CPOV:
I sip on the amber whiskey as I wait on Ana to finish getting ready. I finally talked her into the dress I suggested for her to wear. If she doesn't come out in it in the next gen minutes, I'm going in with guns blazing to demand she wear it. It's fitted and would accentuate her amazing curves.
Because my baby has the most petite, fit body I've ever seen but still has extra large boobs and an ass that most women would die for.
I hear the clicking of heels behind me and I turn around to see my beautiful girl looking like an angel.
"Are you sure this isn't too much?" She asks for the third time tonight while she runs her hands across the smooth fabric.
"Baby, you look like a goddess. Actually, let's skip this whole thing and let me show how much I like it." I wiggle my eyebrows and it makes her giggle just like I'd hoped.
"What are you drinking?" She questions coming closer. She's wearing the perfume I love. She smells like magnolia and vanilla. My favorite.
"Whiskey. Want some?" I ask knowing she will say no. She snorts followed by a giggle.
"I think I'll do one shot of tequila. What time is Taylor getting here?" She asks while pulling out the tequila from the locked cabinet.
"He should be here within the next five minutes." I watch in awe as she pours a shot of tequila and takes it just as quickly. My baby was built like a machine when it comes to tequila. There's never a limit and it makes me oddly proud like a college sophomore at a fraternity party.
Just as she starts putting the tequila up my phone vibrates. I pull it out to see Taylor has arrived.
"Taylor is here. Are you ready baby?" I ask as I watch her look at herself in the mirror of the hallway once more. She only nods in response.
"You are going to be the belle of the ball. Everyone is going to want to have a piece of you." I tell her, wrapping my arms around her. She leans back into me, enjoying our connection. I know she's still worried about Ethan, but I want to take her mind off that right now.
I want Ana to enjoy herself tonight and I want to enjoy watching her.
"Let's go, Mr. Grey." She holds her hand out for me and I fight the urge to take her right here in the hallways by the front door. Hearing her call me Mr. Grey does things to me and I can't wait to make her Mrs. Grey one day.
We arrive at my parents house and we are immediately approached by the buzzers, also known as the elite Seattle assholes who want something from you.
"Grey, how are you my dear boy." Mr. Peterson is the first to speak and I internally want to roll my eyes. Why he calls me boy still is unknown to me.
"Fine Mr. Peterson. If you'll excuse us, we are searching for my parents." I tell him as I step in between him and Ana. I spot my parents and siblings across the room and I quickly ushers us towards them. Ana doesn't say anything as I guide her towards my family and I'm thankful.
But it hits me that maybe she isn't quiet because of the flock of people that just approached us, but because of everything that happened with Ethan yesterday. She wasn't sure if she would actually take him to court. I, on the other hand, had already called my dad asking for his professional advice. I would love if Ethan completely disappeared, but Ana and Will wouldn't. So, I'll settle for making sure he can't stop us from taking Will on vacation right now.
"Baby, turn off that sweet little brain of yours for a few hours and enjoy yourself." I say before we make it to where my family is standing.
"It's off." She says with a smile that doesn't fully reach her eyes.
"No it's not. I can see those wheels turning right now. Let it go just for tonight. For me, please." I plead with her. I hate to see her so far away in her head. She can't fix this issue on a Saturday night.
Her shy smile is the only answer I need.
"Anything for Mr. Grey." She plants a soft kiss on my cheek. Even the smallest, sweetest touch sends a shiver down my spine and all of my blood rushing to my dick.
"Christian! Ana!" We hear our names being shouted and sure enough Mia has spotted us.
"Ana, this dress is...gorgeous. You have the most perfect body I've ever seen." Mia says while hugging Ana then leaning back to look at her appreciatively again.
"I couldn't agree more! You are absolutely stunning sweet girl." My mother chimes in. I can't get the smile off my face, knowing I picked that dress for.
"Thank you both so much and y'all look spectacular. Mia that royal blue looks beyond beautiful with your blonde hair. Grace, that dress is to die for. I think I need one like that." Ana says while turning to me and winking.
"Son, you look good. Can I borrow that tux sometime?" My father says with an amused grin.
"Yeah, that specific color black is my favorite." Elliot chimes in while clapping his hands mimicking Mia.
"Ha ha ha. Very funny. You men just don't understand." Mia sticks her tongue out at all of us and I can't help but chuckle. I must be one of the few men who do get it because I picked that dress solely on the color and Ana.
"Where is that sweet little boy?" My mother asks. Ana looks at me confused.
"He's with Ethan this weekend." I tell her and she nods in understanding. Ana still looks confused though.
"I didn't want to interrupt the scheduled weekends. Plus, I wanted you all to myself tonight." I whisper in her ear. My voice drops to a lower, husky voice and I see the goosebumps rise on her body. I know she understands my meaning.
"Shall we get a drink, baby?" I ask hoping to steal her away from the rest of the world tonight. Tonight is for me and her.
"Only if it's a shot." She says playfully and I chuckle again. We make our way to the bar, ordering two shots and drinking them as soon as they arrive.
"I have a feeling tonight is going to be amazing." I tell her wistfully.
"Me too" she whispers before sinking her top teeth into her plump bottom lip.
Three shots later, we've had dinner and are currently finishing up our fifth dance. The song comes to an end and the band immediately kicks off into another one.
"Christian, I have to use the restroom." Ana whispers in my ear. I pull her close to me and kiss her plump lips.
I lead her to the restrooms in the hallway and wait outside for her. I'm tempted to follow her in there so I can get more than a kiss, but just as I turn the handle Taylor approaches me.
"Sir, there seems to be a situation." He says stoically. Of course our night couldn't be drama free. I don't know why I thought otherwise.
"What is it?" I question him as I alert Sawyer to stand guard of the restroom.
"Kavanagh. He's here. His name was missed on the guest list, but we also weren't looking for his name to begin with." He explains. I can feel my blood begin to boil and I know I'm about to lose my composure.
How Ethan fucking Kavanagh felt comfortable showing up at my parents home blows my mind.
"Where is he?" I ask ready to kick him out. I won't have him ruining Ana's night. She's already stressed over his actions about the vacation. It's supposed to be her one night of freedom. Plus, it's Ethan's weekend with Will. Why is he out at a charity event?
Taylor leads me to the bar where Ethan is chatting with a few people. I guess these people technically are his coworkers, but doesn't he know this is my territory?
"Kavanagh." I say getting his attention. He turns around and is actually shocked to see me. His shock quickly morphs into annoyance.
"What the fuck are you doing here Grey?" He grits through his teeth as he steps away from his colleagues.
"Are you serious right now? This is my parents house. So, what the fuck are you doing here?" I ask loudly, completely mind blown at his audacity to ask me that.
"Excuse me sir, I highly suggest we take this to the hallway." Taylor comes to stand in between Ethan and I while nodding towards the hallway I just came from. I turn to look around and notice we've drawn a small crowd.
Once we are settled away in the hallway, I demand answers.
"Answer my question Kavanagh. What are you doing here?" I grit out. He looks just as annoyed as I feel, but I actually have a reason to be annoyed.
"I'm here because I was invited. The whole hospital was invited." Ethan shrugs like it's something I should know and be okay with.
"I don't care if the hospital was invited. You are my only issue."
"I'm your issue?" He questions through a fake laugh. "That's funny because you are my issue."
"You have got to be kidding me." I can feel my blood begin to boil at this whole situation. I told Ana no drama. I'm not about to create it or let it hang out at this event. Especially after their blowout over the vacation. Can you imagine how he will act over us just being together in public?
"Look, Ethan, let's be civil about this. Just leave the event, please." I tell him in the nicest voice I can find within me, granted it isn't the best I could do. I can't make out the emotions that cross his face, but I watch as his eyes harden at my words.
"No. I was invited here and I'm going to enjoy this event supporting my line of work. If you don't like it that's your issue." He says before turning to walk away, but I grab his arm and bring him right back to where he was standing. He jerks his arm out of my hold.
"No, you are going to leave. I'll even have Taylor escort you out the front so no one sees you leave. But you are leaving. I promised Ana a carefree, drama free night. You aren't going to ruin it." I say, catching a breath before a light goes off in my head.
"Shouldn't you be at home with Will anyways? It's your weekend with him." I try once again to be nice. I keep the asshole inside me at bay so he hopefully sees I'm just trying to avoid any confrontation.
"Excuse me?" He says quietly through a harsh whisper. His whole demeanor has changed from annoyed with me to beyond upset. I watch as he straightens his back and shoulders which leads me to do the same.
"I'm just trying to create a fun night for Ana-" I begin to try to explain again but he cuts me off.
"A drama free night? Aren't you the only one creating drama? First, I didn't even know you two were going to be here, but I sure as hell wouldn't have caused a scene. You are the only one creating a scene." He takes a step closer to me and Taylor takes a step closer to him. I didn't take Ethan Kavanagh as a fighter, but I'll beat his ass if that is what he is looking for.
"Secondly, don't concern yourself with my son. Last time I checked, I am the father of Will. What I do on my time with Will is between myself, Ana and Will - not you. Don't you get it Christian?" He talks evenly but his words get louder as he speaks. He doesn't give me a chance to respond.
"You play no part in our equation. Will, Ana and I are family. Divorced or not. We are family and will always be family. They are mine. You are not a part of that picture." His eyes turn dark as his anger rises.
"See, that's where you are wrong. You may be Will's father, but Ana is no longer yours. What will it take for you to get that through your thick skull?" I have no idea why he doesn't understand that. Ana hasn't been his in a long time. Will he ever let her go?
He laughs and it's so dark it actually makes my stomach flip. I've seen Ethan be a complete ass before, but this is something else entirely.
"I actually feel sorry for you Grey. You waltz in and actually think you have a chance with Ana. You think you can actually compete with our history, our relationship?" His loud words make my blood flow hot through my veins. My composure is slipping away and by his shouting I can tell his is gone.
"Are you kidding me? I don't have to compete with you because you aren't even an option for Ana." It's the truth. I won't let him get into my head where my relationship with Ana is concerned.
"Let me tell you something asshole. I was her life for years before you and she was mine. Do you think one little hiccup in our road will keep us apart forever? Newsflash Grey, it won't. After I divorced, I moved here to take a better job for them. Do you know what happened after a few weeks of me being in Seattle?" He asks me, but I can't find the words to respond. My fist are clinched at my side and I can feel the sweat rolling down my neck. His words have the potential to hurt me, but I'll fucking ruin him.
"She moved to Seattle. She picked up her life in her favorite city, leaving her dream job and friends behind, and she moved for me. I didn't ask her to. Ana did it all on her own. Does that sound like we are done to you, that our love story is finished?" He takes a step backwards, creating space between us. He laughs again while moving a hand through his hair. I feel like I can't breath as his words settle into my brain.
She did move for him. I've known that fact all along, but it was under the guise of being for Will. Did I misunderstand that whole situation?
"You aren't even her fucking type. She doesn't care for your flashy lifestyle or the material things." He says while waving his hands around, point out the lavishness of my parents home. "She drives a Jeep that I bought her, a vehicle I picked out to keep her and my son safe. Not some flashy SUV that you want to buy her." He spits out, taking short breaths to get oxygen flowing back into his body. I still am unable to get a word in as he begins speaking, rather yelling at me, again. I'm afraid we have drawn people from the event as I hear clicks coming down the marble hallway that sound like heels, but it doesn't stop him from continuing.
"So, it's fine if you want to fill that void for her that I created to begin with." The heels and footsteps get closer to us. "She'll leave you one day, once this newness wears off for her. She will leave you."
His words hurt more than I imagined they would. I feel caged inside my own body, my inner demons ready to end Ethan with a fatal punch or worse - words.
In the end, my mouth moves faster than I can control it and I'm spouting off with no way of stopping. It's like I can't control my own body or something else has taken over. As if I've blacked out from the sheer rage I'm feeling.
"She will never leave me because I will never be stupid enough to do something to make her leave. I'm not you Ethan. I'm not a cheater whose infidelity caused my wife to miscarry." I don't even recognize my own voice as the words spill out, oozing venom in their wake. I wait for the satisfaction of hurting him and winning this pissing contest to come, but it doesn't.
Instead, I hear a gut wrenching whimper behind me as I watch Ethan's face go pale.
"Christian?" Ana calls behind me, her voice not hiding the hurt. Before I have the chance to turn around and look at her, I'm being yanked forward the slammed to the wall next to me. Ethan has me pinned against the wall.
"What the fuck did you just say?" He questions but I don't answer him.
"Ethan, please don't!" Ana screams as she gets closer to us. I finally see her, tears streaming down her cheeks and lip trembling.
Ethan let's go of me, but he's in Ana's face before I can stop him. I see my mother and father watching from behind Ana along with Taylor.
"Ana, what is he talking about?" His voice is much softer, but the underlying anger is still there.
"Ethan" all she can say is his name as she shakes her head mournfully.
"Is it true?" He questions, wavering on the edge of tears himself. I feel like I'm intruding on a private moment that I need to step away from, but Ethan's words ring in my head. So I stay planted, the three of us in triangle. Also, I'm the one who betrayed Ana by dropping this bomb - I'm not going anywhere.
"Yes" she whispers as tears fall from her eyes.
He steps away from her, shaking his head and not believing the truth of the situation.
"No" is all he says in response. His mouth opens and shuts, but he can't find the words.
"Let's go somewhere private so we can talk about this." Ana takes a step towards him, reaching out to him and my heart hurts at the sight. He doesn't let her touch him though.
"Private? It's not so private now Ana. Hell, your fucking boy you knew before I did and I'm the fucking father." He spits out at her, but still without raising his voice. His tears fall freely now.
"I'm so sorry Ethan, I'm so sorry. I promise I never meant for you to find out this way-" Ana weeps as she stumbles over her own words, but he cuts her off with another dark laugh. This time it's through tears.
"Did you ever plan on telling me?" He questions.
"Of course I did. I- I've been working with a therapist on the best way to tell you." She tries to explain. I watch as Ethan's eyes soften slightly at her explanation. He runs his hands through his hair and down his face, sipping his eyes.
"How could you not tell me? Did you hate me so much that you would take away my right to grieve my child with you?"
"No Ethan, I swear. I didn't hate you, I don't hate you. I've never hated you." She pleads for him to believe her, but I feel like I've been stabbed in the gut.
Ethan stares at her for what feels like a long time. It's like he is having an internal battle on if he believes her or not.
"I know I've done terrible things to you, but I never thought you could be so cruel. This is something I would expect from Carla, not you." His voice drips with venom before he storms past us and down the hallway.
I've lived my whole life without regrets until this very moment. I could throw up from this scene in front of me because of my very own actions. Ethan looked near death at the news of his miscarried child and Ana… Ana looks completely heartbroken. She hasn't looked at me yet.
This is it. She's going to leave me. Ethan's words once again play in my mind and my own come crashing back to me.
I said I wouldn't do anything stupid enough for her to leave me and within minutes I did that exact thing.
"Ana" I call her name and turn her towards me. She looks like she is in shock as she silently cries. The visual of her looking completely broken is something I will never forget in my lifetime.
"Christian?" My mother comes up next to us.
"Mom, I'm sorry about that." All I can do is apologize. I expect her to be upset with me for causing a scene, but she looks sympathetic - motherly as she places a hand on my arm.
She looks over to Ana and without hesitating wraps her in a motherly hug, whispering something in her ear. Ana cries heavily into her neck. I can her hear apologize but it's muffled.
Ana finally leans away from Grace. Grace wipes her cheeks, trying to clear her face of the mascara tear stains.
"I'm so sorry Grace. I've ruined your night." Ana, my sweet girl, apologizes for something that isn't even her fault.
"No need to apologize at all. Go home and get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day and this will all get resolved." Grace says before kissing my cheek and walking away.
I stand there, shuffling from side to side unsure of what is about to happen next. Only Ana, Taylor and myself remain in the hallway.
Ana looks up at me. Her baby blue eyes show all the pain she has been working on in therapy has been brought back to the surface.
"Baby, I'm so sorry." I apologize and pull her to me. She doesn't resist. She places her head in the crook of my neck and begins crying again.
This may be the last time I get to hold her. I hold her tightly, trying to remember the feel of her body against mine.
"Christian?" Her small voice echoes off the marble floors.
"Yes baby?" I can't resist calling her baby one more time.
"Can we go home, please?" Her voice wavers as she asks and immediately nod to Taylor.
"Of course, of course baby." I hold her tightly and pick her up bridal style to carry her out the front door and to the car. She cries the whole walk while her head is still firmly placed against my neck.
The dread fills my stomach as I realize this is it.
She's going to break up with me tonight and my life will never be the same.
XoEW