Chapter 19 - Friends and Family
Ana's POV
"Good morning, ma'am, Mr. Grant," Sawyer greeted Jerry and me when we walked outside the house.
Jerry's bulletproof Suburban along with two Secret Service agents were already waiting outside to take us to school.
"Good morning, Sawyer," I smiled, "Why don't you just meet me at school." I point to the two very intimidating agents. "I think I'll be safe for the ten minute drive with those guys."
"With all due respect ma'am…"
I cut him off and stated, "Ana."
"I'm sorry?"
"Sawyer, will you please call me Ana? If I hear ma'am one more time…"
"Mr. Grey wouldn't approve."
"Well, Mr. Grey's not here."
"I would listen to her if I were you," Jerry interjected, "We all know she's the real boss around here. Not Mr. Grey."
"Can we settle for Miss Steele?" Sawyer asked.
I rolled my eyes. There was no way Sawyer wasn't going to follow Christian's instructions to a tee. He was a military man. They tended to take orders really well.
"So you'll meet us at school?" I asked.
"Mr. Grey insisted I ride with you guys."
Ugh, was Christian really being serious! There were already two highly trained agents following Jerry. Did we really need to have all three at once?
"I don't think that's necessary."
"It was an order, Miss Steele. Not a suggestion."
Jerry and I were now sitting in our first class of the day. Sawyer was keeping a watchful eye on me from the back of the lecture hall. He was standing right next to Jerry's watchdogs, so he definitely could pass as another one of Jerry's goons. They were all dressed similarly in black suits and ties.
"How do you deal with the security?" I asked Jerry when we got to our usual seats.
"You'll get used to it."
"Don't you think it's a huge invasion of privacy?"
"It is. But you're going to have to give up a little privacy for security. Plus, it's not like Sawyer is that interested in what you're doing. He's just here to protect you."
"It feels weird to have someone following me."
"You'll feel that way for a while. You know, when my dad got the nomination, the whole family was required to have security. Karen tried countless times to give her security detail the slip. It took her a while before she understood that security was a sacrifice we all had to make. Look on the bright side, banana. You only have one guy instead of two like Karen and me."
Walking into my English Lit class, all the students stared at me more than usual. It was probably because of my shadow. Sawyer was very conspicuous, standing out among all the other college students. He was a good 250 pounds of muscle and was well over six feet tall.
Since the classroom was much smaller than the lecture hall I had economics in, Sawyer stuck out like a sore thumb.
I walked to my usual seat and noticed that Brody wasn't here today. He was usually always early, so I was guessing that the baseball team had an away game today.
Sawyer took his position against the wall directly behind me. His eyes were very alert, and he was constantly looking in every direction. Christ, it was like he didn't think I was safe here. I was at Harvard! Relax a little.
When the professor walked in, she looked unsurprised to see a burly man lurking in her classroom. Christian must have called ahead to the school to give them a head's up about my new security.
She started the lesson for today, and unlike every other day, I found my mind wandering to the conversation I had with Christian last night.
Me. A designer? It sounded so far-fetched. I didn't think I'd be good at it, but I'd never know if I didn't try.
I took out a clean sheet of paper and started to draw. I did have an upcoming wedding – an amazing source of inspiration.
I took my time drawing the wedding dress I always envisioned myself getting married in. A stunning, white, off-the-shoulder, gown with crystal embellishments, a long train, and a long veil.
I got so lost in my drawing that the whole hour of class went by in a flash.
When I took a look at the finished product, I was stunned. I didn't think I'd be able to pull it off. It looked kind of good. It was a bit rough around the edges, nothing like a professional sketch. But it was a good start.
I was so proud of myself that I sent Christian an email with a photo of my sketch attached.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: You were right
Date: January 19, 2011: 13:22
To: Christian Grey
Christian,
It seems you were right. I think I want to make design my career.
I attached a photo of my first sketch. What do you think? Could I be the next Oscar de la Renta?
Xx Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Gorgeous
Date: January 19, 2011: 13:29
To: Anastasia Steele
Mrs. Grey,
The sketch is gorgeous, just like you. You can do anything you set your mind on.
Might I see that dress come to fruition on our wedding day? You'll look like a princess in that gown. My princess.
And forget about being the next Oscar de la Renta. You're Anastasia Grey.
Christian Grey
Proud CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
Christian's POV
I had interviews for a new PA today. I fired Jessica this morning. She was incompetent and was quite frankly very annoying and unprofessional.
And I had to say, I was getting along well with Taylor. He didn't say much. He did what I asked him to do without question.
"Taylor," I shouted through the intercom.
I set him up in the unoccupied office next to mine for the time being. I was planning on having a whole security suite when we moved into the new building.
"Yes, Mr. Grey?"
"Please bring in the applicant for my new PA. And please kick out anyone who looks unprofessional — low cut tops, unnecessarily short skirts. You'll know it when you see it."
"Of course, Mr. Grey."
I had about 30 applications for the job, but I knew that out of the thirty women, more than half of them were only interested in the job to fuck me.
That was why I told all of them to come to the office today. It was much more efficient to kick the hussies out all at once than to have to be forced to sit in an interview with them.
A few minutes later, Taylor knocked on my office door.
"Mr. Grey?"
"Come in."
He popped his head in the door, and I asked, "How many of them are left?"
"Only three, sir," he informed me.
Wow. Way less than I thought. I hoped I could find someone decent for the job, though.
"Send the first one in," I instructed.
I ended up selecting Miss Andrea Parker for the job as my personal assistant. She had experience working as a personal assistant to someone famous. Not like I cared, but her reference gave her a glowing recommendation as someone who was efficient, organized, and hard-working.
Plus, what made her even more appealing is that she had a husband and an 18-month-old baby girl. So, there was no chance she'd be interested in hitting on me. She was just what I fucking need for this office.
Ana's POV
Ever since that first sketch, I wasn't able to stop. After my wedding dress, I was inspired to just draw so much more. I now had five different dress designs that I thought would all look gorgeous on the runway. And I also noticed I was in a much better mood at school. Granted, I wasn't not paying attention anymore because I was drawing, but I was thinking that I really wanted to pursue this, or at least try.
Christian and I were now on our way to pick up Grace and Mia from the airport. It was a bit unusual now that either Taylor or Sawyer followed us whenever we were out and about. Today Taylor was tailing us in a brand new, dark grey Audi Q7. A perk of the job as Christian called it.
Christian was driving his new little toy – a Bentley Bentayga. A present to himself for finishing a $100 million deal. Christ, at this rate, he might be a billionaire by the summer!
Daily Mail
The country's hottest couple right now, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele were spotted at Boston Logan Airport last night. But these two lovebirds weren't jetting off anywhere. They were there to pick up Grey's mother and sister.
And we have word from the White House that President Grant, the First Lady, and their daughter, Karen Grant will be making an unofficial impromptu trip to Boston.
Is it safe to say some major wedding planning is going down… Or perhaps the wedding?
Karen and Aunt Liv arrived in Boston this morning, so they were coming over to our house for breakfast. Uncle Fitz had a last minute meeting, so he would be coming this afternoon.
While us girls were going to be meeting with designers for my dress, the boys were going to catch a Celtics game.
Christian was holed up in his study since he'd be taking a much needed break this afternoon to spend time with Jerry and Uncle Fitz.
I was getting dressed in a more avant-garde outfit today – an ice cream printed charmeuse Dolce & Gabbana long-sleeved mini dress. I was putting on a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals and grabbing my black crocodile Birkin bag and leather Versace coat when I smelled the heavenly scent of bacon coming from downstairs. Grace must be making breakfast.
"The house is lovely, Ana," Grace complimented.
I finally gave in and hired an interior decorator to finish furnishing the space. Best decision I ever made. I didn't know how I thought I was going to get this big of a house decorated all by myself. She was fast, too. She got it done in a couple of days, ready for everyone's arrival.
"Thank you. Can I help with breakfast?"
"You're not going to lift a finger. I'll make breakfast, it's the least I can do."
"Is Mia still sleeping?" I giggled. It was 10:30 am already.
"She claims it's jetlag. But she's just lazy. Don't mind her. The second we tell her she might miss her chance to meet Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, she'll be up in a flash."
"Hey, Mrs. G," Jerry greeted as he walked down the stairs, "Breakfast smells great."
"Here you go, Jerry," she smiled, handing him a full plate of pancakes and bacon.
"Did you see Christian upstairs?" I asked, taking a bite of my pancakes with maple syrup.
"I heard him yelling at someone on the phone in his study." Not a surprise there.
"Ugh, that boy needs to stop working and spend some time with his family. I'll go get him."
Grace walked upstairs to fetch Christian when the doorbell rang. Oh! That must be Liv and Karen.
I rushed out of my seat to open the door. Sure enough, Karen and Liv were here with four Secret Service agents behind them.
"Ahhh!" I screamed when I saw them.
They both crushed me with a big family hug. Oh, how I've missed them.
"Ana!" Karen screamed, "Your dress is amazing! Oh, and the ring! Show me."
I held out my left hand with pride, and Karen gasped, "Wow! This is insane. Did you pick it out?"
"Christian had it custom made."
"Swoon," she said, fanning her face with her hand dramatically.
"It's beautiful, dear," Liv added, "The photos don't do it justice."
"Grace made breakfast," I said, leading them through the foyer. "Christian should be finishing up in his study soon. Oh, and there's your son."
Jerry was entertaining Mia at the table. That girl was all giggles and loony eyes for him.
Christian walked down the stairs with his mother, holding his phone to his ear. "I'll have to call you later, Ros," he said.
Oh, my whole family was together, and my heart was full of happiness.
Fox News
Good afternoon. You're watching Fox News, and this is Bret Baier.
We have a big leak coming out of the White House today.
Rumors of an upcoming White House wedding have been circulating ever since Anastasia Steele, who is considered an honorary member of the Grant family, got engaged to multi-millionaire Christian Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings.
A member of Mrs. Grant's staff, who has asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that a wedding for the newly engaged couple will be held in the White House rose garden this summer.
Miss Steele is also the daughter of the White House's National Security Advisor, Raymond Steele, who is close friends with President Grant.
A White House insider told us this: "Anastasia is practically part of the Grant family. Jerry, Ana, and Christian live in the same townhouse in Boston and all three attended Harvard before Christian dropped out. She's also very close to Karen Grant, and the First Lady treats her like her own daughter. They're ecstatic to host the wedding."
This will be the eighteenth wedding held on White House grounds and the 4th wedding held in the rose garden. The last wedding to be held at the White House was in 1994 for Nicole Boxer and Tony Rodham, the brother of the former first lady, Hillary Clinton. Details of the upcoming wedding and the exact date have not been confirmed yet, but we will certainly keep you updated.
Now, breaking news from Afghanistan...
All the ladies got into one bulletproof Suburban for our meetings at the Ritz Carlton. Liv arranged all four of the designers to meet us there at different times. We'd have an hour with each of them.
Mia and Karen were about ready to burst out of their seats in anticipation. Mia even wore one of Oscar de la Renta's designs that she wanted him to sign. Now that would be a dress worth a hell of a lot of money.
The first meeting was with Oscar. He was a legend in the fashion industry, dressing everyone from Taylor Swift and Anne Hathaway to Hillary Clinton and Nancy Reagan. And he might personally design my wedding dress? Insanity.
The second meeting was with Vera Wang. Her name was practically synonymous with brides. A Vera Wang wedding dress on your special day was every girl's dream. She had dressed numerous celebrities: Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Ivanka Trump, and Victoria Beckham to name a few.
The last meeting was with Carolina Herrera. She was a legend in her own right, also having dressed the same A-list celebrities as Oscar and Vera, however, she was a little less well known. But that certainly didn't mean her designs were inferior in any way. I was secretly the most excited to meet her.
God, I really couldn't go wrong with any of these designers. I was going to be in fashion heaven all day today.
When we arrived at the hotel, the media and paparazzi were already camped outside, blocking the entrance.
"The hotel's staff must have tipped off the media," Olivia said, annoyance in her voice. "I'm so sorry, Ana. This is a circus."
"It's not your fault."
"Ugh, leeches," Karen exclaimed.
Reporters were shouting all kinds of questions at all of us, while the agents tried to push everyone back. I put on my large sunglasses to cover my face and to shield my eyes from the flashes.
Grace sensed my anxiety, so she wrapped her arm around me as we walked into the hotel.
"Do you have to deal with all that every day, Ana?" Grace asked me.
"It's usually not that bad. But that's why Christian hired Sawyer."
She gave me a sympathetic smile. "Let's not focus on them," I commented, "Today's supposed to be a happy day."
"Oh my god, Oscar de la Renta just signed my dress!" Mia squealed after he left.
We all laughed at her.
"What did you think of him, Ana?" Liv asked me.
"I loved all his designs," I gushed.
It was true, the man showed me a whole portfolio of gorgeous designs that have yet to be created. It was like looking through masterpiece after masterpiece, and I was frankly overwhelmed by what I saw.
"They were all amazing," Liv agreed.
"What did you guys think?" I asked the rest of my family.
Karen and Mia both raved about the classic, stunning, and beautiful designs, but Grace gave me some good advice.
"That was only the first designer, dear," Grace said, "Why don't we get through all of them and we'll see from there?"
We all nodded in approval.
The meeting with Vera Wang went much better. Pages after pages of beautiful gowns were presented with me, and she even gave me carte blanche to instruct her to make whatever I wanted.
After meeting with her, I knew it would be even harder to make a choice.
And to top it all off, these meetings were making me exhausted, so Liv ordered us some pastries and tea that we were now munching on.
The last meeting of the day was with Carolina Herrera. I had high hopes for this one. She had personally designed many gowns for Aunt Liv and many of the First Ladies that came before her.
The last designer walked into the room with an air of confidence and a killer outfit.
She was led in by our security guards, and we all stood up to greet her.
Liv greeted her with a hug. "Thank you so much for coming on such short notice."
"I'm so thrilled to be here, Olivia," she said.
"Where's the blushing bride?" she asked.
"That would be me," I smiled.
"Oh, even prettier in person," she gushed, "I am going to design you the perfect dress."
We all took our seats on the very expensive and regal inspired, gold-toned chaises. The waiters came over with more tea and croissants for us.
"Where should we start?" I asked.
"Tell me about your fiance. Christian, right?" she asked.
"Yes," I smiled just thinking about him. "What would you like to know about him?"
"I want to understand you. A dress is more than pieces of fabric sewn together. I want your dress to represent you, your relationship, how you feel about the man you're going to marry."
"He's… he's just perfect for me," I said with a huge grin on my face, "He's tall, handsome, intense, loyal, loving."
"How does he make you feel?"
"Loved, respected, cared for. He makes me feel wanted. He makes me feel sexy…"
"Ew, Ana!" Mia squealed, "TMI!"
I couldn't help but laugh as I continued, "He just makes me feel so much more."
She grabbed my hand, "I can tell how in love you two are. I can feel your spirit, Ana."
"I think I have something in mind, but I want to hear what you want in a dress first."
I then decided to take out the sketch of my dream dress from my Birkin and handed it to her.
"I didn't know you were an artist, Ana," Grace stated.
"I didn't either. I've taken up a new hobby," I answered.
"Wow, that looks amazing," Karen commented, "Why didn't you show that to us before?"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"This is stunning, imaginative, and just what I envisioned for you," Carolina mused.
"So you like it?" I asked nervously.
"Like it? I love it! It's just smashing!"
"It's my first sketch. I know that it isn't all that detailed… or professional."
"Oh, nonsense! And for your first try, no less! You might take my job soon," she joked.
"Did you want an exact replica? Because I have a few ideas that I think might make your design look that much more spectacular."
"I'm open to suggestions," I smiled.
"I think it could use diamonds!" Mia giggled.
"Oh, she's right," Karen added.
I saw Olivia and Grace both roll their eyes at their daughters.
"I'm with you girls," Carolina agrees.
After all our meetings, I knew I had to go with Carolina. Rather than presenting me with all her designs first, she wanted to know what I envisioned first. And although Oscar and Vera's designs were all beautiful and stunning, something about Carolina made me trust her with the most important dress I'd wear in my life.
My family agreed with me and said that Carolina was the best woman for the job.
Oh God, I couldn't wait for my wedding day.
Christian's POV
"How's the wedding planning going?" Fitz asked from our private box seats at the Celtics game.
"I'm letting Ana have free reign over everything. I think it's best not to offer my opinion on some things."
"Smart man," he said, handing Jerry and I a beer.
"If the press sees us with this, you're going to be in big trouble, dad," Jerry laughed.
"Cheap beer is an American tradition. Plus, it appeals to the base."
"The Dems will crucify you for it come reelection time," I added, taking a swig of the shitty beer.
"Live a little guys," he smirked.
Vogue
The First Lady Stuns in Gucci Alongside Newly-Engaged Anastasia Steele in Dolce & Gabbana
Our First Lady never disappoints us with her style. She was photographed in Boston outside of the Ritz Carlton hotel with her daughter, Karen Grant, Anastasia Steele, socialite Grace Grey and her daughter Mia Grey, also Anastasia's future in-laws.
Mrs. Grant was wearing a Huishan Zhang pantsuit that was just seen on the runway in Paris. But the main attraction of her outfit was a pink, Swarovski crystal embellished, Gucci coat. She accessorized with a classic black Prada Saffiano tote and a pair of black patent leather Louboutins.
Steele looked totally chic in an ice-cream-printed, charmeuse Dolce & Gabbana mini dress and a fresh off the runway Versace leather coat. Her accessories: a black crocodile Birkin and Jimmy Choo strappy sandals. Also seen on Miss Steele was obviously her stunning engagement ring, but she was also wearing an ornate Boucheron flower ring with a four-carat ruby. We are obsessed with her outfit and are dying to get a look at her closet, especially her jewelry collection.
Miss Karen Grant, who is known for expertly mixing high end and affordable brands, went all haute couture for her day out, and we are loving it. She was seen in a knee-length, navy blue Carolina Herrera dress and a double-breasted, tan Givenchy wool coat. She added a pop of color with her accessories: a Givenchy crossbody bag and Tabitha Simmons x Johanna Ortiz flats, both in honey yellow.
Mia Grey was sporting a lot of Fendi. With an Oscar de la Renta knee-length dress, Miss Grey was wearing a fur coat, a fur beanie, and black pumps, all monogrammed with Fendi's signature logo. She was also carrying Fendi's classic Peekaboo mini bag in black.
Grace Grey, rocked a classy, professional style in a baby-blue Oscar de la Renta wrap dress and a beige Burberry trench coat. Gracing her neck was a very large pearl necklace. Her other accessories included a pair of suede, baby-blue Jacquemus mules and an Ombre Lizard Birkin Bag. A handbag like that will set you back around a hundred grand.
This might be the most fashion forward family we've seen in a while. The ladies were spotted having tea in a private ballroom at the hotel, and were reportedly there for meetings. While the nature of those meetings are unknown, we do know they looked great doing it.
Ana's POV
"Thank you so much, Carolina. I'm so excited that you're going to design my dress." She was taking my measurements in the powder room right now.
"It's such an honor, Ana. You are absolutely stunning. But I am making the dress based on your design. You should get some credit too. Have you thought about getting into the fashion industry?"
"It's funny you ask because I was actually thinking about it. My fiance was the one who gave me the idea."
"Well, I think you'd be a hit. Do you have any other designs? I'd love to see them."
"Oh, of course," I said, grabbing my purse.
I took out my notepad and handed it to her. I had about five other sketches of dresses – a variety of casual and formal wear.
"Beautiful," she mused, "Absolutely beautiful. Have you thought about fabrics and details yet?"
"No, not yet. I don't really know how to put together a piece, yet."
"If you need any help, I'd gladly give you some referrals," she smiled.
"That sounds amazing. Truly. Thank you."
"It's my pleasure. When I was a newcomer in the fashion industry, I had such a hard time finding my way. I'd love to help a newbie out. And I know talent when I see it."
CNN
President Grant spends time with his son and Christian Grey at a Celtics game in Boston
Instead of working on the budget sitting on his desk, President Grant chose to spend quality time with his son, Jerry, and Christian Grey, the youngest phenom in the business world.
The First Lady was with Karen Grant, Anastasia Steele who is Grey's fiancee, along with Grey's mother and sister at the Ritz Carlton.
A White House staffer reported to us that the purpose of the Grants' visit was to help Miss Steele and Mr. Grey plan their wedding, which is rumored to be held at the White House this summer.
Christian's POV
"How'd the meetings go today, baby?" I asked Ana over dinner.
"It was amazing, Christian!" Mia jumped in. "Oscar de la Renta signed my dress. And Vera Wang. Oh my God, I could've died right there."
"I don't recall asking you," I quipped.
Ana giggled and replied, "I'm going with Carolina Herrera for my dress."
"I'm so happy for you. It's something you can cross off the list," I smiled, giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Eww," Jerry groaned, "No PDA at the dinner table guys."
"Always so immature, Fitzgerald," Olivia chastised him, giving her husband a kiss too.
"Ugh, I'm with Jerry," Karen said, "Couples are nauseating."
"You'll know the feeling when you're in love," Ana smiled, giving me another kiss.
"Hi, this is Jane from the Seattle Nooz. How can we help you?"
"This is Katherine Kavanagh. And I've got a bombshell for you."
"I'm listening…"
The Seattle Nooz
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey…
Could the power couple already be married?
We think YES!
Christian and Anastasia have just officially announced their engagement, but that was all a lie. A person who identified themself as a close friend of the couple confirmed that the couple is already married and refer to each other as Mr. and Mrs. Grey.
We did some digging through marriage records, and the facts check out. Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele obtained a marriage license on January 9 at a Boston courthouse. And we also found a legal document, officially changing Anastasia's last name from Steele to Grey.
The Nooz would like to be the first to officially congratulate the pair on their marriage.
But why the rush? Could there be a baby Grey on the way?
Updates to follow…