And The Fireworks Detonate!
Ana's POV:
My stomach is doing somersaults and my legs are close to turning to jelly. Don't fall over your feet! I chant in my head over and over. Knowing my luck I would fall backwards, straight into Christian Grey's arms, and I don't know if I would want to get out of them. I have to remind myself that he doesn't want to wrap his arms around me, rather he favours to place them elsewhere should I want a relationship with him.
"I need to go to the bathroom!" I declare a little too loudly that I even shock myself as soon as we are shown to our table. Not only does Ben, Kate, Elliot and Christian turn to stare at me, so does most of the other diners in close proximity. I have been able to feel the intensity of Christian's glare on me ever since he saw me, and it's making me nervous. If going on a date for the first time wasn't bad enough now I have my former love interest and his brother who is all over my best friend, in attendance.
"I will show you where the bathroom is," Elliot looks disconcerted by Christian's strange offer. I doubt he has noticed that his brother has not taken his eyes off me. I recognize the look in his eyes, and I know that being alone with Christian will not be a good idea.
"There is no need for that. I am pretty sure I can find my way," I roll my eyes at Christian.
"I need to go also. I will go with you," Kate announces, coming to my aid and preventing Christian from further action.
"Seriously why do girls need to go to the bathroom in groups?" Elliot asks Christian and Ben.
"That's a woman secret," Kate tells Elliot playfully. My best friend is on fire every time she is with him. Elliot wraps his arm around Kate's side and pulls her in for a too affectionate kiss for public viewing.
"Don't take too long," Elliott whispers all too loudly. Kate then commences whispering in his ear, and I'm left to wait until they are done.
I continue to feel Christian scowl deeper into me, and it is getting wearisome. He has no right to this temperament, especially as he was going to inform me that he wasn't interested. I ignore Christian and face Ben, whilst still making sure that he can still have a good view or at least can hear us. If Christian doesn't want to be with me, then he needs to learn that over is over. This is a lesson he needs to learn.
"Save me a seat next you. I won't be long," I tell Ben smiling.
"Will do. I don't understand what happened to our booking; I even had an email confirmation," Ben continues to apologize.
"Don't worry about it. We can go out, just you and I, another time," I make sure to emphasize those four words. Through the corner of my eye, I can see Christian's lips form a hard line and his eyes narrow. He looks outrageously hostile, until his well-rehearsed detached CEO mode takes over. It is as if he has a split personality. The thought occurs to me that the evening's events are too much of a coincidence. When Christian Grey is involved there are no twists of fate.
"I might just hold you to that," Ben replies.
"Ana, let's go!" Kate finally detaches herself from Elliot's side. We are half way across the restaurant, when I can't help but to look over my shoulder. The problem is that I am not looking back at the guy I should be.
I head into one of the stalls and bang my head against the wall. Please God let the ground open up and swallow me whole rather than having to go through this dinner. Death would be much more merciful. I flush the toilet to keep up the facade that I actually needed to use the facilities, but it is useless, when I walk out there is Kate, facing me. Her arms are crossed, and she is grinning at me.
"Steele, I do believe you are trying to make someone jealous tonight," she declares.
"Kavanagh, I do believe that you that you are mistaken," I wash my hands and reapply some of my makeup. "I should have gone home after work, rather than go out for drinks, before coming out for dinner. Do I like pale?"
"Don't try to change the topic and how many times do I have to tell you that you are hot! So you seem a little taken by Ben," Kate observes. I stop putting on my makeup and realize that I probably was a little too eager just then with Ben, especially since I have only known him five days. Then again I only knew Christian a few days before I slept with him. I look at myself in the mirror and question who on earth I am these days.
"Ben has been a real friend to me during my first week at SIP. He and I are only friends, and that's all I'm going to say about that," I state titling my head to finish my makeup.
"Then what can you say about Christian Grey?"
"What about him? You were the one who informed me about Christian's intention to tell me that he wasn't interested," I remind her. Damn it still stings a little.
"That was strange…" Kate states shrewdly. "…either way, are you still interested in Christian Grey?"
"No, I never was. I am not interested in his lifestyle," I comment, causing Kate to nod. She thinks I am referring about his wealth and high social status, when in reality it's his concealed true way of life. Perhaps I should have let him try to end our association so I could have cut him off and ended it, with an element of surprise and given us proper closure.
"Well Steele, just remember that you are my best friend and as BFF's we tell each other everything." I nod in agreement as convincingly as I can. Kate and I do tell each other everything; however, neither of us has had to sign a certain non-disclosure agreement before.
"Don't worry Kate, I am well versed in the BFF duty statement. Now, time for you to fill me in on something. You didn't tell me you were having dinner with Elliot and Christian tonight. Was this planned?" I need to be careful the way I phrase my question, or Kate's resourceful mind will never stop.
"Not that I know of. Elliot and Christian are rather close, or as close as guys get. You know what I mean. Christian rang and invited Elliot to dinner and, as a result, I also got invited. Elliot didn't want to say no," Kate shrugs.
"Just seems like a coincidence, you three being here when Ben and I were," I point out, now hoping that her resourceful mind is working, but one look at her and I know that she is focusing on the wrong aspect of my statement. "It isn't that I didn't want you to be here; it's just that it is a huge twist of fate."
"Elliot did mention something that Christian was looking at purchasing this place. He wants to check it out and to have a party with him might give him a better judgement of the restaurant" Kate assesses.
"True," I state although I am not sold on this story. "Nonetheless it doesn't seem like a place that Mr. Christian too-Wealthy Grey would be interested in. It is too 'common.'" In the short time that I have spent with Christian, the first thing I was able to deduce was that he preferred the better and higher end things in life.
"I know, when Elliot mentioned going out to dinner with Christian, I was hoping to go one of his super exclusive and expensive clubs, but no matter, we are here and I just want to have some fun tonight. We ought to go, or else the boys are going to wonder what is keeping us," Kate advises.
"You mean that you want to get back to Elliot's side, right?" Kate couldn't even lie right now if her life depended on it. It's written all over her face.
"Fine, Yes! I want to get back to Elliot. Gosh Ana, I know I seem like a lovesick teenager, but there is something about him that makes me melt." Kate's shy response sends me into a state of shock. She is never bashful. Whatever magic web Elliot has spun, he has trapped a very willing Kate.
"I am ready," I announce and start to put my makeup away.
"You know it is kind of a shame that you and Christian didn't get together. Us four could have had some amazing times together," Kate surmises. I shrug and follow her to the table. The thing is if I hadn't walked out of Christians hotel room and stayed with him, then there is no way the four of us would ever have been able to go out together. Christian would never have ever allowed it. This conclusion is enough to remind me that I can never be with Christian Grey.
The three men of our unusual dinner party are seated when we finally get back. Our round table isn't large; it is only suitable for four people at the most, but the restaurant did squeeze Ben and me in. We are all practically glued together. Elliot and Christian and seated together, with a chair free for Kate next to Elliot. Then Ben is seated in the next chair, leaving a spare seat for me in between him and Christian. At first I contemplate asking Ben politely if he could move one chair over so I can sit between him and Kate, but I reconsider. Being in between Christian and Ben, might be fun. Maybe this is what I need to put Christian Grey out of my mind forever.
"Finally," Christian groans looking at his watch. Was he timing how long we're gone for? "We have ordered wine and some entrees. The waiter is going to come back to take your orders."
"Wow, Kate we actually get to order our main meals for ourselves, even in the presence of… you know. Hhhhmmm do you think we will be able to cope?" I state sarcastically. Kate laughs, whilst Elliot smirks. Christian straightens up aggravated at my jab against him, and before he opens his mouth to respond, I turn slightly toward Ben and start to scan my menu.
"I think I will probably have the roasted pumpkin risotto. What did you order?" I ask Ben.
"I got the grilled salmon," I scan the menu until I find Ben's order. I look around the table to conceal the fact that I want to check on Christian's temperament. He looks scathing but so deviously gorgeous. Why, oh why does he have to be so attractive!
"Oh, that looks good," I add just before the waiter returns to take our order when the appetizers arrive. There is a large variety of foods, from seafood's, breads, cheeses and a selection of meats. The smell is amazing, and whilst I am hungry, my stomach is in knots. In order to blend in select a sample of food but tend to push my food around rather than eat. Elliot, Kate and Ben have commenced talking and soon are deep in conversation. Occasionally I add to the conversation and Christian contributes even less.
"Is something the matter Miss Steele?" Christian asks softly into my ear. The other companions on our table are engrossed in their conversation that they don't notice Christian talking to me.
"Oh no… why would it?" I reply sarcastically. Christian narrows his eyes so hard that the veins in his forehead become visible.
"I will ignore your poor wit, in exchange for you eating." There is an eerie tone to his voice. He is trying to intimidate me.
"Ignore or pay attention to whatever you want. You don't have any prerogative to bargain with me."
"Anastasia…," Christian suddenly then censors himself, extorting a level of self-control that must be stinging him. He has also been able to say what he wants to any woman, until now.
"Benjamin, are you originally from Seattle?" Christian questions, shifting his attention from me to Ben.
"No, I was born and raised in Florida and I then I attended Brown University," Ben adds.
"So how did you end up here on the West coast?" Christian continues to probe.
"Chance and then I found employment at SIP, so I stayed," Ben explains, looking uncomfortable.
"Chance?" Christian questions, looking smugly at his brother and then back to Ben. Elliot and Christian are smirking. Oh no, I know what he's doing; he is trying to get to Ben, to undermine him. I just don't get why he would even bother. Christian is trying to end our not even started relationship. Why care about the particulars of some guy I am on a first date with?
"Ben, ignore him! You don't have to answer his intrusive questions," I advise him. "Ben is an excellent assistant at SIP and is likely to be the next editor." I pray that Christian's line of questioning has ended, and whilst it Christian stops, Elliot starts.
"Level with us, when you say 'chance' you mean some girl don't you?" Elliott asks.
"Umm… well … yeah. Yes, I came to Seattle because of a girl," Ben admits, ignoring my advice.
"What happened to her?" Elliot continues to ask. I look at Ben in sympathy and inside begging him to tell Elliot and Christian to mind their own business.
"It didn't work out."
"Really?" Christian adds. He is grinning, and I know he is going to make the poor man squirm.
"Yes, Ben did just admit that," I reply annoyed.
"Why? What happened?" Christian asks at the worst time possible, causing me to choke partially on a piece of food I was eating. I start to cough, clearing my airways.
"Anastasia, seriously. You still have no concept of taking care of yourself!" Christian growls at me, patting my back.
"I am fine!" I argue. Ben starts to rub my back, which only increases Christian's frustration.
"Ana do you need anything?" Ben asks softly.
"No, but you rubbing my back feels good!" I take a long and soothing drink of water. This evening is torture.
"Ben, you haven't answered my question. What happened to your relationship, the one that brought you to Seattle?" I want to yell and tell Christian to shut up. I am horrified that he has re-asked his question; however, rather I take much more tactical approach.
"What about you Christian? Have there ever been any girls that you had a relationship with that didn't work out?" I retaliate against him. This is my version of not breaching the non-disclosure agreement. I have only posed a question, not given anything away. Christian is glaring at me, but I am glaring back at him. Fuck him if he thinks I will ever back down.
"Can I clear the table?" our waiter asks.
"YES," Christian and I yell at the same time, causing our waiter to step back and everyone at our table to stare at us.
"Maybe we ought to separate you both," Kate suggests, and then looks at Elliot, who is looking concerned.
"I don't believe there is a need to adjust the seating arrangements," Christian replies too nonchalantly. "Ben, what did you say, was the cause of the end of your former relationship?" Christian probes once more. He knows that Ben is yet to account for the reason his past relationship ended. I kick Christian under the table, telling him to stop, but he only responds by gripping my knee tightly preventing me from attacking him again. I try to shift my leg, but Christian doesn't let go. He is far too strong.
"It was several months ago; I don't know if I recall exactly now," Ben surmises.
"Try." I look up at Christian and recognize the look in his eyes. He knows exactly why Ben broke up with his ex-girlfriend and although it appears to be something unfavorable; Ben doesn't deserve this. Christian is only doing this because of me.
"No! Ben, please ignore Christian and his questions. It is none of his business, nor is it any of ours. Would you like to leave? We won't get into another restaurant, but we might find a booth at a diner or I you can come back to my place. I can cook something," I offer. Christian tightens his grip on my knee, sending me a clear message.
"Ana and Ben, please don't leave. My brother here is just a little uptight, and it is just his unusual manner. I am dating Kate, and he doesn't want either of us to be burdened or upset in any way. Ana is Kate's best friend, and if Ana were hurt or upset, then it would impact on Kate and therefore maybe indirectly affect our relationship. I know that sounds like a convoluted way to protect family members, but you have to understand, that my brother here didn't become the successful billionaire he is by following standard procedures." Elliot argues convincing not only Ben but also Kate. He eyes his brother quickly, working out Christian is up to something, and then look over at me. I notice he grins a little and Christian is obviously busted! Maybe he should have gone into law rather than construction. "I apologize for my brother's overbearing mannerisms and questions. I promise to knock him out personally if he resumes his interrogation."
"Ana do you still want to stay? I am happy either way," Ben asks. I am about to say no and request that we leave but Kate then pipes up.
"Please Ana don't leave. I haven't seen you much lately."
"Okay, sure we will stay," I relent and decide it best to ignore Christian as much as possible for the remainder of the night.
"You know Kate, the reason we haven't seen each other much lately is because of the man on your right-hand side. You know Elliot, you are going to have to start writing down your food preferences soon. I cook for you as much as I do Kate and I these days," I tell them playfully, raising my eyes brow and then elaborate for Ben's benefit. "Ben, you should know that Elliot and Kate have been joined at the hip since meeting a week ago!"
"Ben, you should also know that Ana here the best cook I have ever met," Elliot reports. "Do not even think about telling mom or Mia that little fact!" He says partially comically and partly serious to Christian, who looks stone-faced. It is his CEO mode. I wonder how long he can keep this act up and continue the conversation. I won't let Christian dominate me, or unfairly treat Ben anymore.
"So Elliot what do you prefer to eat?" I inquire.
"You mean besides Kate?" Elliot replies cockily as hell. Kate blushes and pretends to hit him but then giggles. I blush at Elliot's unexpected response and look up at Ben. He doesn't know how to respond, and I shrug my shoulders apologetically. I chose not to look at Christian deliberately.
"I can't serve Kate for breakfast on the table and don't you tell me that you have already had her on that table or else I will have to start eating on the floor," I tell him playfully. "Do you have any allergies or food you dislike?"
"Ana and Kate, do you both want me to answer truthfully?' Elliot shifts a little uncomfortably.
"Yes," Kate and I both reply simultaneously.
"I am pretty much a meat and seafood man, with a side of vegetables. Though I am pretty happy with anything put in front of me and the food that I cannot stand….." Elliot pinched the temple of his nose. It is obvious that he is conflicted with what he is about to say.
"Elliot tells us," Kate requests softly.
"The food that I cannot stand… and I am sorry about this Kate but you told me to tell you, is… well…" Elliot takes a deep breath and kisses Kate on the check before confessing whatever he has to say. "The only food I cannot stand is your cooking Kate. I am so sorry! You are beyond beautiful and hot, but you are the worst cook in the world."
There are several seconds of deafening silence, and then Kate and I burst into laughter, which causes Elliot and Ben to join in. From the very corner of my eye, I see Christian break into a smile but he is smiling at me, not at the comical nature of Kate's cooking.
Our waiter arrives with our entrees, and the recent lightness of the mood at the table has awoken my appetite. We all commence to eat with casual and light conversation.
"Ana how has your first week at work progressed?" Christian asks trying to initiate conversation between us.
"Fine," I reply.
"Is that all? Fine?" Christian asks annoyed.
"Yes," I reply and then focus on Ben. "Ben taste my risotto; it's not bad." I place some on my fork and feed it to him.
"That is good. I haven't ever had risotto before," Ben informs me. There is a barely audible groan from Christian next to me that I choose not to address.
"Taste my salmon," Ben puts some of his meal on his fork and just as I am about to eat it, I turn my head quickly in response to Christian's next move. His hand is back on my leg, and his long soft fingers are working their way up my leg. I look down pretending to retrieve something from my bag, and close my eyes momentarily, allowing myself to enjoy a brief moment of Christian's touch. I am engulfed in his energy and all the right muscles in my body start to betray me. I close my legs tightly and then look up at Christian slightly and shake my head at him. I suddenly feel hurt. He knows how to get to me, but he isn't even going to come half way.
"You okay?" Ben inquires. Shit I think I had forgotten where I was just then and that Ben was next to me even. I am not being fair to him, but maybe I wasn't even fair to myself.
"Yes. Umm... I am sorry, but I have seemed to have a mind lapse," I apologize. Christian chuckles a little which is ignored by Kate and Ben, but not his brother. "I must be tired from my first week at work. What did you ask?"
"Would you like to try some of my salmon?" Ben restates.
"Oh yes, of course." Ben offers me a taste of his salmon, and I smile politely as I chew.
"That's good."
"Do I get a taste too?" Elliot pipes in his usual comical nature.
"Oh, you so wish Elliot," I mock him back.
"Mr Grey?" We all turn around and find Taylor standing to the side. He is straight faced and not giving anything away. I wish he were easier to read, maybe then I could confirm that this evening has all been Christians doing.
"Yes Taylor?"
"The owner has requested an impromptu meeting with you. He states it is important and apologises for interrupting your evening." I expect Christian to be his usual temperamental self. Impromptu business meetings are not his thing. Christian gives Taylor a one-off short nod.
"Apologies. If you would all excuse me. I hope that this doesn't take too long. Please order desert and any other drinks you wish. I will return as soon as possible," Christian remarks.
"One more step to world domination, hey?" Elliot jeers.
"Not world domination but the context is valid," Christian replies, then walks away with Taylor close by.
"Please excuse my brother, he may seem like a jackass, but the under that billionaire tough ass and rude exterior is a decent guy who makes a real difference in the world and is beyond generous." Elliot comments protecting his brother. "And since he is so generous and gave us liberties to order whatever we want, I intend to order another drink and desert. What would you all like?"
With Elliot's encouragement we order desert and another round of drinks, though I don't know if I will be able to fit it in. Elliot and Ben have commenced talking about some baseball game, but the entertainment is Kate. She has no knowledge of the game, and I doubt she has even seen one whole inning of the game, but she is transfixed on the conversation as if it was the gospel. No matter what I am so happy that Kate seems to have found someone that she likes.
My phone starts to ring and the number is unknown. As discreet as possible I answer it, but I can't make out who it is as the reception is awful. I excuse myself to walk to the front of the restaurant in an attempt to get a better signal. As I get closer to the door, Christian appears, and he takes my hand, practically dragging me down a darkened hallway.
"Christian, let go of me," I yell at him.
"Keep your voice down" He orders and finally we stop, in what seems to be a long corridor that leads to the back of the restaurant. I lean against the wall as Christian resumes his favorite position. Glaring at me.
"What do you aim to achieve by constantly glaring at me like that?" I hiss.
"Anastasia, what are you doing?" Christian probes.
"What?" I am not following him now. He is irrational.
"Why are you on a date with that fucker?" he growls.
"Oh, you mean Ben. He is a pretty nice guy, isn't he?" I state smiling.
"Anastasia, do you intend to pursue a relationship with him?"
"I don't know," I reply honestly. "Do you have a reason I shouldn't be with him?"
"Ask him about his previous relationship. The one you wouldn't let him be accountable for and answer my questions," Christian reminds me.
"You did a background check on Ben didn't you? Of all the overbearing and controlling things to do! Seriously Christian, you need to get a grip!" I accuse him.
"I am yet to receive Ben's background check. I didn't need one to know about his background."
"Is that the only reason I shouldn't pursue a relationship with Ben?" I ask and closely watch any changes in his expression. Christian runs both hands through his hair and then lunges at me. He pins my hands to my sides and commences to kiss me passionately. My whole body betrays me, and I give him complete access to my mouth. Suddenly Christian stops and he puts his forehead to mine, so our noses touch whilst we both catch our breath.
"Anastasia… I…." Christian closes his eyes, gathering his thoughts.
"I don't understand. Why are you doing this when you are not interested in me?" This man completely confounds me. Is that he doesn't want me, but then doesn't want anyone else to also?
"Anastasia, what are you talking about?"
"But you told said, you…., oh damn it! It doesn't matter," I stop myself from further explaining how I knew what he said last week on Wednesday. I don't want to implicate Elliot or Kate. "No matter what, it…. we... Damn this, I can never work out what to say in front of you. I ought to get back before someone starts to look for me."
"Ana… please. Let's just leave. I will pay the bill and have a message sent to the table. Leave here with me," Christian requests.
"I can't. It's not fair to Ben."
"Ana please; I want to be with you. Do you want to be with me?"
"I just don't know. Did you have our reservation cancelled tonight? Are you having me followed?" I inquire. I have had a strange feeling all week that I have been watched. At first I thought I was paranoid but reason kicked in and I realized that Christian was probably still having me followed.
"Yes and yes." I shake my head at Christian confirmation and head back to the table. Desert has arrived along with another round of drinks. I grab my glass and drink down the entire contents of my sweet desert wine in one swift move.
"Thirsty?" Kate questions are looking at me like I have mutated.
"Yes. Can I have your glass?" I grab Kate's glass, and before it touches my mouth, Christian takes the glass away from me.
"Don't you have your car close by? Drinking and driving are not a wise idea," Christian chastises me.
"Ben, will you be able to drive me home? I will show you where I live." I can feel the tension pouring out of Christian, but he needs to stop interfering in my life.
"Yeah sure," Ben replies.
"Then I guess I can have another drink," I taunt Christian and drink the contents of the glass quickly.
Ben drives me home and stops in front of my apartment building. Kate informed me that she was off to Elliot's for the evening but would be home sometime tomorrow. I want to crawl into bed and forget that this evening ever happened.
"Thank you for this evening Ben, and I am sorry about Christian and everything!"
"Don't worry about it. It is an evening I won't forget anytime soon," Ben smiles. I know he will laugh about this evening in retrospect.
"I better go to bed and get some sleep," I hug him briefly, but I don't make any moves to kiss him. I won't lead him on, any more than I did at times tonight.
"Ana, before you go…" Ben calls out. He sighs and then frowns.
"Yes," I gulp. Shit! What if he wants to go out again? I need to apologize. I am not interested in him. I want Christian. I have to admit that now.
"I think you are an amazing person and so beautiful. I wish I could pursue a relationship with you, but I think you are interested in someone else." My eyes grow wide, and before I know it, I am nodding slightly. "Do yourself a favor and call Christian. It's obvious that he wants you too."
"It is?" I murmur.
"Even a blind person would have even been able to notice that tonight," Ben laughs. "Look I am going to go home. I will catch you are work on Monday. Sleep well."
"You too Ben." I wave goodbye and consider what to do next.
Christians POV:
I return to the penthouse, and rip my grey workout shirt off, throwing it on the floor where my blazer and tie still remain from dinner. When I returned home from dinner, I needed to run off and try to forget the world record disaster that this evening proved. As a result, I have run for over two hours, but I don't feel any relief. The fucker Rowe still took Ana home, at least, according to Sawyer, he didn't go into her apartment. I wasn't looking where I was running and ended up at the Pike Market district. I found myself on the opposite side of the road of Ana's Apartment. The light was on in the apartment. My desire to run up those stairs and possess her grew every second that I looked at that damn light. Sawyer approaches me, but I tell him that I want to be left alone. I shake my head at my self-wallowing and start to run again. I wanted to run until it no longer hurts, but that isn't possible.
I head towards the kitchen, pulling out a class and a bottle of bourbon. I detest drunk people and therefore limit my hard liquor, but right now it may be the only remedy on hand. After one drink, I finally notice I am not alone.
"When did you get up here?" I ask
"I am going to do the one thing you need Christian. Trust me, this is the best thing for you."
Authors Note: Thank you everyone for reading. So who do you think is in Christians apartment and why?