Is this the Calm Before the Storm?
Christian's POV:
After an hour in the gym, I am feeling extra good this morning. Life at home has been pleasant since Phoebe got home from New York. We still don't agree on the relationship, but at least we have been cordial to each other. I am told, by security that Josh was rather disappointed by the division in the Grey family as a result of the relationship and some of Phoebe's behaviour.
I return to our bedroom, and I can't help but feel an extraordinary amount of peace, whilst being intensely aroused by the sight of my wife. Ana looks divine when she is sleeping, even to this day. I wish I could sit and watch her, but sadly we both have appointments and meetings to attend to today "Ana…. Anastasia…" I whisper into my wife's ear, trying to wake her up. She slowly opens her powder blue eyes and again I am under her spell. How does she do this, every day?
"Is it really morning? I don't feel up to getting out of bed" Ana moans.
"Yes, but at least it is Friday, and we have a quiet weekend coming. We can do anything you wish, though I know what I want to do" I tell her, running my hands down her body over her satin nightgown.
"Maybe you and I should start the weekend earlier." Ana suggests.
"If only we could. Have you thought more about what I suggested yesterday?"
"Christian, No. I don't want to. Not yet" Ana responds firmly
"Though if you did retire, this way you won't have to get out of bed early, in the morning" I suggest. I would love for Ana to retire, and I do know that she would like to spend more time with our grandchildren.
"Let's not start that again! Don't forget that you are older than me, chronologically speaking you should retire six years before I do!" Ana raises her eyebrows, now sitting up on the bed.
"And there is the smart mouth that I love." I commence to kiss her. Her lips taste delicious that I need to keep kissing her. I climb back on the bed and on top of Ana. "You still feel sensational in this material" I run my hand up Ana's thigh making her giggle loudly.
"Best sound ever"
"Christian, you are all sweaty" Ana admonishes lightly whilst still giggling.
"You make me all sweaty too, Anastasia! Get out of bed and shower with me. I want you." Actually I want and need her every morning. I turn on the water to our preferred hot temperature. I help Ana out of her satin nightgown, before discarding my sweats and revealing my excitement. Hungrily, I pull her close to me and hold her tight. I commence to kiss her neck before making way to her lips.
"I. NEED. YOU." I tell Ana. "This is going to be quick." I pick Ana up and have her lean against the shower. Habitually she wraps her legs around me, giving me complete access to her.
"Oh Christian, I need you." Ana begs. I love my name when it comes out of her mouth.
"Keep your eyes open. I want to see your pleasure." I fill Ana, and it is ecstasy. Ana pushes down on me, and I pick up the pace. I am so close to finding my release but I don't want to before Ana does.
"Come for me" I whisper into her ear, and instantly she obeys. I feel her muscles tighten gloriously around me, and I find my release. I hold Ana until she comes down from her peak, and plant soft kisses over her body.
"Told you I would never get my fill of you"
# # # #
"Come and have breakfast. You didn't eat much last night, don't think I didn't notice" I tell her after we get dressed from our shower. Ana starts to fidget with her fingers until I wrap mine around hers. "What is bothering you?"
"Everything, nothing." Ana smiles lightly, but it doesn't reach her eyes. I narrow my eyes at her, non-verbally telling her to communicate with me.
"It's just that I have enjoyed the jovial atmosphere at home recently. You and Phoebe have been communicating, and though it still isn't like it was before, it is better. But Josh is moving to Seattle next week, and I am worried that it will all crumble." I run my hand down Ana jaw, and then hold her tight.
"I will do what I can, to make sure everything doesn't crumble." I promise Ana, however; I am not sure if I will be entirely successful. The whole family is somewhat divided over the issue of Josh and Phoebe, with little chance of changing our views.
When Phoebe returned from New York, we sat down and talked. For the first time, we talked properly since the Coping Together ball. Josh had asked her not to cut off impotent people in her life. Supposedly he was disappointed in her passive resistance stance. Truth be told though I contributed to our poor relationship. Phoebe also requested to move into Escala, again, but I said no. I want my daughter in my life, and I love her dearly, however; I won't help her ruin her life. Phoebe and Ted are still a little icy together, mainly due to their; stubbornness; however, she and Lily still get on rather well.
Phoebe is already sitting at the breakfast table when we arrive in the kitchen. She is drinking a too-large coffee and eating too-little of her cereal, whilst typing away at her laptop. I swear she works as hard as I did around her age.
"Good morning Phoebe I know women can multi-task, but no work at meals, even at breakfast. You need to eat more." My daughter looks up at me, and I swear she wants to roll her eyes.
"You are going to be very glad on Monday, at the monthly company review that I was working just then." My daughter says proudly.
"I would be very glad right now today, on Friday if you ate more." I reply.
She smile and shakes her head, as if to start to the morning again. "Good Morning dad." I watch she places her laptop in her bag and gets up greets her mother. They share some joke together that I don't her, but I know it has something to do with my eating issues. At least they both sit down and commence to eat.
"Phoebe, your father and I got a call from your grandparents last night after you went to sleep. They are grandparents are hosting a family dinner tonight. I know it is very last minute." Ana shrugs.
"Ana just spill out, Phoebe this is one of their compulsory family dinners. We all need to cancel any plans we have tonight and be there" I state. Elliot and I often used the term compulsory to our parent's dinners in our twenties, when we both had alternative plans.
"That is fine. Is everyone coming?" Phoebe asks, looking down.
"Yes, even Ava and her husband Marcus. They arrived yesterday, according to Kate" Ana adds.
"So everyone will be there?" Phoebe asks.
"Yes, of course. We just covered that point." I tell her. I watch my daughter's reaction. I know she was unhappy when she found out that her Uncle no longer supported her decision to continue her relationship. Phoebe's wish to purchase Kate's old apartment when she failed to tell them that I refused to allow them to stay at Escala was one of the turning points for Elliot. He and I quickly put an end to that purchase, though Kate did think we were trying to control Phoebe. I was ready to freeze her trust fund if need be, though I know Phoebe has an about two million in her personal account. Just to make sure that Phoebe didn't purchase the apartment, secretly I have. I have no idea what I am going to do with the Pike Market apartment, but it can just sit there and rot for all that I care. The biggest factor in Elliot's move from team Switzerland was that he could see the negative impacts on our family and because he felt like he should have my back since he was my brother.
"Phoebe, will be ready to leave in twenty minutes. We have a meeting with the heads of department to attend" I tell her.
"Okay, I will just finish getting ready." Phoebe thanks Gail and then exits the kitchen.
I take Ana's free hand and squeeze it. She offers me a small smile. I fear that Ana is right, this current peace is the calm before the storm. There is already a division in the family. Elliot, Ted and I are against this relationship, whilst my parents and Mia support it, and Kate and Ana have decided to stay neutral. Thank god I always had Ana, and Ted had Lily. I want Phoebe to find her true love also, and I know it isn't Josh.
Phoebe's POV:
Dad and I chat casually as we enter Grey house. We have been travelling to work together since I returned from my weekend in New York. Josh and I spoke about what has been going on at home, and he was rather displeased that I had being avoided stressful situations, by avoiding people. It may have been childish, but in a difficult situation, one does what they feel is the easiest. I have been using this travel time to discuss work matters. I want to be on my game when I present my idea for a company, I want Grey Enterprise to purchase, at our monthly review on Monday. It will solve one of our manufacturing issues.
I place my bag and laptop on my desk, and go to grab a coffee. I notice Ted talking to his assistant and then enter his office as I walk past. Sadly, we still don't talk that much. I went over to his house last weekend, to take Ruby to buy a dress for her school social. When we returned, my brother stayed away from me. I wish Ted would change his mind over our relationship. This way, he wouldn't feel like he is losing his best friend and me, his sister.
I walk into his office and stand at the doorway. "Ted, do you want a coffee? I am going to get one for myself I offer.
"I have one already, but thanks." Ted responds. We have only exchanged several words, but at least we are being civil. It is still tense, but this is still an improvement. I don't want Josh to move over here to a storm of family conflict, so I am trying to do what I can to improve the situation.
"Okay, I will let you be" I respond.
"Phoebe, wait. You like your coffee, white with no sugar right?" Ted inquires.
"Yeah" I respond. Ted offers me a small smile and asks his assistant to make a coffee for me.
"Take a seat, please. How are you doing?" Ted asks.
"Good. I am busy with work, but I am enjoying working with Ros."
"Yeah, I worked with Ros when I started here. She can be rather tough, but I learnt a lot from her. Ros told me that your work performance is outstanding, and it can take a lot to impress her." I nod in acknowledgment and feel uplifted. "Also, I wanted to say thank you for taking Ruby to buy her school social dress. Macie has been horribly fussy lately with a cold and Lily hates leaving her, when she is unwell. Plus I don't do dress shopping well. When Ruby and I ever go shopping, it just ends up with us both clashing horribly on what she should and shouldn't wear"
"It wasn't a problem, I enjoyed taking her shopping. I just wish you hadn't gone to such extremes to avoid me when we got back to your house." I wish immediately that I could retract the comment. It won't help anything. "But since I have done the same thing to you, I guess I can't talk." Ted's assistant then walks in and passes me my coffee. Her timing is been impeccable."
"Are you all coming to dinner tonight at Grandma and Grandpa's?" I ask to recover the harmonious mood.
"Yes, I am looking forward to seeing Ava and Marcus."
"Me too. It's been months since I have seen them"
"Talking about Ava, I am sorry that I brought up the fact that Josh had slept with Ava in front of the family, but I figured you should know. You need to be informed" Ted's tone changes. He is serious and stern.
"Are you sorry that you punched Josh out?" I inquire.
"No," He responds.
"Are you sorry that you sent an investigator to check up on me?"
"No,"
"Are you even going to try to accept the fact that fact that I love him and that he loves me?" I ask. Ted looks remorseful, but he shakes his head at me. "Please Ted. Josh is your best friend. You both miss each other greatly, and I am your sister. We want you in our lives"
"I can't. I honestly wish I was able to, but the problem is that everything about this relationship seems wrong to me." Ted explains.
"Josh will be in Seattle soon. Permanently." I update him.
"When?"
"Next week" In fact, I am waiting to know exactly when he is coming. He has promised the leave as soon as his case is over. I just wish it was over now.
"Great," Ted says ever so sarcastically.
"I better go and prep for our meeting. Thanks for the coffee."
Back in my office, there is a message, and I am beyond excited. It has been one that I was waiting for. I don't know how to tell my parents, but it is done. I get on my cell phone and try to ring Josh, but he doesn't answer. I don't bother to try to ring him again as he is likely in court as it is 11:00 am in New York. Damn, I seriously wanted to share this news with him.
I head off to the board room, where my father, brother and Ros are already seated. I don't need to be at this meeting, but it is another part of my training at GEH. At first, I thought I would dislike attending all these meetings, but I have to admit that I rather enjoy them, I find I am learning more every day. I know that mergers and acquisitions are exactly what I want to do.
The meeting ends a couple of hours later, and with all the heads room exiting the boardroom, Ros, Ted, and I head to my father's office. Andrea has organised a rather lavish brunch for my father birthday on Sunday. Much to Ros's surprise; Gwen, my mother and Lily with a sleeping Macie, are also there. Ruby and Eli are at school so they couldn't make it, but there is a lunch planned on Sunday.
"Happy Birthday" We all call out.
"It isn't my birthday for two more days" Ros grizzles, but I know she is enjoying the attention. We all grab a coffee and sit on the couch and are engulfed in conversation. Ros and Gwen are talking about the trip they are going to take next month to Japan while my parents offer them advice on where to go.
Andrea taps me from behind and speaks in a low voice, so not to interrupt anyone. "Sorry to disturb you Phoebe, but your cell phone, in your office, keeps ringing. It has been going off for over an hour and a half. Someone seriously wants to get hold of you!"
"Damn, the ring tone must be on loud." I excuse myself and can feel my father's eyes on me as I exit. When someone rings non-stop for over an hour, then something much be up. I can't hide my smile when I see the caller ID on my phone, and ring straight back.
Phoebe: Hey there Mr Eager. I just got told that you have been trying to ring me for ninety minutes, non-stop.
Josh: Yes I have, I was getting worried about you that I was about to ring Ted. You need an assistant.
Phoebe: I am junior staff. I don't get an assistant. I was in a meeting, and so was Ted.
Josh: I missed your call, and I have some news for you.
Phoebe: Good news I hope.
Josh: Personally I think they are excellent news.
Phoebe: I have excellent news for you too, but you go first.
Josh: My case is over. Done and dusted.
Phoebe: really?
I spoke so softly just then, not letting myself get excited, just in case.
Josh: Yes. My office is packed up. My apartment here is locked up, and sheets are over the furniture. I also have all my clothes packed in a suitcase or in the post to Seattle.
Phoebe: So you're ready to move?
Josh: Yes. Absolutely. One hundred percent.
Phoebe: When are you coming?
Josh: How does me getting on a flight right now, and being in Seattle about eight hours later.
Phoebe: You are at the airport?
Josh: yes.
I instinctively look at my watch and calculate that as long as there aren't any delays he will be here by seven.
Phoebe: Brilliant! Get on that plane. I will pick you up. What is your flight number?
I hear Josh laugh out loud, joyfully, and so do I.
Josh: I need to stop change planes in Chicago, so my flight number of the plane landing in Seattle is American Airlines 1431.
Phoebe: I can't wait.
Josh: Me either. I want to take you to dinner tonight. Don't eat beforehand.
Shit! Dinner at my grandparents' house and we are supposed to be there by six thirty. I desperately try to work out what to do.
Josh: Okay Phoebe, what's going on? You're not talking, and that means something is up.
Phoebe: Uumm yeah. Look I can have dinner with you, but our plans are going to be a little constricted.
Josh: What do you mean?
Phoebe: I will have to ring my grandparents, however; how does dinner with my whole family sound?
Josh: I don't know. I guess the present is a good a time as ever.
Josh's voice gives aware how cautious he is to have dinner with my family and understandably so. The last dinner he came with me with my parents, he got punched by Ted.
Phoebe:I will text you, once I have spoken to my grandparents. Check your phone when you reach Chicago
Josh: Will do. But I don't need to go tonight…
Phoebe: Let me just talk to my grandparents.
Josh: Okay. I can't wait to see you again.
Phoebe: Me too. Love you.
Josh: Love you too. I have to go. They are boarding the plane.
Phoebe: Bye.
I hold my cell phone to my chest. I am beyond excited that Josh is finally going to be in Seattle earlier than expected that I realize I didn't even told him my news. I can feel my heart beat faster, but this is for more than just the fact that I get to see Josh. Certain members of my family are going to freak.
I ring my grandfather and explain the whole situation. I get nervous when he asks me to hold on as he needs to talk to my grandmother. My hands start to sweat, and I pace around the room until I stand by the window in my office. I watch the traffic in an attempt to distract myself. It is a solid five minutes before he gets back on the phone. It has been the longest five minutes in my entire life.
Carrick: Phoebe are you still on the line?
Phoebe: Yes, grandpa.
Carrick: You said that you won't be able to get to Bellevue until seven o'clock in the evening, right?
Phoebe: Yes. Josh couldn't get on a direct flight. I am sorry.
Carrick: Don't be. We can delay dinner, and it will give us some time to warn everyone to be civil to each other.
Phoebe: Thank you so much Grandpa!
Carrick: Your grandmother and I do have one condition though.
Phoebe: Oh, what is it
I am holding my breath, I have no idea what on earth it could be.
Carrick: You need to tell your parents that Josh will be in Seattle and coming to dinner.
Phoebe: Okay. I will.
My voice brakes and I know that my grandfather won't miss that.
Carrick: Promise us Phoebe.
Phoebe: I will. I promise I will tell my parents.
Carrick: I trust you. See you this evening.
Phoebe: Bye.
I sigh loudly. Maybe I could tell my parents, just before I leave Grey house this evening. I throw my cell phone on my desk and then turn around. There standing in front of me are my parents. When did they get here?
"Mom and Dad. I didn't know you were standing there." Shit I undoubtedly need to break my habit of leaving doors partially open.
"Obviously. We came in to see if you were okay." My mother tells me.
"I am great. We should go back to Ros's brunch. I am hungry." Yes, perfect. My father is always telling me of for not eating enough. I start to walk past them when my father grabs my arm and stops me. He glares at me, and I actually start to feel a little scared.
"Wait a minute there Missy, who were you talking to and what did you promise to tell us, your parents." My father is so stern.
"I rang grandpa after I spoke to Josh. Josh was the one who has been trying to get hold of me." I take a couple of deep breaths before me restart. "Josh's case finished early and he is coming to Seattle earlier than expected."
"When?" My father asks but his voice is so detached. I have heard him talk like this so many times on the phone and when dealing with work matters, but to have it directed at me, hurts.
"This evening." I inform them
"What?" My mother yells.
"He will be here by six thirty. I will be picking him up from the airport and then we both be going to Bellevue. We will be a little late, but Grandpa said that they will delay dinner." I take a step back and wait for their response. They both look at each other, for what seems forever. It is as if they are talking telepathically.
"Wonderful" My father states sarcastically, running his hands through his hair. Now I am worried. Dad is never sarcastic as he considers it the lowest form of wit.
"Take Sawyer and Jones with you. They will drive you in the SUV, and you won't have to worry about parking." My father then adds.
"I can drive myself." I rebuff
"Don't argue. Just do it" My mother says backing up my father.
"Fine, I will take my chaperones." My father thins his lips at me, and I know that he is angry.
# # # #
"Are you ready, to go in? You must be hungry" I ask Josh at my grandparents' house. I am trying at act positive, as if that we always eat with my family and have a fabulous time.
"Sure, I am ready to go in, but is everyone else ready? I will be sure to duck this time, should Ted want a piece of me"
"My grandfather said he would talk to everyone. It should be civil" I smile and ring the doorbell. I know we only have a minute before someone answers the door, so I wrap my arms around Josh neck and kiss him. He responds by sweeping me off my feet. We enter our little bubble and ignore Sawyer and Jones, who have hardly taken their eyes off us.
"Well this isn't the scene I wanted to see tonight" We hear my father's voice at the door. Josh quickly puts me down, and we look at the doorway. There is my father and my grandfather watching us, and I blush horribly.
"Mr Grey, it is nice to see you again." Josh shakes my grandfather's hand first, and as Josh, turns to greet my father and shake his hand, dad turns on his heels, totally snubbing him. I stand in the foyer, wondering if we ought just leave rather than ruin my family's dinner.
"Grandpa?" I am desperate for guidance.
"Phoebe, it will be fine. Your dad just got a shock, seeing you both kissing. He was coming to the door to greet you both" My grandfather assures me and then kisses me on my forehead.
We enter the main room, and whilst everyone generally greets us all cordially, the tension is almost visible. Battle line are drawn, and I know that tonight is going to be crucial to getting everyone to accept us, as a couple. The question however; is this the calm before the storm?