Chapter Fifteen - Not What It Seems - Wednesday Evening Escala

Mrs. Jones is waiting for me when I arrive home from Grey House about 5:30.

"Mr. Grey. Meaning no disrespect…" she pauses "but I can't work for you, sir." She blurts it out. "I just can't."

Wow. I'm only surprised for an instant. I know in a heartbeat what has happened. I screwed up.

"You've been upstairs." I say, stating the obvious.

"Yes, sir."

"I apologize, Mrs. Jones. I should have explained it to you, not let you stumble on it on your own." I pause. "It's not as it seems… that's not right, it is exactly as it appears… but only as it appears."

She looks confused.

"The room is for the exclusive use of myself and my guest. We are both adults. We are both here voluntarily, of our own free will. She is free to come and go as she pleases."

"But…" she sputters… "but… voluntary…"

"Yes, voluntary. Our preferences are really no concern of anyone else. What we do behind closed doors is no one else's business. We have both signed a written consent agreement." I think I'm getting through…

"I don't know… I just don't know." she says hesitantly. I wonder if I'll be back to eating take out tonight. How ironic, I was afraid my brother, the horn-dog, would blow the deal when all the while I was oblivious to the ticking time bomb I was sitting on. This is a matter of consent too. Mrs. Jones deserves to have her opinion respected.

"Will you finish out the week, Mrs. Jones?"

"Yes. I can do that."

"Thankyou, Mrs. Jones."

I will hate to lose her. I've enjoyed having her here these last few days. She takes a breath.

"What time would you like dinner, sir?"

"Seven o'clock."

"Very well."

Gail heads off towards the kitchen. I'm impressed she wouldn't leave me in the lurch. Maybe she needs the money? It registers on me that this is about principles. I doubt she'd let mere money influence her decision. I'd never stiff her on the compensation but she doesn't know that.

- Thursday Morning - Christian's office at GEH

I've left the lease from the Audi dealer sitting on my desk. I hate leaving a deal in limbo. Mrs. Jones indicated she's leaving me… if so I won't need the car, at least not until I hire someone else. I had selected a new Audi Q5 for Mrs. Jones transportation needs. Now, it appears I'm losing her already. I've been delighted with all of her service. I'm not going to try to sweeten the deal or bribe her to stay. Women have left me before. I won't have an employee who doesn't want to be there. No one is ever happy and it only delays the inevitable.

Judith buzzes me on the intercom.

"Mr. Grey, your mother is on the phone." I sigh.

"Put her through."

"Grace. What can I do for you?"

"Christian, is that anyway to greet your mother?"

"Sorry. My head was deep in a set of books." … "What do you need, Grace?"

"How come Elliot got to see your new place?"

"We had business." The silence is deafening. "If you want to see my new apartment, you can see my new apartment. It's got a great view."

"Tell me about the woman you are living with." This is why she called.

"I'm not living with a woman."

"That's not what your brother said." …

What the hell is she talking about?

"The attractive blonde…" Grace prompts.

Grace can't know about Elena… and she's never lived with me. I sigh to myself. Elliot the trouble maker. She's talking about Mrs. Jones.

"He's talking about Mrs. Jones. She's a recent hire. Mrs. Jones wears several hats… really well. She's serves as my chef, house keeper, home manager and shopper. She came highly recommended."

"I'd like to meet her."

I can never refuse Grace's demands… she saved my life.

"Grace, why don't you come over Saturday morning for coffee. You can see the apartment." I hope it's a nice day… Grace will appreciate the view.

"I thought you'd never ask. Thank you, Christian."

"I'll see you then." I hang up.

I buzz Judith.

"Mr. Grey."

"Judith. Put my mother on my personal calendar for Saturday morning."

"At your apartment?"

"Yes."

"Mrs. Jones is normally off weekends. Please get in touch with her and ask her to organize suitable refreshments… pastries or something… to go with coffee."

~~~ Thursday evening . Escala

"Mr. Grey. Judith informed me your mother is stopping by for coffee Saturday morning."

"Yes. She hasn't seen the apartment."

"About what time?"

"About ten."

"I'm off on an ordinary weekend…"

"I'm sorry to ask you to do this on your time off." I suppose I could muddle through without her if she leaves me with the refreshments I asked for. Still, I'm prickly with irritation.

"No, No. You misunderstand. I'm delighted to do this. I agreed to be available anytime you need me. There are some details that need sorting, is all. … You and Brandy would normally have Saturday breakfast by yourselves."

"Yes."

"I'm going to be cooking, either in your kitchen or the staff kitchen. Would you like me to make breakfast? It's your choice, sir."

"You are very thorough."

"You didn't just hire me to cook. You hired me to organize your household. It's what I do."

"I accept. You can make us breakfast… at the usual time."

"Very good, sir."

Mrs. Jones, takes a breath and I can see her resolve stiffen. "Mr. Grey, with your permission, I'd like to meet your guest."

This has my attention. She's signed a NDA, so has Brandy.

She continues… "I'd feel a lot better if I could just speak to her and she is permitted to answer."

Smart lady. She's figured out if she signed a NDA, then Brandy likely has too. She's right, of course.

~~~ Friday night

Mrs. Jones has prepared dinner early… she usually leaves something for my Friday dinner. I've eaten and now, at seven, I'm waiting with Mrs. Jones for Brandy to arrive. The elevator's ping announces she's on the way up. I have acceded to Mrs. Jones request to meet Brandy and to ask her questions. I don't like having demands made on me. I'm still bristling with the irritation. We haven't had any further conversation about my guest, the play room and what goes on there. None at all. I didn't have to agree but that would have assured Mrs. Jones departure. I want her to decide that my sexual preferences… with a consenting adult… are not anyone else's business.

Brandy steps off the elevator… and is immediately taken aback by the welcoming committee. She takes a step back, looking like she wants to flee! This will not do. I extend my hand to her, palm up. She puts her hand in mine and I guide her into the room. Her little suitcase trails behind her.

"Mrs. Jones, this is Brandy." … "Brandy, Mrs. Jones."

"You are not in any trouble. Mrs. Jones is my executive chef, housekeeper and over all home manager. I trust her explicitly. She wanted to talk to you. You may answer anything she asks."

"Brandy, please follow me."

"Yes, Ma'am." Brandy answers her politely.

Mrs. Jones leads Brandy to the kitchen breakfast bar.

"I'll be in my office." I take my coffee and do just that. I sit behind my desk and then am up again in an instant pacing from the door to the glass wall and back again. I'm checking my Omega Constellation chronograph… Christ, I've been here all of ninety seconds. Maybe the caffeine is making me jumpy but I want a clear, non-alcoholic mind right now. I'm mentally holding my breath. Gail's discreet. She wouldn't ask Brandy anything vulgar. It's not in her.

There's knock on my door. It's Gail.

"Do you need anything further, sir? Otherwise, I'll retire to my quarters."

I want to ask if she's going to withdraw her resignation now but I can't. I need to give her time. "Did you ask everything you needed?"

"Yes, I believe so, sir."

"I have everything I need. You may go."

Gail leaves and I resume my pacing. Time stands still but really it's only minutes. There's another knock on my door. I want to smile. It's Brandy… she's changed.

"Come in."

Brandy is about to begin the ritual of submission. I wave her to the chair in front of my desk.

"What did Mrs. Jones want?"

"She's very nice. She went out of her way to put me at ease. We had coffee and a piece of peach cobbler. She's a great cook."

"Yes, she is."

"She made sure I understood she has no romantic involvement with you. That her responsibilities are strictly professional."

"That's correct."

"She explained her work here. That her duties; taking care of you and your home also extended to your guests." … "She offered to help with anything I need while I am under your roof. Cooking advise, washing clothing, other items I might need. No one's ever done these things for me before. Thank you, sir."

"What did she ask about us?"

"She really didn't. She only asked if I was here voluntarily, of my own free will. Of course, I said yes, because I am."

I give a slight nod of satisfaction.

"I want to show you something." I spread the best of the photos across my desk.

"Thank you, sir, for making me look so beautiful. I felt so sexy. So exited!" Her voice has changed, subtly… but I hear the excitement in her tone.

"You do look stunning." I admire her in the images.

I look around and Brandy is kneeling at my feet. I accept her submission, take her hand to help her up. I pull her flush against me. Her body heat through the silk stirs me. I want her. Now. I kiss her hard, passionately, burning with desire. I hoist her over my shoulder and carry her up the stairs.

If a mouse had been listening… they'd have heard the bang of the playroom door.