It's already Wednesday and I have finally settled in my new job. I try to avoid Jack as much as I can but it's difficult since I work directly under him. He hasn't done anything yet except for asking personal questions about my love life. I have lunch with Ellie every day and we couldn't be more opposite except for our love for literature. She's a bit of a tomboy and is brutally honest. I enjoy her company and I can imagine her being good friends in the future. We have fun together. She has also introduced me to some colleagues. Everyone is nice and welcoming. We are all going out for drinks on Friday. It's nice to make new friends.

I met with Zoey yesterday. Oliver and Zoey invited me for dinner. She's as sweet

as I remember even more so. She has just been promoted to Sous-Chef. Her cooking

is delicious and if it wasn't for Oliver I think, I would have married her just

for her cooking. It was nice to see both of them settled in their domestic

life. Oliver was always romantic at heart and I'm glad he has found his one and

only. We talked about our lives at WSU and our plans. I still haven't told my friends about Christian. Only Kate knows. I think Oliver does suspect something after I told them I sold Wanda, technically Christian sold it but he doesn't know that.

Things are good or as good as they can be. Quite often my thoughts go back to

Christian. I miss him. Does he miss me? He probably has moved on to number

seventeen. Someone with similar interests as him. Has he given her the same gadgets that I left in the foyer? Probably my car too. Technically it never was my car. I always felt cheap owning it. It always felt like a reward for my services. I still don't understand what came over me and I said I'd try.

I am glad it's over. I know he will not have a problem finding someone suitable for his needs. Will she make him happy? I pushed back the bile that rises in my throat thinking about him with someone else. Stop it, Ana. I wish there was a way for us to be together but there isn't. I have always craved for love and family of my own and I am not going to settle for anything less. It just a phase. It will pass. I'll be fine. I know I will.

"Ana can you come in here for a moment" Jack's voice pulled me out of thoughts

"Sure"

"Can you review this manuscript? I have already gone through with it but I'd like to

have a second opinion"

"Sure, Jack"

"Good. Get it done by tomorrow. I have a lunch meeting with the author"

"No problem"

He smiled in response

I love this part, reading and reviewing manuscripts. It's fascinating to know

what was the original plot of the story and what made the author change it or who was his inspiration?

I went on to check my emails first and my throat cloaked as I see one from him?

Christian. Why?

I am breathing faster and my hands shake as I opened it.

Oh shit! Tomorrow is Jose's gallery opening. I forgot about it. I am a terrible

friend. I need to call him. But why does Christian is asking to take me? Does he want to see me again?

Sigh…

It's probably out of courtesy since he sold my precious Wanda. It hurts. It hurts

too much to think.

I make my way to the restroom and called Oliver

"Yeah"

"What are you doing?'

"Taking a shit" he replied

"Then why did you pick up?" I snapped back, a little grossed out

"Kidding... it's the middle of the day. I am working" he laughs

I roll my eyes

"Nature's call doesn't care if it's middle of day or night Oli"

"What did you want?" he replied laughingly

"Are you and Zoey going to Jose's gallery opening tomorrow?"

"Yeah, he invited us. Shit, I forgot about that"

"Yupp, same"

"Damn bro, it's a long drive. I am SOOO not looking forward to it."

"Oli, we have to go. He's a good friend and it's a big thing for him. Come on"

"I know I know. We'll go together right?"

"Yeah

sure"

"Okay, I'll text the details"

"Okie"

"Bye"

"Bye Bye"

I hang up and went back to my desk to reply to Christian.

His response makes me a little hopeful. Maybe he does want to see me again. It vanishes quickly as I remember our last day together. Him belting me in the

playroom. He needs all those things and I'll be damned if I ever let that happen again. I

don't blame or judge him for liking this stuff but it's not for me. Nope, never.

But I do want to see him again. I want to apologize for saying all those stuff that

night. He was always honest with me. It was my fault. I didn't use the safe

word.

I quickly typed my response and called Jose

"Hey stranger" he replied

"Hi…I am so sorry. I should have called earlier"

"It's okay. I understand. You're a big city girl now. You don't have time for us poor

people now" I can feel the smile in his voice

"No, really sorry. With moving here and a new job everything has been quite

overwhelming"

"Ana, Ana, relax. It's me. I understand"

"What time is your opening tomorrow?"

"You still coming?"

I feel bad to hear the shock in his voice. I have been a shitty friend.

"It's you. Of course, I am coming."

"It starts at 7.30. You coming with Oliver and Zoey?" he asks

"umm…yeah and Christian"

"Oh. Okay then I'll see you tomorrow" he sounds disappointed

"Yeah. I miss you"

"Ditto"

"Bye Jose"

"Bye. Don't be a stranger again"

I smile. This is what I like about him. He's so easygoing. I know he has feelings

for me. Why can't I like him back? Because he doesn't make you feel things the way Christian does.

I finally find a guy I always dreamed of and yet he cannot be more different.

I returned to my desk and Christian and I finalized the details for tomorrow.

He'll pick me up at 5.45. Sigh…

A ping alerted me of a new text on my phone. It's from Oliver

"Zoey and I will pick u at 4. It's a long drive and due to traffic, we'll have to leave early"

"Umm... You don't have to. I am taking a ride with a friend"

"Why? It's no problem and what friend?"

I roll my eyes. Why is he so nosy?

"No, it's fine. I'll explain later"

"Ana banana why do I feel like you have been keeping secrets?"

"It's no big deal. Seriously, I'll tell you."

Shit,

I know he's not going to let it go. I have to give him something.

I will introduce them tomorrow.

Tomorrow. I'll see him again. Am I ready to see him again? Oh shit! Why did I agree to that? What if I find out he has already moved on with number seventeen? It

already hurt too much knowing he has found someone more compatible, someone who

can be what he wants will kill me. What should I do now? Maybe, if I pretend to

be sick. No, I can't do that to Jose.

I can't think about it right now. I shut everything out and started working on my new manuscript. I have handled worse. I can handle a simple ride with him. I'll apologize. He'll drop me home and everything will be over. Christian Grey chapter will be closed.

My eyes sting with unshed tears, I quickly wiped my face and started reading again.