Chapter song: Little of Your Love - HAIM

Chapter 8 – give me just a little of your love

CPOV

Wednesday.

"Why are you so angry at her?" Flynn asks.

"Because she used me. She lied to all of us and left under the guise of some wedding gig when she never left her house until Monday afternoon with her friend and boyfriend."

Flynn rubs his forehead and takes off his glasses "You're having her watched?"

"I need to be sure of who I'm associating myself with."

He raises an eyebrow. "You're being awfully territorial over someone who is your sisters friend and it's not like she forced you to drop her back home. Who cares what her motives were? The question is why you are so affected by what she does?"

"BECAUSE I LIKE HER AND I WANT HER OKAY? HAPPY?" I snap back at him and he bites his cheek trying to suppress a smile. I know he's having way too much fun with all this. Fucker.

"Have you told her?"

He knows I haven't. He's fucking goading me.

"No."

"Then quit stewing over something you have no insight on. You don't know her life, you're operating on assumptions. Something that can be incredibly dangerous and cause you to make a fool out of yourself" Flynn scolds.

I exhale and lay back on the couch. "It just feels... right with her."

God, I sound like a girl right now. Still, Theo would understand. I wish he was alive.

"Think of it this way, if that guy who you saw her with was her 'fuck buddy or boyfriend' as you so eloquently described then surely she knew he was in the house WITH her friend as we know now...so, why would she have invited you in? And moreover, why didn't you accept her invitation?"

He has a point. "Maybe she was just trying to be nice... and I didn't want to fuck up, okay. I would've manipulated the situation to kiss her and I really don't want to make the wrong move here. Elliot said I should go down the friend route in case things go south and that way I can avoid a messy situation."

He snorts. "You honestly think a girl who calls you Lurch can be manipulated?"

"You're having too much fun with this. I'd punch you if I could." I snap.

"Just stating facts, Christian. You're getting worked up over a girl who has done nothing wrong. You need to relax... what about her background check?"

"Welch did a detailed background check. I'm meeting with him this afternoon."

"You know, you could just get to know her like a regular guy. If there were red flags, your head of security would've caught it when she became friends with Mia."

"I know... but... I'm impatient."

"You sure seem patient for someone who's gone to her place of employment 6 times in the hopes to meet her."

"I'm never telling you anything again."

"You say that but you will. I'm your Dear Diary moment."

"I should report you to the licensing board."

"But you won't. You like me too much."

"Whatever."

"I want to meet her. We should go for lunch one day and I can do a quick assessment."

"Isn't that fucked up?"

"Who says I'm going to share my assessment with you. I just want to see the woman who's got you all tied up in knots. I want to meet the source of my current entertainment." He laughs and I roll my eyes.

Later that afternoon

Flynn is right. I'm being an ass. I should give her benefit of the doubt. I should calm the fuck down. She's not mine. I have no claim over her. She's not a sub. I want more with her. I need to win her over slowly.

"What do you have for me Welch?"

"Sir, everything came back clear with the exception of a few things."

Cue the alarm bells.

"Miss Steele, was homeschooled for the majority of her school career. She got into St. Francis Prep on a scholarship during her freshman year but left abruptly the middle of her sophomore year.

We hacked into the school's database and there was a complaint made against Miss Steele. Claiming that she was stalking Miss Kavanagh and harassing her. We also went through her parents financials. An offshore transfer was made into the account of Raymond Steele around the same time Miss Steele left St. Francis Prep in the amount of $10 million."

I run through my hands through my hair.

"What's your honest assessment Welch?"

"Sir, there's more to this story. Miss Steele is the only one who has answers. It doesn't make sense that the Kavanagh camp made a complaint but then the Steele camp is the one who received a payout. It's also worth noting this happened during Senator Kavanagh's re-election year."

"Of course it did. Anything else you've found on Katherine Kavanagh?"

"Her phone is encrypted and we've been trying to break into it. I wouldn't suggest breaking into the Kavanagh servers remotely, we could hire a third party but it's still risky. She otherwise keeps the same social company. We don't have eyes on her when she's in any of the Kavanagh properties so we aren't able to ascertain what goes on behind closed doors."

"I need something to get her out of our lives." I mumble.

"Miss Steele might know something." Welch replies.

"What about Miss Steele, relationships that I should be aware of?"

"No sir. None that seem apparent. She has active profiles on a series of dating apps and has an active dating life but nothing that seems to progress further than a first date from what we can find. We looked into the man you mentioned. His name is Jose Rodriguez Jr. He's been friend with Miss Steele since infancy and is two years younger than her. Both of their fathers have been friends since high school in Boston. They both moved out to New York and remained close friends despite different career paths. "

Okay thank god. He's not her boyfriend. Of course she has an active dating life, she's fucking gorgeous... men probably throw themselves at her and here I am being a pathetic fool, losing my shit over half baked information.

I nod. "Thanks Welch. I'll let you know if I need anything else."

APOV:

Wednesday night

I've tried not overthinking this whole Christian Grey situation. I really haven't but let's face it, I'm not thinking with my brain... at all. No, I'm thinking with my little firework factory. I think that's a perfectly acceptable and frankly adorable way to describe your lady parts.

Thankfully Mia didn't ask too many questions when we met at work yesterday morning. I felt like such an asshole for lying to her and now that Kate has shown up in my face I'm going to have to figure out a way to pull back from Mia without making it awkward... but as of now, Katya and I are the only friends she's hanging out with. We get along, really well. Our values align, our level of perverse humor is the same though sometimes Katya really takes it far but still, we get a good laugh out of it. She's doing so well at the diner and already has developed solid relationships with our regular customers. It's been a while since Katya and I both met someone who really meshed with us on all fronts.

The only problem?

HER HOT ASS BROTHERS.

Surprisingly, Elliot didn't come in today. While Katya was relieved she also felt a little heartbroken. I've never seen her react this way before. She burst into tears on Monday night before we fell asleep. That conversation with Elliot on Saturday morning, really did a number on her. She desperately wanted to say yes and come to the Hamptons but she knows something would've happened. What she feels for him is so strong. I don't understand how one touch can make you feel that way.

Then again, I was also in the same boat. The only difference was that I was jaded and trying my best to convince myself that it isn't real. While Katya wholeheartedly believes in the reality of this feeling, she is determined to do the right thing and stay away.

If there were a drink called 'miserable fucks' it would be our drink of choice.

I'm not in love with Christian Grey... but I am attracted to him. It's also not lost on me that I've never been able to have normal and engaging conversation with a guy who wasn't old, a dad or gay. Sure, the dates I went on were for one reason only (to lose my virginity, in case you had forgotten. EYE ON THE PRIZE) and I had nothing in common with these beanie wearing hipsters so the conversation was as dry as three day old toast on the sidewalk... the kind that even the pigeons didn't want to eat.

What makes Christian Grey attractive? His money? No. That does nothing for me. He's a mystery. Maybe that's it. Oh who am I kidding? It's those sculpted abs that are God's gift to the world I got a solo show that morning. I'd love a show behind closed doors though. I will not lie. And his gorgeous grey eyes that lock you in, how could I have forgotten those.

"Earth to Steele." Katya snaps me back to the present.

"Sorry. What's up?"

"Daydreaming about Grey, huh?" She cackles.

Busted. "Shut up. No I'm not. I was thinking about my meeting with vogue camp and Jackson Hyde on Friday." Partial truth, I had thought about it earlier in the day.

"You know, in all honesty, you should consider it. The guy drove 2.5 hours to drop you home. A billionaire doesn't just do that on a whim you know."

"Don't put ideas in my head, Katya. He was just being nice."

"Stop being so jaded. Look, ask him out. You're a 21st century woman who's on a mission."

"With this whole Kate situation, it's a really bad idea. In fact, we need to figure out a way to distance ourselves from Mia a little bit. Like, she can hang with us on our turf... but no more going to her place or hanging out with her family. Neutral locations where we can easily slip out if need be."

Katya lies back on the couch and throws her arm over her eyes. "Fucking Kavanagh... even after all these years she's a fucking thorn in our side."

CPOV

Friday afternoon.

"I haven't done anything this exciting well... " Flynn pauses for a few moments.

"John, please stop talking. I have a feeling you're going to embarrass me."

He scoffs. "Please, I'm a epitome of decorum."

We open the door to the diner and walk in. We're seated in Ana's section and given two menus but I look out and see that her and Katya and talking to two older women and laughing out loud with them. She gets a call from the front of the diner to check in on her section. I see her walk over and thank god, I'm not standing because... my pants are too fucking tight now. I can sense John's eyes assessing me. I look back at him and give him my 'back the fuck off' look. He snorts and goes back to looking at her menu.

All she's wearing is a white graphic tee and faded jeans with her hair in a high ponytail.

"Hey Lurch!" She smiles and looks to John. "Not Lurch." She laughs.

"That's right, I'm John." He says in his usual British accent. It's his only saving grace.

"A Brit? I like the company you keep Lurch. Hi John, I'm Ana." They both shake. "Welcome to Clayton's diner. You both need some time to look at the menus I guess so anything to drink?"

We give her our drink and lunch orders and a little while later she brings them over. She's unable to stay and chat as the lunch crowd is rolling in.

Once our dishes get cleared she looks in my direction and signals me to wait five minutes.

"I like her." John smiles. "She's so out your league."

"Fuck off, John."

"As my daughter says in her dreadful American accent 'just keepin' it real"

"Please don't ever do an American accent." I roll my eyes and a few moments later Ana brings two servings of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

"Just a little Friday treat for you two. Oh and the bill is already taken care of, my treat." She smiles at me.

"No Ana, don't be silly. You really don't have to do that."

"It's already done. It's the least I can do after you drove me all the way back to Brooklyn. She smiles.

God, why is she so adorable?

"This apple pie is amazing, by the way." John mumbles.

"I'm glad you like it."

We hear a throat clearing on the table diagonal to us and she turns over to address who I recognize as Mr. Horowitz.

"Calm down Horowitz. They're just pretty faces. You're the only one who has my heart." She sasses.

"Just checking." He gives me a smug smile and I shake my head.

"I'm just a pretty face?" John asks, slightly affronted.

"Well the accent is prettier." she laughs and winks at him while John chuckles.

We talk for a few more minutes till we're done eating our dessert.

"Well, gentleman, it was nice talking to you but I have to head out. I've got a big meeting. So, if you need anything else, Katya can take care of you and she'll just add anything extra on to my tab."

"Where is your meeting?" I'll just take her, another reason to spend some time with her.

"Downtown, Freedom tower at the Vogue offices."

"I can take you." I can see John's eyes shoot up in surprise but he doesn't say anything.

Ana looks back at me puzzled and tells me that's ridiculous given the traffic. She has an hour and half to make it to her meeting and I assure her we can make it. I'd fucking fly her down in Charlie tango if anything. She seems to be battling this internally but asks me if I'm absolutely sure I can.

She walks away to get her things and quickly change. Till then I walk over and leave a few hundred dollars in the tip jar. Mia told me the other day that cash tips works out better for them.

"Am I also joining you two on your little field trip? Drop me off first." John asks when I get back to my seat.

"No, you can take the fucking train. I want to be alone with Ana."

"Oh Lurch... you've got it bad." He laughs and gets up to leave.

I wait for Ana at my seat and she comes by a little while later. She's now wearing a while silk skirt with a loose sweater top in light blue that complements her eyes and her hair is open and in waves. She looks breathtaking.

I open the car door for her and introduce her to Taylor. She immediately can tell that he was in the Marine's too and she thanks him for his service. I can tell he appreciates the gesture but the warmth in his voice when he thanks her.

"So what's this meeting about?" I ask her. She's fully engrossed in apply mascara followed by some blush. Her makeup is minimal not that she needed any to begin with.

"I applied for this mentorship program that Vogue is sponsoring and we have this big kick off intro meeting-party-whatever." She rolls her eyes and laughs. I already knew this because I have a google alert on her name. Creepy? Maybe.

"Congratulations, are you excited?"

She purses her lips. "I don't want to sound ungrateful but the person they paired me with, I don't like their work. It's not my style at all. I gave my preferences of who I wanted to be paired with when I applied and he was not on my list but still it's only for a year so I'll stick it out. I know I'll still learn something."

"Who did they pair you with?"

"Jackson Hyde... and get this, he's only 4 years older than me and he's this sought after photographer. Not that age has anything to do with it, it's just that well... I don't know." She shrugs.

I take out my phone and google him. His work is... it's akin to porn.

"Were they blind, you both are poles apart." I already don't like this fucker. He's good looking with a smug face and blonde hair. He looks like trouble. I need to talk to Taylor about this and keep Sawyer on duty to continue watching her.

"Yeah, I know... but it's the kind of opportunity that can put me on the map. I mean... so many people applied and I somehow was deemed worthy. I know, I'm letting a bunch of rich people define my worth again but... they control everything..."

"Again?" I ask. Is she alluding to the Kavanagh shit? Tell me baby, what happened?

She swallows and laughs nervously. "I just meant... you know how people with money and influence tend to sway your mind unintentionally. Like even in social media, we get hit with these ads and stuff." Solid save but I know there's more to this story.

"This is why I stay away from social media." I laugh.

"Well, you're in a position of money and influence... maybe I should stay away from you too." She laughs.

"You can certainly try but you'll fail." I smirk.

She takes out her phone and shows me some previews of the pictures she took of mom and dad along with the family picture she took of us. I ask her to text them to me. I already knew her number but I didn't want to text her randomly, this way... it's a safe exchange of information.

"Ana, all these are incredible. I've never seen my parents like that." I saw in awe.

She giggles. "I'm glad you like them. I was going to get one enlarged and framed to give to Mia to take it over to their apartment. This one is my favorite and Mia liked it too but what do you think?"

It's a picture of Mom and Dad dancing with her head thrown back as he looks down on her smiling. It's wide shot and captures the space of they're in perfectly as well.

"It's perfect." I smile at her and she nods in approval.

We continue our conversation and soon enough we arrive at the Freedom Tower and I help her out of the car.

"Thank you, Christian. This was really kind of you." She gives me a shy smile.

"Anytime, Ana." I lean in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "You look beautiful, go knock 'em dead."

She giggles and it makes my heart soar. "I'll certainly try."

A/N: $10 million. A re-election year? WTF IS HAPPENING? Hit me with your theories, lovelies. Also, CG coming in smooth with these personalized uber rides. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR REVIEWS. i'm glad you like this chilled dout CG.

Gowildcats; HUGS. Your reviews always crack me up.

Carol222: Thank you so much for your reviews. I'm glad you're liking this little story.

Luvdisney2007: I hope you've been well, love.