More Explaining To Do!
Christians POV:
"I'm really sorry princess, but you definitely have a temperature. It is still 102." My mother has tested Phoebe temperature three times over the last hour, due to her granddaughter's instance. Phoebe has been attempting to convince Ana and me that she is well enough to go on the all-girls outing, planned for today. Ana and I look at the digital reading, and both look at each other, in agreement. Phoebe won't be leaving the house, at least not today.
"But I feel fine" Phoebe stands up from the couch, and it is obvious to everyone here that she is unwell. She rubs her eyes and then practically falls back on the couch, sporting the largest frown you have ever seen.
Today the Grey family girls, my mother, Kate, Ava, Lily, Ana and Phoebe had planned to go off to a day spa, and this is the first time our daughter has been allowed to attend. Though we did set strict rules that she would be allowed to have pale pink nail polish and no makeup. Phoebe is only four years old after all. Gail was invited, but she has chosen to stay home. Her sister has recently been relocated to a nursing home a couple of days ago, and she wants to be able to drive out to there immediately should the need arise.
While the girls are out getting pampered the boys; Ted, Elliot, my father and I are going to watch the baseball, along with Taylor. The New York Yankees are up against the Seattle Mariners and the real entertainment might be in my own living room. Ted, who is a hard core Yankees fan has turned up in the teams colors, however my brother is an equally devoted mariners fan, and too is adorned in his team's colors.
"Phoebe you are not well. You were sick last night, and you are even sicker today" Ana points out. Phoebe looks at me with her big blue eyes. Fuck she is giving me her well-rehearsed her sad frown face.
"I agree with you mother" I add resisting her sad blue eyes.
"Grandma, please tell mommy and daddy, just because I have a fever doesn't mean that I have to stay home" Phoebe petitions her grandmother.
"I'm sorry sweetheart, but as a doctor and your grandmother I think you need to go back to bed. You will only get sicker if you go out." My mother then turns her attention to Ana and I. "If you both put her to bed, I will get my medical bag from the car. I have some paediatric paracetamol in there. It will make Phoebe feel better, and she should get some sleep. She should be fine in a couple of days."
"Grandpa, can you come here, please?" Phoebe asks.
"Sure, do you want some special grandpa cuddles?" My father is glowing at the prospect. He was a fantastic father, but I know that my lack of personal contact and then Ted's absence hurt him. As a result, he has always been extremely doting towards Phoebe.
"Yeah, but I really need a lawyer right now." There are grins and a small amount of laughter over Phoebe plea of legal counsel.
"Nice try, princess, but I am afraid my best legal advice is to do whatever your doctor and your parents tell you to do" Phoebe buries her face in her grandfather's chest, we can hear her start to sob.
I lean down and pick up our gloomy little girl and carry her up the stairs. I rub her back and try to reassure her that it isn't the end of the world. I will give it to my little girl, she never gives up until she has used up all her resources. Ana who has followed us up offers Phoebe her favourite pajamas but even that is not enough to lighten her mood. I pull down the bed covers and remove the duvet as a sheet will be sufficient. Phoebe will need to be kept cool.
"Which doll or teddy do you want?" Ana offers, but Phoebe just shrugs.
My mother returns to gives Phoebe a dose of medication and a glass of water. "I want you to go straight to sleep and drink lots of water okay?" Phoebe nods.
"Ana and Christian, why don't I stay and look after Phoebe." My mother offers.
"No Grace you can't. I will stay" Ana states. I narrow my eyes at them both, annoyed.
"You both can go. I will be here, as will every other male member of our family, we are…."
"Christian, I would rather stay home. Phoebe isn't well and it isn't crucial that I go out. It's just a day spa." Ana spits back.
"Except that you could use a day out. You have been working non-stop lately, and you stayed home the last four times Phoebe was ill. I think it is my turn" My lips form a hard line, and I truly wish she would comply, but it's been years since I have been able to intimate her.
"But you are supposed to join the guys to watch the game. You need boy time" Ana raises her eyes brows at me.
"I will get boy time, as soon as Phoebe is asleep. Which may the looks of it, will be before the game has even started. I will connect up the old baby monitor so I will know if Phoebe needs help" I reason.
"Alright you have me there, but I want you to ring me straight away if Phoebe gets worse," Ana says.
"Will do. Phoebe say goodbye to your mom and grandma. They will be home later today" I instruct our daughter, and giving them both the hint to leave.
"Bye mommy and Grandma," Phoebe says softly. You can literally hear the sadness in her voice. Ana and my mother kiss her good bye and after hesitating a little, walk out.
"Okay Phoebe, since it is finally just you and I, do you want me to read you a book before you go to sleep?" I offer walking to her book shelf and looking for her current favourite book. 'Pinkalicious'.
"I guess" I remove my shoes and lie down with my daughter. I offer her some water, which gratefully she agrees to.
"Phoebe, I know that you are upset that you haven't been able to go out, but I promise we will do something fun today at home after you have had a good sleep and are feeling a bit better."
"If I go to sleep, can we play after I wake up?" Phoebe eye's finally start to light up a little.
"Yes, as long as you are a better" Phoebe then snuggles up to me as I read her the story. I hadn't even read half the book, when she has fallen asleep. I take the infrared thermometer and check her temperature. It is a little lower, but not enough to put my mind at ease. I carefully move off the bed, and ensure she is comfortable.
"How's Phoebe? Do you want me to go upstairs and sit with her for a bit?" Ted offers passing me a Budvar as I arrive in the main room.
"No, Phoebe is fast asleep. She is still rather warm, so I will go up and check on her soon." I put the monitor receiver next to me where I will be able to hear if Phoebe wakes up or needs me.
"Good timing Christian, the game is about to start. Though I am afraid that by the end of today, you are going to have one sick child and your eldest child is going to have their head between their legs when his team is slaughtered by the Mariners". Elliot takes an early swing.
"Uncle Elliot I have to admit one thing" Ted states seriously.
"What's that? Waving the white flag already?" Elliot looks smug.
"No. My father was right, I should listen to you less. I love you Uncle Elliot, but you talk so much shit." Elliot's smug look is immediately wiped off his face. We all break out in laughter, and after a few minutes Elliot joins in.
"Nice Ted. Real nice" Elliot says laughing.
Gail has kindly bought out some olives, nuts, cheese, crackers, along with nachos and chili hotdogs. The humor in the combination is not lost on me, but it all seems to fit and is getting consumed heartedly.
The game is at the bottom of the fifth, and both teams have two runs on the board. The game has started to get heated. The Mariner's are batting and have one player on first and another on second base but have two players out.
"Oh Ted, your team is going down" Elliot's jeers
"Let's not count all our chickens before they hatch" Ted says confidently, but it is obvious that he is nervous. We are all focused on the game, waiting to see how this pans out.
"Daddy?" Phoebe is now standing next to me, holding her doll and looking a little brighter. Thank gosh.
"Hi Princess." I place her on my lap, and she seems a lot cooler.
"Are you feeling better sweetheart?" My father asks her and places his hand on her forehead.
"Yes. Can we play now? I had a long sleep" Phoebe asks.
"Sure princess. What do you want to play?" I inquire.
"Grandpa will play also?"
"Of course I will" Phoebe throws her arms around her grandfather.
"Ted, Uncle Elliot and Taylor, would you join in" Phoebe asks.
"Sure." They all say. However, none of them have been listening to the conversation, rather their attention has been focused on the game and with valid reason. The Mariners now have a player on each base and the next batter is up.
"Great" Phoebe jumps off my lap, grabs the remote and presses the pause button on the live feed.
"Phoebe!" Elliot, Ted and Taylor call out. Their combined, and impassioned voices spook Phoebe as she jumps back a little.
"You three just agreed to play with me. I didn't turn the TV off, I just paused it" she says defensively, almost crying. She finds it a little hard when people raise their voices at her. Disciplining Phoebe has been rather easy as it takes remarkably little to rectify her behavior.
"Okay Phoebe, what do you have in mind?" My father asks. He rarely ever says no to her.
"Come with me," She says finally smiling. I hold Phoebes hand as we start to walk out the room. My father isn't far behind us, but Taylor, Ted and Elliot are looking horrified and resisting the move.
"Let's go gentlemen. You all did just agree, even if you all were not really listening. The game is on pause, and we can watch the end after we have finished playing Phoebes game. Just stay off your phones and social media and you won't hear the score to the game before we back downstairs." My father outlines.
"I agree, but none of us sneaks a look at the score, and we watch the game from where have left! Especially you Ted, I want to see you squirm when the Mariners takes your boys down, in the next play. " Elliot comments.
"Uncle Elliot let's just go upstairs, and get back downstairs as quickly as possible. My dad is too much of a control freak to let Phoebe stay out of bed too long, especially while she has had such a high fever and you are way too cocky for your own good. Do not forget that your team has two men out."
Thank gosh we moved Phoebe into the larger room, next to her old nursery. All six of us wouldn't have fit the old room. I am rather pleased to the new bedroom turned out, it is literally the ultimate little girl room. Since Phoebe is often referred to our little princess, we had the room designed in a princess theme. Of course, Ana thought it was going overboard a little, but she too considers the room to be perfect.
"Okay Princess Phoebe now that you have us here, what do you want to play?" Ted asks his little sister indulgently.
"This" Phoebe points to the little table and chairs to the side of the room where her tea party set is laid out. The tea cups and tea pot has an intricate floral and ribbon design and almost looks real. In the centre of the table are a selection of perfect little plastic cakes and sandwiches. This toy tea set was actually our present to Phoebe on her last birthday, and she had many tea parties here with Ana, Gail, Kate and my mother, but I was yet to be invited. Privately I am rather excited about this. Just another experience I get to have with Phoebe.
"You want us to have a tea party?" Taylors say humored. Phoebe nods excitedly. Ted and Elliot look at me confounded.
"Sounds brilliant Phoebe. Okay men let us take a seat before the tea gets cold" I look over to our unwilling participated and glare at them. I am treating this as I would any business meeting, where I had to convince the opposing party to unfavourable terms.
"No, you can't all sit down yet. None of you are ready." Phoebe chimes in. Ted, Elliot and even Taylor give me a nasty look as we see Phoebe proceed to the large rectangular box in the room. She starts to pull out an arrangement of dress up scarfs, feather boas, hats, floral wreaths, tiaras and crowns.
"Christian, next time Phoebe has a birthday, buy her a doll," Elliot tells me coldly. I roll my eyes at him and walk over to help Phoebe. Maybe I can speed up this process.
"Okay Phoebe what do you have here?" I ask.
"I am going to wear the tiara, and the pink father boater. Daddy, you can wear the king's crown and this red cape." I smile and wrap the scarf around my neck whilst phoebe puts the king's crown on my head.
"There daddy you are now the king" Phoebe giggles.
"Teddy, you can wear this prince crown since you are the king's son and the green scarf with flowers on it. Uncle Elliot I want you to wear this floral wreath and purple scarf." Phoebe states.
"Don't I get a crown? I am the king's brother." Elliot is desperately trying to hide his repulsed reaction.
"Sorry, I don't have any more crowns left" Phoebe shrugs her shoulders. Begrudgingly he takes the items and comes towards me.
"We look like dicks," Elliot tells me quietly enough that Phoebe doesn't hear.
"I know, but at least our wife's and mother aren't here. They would love this. They would be taking photos and never let us live it down" Elliot nods in agreement. Taylor gets off easy with just an orange hat and a matching scarf.
"Okay we can sit now." Phoebe announces. We all take our seats, and none of us can keep a straight face. Phoebe lines up six little glasses and pretends to pour cups of tea, adds milk and then sugar, expect to the last cup, which she passes to her grandfather.
"Sorry grandpa, but you can't have sugar. Grandma said you are not allowed," All of us laugh at my father's expense.
"Thank you for looking after me." My dad compliments. We all pretend to sit and drink the tea and eat the plastic cakes.
"So how is kindergarten? I can't believe Mrs. Whitaker is still teaching the class" Ted asks.
"Yes, I like her she is really nice, and I like playing with my friends there. My best friend is Amy, and my second best friend is Riley" Riley, I don't remember any girls called Riley in the class.
"Is Riley a new girl in the class?" I inquire.
"No daddy don't be silly. Riley is a boy, not a girl" She says
"You are playing with boys?" I ask curiously. I don't know if I like this.
"I am just playing with Riley, I am not getting married" Phoebe rolls her eyes in a like-Ana manner. Elliot, Ted and my father are smirking at me, though Taylor looks a little alarmed.
"I can't wait till Phoebe is sixteen and dating. You are going to pull out all your copper hair!" Elliot whispers into my ear. I swear I won't let any boy touch her until she is thirty.
There, you boys are. You all look awful… pretty" My mother states. The female members of our family have returned and are all laughing and smiling at the sight in front of them. Before we know it, Ana has their phone out and is taking photos of us all dressed up. I am going to delete those photos the second I can.
"Ana, you have to forward me copies of those photos. This is priceless. I have been wanting some new family photos and these may be my favourite of all time" My mother is literally glowing.
"Already done. Kate, Ava and Lily I have also forwarded you copies to your phones of your fathers and partners. I scowl at Ana. I am rather looking forward to getting her alone tonight. I think some retribution may be in order.
"You ladies are back early." I note looking at my watch.
"Yes, well I didn't want to be gone too long with Phoebe unwell." Ana has now put her phone away and is checking on Phoebe. She smiles when she realises that her fever has broken.
"Do you want a cup of tea Mommy?" Phoebe asks.
"Yes, please." Phoebe gets up and pulls out five more cups from the toy tub. One for each of her new tea party guests, who are now sitting around the little table.
"So did you all enjoy the game?" Kate asks.
"Well except when…" Elliot, sound a little put off, as he tries to explain. Kate puts her hand on Elliot's lips, interrupting him
"Come on Elliot don't be upset, just because the Mariners lost to the Yankees. I saw the last few innings in the lounge room at the spa. Brilliant game"
In unison Taylor, Elliot and Ted face's drop. The hope of watching the rest of the game in suspense is gone.
"More Tea anyone?" Phoebe asks.
"Might as well now. Yes, please Phoebe." Elliot says.
# # # #
To: Christian Grey
From: Theodore Grey
Subject: can I borrow the keys?
Hey Dad,
Any chance I can borrow the yacht this weekend? I want to take Lily to San Juan Island for the weekend. We have both been so busy at work that some quiet time away together is desperately needed.
Also, I have just finished analysing the possible acquisition of that IT Company in California. Looks promising and I think the owners are ready to give the company up. We should use that to our advantage.
Theodore Grey
Ted is correct about the IT Company. He has only been working at Grey House for five months, but he is proving himself to be a valuable employee. Ted is able to read people better and is gaining a real competitive edge.
To: Theodore Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Most kids ask to borrow the car keys.
Dear Ted,
I agree with your assessment on the IT Company. I would like you to come to the initial meeting in two weeks in California. The meeting is scheduled for Monday morning, and I am planning on flying out the Friday evening beforehand with your mother and Phoebe. Why don't you and Lily come also and we can make a weekend of it. I can organise for her to get a day or two off work.
I don't intend on using the yacht this weekend, so feel free. I will have security and Mac go over and check that it is ready to sail. I will also have them check that all the safety and lifesaving equipment is working appropriately. So does this mean that you will be gone the whole weekend?
Christian Grey
CEO of Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Theodore Grey
Subject: RE: Most kids ask to borrow the car keys.
I will check with Lily. She is still a little sensitive about the fact that essentially you are her boss and going to be her father in law. She doesn't want special privileges. Lily getting a couple of days off because you pulled rank may not sit well with her.
Yes, we will be gone the whole weekend. Why? Is there anything on this weekend?
Theodore Grey
Perfect. That means Escala will be free, and it has been months since Ana and I went there, alone.
To: Theodore Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Weekend
No, there is nothing planned this weekend. But would you mind if I go to Escala this weekend? I still have some personal items at the penthouse that I would like to have a look at. I assure you that I will not interfere with any of yours or Lily's personal items.
Christian Grey
CEO of Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Theodore Grey
Subject: your name is on the deed.
Go for it Dad. The penthouse is yours.
Theodore Grey
I pick up my phone and ring my mother. I am pretty sure I know what her answer is already going to be.
Grace: Hello
I genuinely wish my mother would use her caller ID
Christian: Hi Mom. Are you and dad busy this weekend?
Grace: We have dinner plans on Friday evening, but are free on Saturday and Sunday. What is on your mind?
Christian: I was hoping you and dad might be willing to have Phoebe over Saturday and part of Sunday if it isn't too much trouble. I was hoping to surprise Ana with a weekend away.
Grace: You know that your dad and I love having Phoebe over. It wouldn't be too much trouble. Drop her off early Saturday morning.
Christian: fantastic. I will let know Ana know.
Grace: Bye Christian
Christian: Bye Mom. Thanks and I love you.
I can hear my mother gasp. I honestly should tell her that more often.
Grace: Love you too Christian.
To: Anastasia Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Red room
Dear Anastasia,
So our son and Lily are going away this weekend on the yacht and have given us access to Escala. Phoebe is going to have a sleep over at her grandparents' house on Saturday evening, and we will be all alone. Why don't we go and examine the upkeep of some of our properties? I suggest we examine how the red paint of our play room is holding up.
Christian Grey
Excited and already aroused, CEO of Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Interesting developments.
Dear Christian,
Seems like a very perfect set of circumstances. You really are the master of the universe.
I am more than agreeable to checking the quality of the red room, but I will have to check if I have any white cotton panties left. We may have to delay our weekend adventure.
Anastasia Grey
CEO of Grey Publishing
Fuck Ana can be such a tease. I get on my phone to Taylor and ask him to carry out a particular job.
To: Anastasia Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tease
Dear Anastasia,
You are right about one thing, I am the master of my universe.
Christian Grey
Excited, aroused and planning on working your smart mouth, CEO of Grey Enterprise
I chose not mention anything about the parcel that is going to be delivered. I want to know what she reacts. About forty minutes later, my email pings and I know it is from Ana.
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Interesting delivery
To Mr Grey,
Thank you for the package of a dozen white cotton panties. I am sure you have a few ideas in mind on how to put these to good use.
I agree to your offer of a weekend away. Sir. ;-)
Anastasia Grey
CEO of Grey Publishing
# # # #
I wrap my arms around Ana. We are on the four poster bed with red satin sheets in our Play room. She is exhausted, and to be honest so am I. We have gloriously worn each other out.
"I need to take you to bed. I don't want to sleep with you in here" I tell her. We are sleeping in the room upstairs. Ana agrees and reaches for her robe while I put my old jeans back on. The luxurious silk robe barely covers Ana delectable ass, and I am so glad that the only other people here are Taylor and Sawyer, and they are in their private security quarters. As I open the door, I pick up Ana and carry her out. Her giggle excites and rejuvenates me again to no end.
"Oh I hope you are not sore Anastasia. With you giggling like that, I don't think I am going to be able to stop myself from burying me deep inside you." I am transfixed by Ana's eyes.
"Make love to me," Ana says softly.
"My pleasure" I reply. I start to move, not taking my eyes off Ana.
"Dad? Mom? What are you two doing and why were you in that room?" Ted looks at us mystified and a little embarrassed with our lack of attire. I put Ana down, and she is blushing horribly. Fuck! Why is he here and not away on the islands? And how do I get us out of this? Surely he heard our little dialogue just then and saw us exit the room. The room we told him was locked as it was for storage.
Authors Note:
Okay sorry, I know it's a cliff-hanger and such, but I couldn't help myself. Next chapter – one off I will write about Christian and Ana's antics in the playroom and how they will explain this to ted. I will also explain why ted came home early.
Regards,
Maria