I do not own anything but the storyline, Brittany, and now Fifty shades hardcover! Please see A/N
After a few hours passed, Christian lifted Ana from the couch and led her to her bed. He wanted to stay over, to embrace her and love her, but he needed to get home and figure out the weekend situation with his family and Ray. He wasn't exactly nervous, but he wanted things to go smoothly so he could ask for Ana's hand. He knew it would mean a lot to both of them if Christian did the honorable thing.
As he looked down at Ana's sleeping form, Christian couldn't help but smile knowingly. In his years on this earth, he had never seen such a peaceful creature. Between the incident with Jose and seeing her father for the first time in a while, Christian knew her body probably needed to refuel. Every worry was nonexistent with her eyes closed and every inch of her soft skin at peace. Usually, it would scare him that the feelings were aggressive in his head, but staring at the beauty resting in the sea of blankets and pillows, everything just made sense. If it was up to him, he would stay overnight, but he had to make sure everything was ready for everyone to stay at his lake house. Stroking her hair softly, Christian never imagined that he'd find someone like Anastasia Steele; most thought he'd be a bachelor forever, but this woman seemed to have him wrapped around her fingers without even trying. Sighing one last time, he moved to get up when he felt a tug at his shirt. Looking down, he saw Ana's eyes on him. The sleepy smile was enchanting. "Where are you going?" She asked as she moved to rest her back against her pillows.
Christian smiled before shrugging. "Just heading home. I have work and your dad might not be too happy if he knew I slept over a lot. He seems to like me, so the last thing I want is to mess that up already, plus someone suggested we have a family meet and greet this week and I need to get the lake house ready." Stroking her hand, he could feel his willpower escaping as Ana looked at him with pouting eyes. Christian settled his lips on her hand before smiling. "Taylor and I will pick you guys up tomorrow. I have to run to my parents this morning to let them know about this weekend. To be honest, I doubt my family will have any issue with meeting your dad and spending some time with you." Christian's smile mirrored one that Ana had on her face. It was strange. His new beginning was staring back at him with love. "So I'm going to go before I don't want to leave."
"Christian, we're grown adults and if my dad doesn't already know that you're staying here, he must be losing his detective touch." Rolling her eyes, she leaned up and kissed his lips softly.
The following day, Ana woke up laying in her bed with a sweet note lying next to her.
"Ana, I will see you later today. I'm pretty sure I snuck out without him noticing. I know you're currently rolling your eyes, but if he is meeting my parents in a few days, I don't want my mother knowing. Save me the embarrassment. Now enjoy the day with Ray, I'll be over around five to pick you both up for dinner.
With my Love Christian
Her mind finally cleared of any confusion. Her dream overtook her with a desire for the future. Maybe someday, when the crazy things surrounding them stopped, and they would have a future with one another, one where they married and maybe even had kids. Sighing, she rubbed her face, trying to remember the night before as she got up and ready for the day. Thankfully, today was her Friday (Wednesday), which usually meant they booked her all weekend, but since her father was in town for a few days, she took the time off, giving Brittany all her clients and events for the few days she's gone. It was helpful to have someone who took as much pride in her job as she did. Showering took a few minutes before she found herself downstairs in time to see her dad cooking eggs in the kitchen. "What's wrong?" Ray asked as he noticed the look his daughter had. It dripped with suspicion.
Ana knew her dad didn't know how to cook, but here he was scrabbling eggs. Ana hesitantly sat down, eyeing the man who raised her. She could tell something was odd about the way he was acting. "You're acting weird, and not your usual weird… are you hiding something from me, Ray?" Her eyes squinting as she stared him down.
Ray knew his daughter would pick up on his odd behavior, but he needed her to keep the questions at bay because he didn't want to tell her the truth at the moment. He wanted to go into town and talk to Jose. He wanted to give the kid he knew for years a chance to back off Ana before things got bad for him. He didn't understand what had gotten into the young man, but out of respect for Jose Sr. Ray was attempting to fix things. To do that, though, he had to lie to Ana just for now. When he got back, he would tell her because he knew better than to keep something from his daughter. "I just was wondering if you minded me borrowing your car for a bit. I just wanted to go grab a few things before we went out to Christian's lake house. I mean, I want to look nice when I meet your future in-laws." Ray laughed before sitting next to his daughter with his plate, who seems to zone out from his words. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out." It worried him a bit. Her reaction wasn't exactly what he expected. "What?"
Ana sighed, playing with her food nervously. "Honestly, it's nothing…" Ana watched as her father gave his famous dad stare. It always broke her. "It's just after everything going on with Jose. I can't imagine this amazing man would want to even attempt to work within this. Dad, I hate Jose and the man he's become, but I hate how much he is getting to me so much that I don't know if he'll ever stop this…"
Ray, for the first time in years, saw his little girl's vulnerability. Ana was a lot like her 'grandpa' he is stubborn and hardly emotes anything other than frustration with stupidity. Ana hardly let anyone know when things were getting to her; she dealt with it on her own. Yet, at this moment, he saw the cracks in the wall she had. She truly feared losing the happiness she currently was experiencing with Christian. "Ana, don't let Jose determine your happiness. He lost his chance and you would kid yourself if you let Christian walk out of your life, Ana." Ray held his daughter's hand softly as he looked into her eyes. "He truly is a good guy… even Kate likes him and we both know that isn't easy."
"You've become a sap since being around the grandparents, Ray." Ana couldn't help herself. It was strange how he could have his heartbroken by her mother and still have this sense of romanticism in his heart. That was probably why she could continue to have some faith in love. "I just want to know things will work out with Christian. I know I put on a brave face, but honestly, I'm just frustrated with what's going on with him. Most guys wouldn't want to join on this crazy train Ray." She didn't want to accidentally jinks anything, especially knowing that they were going to be spending a few days with his family and the last thing she wanted was to push their relationship any farther than he was ready. It was strange for her, especially since they had only really been dating for the last few months… She didn't want to go too fast… at least that was what she was attempting to remind herself.
As she rested her head on his shoulder, she sighed sadly. Ray was trying to hold back his tears and attempt to be strong for his daughter. Ray knew something else was bothering her. "What is it, Ana? I know it isn't just about Jose."
Ana groaned, raking her fingers through her brunette hair. "Mom called me a few days ago, and it was frustrating because she sat on the phone to talk about her and the current relationship. I was trying to talk to her and here she was, just going on about Bob. Oh, better yet, she wanted to go off on how amazing I am to have 'latched' onto a good one. I just wanted to go through the phone."
Ray continued to stroke her hair. Carla wasn't exactly the best mom, abandoning Ana at 2 and walking away from the marriage. Ana didn't have the best idea of what a mom or healthy relationship was. "Ana…"
Shaking her head, she didn't want to continue the conversation. It sincerely was the last conversation she wanted to jump into. Pulling away slightly, she looked up at her dad. "So I know I promised you we could hang out today, but I have to go for a bit. I wouldn't, but the bride is having a meltdown and one of our junior planners is freaking out. Usually, the brides on Thursday are the hardest.."
He knew he had to help his daughter through this time. He had to get through to Jose before it escalated to worse. Now that Christian made Ray aware of the dangers surrounding Jose, it just had to be behind her back for a little, just enough time for them to deal with it and leave her in the dark as much as they could. He knew Ana wouldn't like it, but this was the best way. "It isn't a problem, but do you mind if I borrow your car? As I said, I want to get some things before we head up to his lake house." Ray watched as Ana typed away on her phone. "I mean if that's okay?"
"Yeah, Brittany is going to swing by to pick me up. I was going to call Christian, but he's becoming a tad bit overly protective; I just don't want to add to his protective gene." Ana smiled at her dad before heading over to him to kiss his cheek. "Don't worry about meeting the Greys' they're pretty amazing people. Just be yourself, Ray, you and I both know you're pretty loveable."
Ray rolled his eyes before laughing. "I'm pretty sure if I ask Christian, he will tell me you don't know how to take your advice. He probably will tell me you did your usual: 'Will they like me?' 'Maybe we should wait a little longer to tell them we're dating?''
Ana just grabbed their dishes, ignoring his teasing. "It helped that his mom was one of my biggest clients and we met at the charity event she was hosting. I was doing what I do best, and she already liked me." she pauses, remembering when her eyes found him and it was like the universe melted away. That night was the beginning of the journey, their story. Something that truly brought a sweet smile to her face. Shaking her head, she came back to reality. Once her eyes opened, Ray's eyes were on her with a knowing smile. "Anyway, they've accepted me and I've kind of turned over a new leaf with the whole nervous thing. Plus, these past few months I've grown quite attached to this family."
Ray didn't need reassurement he could easily tell things had changed. It was something he was happy to have noticed. Though he had his concerns still about the news, shaking this side of her. "I'm happy you're happy. Now get ready and just text me when you are on your way home and I'll meet you here. I want to get ahead of things so we can be ready whenever your other half comes by."
After waiting thirty minutes once Ana left, Ray grabbed her keys before heading to her car. He had gotten Jose's last address from a friend from the local prescient; thankfully he didn't ask the reason behind the favor. He didn't need to add that to the list of things he had to explain. Throughout the drive, Ray sat there, trying to figure out what he was going to say to Jose. It wasn't like he was accepting the behavior, but he needed to go into this with a clear head. He was maybe overly hopeful that he could talk to Jose and then things would go to normal, but he just couldn't stand by and let things get any worse.
It was only a twenty-minute drive between Ana's and Jose's, which didn't ease the concern in Ray's eyes. Knowing that he was that close made Ray frustrated with how much Ana wasn't taking this seriously. Or not as much as she should be. He parked closest to Jose's apartment so that if he had to bury his body, it would be easier. Grabbing the keys and his wallet, he checked his phone once more for Jose's apartment number. Truly, he had no clue what he was going to do or say to Jose, but he just needed to try anything at the moment. Walking up the stairs, he found apartment 18 on his left, taking a quick and strong deep breath before knocking on the door.
Jose was going through his phone when the knock disturbed him. "Who is it?" He yelled as he walked up to the door. It downgraded his frustration the second he looked through the peephole. Surprised wouldn't be enough to describe how he felt when he peaked and saw Ray staring back at him.
"Jose, we need to talk. Son, this isn't a conversation we shouldn't have through the door." Ray was trying his hardest to not sound annoyed or push too hard until they were face to face. He needed to see the boy he'd know since birth. The person Ana and Christian were describing was a whole new person he didn't recognize anymore.
Jose hit his head against the door before opening it. He had to remind himself to stay as neutral as he could, to not let Ray know anything at all. He had to keep his eye on the prize, no matter what. "I didn't know you were in town."
Ray just shrugged as he made his way to the living room. "I would assume you would with all the stalking you've been doing...:" Ana's father approached the couch, shaking his head. "I know your father and I taught you better, Jose. I'm trying to understand why you cannot let go of Ana. As far as I was told, you cheated on my daughter, and yet, you seem to think she owes you something." Ray faced him with anger in his eyes. It was hard to keep himself in check. Ana was his little girl. Blood or not, he would protect her. His friendship with Jose's father would come in second to Anastasia. "Tell me it isn't true. Tell me you will stop this. Or stop whatever is going on."
Jose just laughed as he shook his head. This man did not know what was going on. What pissed Jose off the most was that Ray didn't know Christian as he did. He didn't know his daughter's boyfriend's track record with women. How could he be here lecturing him, when he should turn his attention on Christian Grey? "I think Ana has been spouting out lies to you. Between her taking my girlfriend's company away from her and then her boyfriend taking my god-given right away from me. They have all the reason to slander our names when theirs has the red in the ledger."
"Jose, I'm giving you one chance to admit what YOU did. We both know you are the one doing the extreme stuff. Ana built that company from the ground up and you know it. That woman you cheated with only owned 45 percent of the company. Ana and Emma bought her out. I don't know what that has to do with you stalking Ana, Jose. Following her? What would your father say about that?" Jose Sr was a good man; care about loyalty and what it meant to the surrounding people he cared for. Ray knew his long-time friend, and this wasn't acceptable in either's eyes and someone had to talk some sense into him. "After everything you've put Ana through, you think having her followed, verbally attacking her, and trying to ruin the one healthy relationship she's lucky enough to get after that happened, is showing loyalty to the family bond we all used to share.
FlashBack A year ago
Jose stared at his father as he stared intensely at him. This was the moment his father was going to sign over the company to him. Finally, he had everything he'd ever wanted. He and Anastasia had just celebrated two years together, and things were moving along positively. He'd hoped that this would put him a step in front of her. It was nice that she had her own business, but like most men, he didn't want her making more than him. It would give him one of the biggest companies in Seattle with connections throughout the world. He intended to use this as one stop on his plan to get enough money to buy every business in Seattle and the world. Ambitious, sure, but he would stop at nothing to become the best businessman out there. "Dad…"
Knock Knock
Jose Sr put a finger up to his son before rising to the door. Jose watched as Christian Grey, one of the leading business owners in energy and technology. He started his company at 20 after his grandfather gave him a loan. Every now and then, Jose's father would ask him why he couldn't have the desire to branch out on his own as Grey did. Why overwork yourself when you are next in line to take over a company? "Mr. Grey I'm so happy you could join us." Jose sat there and watched his father's interaction with Christian. He was hoping Christian was selling to his father, or maybe this was Jose's chance to prove to his father that he could do it.
"Mr. Rodriguez, it's nice to see you again. I'm glad we could schedule this time to let sign the last bit of the contract and squaring the last bit away." Jose watched as Christian sat next to his father. He was resisting the urge to roll his eyes. He knew better though if there was thing Jose Sr taught his children was to never embarrass him. Jose Sr. nodded before extending his hand, signaling for everyone to sit down.
"As you all know, I'm about to step into a new adventure of settling down and venturing out into retirement. It left me with a big decision on where that left the company. Well, after heavy thinking and praying." Jose watched as his father took in the moment. He was looking forward to taking over. He was almost sure that Christian being here meant that he was giving me his company. It was the perfect day… "After a lot of soul searching, Mr. Grey will take over the company as of this weekend after we announce it. You all will keep your original jobs, and Mr. Grey has promised you a raise also for better hours. I am thrilled to have a man who cares about his team."
Jose watched as his father betrayed him repeatedly as he spoke. How could his father stab him in his heart; giving his family business to an outsider… how dare he?
Jose could not believe that Ray wanted to talk about his father. The same father handed the family company to Christian without batting an eye. Loyalty… his father wasn't loyal to his son when he chose money over family. "You're confusing my father with other fathers. We don't want to go down that road, Ray. As for Christian Grey, I would be very wary of calling him loyal. He took what's mine and I'm determined to get it back. No matter the cost."
"What happened to you, Jose? You were Ana's best friend and here you are trying to hurt her." Ray watched as the light that he used to see in Jose diminished in seconds. The anger in his eyes was toxic, and he was now seeing how much Jose had changed. Hate and anger, sins that seemed to plague an adult that he'd known for his whole life. "I don't know this person."
"You never knew me, Ray. You just saw what you wanted to see. You and my dad are the same. You both keep asking me what have I done. No, it's what have you both done to me. You allow your daughter to be with a man who easily takes everything without thinking of others. My father, god my father. He treated him like he earned the fucking company. I did! I fucking earned it!" Anger seeped through his body. His body shook with pure detest. He would always be the disappointment, holding all the blame, but not anymore. It all was going to come back and bite everyone who wronged him in the past in the butt. "You need to leave, and I will not ask nicely."
Ray shook his head in frustration. Christian was right, there was no reasoning with him anymore, he wasn't the same… this was a mistake and he had to protect Ana.
Quietly and quickly, Ray came into the living room trying not to alert his daughter to his long trip; a conversation he knew he couldn't hide how annoyed he was with everything. Ray knew his feeling towards Jose had changed and now that Ray saw what everyone else has, it's hard to defend him at this point. "Ray?" Ana's father looked up to hear his future son-in-law's voice come through the kitchen. Letting out a nervous breath, Ray made his way to the kitchen. Ray noticed Christian wasn't alone. He was sitting with Taylor and another man. "This is my dad, Carrick; dad this is Ray Steele Ana's dad."
Carrick stood and shook the hand of the man who raised such a sweet young woman. "It's nice to meet you. Ana has told us such amazing things about you. Christian said we are all going to the Lakehouse this weekend to celebrate your visit." Carrick was looking forward to getting to know the man behind Ana. He trusted his son's assessment about Ana, but you never know a person till you meet their parents. "Christian tells me you fish."
Ray nodded, laughing at the question. "I do fish. Every weekend with a few of my buddies. Let me tell you if you want to see a fish broken down, ask Ana. She's a killer at it."
Before Carrick could reply, Christian stepped in. "Tell me you didn't go over there." Ray watched as Christian stared at him wide-eyed. Normally not much fazed, the commonly composed Christian Grey, but then he met Ray Steele. "Ana asked you to not go, Ray. I also told you he was too far gone to make him see the error of his ways. So we need to let me handle this."
Carrick shook his head at Christian. "Someday when you have a child, you'll understand. A father will go to any length to protect their child." Carrick rubbed his son's shoulder as he faced the group of men. "We've been talking, your mother and I, and we both think it would be best if you told Ana before we go to the Lakehouse. Your siblings know, Kate knows, we know, and your entire team knows… If you don't tell Ana, she's going to feel even angrier…"
A throat clearing caused everyone to look at the door. Ana stood there with a look of irritation plaguing her face. "What doesn't Ana know?"
Christian and Ray both turned to see an extremely annoyed and pissed-off Ana.
SO this is hard to write after everything I've been through. The reason this chapter took a long time was that As some of you know, my papa passed away earlier this year, and honestly, I've been depressed after losing him. Well, I was ready to come back, but last Monday during my shift my dad told me my uncle had passed away. It's been rough mentally for me. Please Be patient. I'm trying to get through a lot! Love you all and the next chapter should be out later this week, but I'll have to see since my Papa's birthday is this week and it will be the first without him. Love you all!