AN: This is still Madison's friend. I just want to clarify something. A guest reviewer, that reviewed Unwritten,thought maybe my system was set to the Chinese dialect. And that was what was causing all my problems. I guess I should have thought of a different way to explain it. When I say that it unreadable like it's written in Chinese. What I mean is it's unreadable because there's just line after line of computer code. It's not actually Chinese writing.
After this there may not be new updates for several days. Yesterday morning my elderly father who has dementia. Fell on his face. He broke his nose and got a mild concussion. He of course went to the emergency room. Where they were so overrun with COVID-19 patients. That he spent the whole time he was at the emergency room on a gurney in the hallway. When he left the ER yesterday night it was our understanding that they were not going to do surgery on his broken nose. We got a very unexpected call this afternoon. And tomorrow morning he will be having surgery to fix his broken nose. So I will be busy over the next several days taking care of him. But I promise I have not forgotten you. Hopefully by next week I will be back to a more regular update schedule.
I would like to thank everyone that left birthday wishes for me in the reviews. It meant a great deal to me. I truly appreciate it.
Chpt. 6: Ana's POV:
The next couple of weeks have flown by despite how incredibly busy I have been. I ended up requesting Stacy fly out here a week early as I could not function without her. Luckily she is very flexible and was able to move early without much convincing. The administrative assistant with SIP was trying hard to help but she just wasn't Stacy. It was too much for one person to learn in such a short period of time and I found myself too frustrated with her to even deal with her. I knew this was more about me than it was about her which is why I asked Stacy to come earlier. At least with Stacy here there was some normalcy back in my life although I still felt like it was spinning out of control. The merger with Seattle E Books went through without a hitch; it was announced to all employees earlier this week. We have identified six or seven people within Seattle E Books that will be terminated at the end of the month; mostly because they have identical positions to those already held within SIP and those staff have more seniority. A couple are being terminated because of poor job performance over the last year or so however Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were able to recognize their poor performance and agreed with my decision.
As for SIP, I see at least one background check that is concerning; a senior editor Jack Hyde has a record including prison time more than four pages long. His record includes everything from DUIs to drug use to domestic violence. I have spoken with Mr. Roach who swears Jack Hyde is a wonderful employee who works very closely with several key authors. I make a note to watch him carefully, one step out of line I will terminate his employment without thinking twice. I have notified all employees of SIP and Seattle E Books that background checks will be ran annually on all employees as well as random drug testing.
"Hi Kate" I answer my phone.
"You've been in Seattle what two weeks and I haven't seen you yet?" Kate asks.
"I know, Kate" I sigh. "I'm sorry. It's been out of control since I arrived; I took over another company at the last minute so all my time has been spent merging the two companies into one."
"Then it sounds like Saturday is exactly what you need!" Kate exclaims.
"Saturday?" I ask confused.
"The gala I told you about? Please don't tell me you forgot!" she whines.
"No of course not….It's right here on my calendar" I say after quickly clicking on my calendar on the computer.
"Great! Do you want to go shopping for dresses tomorrow? Something tells me you don't have one yet…" Kate says.
"That sounds great and you're right I haven't had a chance to shop yet" I laugh.
"Great, come to my apartment around 3" Kate says hanging up.
"Stacy, can you come in for a moment?" I ask.
"Yes Ms. Steele?" Stacy walks into my office.
"I need to leave tomorrow at 3, please reschedule anything that is on my schedule at that time" I say.
"You have an appointment with a realtor but I can move that up earlier in the day if you want" Stacy says.
"Sure, schedule it in the morning. I may end up working from the hotel tomorrow" I reply.
"Yes Ms. Steele" Stacy exits my office.
As I'm about to leave for the evening, Stacy notifies me that the realtor has agreed to reschedule our appointment for 10am tomorrow to view three different condos that are available. I am looking forward to getting out of the hotel; there isn't anything wrong with the hotel but it just feels so temporary. I'm ready to make Seattle my home again and I think to do that I need a permanent place to live. New York never really seemed like home I think because I always wanted to return to Seattle. As I arrive back at the Heathman I decide to take a long hot bath to try to relax. My muscles are tense and my head is spinning with everything going on at the office. I close my eyes and try to relax in the tub, but I keep seeing background checks and financial ledgers in my head. Sighing heavily, I get up out of the tub and change into a pair of workout clothes. After an hour in the hotel gym I am no more relaxed now than when I was when I came back to the hotel.
I sigh frustrated and open my laptop; I know none of this is working because the only thing that seems to make me calm even temporarily is giving up complete control. Given my position in the company, I certainly cannot give up control at work. This is why BDSM is so perfect for me; I can give someone complete control in an environment that doesn't impact my career. Although I have only tried one scene since my introduction to BDSM with Taylor, I am still highly interested in the lifestyle. That session left me feeling used but in the end I still felt back in control the next day. I think it was the approach of this dom that didn't sit well with me; I've read online that sometimes a sub and a dom are not always a good fit even if their limits mesh well on paper. I sign into the New York BDSM club's website where they list other clubs around the world that they have the same high standards that they do. I make note of a two that are relatively close to me; one in Seattle and one just outside the city. I'm hesitant to go but I decide to try; I need to do something to get my life back in order. I decide to visit the club outside of Seattle hoping that there would be less of a chance that I would run into someone I might know.
I quickly dress, get a cab and make my way to the club which is already in full swing despite only opening two hours ago. I complete the initial paperwork which is minimal since they are able to access my records from the club in New York. I again pay an obscene amount of money to visit tonight however I am reassured when I sign an iron clad NDA which is required to be signed by all members and visitors. I take a yellow bracelet not sure exactly what I am interested in tonight.
Walking into the main room I can tell almost immediately that this club is not for me. While there are customers in skimpy clothing throughout the main area, there is almost an equally number of people walking around completely naked. There are quite a number of couples engaging in various scenes in the middle of the room, some involving several people. I can't tell if the private rooms are all busy or if this is how the club normally operates. I decide to add engaging in sexual acts or a scene in public to my hard limit list after seeing this club tonight. I am about to walk out the door but decide to first get a drink; I might as well get something for the ridiculous amount of money I just threw down the toilet.
"May I?" a voice asks.
I look up and find a rather heavily set man standing in front of me pointing to the chair next to me.
"Sure" I answer.
He sits down breathing heavily before ordering a drink. His face is flush, his hair is a mess and his clothes are dishelved. Either he just ran a marathon or he just came from a scene with someone; a glance at his wrist tells me he is a dom.
"Would you like another drink?" he asks.
"No, I'm fine thank you" I answer.
"All the rooms are occupied, but there is a couch over there…how about we get more comfortable?" he asks.
"Actually I was just leaving" I stand up.
"Come on beautiful" he says. "I can make you scream like no one ever has."
"I would rather not" I say walking out.
I hail a cab and immediately return to the hotel; what a waste of a night. I can't believe the nerve of that guy to barely recover from a scene with one sub to jump into a scene with another sub. Maybe I'm asking for too much out of the lifestyle but I would hope that if I were with a dom one night he wouldn't be with another sub the same night. I don't want to feel like a tramp or a whore just because I happen to enjoy sex a little rough. Tossing and turning in bed I realize I am more stressed now than I was when I came back from the office. The club did nothing but make me feel more out of control. Perhaps the other club would have been a better choice, although I think it's going to be some time before I try another club. I finally fall asleep remembering the only two scenes that have ever left me feeling fully satisfied both sexually and psychologically.
The morning arrives quickly and I wake feeling unrested which has been pretty typical for me lately. I quickly shower, eat breakfast and respond to a few emails before setting out to meet the realtor that Stacy has lined up for me. The first condo we see is located in a high rise apartment building called the Flagstone. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a small study; I think it's priced a little high for the small space but the realtor informs me the price includes various amenities most of which I know I will be too busy to enjoy. The overall condo isn't bad, but I don't think it's me. There is no balcony for one, which is important to me; I want to be able to step outside quickly and get a breath of fresh air every so often. The kitchen is also very small; although I don't have much time I enjoy cooking and would prefer a bigger place.
The second condo is closer to what I'm looking for, it's located in a building called Sky Tower and is very closer to SIP. This condo has three full bedrooms one of which would make a perfect office, two bathrooms and a decent size kitchen. There is a balcony but it is very small; as in so small I don't know if I could put more than one chair on it. The other downside is there is no washer and dryer hook up in the condo so I would need to have that done before I moved in. The realtor felt this could easily be accomplished installing the hook up in the kitchen pantry, however then I am losing the pantry which is a feature I liked about the kitchen. The price is comparable to what I would expect and the building has a nice gym.
The third condo is absolutely perfect; it's located in a building called Escala and while it's a little further than the second condo to SIP it is still within a close distance. Each apartment comes with one dedicated parking space however additional spaces could be purchased. The condo has two large bedrooms complete with walk in closets, a large study, a small room which I think would be perfect for a library, three bathrooms, two gas fireplaces and a large kitchen with upgraded appliances. The realtor explains the condo has been completely remodeled by the previous owners including top of the line appliances. There are two balconies, one off the living room and one off the master bedroom. The one of the master bedroom is very small but the second one has plenty of space for chairs and a small cocktail table. This apartment is considered a junior penthouse because of the square footage and number of rooms; there are only two on this floor with the main penthouse being one floor above it. There is full time security in the building and both penthouse floors are only accessible by code. While security has never been a concern for me, this apartment is appealing as I realize at any time I could piss off the wrong employee or business competitor. Before we leave I instruct the realtor to make an offer and if the owner accepts to request closing as soon as possible. This places feels like home and is exactly what I want.
"Ana!" Kate exclaims as I answer my phone.
"Hi Kate" I laugh…she is always so cheery.
"Are you ready to shop until we drop?" she asks.
"Of course, where should we meet?" I answer.
Kate gives me the address of a store she wants to start at which happens to be only a couple of blocks from Escala. I decide to walk to the store since the weather is beautiful today and I rarely get a chance to take a walk just to enjoy the weather. This was why I it is so important to me to have a balcony in my apartment; if nothing else at least I could step outside. I stop by a food vendor cart and grab an ice tea before continuing to the store to meet Kate. I suddenly have a weird feeling and something pulls me to look across the street. For a split second I swear I see Taylor talking on a cell phone getting out of a black SUV. I try calling for him but in the traffic of the busy street my voice is lost. Unfortunately there is no cross walk in site and I cannot safely cross this street without a light. Just as I ponder my options, the Taylor look alike enters a restaurant and disappears from site. It's not possible; that was not Taylor. My mind must be playing tricks on me, I sigh.
"Ana! You look wonderful!" Kate greets me outside the store with a huge hug.
"I've missed you Kate!" I exclaim.
"Tell me what's new in your life" she says as we begin looking around the shop.
"I found an apartment today and my realtor is making an offer today" I say.
"Where at?" Kate asks.
"A building called Escala" I answer.
"Oh I've heard of it, it's very nice" Kate says.
"So what about you? What's new with you?" I ask.
"I'm still at The Times News" Kate begins. "Oh, but more importantly I think I'm in love!"
"Really?" I'm surprised; I never thought Kate would be the type to fall in love.
"Yes," she laughs. "I can't wait for you to meet Elliot tomorrow night; I know you're going to love him!"
"Oh, speaking of tomorrow night, what's the charity?" I ask realizing I know nothing about this event.
"I swear if you ever checked your email!" Kate says. "It's a ball to benefit a charity called Coping Together; they work with families with young children to support the parents who have a drug or alcohol addiction. The ball is held at Elliot's parent's house, which is the largest house I have ever seen! It's a beautiful setting and Elliot says at the end of the night they have fireworks over the water."
"You've met his parents?" I ask surprised again.
"Yup!" She smiles. "I've had lunch with his parents several times and I've met his sister Mia and brother Christian. I will introduce you to his family tomorrow at the ball."
After several hours of shopping we both finally settle on dresses, shoes and jewelry. We go back to Kate's apartment as she has insisted we have a sleepover like we used to in college. We order in pizza, drink cocktails and watch chick flicks until the wee hours of the morning. It's been so nice catching up with Kate and momentarily forgetting about my crazy world. Kate loans me a pair of pajamas since I wasn't planning on spending the night. We bring out pillows and blankets to the living room and crash on the floor with movies playing in the background. This used to be our every weekend routine before I moved to New York.
The next morning, I get up to make a pot of coffee as Kate snores away on the floor next to me. Not much has changed, I laugh to myself. I decide to start cooking breakfast which the coffee is brewing; luckily Kate has a few eggs in her fridge. She hates to cook so I'm not surprised that she has so little.
"What time is it?" Kate mumbles.
"Almost ten" I answer.
"Ugh too early" she whines.
"No, we have a ball to get ready for Cinderella!" I joke.
After breakfast Kate loans me some clothes and we head to the spa where Kate has made appointments for us to get our hair and make up done for the ball tonight. We have pedicures and manicures done as well; by the time we leave I am feeling so pampered and relaxed.
"Hello?" I answer my phone.
"Ms. Steele this is Ms. Smith from Seattle Premier Realtors" the voice on the other end responds.
"Yes Ms. Smith how are you?" I ask.
"Very well, especially since I have wonderful news for you" she answers.
"Oh?" I hold my breath.
"The sellers have accepted your offer on the condo at Escala; the closing date is two weeks from today pending the inspection report" Ms. Smith says.
"That is wonderful news! Thank you!" I hang up the phone.
"I got the apartment Kate!" I say nearly jumping up and down in her apartment.
"I assumed as much" she laughs.
We have a light lunch before getting dressed for the ball tonight. I am wearing a dark blue, off the shoulder floor length gown with silver shoes. The back of the dress tastefully drops down to my waist, snug enough to just show off the curves of my ass. A bra is not needed as one is built in since it would be nearly as impossible to wear one with the dress. I purchased a lace thong which surprisingly matches the color of the dress perfectly. I'm putting on my jewelry just as I hear Kate scream from the living room; rushing out I see her jumping to hug some guy.
"Everything okay Kate?" I say laughing.
"Ana, this is Elliot. Elliot this is Ana" she introduces.
"It's nice to meet you, I've heard a lot about you" I say shaking his hand.
"Only believe half of what she tells you; she's crazy" He laughs and then pulls me in for a hug.
Elliot escorts us both to a limo that is in front of Kate's apartment and I have to admit I am truly impressed this far with Elliot. Kate rarely goes for the nice guy; most of her past boyfriends have been real jerks to put it nicely. Elliot held open the door for us both to get into the limo and again when we arrived at his parents' house. Which Kate was right, I have never seen such a large house except in magazines. It was intimidating when we first pulled up to the house; I immediately felt like I didn't belong at an event held at such a beautiful house. Kate squeezed my hand as we were getting out of the limo and we were immediately ushered through the lines to the rear of the house where the ball was set up.
The backyard is absolutely beautiful; there is no other way to describe. There are tables set up throughout the yard, each covered in white linens and surrounded by chairs also covered with white linens. Each table has a small floral arrangement on it surrounding by softly lit candles; there is a large dance floor in the center of all the tables and a stage just to the left of it. Elliot shows us to our table which is just off the stage before him and Kate go to mingle. I find the bar, grabbing a glass of wine before I start to mingle as well. Kate was right, this is a perfect opportunity to meet various important community members I realize I am introduced to everyone from the mayor to the police chief to CEOs of banks.
"Ana, I need a favor?" Kate approaches me.
"Of course, Kate. Will you excuse me?" I ask to the gentleman I speaking with.
"Can you help me with the dance auction in a few minutes? One of Mia's friends was supposed to help out but she is plastered and can't even stand straight" Kate begs.
"Of course, come and get me when you're ready" I say before returning the discussion of financial software tracking systems with the head of a local bank.
A few minutes later I am seated at our table when Kate makes her way over to me informing me it's time for the auction. I have no idea what I agreed to, I realize as I approach the stage. As I'm standing on the stage I quickly learn what Kate signed me up for as the DJ announces each lady on stage with made up qualities and the bidding begins for a dance. All the proceeds of the auction benefit the charity so I guess I can't complain, however I would have been much happier just writing a check. Oh well, hopefully the winner of my auction will be a decent dancer.
"Next up is the lovely Kate who is an exquisite chef who just returned from Italy where she perfected her skills in bread making" the DJ says and I nearly burst out laughing. "She speaks three languages. Let's start the bidding; do I hear five hundred?"
It's no surprise Elliot wins the auction with a bid of $25,000. Kate happily meets Elliot at the side of the stage nearly jumping into his arms rather than take the steps down. I never expected to see Kate in love but watching her with Elliot, it's obvious they both care for each other deeply. I can't help the tang of jealousy I feel; I would kill for something like that but I doubt I will ever find it. I work so many hours a day when would I find the time for dating? Hell I can't even find someone to satisfy my sex life let alone love me.
"The next lovely lady here is Ana who is a world famous ballet dancer who just finished a stint on Broadway. She is also a champion swimmer and acrobat; I'm sure she will be a wonderful dancer! Let's start the bidding at five hundred?" the DJ announces as I walk to the center of the stage.
"Five hundred" a male voice in the back calls.
"One thousand" another says.
"Five thousand" says the first guy, I think. It's hard to tell on the stage and the lights are so bright you can't see anything.
"Fifteen thousand" says another.
"Thirty five thousand" says a female, causing laughter throughout the audience.
"Fifty thousand" says a stern voice.
"Seventy five thousand" says another male.
"One hundred and fifty thousand" says a loud, firm voice from the back of the audience.
"Seems we have some big spenders here tonight, any other bids for a wonderful cause?" The DJ asks pausing. "Going once, going twice….sold to the gentleman in the back. Please come collect your beautiful lady for the first dance which will begin as soon as the band is back on stage."
I walk slowly to the end of the stage in complete disbelief that someone bid so much money for me especially since I know no one other than Kate and Elliot here. As I glance around looking for the man who paid an obscene amount of money for a complete stranger, my eyes fault me and I nearly fall down in shock. I cannot believe who is walking towards me; it's can't be him…