Chapter 2

Kate was ecstatic with my Q&A. I just couldn't understand why. It was literally all on google. All of it. I roll my eyes as she gushes.

"He gave his card with his cell phone number on it in case you have any follow up questions or need anything else."

"Ana! O. M. G.! You have to call him. He was totally flirting!"

"No he wasn't Kate. You weren't there. It was horrible. It was like he was trying to suck my soul out through my eyes. It was creepy! I'm not calling him for shit. But here's his card, knock yourself out. I'm going for a run."

I leave the card on the counter and go to my room to change into some workout leggings and a tank. I tie my shoes, throw my hair up into a messy bun and literally sprint out the apartment. I know I'm being a bitch towards Kate but I can't bring my self to care. I need to run. I need to not think. I just need Him. Stop it Steele. I realize I left my phone in my bag in my hurry to get out of there. Damn. Now I'm alone with my thoughts. Nope. Might as well start from the top.

Five hundred twenty five thousand

Six Hundred Minutes

Five hundred twenty five thousand

Moments so dear.

I kept on until I got to La Vie Boheme. Checking my FitBit. I've ran 10 miles and my body is starting to feel it. Good. I stop and stretch. After a couple of deep breaths I decide to head back. I push myself harder on the way back. I need this. It's cleansing. I'm soaking wet from sweat by the time I get into the apartment. I grab my water bottle from the kitchen where Kate was typing away furiously. She stops and looks up and smirks at me. Fuck.

"I have very exciting news!"

"You called Grey?"

"How did you know?! I mean, no not technically."

I narrow my eyes at her. Then I see it. My phone sitting next to her lap top.

"Fuck! Kate! Really?! I told you I wasn't interested!"

"I know but, "

"But nothing Katherine! Fuck!

I snatched my phone off the counter and went to my room, slamming the door and locking it. Not wanting to break anything like I know I'm about to do if I don't reign in my temper. I start doing sit ups. I'm powering though them and I'm at 123 when phone goes off with a text message. I stop mid sit up and look at the offending piece of metal on my bed. Curiosity got the best of me.

Christian Grey :

How's Monday 12?

I unlock the phone and go to the whole conversation.

A: Mr. Grey, it's Anastasia Steele. I was hoping I could ask a favor you.

C: Miss. Steele. What a pleasant surprise.

A:About that favor. . . ?

C: Yes?

A: Kate would be absolutely ecstatic if we could get a few original pictures of you to go with the article, would you be willing?

C: That can be arranged. When you do need them by?

A: The sooner the better! Thank you so much Sir!

C: We aim to please Miss Steele.

A: When can we meet? We can meet in Seattle if need be. . .?

C: I will be at the Heathman Hotel Sunday night through Graduation. I have meetings to attend in the area.

A: Perfect Sir! Anytime you have spare time we can make it work.

C: How's Monday 12?

What the fuck is she trying to do? I put the phone back down and meditate for a few minutes. I try to ground myself and take the phone out to Kate.

She's still typing away at the lap top. Her shoulders are slumped. She's still sniffling and I know its not from the flu. Feeling bad I go put my arm around her.

"How's Monday at noon? I take it you need me to ask Jose to take the pictures?"

"Ana you're the best! I'm so so so so so sorry! I just want to end my senior year with a bang!"

"I know Kate. That's why I'm not mad. You've been a great friend. I'm going to take a shower. Let's order Chinese and binge on Pretty Little Liars?"

"Yes! Thank you Ana!"

I hug her back and she's back to typing. I go to the bathroom to shower and turn on the hot water. It will feel amazing on my sore muscles. My phone sounds off again.

C: If that time doesn't work for you, what does?

Shit.

A: Monday at 12 is perfect for us. We'll see you then Mr. Grey.

I hop in the shower and let the tears fall. Kate thinks I've stopped crying months ago. I haven't. I just got better at hiding it. Most days I'm fine. Most days I can stay busy and not think. I know I'm a strong independent woman that doesn't need a man. Ha! I just miss him. Plain and simple. I miss our talks. I miss his stupid jokes. I miss how he made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. Sighing I wash my face and get out of the shower. Wishful thinking and tears won't bring him back.

I towel dry my hair and change into one of his shirts and my sweats. I put in our usual order to the restaurant. I find Kate huddled back up under her blanket and nursing a cup of tea on the couch. She smiles at me.

"How about we watch Shameless instead?"

A girl after my own heart. I smirk and pull out the first season. Soon the food is delivered and we're laughing until we can't breathe. I needed this. I needed this bad. I don't handle stress well anymore. And Christian Grey is the embodiment of stress.

"Oh, shit."

"What?"

"I forgot to ask Jose! Damnit!"

I run off to my bedroom to grab my phone. I come back and Kate is laughing at me.

"Whats so funny?"

"You. You act as if Jose will say no. You could call him at 11:45 on Monday and he'd be there, fully prepared before 12."

"I know. I've told him and told him. He still thinks he has a chance. I just don't see him like that. It would be like dating my brother."

We both make a face and start laughing.

I text Jose and of course he readily agrees.

Kate's asleep on the couch and I'm starting to nod off when my phone pings.

Carter: CALL ME ASAP

I'm awake now. Making sure Kate's asleep. I turn up the TV just a hair and take off as quietly as humanly possible to my room. I can't let Kate know that I still keep in touch with them. I dial his number shakily.

"Carter."

"What is going on?"

"Did you apply at a Grey Enterprise Holdings today?"

"No I went there for Kate to do an interview for the school paper. Why? What's going on Carter?"

I've started to pace. It's not good when he calls. He only calls in case of an emergency.

"Someone pulled your background from there. The whole thing. Or so they tried. They weren't on the list. They got the watered down, clean version."

"Who was it?"

"I don't know yet. I haven't looked that deep yet without talking to you. They were snooping hard. It's stopped for the moment."

"Look into it. The interview was with Christian Grey and he gave me the creeps Carter. I bet it was him. Keep them in the dark for now, incase they start up again. I need him to think Anastasia Steele is a sweet little girl from Montesaro."

"Roger that Steele."

"You're the best Carter."

"I know."

Laughing he ended the call. I don't know what to do. I put my phone down and go back to the living room. I need to know what his end game is. Maybe I will be getting to know a Mr. Christian Grey come Monday. Snuggling down into my blanket I smirk as fall asleep, planning my revenge.

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