Wounds to Bind Chapter 22 – 'Sometimes I shrink from your knowing what I have felt for you, and sometimes I am distressed that all of it you will never know.' –Thomas Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd
September 6 – APOV
What fresh shade of hell is this? I head toward the baggage claim area at SEA-TAC. Kate is supposed to meet me at the curb outside. Taylor stands outside the exit with a STEELE placard. I pause and close my eyes. Why would Kate do this to me?
"Miss Steele," Taylor approached. "Please let me drive you to your condo."
"Is Christian with you?" I stand far enough away I can escape Taylor if I don't like the answer.
"No, and I won't stop to pick up Mr. Grey either. The SUV is not bugged, you may ask anything you need to know." Taylor says.
"Why isn't Kate here to pick me up?" I like Taylor, but I've had my own issues to worry about. Kate not being here makes me feel self-centered.
"Miss Kavanagh and Mr. Grey were in a car accident last night. After they left his parents' home, a drunk driver hit them. He was driving too fast and didn't realize the light turned red. He rear-ended them, sending them through the intersection and down the street until their momentum was stopped by construction barricades. There were car parts scattered for over ten car lengths."
"Are they alright? Are they badly hurt?" Kate's been hurt before around me. I'm thankful she's not a hypochondriac like Bob. She's not the most patient when she's hurt or ill. Thankfully she's generally healthy like me.
"They were released from the hospital early this morning. They will be sore and have some contusions but they walked away from the accident. Mr. Grey has a monster black eye from his airbag. Miss Kavanagh has a sprained right wrist from her airbag. Her car is totaled. You were flying so they didn't want to call or email you. Miss Kavanagh and Mr. Grey are resting today and tomorrow at his parents' home. Dr. Trevelyan wanted to watch over them. She asked me to pick you up and take you home." He offered to take my luggage. "If you decide you want to see Miss Kavanagh and Mr. Grey after work, just drive out to the house. Dr. T. said you were welcome to join them for dinner."
"How is he, Taylor?" I blurt before thinking.
"Mr. Grey has bruises, a couple minor cuts from flying glass, but he's sturdy. He'll be fine in a few days." Taylor reported.
"Don't be obtuse, Taylor. How is Christian?" I refuse to appear impatient for news of him.
"Restless, miss," Taylor answered cryptically.
"Why?" I ask before thinking.
"I signed an NDA miss, same as you." Taylor's gentle voice reminds me we have boundaries.
"Taylor, don't make me regret getting in this vehicle with you," I warned him. "I know there is a spare Glock located under the front passenger seat. I can shoot you."
"I'm not asking how you know about the spare gun nor its hiding place. Mr. Grey is restless because he's waiting for his parents to ask questions about his relationship with Elena Lincoln. His inquisition is pending since the interruption by the accident." Taylor revealed.
"They know?" I whisper.
"They know Lincoln seduced him when he was fifteen. They know he ended the intimate relationship when he was twenty-one. They don't know about his involvement in the lifestyle with or after her," Taylor assured me.
"How the hell did that happen?" I'm shocked.
"Last Friday Mr. Grey gifted his interests in the Esclava Salons chain to Mrs. Lincoln. He paid off the outstanding debts. He removed his name from bank and charge accounts, property statements, and legal documents. At their meeting at Grey House, he announced their personal and professional relationship was over. He told Lincoln to leave him and his family alone." Taylor felt Miss Steele…Ana…should know what was happening. Forewarned and all that...
"So how did his parents find out?" I feel sad for Grace, to learn her friend is a predator and pedophile. I hope Carrick doesn't throttle the bitch.
"Mrs. Lincoln decided to crash the family barbeque yesterday. Mr. Elliot texted the boss, telling him Mrs. Lincoln was there, upsetting Miss Katherine and Mrs. Trevelyan. The boss hauled Mrs. Lincoln into the house and told his parents. Dr. Flynn was there to provide support if they started asking questions. Mr. Carrick threatened to turn Mrs. Lincoln in to the Sex Crimes Unit of SPD if she didn't cease charity work which involved children and teenagers. Mr. Carrick is drawing up no-contact orders against Mrs. Lincoln today. She will be barred from entering or loitering near any Grey-owned residence, business, subsidiary, etc. She will be barred from physical, electronic or third-person contact with any member of the Grey family. I heard Miss Mia and Dr. T. are looking for a new salon/spa. Miss Mia is giving Sawyer a list of salons to vet today."
"Will he be alright? He thought she was his only friend." So, I have an explanation for the cryptic card with the flowers.
"Mr. Grey learned family is more important than false friends. He's been seeing Dr. Flynn and a touch therapist weekly. He misses you." Taylor catches my eye in the rearview mirror
"I miss him, but he has issues and so do I. Maybe someday our paths will cross again." I shrug more nonchalantly than I feel.
"I certainly hope so, Miss Steele," Taylor concentrated on the drive.
"Ana, please Taylor…just Ana. I'm sure Kate and Mia would appreciate being called by their names also. Will you carry my luggage up to the condo and wait for a minute?"
"Sure," he hesitates.
"I need to write a thank-you note to Christian for flowers he sent me in Georgia." I explained. "Do I dare ask how he knew I was there?"
"Probably less of a migraine if you don't ask," Taylor advised. "I'm assuming Elliot told him since they were hanging out when Miss Kate took you to SEA-TAC. I don't have a close protection team following you." He mentally crossed his fingers. She didn't need to know Grey Security hired a security company in Savannah, whose main task was track and report while she was there. They kept eyes on her mother and stepfather from time to time. Since Elena Lincoln had been turfed, he intended to use Lincoln's security team to warn him when Lincoln was in proximity to Ana or the Greys. "Can I give you a ride to Grey Annex? I have to report to Grey House. We could stop at Starbucks for breakfast." He had orders to make sure she ate breakfast before she faced her ninety-day evaluation this morning. Miss Katherine discussed why Ana went to Savannah with Elliot who told the boss last night. The boss made a phone call ensuring Miss Steele would have company at her review today.
"Only if you let me buy," I insist.
"You really are trying to push his buttons," Taylor chided.
"If I planned to push his buttons, I'd buy a large black coffee and have you deliver it to his desk with the thank-you note. I'm already accepting a ride to work from you, don't push your luck," I laughed. "I need to write a thank-you note, change clothes, and then we can hit Starbucks on the way to work."
WTF? I tried to follow Sir from Escala while he was running. I assumed he'd run toward Ana's condo, but he and Reynolds ran a different route. I get coffee at Starbucks, and am walking to the bus stop Ana uses. I see one of Sir's black SUVs turn into her parking garage. I walk around the back of the building and slip into the garage. I recognize the plates from his fleet. I slip out of the garage and head to the bus. What is the nature of their relationship?
I reach for my phone and tweet Mr. Grey is currently in the location of Pike Place Market. His security will see the tweet and get him out of her condo and back to Escala immediately. I need to research…I need to plan…I will pick up my computer and some money. Breakfast, coffee, WIFI and a Seattle paper, I make a list in my phone in case I don't remember.
XXX – APOV
I couldn't hide my surprise when Mr. Roach appeared at my ninety-day employee evaluation.
"Ana," he greeted me warmly.
"Sir," I shook his hand.
"I thought I would sit in on your ninety -day employee evaluation. If you would prefer I don't, I'll understand and leave." He offered.
"Thank you for attending, sir; I don't mind." I lied. My heart is beating out of my chest. After the situation where I refused to sign my first evaluation, I haven't looked forward to this evaluation. Part of the reason I went to Savannah was for a break before I had to face this.
Elizabeth cleared her throat in an attempt to control the meeting. Obviously, she doesn't want Mr. Roach there…so I'm immediately suspicious. "The managers and your co-workers complimented your high level of accuracy and work productivity. You take pride in your work and strive to improve your work performance. Additionally, your work is completed in a timely manner," she paused.
I waited for the ruler across my knuckles.
"We find the quantity and quality of work you produce to be outstanding. I believe Elizabeth meant to say that before her pause." Mr. Roach smiled.
"You have an excellent attendance record. We have not needed to work overtime, but appreciate knowing you don't have an issue with working overtime. You maintain good working relationships with your co-workers. Managers say you are a team player, which was evident during the move. While most of the support staff enjoyed a week's paid vacation, you were here impressing security, movers and management." Elizabeth's voice barely contained her cool distain.
"Additionally," Mr. Roach interjected, "we appreciate your flexibility during the transition from SIP to GP. I heard the movers were shocked you had your own tool box and you knew how to use the tools. Grey Annex security claimed this is the fastest and smoothest relocation they've ever had. Thank you for helping us earn our gold star," his eyes twinkled.
"You adjust well to changes in the work place. You've adapted well to your new work performance standards. You maintain an excellent service relationship with the authors assigned to Mr. Hyde. Your knowledge of our editorial protocols is acceptable. You ask questions and seek guidance when you are faced with new or unusual tasks not covered in our procedures manual."
"Wait," Mr. Roach interrupted. "What new or unusual task? Ana has set work performance standards…has she not received training for something?"
"I mean situations which are discussed in the editorial meetings on Tuesdays." Elizabeth hastily explained her remarks. "Ana is one of two support staff who attend the meetings. She takes minutes, fetches coffee, and makes copies…"
"Fetches coffee?" Mr. Roach's disdain was evident in his question. "We're wasting Ana's abilities on fetching coffee?"
"Mr. Hyde's intern always arranges the room for the meeting, makes and serves coffee, makes copies and assembles editorial packets, takes minutes, etc." Elizabeth explained.
"Not every intern we've hired had a 4.0 GPA," Mr. Roach protested. "If we need someone to perform routine office tasks, we should hire a clerical trainee. We should be utilizing Ana's knowledge, skills and abilities to their full extent."
"I don't mind doing those things as part of my work performance standards. The editorial meetings are educational." Yeah…I got a great lesson about Hyde being a jackass.
Mr. Roach opened his tablet, clicked through some things and sent documents to Elizabeth's printer. "I just printed a clerical trainee job description which can be changed to fit our needs. Also, I printed the position announcement template for the clerical trainee position. I'd like these polished and ready for distribution by Friday. The clerical trainee will take on the routine clerical tasks of copying, filing, coffee making, taking minutes and assembling editorial packets, etc. to free up the rest of the support staff to provide real support to the editors. Additionally, the new clerical trainee should provide backup for Claire at the reception desk and with phones."
Elizabeth looked at the printed pages and began to argue Grey Publishing did not need a clerical trainee.
"The editorial support staff should be available to help the editors who've taken on a larger workload since we reorganized. I want the work performance standards overhauled for all the editorial staff. Once the clerical trainee comes on board, editorial support staff should sign their new standards. Who is the other staff member who attends the meetings?" Mr. Roach frowned at the thought of two support staff attending editorial meetings
"Amber," I answered quickly.
"I want Amber, the senior editorial support staff, to train the new clerical trainee regarding protocols for editorial meetings. I know Ana and all the other support staff will lend a helping hand to our new person when needed." Mr. Roach decided.
"We really need to continue Ana's evaluation." Elizabeth looked at her watch. "Your synopses of manuscripts are accurate, intuitive and well written. You display excellent editorial and analytical skills which will be valuable as you progress at GP. You demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. You follow through and find answers to questions when authors or editors call and Mr. Hyde is not available to talk to them. You learn new software programs quickly."
"Our only addition to your work performance standards for the one-hundred-and-eighty-day employee evaluation is Mr. Hyde would like you to monitor the progress of his manuscripts more closely. You would check the progress through editorial, printing, marketing and public relations daily. You will provide Mr. Hyde with updates when he asks."
"Understood," I've seen other editorial staff complete this task. Since we have a workable procedure manual, the task doesn't seem insurmountable.
"So, your performance evaluation for this time is Meets Expectations," Elizabeth concluded the evaluation.
"Meets expectations?" Mr. Roach frowned. "I believe Ana exceeded her work performance standards for this period."
"She may have, but it is SIP, I mean GP, policy to never give Exceeds Expectations or Outstanding Efforts to interns. They should have goals to work towards." Elizabeth explained quickly.
There it was…the sweet before the sour. God: how did I get to be so jaded? "Well, I'm not sure what your past interns have accomplished, but I won't sign anything less than an Exceeds Expectations." My voice is moderated…not emotional, pouty or shouty. "A lower rating diminishes the efforts I've shown at GP. I feel I'm being penalized by an antiquated evaluation system. Do I need to request another review by Grey House HR?" My question causes Elizabeth to glare at me.
"We haven't had time to implement all of the expectations of Grey House, but I feel we're ahead of schedule," Elizabeth protested. "These things take time. My team has finally been allowed to hire new staff since the reorganization. We need new job definitions, work performance standards, and a list of needed knowledge, skills and abilities for each position not deemed redundant by Grey House."
"I'm sure Grey House HR has templates, if not exact items, we can adapt. Print out Ana's review with the changed evaluation level, increased level of pay, and bonus. Note her one-hundred-and-eighty-day employee evaluation will be held Monday, December third." Mr. Roach turned to me. "Employees receive a standard 2.5 percent raise for employee evaluations for Exceeds Expectations or Outstanding Efforts ratings. When you are here a year, you will receive a 5% merit raise. The bonus is a week's pay and a week's paid leave. Be sure to send your request for leave time to HR. Forms can be accessed through the HR portion of the server."
Elizabeth flounced off to her desk. I don't recognize or understand the expression on her face. She accessed my paperwork, and with a few ticky taps on the keyboard, a new document began burping out of the printer.
Mr. Roach questioned what I would do with my newfound time when a clerical trainee was hired. I told him I would use the time to monitor the manuscript process as added to my WPS, and I would read more manuscripts and submit synopses. I mention we have a backlog of new, unsolicited manuscripts.
Mr. Roach reviewed my printed evaluation before I signed. He then passed my printed evaluation to Elizabeth for her signature, then he signed. He signed the form authorizing my leave bonus and signed the bonus check Elizabeth printed.
"Congratulations by the way," Mr. Roach was still jovial in the face of Elizabeth's disapproval. "I understand you won the parking lottery for support staff. Did Elizabeth tell you?"
"I didn't have time to tell her. I planned a little party for the support staff on Friday after we moved. I thought to make the announcement then. For some reason, Security told her when she left the building after hours that night." Elizabeth comment sounded like I was having an after-hours hookup with someone.
"After hours?" Mr. Roach hesitated. "Oh, yes, you were working with the Kavanagh Media photographer for the pictures we used for the website."
"The photographer walked me to Security. We let them know we were leaving the building. Security informed me about my parking spot." I enjoyed the look of annoyance on Elizabeth's face.
"Consequently," Elizabeth sounded miffed. "I cancelled the little surprise party for the support staff. I heard you sent an email to all the support staff notifying them about your win."
"I sent an email to support staff explaining I intended to use my parking place on Fridays and intermittent days. I offered to share the spot with anyone whose schedule coordinated with mine. I thought the spot should not sit empty four days a week when someone else could use it."
"That's very kind of you," Mr. Roach is genuinely surprised. "Is there a reason you don't drive every day?"
"I prefer to take mass transit, which saves on my car insurance." I won't reveal I won't drive because I don't want to give Jack Hyde a ride home. "So, I share my space with Jessica from IT. She works Monday through Thursday. She attends labs and seminars on Friday at UDub. If there is a day I need to drive, Jessica will use the general parking lot and I will use the garage parking spot."
"Let me walk you to your desk," Mr. Roach offered. "I'm headed for IT. I have a tech question which needs answered. I had an idea about protocols while we were in conference with Elizabeth. She will bring copies of your signed evaluation and leave bonus notification." He handed my bonus check to me.
XXX
"Ana," Elizabeth caught me on my way to lunch. "I have your paperwork. Do you have a minute, I wanted to talk to you about your parking space?"
"What about my parking space," I put my computer to sleep, reaching for my purse.
"Well, since you have your bonus, you could purchase a parking space in the garage. If you relinquish your space, we can have another support staff lottery. Perhaps someone who has seniority or permanent status with the company will win. Why waste a space on someone who only uses the garage intermittently." Elizabeth's eyes blinked erratically.
I can read her mind. She thinks Christian gave me the parking place because he knows me. I'm not discussing Christian with you…ever. Not happening, Elizabeth! "Sorry, but since I already share the space, it's not fair to my also new co-worker to make a unilateral decision. Besides, I'm not sure I could afford a parking spot with the CCTV coverage provided by my current spot near the south elevator." I hold out my hand; I'm not leaving the documents lying around on my desk for anyone to read. Elizabeth moves off to chat with Jack. I head for the employee lounge to read a manuscript and eat my lunch.
I email Harley and Shawn, asking them to come to dinner tonight. I explain about Kate's accident and I won't be available the rest of the week. Harley offers to pick me up from work. I accept, agreeing to meet him in the general parking lot after 5:30.
XXX
"Okay, work time is over with Harley. He can clear the table and load the dishwasher," Shawn announced, pulling out my chair. We just finished a wonderful dinner of Hawaiian Rib Eye steaks with sweet and sour ginger sauce, mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed carrot curls, asparagus tips and red pepper strips. I want to know where they buy meals to go, because I'd kill for their menu list.
"I've rearranged your room and your closet. I turned the dresser to face the closet, giving you plenty of room to access the drawers. I put your dressing table against the back of the dresser. The fifties Hollywood glam dressing table is divine by the way. I emptied your suitcase. Donate the rucksack which seriously screams to live in a frat house, not the closet of a pretty girl. Washables are in the hamper. I hung everything from the space bags in the closet. The organizational unit your dad installed was crying out to be used properly. I rearranged your clothes by item and then from light to dark. I put everything spring/summer on the far-left side of the closet, including the Chanel nude peep toes and the apple green accessories. Don't mess with them right now." Shawn showed me how the closet was arranged. Even shoes and purses were arranged light to dark.
"Did you have a good time in Georgia? Because I was a bad bitch at the Northwest Hospital Rummage Sale. Harley whined, but we were persons five and six in line when the doors opened. I pulled everything in your colors and sizes, piled Harley's arms full and filled my arms full, in addition four full shopping bags of accessories and shoes. Then we picked an empty table. Harley guarded our goods while I made a second pass at the clothing, shoes and accessories. I inspected zippers, buttons, button holes, seams, hems, trim, heels, insoles, etc." Shawn gave me a whirlwind explanation.
"I found a navy and white color block tunic with leggings, six twin sets and a dozen sweaters in various styles, materials and colors of blue. I found blue, white and grey linen shirts, a blue stripe cotton button down and a cranberry linen wrap top. I found a dozen silk blouses in different styles and shades of blue. I found half a dozen silk tank tops. I found six dresses in various materials, styles and shades of blue. I found a black linen column dress, a navy-blue pant suit and a raspberry skirt suit. I put the raspberry suit and the tank tops in the spring items. I picked six dark blue skirts in various materials and styles. I like the pleated one and the swing one the best. I couldn't resist a black pleated skirt, a cranberry pencil skirt and navy light wool pants. I found a navy pinstripe blazer. I found boyfriend jackets in white, grey, black and navy. Everything is natural materials…no polyester."
"No patterns, no animal prints?" I repeated a few of my clothes rules to Shawn. He shook his head no.
"I found a pair of navy Michael Kors mid-heel pumps with a matching leather handbag. I found a great pair of black mid-heel Mary Janes. I found half a dozen pairs of Nine West pumps in various colors, both spring and fall. I selected two new-with-tags handbags – one black Coach and one white Kate Spade. I put the white Kate Spade clutch in the spring collection. The black Coach is a leather briefcase handbag with a matching wristlet purse." Shawn examines the sales receipt.
"I found a classic, hooded Anorak coat in navy blue for your casual coat. I found wonderful ice blue cashmere scarf, hat and gloves to coordinate. I found a navy wool long coat for a dressy winter coat. You can wear the cashmere accessories, but I'd look on Pinterest to see if you like something there. Or try Amazon. I also found a cap sleeve, ruched sweetheart neckline evening gown in navy for special events."
"I created almost ninety days of clothing combinations for work and another thirty days of casual clothes for weekends – including jewelry, shoes and handbag. I emailed the ensemble list to you. Print, slip into plastic sleeves, and place in a wardrobe binder on your dressing table. Anything which doesn't fit properly, donate." He paused. "Your previous winter coat needs cleaned and donated. I moved the tray with your purse items from the top of your dresser, to the dressing table. You need a white wicker trashcan by the dressing table."
Harley joined us, sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed. "One lady offered Shawn $30 to claim his table and unpurchased items when he was done. We spent her money on chili dogs, cokes and ice cream at the sale."
"Thank you," I threw myself at Shawn, hugging him hard. "Kate will leave me alone when she sees this stash!" Then I gulped… "How much did this cost me?"
Shawn laughed. "The new-with-tags handbags were the priciest items. Harley bought one for your birthday and I bought the other. The grand total is…" he handed me the receipt. "This was a rummage sale – no matter who organized the sale. We need to start on your spring/summer capsule wardrobe. I recommend pretty dresses and short sleeve sweaters or short-sleeve jackets for work. Tailored shorts with tank tops for casual. I also recommend pretty wedges and heeled sandals." Shawn showed Harley the Kay Unger watercolor dress. "Ana picked this one herself." He announced proudly as Harley whistled.
"Remind me the money went to a good cause…" I write Shawn a check and thank him profusely for coordinating my closet. Obviously, my bonus will update my wardrobe, especially since Shawn wants to start buying the spring capsule. I had planned to bank my bonus to cover emergencies. I don't like the way Elizabeth looked at me today. Perhaps I should be contingency planning.
"Winter coats for little people," Shawn gave the closet one last review. "You can claim this on your federal income tax because you required a new wardrobe for your new job."
"Really?" I am surprised.
"Really," Shawn deadpanned. "You can't wear your old t-shirts and jeans to Grey Publishing. Now you know what has to happen?"
"Don't have a clue," I admit.
"This is a home dry cleaning kit. This is cold water detergent for your washable dark clothes. This is cold water detergent for your lingerie and delicate clothes. You need to clean everything and leave the spring capsule in the left side of the closet until next March." He pulled Harley up off the floor.
"Who knew fashion was this hard!" I groaned, but neither Harley nor Shawn listened to me. Shawn started to explain the fall/winter capsule wardrobe. My main colors are blue with neutral pieces, accented by cranberry and red. Before we ate dessert, I proudly showed him Style Sudoku. Shawn wondered how my clothes for Savannah were so coordinated without his help.
XXX – CPOV
My family and Kate are having dinner at Escala. I can't swear like I want when the Grey Annex security team tells Taylor about a newer model Lexus picking Ana up at Grey Annex. Her team tracked them to the condo where Ana and the men carried garment and shopping bags into her condo. Harrison and Stanton are still there. What the fuck is that about? I frown at the phone, causing Mom to give me a look. "Sorry," I apologize to everyone, to their never-ending shock. "Just an update on an HR situation. I won't be running away to take care of business."
"Good," Mom seemed pleased, "Gail made one of her fabulous chocolate cakes for dessert."
"Yum…" Kate added. "Chocolate makes the bruises worthwhile."
"That's what you think," Elliot snarked. "My staff asked what I said to you to get the shiner."
"What did you say?" Kate seems startled.
"I told them I saw the contortions you made while trying to shave your legs and suggested we try some kinky new positions in bed." Elliot laughed.
For once, Kate was speechless…and I enjoyed my chocolate cake in blessed silence. However, I can't wait to spring my surprise on the family and Kate. I reach in my pocket for the keys to Ana's Audi A-3. "Please take the Audi until you can replace your car," I tell Kate. "The car is registered; the insurance is current; and the car is currently gathering dust in the parking garage." Kate recognized the key fob…and is still speechless.
September 8 – APOV
Kate and Elliot are bruised and a little sore. I loved fussing over them. We hung out and ate lasagna, green salad, and garlic knots. I made iced tea. They can't drink because of the light pain pills they both took earlier in the day. Dessert is an ice cream sundae party. I bought gourmet toffee brownies, vanilla bean ice cream, caramel and sea salt sauce, a container of rum-spiked diced apples and golden raisins, candied pecans and whipped cream. Kate loves this sundae combination. We're writing this one down. Anything would taste better than the one we tried at Christmas. Nothing personal, but wintergreen-flavored products taste like you are chewing Ben Gay.
They sound positively gleeful when they announce Elena was turfed from Grey Manor on Labor Day. Grandmother Frannie was so tickled she got tipsy on Rum Runners. Elliot says Christian hadn't planned to attend, but he arrived quickly after Elliot reported Elena crashed the barbeque. Elena was banned from Grey Manor within ten minutes of Christian's arrival. Christian stayed through dinner and helped clean up before he and Taylor left.
Kate says Christian loaned my graduation Audi A3 to her until she can replace her car. I tell her he bought the Audi A3 for the good safety stats. She and Elliot should be safe to drive. She asks if I would be offended if she bought the Audi A3 from Christian so she didn't have to go car shopping. I told her she must have hit her head pretty hard in the accident. The day Kate doesn't want to go shopping is like a Black Thursday Stock Market Crash. I laugh and tell her to work out the details with Christian. Kate wants to know how long I'm pining for Christian. I remind her – she's the one who claims men are like buses – there will be one along in minutes. I tell her I believe in correct timing; the right ride has to come along at the right time. Elliot doesn't like my response, but that's too bad.
My twenty-third birthday is on the horizon; my biological clock isn't ticking at sonic boom level yet. Do I want to marry and have a family someday? Probably, I don't know. The thought of being with anyone but Christian still bothers me. Sometimes I feel damned because I still have strong feelings for him. However, after my conversation with Dr. Flynn…I wonder if I'm being obstinate because everyone keeps shoving me toward Christian?
September 9
Interdepartmental mail from Christian to Ana, hand delivered by Sawyer:
I would like to take you to dinner at Sky City Restaurant for your birthday. May I send you a bouquet of flowers for your desk at work today?
Interdepartmental mail from Ana to Christian, hand delivered by Sawyer:
I'm sorry, I have birthday plans. I'm leaving for Montesano immediately after work. Dad has a new lady friend and he would like to introduce us. Since this is the first time he's dated since divorcing Mom in 2006, I need to be there. I would prefer you didn't send flowers, because of the weekend and travel, etc.
Interdepartmental mail from Christian to Ana, hand delivered by Sawyer:
I'm glad Ray has a new lady in his life…but it makes me wish you would reconsider and be my lady…and be in my life. Say yes to being mine, Ana.
Interdepartmental mail from Ana to Christian, hand delivered by Sawyer:
My birthday wish is for you to have a good life Christian. If you want an answer about us right now…the answer is no. If you can be patient and give us both time to address issues…the answer might become yes. Keep Sawyer safe, the women in this place are checking him out. Please don't reply.
XXX – CPOV
"You are quiet tonight," Sela observed.
I told John and Sela about the exchange of notes between Ana and me today.
"Well, how do you feel about that?" John grinned at me.
"Hopeful. What's on the schedule for tonight?" I'm a little tired and I hope the schedule doesn't include basketball.
XXX
"Final check from Christian Grey," Striker handed the invoice and check to his top two. "I sent all the information we gathered to him, and expunged his contacts and information from our server."
"We never completed full disclosures on any of the people on the periphery of Miss Steele's life." His top man commented.
"I feel like I've been playing with a 1000-piece puzzle which is missing a handful of pieces," one of his men groused.
"We all lost a logic puzzle because there was nothing logical about this job. We played at people watching, but never had the full backstory." Striker reminded his staff. "Except for the fact we all signed an NDA; I would present myself at Grey House and demand an explanation."
"You know the 'not knowing stuff' is worse than a chigger itch," his other man complained.