Disunion
Christians POV:
My joint session with Ted and Flynn had little effect, to change my position on my daughter's relationship. However Flynn's warning that I may end up pushing my daughter away, now haunted me. I didn't agree with Ted's physical altercation with Josh, but in all honesty he just did what I wanted to do. Daily sessions with my personal trainer and even more satisfying sessions with Ana have helped keep me in check.
I stop outside Phoebe's office and peek in. Her office door is slightly ajar. Interestingly, Phoebe often keep her door ajar growing up, unless she was getting changed. Phoebe is so intensely focused at her at work. Ros told me that she would like another five employees exactly like her. I have to hand it to my daughter, no matter what, she does get the job done. Josh left for New York six days ago, and I think work has become Phoebe's refuge, even though she is still thankfully catching up and going out with girlfriends.
I live in the same house as my daughter, and at work, our offices next to each other, but I have hardly seen, let alone spoken to her. Phoebe gets up even earlier than me, showers, grabs a coffee and comes directly into work. She understands I have issues with food, but I think her, not eating breakfast is a way to get me back. At work, Phoebe works so diligently that I never get a chance to catch a free moment with her, even when I have gone walk about in the building. Phoebe finishes work after six in the evening and then goes out to dinner with friends. My daughter knows a lot of people, and her good humor and connections means that she is never short of a dinner invitation. She returns home and goes to bed. On the weekend, Phoebe even came into work, I haven't even done that in years.
At least Phoebe talks to Ana, who then talks to me. In fact, she talks to virtually everyone except me and Ted at this point. Truth be told I miss my daughter. More than ever. I missed her when she was away at college, but this is worst. To have someone, you love so much be physically close, but also be so far away, hurts more than I can explain. Fuck this, I need to talk to her, even if it is negative. I knock on her door, but do not wait for her ask me to enter. It is my building after all.
"Phoebe. How is the work on the merger progressing?" I have reverted to CEO mode. I know I am talking business, but this seems like a good start. I doubt she would be interested in a father and daughter deep and meaningful.
"It is all on schedule. I just need to run a few things past Ros, and then she will check it out with you, of course, but everything is fitting in nicely. We can avoid forced redundancies, as long as about ten percent of the companies' labor stock are willing to be retrained. I have examined the requirements for the new government re-training grant, and we even qualify. I will fill out the bureaucratic paperwork the second the merger is complete." Phoebe is again proven herself to be competent and efficient. Daddy's little girl.
"I am a pleased. You have worked so hard on this merger with Ros that you have practically been a ghost at home" I comment.
"Good thing that I am obviously not a ghost." Phoebe rolls her eyes, intentionally and overtly dramatic.
"Don't be rude, I am still your father, regardless of how annoyed you are at me, and I at your current romantic choices."
"But we weren't even talking about my romantic choice," Phoebe says throwing her arms to the side.
"I know, but it seems to follow us, whenever we talk lately." I clarify.
"Dad, this is the first time we have spoken since last Tuesday night. Six days" This fact hurts more hearing it from Phoebe. I have never gone so long without talking to her, regardless of where we are in the world.
"I was hoping you would be home tonight, to have dinner with your mother and me. I promise no arguing or convincing you to break up with Josh. Let's just have a peaceful dinner and talk" I offer.
Phoebe looks pained at my request. "I am sorry Dad I can't, I am having dinner with Uncle Elliot and Aunt Kate tonight."
"You are?" I say raising my eyebrows. This is news to me.
"Yes." Phoebe looks away from me, so I know she is either omitting some information or lying. "I genuinely would like to have a peaceful dinner with you and mom, but I don't want to cancel on Uncle Elliot and Aunt Kate, it would be rude to do so, so late"
"Indeed. Well I am glad you are seeing them". I would prefer you would give me the time right now "I will leave you to your work."
"Dad before you go, can I ask you something?" Phoebe voice is soft, and I can't help, but smile, I haven't heard, this favorable tone for a while.
"Yes?"
"I was wondering, what do you and Mom use Escala for now?" I have to hide my smirk. There is no way I intend to tell my daughter this piece of information. It was hard enough telling Ted, when he caught us leaving the Red room.
"We never saw any reason to sell it. We use it for Investment, spend a few weekends there when we have events in the city that will end late at night. We just use it for general purposes." I explain.
"Could I live there, with Josh, when he moves here in a few weeks?" Phoebe's request sends shock waves up my spine.
"You intend to live with Josh?" The mere thought aggravates me. I hadn't even considered it.
"Did you expect me live at home forever?" Phoebe asks. Deep down, I am conflicted here. Ana and I know that finally we have reached a time this is for just us both together, but we both rather enjoy having Phoebe home, even with this tension.
"No, I didn't expect you to, I just didn't think you would move so soon after returning to Seattle. That is all" I reply. And not with a way-too-old man.
"So, do you think we could live in Escala?" Phoebe asks one more time.
"Maybe you should just keep dating Josh for a while. There is no need to take such a large plunge, like living together." I suggest.
"You do realize that you just suggested I keep dating Josh" My daughter raises her eyebrows at me and smiles. I narrow my eyes, wondering if I daughter just cornered me.
"It is the less of the two evils right now. I rather you didn't consider moving out or dating Josh." I hiss, but wish I hadn't.
"Even Christian Grey can't always get what he wants." My daughter's feisty smart comment infuriates me. If only Phoebe knew what power I actually do have. I narrow my eyes and stare at my daughter. Her immediate change in body languages lets me know that she knows I am fuming. "Sorry dad. I seriously would like to stay at Escala, but I know I can't without your permission. Can we use it?"
"No." If I allowed them to live at Escala, it would the equivalency of giving my consent to this relationship. I exit Phoebe's office and return to mine so quickly that I didn't even see her reaction to my answer. We are getting nowhere fast. I open up my emails and commence to write to Ana.
To: Anastasia Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Youngest Bird fleeing the nest
HI,
Phoebe has asked to live in Escala, with Josh. I have said no. I am having Welch and Barney dig further into Josh's past, even more. Why is our daughter hitting her rebellious stage, at an age when I can't punish her or ground her?
Yesterday was fun. Helped me clear my head! However my head is getting cloudy again, please tell me you won't need to work late tonight, or I may have to make a call to your boss and pull some strings.
How has your Monday been? Did you know that Phoebe is having dinner with Kate and Elliot tonight?
Christian Grey
Frustrated Father but exceedingly happy husband! CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Birds fly back
Hi,
We have to face the fact that Phoebe is going to move out, to live with Josh, even if we dislike it immensely. She is twenty-one, same age when we met. I would have thought that you would have supported the idea of our daughter staying at Escala. Very glad you spoke to Phoebe.
Kate did mention on the phone today that they were having dinner with Phoebe. Also, she told me that Ava isn't going to be home for a few weeks. She has been sent on assignment for work in Europe now.
My Monday has been relatively routine; however, extremely busy. I can leave at four. I would leave earlier, but my boss has high expectations.
Anastasia Grey
Still deliciously sore from yesterday, CEO of Grey Publishing
To: Anastasia Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Love your signature
Why did you think I would have liked the idea of our daughter staying at Escala?
I intend to make sure you are sore again tomorrow. However I may need to pay some attention to your backside as you are making my palm twitch. Twenty-one or not, Phoebe needs to wake up to herself. If Elliot encourages this relationship, I will pound him.
Leave at 3:30. Your boss has an insatiable need for you and does expect you to meet those expectations.
Christian Grey
Still to get my fill of you, CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Duty statement
I may need to re-read my job statement, about meeting my boss's insatiable carnal needs. Thankfully for you I am more than willing to meet these requirements. How about I leave at three. It will give time to prepare. Stocking or no stockings? Your palm gets twitchy extremely easily these days. However, I am inclined to ask you not to stow it.
If we allow Phoebe to stay at Escala, with Josh. Then at least you would know that you could keep her safe there. It's secure and has room for security. Kate and Elliot have both said that they are not going to support or discourage the relationship. The term they are using is 'Switzerland"
Anastasia Grey
CEO of Grey Publishing
To: Anastasia Grey
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Performance review
If you are reviewing your duty statement, then I will have to complete a performance review. Good thing you have always excelled. Definitely stockings. Black silk stockings with lace tops. Have my Grey tie waiting.
I will discuss Escala with Taylor. But not promising anything.
Christian Grey
Counting the minutes till I get you in so many positions, CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings
Phoebe's POV:
Upon seeing me, my Uncle Elliot has thrown his arms around. I have never needed him to hug me as much as I now. The difficulty and weariness of the past week and a half are finally taking its toll as I start to feel tears run down my cheeks.
"Hey Phoebe, don't cry. Things can't be that bad. Come I will fix you a drink" My Uncle has his arm around my side as he guides me to the kitchen, where my Aunt Kate, is seemingly struggling in the kitchen. She is practically frantic and using language I rarely hear from her.
"Actually thing are awful, maybe you should cry" My Uncle Elliot comments half-jokingly, half seriously.
"Aunt Kate, what are you doing? Where is your housekeeper Lesley" I ask almost amused.
"On holidays. We have been eating out for the past week, but we thought you might just like to stay here and eat with us. Why isn't the pasta cooking?" I have never seen my Aunt so flustered. I walk over to her and discover the answer to her question. I can't help but laugh out loud, and it feels phenomenal.
"Hey! I have been working in this kitchen for an hour. I don't see what's so funny! Elliot you need to send over one of the guys to look at this oven. It isn't working! I think we have a gas problem."
"I am sorry Aunt Kate for laughing, and damn I love you. The reason why the pasta isn't cooking is because you haven't turned on the hotplates." I go and wrap my arms around her. "That was the most therapeutic laugh I have had in a long time" My Aunt places her hands on my arms and looks at me if she is reading me like a book.
"You look tired. Are you sleeping?" Oh, please don't let her interrogation commence.
"Yes, some. But please can we not talk about me and Josh and everything else. I know that you both aren't going to take sides or influence me in any way, which I am grateful for. I do have a request to make, but that can wait. I just want to have a quiet and stress-free dinner with some family members." I had thought about going to see my grandparents, but know that it would make them worry. Plus an evening with my Aunt and Uncle always proved to be fun.
"Done, we can offer you a pleasant dinner of badly cooked pasta or frozen pizza" My Uncle Elliot jokes but looks disgusted at the thought. He and Aunt Kate, both can't cook to save their lives.
"Could I help? I can cook, rather competently, and it would be a pleasant distraction actually." I look in the pantry, freezer and fridge, and it is exceptionally well stocked. Excellent.
", Please. Yes. Absolutely." My Uncle answers.
"Okay. What do you both want to eat?" I inquire.
"Anything"
"I am so glad there is a lot more of your mother, than your father, in you. What can I do to help?" My Aunt Kate offers.
"To be honest and I don't mean to be rude Aunt Kate, but if you left the kitchen, that would be the best help you could give me." I tell her lovingly. My Uncle Elliot starts to laugh so hard and loud that he almost falls out of his chair.
"I will happily stay out of the kitchen" Aunt Kate declares and then, kisses me on the cheek. "Your Uncle and I will organize the table and wine."
Since there is fresh chicken in the fridge, I decide to make chicken parmigiana, with a side salad. Cooking feels rather therapeutic, and forty minutes later, I have finished.
# # # #
Dinner has been brilliant! Uncle Elliot has told stories about him, my father and Aunt Mia growing up, stories about work and how he managed to recently beat my father in swimming. It feels like one of the many dinners, we had when I was growing up. With Aunt Kate being my mother's best friend, and because my dad and Uncle Elliot were so close, we had dinner approximately once a week.
"I think you might be a better cook than even your mother" My Aunt Kate praises me.
"I doubt that, but thank you"
"Phoebe, are things tense at home?" My Uncle asks after taking his last bite of his chicken.
"It is more like passive resistance than anything else. I know Dad wants to talk to me, and I want to talk to him, but we don't agree over Josh. I have kind of being avoiding him. Yes, it is childish, but it is the easiest way for us to manage. When we are in the same room, mom is usually there, so that helps." I explain.
"That's it. Phoebe you and your cooking skills are moving in. At least until our housekeeper returns." I am not sure if my Uncle Elliot is joking or being serious until I see his trademark smirk.
"Moving, is a reason why I wanted to see you both actually, well more Aunt Kate." I state
"Oh, why?" My Aunt Kate look at me curiously.
"Is it true you are selling your Pike Market apartment?" I heard this on rumor on the grapevine, and I wanted to double check before I make my move.
"Yes, no one has lived there since your mother and Ted, and the exception of a few rendezvous by a few female Grey family members" I blush at her statement, even though it was all innocent.
"With that in mind then. I want to purchase the apartment. How much are you asking for it?" I ask straight up. Both my Uncle and Aunt look at me shocked. "I do have the money"
"Well we know that, but why do you want the apartment?" I don't want to tell them that dad said no to me staying at Escala, and it hurts that I am omitting the true reason behind my purchase.
"I want to use some of my trust fund money for investment, and I like the apartment. It would be mutually beneficially if the buyer was me, this way no strangers will be going through the apartment. If not, then I will look at purchasing another apartment in the area." At part least, this is also the truth.
"Why now? Why are you looking at buying an apartment now?" My uncle asks.
"Why not?" I say casually.
"I will talk to my real-estate agent and have him contact you" My Aunt Kate informs me. I smile widely; finally I might be getting somewhere. I do notice, however, my Uncle looking at me peculiarly, but he smiles as soon as he sees that I am looking at him.
Christian's POV:
After dinner, Ana and I have been sitting on the couch. I have rediscovered that watching TV is a waste of time, whilst Ana is lying down with her head on my lap. She is re-reading the classic book 'Emma', when my cell phone rings, and it is Elliot.
"Great, it's my brother, probably to tell me to let Phoebe and Josh be and support them." I tell Ana. I contemplate not picking up, but I might as well get this over with. I get up and move to the side of the room.
Christian: Don't tell me you are ringing to tell me that Kate poisoned my daughter with her cooking. Right?
I figure a little humor might help first. I know their housekeeper has been away interstate.
Elliot: Almost, thankfully your daughter stepped in a cooked, but that is not why I am calling you.
Christian: Look I am not changing my mind on this matter. Josh and Phoebe together are a hard limit for me.
I am already annoyed, and we haven't even been on the phone for a minute.
Elliot: Good!
Christian: Good?
I wonder if at first if I heard him correctly.
Elliot: Yes, because I don't support the relationship either now, I am with you, it needs to stop before it goes any further.
Authors Note: In the next chapter I am jumping ahead to just before Josh is relocated to Seattle and Ava returns from assignment in Europe. Things are going to get interesting, especially as the family is divided at the moment.