Chapter 3

Ana

"I do think having a change of scenery might help with your writing block. I also agree with Kate. You like to play it safe. There's nothing necessarily wrong with that. However, in your case, it's pushed you away from meaningful relationships be it romantic in nature or in cultivating deeper friendships. I think you're a very likeable person, and its gotten you lot of acquaintances. Only acquaintances. Make friends Ana. Have dinner or maybe have a few drinks out with them. Alright?"

"Alright, i'll keep that in mind. Thanks Rhiann. I'll see you next time." I leave my therapist's building and drive back to my apartment. Hmm, i've never been to Asia.

"I'm going on vacation. Wanna come with?" I ask Kate as soon as I enter the door.

"Yes, yes, yes! I was planning on asking you once you got home anyways. I haven't had a vacation in a whole year, and I know you haven't in longer. We deserve this. Do you have any idea where you wanna go? Seattle and Russia has been too cold. I was thinking somewhere sunny and sandy. What abou-" My phone rings.

"It's mom." I tell Kate. She nods her head and mouths, "later".

"Hey mom, is something wrong?" I answer a little worried. We just came back from Montesano earlier today so I was surprised she'd call so soon.

"We're great, honey. Don't worry, everything's good. I just called because we got an invitation to a gala in Seattle next weekend. This is just a heads up. Also, I was hoping you could reserve a table for us at that new restaurant we were talking about yesterday. You know how much of a foodie your brother is, he's gonna love it. I'll see you soon?"

"I got it. See you soon! Love you!"

Christian

I'm back at my parent's house before the weekend for dinner. Mom and dad wanted us to talk about the upcoming gala. I brought Taylor with me to discuss the specifics about security for the event. We'll talk about it after dinner.

"Elliot, Christian, have you both read the book I gave you?" Mia asks as we eat at the dinner table.

"Nope." Elliot says with his mouth full. I roll my eyes, so does the rest of the family. Elliot acts like a pig sometimes but he's actually the owner of one of the leading green-focused construction business here in Seattle.

"I have. You're right, Mia. It is amazeballs." They all chuckle at my borrowed terminology from Mia.

"What book are you talking about?" Mom asks.

"It's this book called "Flying Empty" by this new author, Anastasia Steele. I'll let you borrow my copy if you wanna read it. Oh and Christian's gonna get me to meet her. If you like it mom, maybe we can go together. I'm so excited!" I smile at Mia. There's no way I would disappoint her just because this author is playing hard to get. I guess i'm gonna have to stop by SIP (Seattle Independent Publishing) and have a little talk with her editor.

Grace

"I don't know how you were able to capture her so well when you haven't even met her before. It's truly amazing." Carrick tells Ray Steele. I nod my head in agreement. Its past midnight and most of the guests of the gala have left. We hit it off with the Steele's and we're continuing our conversation in the dining room.

"Oh, I asked Christian to send in some photos and videos that he feels embodies Grace the most. I also asked him some questions about you, Grace. He really loves and admires you, you know." I smile.

"I do know. He likes to act all broody and indifferent but when Christian loves you, it's very evident. He's one of the sweetest people I know." I tell him.

"Is he single?" Carla asks with a giggle.

"He is actually. I've been trying to set him up with daughters of some of my friends, but most of them are girls he knew growing up, and he never approves. Why do you ask? Do you know anyone I could set him up with?" I ask curiously.

"Oh no, here we go." Ray says. Carla playfully slaps his shoulder. Carrick and I laugh.

"We have a daughter, Anastasia. She's been single for far too long. I figured maybe she's too shy, and needs some help looking for the right guy, that's all." Carla explains while giving Ray the stink eye.

"Anastasia? As in Anastasia Steele, the author?" I ask.

"That's her." She smiles proudly.

"Oh I just finished reading her book. It was so very thoughtful and well written! My daughter actually recommended it to us and her brothers. Christian really liked it too. You're right, we should try to set them up. But how? Christian never goes to the dates I try to set up for him."

"Ana doesn't too. We should at least try to get them to meet. Now how and where?" Carla replies. Even Carrick and Ray seems to think it's a good idea.

"How about at the 4th of July? We host a BBQ party every year for family and friends. You should come. It's the only day of the year I get to actually cook." Carrick says.

"That's a brilliant idea, Carrick! You should come and bring your family with you." I invite them.

"I guess we'll be there." Ray chuckles.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Carrick and I walk the Steele's to their car when we see Mia with her friends Lily and Leila come into the door coming from the boathouse.

"Mia, why are you still up? What were you doing in there?" Carrick asks sternly. Uh oh. The boathouse always struck a nerve with Carrick since he's caught both Elliot and Christian with girls in there on separate events. Christian, only once. Elliot, one too many times. The Steele's give a quiet chuckle and excuse themselves to get in their car. Lily and Leila also leave in Leila's car.

"Uhhh... okay, don't tell anyone yet but Lily hasn't been feeling well. She took some tests and we found out she was pregnant. We've been comforting her in the boathouse. You know how Mrs. Lincoln can be. Lily's worried they would throw her out of the house." Mia explains.

"Oh dear. What's her plan?" I ask. Yes, Elena Lincoln does seem hard on her. She has also been pushing Lily towards Christian since Richard married her a few months after Lily's mother died. They were only 10 at the time, for goodness sake. I could never see what Richard saw in Elena. I try not to join in on other people's judgement of her but even I must admit she is quite... creepy.

"Well Leila has her own apartment now. We figured if she does get thrown out, she could live there for awhile. Lily's been working at the art gallery so Leila agreed to minimal rent payment, just enough to cover half of the utility bills. Anyway, whose that couple you were talking to?" Mia sighs looking tired.

"They're the Steeles. Ray's the one that made your mother's bust that Christian had made. Oh and we found out that their daughter is Anastasia Steele. Stop. Don't shout, Mia. It's late. We've invited them - yes, including Anastasia - to the 4th of July BBQ party." Carrick tells Mia.

Mia gasps. "Oh my god! I bet she's gorgeous! Oh no! What am I gonna wear?!"

Christian

I'm on my way to SIP when my phone rings.

"Christiaaaan! Guess who's coming to the 4th of July BBQ?" Mia screams into my ear.

"Who is it now, Mia?" I ask. I hope it's not another one of my mom's friend's daughters that I talked to once or twice when I was a child; who also happens to be an old friend of Mia's.

"Anastasia Steele!" Mia says.

"Taylor, head back to Grey House. We're not gonna need to go to SIP after all."