Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of E.L. James.
Chapter 3
Waking up Saturday morning the sun is shining through my window. A sunny day in Seattle is always a good sign.
I don't know what's different this morning maybe it is just the experience from last night. My mind still can't comprehend the things that happened and the new found information about Christian.
After I'm dressed I make my way into the kitchen to cook breakfast. This is our weekend tradition. Kate can't cook to save her live so I took over the kitchen a long time ago.
Furthermore it helps me not to feel to guilty about Kate's generosity. Since my parents only earn a decent salary and I still have a crappy job I never could contribute to the enormous rent.
Kate has a hard time making friends most people are intimidated not only by her looks but also by her families influence and money. The rest tries to take advantage of her.
In my first year in college Kate transformed in the middle of the first semester because she couldn't fit in the Columbia University. Wanting to get away as far as possible and to have some kind of normalcy she came to Portland.
As my new roommate we soon became best friends and I learned about her family's wealth. Her father is the owner of Kavanagh Media Inc. which includes several big newspapers and magazines. Her mother owns a fashion label named "Pure".
As soon as Kate and I decided to go to Seattle after college her parents bought her the apartment as a graduation gift. They forbid me to pay rent instead I contributed to the living expenses and feed Kate.
In the moment the pancakes are ready Kate comes out of her room.
"Morning" she yawns.
"Morning. Sleep well?"
"Sure"
"So what's the plan for the day?" I ask as pour chocolate syrup over pancakes.
"Not much. I'm meeting my colleague Laura for coffee. I thought I could come to Joe's tonight. Is that okay?"
"Sure. You can bring Laura with you. I would really like to meet her."
"I can ask her"
My day goes on like normal: cleaning the apartment, making lunch, reading, getting ready for work.
At half past five I leave the apartment. Also the way to work is short I drive by car since I stay until closing.
Fifteen minutes before by shift starts I arrive at "Joe's Pub". The former owner Joe opened the pub in the early seventies, a few years ago he suffered cancer. The current boss Jack Hyde, who was like a son to Joe, inherited the pub.
Making my way behind the bar I greet Brian who is another employee.
"Hi Brian"
Brian is a really good guy, tall, black hair, always a smile on his face.
"Hi Ana. How are you?"
"Good. How is the evening going?"
"Still slowly. Jack is in his office. Should be careful today he's in a bad mood. I think he and Elizabeth had another fight."
Elizabeth is Jack's girlfriend. They are together for quite some time and live in the apartment above the pub. When they fight, which is nearly every day, they scream so loud that you can hear it sometimes down here. Mostly after that Jack comes down only to shout at one of us or to lock himself into his office.
"Not again. I really don't know why they are still together."
"I say it's the sex. Angry sex is the best."
"Must be"
I wouldn't know about that but he doesn't have to know it.
The night starts slowly around nine the place is starting to get crowded. Jack came a few times out of his office to complain about something.
I really like working with Brian, he is efficient, talkative and all patrons seem to like him. The nights we work together guarantee a huge tip.
Kate and Laura come in half past nine and take a seat at the bar.
"Hi Ana"
Kate yells over the noise and waves to me. Next to her sits a beautiful woman with short red hair dressed a fancy black jumpsuit. She seems rather uncomfortable.
"Hi you two. Had a good afternoon? You must be Laura. I'm Ana. Nice to finally meet you"
"Yeah. Hi. Nice to meet you, too. Kate has told me so much about you."
"So what can I get you two ladies?"
"I take the usual" Kate says and Laura orders a red wine.
As I deliver the drinks five minutes later Laura looks strange at the beer which I place in front of Kate.
"And do you already have a victim for the night?" I ask Kate.
"You know me to well. Do you see the guy at the billiard table?"
"The one with the blond hair?" Kate nods "Seems nice enough. And you Laura any good looking guys here for you?"
"I have one at home. One man in my life is a challenge, I don't think I need another one."
"Okay have fun. Shout if you need anything else."
I go back to the other customers. The night goes on without any problems. No bar fights or persistent men that want to take me home after work.
The permanent flirting is something I had to get used to over the last two month. I mean in the past there were some guys who hit one me in high school and college. But since I worked here I usually get at least one number at night. Kate says I should use one but beside that Jack would have my head I would never go for that.
Around twelve Kate leaves with her guy for the night and Laura. Soon after that Brian finishes his shift. The pub is nearly empty so that I don't have to call Jack for help.
At 1.30 a.m. I call the last round and start to clean the bar and the tables.
Jack joins me and throws a few of drunken college boys out who just don't want to leave.
"Pleassh one lassst beer for me and my friendsss."
"No. Out with you can come back tomorrow."
"Is Miss Big Tits there, too?"
"Maybe. Just come and find out."
"Bye Miss Big Tits. See you."
And with that his friends drag him out. That's way I don't like Jack he just doesn't stand up for me. Sometimes I think he hired me because are a cup D. In addition to his chauvinistic ways he always has a bad mood and quite a temper.
"Come on. Steele I want to get out here." Jack yells.
"I'm almost ready just have to count the tips."
"Hurry"
Maybe if he would help cleaning we would be out here already. Ten minutes later I counted the tips and divided them between me and Brian. I crab my things and go.
"I'm out here boss. Good night"
"Sure" He shouts out of his office.
What a dick!
At three o'clock in the morning I fall exhausted in my bed.
The next morning I wake up at 10 a.m. I'm sitting in the living room and eat my fruit loops when I see a guy coming out of Kate's bedroom.
"Morning"
I call behind him.
He jumps surprised and turns around.
"Morning" he mumbled.
"Do you have to say goodbye so soon? No morning after sex?"
He looks at me surprised, turns around and walks out of the door.
Kate laughter comes through the door before she steps out in the living room.
"Your mean"
"I. am. Not. That was just a question."
"Was he at least worth your time?"
"Not bad. Not bad."
Kate and I spend the morning on the couch watching TV while she tells me about her afternoon with Laura.
"I don't know what I should think about her. She seems quite nice. But I think she likes the high life if you know what I mean. She looks at you like you were insane when I brought you your beer."
"I know what you mean. She likes to talk about her lawyer fiancé, her super apartment and only buys designer clothes. It's no wonder she works in the entertainment department. But other than that she is really great to talk to."
"Just watch out."
"Always Ana"
After that I start cooking lunch.
At three in the afternoon my phone buzzes. I look at it and it's a text message from Christian. But where does he have my number from?
Hello Anastasia, I hope our plans for tomorrow still stand. Christian
I answer him immediately.
Hi Christian, of course. May I ask why you have my number? Ana
Seconds later my phone goes off again.
You may ask but I won't answer. A man has to keep his secrets.
Okay. One day you will tell me. Do you have any idea what I can tell Kate about tomorrow?
Nothing.
If he knew Kate then he knew that wouldn't fly. When Kate wants to know something she finds out.
That doesn't work. She will ask questions.
I wait for his responds. Minutes later the phone buzzes but this time it's an incoming call.
I take my phone and go to my room. Kate eyes me curiously.
Closing the door I take the call.
"Hi Christian"
"Hi Anastasia"
I hear his voice through the phone and I'm reminded of images from Friday night.
"How are you?"
"Good. Why do you have to tell Kate about tomorrow? Tell her you go out. Finished."
I laugh at that.
"Are you laughing at me?"
I don't know if he sounds angry or amused.
"No. I laugh at the reaction from Kate if I would say that to her. She would probably stalk me to the restaurant. When I tell her I go out, she would assume I have a date, because I don't have any friends here. Then she would want to know who it is. When I tell her your name she would want to know from where I know you. You understand?"
He is silent for a while before he answers.
"Okay. So you tell her you go out with me. If she asks why tell her I gave you my number two weeks ago. But because I had stress at work and with your late hours we could meet earlier. Would that work?"
"I think so."
"Okay then I see you tomorrow. Don't forget I pick you up at six."
"Yes. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
"See you soon. Goodbye Anastasia."
"Bye, Christian."
With that I hang up. After I take a couple of deep breathes and go to Kate's inquisition. One step into the living room and the questions begin.
"Who was that?"
"Christian"
"Christian? Gave your phone number out yesterday?"
"No, we exchanged phone numbers a couple of weeks ago."
"A couple of weeks ago. You've been holding out on me. Who is that guy? Do I know him?"
"Yes, you know him. He picked up one of your victims. It's Christian Grey."
Kate looks stunned.
"Christian Grey? THE Christian Grey?"
"Yes."
"How did you manage that?"
"What do you mean "manage"? We talked while he picked Elliot up. He complimented my pancakes. We exchange phone numbers. He asks me out."
"Oh, okay. Wow. You have to tell me everything about tomorrow. Ask him if I can get an interview with him. I wanted one in college and didn't get it. He rarely gives one. I tried the last couple of month since we are in Seattle but no one comes near him. I've been to three charity events. Nothing. His mother, Elliot. Absolutely nothing. Ana please you have to ask him."
I sit there and listen to Kate. Now I know why Christian doesn't like her she practical stalks him.
"Kate, I won't ask him that."
"Why not. Please. This would be huge."
"No, Kate. We don't know each other well. And even if we were dating I wouldn't ask him. It's his business and his decision. He sure has reasons."
"Ohh, come on. Just ask."
"No, Kate. End of discussion."
With that I stand up and go into my room.