me forward into the house. I glance back at Christian, and he just smiles and shakes his head.

She leads us into an immaculate dining room, not unlike the setup that Christian had ready the other night. Is this just a Grey thing? Not two seconds later, a girl with short black hair wanders in and her face lights up when she sees me. "Oh my God! Are you Ana?"

"Uh… guilty," I laugh self-consciously.

"It's so amazing to meet you. I'm Mia, Christian's sister." She throws herself at me for a hug, and I note she is in jeans, not bike shorts, but it does make me feel better for my attire. Although, they are likely designer, and this dress is probably from Target. "He's talked about you so much over the years. This is really a dream come true!"

"Ana, won't you sit down? Dinner is just about ready." Grace gestures to a chair for me.

"Right next to me! Perfect," Mia enthuses.

"Mia, relax," Christian chides. He sits on the other side of me. "Okay?" he leans in and whispers.

"Yes, don't worry," I whisper back.

A man who I recognize as Christian's father then walks in, stopping to kiss Grace on the cheek, then turning to me. "Ana, it's wonderful to see you again. Quite the happy ending to this decade-long story."

"I agree, and it's nice to see you again, Mr. Grey."

"Carrick, please," he insists.

"Gretchen, we're ready for appetizers," Grace calls as everyone else takes their seats.

A young woman walks in with a surreptitious glance at Christian, which he seems completely oblivious of, and sets down a charcuterie plate and some canapes. Christian takes it upon himself to start filling my plate. Apparently, I'm getting the Grey Personal Attendant package tonight. I taste a little cheese and one of the canapes and my eyes nearly roll into the back of my head. Damn. That's good. Christian and I share a glance, and he smiles when I nod in appreciation.

Grace blinks a few times as if in confusion, staring at Christian, but then quickly plasters on a smile and looks at me. "So, Ana… or do you prefer Anastasia?"

"No, definitely not. Ana is fine," I say hastily. "I try to distance myself from the Russian princess jokes. They just write themselves."

This generates a ripple of laughter around the table, which makes my cheeks a bit hot. "Christian has filled in a few of the gaps that we unfortunately missed… you're in publishing now?"

"Uh, yes, I'm an editor."

"How wonderful. You know, I actually think I've recently read something published by your company. Do you know of Elise Hill?"

I laugh. "Yes, I do. She's one of mine." So, Grace enjoys a good murder-mystery thriller. I had her pinned for the romance novel type.

"Oh, you lucky duck! That means you get to read everything before it comes out! I'd love to be a fly on the wall in your office."

"I wish I could offer you a sneak peek, but I would definitely get fired. Elise is amazing, though. I'm sure I could get you a signed copy of her latest if you want."

"Really? I've been wanting to attend a signing, but it never seems to work out with my work schedule. That would be so exciting. Although, I'm not sure that someone here at this table would really allow you to get fired." She looks at Christian and winks.

Well, now my cheeks are really on fire. Christian just gives his mom an indulgent shake of the head, seemingly unbothered by her comment. "Oh, he definitely should if I violated my authors' privacy like that. But yes, not a problem at all. I have a meeting with her this week."

"So, what was it like seeing each other again?" Mia changes the subject, looking straight at me.

"Mia," Christian says in a warning tone.

"What? You guys seem so relaxed with each other. I've literally never seen that from you before, except with us."

I put a hand over one of his that's resting on his lap. I don't mind Mia's questions, she just seems like a great sister who's excited for her brother. "For me, it was… surprising. I couldn't get my bearings. Not what I expected on a Thursday afternoon."

Gretchen then brings out the next course, watercress soup. She gives Christian another lingering glance. I bite my lip to keep from laughing. She's got it bad.

"I can't believe the facility never told you that you were receiving phone calls, even if he couldn't give the information they needed. It seems like they should still inform the patient that someone was trying to reach them. It seems very strange," Grace muses.

"Especially since they were separating two of their own patients who'd formed a bond. It seems highly irresponsible," Carrick agrees.

"So, you didn't know he was buying your company?" Mia continues.

I shake my head. "No, Mr. Roach didn't tell us who the potential buyers were."

She turns to Christian. "And you didn't know she worked there?"

"My search had turned up nothing, so no," he says patiently.

Mia sighs and leans back in her chair, pressing her hands over her heart. "It's fate. You two were meant to meet again."

"I think you've hit the nail on the head, Mia," Grace says, smiling warmly as she looks between us. I suppose my face is just meant to be scarlet tonight…

I can't believe I was reluctant to agree to dinner with the Greys. I've had the best evening watching them interact. They're clearly a close-knit family who loves each other and enjoys the time together, but they've also welcomed me in such a seamless way, I never felt awkward. They asked about school, my job, my family, my interests, the same basic details I've been catching up with Christian on, and they seemed to show genuine interest in my life. Not to mention, the food was fantastic. I can't remember the last time I had such a satisfying and fun time just having dinner.

"Thank you again for making yourself available to see us, Ana. You're welcome in our home anytime," Grace says kindly.

"If you'll excuse us, I'd like to show Ana the grounds," Christian cuts in.

Grace all but gapes at him for a second before composing herself. "Of… course. Yes. Enjoy yourselves."

Christian takes my hand and helps me out of my seat, guiding me towards the French doors leading out onto an impressive terrace. I freeze in place as soon as we're outside. "Wow."

The backyard is stunning. There's a shocking amount of open space adorned with well-tended landscaping, a breathtaking view of Lake Washington, and currently, one of the most astonishing sunsets I've ever seen.

He squeezes my hand. "I knew it was just about sunset. I thought you'd like this."

"This is… I mean…" Clearly, I have no words. "This is… perfect." I take in the colors streaked across the sky with awe.

I turn to look at him and he's looking at me, smiling boyishly. "Come here." He leads me down into the grass, along a path leading to what looks like another small house. A guesthouse, maybe? "Boathouse," he supplies, literally answering my thoughts.

We head up the stairs and stop on the far side of the porch, hidden from the house with our backs against the wall. The view of the water from here is a little closer, and just as beautiful. "I always wanted to live by water. I'm not sure I'll ever get to. Thank you so much for sharing this with me." I glance over at him and he's looking down, staring at our hands intertwined, seeming to be lost in his own head. "Hey. What are you thinking about?"

He looks up at me again, with a strange expression in his eyes. "How I stood right here on my birthday and thought about you."

My heart skips a beat. "You did?"

"Yes. For some reason, I couldn't get you out of my head. I thought about my sixteenth birthday, I wondered where you were… I missed you. At the time, it felt so unresolved and… futile. Now… I just think I knew I couldn't wait much longer for you. And I'm very glad that I didn't have to."

It hits me like a tidal wave coming up off of the lake just how lucky I am to be one of the only people who's ever seen this side of Christian. It's unimaginable to me that his reputation paints him as cold and hardhearted. Brokenhearted, maybe. Afraid to be vulnerable. Longing to be enough. "It hasn't even been a week since we crossed paths again, and already, I'm happier than I've been in a long time. I couldn't wait for you, either. Now, we never have to."

"No. I don't intend to let you go," he says seriously.

"I never intended to go in the first place. I don't want to go. Get used to it." We just look at each other for a moment, small, contented smiles on our faces. "I'd like to hug you, if that's okay."

I hear his sharp intake of breath. "It's okay. As long as I know it's you, you can touch me in the spots I showed you whenever you want."

That feels better than winning the lottery. I throw my arms around him, and he laughs as he catches me. "Thank you for trusting me. Still. I know it's been forever, but… you mean just the same to me. I can't wait to figure it out again with you."

I think I feel his nose in my hair, almost like he's nuzzling me. "We'll figure it out. You and me. Like it always should have been." He's silent for a minute, so I pull back to check his expression. He looks a bit shy, for lack of a better word. "You know, besides my siblings, I've never really had anyone to just… hang out with. I never wanted to."

"And now?"

"I want to hang out with you. I feel the best when I'm with you."

I smile, once again honored to be the one in his corner. "Well, then let's hang out."

He lets me go from his embrace, but keeps my hand, leading me down to walk by the water. "There's so much I imagined doing with you before I left. I don't even know where to start. And now I can show you even more."

I laugh, tugging on his arm. "I don't want you to lasso the moon, Christian. It doesn't matter what we do. We'll figure it out as we go."

He smiles sheepishly. "Yes. We will."

As we continue to stroll by the water, talking about everything and nothing, I settle on something. He may poke fun at Mia for her enthusiasm, but I think she got one thing exactly right. I think meeting again was fate.

A/N: Hello, I am in post-vacation depression and channeling my feelings into this story. Good for you, less so for me. Hope you enjoyed this one!