So last week I promised I would update Sundays and Thursdays, well Last Thursday I took a trip with a few friends so I couldn't update like I wanted to. I was going to update Sunday, but I ended up finding out I had lost a friend of mine and I wasn't really taking it well. I finally got some time this week to update so you are getting last week's chapters this week. I will be back on schedule after these chapters...Please enjoy, You all pulled me through in your kind and loving reviews. I do not own any characters except Brittany. Enjoy!
9:25 in the morning April 25th
Ana had finally gone to bed around one AM, it wasn't easy, but she began counting sheep at one point trying to knock them out. Ana was dreaming of dancing with the stranger from yesterday. It was weird, part of her wished she couldn't sleep and that running would help her, but the sheep took over and she was asleep. But her sleep was being disturbed by banging on her front door, she knew exactly who it was. That little shit was getting her back for taking the keys away from her. Fucking Kate would get here early to be an ass. Ana tried to ignore her, but the longer she was the louder Kate got with her knocks. Hitting her head against the pillow, she was tired, but it wasn't going to stop, Kate would just keep banging until ten in the morning when she was supposed to show up. Getting out of bed in just shorts and a tank shirt, she put her glasses on and headed towards the door to be met with a smirking Kate. "Ten AM Kate, I begged you to give me till ten. I have a long day and you and your payback aren't very fair." Ana complained as she opened the door a little wider for Kate to walk in.
Kate just shrugged and handed the tea over to Ana. She was slightly feeling bad knowing she would probably be stressing about the day. A little guilt hit her as she could see Ana's tired eyes. "Okay I'm slightly an ass for doing this, but you took my key and that isn't fair. But I'm sorry Ana, I promise tomorrow you won't hear a peep from me. Do you want to take a nap before all the hair and makeup have been done?"
Ana rubbed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to figure out how to calmly tell her best friend to fuck off cause she wanted to sleep before being disturbed, but there was no going back. "It's fine, I'm going to make some breakfast for us before your friends get here. I am not looking forward to being up for the next twelve hours. I just want to get the day over with and knock out for the next two days." Ana explained as she started to look through her cabinets and fridge for stuff for breakfast.
Kate was feeling guilty, she felt bad about waking her up. "I could help." She tried to not laugh as Ana stared at her with a blank face. Ana clearly remembered when Kate almost burnt down their dorm trying to make hard boil eggs.
"The whole apartment smelled like eggs for weeks. It was horrible. I will never let you attempt to cook again." Ana laughed as she shook her head, "I can't look or smell at hard boil eggs ever again." Ana grabbed muffin pans as she began to get everything ready for them. "I am getting a dress at the venue; a limo will come to get you at five so you can walk the red carpet. Brittany and I will be leaving here around three to get there and triple check everything."
Kate sat her phone down before looking at Ana who was fiercely cooking. "I feel bad when you get married. You are going to have the hardest time giving up control of your wedding." Kate laughed knowing the type of perfectionist Ana was, she barely let anyone touch this party, her assistant helped a bit and one of her several employees helped, but it wasn't to the extent Ana put into the event. "I doubt you'll even let me plan your bac-"
"I don't know why you're going down that road, I don't ever see me getting married. Jose made sure of that." Kate saw a glimmer of sadness; Kate hadn't realized how bad Jose's break up really messed her up. Ana switched over to smiling, she thought she could avoid the conversation if she put on a face. "But yeah, I needed to be there by four, but I will rather be dressed by four-thirty. I don't want to do my walkthrough lunging the train around." Before she could continue a knock on the door distracted her. Moving to the door she watched a flower delivery man was standing there. "Can I help you?"
"These are for you." He handed her two dozen Lavender and baby blue roses. Smiling she dipped her nose into the flowers. The delivery guy smiled and tilted his hat as he left, and Ana returned inside.
Kate grabbed the card from the flowers.
Ana, thanks for today. We know how much work you put into tonight. It means so much to us and the charity. I know you'll say it's just your job, but you made sure to put so much love and care into this. We cannot wait to enjoy the night with you and your friend. Enjoy these flowers as a simple of excitement and spice of calming as I know you're probably stressing over tonight. After six you can relax.
With so much love,
Carrick and Grace Grey
"Okay seriously, how lucky are you? The Grey's already love you and we're sitting with them tonight." Kate was so confused about her best friend's luck; she couldn't believe how cool it was that they wanted to spend that much time with Ana and herself. "Like this is crazy."
Ana just shrugged as she put her new flowers on her dining room table. She was marveled at the fact that this family was so kind and loving to her after only knowing her a few short months. There was nothing in her mind that made her feel like she deserved it, but she'd had decided after her random talk with the stranger Christian she would try her best to not let her past be what breaks her. Yes, it had only been a couple of months, but she was didn't want to be tied to the relationship anymore. "It's not a big deal. When you meet them tonight, you'll see they're just normal people. I met Mia last night, you two are going to be best friends right after the meeting. I can already see the three of us getting closer." Ana placed their food in at the table, "I really happy you're coming tonight. I don't think I'd be able to survive tonight you know."
Kate reached for her best friend's hand, squeezing it tightly before looking up at her. "I will always have your back, Ana. It'll be fun too. We're going to be hot as shit." Kate smirked as she began digging into Ana's food.
"This what it must be to feel like a celeb." Kate's head was currently being worked on she was going a lot lighter in her blonde color. Ana was currently getting her dye washed out of her hair, her foot though wouldn't stop stomping. "Ana it is only noon, we still have three hours till you have to go, relax, please. Enjoy the pampering."
Ana just rolled her eyes as they washed out the dye, she looked as if nothing could bother her as she closed her eyes. But internally she was going through every list that she had going on in her head. Everything should go according to plan, at least she'd hoped. It was another twenty minutes before her hair was completely dried and ready to be worked on. "Ana dear, how would you like your hair." The stylist asked me as he played with her hair.
"Light layers and if you could have it straight on the top and loose curls at the bottom." It would be easier for her to control throughout the night with it pushed back. Ana watched as Kate's brother Ethan walked into Ana's house with a garment bag. He didn't look happy as Ana assumed that Kate had something to do with his unhappy attitude. "Let me guess, Kate?"
Ethan just nodded as he hung the dress on one of the closets. He grabbed a muffin sitting on the table. "She has been texting and calling me all morning to come to drop off her dress from her place. She wouldn't leave me alone all morning." Kate just smirked and listened to her hairdresser as she spoke about what she was going to do with her hair. "How are you, two friends? She's a pain and you sis is a lot easier to be around."
Ana just laughed as Kate stuck her tongue out. "Ethan could you unzip it so your favorite sister can see my dress," Kate smirked as he did as she asked. The long dress was a soft pink spaghetti strapped, mermaid evening gown with a deep v-neckline. The beadwork was beautiful, it almost looked like diamonds lacing down the dress. Her bodice though was deeply embellished with jewels, she was going to steal the show with how beautiful she was going to look. "I know right, it is gorgeous. I had the lady add the mermaid part just for dramatic effect."
Ana just nodded as she made eye contact with Ethan who knew what she was thinking. She just shook her head not wanting to get upset before her day. "Ana do you have a ride over to the venue?" Ethan asked as Ana smiled happily to know he wouldn't blow how she was feeling.
"No, I was going to have the limo take me and Britt to the place then come back to pick up Kate at five. I didn't want to bring my car since I'm probably going to have a drink or two." Ana wasn't one to even attempt to drive after drinking since her mother had nearly killed her in a DUI incident.
"I'll take you guys; I have room in the trunk to make sure the dresses don't get messed up. I know you'd rather get there in a calming atmosphere rather than sitting in the back of a limo not being able to harass the poor driver. But you can harass me." Laughing Ana pushed her best friend's brother. But he wasn't wrong, she would be too stressed out to sit and play the waiting game. "Perfect. Now finish getting all done up, it's almost two and I have a hot date tonight since my two favorite girls are going to be all glitz and glammed tonight. Little jealous I wasn't invited, but I'll forgive you if you watch your nephew in a few weeks so my wife and I can go on a small vacation."
"I knew there was something in it for you if I take you up on that ride." Amused, Ana just agreed to help her 'brother'. He was running around helping Kate and herself so the least she could do is help her family. "I don't mind. I love little David."
After about an hour everything was ready to go. Brittany had her hair straight and dyed a dark reddish-brown. She had her dress and mask ready to go along with her tablet and the final checklist. Ethan gave a soft kiss to Kate before helping Ana into his car. Thankfully the venue wasn't too far away from her house, which meant that she could get to work as soon as possible. Brittany and Ethan took the dresses and anything they would need later upstairs while Ana checked in with everyone. "Emma!"
Chuckling Emma saw Ana yelling for her, the employee knew damn well Ana wouldn't take a little extra time. No, her boss would be here two hours earlier than originally planned. "Hey girl, how're all the decorations looking."
Emma just grinned and began walking the area with Ana. "Everything is just about set up. I made sure that as the guest arrived everyone gets a glass of champagne and be led into the second ballroom. It will be where they will mingle as well as the first dance along with cocktail hour. They will be led to the grand hall at Seven forty-five."
Ana let out a sigh as she moved to check each table and placement. Everyone who worked for her knew she was very particular about that everything looked right. "Red Carpet? Photobooth? Party Favors?" She asked as they continued to walk every inch of the venue.
Emma looked down the checklist she had. "Red carpet is laid out; they're going across it once more with the steamer. The Coping Together banner is hung up ready for the press line. Also, security knows to not let any photographers in except the two allowed by Mrs. Grey. Photobooth will be set up in the second ballroom when it comes time for dancing in there. Party favors are ready to be grabbed at the end of it; when it's time for fireworks servers will be able to grab them and set them up at the exit." Emma beamed with pride as she looked at her boss. She'd wanted to prove to Ana she could do this, she wanted to someday be as good as Ana was. "I got this Ana. I promise if I need anything you're here. I just want to show you I can do it."
Ana hugged her friend tightly before realizing she almost messed up Emma's hair. "Okay, let us walk the room and get everything done so I can change and what not and be ready to meet the Greys in an hour. Grace and Carrick are going to be here at five on the dot, they should be the third limo to arrive. Brittany has every guests' arrival time. There will be like three hundred people here, Brittany has all my notes and..." Ana led Emma to the first table closest to the stage. "I will be right here. Britt has the way to get ahold of me. I made a promise to Grace that I would be a guest after six, but you get ahold of me if you need anything." Ana had taken the time to build this business years ago, looking at Emma and all her other employees, she knew she made the right decision to use this as a teaching platform. "I'm proud of you. This party is yours as soon as five pm hits, I'm giving you this party okay." Emma's eyes glistened as she looked at Ana.
Without missing a beat, Ana and Emma spent the next hour going through the smooth night that they had ahead of them. Everything was already done and ready to go by four forty-five. "Okay I'm going to get dress and a little touched up, you got this Emma. Brittany is here for you too. You are in control okay." Ana looked happily at her friend and employee one last time before heading upstairs to one of the rooms.
As she slipped into her gown and quickly applied lipstick in the mirror. Looking at herself, it was weird seeing yourself but not realizing it is you. Ana bit her lip as she put on this brave face, she just had to get through tonight and things would slow down enough to breathe. "Okay Ana, you got this." On my way. See you soon sis. Mask on bitch. ~ Kate
Putting on her mask she left the room, heading to the stairs Ana had a second to take in her work. The colors were perfect, the decorations were done and ready. She was proud, it was time to embrace the moment. As she descended the stairs, her train flowed gracefully behind her, she felt like a princess. Nervously, she could feel eyes on her as she made it to the bottom of the steps, but every nerve left her as she saw Grace at the end of the stairs. "Oh Ana, you look amazing. This all looks way better than I thought it could look." The mother figure hugged Ana tightly. Ana felt a wave of calm hit her hard. Ana took in the dress Grace was wearing. This woman looked so beautiful in her Navy-blue dress. Ever so simple but showed off her thin figure; it was a simple dressed dramatically enhanced with an embellished cape clipped into her sleeveless bodice. "My my dear you've outdone yourself. I am floored on the detail."
Carrick hugged Ana as his wife beamed up at him. "Thank you for doing this Ana, it really looks amazing."
Ana just nodded blushing at the kind words. "You guys haven't even seen the two rooms yet. The dancing hall, the second ballroom is going to have the photobooth Mia asked for. Once everyone gets here, you two will-"
"Ana dear please breathe, I got your emails. I know. Just enjoy your time." Grace smiled warmly at the event planner as she felt her nerves rolling off her. Ana couldn't help but relax as she sipped her wine with Grace. The two of them just chatted as if they were two old friends, Ana could feel her nerves just slipped away until there was none left. Somewhere in the middle of their conversation, Mia butted in showing off her dress to her mom and Ana. Ana again felt like her dress and mask didn't meet theirs. "Mia I love your dress. Is this the one Abby made for you?" Mia nodded as she shook her laced navy-blue dress. It had a decked out jeweled neckline with short sleeves; the sequin embellishments and ostrich feathers that adorn the trumpet skirt as it cascaded to a full length. The back was perfect as it zipped up you could see the full laced embellishment continued. Her mask fit her personality, the mask was gold and royal with a few diamonds placed in the designs. It was perfect.
"Yes, but it has nothing on Ana's dress. Girl, you look like you stepped into a royal ball. But I'm living for it." Mia touched the train and was in love with the beading work. It was like this gown was perfect. "These guys are going to be begging for you to dance with them." Ana just shook her head, she couldn't see what they were seeing.
She could hear the music begin to play knowing that meant it was nearing six-fifteen when everyone should be entering the second room. "Ana, didn't you say your friend was coming?"
As if on cue being her normal weird self, Kate makes her appearance looking even more stunning than she was before. "Ana I'm sorry I'm late. I forgot to lock your house then I forgot my phone and then everyone and their mother was in line for this." Kate turned to the two women standing next to Ana and realized they were the Grey family. "Hi, I'm Kate Kavanagh. It's nice to meet you all. Thank you for extending an invite to me."
Mia hugged her new friends with excitement. "We're going to be such great friends. I just know it."
As the group made into the ballroom, Ana suddenly felt this feeling she was being watched, strange as it was, she didn't feel weird about it. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she looked up and saw the eyes of the man she'd met just yesterday. Those grey eyes were ingrained in her head as she looked into them. Everything else faded as she found her feet moving towards him. She could hear Kate calling for her, but honestly, she didn't care, she felt drawn towards those eyes. "Seems one of us is the stalker and the other is the stalkee." Christian chuckled as he looked down into the blue eyes he couldn't get out of his head. "You're here."
Ana bit her lip as she felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "I think you may be right, one of us is being stalked. I am here. I am the event planner for this whole thing. I worked for Mrs. Grey, but she was very insistent on me joining the party after it started." She couldn't believe Christian was here. Like how much luck could one person have to meet the guy of her dreams again? The music changed to a song and she knew it was time for the first dance, her eyes darted to where her friend was standing with the Greys; they seemed to be focused on the two of them.
The Pianist began to play a soft melody as a singer got on stage. "Dance with me?" Ana was resisting her desire to make a joke about him asking someone else, but decided against it, just taking his hand. It happened again like it did yesterday; it hit her like the air was being sucked in fast. There I was again tonight forcing laughter, faking smiles. The same old tired, lonely place, walls of insincerity. Shifting eyes and vacancy vanished when I saw your face. All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you. Christian guided her to the center of the dance floor before pulling her close to him. Swaying to music Ana couldn't help but notice Christian's eyes never left her, "I didn't think I would see you again, I went back to the lake hoping I'd see you."
Your eyes whispered, "have we met?" Across the room your silhouette starts to make its way to me, the playful conversation starts. Counter all your quick remarks, like passing notes in secrecy and it was enchanting to meet you. All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you. Ana just shook her head. "I had to be up because my best friend decided to bang on my door until I woke up. I couldn't get away, though if I would've known you were stalking the lake looking for me, I would've probably called the cops because you are stalking me." A chuckle erupted from both; from the outsider, it would have thought to have found two people who knew each other. "Sadly, I didn't have time. But here's hoping you change your route back to the lake next week."
Christian watched as his family stared at the two of them, it clicked that Ana didn't know who he was. He suddenly felt guilty for not telling her, he didn't understand that feeling. "I'm sure we can figure something out to see each other." He couldn't keep his eyes off the woman he was holding close to him. He wanted to know more about her, the stranger who just was snarky, but kind in the same breath, it was refreshing to have that type of attitude towards him. Yet, what brought him in was her smile, the kindness in her eyes, something that usually was hard to find genuine.
As the song continued, Ana found herself just enjoying the conversation, it was about everything, but at the same time nothing at all. How? How did he get invited and
she just happens to see him again? "I just find it crazy that you're here. I feel like it's a dream. I met you once and here you are..."
Christian smirked knowingly. Before he could finish their chat, the music ended, and everyone started to disperse from the dance floor. Ana's eyes still on his until she felt someone's hand on her arm. "Christian, I didn't know you knew Ana?" Ana's eyes found his again and she looked puzzled by Mia's words, how would she-
"How do you two know each other?" Ana asked looking in between the two of them. Christian roughly ran his fingers through his hair, nervously he looked at the young woman. "It's funny that your last name is Grey and your eyes are grey." Great, Ana had been flirting with her client's son and now had to eat dinner with them. Great, this was one for the books.
Mia was a tad bit confused as she saw the way Christian looked at Ana. It was like he wanted to jump in front of her, to protect her. It was abnormal because that wasn't her brother, apart from their family, no one has ever drawn this attention."So you two have met before?"
"Yes, by the lake yesterday. I was running and your brother decided to stalk me." Ana just chuckled as Christian looked at her, she could tell he was worried she was upset about the connection between the family and him. "We only talked for a little bit, but now we obviously connected again." Random thoughts kept rushing her mind as Christian continued to stare at her. How did this man already have control over how she was feeling? He enchanted her; it was astounding the way he made her feel. "Before Grace is back, I'm going to check in with my staff. Make sure all the stuff for the fireworks is ready." Excusing herself, Ana smiled before exited the room before heading to find the door for air. Slightly overwhelmed she didn't know why she was reacting so extremely. It was just someone she'd met, who happens to own a good chunk of the businesses around town. Why was he wasting his time with her?
For most who knew Ana, she was a strong independent woman, who could put on the bravest faces to show nothing could get through her thick skin. Yet the thing was she also had insecurities, one that for some reason came out when Christian was around. Even if the first two times she's seen him were brief. He just was different, she didn't need a long time to know that she just did.
Standing out on the balcony, she slipped off her mask to overlook the grounds. It was the second he must have walked out because she could feel him. Ana didn't straight away look at him, she was trying not to be dramatic, but a lot was going on in her head. He leaned against the railing before looking at where she was looking. "Are you upset at me?"
She shook her head they both stood there just staring out into the sky. "I just met you and I have a weird feeling about this...I'm not used to this." she turned her head, so they were staring at one another. "I wish I could tell you what's going on in my head. But we don't have much time for that I guess."
Christian took one of her hands and kissed it softly before looking into her eyes. "It could be something better than abnormal, it could be interesting just figuring out what this." He paused seeing her skeptical eyes looking back at him. Christian knew that look, she'd been hurt in the past. She didn't trust them easily like him. "Why don't we just choose to spend the night getting to know each other and tomorrow you could join me for dinner?"
Little cliffy Next chapter you'll hear a lot more from Christian. From the first meeting till the Gala. Read and review!