Going For What You Want
Ted's POV:
I walk back to my father's office, calculating my next move. I need advice, actually I need help. But then again, the help I need is embarrassing to ask for. Andrea motions for me to walk straight in, where I find my father looking rather relaxed behind his desk. In fact, he has a rather large grin on his face. I can barely look at him. I can more or less, figure out, what the cause of his expression. I guess he found my mother at Grey Publishing.
"Did you manage to locate all the files?" Dad asks.
"Yeah. It took a while, but we managed it" I tell him, sitting down. I start to fidget with the little model glider on his desk, but it doesn't distract me.
"Something bothering you, son?" Dad asks
"I asked Lily to attend the Coping Together ball with me?" I willingly confess.
"And what did she say? Dad asks. He is a mixture of surprised and excited.
"What do you think she said?" I reply a little sarcastically.
"That bad, aye?" Dad starts to tap his fingers together.
"You know how they say the worst thing that can happen is someone can say No? Well, 'No' can hurt"
In the file room (30 minutes before)
"Ted, I umm... Look the answer is no. I can't go to the Ball with you" Lily says.
"You can't?" I ask perplexed. "Why not?" I just don't understand it.
"Isn't it obvious?" She responds.
"Not to me. If it's so obvious, why don't you enlighten me" I request.
"Because you are the son of Christian Grey and that means a lot. Our parents work closely together and have done so for years." She explains, but I think she is hiding something.
"Okay. One: yes I am the son of Christian Grey, but so what?" I argue.
"Your dad is one of the richest people in the world." She says as if I am utterly ignorant.
"And your parents are rather well off too. Lots of people are well off. Probably everyone at your school was well off and you probably dated some of them. So I declare that argument is null and void" I tell her. Lily is obviously considering my point, though I know she isn't still convinced.
"But they still work together and I doubt that will change any time soon." She reminds me and gloating a little. Damn she looks cute.
"Lily, I just want to take you to a ball. Not recruit you to work here at GEH or anything" Truth be told though I am so attracted to her that I know that I want to see her beyond this ball.
"Ted, I am sorry, but the answer is still…" I interject knowing we are not getting anywhere.
"Besides our parents, is there anything else that would prevent you from saying yes? Am I that bad looking?"
"No, you are rather handsome actually" Lily looks down embarrassed. I can't help but slide a salacious grin on my face. "And maybe, I would say yes, however, my answer is still no"
Lilly makes a hasty exit, not letting me say anything else. Damn and I was just starting to break her.
"So dad, unless you want to fire Ros and then re-hire her after the ball, I think I will be going alone." I shrug. Dad is stifling a laugh at my expression. I would laugh too, except I am the one who is impacted.
"Sorry Ted. You can come with your mother and me." Oh great!
"Actually dad, I have idea, but I am going to need your help. Also, I never want you to tell anyone about this. Not even mom. It is too embarrassing". Dad's lips are thinned, and he looks terribly concerned at my request, but his mood is lightened immediately when I tell him what I need.
Christian's POV:
I drink the last of my coffee, and wait for Ana to come back downstairs. She has already eaten breakfast. I love the fact that she eats so well during pregnancy, one less thing to worry about. Ted is quietly reading a book while he eats breakfast next to me. Ted has agreed to spend the morning with his Grandfather at his firm.
"Do you want to come to the doctor with your mother and me, this morning? I am sure your grandfather wouldn't mind." I offer.
"No thanks dad, I hear that these appointments can get a little close and personal at times. So I would rather not, but if you do find out the gender of my sibling, I would like to be told. I understand that it would not be public knowledge"
"Your mother and I have not reached a consensus on that yet. I would love to know, but your mother isn't as willing."
"Do you have a preference of gender?" Ted looks at me in the eyes. I know he is analyzing me to see if I will lie.
"You know, I haven't given it much thought. The past few months have been crazy. However, do you have a preference?" I answer truthfully. Ted looks a little nervous at my question.
"Doesn't actually matter, even though I would rather have one over the other, and I will not say what that is, so don't ask. The thing is dad, I will be at college when the baby is born, unless it decides to come on Thanksgiving, and I will be away for seven years for college and grad school." Ted reasons. I am suddenly saddened by this knowledge. Even though there will be a large age difference, I am hoping that Ted will be close to his sibling, regardless.
"You will have to try and come home as much as possible. I want you around as much as possible"
"I will. I might be on the other side of the country but I intend to be in my sibling's life." I am relieved at Ted's sincerity. Thought the way Ted just said that pained me a little and reminds me that ted was on the other side of the country and I didn't feature in his life, with the exception of a few annual phone calls.
"I am sorry Dad, I really didn't mean that as a jab at you or anything. I am sorry" Ted stresses.
"Don't worry about it Ted. I understand what you meant. Now, O'Connor will pick you up this afternoon and will take you to your first flying lesson, so you will need a change of clothes." Ted nods.
"Dad, how are your feet?" Ted ask apologetically. I almost winch at the recollection of trying to teach Ted to dance yesterday.
"They will be fine." I reassure my son.
"Okay I am finally ready." Ana states as she enters the dining room.
"Then let's go." We both say goodbye to Ted and head to the doctor's office.
####
"Well everything looks good on paper, and your doctor in New York did a remarkably thorough job. There is no reason why you can't just keep up your day to day activities." Ana couldn't be happier, at Dr. Greene's evaluation. Personally I am over the moon that they are both doing so well, but I honestly wish Ana wouldn't push herself. I like the idea of her being barefoot, pregnant and in my kitchen.
"Mrs. Grey, can you please lie on the bed, and I will do an ultrasound." I help Ana get on the bed, just to make sure. She still is a little clumsy.
"There are the baby's fingers, and hands" We are walked through the main features our baby. I don't think I have felt more peace than watching the baby, safe inside Ana. "Everything looks terrific. The baby's heart is strong and is developing particularly well. Do you both want to know the sex of the baby or wait?"
Ana and I look at each other. "We are yet to come to an agreement on whether we want to know the gender." Ana announces.
"I can write it on a piece of paper, and you can both decide later" the doctor offers.
"No. I don't think I can trust myself, not to peak a look. I think I will just have to hold out and wait."
Ana's POV:
Christian and I are both getting dressed for the Coping Together ball, after our fabulous joint shower. Christian is putting on his tuxedo, and I swear he looks more handsome now than he did in his twenties.
I slip on the pale purple, satin ball gown that I bought on a recent shopping trip. The material skims over my pregnant stomach. Nothing is hidden in this outfit. I find a pair of elegant but understated diamond earrings and inspect myself in the mirror.
"You look perfect." Christian tells me standing behind me.
"I look huge," I remark.
"No, you don't. I like this color on you." Christian kisses my neck. "I am going to be the envy of every man there tonight. But I do think something is missing" Christian grins and then drapes an extraordinary diamond necklace around my neck, with a drop purple diamond. "There, now you are ready, with the exception of your lack of shoes."
"Thank you," I tell Christian as I touch the necklace.
"No Anastasia, thank you" I wrap myself around Christian wanting to feel him close to me.
"Tonight, we don't have to go through the front if you don't want to. I can organize for Taylor to drive us to the back entry" Christian offers.
A week ago, news of us reuniting, Ted's existence and parentage and the fact that I was pregnant hit the media. Whilst neither of us, or Ted, minded it finally becoming general public knowledge, however the paparazzi had been persistent. More than ever actually. So much so, that Ted had decided not to go into Grey House this week, nor did he go to Carrick's law firm. Rather he has spent this week at home, going to the beach and relaxing. Next week, the Grey boys, are scheduled to go on their inaugural boy trip, and after that Ted will resume his summer work.
"I would rather we just entered through the front, like everyone else. I don't want to hide, and the media are pretty well contained at this event" I reason.
"Good because I can't wait to show you off."
I sit on the bed and slip on my too high, matching pale purple Jimmy Choo's shoes on. Christian's eyes are narrowed and obviously he is unhappy.
"What is wrong with my shoes? It took me awhile to find shoes that would match the dress"
"They are way too high. You are likely to fall and hurt yourself and the baby." I give Christian an angry and scolding look.
"I wear high heels every day of my life, and have done since before I turned twenty two. I will be fine" I state as I slip on my second shoe.
"Just promise me, you will be careful." Christian looks almost fearful. Seriously, he needs to calm down. I stand up and start to move to the dresser to grab my bag when I lose my footing. Christian moves quickly towards me and catches me before I hit the floor.
"Excuse me Mrs. Grey, what was it you just said about being fine and having worn high heels for years?" Christian shakes his head and places me back on the bed. Without saying anything else, he removes each one of my shoes, and throws them hastily on the floor. He gracefully walks into our walk in closet and returns holding a pair of silver shoes that are covered in crystals, and with a much lower heel. Holding each one of my feet, he puts each shoe on.
"There that is better." Christian is certainly satisfied with his demonstration of control.
"Honestly, why did you have to change my shoes? I intend to spend tonight either sitting down or walking next to you, with your arm around me. Maybe throw a dance or two in" Christian kisses me softly on my lips.
"Well Mrs. Grey, I believe you are completely ready."
Christian, Ted, and I are driven by Taylor. My heart starts to beat a little faster as this is the first time that we three will appear at a public event together. Christian and Ted exit the car first, to a fury of flashes. I almost don't blame them, Ted and Christian look so alike, but in particular because they are in identical tuxedos. Our son could pass for a Christian Grey clone. Christian holds his hand out and helps me out of the car. He weaves his arm around mine keeping me close and making me feel protected. Together, all three of us pose for a few photos, and then walk through to the open tent area. Ted, once he sees Ava, excuses himself.
"So Mrs. Grey, do you think we should reacquaint ourselves with my old bedroom or go to the boat house for old times' sake? I have a fondness for the boat house personally." Christian whispers into my ear.
"Christian, we have Ted with us." I remind him.
"Oh Anastasia, I suspect our son is going to be rather busy tonight. He will not notice our absence" I give Christian a confused look. What hasn't he told me? "Oh well, it can wait till after dinner, come I want to re-introduce you to some people"
Ted's POV:
I excuse myself from my parents as soon as I see Ava. She is talking to a couple of girls her age I believe.
"Hello Ava, you look amazing." I tell her.
"You don't look too bad yourself." Ava replies. I notice a couple of her friends are looking at me and one even elbows her. "Oh yeah, Ted these are some friends of mine. This is Amy and Louise."
"Nice to meet you both" I politely tell them, but look around for the one person I am interested in seeing.
"Are you here with anyone tonight?" Amy questions smoothly.
"No, but…." I start to explain.
"Well excellent. Neither am I. Maybe we can have a dance later." She says hopeful. I don't know what to say as I don't want to be rude.
"Yes maybe. If you could excuse us, I am eager to have a word with my cousin. Alone." Ava excuses herself and walks with me.
"Amy is interested in you" She laughs. I roll my eyes.
"You know that I am only interested in Lily. Is she here yet?" I enquire. I keep looking around, and I can't see her.
"Not that I have seen." Ava shrugs.
"So I hear your boyfriend is no longer in the picture."
"No, he is gone and I think my dear father and uncle had something to do with that." Ava points him out.
"I am going to go and say hello to our grandparents and then see if I can find Lily. I will see you at our table." Though I easily find my grandparents, I am unable to find Lily, even after I learn that she had already arrived. We are called to dinner, and I temporarily give up my search. As I walk towards my family, to join them for dinner, I catch sight of Lily. My whole world stops moving. I stop breathing. She's gorgeous in a long cream dress. Her hair is pulled into a ponytail, and her natural beauty is radiating. I watch her take a seat, next to her mothers and rejoice that she has come without a date. I know she told me she wasn't seeing anyone, but it has been over a week since I have seen her. I decide to make my move.
"Good evening, Ros and Gwen. It is wonderful to see you both." I say politely.
"You too Ted, you look devilishly charming." Gwen states while giving me a hug.
"Thank you. Good evening Lily. You look radiant." Lily smiles at me but doesn't say anything. "Will you save a dance for me?" I hopefully ask.
"I don't dance." She replies.
"Neither do I really, but I am willing to give it a shot." Okay I may have just lied, but a week ago I couldn't actually dance. I asked dad for some tips, and after stepping on his feet so much that he was sore the next day, we had some private lessons organized. It was good timing actually as I didn't want to go to Grey Enterprise because of all the paparazzi following us.
Lily doesn't comment, rather is just smiling politely. I think I need to go to my next plan. "I better go and join my family. I hope to see you later Lily. Gwen, Ros, have a delightful evening."
At my family's table, I am seated next to my mother and Ava. Interesting enough this is Ava's first time coming to the ball also, as she has now turned sixteen. Besides Ava, is her father, Elliot and her mother, Kate, followed by Mia and some man that I do not know. Then it is my grandparents. Everyone is engaged in general chatter, and it is as if we have done this every year. That the past seventeen years almost never even happened.
"Ava, I need your help." I tell her quietly. I don't want anyone listening, and I am mindful to make it look like we are just chatting away.
"This sounds interesting," She says with spunk.
"Even though Lily has implied that she is kind of interested in me, she isn't willing to even entertain the idea, because of my parentage. I just want a chance with her, what can you suggest I do?" Ava knows Lily a lot better than I do. They have been in some sports teams together at school.
"Lily is certainly feisty and headstrong. When she has made up her mind, she won't budge. But maybe I could get her to do the first dance auction. You could get a dance with her then if you wish." Ava reasons.
"What is the first dance auction?" I enquire.
"It is where all the single girls over the age of 18 go on stage, and their first dance of the night is auctioned off. I don't know if Lily will want to participate in it, but maybe I could arrange it. Give me a few minutes, I need to excuse myself." Ava pus her fork down and looks around.
"Excuse me," Ava says and stands. All the men on our table stand up, and I quickly follow suit.
"Are you okay, Ava?" My Uncle Elliot enquires.
"Yes Dad, I just need a few moments." Ava walks towards the house and is soon out of sight. I have no idea what she is doing. I look towards Lily who has pulled out her cell phone and is too excusing herself. She is walking in the same direction that Ava just went. Oh I hope whatever plan Ava has devised works.
"So Dad, Elliot and Ted, we will need to fly out early on Monday morning. I will have Sawyer come over and grab your passports from you all tomorrow" Dad informs us. I notice that he grabs my mother's hand. Regardless of the fact that he is looking forward to this trip, leaving my mother for the week isn't sitting well with him.
"So how do we know what to pack, if you won't tell us where we are going?" I ask.
"We are going to a hot climate. Plan for that. We will be back by next Saturday morning" My dad informs us further.
"Perfect. I don't have to be back in France for several days. We girls can spend some time together." Mia perks up.
"Brilliant idea! We have got to go out. Ana and Grace, leave Friday night free, actually leave every night free. Mia and I will organize everything" My Aunt Kate is practically rejoicing, however my father is grimacing a little. I don't think he likes the idea of mom being out every night, especially with Kate and Mia. Even I know they can get a little crazy.
"Done." My mother replies. Dad narrows his eyebrows and his lips are thinned. The only thing left for him to do, is to run his hands through his hair, and he would have demonstrated, all his tell-tale signs that he is stressed and frustrated.
"Ana, you are pregnant. You can't go out every night." My dad tells her. Mom rolls her eyes and dad starts to look cross.
"I am not made out of glass, and surely you don't expect me to stay home every night waiting for you to come home." She rebuts. My father whispers something into her ear, which causes my mother to have a mixed expression, but the debate ends.
Ava returns just as dessert is being served. She doesn't say anything but gives me her sneaky smile and winks at me. Together we laugh a little. Now the rest is up to me and fate. An auction for several items soon follows, and there is a short break.
The female members of my family have left the table to go to the bathroom. Another thing I don't get about girls. Why do they always need to go in groups? I take this opportunity to tell my father of my intentions for the first dance auction.
"Dad, the first dance auction is up next right?" I know the answer to this question, but it is the easiest way to start this conversation.
"Correct"
"I think you should know that I intend on participating" I blurt out.
"You are going on stage, and allowing people to bid on dancing with you? You know it is usually the girl's first dance that is auctioned off, but I am willing to support you." My Uncle Elliot states, laughing at my expense.
"Very funny Uncle Elliot" I shake my head definitely not seeing the humor in this. Personally I am petrified. What if Ava's plan hasn't worked and Lily doesn't participate! I am not worried about the cost. I have the largest trust fund, probably in all recorded history, at my disposal, but I doubt my father would want me to spend so much on a single dance.
"I suspect you are hoping to win a dance with Lily." Dad evaluates.
"Yes, I believe that she has agreed to participate" I don't tell dad that I used Ava, but I know he is suspicious.
"Interesting. A dance auction, doesn't seem something that Lily would agree to but if the opportunity arises, then I do not see any reason why you shouldn't take it" Dad pulls out his wallet and passes me a credit card. I am surprised actually to find my name on it.
"Is this linked to my trust fund?" I enquire.
"Yes. But I put a limit on it. I don't want you racking up huge credit card bills and squandering money." My father warns.
"I understand. I will be responsible"
"I know, because I will be getting copies of your credit card statements until you are twenty one, part of the conditions of receiving the credit card. I know your trust fund was rather large, but I don't want you to take it for granted."
"Dad I won't. Remember I am the one who never even wanted a trust fund in the beginning." I raise my eyebrows.
"Point taken." Dad acknowledges.
"So, how much should I bid? I am actually nervous about this bid. Why did I even think I could do this?
"Ted, just remember the advice that I gave you before we went into the restaurant for lunch with Lily and Ros."
"Will do." However I this doesn't answer my question.
"Also, your credit card limit has been disabled tonight. You can bid freely" Dad smiles at me and I know he is telling me to bid whatever it takes.
"Thanks Dad"
The female members of my family return to the table and the MC starts to speak announcing that the dance auction is about to start.
"Ted, let's go and watch from the dance floor." Ava says and tilts her head.
"Are you sure Lily will participate?" I ask for reconfirmation when we are away from our other family members.
"No, but I am friends with her, and I will drag her up if need be. Trust me." Ava says
"I do trust you" I kiss her on the check. We are standing at the edge of the stage, and low and behold there she is on the stage. Feisty and stubborn, and looking like she was sent straight from heaven. She obviously looks uncomfortable and as if she would rather be anywhere else.
"What did you say, do or offer to get Lily to do this?" Ava has a lot of spunk and even though she tows the line, she had a hidden guileful streak.
"Ask me later. I don't think you will want to know right now" Ava says. I cock my head to one side, and though this concerns me, I push the thought aside, at least for the time being. I take deep breathe and watch as the girl, before Lily, first dance is auctioned off. A few guys take turns out bidding themselves when the auction ends at $25,000. Who knew a dance could be so expensive?
Begrudgingly, Lily moves to the middle of the stage and is introduced in an extravagant manner. "Gentlemen, do we have any opening offers?" The MC asks.
"$5,000" I bid. Lily squints her eyes through the lights, and when she discovers it is me, she has the most scornful look on her face. It is the most unsettling look. Surely she knew I would bid on her. Or is she upset that I only offered $5,000? Women! Damn they can be so infuriating.
"$10,000" A bid comes from someone to the left.
"$20,000" I bid immediately.
"$30,000" My new opponent offers. He is looking rather cool and conceited.
"$40,000" I offer.
"Who is that?" I ask Ava.
"Zachary Bornstein. He went to our school, and he is a real piece of work. You have to win this dance! Lily is going to kill me if he wins" Ava warns and begs me.
"$50,000" Zachary counters offers.
"$75,000" I offer, and there are gasps from around the ballroom. I look towards my opponent and he still looks smug. I return his look and let him know that I am not backing down. I can feel the adrenaline run through my veins, and I can feel my confidence coming back. Realizing this, Zachary gives me a polite nod and motions to signify that he gives up.
"Sold! Seventy-five thousand dollars for the sassy Lilly!" The MC declares. There is a round of applause as I walk toward the stage and hold my hand out to help Lily off the stage. Her expression is so mixed that I can't tell what she is thinking.
"Do you need some air?" I offer
"Yes" I lead her to the exit of the ballroom and to an area that is quiet.
"Here take a seat. Stay here I will get you some water". I notice that she is rather pale now and quickly return with a glass of cold water.
"Thanks," She says.
"Are you okay? My grandmother is a doctor, I can get her to come and check you out if you like" I offer.
"No, I am fine. Why did you bid me?" Wow, she has changed her tone.
"Because I like you." I remind her.
"You just paid $75,000" she emphasized.
"I really like you" Truth be told I would have paid far more.
"Ted…." Lilly rubs her eyes
"Can I ask what that guy Zachary was to you?" I enquire.
"Just some jerk." Lily states. The MC announces that the first dance is going to start in a few minutes, which puts a halt to any further questions, for the time being. I am not sure if it is jealousy or this strange sudden feeling to protect Lily, but I need to know the background story to this Zachary character.
"Well since you paid so much for this dance, you might as well experience it. Come lets go back to the ballroom, but I am warning you, I am a crap dancer!" Lily is actually smiling at me. Her smile even reaches her eyes.
Once all the auctioned ladies and the winning bidders are on the dance floor, the music begins. A smooth and rhythmic tune starts to play, and a crisp voice starts to sing. But I don't pay it much attention. My focus is all on the girl, I am finally touching and in the closest proximity to ever. I guide her around the dance floor, even spinning her at one stage. Thankfully, Lily is smiling. Actually I think she might be enjoying this dance. We keep dancing and then realize people are looking at us. We both stop and realize the music has stopped. How did we not realize that dance was over? We both smile and blush as we walk off the dance floor.
"Hey I thought you said you couldn't dance" Lily probes.
"I took some lessons this week. I had hoped I would get to dance with you tonight, and I didn't want to embarrass you in front of everyone." I admit. I don't tell her that I took private lessons after a few failed attempts to learn to dance from my father.
"That may be the nicest thing anyone has done for me," Lily says softly. Oh if she only realized how much I would do for her.
"Shit, let's go," Lily says urgently. I can't see what she is seeing, and before I know it she has one hell of a grip on my wrist and is leading me down the poorly lit grassed area.
Christian's POV:
After watching Ted dance with Lily, I whispered into Ana's ear. "Come, I have a surprise for you." I lead Ana to the direction of the boat house.
"Christian I know what this is about. I don't know if it is so much of a surprise" She comments. I look at her and grin. She has no idea...
Authors Note:
Thank you again and to Crystal9034. I have a horrid week at work coming up, with my deadlines than I even want to think about. So I may not get to update till the weekend. I am really sorry, but I have to get everything done.
Regards,
Maria Amore.