A/N-
Hi readers,
If you're enjoying the story, please follow and favourite it, and review telling me what you think. No ghost readers please – show your support! ;)
See my pinterest - lilylilac1 – to see pictures of outfits I describe in this story. Every outfit Ana wears will be posted there, so I recommend you check it out!
Enjoy chapter 4!
CHAPTER 4 – Jose's Showcase
ANA'S POV – Sunday, May 5
I sit up in bed, rubbing my eyes, and memories from last night immediately flood into my mind.
Christian Grey.
Christian Grey spent the entirety of his evening last night, with me. By choice. I rub my eyes and squint at the sunlight flooding in from my small window, and smile a bit. I'm giddy but uncertain; cautiously optimistic. He didn't have to spend his time chatting with me, but he did. Does that mean something?
I get up to go see if Kate's in her room but stop when I pass my small wall mirror by the door. I turn and look at myself in the mirror, which I've hung at the perfect height in order to see my face.
I stare at myself. Brown hair, blue eyes, average. Of course he doesn't like me. He's like, a millionaire or something, and basically a Greek god. For god's sake, I need to gain my humility back. Of course he wouldn't like me; he was just being friendly. I lower my eyes from the mirror and lean against the wall.
He seemed genuinely interested in me though, and he told me I looked beautiful. Maybe he does find me attractive? A surge of uncertain hope crashes through me again. I haven't been this concerned about my appearance since I was a teenager. After husband # 3, when my self esteem and mental health took a nosedive.
I need to be reasonable here – I can't get my hopes up. And for goodness sake, I need to stop fretting over my appearance. Why is Christian Grey making me feel this way?
I go out, just wearing my tank top and shorts I wore to bed last night, my hair still a tangled mess of a bun. Kate's bedroom door is open, and she's not sleeping in her bed. I check the kitchen and living room, and she's not there. I start to worry a little bit, but in the back of my mind I know she probably spent the night with Elliot. They disappeared together the moment I introduced them – I suspect they must have hit it off as I thought they would. Still, I go on my phone and send her a text.
A- Are you with Elliot?
She replies within a minute.
K- Yes
Ha, of course she is. I smile and text back.
A- Come home soon
I'm about to set my phone down when she sends another text.
K- You didn't forget about Jose's show today did you?
Oh my god, I forgot about that. That's today? Our friend Jose is showcasing his work in photography today, and we're supposed to go.
A- Crap, yes. What do I need to wear?
K- I'll be home soon and help you pick something out. I'm inviting Elliot – care to invite his hottie brother who clearly couldn't keep his eyes off you last night?
Wait, is she talking about Christian? Did it seem like he liked me?
A- I don't know…
K- Do it. Tell him Elliot's coming; use that as an excuse to invite him ;)
I think for a moment, before texting back 'ok' and then typing Christian's name into a new message. I smile remembering he gave me his number last night.
I text him:
A- Hi, it's Anastasia. Should I put Steele? No, too formal. But he would remember me, right? What if he knows more than one Anastasia? Ha, what am I thinking, of course he doesn't.
A- Hi, it's Anastasia. Kate and I are going to our friend's photography showcase today, and Kate thought we should invite you and Elliot. Want to come?
I press send, and linger for a moment to see if he answers. Sure enough, the three dots pop up, indicating that he's typing. I feel myself tense. Why do I feel so… blushy around him, even not in person?
C- Hi, Anastasia. I'd love to. We can pick you both up – what time?
I smile.
A- It opens at seven. I tell him the address of the venue after asking Kate what it is.
C- Okay, we'll pick you up at 6:30.
A- Great, thanks. See you then
I turn off my phone and can feel myself grinning from ear to ear. He said yes. That means he wants to see me again! My heart is leaping. Might he actually like me? I somehow doubt it, but the girly part of me is squealing and jumping up and down. Could he like someone like me?
Kate arrives home half an hour later, at nine thirty, dressed in the same dress she wore last night. I tease her as soon as she walks in the door, demanding she tells me about Elliot. She tells me they spent the night together, and she's smiling. She looks so happy – she's glowing.
She sits next to me at the counter and opens her laptop, opening Google Chrome.
"What are you doing?" I ask, leaning forward.
"Googling Mr. Hot Tamale Grey," she says, as if I should have known that's what she was doing. I roll my eyes.
"Why?"
"Ana, in case you didn't notice, he was all over you last night. He really likes you. When Elliot and I were still at the club, he kept looking over and watching you two, like he was amazed. He told me he's never seen his brother that way with a girl."
Now, that can't be true.
"And why exactly are you Googling him, Kate? That's creepy."
"It's not creepy, it's research," she states, waving a hand dismissively at me and typing his name into the search engine. The first thing that pops up is a Wikipedia page, and then tons of pictures. I feel myself blush staring at all the photos on Google images. He's so attractive. It's like he's… more than attractive. He's the epitome of male beauty. He's perfection. I swear I start drooling.
"Holy fuck he's so hot," Kate screeches, and I elbow her in the arm.
"Excuse me, did you not sleep with his brother last night?" I say, raising an eyebrow at her.
"Someone's protective!" Kate says accusingly, grinning and pointing her finger at me. "I could tell you liked him too, I just knew it, Annie!" she squeals, and I look away, blushing.
"I hardly know him, Kate."
"But Ana, you're never interested in guys. He kept making you laugh, and smile, and you liked him, I can tell. I don't blame you, he's gorgeous! I don't know though, he seems a little unfriendly. I mean, with the rest of us at least. With you he opened right up, so it seems!"
I shake my head as she giggles, and then I look back to the computer, searching for something to take the attention off of myself. A news article that popped up catches my eye, so I click on it. It's all about Christian Grey being… gay.
"He is gay?" I say suddenly, and Kate turns to me, confused. She reads the article.
"The media makes up this stuff all the time, Ana. Everyone thinks he is because he's never been seen with a girlfriend. But don't worry, I saw the way he was looking at you last night. I have good gay-dar and that man is straight. At least, for you." Kate winks at me, and I feel a bit better. I guess he hasn't confirmed his sexuality to the media.
My phone suddenly rings. I look down, and it's Jose, so I pick up.
"Hi, Jose."
"Hey, Ana! How are you?" he asks in his usual cheery manner.
"I'm good, you?"
"Great. Just calling to remind you of my show tonight at seven. You'll be there?"
"Of course," I say, and Kate holds back her laughter, knowing I forgot. "Are you nervous?" I ask Jose.
"So nervous," he replies.
"You'll do great Jose! We're so proud of you!" Kate calls into the phone, and he yells 'gracias'.
"We'll see you tonight, Jose," I say.
"Can't wait to see you Ana!" I hang up and Kate is smiling and shaking her head.
"What?"
"He totally still has the hots for you. He has since first year."
"He does not, Kate," I say, rolling my eyes. I'm pretty sure Jose just sees me a friend now, and besides, I'm not interested in him. He might have had a crush on me back in school, but I'm sure he's over it now. Jose is handsome, but he's definitely more friend material. Especially now that I can't get Christian Grey out of my head.
"He does. He cares about you. It's sweet."
I shake my head again and look back at her laptop at the photos of Christian. Kate was right about what she said the other day. In all the photos, Christian is serious. But he seemed sweet to me last night. This is all so disorienting, but I know for sure that I'm nervous and excited to see him tonight.
o~O~o
Kate finally picks out an outfit for me. It's a short, periwinkle blue, flowy summer dress, and she also gives me her cream shawl in case I get cold. Jose's show is on a rooftop, so she thinks it will get chilly. She makes me wear one of the only pairs of heels I have; cream colored pumps. Now that it's May, she says it's ok to dress for warmer weather. It shouldn't be too cold tonight anyway. She checks me out once I'm all dressed.
"Damn, Steele. I always forget your legs are aMAzing. Not even kidding, I'm jealous of your body, you're hot."
I laugh and shrug her off, but I start to worry a bit. I always worry about showing too much and attracting male attention.
I twist my hair into a low updo, leaving some strands astray and put on some mascara. Kate straightens her hair as usual, does all her makeup flawlessly and wears a dark red summer dress that flatters her with black heels. She looks gorgeous. She finishes the last of her lipstick just as there's a knock on the door.
CHRISTIAN'S POV
The door opens and there stands Anastasia. Actually, Kate is the one that opened the door, but I hardly notice. My eyes are stuck on Ana, as they have been every time I've interacted with her over this past week. She looks absolutely beautiful. She's wearing a blue dress that brings out the bright turquoise of her beautiful eyes. I've never seen anyone more stunning in my entire life. I peel my eyes away from her when she blushes and Kate greets me. Elliot walks over to Ana and hugs her, and I feel a pang of jealousy even though I know they're not dating. Elliot most likely fucked her roommate last night anyway. I still have a strange feeling – I don't want anyone else touching her.
Elliot and Kate lead the way and I let Ana out first, shutting the door behind me and waiting as she locks the door and the other two continue walking ahead, talking animatedly about something. I can't help it, I have to say something.
"You look absolutely stunning."
She's stunning, but her expression looks stunned. It's as if she's taken aback that someone thinks she's beautiful. I have no doubt everyone thinks so – judging alone from all the stares she got last night at the club, she doesn't have a problem getting guys. I wonder if she's interested in someone currently, and my spirits drop thinking she could possibly not be interested in me. Did I think she would be interested in me in the first place? I don't know… She's blushing now – so cute.
"Thank you. You look handsome." I'm wearing my typical white button up, dark gray suit and tie – pretty much my daily work outfit. We follow Kate and Elliot into the elevator, and I beam at the fact she called me handsome. I can't figure out why – people say that all the time. Why does it, coming from her, mean so much more?
o~O~o
When we arrive at Ana and Kate's friend's venue, Taylor accompanying us, I'm pretty impressed. It's taking place on a rooftop, overlooking Seattle and the setting sun. Artwork is on display everywhere, and from what I can see, it looks like her friend is talented. Elliot and Kate disappear again like last night, leaving Anastasia and I walking around by ourselves. My brother is such a ladies' man.
The place is already filled with people, walking around and looking at the artwork. Anastasia stops walking and turns when someone calls her name. I turn at the sound of a man's voice.
"Ana!"
"Hi Jose!" She hugs the guy, standing on her tiptoes and grinning at him when she pulls back. That same pang of jealousy strikes through me again. Since when do I ever get jealous?
"I'm so proud of you," she tells him, and then turns to me. "Jose, this is Christian Grey." I nod and shake his hand, not liking him for no particular reason other than the fact that he's close with Anastasia.
"I've heard of you," he says uncertainly, glancing at Ana and then back at me. Yes, he is definitely interested in her. I look at Ana, but she doesn't give anything away if she feels the same way about him. She small - talks with Jose for a few minutes, and I can tell he's wary of my presence. I don't think Ana clues in that it looks like I'm her date. Oh well, I won't complain about being seen as her boyfriend.
Did I just say boyfriend?
Jose excuses himself when his parents interrupt their conversation, and shoots one more dirty look at me before kissing Ana's cheek and then walking away. I smirk when I see Ana wipe her cheek subconsciously as he walks away.
"Come on," Ana says, taking my hand. I literally feel my heart leap out of my chest. I feel like a teenage boy excited over a girl – even though I wasn't like that as a teenage boy.
She doesn't let go of my hand and instead leads me over to the edge of the roof, weaving through the crowd of people and looking at Jose's artwork along the way. I ignore the stares of people recognizing me.
We go to the railing and I lean against it, watching her as she takes in the view. Escala has a similar view to this, so I'm quite used to it, but I like watching her face light up as she watches the sun set. In this lighting, her eyes look absolutely gorgeous – they're like sparkling bright blue diamonds, and they emanate wonder and intelligence and beauty. She has no idea how beautiful she is. She catches me staring at her and looks up at me from under her long eyelashes, shy. We're interrupted when I hear my name and turn to see a middle aged guy with a camera looking expectantly at me.
"Apologies for the interruption, but I'm a reporter for the Seattle Times. Mr. Grey, would you mind allowing me to take a photo for the paper?" I almost sigh, but something stops me. For some reason, I don't mind taking a picture.
"Go ahead," I say. He gets his camera ready and Ana steps to the side, attempting to get out of the photo, but I grab her wrist and pull her back to my side, surprising her.
"Smile," I say, smiling down at her and then up at the camera. The guy thanks us, asks for Ana's name and leaves, and Ana turns to smile up at me.
"Do you get that a lot? Reporters wanting photos, I mean."
"Unfortunately I do," I answer, resuming my spot leaning on the railing. It's nice and quiet over in this area, separated from the crowd. The sun has almost fully set.
"It must be strange to be recognized like that all the time," she comments, tilting her head like I've noticed she does. I keep noticing her eyes. They're by far the most beautiful I've ever seen, and the brightness of them casts a light on her face, especially when she smiles her charming, perfect smile. I've never been this struck by a woman, but I don't think about that right now.
"It is strange," I reply to her comment. "But I'm used to it. I've learned that paparazzi tend to cling onto useless information. They want to know whom you're dating and what stores you shop at, and they want photos. They're shallow," I say with a shrug.
Normally it bothers the fuck out of me, but I guess a part of me wanted to be photographed with Anastasia. I wonder if she's completely realized that she's going to be in the newspaper alongside myself tomorrow. I get the feeling she doesn't quite grasp just how wealthy and famous I am – which in a way I find comforting. She seems to enjoy my company, not my money.
"Do you get much privacy?" she questions as we head back over into the crowd to look at more artwork. I'm about to answer when Ana is all but attacked with hugs, by about four people. Who the fuck are they?
When they pull away and all start talking at the same time, I look at them. There are two women, one a short blonde, almost as short as Ana, and the other a tall woman with dark skin and hair. What bothers me is that the other two people are men – one a tall, built guy with dark hair and eyes who still hasn't let go of Ana. I find myself glaring and walk towards them, interrupting their conversation with my presence. Mr. touchy feely lets go and they all go quiet, looking at me. I see the last guy, and I bet one million dollars this is a Kavanaugh; I'd guess Ana's roommate's brother. He very much resembles Kate, with beachy blonde hair and green eyes. I'd be surprised if they weren't related just judging by appearance.
"Ana, is that…" says the short blonde, trailing off and staring at me. Both the women are staring at me with expressions I very much recognize. I just look at Ana, who looks embarrassed being in the spotlight.
"This is Christian Grey." She then introduces me to Mandy, the short blonde, Emily, the taller brunette, Justin, the touchy - feely bastard who I can't believe I'm actually jealous of, and Ethan, the one who I am 99 % sure must be related to Kate in one way or another. They're all staring at me, the females drooling, Ethan and Justin glaring their balls off. That's right, she's with me tonight.
"Guys," Ana says, looking up at me and laughing nervously. It's been an awkward silence.
"Sorry. I've um, seen you on TV. It's cool to meet you," says Mandy, her mouth still hanging open. I'm not interested in hanging out with Ana's friends. She looks at me and smiles, and that thought evaporates. If she's here, I want to be here.
"This is Kate and I's friends, Christian. We've known each other since school," she says smiling at them. "And this is Kate's brother," she says, motioning to Ethan. Fucking knew it.
"Nice to meet you," I say blandly. The girls reply in annoyingly chipper voices, and the guys just continue to glare. If they think they're intimidating me, that's hilarious.
Kate and Elliot suddenly appear on the other side of Ana, and Kate hugs their friends as well, introducing them to Elliot. What is this, a meet and greet now or something?
We end up walking, all nine of us after Jose joins us again, up and down each aisle, admiring the artwork. I try to stay close to Ana, ignoring all the stares I'm getting and also ignoring Mandy and Emily, who keep trying to ask me questions and flirt with me. I notice all the attention Ana is getting from her friends as opposed to the rest of the girls in the group. Ethan, Justin and Jose are all clinging to her, trying to win her attention. I can tell she has absolutely no fucking clue how much they all desire her, and I feel more and more jealous every minute. They're surrounding her as they walk around, and I watch as Ana looks around, left and then right, like she's looking for someone, before her eyes settle on me. Why are her eyes so gorgeous? They're gentle and kind looking, and big and bright blue. I feel myself falling for her more and more every second.
She turns and walks towards me, causing all three guys to turn and look at her, trailing off whatever shit they were saying to her. She walks towards me, and I can't help but smile. She takes my hand and keeps walking casually after her friends. This is the second time she's taken my hand. Could it be that she really does like me?
All three guys stare at us. Do they think they can do that and try to intimidate me? Do they know who I am? I don't miss the death glares they all shoot my way, but then they just keep walking and chatting. The girls are whispering and staring at Ana, but she just chats with me, admiring Jose's artwork and strolling along as the darkness of the night looms above us; the sun now set.
o~O~o
Elliot, Kate, Ana and I pile into the back of the limo we came in. I haven't been able to stop smiling all evening, especially since Ana took my hand, basically confirming she is interested in me after all. As Taylor drives to their apartment, Elliot tells us an animated story about his lunch today and how the subway worker put three and a half pickles on his sub. The girls are laughing, and even I crack a smile at his stupid sense of humor.
"So I go yeah, I'll have pickles, lettuce, and tomato, too. So she puts the lettuce on, and then the tomato on, and then she reaches for the pickles. I see her count them out, one, two, on to my sub. Then, she literally pulls a butter knife out of her fucking apron and takes one more pickle, cuts it in half and puts only one half of it on my sub."
The girls are laughing, and even I'm laughing as Elliot continues. "It was like she was gonna put two on, but nah, that's not enough. She tries to put three on, but HELL NO WOAH WOAH WOAH that was too much. Then – genius idea – cut the fucking pickle in half. Perfect!" Ana and Kate are crying with laughter.
"You're fucking nuts, Elliot," I say, laughing and shaking my head as we pull up to Ana and Kate's apartment. I get out and help Ana out of the car as Elliot helps Kate out of the other side. I look down at her as she's standing in front of me, all shy again. Beautiful.
"Thanks for taking me, Mr. Grey," she says, smiling up at me.
"It was my pleasure. Thank you for inviting me, Ms. Steele." I wink at her and she blushes again. I don't even think about it, I lean down and kiss her cheek before getting back in the car. Kate joins Ana and they go into the building, Kate whispering excitedly to Ana.
I look at Elliot, who is sitting next to me, and he's grinning at me like an idiot.
"What?" I ask, raising my eyebrows at him, and he just mimics my expression.
"What do you think, bro? You like her. You really, really like her. I can tell," he states proudly. I don't get why this would make him so happy. I can't hold back my smile, but I don't reply. Elliot turns to face forward, still grinning as Taylor starts driving.
"Dude, she's beautiful, intelligent, really sweet. Let me just ask one thing of you."
I look at him and say, "Ok."
He looks me straight in the eye, dead serious.
"If you find yourself falling for her, let it happen. I see how she makes you feel already. Let her make you feel that way."
A/N-
Hope you enjoyed chapter 4! Follow and leave a review please!
xo
Lilylilac1